THE Embassy of the United States of America in Brunei Darussalam announce the latest participant in the 2018 International Visitor Leadership Programme, the US Department of State’s premier professional exchange programme. Shahari bin Haji Judin, Head of Counter-Terrorism Unit, Brunei Internal Security Department will visit the United States from April 21 to May 12, to participate in the IVLP programme on Countering Violent Extremism – Community Strategies.
This project will focus on US examples of community outreach designed to build strong community resilience against violent extremists’ efforts to radicalise and recruit. Participants will explore best practices in curbing violence and extremism through visits to US Government agencies that partner with local communities in key areas such as law enforcement, civic engagement, education, religion, and job training. Participants will talk with community, business, and government leaders about their efforts to reach disenfranchised youth and examine models for engaging key influencers such as women and interfaith leaders in changing the narrative of violence.
The programme will take place in five cities, namely Washington DC, New York, Los Angeles, Detroit, and Orlando.
Shahari met recently with US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, Craig Allen, who congratulated him on his selection for the programme. Ambassador Allen stated, “For many years, the US Embassy has been privileged to cultivate and strengthen relations between Brunei Darussalam and the United States through the International Visitor Leadership Programme. This programme offers exceptional opportunities to outstanding Bruneians who wish to develop their professional qualifications while learning more about the United States of America and its people and policies.”
Shahari stated, “I’m grateful for the US Department of State and the US Embassy in Brunei Darussalam for this opportunity, and to my department for allowing me to participate in the IVLP exchange programme. I was both thrilled and honoured to hear that I have been selected as one of the participants from Southeast Asia for this programme and I look forward to all of the excitement and challenges that lie ahead.”
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