STEP FORWARD - 5th Issue

THE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT PARTNERSHIP CENTRE
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
STEP FORWARD
Dec 2008
Issue : 5 Tel/Fax : 2335963. E-mail: step@moe.edu.bn
STEP Centre @ Teachers’ Day Exhibitions Inside
By: Zulbahri Achee
His Majesty the Sultan and

Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei
Darussalam consented to
grace the 18th National Brunei Robotics Olympiad 2009
Teachers' Day Celebration (BRO)
2008, themed 'Guru [See page 3]
Pembentuk Tunas Bangsa' or
'Teachers' Shape the Nation's
Youth' held at the Plenary Hall,
International Convention
His Majesty listening to the explanation from Cikgu Alinormin on
Centre. how the LEGO Robots work
Four special booths were set up for the various achievements in education, namely:
• Technical and Vocational Education Two students bring home bronze at
• Efforts on Mathematics, Science and English Language IMC, Chiang Mai, Thailand
[See page 6]
• Excellent Students
• International Participation
STEP Centre was given the opportunity to participate in the exhibition. Among
those displayed by STEP Centre were the winners of the RoboTech Competion,
the Brunei Robotics Olympiad (BRO) and the PPPS (Program Peningkatan
Pencapaian Sains) or ‘The Science Achievement Enhancement Programme’ for the
Secondary and Primary levels.
Brunei awarded with special award
at IRO, KL, Malaysia.
[See page 8]
SPE Paper contest

[See page 27]
Page 1 STEP Newsletter

STEP
FORWARD Messages
Foreword from The Acting Head of STEP Centre

Hj Metali bin Hj Mirasan
Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

Dear Readers
Welcome to the 5th issue of STEP FORWARD. This issue will provide details about
some of the activities and programmes carried out by the Science, Technology &
Environment Partnership Centre (STEP) throughout the 2nd half of the year 2008.
STEP Centre was given the task by the Ministry of Education and Brunei Shell
Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd to review the EXPLOMATHS and INFORAMA
Competitions.
Under the Science Enrichment Programmes (Secondary), Sekolah Menengah Awang Semaun organised study visits for
Menengah 2 students to Mangkabau Dam in Mentiri, and Tasik Merimbun Heritage Park,Tutong, on 9th August 2008.
As our annual projects, we organised the ROBOTECH Competition, on 20th August 2008 at Sekolah Menengah Berakas,
and the BRUNEI ROBOTICS OLYMPIADS on 28th August 2008, at Sekolah Menengah PAP Hajah Masna.
We continued to work closely with non- governmental organisations i.e. Tech Challenge with Oil & Gas Discovery Centre
(OGDC) on 30th July and 4th August 2008, and an Essay Writing Competition with Society Petroleum Engineers (SPE).
Together with the Human Resources Development Section, the Scholarship Section and the Principal Committee
(JAPTIM) we successfully organised ' Ramah Mesra Hari Raya' for the Ministry of Education on 24th October 2008.
On religious side we managed to organise 'Khatam Al Quran' on 25th September 2008 and 'Majlis Korban' on 9th
December 2008 for officers and staff of the centre.
Lastly, I would like to thank The Permenant Secretary (Core Education), and the Director General for their invaluable
advice and support, as well as Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd for their continuous financial support.
Wassalam.
Editorial Board
Patron
Datin Paduka Dayang Apsah binti Hj Abdul Majid
Permanent Secretary [Core Education] Awang Nor Erawadi bin Haji Ibrahim
Ministry of Education. Senior Education Officer, STEP Centre.
Advisor Awang Azahan bin Hj Abd Wahab

Awang Hj Metali bin Hj Mirasan Education Officer, STEP Centre.
Acting Head of STEP Centre
Awang Hj Fadzil bin Hj Mohd Salleh
Chief Editor Education Officer, STEP Centre.
Awang Zulbahri bin Achee
Education Officer, STEP Centre. Dayang Satinah binti Hj Abang
Education Officer, STEP Centre.
Editors
Dayang Sarimah binti Abu Bakar Awang Syed Rozman bin Syed Hj Abd Rahim
Senior Education Officer, STEP Centre. Education Officer, STEP Centre.

