BDTVEC COUNCIL VISITS KIGS (BB)

Bandar Seri Begawan - The need to have conducive infrastructure and trained educators in institutions must be emphasised to reach the highest effectiveness of teaching and learning for students, the Deputy Minister of Education said yesterday.

Institutions that offer courses in Brunei Darussalam Technical and Vocational Certificate (BDTVEC) in particular must strive to diversify their programmes to be much more innovative and competitive, in line with human resource needs of the country.

Speaking during a visit of the BDTVEC Council to IGS College (KIGS) yesterday, Dato Seri Setia Awang Hj Yusoff bin Hj Ismail said, "These efforts must be further enhanced in response to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's call for the private sector to play a role in the Sultanate's development".

In his capacity as Chairman of the BDTVEC Council, he said the visit was imperative to provide an opportunity for members to further monitor the implementation of the courses in the college, as well as to allow them to interact with students and teaching staff and observe the infrastructure available and teaching and learning sessions that are being practised.

To date, the BDTVEC Council has approved 107 programmes in various levels.

Institutions currently offering BDTVEC programmes include seven technical and vocational institutions under the Technical Education Department; Institut Teknologi Brunei (ITB); several secondary schools under the Schools Department; Marine Technical Training Centre under the Ministry of Defence and four other BDTVEC Approved Centre (KIGS, Micronet International College, Cosmopolitan College of Commerce and Technology and Kemuda Institute).

The council's establishment is aimed at providing a flexible and effective certification system for technical and vocational education that meets certain requirements to fulfil the needs of local and private industries, and the communities as well as the economy of Brunei Darussalam, he said.

Pg Hjh Fatimah binti PSJ Pg Hj Abd Momin, CEO/Chairman of KIGS, said the college has become the first of its kind to offer a full-fledged tertiary level locally, with a record of highest rate of employability for its students in both government and private institutions.

A number of students have been awarded with scholarships to pursue their education abroad. (Six are now pursuing their degrees in the United Kingdom and one in Malaysia).

The introduction of SPN21 has spurred KIGS towards meeting the new challenges, requirements and national expectations in tandem with its mission "to become a dynamic industry leader and achieve excellence in meeting the education needs and aspirations of Bruneian and international students by providing leading-edge tertiary level education and professional training, she said.

The BDTVEC Council delegation toured the college's campus, the administration office, tutorial rooms, library, staff room, computer hardware and maintenance rooms and computer labs.

KIGS is one of the private higher learning institutions in Brunei that pioneers BDTVEC courses in business management and computer studies since 2004.

The college offers seven BDTVEC programmes related to Business and Computer Studies in Pre-National Diploma, National Diploma and Higher National Diploma.

These courses are BDTVEC Higher National Diploma in Business (Accounting), BDTVEC Higher National Diploma in Business (Management), BDTVEC Higher National Diploma in Computing, BDTVEC Higher National Diploma in Business and Finance, BDTVEC National Diploma in Computer Studies, BDTVEC Pre-National Diploma in Business and Finance and BDTVEC Pre-National Diploma in Computer Studies.

KIGS also offers courses in the degree level with the collaboration of Limkokwing University of Creative Technology Malaysia.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

GETTING UPDATES ON VTE PROGRESS (BT)

by Hana Roslan

Brunei's voctech education council visits IGS College

MEMBERS of the Brunei Darussalam Technical and Vocational Education Council (BDTVEC) made their way to International Graduate Studies College (IGS College) in Kiulap yesterday morning to keep abreast on latest developments in the technical and vocational sector.

The council's chairman, Deputy Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Hj Yusoff Hj Ismail, led the group who were welcomed by Chairman of IGS College Pg Hjh Fatimah PSJ Pg Hj Abdul Momin.

This would be the third visit made by the council this year. Also part of the delegation was Deputy Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) Dr Hj Junaidi Hj Abd Rahman.

In the deputy minister's speech, he said he hopes that the college would diversify the courses or programmes offered so that it would be more innovative and competitive and address the human resource needs in the country.

"In this regard, the need to prepare an infrastructure that is conducive and having a teaching force that is adequate and skilled is much needed to guarantee the effectiveness of learning and teaching of the students," he said.

Dato Hj Yusoff also said that the visit was an opportunity for the council members to closely observe the vocational and technical courses offered at the college.

The visit also provided a platform for a two-way discussion between council members and college faculty and staff, especially on the importance of the relationship between private sector and accredited institutions that offer vocational and technical courses to fulfil private sector needs.

Prior to the deputy minister's speech, Pg Hjh Fatimah also gave the members a briefing on the college's achievements and future plans.

As part of Vision 2035 and the introduction of the New National Education System of the 21st Century (SPN21), she said that they were planning on strengthening their immediate expertise in Information Technology (IT) and Business.

The college will also be diversifying by offering new courses in Multimedia Creativity, Communication and Design Innovative and also working on developing their own courses.

