• Today: July 22, 2026

Fresh ideas, new approaches

 

Malisa Hana binti Kamal Hisham, in an interview, shared her journey alongside several graduates of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Government Overseas Scholarship Scheme and the Education Loan Assistance Scheme (SBPP) who obtained First Class Honours in their Bachelor’s degrees upon completing their studies in 2025.

Two recipients of the Outstanding Graduates Award explained how youth can contribute to achieving Brunei Vision 2035.

Malisa Kamal, who graduated with First Class Honours in International Tourism Management from Sheffield Hallam University in the United Kingdom said, “Personally achieving such qualification is a gift to my younger self who often doubted my own abilities.

Receiving the Government Overseas Scholarship was a turning point that made me realise that I was capable, and inspired me to pursue my studies with greater passion, confidence and purpose.”

She added, “This achievement strengthened my desire to give back to Brunei’s tourism industry. My experience of travelling and studying abroad also inspired me to pursue international engagement where I hope to represent Brunei and bring back knowledge and perspective. None of this is possible without the encouragement and support as well as prayers of parents, friends and family as well as university. I am grateful and feel blessed to have them beside me throughout the journey.”

ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh with Malisa Hana binti Kamal Hisham and her family members; and Adam Syafiee bin Haji Mohammad Nirwan with his family members. PHOTO: JAMES KON
PHOTO: JAMES KON

Explaining that the role of highly educated youth is crucial to contributing to the success of Brunei Vision 2035, she explained, “My understanding of Brunei Vision 2035 is to build a resilient nation through economic diversification, sustainability and create opportunities that enable Bruneians to stand on their own.

“I believe highly educated youth are crucial in helping achieve Brunei Vision 2035 because we are the generation who will carry forward and we bring fresh ideas as well as innovation and determination to turn challenges to opportunities.”

More importantly, she said, “by investing in our education, Brunei has placed its trust on us to make a meaningful impact. As a recipient of the Government Overseas Scholarship Scheme, it motivates me to apply my knowledge and contribute to the country’s growth.”

Touching on her motivation to keep going throughout her journey abroad, she said, “Life has its ups and downs. However I learned to embrace every experience – whether challenging, exciting or disappointing, because each one thought me valuable experiences.

“Every setback or every opportunity became a chance to grow. Those experiences not only shape me as a person but also the professional who I aspire to become.”

Explaining her passion for tourism, she said, “I believe tourism is one of the important industries in Brunei that can help contribute to economic growth where I also see there is still space for improvement.”

Meanwhile, Adam Syafiee bin Haji Mohammad Nirwan, who graduated with First Class Honours in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom, highlighted, “this journey was possible thanks to my parents support and with the SBPP, I was able to become who I am now.

“I also feel that foundation is important because I was at International School Brunei and was able to follow International Baccalaureate (IB) that helped prepare for the future in not only exams.”

He added, “The achievement is a testimony of what I have done because we don’t get it without putting in a lot of efforts.” On selecting mechanical engineering, he said, “I always enjoyed math and physics. I always wanted to do something related to both fields. One day I came across Youtuber, Wintergaten, who created a very cool music machine using around 2,000 steel marbles.

“It inspired me and I wanted to do something like that. I did build my own educational toy as a course work. I really enjoy the tinkering, the design and the whole process. Currently I am working as a project lead in a local start-up for solar installation.”

He noted, “I feel that the goal is to further our country to become more developed. The goal in Brunei Vision 2035 is the path where people are looking at working ahead. With youth, there are always new ideas and new ways of doing things.”

 

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN/James Kon

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