STEP
FORWARD
News
NATIONAL LEVEL
BRUNEI ROBOTIC OLYMPIAD (BRO) 2008
By: Azahan Hj Abd Wahab
Sekolah Menengah Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam (SMJA) and Sekolah Rendah Binturan emerged as
the champions for the Brunei Robotic Olympiad 2008. SM SMJA won the Smash Triathlon category
(Secondary level) after defeating 31 other teams whereas SR Binturan won first place out of a total of 27
teams for the Base Runner category (Primary level). The competition was held on 28th August 2008 at the
Multipurpose Hall, Pg Anak Puteri Hajah Masna Secondary School.
Present as Guest of Honour was Awangku Abdullah bin Pengiran Haji Tengah, Director of Curriculum
Development, Ministry of Education. In his speech, he hoped that through this competition, students will able
to produce, build and create their own robots. With the introduction of ‘Design dan Technology’ as a subject
in the new education system, Sistem Pendidikan Negara 21(SPN 21) he hoped that, it will increase the
opportunity for students to increase their technical know-how in the robotic world.
Champions in both categories received a cash prize of $400 each, individual trophies, certificates and a
trophy for the team. The 1st runner-up were to Sekolah Menengah Sultan Hassan, Temburong and
Sekolah Rendah Muhammad Alam, Seria. These schools also received a cash prize of $300 each,
individual trophies, certificates and a team trophy. Sekolah Menengah Muda Hashim from Tutong and
Sekolah Rendah Junjongan came third. Each school received a cash prize of $200, certificates, individual
trophies and team trophies.

STEP
FORWARD
News
LOMBOK EXPERIENCE FOR YOUNG BRUNEI

OLYMPIAD STUDENTS
By: Nor Erawadi Haji Ibrahim
2008 was the fifth year that STEP co-ordinated Brunei’s participation in the International Mathematics And
Science Olympiad for Primary Schools (IMSO) in Indonesia. The Brunei primary 6 contingent this time was
located in Lombok Island, Indonesia from 8th to 16th November 2008. This Olympiad was organised by the
Ministry of National Education, Republic of Indonesia and was the first time it was held away from the
capital city, Jakarta. Once again, we triumphed by winning a bronze medal for Science. Lim Sye Torng, a
primary 6 student from St Andrew’s School was our sole medal recipient. Elated she said, “When my name
was announced as one of the winners, I was very happy and I couldn’t believe it! I am very thankful that I
had not wasted the last 3 months training hard with STEP Centre and the teachers.”
The Brunei contingent consisting of 3 science and 3

mathematics participants gave their best effort in the
olympiad. The students who represented Mathematics were
Raifanna binti Haji A. Buntar from Sekolah Rendah Bebuloh,
Mohd. Hafiy Rusyduddin bin Abdul Hadi from Yayasan
SHHB School and Jessica Kok Pei Chii from Chung Hwa
School, BSB.
The students who represented science were Mohd

Khairurrijal Hazim Hj Abd Momin from Yayasan SHHB
School, Lim Sye Torng from St. Andrew’s School, BSB and
Nur Azyyati Haziqah binti Haji Mohamad from PGGMB
School, Sungai Akar.
The Brunei delegation consisting of parents and students
cheered after the prize presentation ceremony
The delegation was led by myself and accompanied by Cikgu Maimunah binti Abdul Ghani, an Education
Officer from Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Tutong Secondary School as Mathematic Tutor and
Dayangku Hjh Fatriah binti Pengiran Haji Bujang, an education officer from Sayyidina Abu Bakar Secondary
School as Science Tutor.
According to Mohd Hafiy “It has been an exciting and memo-