The college is affiliated with Lim Kok Wing University in Malaysia and Pg Hjh Fatimah said that they are looking into more collaboration with local and foreign academic institutions.

An expansion plan is also in the pipeline, she said, where a new administration office will be built around the campus. This plan also includes the construction of a new lobby area, additional 13 classrooms and the procurement of new equipment.

They have also introduced degree courses this year namely Bachelor's in Business Administration, Bachelor of Business in Accounting, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering with Multimedia.

In terms of passing rates, she said that majority was 95 per cent and sometimes they even reached 100 per cent.

She added that the only reason why it didn't reach 100 per cent was because of students' attendance.

At present, there are a total of 700 students and 40 full-time staff at the college.

Following the briefing, the deputy minister toured the facilities of the college which include the administrative offices, tutorial room, library and computer hardware and maintenance rooms.

The Brunei Times

MERAGANG 6TH FORM CENTRE BAGS TOP LIVEWIRE BUSINESS AWARD (BB)

Bandar Seri Begawan - Nur Dinani Mat Salleh from Meragang Sixth Form Centre emerged as the winner of Upper Secondary and Pre-U (A1) Category for the LiveWIRE Brunei Business Awards 2010-2011. Her unique shoe designing business plan also won the heart of the judges and received the LiveWire Brunei Most Outstanding Award.

On hand to present the prizes was Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Education in his capacity as the guest of honour at a ceremony held at Rizqun International Hotel yesterday.

The Business Awards is part of an on-going effort to nurture the development of local small and medium enterprises and recognises young and enterprising people who submitted outstanding business plans and have proven excellence in running their businesses.

The biennial LiveWIRE Brunei Business Awards was divided into two categories: Category A for the Business Plan and Category B for Existing Enterprises.

Further, the Business Plan Category (Category A) was sub-divided into three categories: A1 for upper secondary and Form Six students, A2 for post-secondary and higher educational institutions such as UBD, ITB, and Business School and A3 are for LiveWIRE course participants.

Meanwhile Category B, which was for existing business was sub-divided into two categories. The first sub-category B1 was for LiveWIRE Business Network Members who have started their business for at least six months up to three years. The second subcategory B2 was for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that have been operating for over three years.

In the Al category, Nur Dinani from Meragang Sixth Form Centre bagged the top prize with her unique shoe designing business plan, D'S Stylishia. Pusu Fishing Company, an entry from four students of St Andrew's School won second prize and third prize went to Rainforest Restaurant, another entry from Meragang Sixth Form Centre while fourth prize went to Art to Heart, an entry from four students of Maktab Sains PSBS.

In Category A2, no first prizewinner was announced but Musiques Cafe De'Familia, an entry from three students of IGS College won second prize. Third prize went to Choco Cafe, an entry from four students of Business School and fourth prize went to Pudding Paradise, another entry from Business School.

Meanwhile in Category A3, the first prize went to 'Board Game' represented by Pg Mohd Hassanal bin Pg Hj Amir Muhd Jaffri Saifuddin and Tay Gek Eng, both of whom were ex-participants from LiveWIRE Leadership Camp. Allan Sea Shell Collection Corner by Norkhairulaney bin Hj Damit won the second prize while the third prize went to E'lowa Cosmetics by Irene Sufinah binti Ali Rahman and Siti Hafizah bte Haji Awang Bahar and in fourth place was Indah Brunei Tours and Services by Marliza binti Abdul Rahman/Mohd Amin.

For Category B2, no entries were nominated as winners in the category but three entries from Noorana Enterprise by Juliana binti Jamaludin, Jocon Contractor by Johari bin Brahim and MSP Jaya Trading Company by Md Pisal bin Haji Abdullah, Pg Sulaiman bin Pg Hj Metali and Mohamad Zin bin Hj Abdullah received consolation prizes for their efforts.

The LiveWIRE Brunei Highest Entries Awards was bagged by Meragang Sixth Form Centre.

According to organisers, this year's awards received a total of 72 entries, 59 of which were for Category A1 from various schools in the Sultanate. The youngest participants of the awards were only 15 years old.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

FIRST INTAKE OF GOVT SCHOLARS AT KIGS (BB)

By Azaraimy HH

The first batch of students under the new government scholarship scheme have entered local private tertiary education institutions.

The first intake of government sponsored scholarship scheme for local students started yesterday at Kolej International Graduate Studies (KIGS).

The scheme was announced by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in the monarch's titah on July15, 2011on the ruler's 65th birthday.

Cikgu Mohamad bin Abu Bakar, Kolej IGS Registrar, highlighted the importance of education and training in the future growth and economic development of the country.

Pg Hjh Fatimah binti Pengiran Setia Jaya Pg Hj Abdul Momin, Chairperson of the Board of Directors and the CEO of Kolej IGS, urged them not to waste this 'Nikmat dan Rahmat dari Allah SWT' or God-given opportunity, and the scholarship awarded by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's Government through the Brunei Economic Development Board and Ministry of Education.

