A nation thrives when its leaders excel in driving social and economic progress, fostering a robust foundation for the next generation.
By cultivating outstanding leadership, a country ensures that future leaders can effectively steer towards the betterment of religion, the monarch and the nation.
These objectives align perfectly with the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (Yayasan) Sultan’s Scholar scholarship. The Sultan’s Scholars Development Programme (SSDP) also aims to equip its graduates with the knowledge and experience. This ensures they are prepared to shoulder responsibilities and confront national and global challenges with a positive, resilient, and progressive mindset. The development programme engages both current Sultan’s Scholar scholarship recipients and alumni serving in the public and private sectors.
Launched in 2015, the programme is meticulously scheduled during the overseas summer holidays, between July and August, to maximise participation.
The programme’s content is carefully crafted to expand the experience, knowledge and awareness of the “Sultan’s Scholar” graduates.
It specifically addresses the country’s needs, focusing on the developments, issues and challenges faced in realising Brunei Vision 2035.
BUILDING HUMAN CAPACITY
The Sultan’s Scholar Scholarship Scheme by Yayasan is a pivotal initiative designed to develop human resource capacity, fostering a generation of knowledgeable individuals.
This initiative is aligned with Brunei Vision 2035, which aims to create a highly educated and skilled population and promote a high standard of living. The prestigious scholarship is awarded to students who excel in academics and extracurricular activities and are identified by Yayasan, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Recipients are permitted to pursue undergraduate studies in various fields at top-tier overseas institutions, approved by Yayasan and recognised by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Government.
The ultimate goal is to nurture knowledgeable, skilled, disciplined, and courteous individuals for the long-term benefit of the nation.
PHASE OVERVIEW
The SSDP 2024 comprises two phases: the Brunei Darussalam phase and Singapore phase.
This year, the programme includes 12 participants, comprising seven students and five alumni.
The Brunei Darussalam phase was conducted from August 7 to 9, which included briefings and presentations by government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to provide participants with insights into the responsibilities and roles of these agencies and the pertinent issues and challenges they face.
The briefings were held at the multi-purpose hall of the Yayasan Complex, and featured contributions from Yayasan, the Department of Adat Istiadat Negara, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the Brunei Vision Office at the PMO, the Brunei Darussalam National Council on Climate Change (BNCCC) at the PMO, the Zakat, Waqaf and Baitulmal Management Department, and the Brunei Youth Council.
Participants also made a working visit to the Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (BKISHHB) on August 8 afternoon. Additionally, they engaged in community activities in collaboration with the Children’s Cancer Foundation (YASKA) of Brunei Darussalam.
These activities aimed to allow participants to interact with the NGOs involved, fostering a sense of care and empathy towards the less fortunate.
This took place at Ruang Hall of the Yayasan Complex, on August 9 afternoon.
Meanwhile, the Singapore Phase is carried out in collaboration with the High Commission of Singapore in Brunei Darussalam and the Civil Service College, Singapore, from August 12 to August 16.
This programme’s segment aims to provide participants with exposure to Singapore’s approach to three main elements: policy-making, leadership and communication, and sustainable development.
Through courses, workshops, visits and dialogues, participants will gain insights into Singapore’s strategies.
This year’s programme also offers opportunities for community engagement and volunteer activities with a local welfare centre there.
The SSDP 2024 will culminate in a ceremony on August 17, where participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences and insights.
During the Singapore phase, the group is accompanied by two officials from Yayasan, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience.