rable trip for me as it was fun because I got to hang out with
Hazim, my classmate and my four other wonderful friends,
Jessica, Lim, Haziqah and Raifanna, whom I had come to
know and trained with for the last three months.” He added,
“Thank you to STEP for giving me the chance to go for this
IMSO trip. Last but not least, thank you to Cikgu Erawadi,
Cikgu Maimunah, Cikgu Fatriyah, Cikgu Norliza, Cikgu
Suriayanti, Teacher Stefanie, Cikgu Saidin and Teacher
Nana for the training, knowledge and support given to me.”
Meanwhile Hazim commented on the papers, “Theory paper
One was OK but theory paper Two was very, very, very
hard!. Even though I felt disappointed because I did not get Lim, Hafiy, Hazim, Raifanna and Haziqah (from left to right) in
any medals, I felt happy for my friend who got bronze.” high. Jessica was sick on that day and was resting in her room
Knowing Lombok
Apart from participating in the Olympiad, the Brunei students garnered new information and experiences about
the people and livelihood of the Lombok island community. Lombok is fast becoming Indonesia’s favourite
tourist destination like Bali, which is located just opposite the island. In Lombok, one could go diving,
snorkeling, surfing, sailing or simply relax around. The main beach areas are Senggigi beach in the north and
Kuta beach in the south.

STEP
FORWARD
News
From page 4
The capital city is called Mataram City. Even though there was Hindu influence of Java-Bali history, the local
community is predominantly Malay Muslims with mosques (moshala) built within each village. The
traditional arts, music and dance very much use gendang belek, rebana and hadrah similar to our very own
local instruments in Brunei.
Mataram City has a population of about 350,000 – similar to Brunei. The whole of Lombok has about 4
million people. The indigenous people of Lombok are called Sasak. Travelling on the roads of Lombok, one
can see hectares of padi fields with scenic volcanic mountain range in the background. The highest
mountain in Lombok, Mount Rinjani, 3726 m, is the second highest mountain in the whole of Indonesia and
is famous for trekking. The main economic activity is agriculture especially rice-growing.
The delegation had an opportunity to visit a local pottery factory in the Banyumulek area, a local museum
housing crafts and clothes of ancient royal rulers, a local Lombok theater in Sayang-Sayang area, a local
ancient park called Mayura Garden and a Water Palace and a cloth-weaving activity in a village in the
Sukarara area. There were just a lot of active craftswork in Lombok.
Altogether, around 120 contestants competed in the olympiad. Apart from Brunei Darussalam, they came
from Chinese-Taipei, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Nigeria, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Hong kong, and
Indonesia. The STEP Centre, Ministry of Education, as the co-ordinating body, congratulate the students,
teachers and tutors as well as their parents for their encouragement and continuous support throughout the
process of the Olympiad.
Lim Sye Torng’s proud moment after receiving the bronze Our two boys actually sang “live” while the girls danced in
medal from the Mayor of Mataram City in the presence of the background during the country cultural performance!
Indonesian Education Ministry officials.
The Opening Ceremony in its grandeur was witnessed by

The Brunei students also mingled with their new friends from
thousands of Lombok locals in Mataram City! Our students
Sri Lanka and Malaysia as they took a picture at the
were paraded into the local padang led by Pak Rana, the
Santosa Resort lobby.
ever-friendly liaison officer for the Brunei delegation.