She advised the students to study hard and spend their time at Kolej IGS with dedication and commitment.

"As educators, we are entrusted with the responsibility of moulding and shaping our students, amongst whom are you; the younger generation of this nation, to become future leaders, managers, entrepreneurs and whatever areas that you are interested in."

She said the HELP programme initiated by the Kolej IGS, Holistic Excellence Leadership Programme, emphasises attendance, self-discipline, attire, leadership skills and also competitiveness amongst the different academic groups to vie for the best student and best group award every month.

"The notion of creating such programmes is basically to heighten the level of motivation and to groom the students to prepare themselves to the working environment," she said.

She said the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan approved its degree programmes in collaboration with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Malaysia.

Seventy -five students are undertaking two-to-three-year degree programme in Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Information Technology and Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons).

She thanked the government for the strong support and commitment accorded to Kolej IGS, which serves as strong encouragement for the college to provide skilled human resources towards achieving Vision 2035.

IGS COLEGE RECORDS 100 PERCENT INCRASE IN SEPTEMBER ENROLMENT (BT)

by Quratul-Ain Bandial

ENROLMENT at the International Graduate Studies (IGS) College has increased by more than 100 per cent after the scholarship scheme for private technical and vocational institutions was introduced last July.

IGS College Registrar Mohamad Abu Bakar said the college had received 347 new students under the government-sponsored scheme.

"Our enrolment has more than doubled since the introduction of the new scheme," he told The Brunei Times during an orientation programme for the new intake yesterday.

Mohamad added that the scheme would give opportunities to school-leavers with only three or four 'O' level credits who have been shut out of government-run technical and vocational schools due to stiff competition for limited places.

"Under the scholarship scheme, school leavers will have a chance to pursue tertiary education," he said. "Under the country's vision 2035 each individual citizen must have some kind of qualification and must be employable. This scheme will give rise to a skilled population and lessen unemployment among school-leavers."

The scholarship scheme provides financial assistance to those who cannot afford high tuition fees for higher education in the private sector. Under the scheme, Brunei citizens will enjoy full sponsorship of tuition fees with a monthly transportation allowance of $45, while tuition fees will be heavily subsidised for permanent residents.

IGS College is one of five local institutions selected to house the scholarship students, along with Cosmopolitan College of Commerce and Technology, Kemuda Institute, Laksamana College of Business and Micronet International College.

IGS College offers certificate, pre-diploma, national diploma and higher national diploma programmes in business, computing in finance. Fees can range from $2,400 to $3,600 per annum.

During the orientation, IGS College CEO Pg Hjh Fatimah Pengiran Setia Jaya Pg Hj Abdul Momin, urged new scholarship students not to squander the opportunity given by the government.

"As educators, we are entrusted with the responsibility of moulding and shaping our students, amongst whom are you; the younger generation of this nation, to become future leaders, managers, entrepreneurs and whatever areas that you are interested in."

The scheme was one out of the three educational schemes announced by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam during his 65th birthday titah on July 15.

Approximately $100 million has been allocated to the scheme and to date 1,104 scholarships have been awarded.

The Brunei Times

IGS COLLEGE HOLDS TAHLIL CEREMONY (BT)

THE International Graduate Studies College (Kolej IGS) Brunei Darussalam held a Tahlil ceremony at its campus premises in Kiulap on Thursday.

The event was held in conjunction with the holy month of Ramadhan.

Officiating at the ceremony was the CEO and Chairperson of Board of Directors of IGS college Pg Hjh Fatimah Pg Setia Jaya Pg Haji Abdul Momin.

Also present at the event were members of the board of directors, faculty staff and students.

IGS College is the first private higher education institution in Brunei to introduce four new undergraduate degree programmes namely: Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours), Bachelor of Business (Honours) Accounting, Bachelor of Science (Honours) Information Technology and Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Software Engineering. IGS College is also known for being the first private college in Brunei to offer a full three-year degree programme for the students.

The Brunei Times

IGS HOLDS TAHLIL FOR RAMADHAN (BB)

By Syah D

The International Graduate Studies College (IGS) Brunei Darussalam yesterday organised a tahlil at its campus building in Kiulap.

The CEO and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of IGS College, Pengiran Hajah Fatimah binti Pengiran Setia Jaya Pengiran Haji Abdul Momin was the guest of honour.

Among attendees were members of the Board of Directors, faculty, staff and a large number of students. The ceremony was held for the upcoming month of Ramadhan, which will commence in a few days time.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

EDUCATIONAL VISIT FROM IGS COLLEGE BRUNEI DARUSSALAM (FB)

University Library had received twelve visitors from International Graduate Studies College of Brunei Darussalam on Tuesday, 12 July 2011 headed by Ms Francisca Wu. The objectives of the visit were to improve their reading habits and to learn on how to search readings and research materials in University Library by using the library's facilities and services in order to help them in their academic development.

