BIBD ALAF Welcomes 86 New Students and Expands Educational Support Through Bursary Scheme
- ALAF, Bruneian at Heart, Community, Featured
Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) welcomed 86 new students into its BIBD ALAF Programme today, reaffirming its belief in the transformative power of education. The event, attended by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Minister of Home Affairs and Chairman of BIBD, also saw the launch of the BIBD ALAF Bursary, a significant expansion of BIBD’s efforts to ensure inclusivity and opportunities for all. Also in attendance were senior government officials, BIBD management and staff, BIBD ALAF parents, and key strategic partners.
The 56 students who received their scholarships today mark the latest chapter in BIBD ALAF’s ongoing mission to empower Brunei’s youth. Through this programme, these students will gain access to comprehensive support that encompasses financial aid, academic resources, and personal development initiatives. Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin presented the scholarships, underscoring the importance of education as a vehicle for social mobility and national progress.
Currently, six BIBD ALAF Scholars are pursuing their studies overseas in prestigious universities across Australia, Malaysia, and Egypt. Among them, Awang Saiful Azmi bin Saradin, who graduated with a Degree in Syariah Islamiah from Al Azhar University in Cairo, received his graduation certificate from the Guest of Honour during the event. His success highlights the programme’s ability to nurture exceptional talent and equip students with the tools to thrive globally.
The BIBD ALAF Programme is built on the belief that education has the power to break the cycle of poverty and transform lives. By providing students from underprivileged backgrounds with opportunities to excel academically and personally, the programme not only changes the circumstances of these students but also uplifts their families and communities.
Since its inception in 2014, the programme has been dedicated to ensuring no child is left behind, regardless of their financial circumstances. It provides an inclusive framework that supports students’ educational journeys from primary school to higher education, creating pathways for lifelong learning and success.
In its commitment to expanding access to education, BIBD also launched the Skim Bursari Penggalak ALAF, a three-year pilot programme aimed at Year 6 students from underprivileged families. 30 students will make up the first cohort of the scheme, designed to provide targeted interventions to help them overcome academic challenges and enabling them to transition smoothly into the BIBD ALAF Programme. This initiative ensures that even the most vulnerable students are not left behind, embodying BIBD’s inclusive approach to education.
The BIBD ALAF Programme is a flagship initiative fully funded by Zakat funds. It offers a comprehensive support system that goes beyond financial aid, encompassing mentorship, capacity-building, and holistic development. To date, the programme has supported hundreds of students in achieving their academic aspirations, both locally and internationally.
The programme aligns with national priorities, such as Brunei Vision 2035, by fostering a knowledgeable and skilled generation ready to contribute to the nation’s development. By empowering students with education, BIBD ALAF seeks to create lasting change, enabling students to overcome challenges, achieve success, and ultimately give back to their families and communities.
