| Azaraimy HH |
THE Brunei Association of Japan Alumni (BAJA) has seen various developments since being established as an association focusing on the sharing of cultures and education activities among alumni from both countries.
This was highlighted by Dr Chin Wei Keh, President of BAJA, during his speech at the association’s 30th anniversary dinner held at the Radisson Hotel in Bandar Seri Begawan last night.
He also pointed out that apart from scholarships, BAJA has also extended its role by coordinating and sending Bruneians to Japan for cultural immersion through various youth exchange programmes such as Toshiba Youth Club Asia (TYCA) and National Institute for Youth Education (NIYE).
Currently, there are five Bruneians studying in Japan under BAJA Scholarship programme.
Present as guests of honour were Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, Minister of Education, and spouse.
Also present was Noriko Iki, Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam.
The ambassador during her speech congratulated BAJA members on the celebration of its 30th anniversary.
Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, Minister of Educa-tion, and his spouse with Noriko Iki, Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam, and Dr Chin Wei Keh, President of the Brunei Association of Japan Alumni. – AZARAIMY HH
“As an ambassador of Japan in Brunei, I would like to mention with gratitude that BAJA has been an indispensible supporter for various language and culture-related activities of our embassy during its 30-year history. Fresh in my memory is BAJA’s enthusiastic efforts to promote the Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) scholarships during the Japanese Language and Culture Week held in March,” said the Japanese Ambassador.
The ambassador also praised BAJA for providing pre-training for entrance examinations for the said scholarships.
Speaking on BAJA’s involvement in organising pre-departure orientations for new students leaving to study in Japan, the ambassador said that no one is better suited than the members of BAJA to share personal experiences of living in Japan with the students.
Noriko Iki also praised the association’s role in strengthening the relationship between Japan and Brunei in different fields of interest.
The ambassador then presented Dr Chin with a ‘Certificate of Commendation’ for his contribution as well as the invaluable services rendered by BAJA for promoting activities of the Japanese embassy.
Dr Chin also paid a tribute to Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Setia Negara Pengiran (Dr) Haji Mohd Yusuf bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahim, the late founder of BAJA who established the association in 1986 with the objective of uniting Bruneians studying in Japan as well as enhancing ties between the two countries through educational and cultural activities.
He also made special mention to Dr Chin Yam Chin who played an important role as BAJA’s former president.
Further in his speech, Dr Chin Wei Keh also shared BAJA success as being prominent is the international scene.
“Being part of the Asean Council of Japan Alumni (ASCOJA) and ASJA, we are actively participating in international conferences and symposiums organised by Asean member states,” he said.
He also announced that BAJA will be the chair for the ASCOJA Conference in 2017.
“It is also my hope that in the very near future, BAJA can also provide leadership in the international arena especially at the Asean level. As for the association we hope we can continue to play our role in strengthening ties between the two nations,” he stated.
Among the highlights of the event was the cutting of the anniversary dinner cake by Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi, Noriko Iki and Dr Chin Wei Keh.
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