The visit was welcomed by Awang Haji Abdullah bin Haji Tahir, Head of Lending Services Division, UBD. The briefing presented by Awang Haji Abdullah was held at e-Resource Room, second floor, on the university library's background, facilities, collections and services that are available in the library. The tours were led by Awang Haji Jumat bin Haji Ahmad, Assistant Library Officer Grade 1. The visitors were given a tour of the university library's floors. At the end of the visit, the visitors had signed the Library guest’s book and had a group photo for remembrance.

The visitors thanked for the great hospitality, the knowledgeable and fruitful UBD Library tour. It has been very helpful and inspiration to IGSC students.

- Library@UBD (Facebook)

IGS COLLEGE SPECIAL AWARD (RTB)

Determination and courage to achieve academic qualifications inspired three International Graduate Studies, I-G-S College students in clinching the Best Student Award and Special Award. The I-G-S College Special Award was given to excellent and exemplary students throughout the course of their studies despite the various challenges they faced.

The I-G-S College Mentor Award recipient was Awang Haji Mohammad Zulhilmi bin Haji Zaini. The Award was for good academic achievement and contributed firm leadership to the College.

Courtesy of RTB

BRUNEI SHOULD AIM TO BE COMPETITVE (BT)

by Sharleen Othman

'To be a place of choice' for investments, high standards of living

BRUNEI should strive to be a competitive nation and a centre for international activities, Minister of Communications, Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Abdullah, said yesterday.

"If we are a competitive nation, then Brunei will be a place of choice, a place where others are keen to invest and we would have high standards of living and high availability of jobs," Pehin Dato Hj Abdullah told The Brunei Times.

Present as guest of honour at the International Graduate Studies College (IGS College) Brunei convocation, the minister said good communication links are necessary in achieving such goals.

"Basically we want to make Brunei a centre of things," he said.

Following a signing on April 28 with Malaysian company Booz & Co Sdn Bhd, a 13-week study will be conducted on Brunei's transportation and logistics system. The study is aimed at possibly creating Brunei as a logistics hub in the region.

"We want people to come and go from Brunei and conduct businesses in Brunei," adding, any cooperation from neighbouring countries to achieve this vision is welcomed.

The minister aspires for Brunei to have good transport and communications links. "Good internal transport links are prerequisite to facilitate and promote economic and social activities locally while international transport links are indispensable to the economic development, logistics and trade activities," he said.

Pehin Dato Hj Abdullah further said that Brunei was currently lacking behind in terms of advancements in ICT as compared to other countries. "We are looking at ways to make access better by cooperating with other agencies."

He said that good communications, especially telecommunications, were a must in this digital era, adding that such links are "the lifeblood of trade, transaction and banking and other economic activities."

The Brunei Times

IGS COLLEGE GRADUATES 84 STUDENTS (BT)

A TOTAL of 84 students of International Graduate Studies College (IGS College) Brunei yesterday received their graduation certificates during the college's fourth convocation.

Donned in red, black and grey graduation gowns, 26 students received certificates for Higher National Diploma (HND), 23 graduated with National Diploma (ND) and 35 graduated with Pre-National Diploma (PND).

Yesterday's event at the IGS College Main Hall also marked the first convocation for the first intake of part-time students in the college.

"Since IGS College first opened her doors in 2004, the college had awarded diplomas and certificates to 168 students and today will bring the number up to 252 graduates," said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of IGS College Pg Hjh Fatimah PSJ Pg Hj Abd Momin.

She expressed the college's ambitions to provide other programmes such as multi-media, design and other courses besides IT and business fields, in light of global challenges and technological advancement.

Pg Hjh Fatimah said she hopes IGS College graduates are able to contribute to the skilled manpower needed for Brunei's development.

Three special awards were handed out to the graduates yesterday. Al Farhana Bahrom Affendy who had achieved 12 distinctions and three merits during her time at college was given the Best Student Award.

Hj Md Zulhilmi Hj Zaidin, also the student body president, was presented with the Student Mentor Award for his outstanding contribution to college activities.

Part-time student, Izzah Batricia Abdullah Luin @ Patricia Luin, received the Special Mention Award for her excellent academic accomplishments despite having to commute from Belait for night classes after work.

Present to hand over the awards and graduation certificates was Minister of Communications Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Abdullah.

This year, IGS College Brunei became the first private college in the Sultanate to provide full degree programs. On April 11, IGS College launched two degree programmes in Information Technology and Business Administration (Hons), where 75 full-time students enrolled.

The event ended with a photo session to commemorate the ceremony, whilst many stayed behind to enjoy refreshments with departing college mates and lecturers.

The Brunei Times

LIMKOKWING, KOLEJ IGS FORGE PARTNERSHIP (BORNEO POST)

Kolej IGS Brunei Darussalam (Brunei’s International Graduate Studies College) became the first private college in Brunei to launch a batch of full degree programmes. The four programmes are licensed degrees from the Limkokwing University.

