| Faza Suraj |
BRUNEI is seen as an excellent destination for schools from other countries to learn and witness how the Malay Language is used as a part of the day-to-day activities.
St Margaret’s School in Seria recently received an educational visit by 28 students from the Bedok View Secondary School of Singapore.
They were treated with an array of cultural performances by the students of St Margaret’s School such as the ‘Tarian Ngajat’, an Iban cultural dance, and also the ‘Tindak Alu’, a Dusun cultural dance, and also a demonstration on making a traditional delicacy.
Speaking to the Bulletin was Syaiful Bahari bin Abdul Latif, a Malay Language teacher from the visiting school and he explained that Brunei was chosen as a place to visit particularly due to the wide usage of the Malay Language in the Sultanate.
“We want the students to experience using Malay Language more regularly and it’s difficult to do that in a country where English Language is commonly used and what more of a suitable place other than Brunei, which prioritises Malay above other languages,” said Syaiful Bahari.
A student learning to perform the Tindak Alu which is a Dusun cultural dance. PHOTOS: FAZA SURAJ
Students observing a lady making a Penyaram
He added that another aim of the visit was also to learn about the culture of Brunei along with the essence of tradition which it was built upon to further understand the language.
In relation to that, he informed that among the places listed in their ‘Kembara Ilmu’ itinerary included the Sago factory in Ukong of the Belait District, where the Sultanate’s iconic dish, the Ambuyat, is made.
“The students enjoyed the visit as the factory is known to produce one of the raw ingredients to make the delicacy which is unique to Brunei. It’s delicious,” expressed the teacher as he went on explaining that apart from exposing the students to the culture of Brunei, the trip also helped them learn about each other as schoolmates.
“I’ve noticed changes among the students during the five-day visit as they’ve started to not only have more interactions with their own schoolmates but also with the students in Brunei,” he added.
This was also an important part of the visit, which taught the students that even though they’re from different countries, they can bridge new connections and make new friends by having something in common such as the Malay Language.
The group comprised 28 Year 7 and Year 8 students and the five-day visit marked their first visit to Brunei.
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