PRESS RELEASE

HAVE YOU STUDIED IN THE UNITED STATES? American Alumni Association takes form in Brunei

May 15, 2007

The Embassy of the United States of America in Brunei is pleased to announce that the newly registered American Alumni Association is now open for membership to all Bruneian citizens and residents who have attended a course of study at a U.S. higher education institution (registration details on last paragraph).  

There has been a steady and growing interest in U.S. higher education, which led the Embassy over the past few months to work closely with a group of local alumni in the formation of the Association. Goals and objectives of the American Alumni Association include:
• To promote and maintain friendship and cooperation among its members who are graduates of American universities or institutes of higher education and residing in Brunei Darussalam.
• To promote social, cultural, educational and business links with other American Alumni in other countries.
• To provide advice and guidance to members and friends of members who intend to pursue Bachelor or postgraduate degrees in American universities.
• To promote cultural, recreational and intellectual activities among its members.

The American Alumni Association strives to provide a social and educational outlet for graduates of American universities through regular activities and gatherings.  The members will provide student outreach to citizens and residents of Brunei who are interested in attending an American university and maintain a link with students while away at school.  Upon returning to Brunei, students will have the opportunity to meet business contacts and become active members in the Association.

Interim President of the American Alumni Association, Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdullah bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar (Minister of Development) remarks “I commend the hard work and continuous efforts of the interim committee to make the American Alumni Association a reality. I hope the Association can fulfill its goal in promoting social, cultural, educational and business links with other American Alumni in other countries and enrich and deepen understanding between members.”
U.S. Ambassador Emil Skodon comments “I am grateful to His Majesty’s government for consenting to the creation of this new American Alumni Association.  We hope this will give those Bruneians who have benefited from education in the U.S. an opportunity to meet and share their experiences, as well as encourage new generations of Brunei scholars to pursue their education in the U.S.”

For the current academic year of 2006-2007, the U.S. has issued over 591, 050 students and exchange visas, the highest total ever, a 13.9 percent increase from 2005 and 5 percent higher than the previous peak year of 2001.  There are 21 Bruneian citizens now studying in the U.S. and the number is growing every year.

To register, contact the U.S. Embassy at 222-9670 ext. 2132 or email USBN_alumni@hotmail.com and simply submit your details. Parents are also invited to register details of students who are currently attending a U.S. institution.

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