BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

UNIVERSITI Brunei Darussalam (UBD) students praised the varsity’s Discovery Year programme as it helped them prepare for their future careers.

The two-semester Discovery Year programme, which was introduced in 2011 for third-year students, is meant for them to experience life outside the university, by undergoing work experience, conducting charity work or studying abroad.

Michelle Chen Pei Vun, an Art and Creative Technology undergraduate at UBD told The Brunei Times that she is grateful for the one-year experience because she was able to improve herself. She is currently undergoing an internship at a local company, Shazana’s Production House.

“Throughout the programme, I became more open to ask questions if I were unsure, I also became bolder and positive to share my ideas and to accomplish tasks,” she said.

Michelle Chen noted that she has developed her character through the experience she believes will assist her to excel in her future career.

Kathy Chin Xin Yi, an English Language and Linguistics student, who is also undergoing her internship in Shazana’s Production House, said she gained a new experience through the work environment.

“Since the Discovery Year, I have learned to step outside my comfort zone because I was dealing with a new environment, where I learned so many new things to help me prepare myself for the future,” she said.

With her new work experience, she believes that it will be beneficial since she will be prepared for her future career knowing what to expect.

Erwan Mugit, a Professional Communication and Media student, said he worked at Radio Televisyen Brunei (RTB) for his internship programme.

“The experience at RTB has taught me work ethics, which is good because it will guide me for my future career path.

“I’ve learned to persevere and tackle our tasks well, initiating actions to obtain better results, therefore it has given me a proper mindset and a sneak peek before entering a permanent career,” he said.

Erwan advised future youth to be more open to new experiences and take action to ensure a brighter future.

“Future students need to learn to take in the positives from the experiences and learn from all the downsides to make you stronger,” he said.

In a report last year, UBD Vice-Chancellor Dato Paduka Dr Hj Zulkarnain Hj Hanafi said the Discovery Year programme had brought students to six continents to gain experience of life outside the university.

The compulsory Discovery Year module was introduced as part of UBD’s GenNext degree programme.

The Brunei Times