The degree programmes were officially launched on April 11 by Brunei’s Deputy Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Awg Yussof Ismail. He pointed out that this partnership reflects the existing friendly relations between Brunei and Malaysia.

Kolej IGS is the first private college in Brunei to introduce full three-year Bachelor’s degree programmes. Awg Yussof said the partnership is testimony to the fact that the private sector is “more than able to assist the government in achieving its Vision 2035.”

Brunei’s Vision aims to develop a sultanate that is recognised for the accomplishments of its well-educated and highly skilled populace.

Representing Limkokwing University was its vice-president Datuk Fajura Juffa Mohd Mustaffa Kamal.

Speaking on behalf of the university’s president Tan Sri Datuk Seri (Dr) Lim Kok Wing, she said: “Any endeavour we embark on, our brand of creative and innovative education is to contribute and support the vision and mission of the country we are in, to build the kind of human capital the country needs for its future.”

Kolej IGS and Limkokwing University formalised the partnership in March this year at the Limkokwing Cyberjaya campus. All the programmes that will be offered have been accredited by the Brunei Darussalam National Accreditation Council (BDNAC). The four Limkokwing’s degrees that are offered by Kolej IGS are Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons), Bachelor of Business (Hons) Accounting, Bachelor of Science (Hons) Information Technology and Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Software Engineering with Multimedia.

On April 11, 63 students registered at the college’s premises in Setia Kenangan Complex Kiulap. Two of the four programmes were offered at the time – 27 students enrolled for Business Administration while 36 students took Software Engineering with Multimedia.

By September, the new intake will include all four programmes.

Whatever programmes the students choose, they have two options – day or evening classes.

The morning sessions cater to those below the age of 25 who want an undergraduate degree before seeking employment. The evening classes are for students who are already working and typically aged between 23 and 40 years old.

The Kolej IGS students will also have the option of doing part of their studies in any of Limkokwing’s foreign campuses under the Global Experience programme. Through this programme, they can do two weeks or one semester at one of the campuses in London, Bali, Cambodia, Beijing or Kuching.

The most popular Global Experience campus is in London. Situated in a heritage building in the vibrant business hub of Piccadilly, Limkokwing University earned the distinction of being the first Asian university to open a campus in the heart of one of Europe’s most dynamic cities.

The Global Experience involves students attending industry-related events as well as talks by industry experts in
their respective field of studies.

Kolej IGS is a private college that was launched in 2004 in Brunei Darussalam.

Up to now, it has been offering Pre-National Diplomas, National Diplomas and Higher National Diplomas
in IT, Business and Finance.

As of April this year, the college was the first private institution of the Sultanate to offer full bachelor’s degree programmes. These degrees in IT and Business are licensed by Limkokwing University.

Kolej IGS is now part of Limkokwing’s network of licensee partners.

Courtesy of Borneo Post

IGS COLLEGE VISITS LIVEWIRE (BB)

In an effort to promote entrepreneurship amongst the youths, 14 students from International Graduate Studies (IGS) College made an educational visit to the Livewire Brunei Office in Berakas.

The 14 students led by Atique Ur Rehman were given a tour of the premises and then briefed about LiveWIRE Brunei's functions and objectives, business programmes, past and upcoming events as well as listened to short stories regarding young successful local and international entrepreneurs.

Livewire Brunei conducts workshops such aBright Ideas (BI), Become a Successful Owner and Manager (BSOM), and Leadership Camp.

Bright Ideas is an introductory course in the legal, financial and mental preparation required to start a business.

While "Become a Succesful Owner and Manager" (BSOM) is an intermediate course which involves knowledge sharing from successful local entrepreneurs and organisations about topics such as business plan writing, marketing, customer relations and self-motivation.

The Livewire Leadership Camp is an activity that teaches the participants how to lead themselves and others.

Every participant who completes the workshops will be presented with a certificate recognised by the Ministry of Education (MoE).

On November 9, 2010, Livewire launched the "Livewire Business Awards" Competition for 2010-2011, which invites schools, higher education institutes and the public to submit their business plans.

By participating in the competition, the participants will see the feasibility of their business ideas in the form of business plans.

This competition also invites existing businesses to participate and to be recognised as successful local entrepreneurs.

The deadline for submission is July 29, 2011.

The next Leadership Camp is on April 29 - May 1, the next scheduled Bright Ideas is on May 17 and 18, and the BSOM workshop is on May 9 - 12.

For more information, contact LiveWIRE at 2220964 or 8714488 during office hours from Monday till Friday between 8am and 5pm.

More information can be found by browsing www.livewire-brunei.com or joining the Livewire Brunei Facebook group.

