BIBD ALAF: A Testament To The Power Of Education And Community Support

The BIBD ALAF programme is delighted to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Lai Fook Looeng, who has successfully graduated with a Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree from the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom. This significant milestone not only marks a personal achievement for Lai Fook Looeng but also highlights the impactful role of BIBD ALAF in fostering academic excellence among underprivileged students in Brunei. 

Lai Fook Looeng, aged 24, joined the BIBD ALAF programme in 2015 as part of Batch 2. Despite facing challenging living conditions, including a lack of direct water supply and reliance on a generator for electricity, Lai’s unwavering dedication to his studies has seen him excel consistently. His academic journey is a testament to both his perseverance and the strong support provided by BIBD ALAF. Achieving an outstanding 85% academic performance over 10 years, Lai has earned the prestigious BIBD ALAF STAR Award annually. 

In 2020, Lai Fook Looeng was named a BIBD ALAF Scholar and received a fully funded university education through the BIBD ALAF programme. Graduating with a Second Class Division One (2:1) classification, Lai Fook Looeng now holds an Integrated Master’s degree in Pharmacy. His passion for cardiovascular medications will be further pursued during his Foundation Training at Torbay Hospital in the United Kingdom, beginning in 2024. 

“Education is a powerful tool for transforming lives, and Lai Fook Looeng’s achievements underscore the importance of providing opportunities for lifelong learning,” said BIBD’s Head of Government Relations and Special Projects, Haji Mohammad Yusri bin Haji Wahsalfelah. “His success story reflects BIBD’s commitment to supporting Brunei’s Vision 2035 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 4: Quality Education. Lai’s accomplishments are a shining example of how determination and the right support can lead to extraordinary outcomes.” 

The BIBD ALAF (Advocating Lifelong Learning for an Aspiring Future) programme, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2023, is an integral part of BIBD’s contribution to Wawasan 2035. By empowering students like Fook Looeng, BIBD ALAF not only provides education assistance but also nurtures a competent and sustainable generation of Bruneian youth, envisioned to lead the nation towards its ambitious goals. BIBD ALAF allows students from underprivileged backgrounds to change their lives through the power of education, assured of BIBD ALAF’s strong support in their education endeavours. 

Lai Fook Looeng’s journey from humble beginnings to academic excellence epitomises the transformative power of education and community support, which underlies BIBD’s ongoing commitment toward the BIBD ALAF programme. As the first in his family to graduate from university, it is hoped that his success story can be an inspiration to many others. 

BIBD remains committed to empowering the community and contributing to the development of Brunei’s future leaders. BIBD believes that investing in these high potential students will bring benefits to the country in the future. This is BIBD’s commitment to giving back. Through initiatives like BIBD ALAF, the bank continues to be a trusted partner in supporting government initiatives and promoting lifelong education.