BruONZ 2009 gala night

Gala night: Deputy Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad (R) in a conversation with chairman of BAG Networks, Dato Paduka Hj Ali (C), and a student representative of BruONz Association during a Gala Night 2009 at Jerudong Park and Country Club. Picture: BT/Qistina Rangga

SOME 165 local students and invited guests in colourful outfits attended a Gala Night 2009 yesterday at the Jerudong Polo and Country Club.

Organised by a student committee called BruONz, the event was aimed at fostering and strengthening ties between students from Brunei and Australia and New Zealand.

"This event was aimed at creating an environment for all past, present and future Australian students to gather, have fun and share their experiences with one another," said the president of BruONz, Faridah Dato Paduka Serbini. 

The annual event was said to be a platform to create the culture of knowing the country, according to the president.

"This is important both to us and our beloved nation state. We are the future leaders and Brunei is where we belong."

In her welcoming speech, she described BruONz as an informal association shaped and defined by friendship and cooperation between the five states in Australia and New Zealand.

"The association aims to aid students in overcoming stress, from studies and being away from home,"she added.

For alumni, the association gives the opportunity to reunite with good old friends.

Faridah also conveyed her gratitude to official sponsor, BAG Networks. 

"BAG Networks sees youth as a national asset with opportunities to become future leaders of Brunei through their internship programme, which is geared towards students, such as us," she said.

Following her speech, stage performances of traditional dances, band performances and New Zealand traditional dances were performed by student representatives from five states in Australia as well as New Zealand. 

There was also an inspirational talk by Shaikh Fadilah Ahmad, a Masters graduate of Australian National University. 

BruONz 2009 was later handed over to a Brisbane representative of BruONz 2010, Mohd Emad Hamdi Hj Sawal. 

Attended as guest of honour was Deputy Minister of Education Pg Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Pg Hj Abdul Rahman and wife. Also present was Chairman and CEO of BAG Networks, Dato Paduka Hj Ali Hj Apong. (JQR1)

The Brunei Times