Livewire Brunei, a community development flagship of Brunei Shell Petroleum, was ' established in 2001 with the aim of introducing and assisting young local Bruneians to entrepreneurship by providing workshops, business programmes, mentoring and business activities.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

LIMKOKWING UNIVERSITY & KOLEJ IGS : AN HISTORICAL PARTNERSHIP IN BRUNEI (LKW)

April 11, 2011 marked the beginning of a new era for the Sultanate of Brunei and Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.

Kolej IGS Brunei Darussalam (Brunei’s International Graduate Studies College) launched the first full degree programmes provided by a private college in Brunei. The four programmes are licensed degrees from the Limkokwing University.

The degree programmes were officially launched by the Deputy Minister of Education of Brunei, Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Yussof Hj Ismail. He pointed out that this partnership reflects the existing friendly relations between Brunei and Malaysia.

Contribution to Vision 2035
Kolej IGS is the first private college in Brunei to introduce full three years Bachelor’s degrees programmes. Dato Seri Setia Awng said the partnership was testimony to the fact that the private sector is “more than able to assist the government in achieving its Vision 2035.”

Brunei’s Vision aims to develop a Sultanate that is recognised for “the accomplishments of its well-educated and highly skilled people” by 2035.

Representing Limkokwing University was Dato’ Fajura Juffa, Vice President of Limkokwing University. Speaking on behalf of the University’s president Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr) Lim Kok Wing, she said “this partnership shows our commitment in supporting Brunei’s Vision 2035.”

“Any endeavour we embark on, our brand of Creative and Innovative education is to contribute and support the vision and mission of the country we are in, to build the kind of human capital the country needs for its future.”

Accredited Degree Programmes
Kolej IGS and Limkokwing University had formalised the partnership in March this year at the Limkokwing Cyberjaya campus. All the programmes that will be offered have been accredited by the Brunei Darussalam National Accreditation Council (BDNAC). The four Limkokwing’s degrees that are offered by Kolej IGS are:


•Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons)

•Bachelor of Business (Hons) Accounting

•Bachelor of Science (Hons) Information Technology

•Bachelor of Science (Hops) in Software Engineering with Multimedia

First Batch Attending Lectures
Sixty-three students registered themselves on April 11 at the college’s premises in Setia Kenangan Complex Kiulap. The programmes are being implemented in two steps. This first cohort group is studying Business Administration (27 students) and Software Engineering with Multimedia (36 students). In September there will be a new intake where all four programmes will be offered.

Flexible Schedules
Whatever programmes the students choose, they have two options - day or evening classes.

The morning sessions cater to those below the age of 25 who want to get an undergraduate degree before seeking for a job. The evening classes are attended by people who are already working and typically aged between 23 and 40 years old.

Students from the Industry
The mature students are working both in the private and public sector in Brunei, and some are sponsored by their employer. Some are in management positions and enrolled for a Limkokwing degree programme to degree to strengthen their knowledge and resume.

Support from Limkokwing University
Prior to the launching of the programmes, two senior faculty members from the Business and IT Faculties at Limkokwing Cyberjaya were in Brunei April 6 and 7 to train
brief the 10 Brunei lecturers who will be teaching the Limkokwing programmes on module structures and moderating procedures. The new students and their parents also met the two faculty members.

A World of Opportunities
The Kolej IGS’s students will also have the option of doing part of their studies in any of Limkokwing’s foreign campuses under the Global Experience programme. Through this programme they can choose to do two weeks to one semester at one of the campuses in London, Bali, Cambodia, Beijing and Kuching.

The most popular Global Experience campus is London. Our campus is located in a heritage building in the vibrant business hub of Piccadilly; it has earned the distinction of being the first Asian university to open a campus in the heart of one of Europe’s most dynamic cities.
The Global Experience involves students attending industry-related events as well as talks by industry experts in their respective field of studies.

Kolej IGS
Kolej IGS is a private college that was launched in 2004, in Brunei Darussalam. Up to now it has been offering Pre-National Diplomas, National Diplomas and Higher National Diplomas in IT, Business and Finance. Since April 2011, the College is the first private institution of the Sultanate to offer full bachelor’s degree programmes. These degrees in IT and Business are licensed by Limkokwing Univervisty, Malaysia.

Limkokwing University of Creative Technology
Kolej IGS is now part of Limkokwing’s network of licensee partners. Limkokwing University is Malaysia’s most globalised university with 12 campuses in Europe, Asia and Africa. The University has a population of 30, 000 students coming from over 150 countries. Limkokwing University is globally reputed for its creative and innovative approach to education.

www.limkokwing.net

DON'T FORGET ABOUT MIB & BRUNEI STUDIES (BB)

The desire of Kolej IGS Brunei Darussalam (Brunei's International Graduate Studies College) to enter into an academic collaboration with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Malaysia, gives an added value to its institutional goals, as this does not only expand its capacity to offer knowledge to potential students but at the same time, acquire a new horizon in the global arena of innovative learning.

This move is truly befitting to an institution that aspires to grow and explore new opportunities that will contribute to nation building.

