Three Bruneian professionals recently returned from the United States after participating in the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), a professional exchange initiative sponsored by the US Department of State.
Between September and October, the participants — Ms. Chia Jia Ying, Ms. Felicity Chan Hui Ling, and Mr. Sumardi Abdullah — engaged in specialised programs across Washington D.C., and other US cities, each tailored to their professional fields.
Managing Editor of Borneo Insiders’ Guide Magazine Ms. Chia Jia Ying, attended the “Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists,” which focused on media integrity and the evolving role of global journalism. Program Manager at the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) Ms. Felicity Chan Hui Ling, participated in the “Women and Entrepreneurship: Small Business” program, emphasising support for small business growth. Co-founder of Relentless Entertainment Mr. Sumardi Abdullah, joined the “Promoting Social Change through Music” program, exploring how music and the arts foster community engagement and inspire positive social impact.
The IVLP alumni met with US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, Caryn R. McClelland, at the US Embassy on Tuesday to share insights from their experience and discuss how they plan to implement their learnings to advance Brunei’s economic and social development. Ambassador McClelland commended their achievements and presented certificates in recognition of their successful completion of the program.
As the US Department of State’s premier professional exchange program, IVLP connects emerging global leaders with American counterparts to promote mutual understanding on key issues. Since its inception, IVLP has welcomed nearly 200,000 participants, including 500 current and former heads of state. To date, 85 Bruneians have participated in IVLP, strengthening the relationship between Brunei and the US.
The US Embassy expressed its commitment to supporting Bruneian professionals through IVLP and other exchange programs, fostering professional development, broadening networks, and reinforcing people-to-people ties between Brunei and the United States.
