The Brunei Association of Japan Alumni (BAJA) will host a dinner in August to commemorate its 30th anniversary highlighting the key milestones of the association.

Set up in 1986, BAJA was founded by the late Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Setia Negara Pengiran Dr. Haji Mohd Yusuf bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahim. Its objectives are to unite Brunei students who studied in Japan, promote the ambition of its members to participate in the development of the nation as well as exchange culture and contribute to the transfer of knowledge in all fields, especially education and technology.

Dr. Chin Yam Chin is BAJA's advisor for life while its current President is Dr. Chin Wei Keh.

In an interview, Dr. Chin Wei Keh said, "In the field of education, BAJA through ASJA (Asia Japan Alumni) is awarding three ASJA-MEXT scholarships annually to Bruneians who wish to study in Japan. Each year, there is one slot for undergraduate and two slots for graduate scholarships."

Currently, there are seven ASJA scholars in Japan including the two recipients this year.

"We are very proud and privileged to be able to study in Japan," Dr. Chin added.

Activities organised by BAJA to promote studying in Japan include a scholarship sharing session by BAJA members which took place recently at the Japanese Language and Culture Week at Times Square Shopping Centre, organising pre-departure orientations for new scholars, and supporting initiatives from local schools to establish relationships with Japanese schools, he explained.

"We want to inform Bruneians that Japan is another destination to further their studies and our role is to answer inquiries on how to join studies in Japan."

Touching on Halal food, he said currently there are many services in Japan that deliver Halal food to your door step.

"I think it's very interesting as different countries have their own uniqueness. I found it very intriguing not only about Japan's culture but also the mix of many international cultures that have helped broaden my perspective. I have gained valuable exposure in getting a better understanding of what I want to achieve in life and for the country," Dr. Chin, who completed his PhD (2006 to 2011), shared his memorable experience in Japan.

In terms of cultural exchange, Dr. Chin said that "BAJA has coordinated cultural exchange programmes such as the National Institution for Youth Education (NIYE) programme and Toshiba Youth Club Asia (TYCA) programmes to expose Bruneian students to Japanese culture together with their peers from Asean member countries."

BAJA is also actively participating in the Asean Council of Japan Alumni (ASCOJA) conference and ASCOJA member countries' symposium, he added.

Dr. Chin revealed that BAJA will be hosting the ASCOJA conference in 2017 to share ideas and knowledge through discussions.

"It's about time to put Brunei on the international map by hosting the ASCOJA conference. The conference is hoped to help boost tourism in Brunei and build cultural understanding among Asean member countries," he said.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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