Press Release

American Alumni of Brunei Darussalam Launched

February 27, 2008

The Embassy of the United States of America in Brunei is pleased to announce that the American Alumni of Brunei Darussalam was officially launched on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at a reception hosted by Ambassador Emil Skodon at his residence. 

At this inaugural meeting, members of the American Alumni Association elected Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdullah bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar (Minister of Development) as President of the Association.  The members also elected to the executive committee:

Pg. Hjh Zabaidah binte Pg. Hj.Kamaluddin as Vice President;
Hj. Mohd. Rozan bin Dato Paduka Hj. Mohd. Yunos as General Secretary;
Jack Ting as Treasurer; and
Glen Rase as Committee Member at Large. 

Under the Constitution of the Association as approved by the His Majesty’s Government and the Registrar of Societies of Brunei Darussalam, Ambassador Emil Skodon will serve as an ex officio member of the executive committee of the Association.

In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Skodon said, “I hope this association will become a forum where Brunei citizens and residents can come together to celebrate the value of their own, personal American experience, find ways to share the benefit of that education with all of Brunei, and encourage future generations of Bruneians to study in the U.S.”

Pehin Abdullah gave the inaugural address to the Association.  In his remarks, he reflected on the practical applications of his U.S. education in his work in Brunei Darussalam and how his U.S. experience had benefitted him both personally and professionally.

There has been a steady and growing interest in U.S. higher education, which led the Embassy over the past year to work closely with a group of local alumni in the formation of the Association. Goals and objectives of the 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.

Membership is open to all citizens and residents of Brunei who have attended a course of study (minimum of 3 months) at a U.S. higher education institution.  Persons wishing to learn more about membership and association activities may contact Ms. Megan Porter at 222-9670 ext 2132 or by email at PorterML@State.Gov.