(Bandar Seri Begawan, 17th) Jointly organized by Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and the University of Western Australia (UWA), the four-week cultural immersion project under the 'Global Discovery Programme' (GDP) recently concluded successfully, marking the smooth completion of the first short-term exchange and cooperation project between the two higher learning institutions.
A total of 11 undergraduate students participated in the program. Supported by the Australian Government's 'New Colombo Plan', the students embarked on a journey that combined academic study with cultural experiences, gaining an in-depth understanding of Brunei's society, culture, and natural environment.
The New Colombo Plan is a key initiative by the Australian Government aimed at deepening ties between Australia and countries in the Indo-Pacific region by supporting Australian undergraduates to take part in scholarships, semester exchanges, and student mobility programs. The participation of UWA students under this plan reflects the importance of fostering people-to-people exchanges and strengthening regional understanding through education, while also further enhancing higher education cooperation between Brunei and Australia.
The closing ceremony of the program was held on December 15, attended by Dr. Irmawati, Director of the Office of Global Engagement at UBD.
During the ceremony, UWA students met with the Australian High Commissioner to Brunei, Mr. Michael, and shared their academic and cultural exchange experiences during their stay in Brunei. In his address, Mr. Hoy expressed his gratitude to UBD for successfully implementing the project and warmly hosting the UWA students.
On the other hand, representing UWA, Professor Amanda, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Western Australia, thanked UBD for being the host institution and acknowledged the efforts made by the organizing committee in preparing and executing the program.
In addition, UWA student representative Mania stated that this unique learning experience allowed students to gain valuable insights that could not be taught in the classroom or textbooks.
Participating students also pointed out that the project enhanced their understanding of Bruneian culture and provided them with opportunities to engage deeply with local communities, traditional culture, and the natural environment. They particularly mentioned the friendships built with UBD students, visits to cultural heritage sites, and participation in experiential activities such as the Ulu Temburong National Park Canopy Walk. These experiences left a deep impression and made this project an unforgettable memory.
A total of 11 undergraduate students participated in the program. Supported by the Australian Government's 'New Colombo Plan', the students embarked on a journey that combined academic study with cultural experiences, gaining an in-depth understanding of Brunei's society, culture, and natural environment.
The New Colombo Plan is a key initiative by the Australian Government aimed at deepening ties between Australia and countries in the Indo-Pacific region by supporting Australian undergraduates to take part in scholarships, semester exchanges, and student mobility programs. The participation of UWA students under this plan reflects the importance of fostering people-to-people exchanges and strengthening regional understanding through education, while also further enhancing higher education cooperation between Brunei and Australia.
The closing ceremony of the program was held on December 15, attended by Dr. Irmawati, Director of the Office of Global Engagement at UBD.
During the ceremony, UWA students met with the Australian High Commissioner to Brunei, Mr. Michael, and shared their academic and cultural exchange experiences during their stay in Brunei. In his address, Mr. Hoy expressed his gratitude to UBD for successfully implementing the project and warmly hosting the UWA students.
On the other hand, representing UWA, Professor Amanda, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Western Australia, thanked UBD for being the host institution and acknowledged the efforts made by the organizing committee in preparing and executing the program.
In addition, UWA student representative Mania stated that this unique learning experience allowed students to gain valuable insights that could not be taught in the classroom or textbooks.
Participating students also pointed out that the project enhanced their understanding of Bruneian culture and provided them with opportunities to engage deeply with local communities, traditional culture, and the natural environment. They particularly mentioned the friendships built with UBD students, visits to cultural heritage sites, and participation in experiential activities such as the Ulu Temburong National Park Canopy Walk. These experiences left a deep impression and made this project an unforgettable memory.