(Bandar Seri Begawan, 16th) US Ambassador to Brunei, Caryn McClelland, held a farewell reception at her residence today for Bruneian alumni who have received higher education in the United States or completed US government-sponsored exchange programs.
Members of the Brunei-USA Association also attended the event. The ambassador took the opportunity to celebrate the deep friendships built through educational and cultural exchanges and to recognize the alumni’s contributions to strengthening US-Brunei relations.
Ambassador McClelland expressed her gratitude to the alumni community for the close cooperative relationship established with the US Embassy in strengthening exchanges between the peoples of the two countries. She emphasized the crucial role played by alumni in maintaining bilateral relations and encouraged them to continue staying connected with the embassy.
Everyone has played a vital role in building close ties between the peoples of our two countries, which is the foundation of our bilateral partnership,” the ambassador said. “The relationships we have built will not end with my departure—these bonds will sustain and strengthen our partnership for many years to come.”
More than 730 Bruneians have pursued studies in the US or completed US government-sponsored exchange programs, reflecting America’s significant investment in bilateral relations and the cultivation of future leaders. Many alumni have taken up leadership positions in government, policy-making, academia, and the private sector, while others continue to drive positive change in their local communities. Their achievements are a testament to the success of US government-sponsored exchange programs in cultivating the next generation of leaders and strengthening bilateral relations.
As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary of independence in 2026, this gathering reflects the enduring values of innovation and opportunity that have defined America since its founding. The US Embassy will continue to commit to expanding educational and cultural exchanges to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen the enduring partnership between the US and Brunei.
Members of the Brunei-USA Association also attended the event. The ambassador took the opportunity to celebrate the deep friendships built through educational and cultural exchanges and to recognize the alumni’s contributions to strengthening US-Brunei relations.
Ambassador McClelland expressed her gratitude to the alumni community for the close cooperative relationship established with the US Embassy in strengthening exchanges between the peoples of the two countries. She emphasized the crucial role played by alumni in maintaining bilateral relations and encouraged them to continue staying connected with the embassy.
Everyone has played a vital role in building close ties between the peoples of our two countries, which is the foundation of our bilateral partnership,” the ambassador said. “The relationships we have built will not end with my departure—these bonds will sustain and strengthen our partnership for many years to come.”
More than 730 Bruneians have pursued studies in the US or completed US government-sponsored exchange programs, reflecting America’s significant investment in bilateral relations and the cultivation of future leaders. Many alumni have taken up leadership positions in government, policy-making, academia, and the private sector, while others continue to drive positive change in their local communities. Their achievements are a testament to the success of US government-sponsored exchange programs in cultivating the next generation of leaders and strengthening bilateral relations.
As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary of independence in 2026, this gathering reflects the enduring values of innovation and opportunity that have defined America since its founding. The US Embassy will continue to commit to expanding educational and cultural exchanges to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen the enduring partnership between the US and Brunei.