The 19th International School Brunei Borneo Global Issues Conference (ISB BGIC) ended yesterday with final general assembly debates across two forums on the Sustainable Development Goal 8 resolutions passed during the committee stage over the past two days.
The resolutions passed with a majority vote at the general assembly represent the voice of nearly 300 youth of Borneo and will be shared with the wider community for discussion and action.
The conference closed with a final ceremony led by student leaders at the main conference hall of the International Convention Centre (ICC).
At the ceremony, 23 participating schools were presented with certificates for their commitment to the 19th ISB BGIC.
Some also received special awards nominated by student leaders such as, ‘The Most Improved Delegate’ and ‘The Most Well Spoken Delegate’.
ISB BGIC teacher-in-charge Ai Ling Wong said, “The students continue to impress us with their resourcefulness, positive attitudes and persistence when they faced challenges and difficult situations.
“Throughout the training and debate sessions, they learnt the importance of active communication and caring for others, whilst maintaining their strong positions on the important global issues at hand.”
“We are very proud of all students for their resilience and willingness to step outside their comfort zones”.
ISB Executive Principal and Chief Executive Officer Dr Stephen Kendall-Jones, said he was “pleased to observe youth leadership and active learning during the student-led conference.
“The students have represented their schools brilliantly, showcasing important attributes such as teamwork, collaboration and cooperation. It is wonderful to see students step up to new challenges with enthusiasm, endeavour and efforts.
“The continued development of significant soft skills will benefit all students in the long-term, from school life to tertiary education and their future careers.
“We are pleased that BGIC provides numerous opportunities and a platform for dynamic student dialogue and the development of growth mindsets.”
Meanwhile, ISB BGIC Secretary-General Alfiansyah Max Bannatyne Clark and Nurhaziqah Munifah Mohamad Rozaini expressed how proud they were of the student delegates for going above and beyond during the conference, learning and researching about matters relating to the countries they represented.
“We are very proud of all the delegates for coming out of their comfort zones to discuss important real life issues that are ubiquitous throughout the world, and to be able to see all these delegates grow into confident young leaders.”
Meanwhile, ISB BGIC delegates attended a seminar titled ‘Thrive in the Future of Work’ by Dynamik Technologies Sdn Bhd on Sunday.
Representing Dynamik Technologies, Business Development Manager Albert Wen Yau Hwong and Business Consulting Analyst Muhammad Ar-Rifaie bin Pehin Dato Haji Awang Halbi spoke about the future of work and taking a human approach to rethinking and rebuilding work to prioritise people above all else. Following the presentation, the floor was open to questions from the delegates. The questions ranged from the influence of Artificial Intelligence technologies on daily life, limitations of human capabilities, flexibility in work and more.
It was an informative and insightful session on the topic of technological advancement in workplace including the restrictions that do come with it.
After the presentation, debates resumed in each committee.
ISB BGIC is an annual student-led conference where participants (delegates) represent countries to address various views on current, real-world, issues.
The 19th ISB BGIC was sponsored by Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd, Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd, Dynamik Technologies Sdn Bhd, Datastream Digital Sdn Bhd, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam, Brunei Fertilizer Industries Sdn Bhd, and Butra Heidelberg Cement Sdn Bhd, with support from TLT Enterprise, Interhouse Company, Air Cat Logistics Sdn Bhd, D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd, Brunei Press Sdn Bhd and Aewon Garment and Embroidery.