These observations were made by the Deputy Minister of Education, Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Yussof Hj Ismail, during a ceremony to mark the launching of the college's bachelor degree programmes yesterday at the college's premises in Setia Kenangan Complex Kiulap.

As all the programmes in the new bachelor degree programmes are accredited by the Brunei Darussalam National Accreditation Council (BDNAC), the deputy minister emphasised that Kolej IGS, in offering these programmes, should abide by all the quality assurance requirements as stipulated by the BDNAC.

While these new courses are franchised programmes, Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Yussof expressed his hope that the Kolej IGS would consider making "minor adjustments or additions to this structure in such a way that the modules also have some relevance to the context of Brunei Darussalam".

In this regard, he strongly suggested that modules such as MIB and Brunei Studies should be included.

"I very much anticipate that the partnership between Kolej IGS and Limkokwing University be strengthened and sustained towards a common goal in promoting quality education," he said, adding that the linkage also reflects the existing friendly relations between Brunei and Malaysia, both of which have long shared an aspiration in producing professionals and a quality workforce that contribute to the development of their human capacity needs and future economic stability.

He further noted that Kolej IGS's introduction of its new bachelor degree programmes clearly indicated that government partners in the private sector were "more than able to assist the government in achieving its Vision 2035".

The deputy minister also expressed his hope that the noteworthy initiative spearheaded by Kolej IGS would encourage other private institutions in the Sultanate to take similar stands.

"It is, therefore, high time that we work together in widening access to higher education and advocate quality education in order to provide our generations with the required skills," he said.
Kolej IGS, since its inception in 2004 with an initial intake of 35 students, has shown encouraging growth and development with its Pre-National Diploma and National Diploma programmes.

The college then moved another step further with the launching of its HND programme in 2006 with a cohort of eight students following the success of its Pre-National Diploma and National Diploma programmes.

Since then, the college's HND student population has grown and at the same time, the programme has been expanded to include part-time classes to cater to working adults.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

DEGREE PROGRAMME AVAILABLE AT KOLEJ IGS (BB)

Kolej IGS Brunei Darussalam (International Graduate Studies College) is the first private college in the Sultanate to offer a full three-year degree programme in collaboration with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT), Malaysia.

According to the college's CEO, Pg Hjh Fatimah Pg Setia Jaya Pg Hj Abd Momin, Kolej IGS was also the first private institution in Brunei to offer Diploma programmes of Brunei Darussalam Technical and Vocational Education Council (BDTVEC).

Highlighting the achievements of the college, Pg Hjh Fatimah noted that Kolej IGS has witnessed three convocations to date, the first of which was held in 2007, followed by 2009's and 2010's.

From these convocations, some 168 of the college's students have graduated, including the eight from the first intake of the college's HND course, she said, adding that not less than four of the college's students have also been awarded scholarships by various government and private agencies to pursue their studies abroad.

With these graduating students from all levels of diploma courses, it is timely for the college to provide the next platform for further enhancement.

In light of this, the college is ready to embark onto the next level.

In these challenging times, Kolej IGS is relishing the challenge that is often mentioned Majesty the titahs of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, in which the monarch stressed on the need to be innovative and creative.

According to Pg Hjh Fatimah, LUCT was chosen due to its sharing of similar philosophy as a forward-thinking institution of higher education that sees a vital need to make learning relevant to industry expectations.

The CEO of Kolej IGS said that the collaboration with LUCT, which is known as an outstanding creative technology university worldwide, would further enhance the college's creative thinking and earning practices that are "parallel to the public and private business practices".

Furthermore, this strategic collaboration would greatly prepare and assist the college's graduates in their transition into the working world with a clear understanding of the expectations of industries, she added.

Pg Hjh Fatimah noted that providing the degree programmes at the college was in line with the aspirations of her late father, Pg Setia Jaya Pg Hj Abd Momin Pg Othman, the founder of Kolej IGS, whose legacy was to provide opportunities and help to Bruneians, especially the youths, to further their studies locally.

The Formal Academic Licensing Agreement between the two institutions was signed on March 15, 2011, at LUCT Cyberjaya for the Bachelor of Science (Bons) in Information Technology, Bachelor of Business (lions) in Accounting and Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons).

Classes for the Bachelor of Science (Boris) in Information Technology and Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting (lions) will commence today (April 12) with 65 students enrolled on their respective programmes.

Registration will still be open until April 25, 2011.

"The encouraging number of students (who registered for the programmes) portrays great awareness amongst the youth and parents on how such benefits of long-term investment in education will bring them in future," Pg Hjh Fatimah said.

Dato Fajura Juffa of LUCT, meanwhile, reassured that Limkokwing's creative and innovative education model "would contribute and support the vision and mission of whatever country they are in such as building human capacity and capabilities of the country.

"Here in Brunei, it is no different," she said noting that through creativity and innovation education, they hope to be able to unlock the creative capabilities of each and every student and help build the creative technologically-savvy human capacity for the Sultanate.

