| Izah Azahari |
THE Brunei Association of Japan Alumni (BAJA) yesterday held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Badi’ah Hotel in Batu Satu, for the election of the 2016/2017 BAJA president and executive committee members.
Present as guest of honour was Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Noriko Iki, who congratulated elected and re-elected executive committee members of BAJA.
The ambassador also highlighted that 2016 will mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of BAJA with years of accomplishments by the alumni since 1986.
“Recently, the number of Bruneian students studying abroad have increased and this studious nation seems to be diversifying not only to Western countries, but also to Asian countries,” the ambassador said.
“The government of Japan is currently promoting the 300,000 International Student Plan, which looks to accept 300,000 international students by the year 2020.”
At the AGM, Dr Chin Wei Keh was re-elected as president for 2016/2017, while Dr Fadil Galawat was re-elected as vice-president.
Meanwhile, Najmina Fairuz binti Abdul Latif was elected as secretary, Noraini binti Haji Shawal as vice secretary, Dayangku Habibah binti Pengiran Haji Hidup as treasurer, Adeline Pang was re-elected as public relations officer, Mohammad Sabry and Rayme bin Haji Othman as sub-committee members under education, while Joshua and Rabiatul Adawiyah binti Abu Bakar were elected as sub-committee members under events, recreation and culture.
In a speech, the president applauded the hard work of the executive committee members who have served the association for the year 2014/2015, as well as BAJA members who have contributed towards and supported BAJA initiatives.
Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Noriko Iki with the re-elected and newly elected executive committee members of BAJA 2016/2017. – IZAH AZAHARI
Dr Chin highlighted the achievements notched in 2015 which included the ASJA-MEXT Scholarship interview, selection and pre-departure orientation; the Study Experiences in Japan sharing session to attract Bruneians to study in Japan; Maths Enrichment programmes prior to scholarship exams; and the first time BAJA sent students to the National Institute for Youth Education (NIYE) programmes.
On the international front and networking, BAJA organised the Asia Japan Alumni International (ASJA) Directors meeting in Tokyo, the Asean Council of Japan Alumi (ASCOJA) Conferences in the Philippines, and the Symposium in Vietnam and Indonesia.
BAJA will also be hosting a bowling competition in the near future, involving all Japanese related association. It aims at strengthening friendship among different associations and providing support in various events that will be hosted by the Embassy of Japan in Brunei Darussalam.
BAJA will also be hosting the ASCOJA Conference in 2017, whereby associations from the 10 Asean member countries and Japan will be coming to Brunei.
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