BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THREE top Bruneian students were awarded Total E&P Borneo BV scholarships to pursue further studies in engineering at prestigious institutions in France.

Straight-A students Mohammad Hazri Hj Mohd of Duli Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah College (Maktab Duli), Hazel Lim Sheau Shiuan and Goh Jing Shun from Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College (Maktab Sains) signed a contract with the Total Education Scholarship Scheme yesterday.

Mohammad Hazri is slated to study chemical engineering, while Lim and Goh will pursue mechanical engineering.

Under the scholarship, the 18-year-old students will undertake their six-year higher education course, including postgraduate studies, before they are offered work experience with French oil firm Total.

Total E&P Borneo BV General Manager Yves Grosjean said the students will undergo their foundation programme at L’Institut Universitaire de Technologie before pursuing their undergraduate studies at top universities in France.

In a brief interview, Grosjean said the scholarship scheme was Total’s contractual commitment through the production sharing agreement with PetroleumBRUNEI.

“Through this programme, we award excellent Bruneian students who have completed their A-levels to pursue both the equivalent of their first degree and master’s degree in top universities in France, this is in the hope that one day they will be able to contribute back to the nation’s economy,” he said.

“The six-year programme will include a one-year intensive French language course, followed by a five-year undergraduate degree and post-graduate programme in a country well known for its excellence in engineering education,” he added.

The scholars vowed to return to Brunei after gaining international work experience in the oil and gas sector, where they hope to contribute to Brunei’s national development.

Yesterday’s signing ceremony, was witnessed by Permanent Secretary (Downstream and Power) at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Paduka Hj Jamain Hj Julaihi.

The Brunei Times