'Be single-minded to succeed'

HM urges Bruneian students in UK, Ireland to help turn sultanate into nation of intellectuals

HIS MAJESTY Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam called on students in the United Kingdom and Ireland to succeed by being single-minded in their academic pursuits and help Brunei become a generation of intellectuals and so turn the sultanate into a great and prosperous nation.

"Students' objective at this point in their lives is one and only one. Success in their studies," said the monarch.

His Majesty also stressed the need for students to realise the importance of the future, to be grateful and not take lightly that Brunei is a country blessed with peace, harmony and prosperity.

His Majesty, who was speaking to Bruneian students in UK and Ireland at the Intercontinental Hotel in London, stressed that students are not abroad to earn a living, but to gain knowledge.

"They (students) should not be involved in any post removed from their studies, or any sort of work, but should devote their time and energy towards their education," added His Majesty.

The full devotion towards studying is the right attitude to adopt, said Brunei's monarch, however it is one that only comes about when students grasp importance of the future, and hence it is one which students themselves must prepare themselves for.

"A great intellect and maturity will bring one to the threshold of success," said the Sultan adding that it is not something which can be attained without sacrifice, and that success can only be attained through hard work.

The students also heard His Majesty placing great emphasis on the need to to preserve Brunei's characteristics of tranquility and prosperity, which have become a hallmark of the nation's identity.

His Majesty said that the two aspects are special gifts bestowed on Brunei and all should be grateful for it.

His Majesty also reminded the students that they should not take things for granted by living extravagantly, but rather be mindful of the fortunate circumstances they find themselves in.

The royal reception held saw students from all the corners of the UK and Ireland converge in London to greet His Majesty.

Of the 1,315 students in the UK, 1,020 are on government scholarships, while the remainder of them are Brunei Shell Petroleum, Brunei Shell Tanker scholars and private students.

His Majesty was joined at the reception by Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha and Her Royal Highness Pengiran Isteri Azrinaz Mazhar and other members of the Royal family and was received by the Brunei High Commissioner in London, Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Maidin and The President of the Brunei Students Union, Awangku Shahyzul Kahiruddien Pbin Pengiran Abdul Rahman and members of the Diplomatic corps and the committee members of the students union.

The Brunei Times