Some 30 students aged between 15 to 40 are undergoing the 14 weeks of United States (US) – led game design programme that kick started yesterday following the opening ceremony at the Brunei Innovation Lab.
Funded and supported by the US Embassy in Brunei Darussalam, the Serious Games Institute at George Mason University and Washington, DC-based Company E, the 14-week remote learning course is complemented by an in-person components and receives twice-weekly coursework from George Mason University faculty, learning the core tools of today’s immersive and gaming industries. In her welcoming remark, the US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Caryn McClelland, the guest of honour, said “Technology is not just a tool – it’s a bridge. Through augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI), this initiative brings Bruneian youth into the global conversation on innovation. It invites them to tell their stories, preserve their cultural heritage and build immersive experiences that reflect Brunei’s unique identity – digitally, creatively and proudly.”
She also said that the US government believes that emerging technologies – like AI, AR and VR can make the world safer, prosperous and resilient. Programmes like this foster entrepreneurship, fuel creativity and give young people the tools they need to turn passion into purpose – and innovation into opportunity.
As part of the programme, students will collaborate to develop a VR app showcasing a Bruneian location of their choice, which will be pitched to the Meta App Store. This Brunei-based VR experience will also be integrated into the SuperMuseum – a VR experience developed by Company E and the US Department of State.
The programme strengthened ties between Bruneian youth and US technology leaders to enhance tourism and entrepreneurship opportunities. – James Kon
