His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam told Bruneian students who have completed their studies abroad to always fulfill their promises and learn how to repay kindness. These are the two attitudes that make Brunei a country that is well respected.

The monarch delivered a titah at a get-together ceremony with Bruneian citizens and residents in the United Kingdom and Ireland comprising students, government officers working or attending courses as well as Bruneian citizens and residents on holiday with their families in the UK and Ireland. It was held at hotel Hilton Park in London.

His Majesty added there are students who don't serve their own country after finishing their studies.

"Students who pursue their studies abroad must acknowledge that they are not just for themselves but also for the nation. Regardless of whether they are self-financed or bonded to the government, they could not shun the responsibility towards the government after finishing their studies.

"But sadly, there are people who have chosen not to serve their own country after completing their studies. Whatever the reason is, these matters are against the etiquettes and are also non-patriotic," the Sultan said.

"I believe that if Bruneian citizens and residents are loyal and possess patriotic spirit, certainly this (not returning to serve the country) would not happen, as the nation's interests come first before the individuals themselves.

"Hence, I wish to remind the students to be true Bruneian without any flaws to gain blessings. Brunei Darussalam needs smart people from its own community. Hence, the government is willing to make a huge investment to send students and officers to acquire relevant qualifications in various fields," said the ruler.

His Majesty also hoped that such attitude would not continue and be replaced with the genuine Bruneian attitude that makes the citizens abide by their promises and repay back.

His Majesty also said that students face challenges, especially the new lifestyle, in all sorts like the way of learning, interacting, the way they think and so on. And if the students fail to live with the challenges and overcome them, then it means the nation has failed in its investment.

The ruler also stressed on the need for students to be true thinkers, not only for themselves but also for the welfare of the community and the nation.

Besides focusing on the present world, His Majesty also reminded them not to forget their duties towards Allah the Almighty.

"We are always bound to our belief. We must know how to adapt and should not neglect our national philosophy, the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB). By Allah's Will, we will be safe even during rough times," His Majesty said.

The students in the eyes of the government and people of Brunei Darussalam are assets of the future. That is why the government gives them scholarships to excel in their studies year after year. The monarch said education constitutes a lifelong investment.

His Majesty and Her Majesty were welcomed on arrival at the hotel by the High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to the United Kingdom, Awg Hj Mohd Aziyan bin Abdullah.

Also present were His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik, HRH Princess 'Azemah Ni'matul Bolkiah, HRH Princess Hjh Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam, HRH Princess Hjh Amal Nasibah and other members of the royal family. Some 2,000 Bruneians attended the get-together. - Borneo Bulletin (3th May 2011)