As a word of encouragement to students, Dato Fajurah Juffa said: "The future will always be driven by creativity and innovation. It will always be about making the impossible possible.

It will always be about doing things no one has ever done, and going to places no one has ever been."

Among those who attended yesterday's launching ceremony were: Malaysian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Dato Abdul lah Sani Omar; Brunei's Permanent Secretary (Core Education), Awg Hj Mahrub Hj Murni; as well as senior government officials, members of the Board of Directors of Kolej IGS and representatives of LUCT.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

IGS DEGREE PROGRAMME LAUNCHING (RTB)

International Graduate Studies College, IGS, has shown an encouraging growth and development since its inception in 2004 with an initial intake of 35 students. To date, 168 students have graduated from the college with its Pre-National Diploma, National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programmes. This morning, once again, IGS marked another milestone as it became the first private college in Brunei to offer Degree Programmes.

Speaking at the Official launch of International Graduate Studies College Bachelor Degree Programmes, the Deputy Minister of Education, Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yusof, expressed his pleasure in hearing the success stories of IGS College, saying that, not only does the college give added value to its capacity to offer knowledge to potential students, but it also acquires a new horizon in the global arena of innovative learning by widening the possibilIty of dynamism and flexibility that an educational institution should nurture during these changing and challenging times.

IGS College offers full three year degree programme in Brunei Darussalam in collaboration with Lim Kok Wing University of Creative Technology Malaysia. The formal agreement between the two institutions was signed on March 15, 2011. The programmes offered are in Bachelor (Honours) of Information Technology and Bachelor (Honours) of Business Administration. All the programmes are accredited by the Brunei Darussalam National Accreditation Council, Ministry of Education. The first intake commences on April 12. A couple of students shared their views.

Courtesy of RTB

PRIVATE TERTIARY INSTITUTE TO EXPAND PROGRAMMES (BT)

by Nurhamiza Hj Roslan

THE International Graduate Studies (IGS) College is looking to expand its degree courses in collaboration with Malaysia's Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT).

Chief Executive Officer of IGS College Pg Hjh Fatimah Pg Setia Jaya Pg Hj Abdul Momin said the college plans to offer more programmes related to the field of creative industries.

Yesterday, IGS College launched four honours degree programmes in Business and IT. These programmes are twinning degree programmes with LUCT.

On the sidelines of the launching ceremony, Pg Hjh Fatimah told The Brunei Times that IGS college would be offering other programmes not limited to IT and business courses.

"LUCT has inspired me and I think we are going to offer more than what we are offering now," she said.

The CEO said IGS College could offer many more programmes especially those related to design and broadcasting, as well as short courses.

Nurturing the talents and skills of students was the main reason IGS College approached LUCT in coming up with programmes for students' further studies, Pg Hjh Fatimah explained.

She also said that IGS College approached LUCT because the university's philosophy was about embarking on innovation and creativity which goes in line with the aspirations of students at IGS College.

Students at IGS College's strengths leaned more towards skills and talents and it was through skills and talents they excelled, the CEO said.

Dato Fajura Juffa who represented LUCT at the launch of IGS College's twinning degree programmes said she hoped that the newly-offered degree programmes IGS College would expand.

She also hoped that more students would enroll in the programmes and realise the type of education that LUCT and IGS College could provide.

Dato Fajura expressed her confidence that in the future, programmes at IGS College would expand from just IT and Business courses to multimedia, design and other courses.

"Today, creative industries is the driving force. It's about building content, about people producing (their own) works, whether it's animation or software or opening up of their own businesses," said Dato Fajura.

The Brunei Times

COLLEGE IGS LAUNCHES DEGREE PROGRAMMES (BT)

by Zatty Joanda

THE International Graduate Studies College (IGS) officially launched their degree programme yesterday morning at the college's main hall yesterday morning. Present at the event as the guest of honour was Deputy Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Hj Yusoff Hj Ismail. Also present at the event was the Malaysian High Commissioner Dato Abdullah Sani Omar and Dato Fajura Juffa from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT) representative, other senior government officials, lecturers and students of IGS College.

IGS College is the first private college in Brunei to offer a full three-year degree programme for the students in collaboration with LUCT Malaysia.

The event began with a speech presented by Pg Hjh Fatimah Pg Setia Jaya Pg Hj Abd Momin, CEO and principal of IGS College and was then followed by a speech by Dato Fajura Juffa, the LUCT representative.

The guest of honour, Dato Hj Yusoff also presented a speech as well as to officiate the launching of the degree programme.

A formal agreement between IGS College and LUCT was signed on March 15, 2011 for the two degree programmes which are offered namely the Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons) and Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons), available in both morning and evening sessions.

All the programmes are accredited by the Brunei Darussalam National Accreditation Council (BDNAC) of the Ministry of Education.

The degree classes commences today.

The Brunei Times