Azlan Othman
The Brunei Shell Joint Venture (BSJV) Companies recently held a contract signing ceremony for seven exemplary students under the BSJV Scholarship Scheme at the Indera Samudra Grand Hall at The Empire Brunei.
Muhammad Afeef Riyadhuddin bin Muhammad Azharuddin, a Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (BSP) scholar pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering at Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB), said he chose the course as his passion and love for physics helped him to narrow down the fields of engineering that he wants to study.
“I chose an engineering course that is in high demand in Brunei Darussalam. I also grew up in a family of engineers, so when it was time to apply to universities, I sought their advice and was determined that mechanical engineering best suited me,” he said.
Muhammad Afeef said the BSJV Scholarship is a reputable award, and obtaining it requires a great deal of hard work and dedication.
“Furthermore, the job prospect has always been my primary consideration when choosing a scholarship, and Alhamdulillah, when BSJV offered my desired course, I accepted without hesitation,” he said.
“I am also looking forward to participating in internship programmes during the semester break to explore, experience and learn more about working as an engineer from the senior engineers.”
He added that after completing his studies, he would like to be a part of BSP, which he noted has contributed to the nation’s economy for a long time.
“Ultimately, I would like to use my knowledge and experiences to provide high quality work to ensure that the company strives for excellence with the hope of achieving my highest potential and capability while making my family proud. With this motive, I hope to contribute to the society to make the Sultanate a wonderful home for all,” he shared.
“I am grateful and blessed to be given this scholarship, and I strongly believe this wouldn’t be possible without my parents and teachers’ blessings,” he added
On his message to the public or future students sitting for the exams, Muhammad Afeef said, “I would advise them to study smart and get their time management right. I believe it’s critical to balance your study and leisure time correctly.”
Lastly, he advised students to “never stop believing in themselves despite any obstacles that they may face”.
Meanwhile, Valerie Chong Sei Qi, a Brunei Shell Marketing Company Sdn Bhd (BSM) scholar pursuing her degree course in Business (Economics) at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), said she chose the course as economics is an interesting subject that touches on real life application and helps understand the world.
“The course will benefit me in developing problem-solving and analytical skills, to be well-positioned in an ever-changing world.”
Speaking on the BSJV Scholarship, Chong said, “The course offered is in line with my passion to pursue my studies in economics and together with the opportunity to forge a career path with the BSJV companies after my studies is an attractive point to resolve my decision in choosing the scholarship.”
On what she is most excited about joining BSJV companies after her studies, Chong said, “I am determined to perform my best to be a valuable asset to the company, give the support in contributing to the economy and provide assistance to better the lives of the people around us.
“I am thankful to be awarded the BSJV Scholarship and will continue to work hard in my studies and personal development.”
Sharing a message for future students sitting for the exams, she said, “The BSJV Scholarship offers great opportunities, such as job prospect. So to future students, I hope you can seize the opportunity and give it your best to realise your dreams.”
Nur Absarina binti Mohammad Yusran, a Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd scholar pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering at UTB, said her initial interest in chemical engineering emanated from her flourishing experience taking science subjects since ‘O’ Level.
“I have always been intrigued by the theory and application of sciences in a number of fields, as it provides a wide scope of opportunities ranging from mathematical to pharmaceutical and biotechnology modules. My interest towards chemistry and mathematics intrigued me to choose chemical engineering. I love investigating chemical reaction processes, designing machines and plants as well as effectively producing new chemicals of drugs and many other products on a large scale.”
On why she chose to go for the BJSV Scholarship, she said, it was “because it is known to be among the most prestigious awards in the country that requires immense effort to get it. The scholarship also offers a secure job in one of the most successful and largest companies in Brunei Darussalam, which is the BSJV companies”.
“What also excites me is that as a BSJV scholar, I will be given the chance to undergo an internship or job attachment at Brunei LNG during the semester break to experience the real working environment. I believe that the BSJV Scholarship will be able to support, nurture and unleash my potential to be an exceptional graduate and professional”.
Asked on what excites her most about joining BSJV companies after her studies, Nur Absarina said, “After my studies, I will be thrilled to join the BSJV companies so that I can help the nation achieve one area of Brunei Vision 2035, which is to have a dynamic and sustainable economy with income per capita within the top countries.
“I hope to be part of the youth that gears the country’s economic development and diversification by venturing into new innovative plans. I am determined that by being involved in this field, I can achieve my dreams and make an eminent contribution to the society while making my family proud.
“I feel honoured and grateful for receiving such a prestigious award. Getting the scholarship would not have been possible without the blessings, encouragement and motivations from my parents who have been very supportive and also from other family members, tutors and friends.
“I would like to thank them for always being supportive throughout my journey.”
Imparting a message to future students, she said, “I would like to advise fellow students to study smart, stay consistent, keep going regardless of how rough the road is and do not be afraid to go the extra mile to achieve your dreams.”