By Kartika Rahman
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to present the 'Sultan's Scholar' Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Scholarship Awards at the Istana Nurul Iman.
The special scholarship scheme was introduced in line with the principle and aim of establishing the Yayasan with regards to education. This prestigious scholarship is awarded to students whom Yayasan and Ministry of Education deem as having achieved excellence in academics and strive to enhance their education beyond their respective schools. The chosen students are educated in various fields and have completed their secondary education in schools recognised by Yayasan and granted by the Government of His Majesty.
The aim of the scholarship is to produce well-educated, skilful, disciplined and cultured individuals for the long-term value of religion, monarch and the country.
His Majesty presented three students with the 'Sultan's Scholar' scholarship for the academic year 2006/2007. They are: Dayangku Nur Hidayatul Fitri binti Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Othman, Awang Sameul Tay Zhi Jian and Dayang Zety Erwinna binti Haji Ali Adin.
Dayangku Nur Hidayatul Fitri will study medicine at Guy's & St. Thomas Hospital, King's College, University of London, United Kingdom. Awang Sameul Tay Zhi Jian will study Computer Aided Mechanical Engineering at the School of Science and Engineering, King's College, University of London. And, Dayang Zety Erwinna will continue her tertiary education in the field of medicine at St. Georges Hospital, College of Medicine, University of London, United Kingdom.
The event began with a doa recital by State Mufti Pehin Dato Haji Awang Abd Aziz bin Juned. His Majesty then presented the awards and later mingled with the awardees and their parents before a photo session with them.
Also present during the ceremony were chairman and members of Jemaah Tadbir Yayasan, chairman and members of Yayasan Board of Directors, Minister and Deputy Minister of Education, members of 'Sultan's Scholar' Steering Committee, senior government officers and senior Yayasan officers, principals of sixth form institutes, and parents of 'Sultan's Scholar' Scholarship awardees.
"This is the best scholarship anyone can get, we are ecstatic and honoured for being chosen, especially since this is the first time in ten years all local residents (yellow IC holders) have received this annual award," said the awardees.
They also thanked especially His Majesty for granting the scholarship, their parents, teachers and friends who have guided and supported them, and helped them get the opportunity to further their education.
Dayangku Nur Hidayatul Fitri, a former student of Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan, is the fourth out of seven siblings. Always a hard worker, with a passion for mathematics, pure mathematics and statistics, she hones her analytical abilities to solve problems. She considers herself an all-rounder and has interest in swimming, singing and public speaking. Over the years she has been a recipient of various awards for her academic abilities nationally and internationally.
Awang Sameul Tay Zhi Jian is the youngest of three siblings, the elder two being equally academically astute and studying medicine. "He has been a high achiever since kindergarten, we are very proud of him," said his parents. Other than winning international academic awards, Awang Sameul, a fluent guitar player, is well known for his creativity, critical analysis. He is known for his strong will and is open-minded. He formerly attended Sayyidina Ali Seconday School.
Dayang Zety Erwinna is an ex-student of Maktab Duli Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah. She is known to be a highly motivated student, with excellent analytical and practical skills. She is ever willing to learn and is a positive team worker. Juggling her studies with her involvement in various academic competitions, she also helps to look after her older brother who is suffering from a spinal injury, as well as her grandfather. Dayang Zety Erwinna is also a peer counselor at her school and has shown her abilities during critical times.
- Borneo Bulletin
(9th June 2006)
