UK colleges look into possible partnerships
Students talking to a UK University representative during the UK education exhibition held at Rizqun International Hotel. Picture: BT/ Rudolf Portillo
BY FUNG SIEW MUN
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN - BRITISH colleges are mulling possible partnerships with local institutions in response to the rising trend ofBruneian students pursuing tertiary education outside of the Sultanate.
In particular, they are keen to attract local students interested in an overseas Vocational and Technical Educational (VTE) level programmes. This was noted during the Education United Kingdom (UK) Exhibition 2012 at Rizqun International hotel in Gadong yesterday.
According to Stevenson College Edinburgh (SCE) International Development Executive (Recruitment), Stuart Easter, the rise in Bruneian students pursuing vocational education outside of the Sultanate is "definitely" apparent.
"Since we only came in October last year (for the first time), we already have Bruneian students arriving in January this year."
Stuart also revealed as the college exhibition in Brunei "has been very successful so far", possibilities of cooperation with local institutions are in the pipelines.
"We are interested in potential collaboration with local institutions in Brunei, especially because vocational education is on the rise (in Brunei)."
"They (Ministry of Education - MoE) have made me aware that there are local institutions keen to partner with UK institutions. We are in discussion (at the moment)," Stuart added.
This year's education fair was the second time for the college to exhibit in Brunei.
Hull College Project Manager Alastair Brooks said that a qualification in HND is "something the Brunei education market is looking for".
Commenting on the rise of Brunei students at the vocational level, Alastair said:"Certainly a high level of interest, that is one of the reason we are here. I believe we can help to satisfy the market."
Alastair further said Hull College is looking "to potentially partner with institutions in Brunei" where the college is currently researching the market and hopes to offer its expertise.
Speaking to The Brunei Times, the British Council's Deputy Director of Higher Education noted that students will find flexibility in terms of educational pathways whether in the foundation level or to a postgraduate level in addition to a diverse range of courses offered by the institutions at the education fair.
Francine Dawson said she noticed students have shown a "focused response" by doing their research before coming in to the fair.
"I see less and less people asking really generic questions. Questions are more targeted... they have already done their research."
At the same time, Francine said students to the exhibition fair are making their "choices driven by what is on the scholarship list (offered by MoE)."
On the attraction of UK institutions, Francine noted that UK universities aim to create an international feel to its campus, valuing different nationalities.
Local students can also benefit from a holistic learning experience as well as being a "global citizen" since UK is a hub to Europe.
The UK Education Fair will continue today at Katok Sixth Form Centre, Gadong, from 10am to 2pm.
-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times
