For On Jing Yee, a 12-year-old from St Andrew’s School, the news felt like a dream come true. Selected for the prestigious Brunei Darussalam – Singapore Youth Scholarship Programme 2024/2025, Jing Yee is preparing to begin his educational adventure at Ngee Ann Secondary School in Singapore.
“I felt very happy and grateful that I have been given the opportunity to further my studies in Singapore,” he said, radiating both excitement and determination.
“I also hope to make new friends when I am in Singapore.”
With aspirations of becoming a doctor, inspired by his brothers who have paved the way in the medical field, Jing Yee sees this scholarship as more than just a chance to study abroad.
For him, it’s an opportunity to gather knowledge and skills that he hopes to bring back to Brunei Darussalam in the future.
The scholarship programme, a testimony to the strong ties between Brunei and Singapore, offers a life-changing platform for young students like Jing Yee to broaden their horizons while nurturing a sense of gratitude and purpose.
For Fayruz Amsyar bin Hammry, a student from Chung Hwa School in Tutong District, receiving the Brunei Darussalam – Singapore Youth Scholarship was a moment of profound emotion.
“When I was awarded the scholarship, I had mixed feelings,” he shared candidly.
“I felt blessed and incredibly excited, but also nervous and sad at the same time.
“Leaving my family and friends behind is difficult, but I know this is a valuable opportunity to secure a bright future and contribute to my country.” Fayruz Amsyar will soon begin his studies at Ngee Ann Secondary School in Singapore, with aspirations to lay a strong academic foundation and develop independence.
“I hope to make new friends, learn about Singaporean culture, and adapt to the new environment. It’s nerve-racking, but I’m determined to embrace it.”
He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Singaporean government for the scholarship.
Fayruz Amsyar also acknowledged the unwavering support of his parents, teachers, and friends, who guided him throughout his journey.
Inspired by his father, Fayruz Amsyar hopes to follow in his footsteps and pursue a career in engineering. His dedication to academic excellence is evident in his remarkable achievement of scoring 5 As in the Primary School Assessment (PSR) examination.
Sharing his study method, he said, “I worked hard and never gave up. If I didn’t understand something, I sought help from my parents and siblings. I also used a technique of reading and then writing down what I recalled on paper.”
Meanwhile, Reynaldo Gallardo Chong from St Andrew’s School is gearing up for an exciting new chapter as he prepares to join Temasek Secondary School in Singapore. Reflecting on the moment he learned about his scholarship award, Reynaldo said, “When I found out, I was really happy and surprised because I initially thought I didn’t get it.”
With aspirations to become a pilot, Reynaldo’s passion for aviation is fuelled by his curiosity about how planes fly and operate.
He dreams of one day soaring through the skies, contributing to Brunei’s aviation industry.
Reynaldo also expressed his gratitude to the MoE and the government of Singapore for granting him this life-changing opportunity.
“I hope to gain more knowledge during my time in Singapore and give back to my country,” he added.
Reynaldo is one of six students selected for the Brunei Darussalam–Singapore Youth Scholarship Programme for the 2024/2025 session.
These young scholars will embark on their secondary-level studies in Singapore starting January 2025, following a recent Scholarship Award and agreement signing ceremony. – James Kon
