Twelve Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) Advocating Life-long Learning for an Aspiring Future (ALAF) students from Year 9 to Pre-University 2 selected for an educational tour programme to the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) from December 20 to today delved into the Islamic Science, Engineering, and Technology Faculty at IIUM, gaining insights into courses that integrate Islamic principles and values.
The students also explored several education centres featuring the use of information technology (IT) and gamification in Kuala Lumpur, and gained exposure to diverse fields of study and potential career paths.
Nur Azizah binti Azaman, a Pre-University 2 at Duli Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah college, said; “I am inspired by the IIUM students when I visited the campus as they do so much to give back to the society while studying. I hope to be like that when I am in university, where I can think of different ways of innovating and giving back to the community in Brunei.”
Meanwhile, Md Firdaus bin Md Salleh, a student in Pre-University 2 at Hassanal Bolkiah Boys Arabic Secondary School, said, “The university incorporates Islamic teaching in their academic modules, which piqued my interest to pursue my dreams and continue my studies in this university. Not all universities apply the same system as IIUM. In terms of research, they have plenty of resources we can use without going anywhere outside the university.”
The tour is part of the BIBD ALAF programme’s co-curricular activities, designed to provide high-achieving students with an incentive trip abroad. The initiative aimed to broaden students’ horizons, inspire new interests and encourage them to consider various educational paths.
Associate Professor Dr Yasir Mohd Mustafah from IIUM facilitated and hosted the programme. The programme’s primary thrust is to instil in high-achieving BIBD ALAF students a sense of curiosity and the impetus to explore interests and passions. The programme seeks to unlock the students’ potential and catalyse personal growth by offering them an incentive trip abroad. As the students immerse themselves in the academic landscape of IIUM, the intent is to broaden their perspectives and inspire appreciation for the diverse educational pathways available.
The programme also aims to expose the students to educational possibilities within the region. BIBD aspires to contribute to the expansion of the students’ aspirations by providing a firsthand experience of IIUM’s academic facilities, particularly in fields such as Islamic Finance, Engineering, Mathematical Sciences, and Biotechnology.
The BIBD ALAF programme, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Religious Affairs, is committed to supporting less fortunate children in the Sultanate, including financial assistance for school and tuition fees, stationery, transportation and meals.