STEP
FORWARD
News
Primary and Secondary Students in IMC, Chiang Mai 2008

By: Syed Rozman
Two local students did Brunei proud when they won Bronze medals for the Upper Primary category in the
International Mathematics Competition (IMC) 2008 which took place in Chiang Mai, Thailand from 24th – 31st
October 2008. This year the competition was organised by the Bureau of Educational Innovation, Ministry of
Education, Thailand.
The winners were Awangku Muhammad Al-Ameen Bin Pengiran Mohd. Yani from Sekolah Tunas Jaya PGGMB,
Lambak and Dayang Lim Jia Ying from Sekolah St. Andrew, BSB. Both from the Upper Primary Category.
Ak Muhammad Al-Ameen Bin Pg Mohd. Yani Lim Jia Ying
The objectives of this competition were:

• to organize an international mathematics competition for upper primary education (Key stage II) and lower
secondary education (Key stage III) students.
• to motivate students and teachers to improve the teaching and learning of mathematics and high-order
thinking skills.
• to establish cooperation networks of international mathematics improvement.
• to provide students with opportunities to exchange mathematics knowledge and practice, and cultural
experiences among participating cities and countries.
• to upgrade school curriculum concerning mathematics to international standards.
There were two categories: Upper Primary Category and Lower Secondary Category. There were four students
from each category. Two other students in the Upper Primary Category were Dayang Leong Chie Hui from
Sekolah St. George, BSB and Dayang Nurhazimah binti Awang Mahmud, from Sekolah Sunshine, Gadong.
Another four took part in the Lower Secondary category and they were Dayang Chin Le Hui from Sekolah
Menengah Pengiran Jaya Negara Pg. Haji Abu Bakar and the others were from Maktab Sains Paduka Seri
Begawan Sultan; Dayang Radin Mas Sofiyahwati binti Radin Mas Mohamad Sufri, Dayang Nurul Bahriah Afiqah
binti Haji Matali and Awang Han Tzuen Chour
Visit at Maesa Elephant Training Centre Northern Style Dinner Party at Khum Khantok

STEP
FORWARD
News
From page 6
The Brunei delegation was led by Cikgu Satinah bte Hj Abang, an Education Officer from STEP Centre. Also
accompanying the students were Cikgu Syed Rozman bin Hj Syed Abd Rahim, an education officer from STEP
Centre; Cikgu Yus Sandera binti Md. Hassan, an Education Officer from Maktab Duli Pengiran Muda Al
-Muhtadee Billah; and Cikgu Stephanie Lee Mei Hui, an Education Officer from Sekolah Menengah Sultan Sharif
Ali
Group photo of Brunei Team
Brunei students competed against participants from 24 other countries which included Australia, Bangladesh,
Bulgaria, Canada, China, Cyprus, Germany, Hong kong, India , Iran , Korea, Laos, the Netherland, Nigeria,
Rwanda, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, South Africa, Thailand, Taiwan and the Philippines. There
were 224 participants in the Upper Primary Category; and 260 participants in the Lower Secondary category.
Students representing Brunei were among the winners of the national-level competition held in February 2008
organised by STEP Centre supported by Brunei Shell Petroleum Sdn Bhd.
Brunei’s Exhibition Booth Visit at Chiang Mai Zoo

STEP
FORWARD
News
BRUNEI STUDENTS BRING MEDALS FROM

THE 10th INTERNATIONAL ROBOT OLYMPIAD (IRO) 2008
By: Azahan Hj Abd Wahab
The 10th International Robot Olympiad (IRO) 2008 was held at the International Islamic University Malaysia
(IIUM) Kuala Lumpur from 17th-21st December 2008. The competition was hosted by the International Robot
Olympiad Committee (IROC) and organised by Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA). ‘Serving Humanity through
Intelligent Robotic System’ was the theme for the competition.
A total of over 700 participants from 8 countries
participated in the competition and which was considered
to be one of the largest robot events for the youngsters.
Other participating countries were China, South Korea,
Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and
Malaysia. Two teams represented Negara Brunei
Darussalam i.e Sekolah Rendah Binturan, and Sekolah
Menengah Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam (SMJA).
Both teams participated in the Rolling Ball Maze Solving,
Cart Rolling Ball Maze Solving and Legged Robot Race
Games for the primary and secondary levels. The teams
took part in 6 different categories out of more than 20
competed categories.
The students from SR Binturan were:

1. Khairul Amirul bin Mohammad Adnani
2. Aiman Hafizul Akram bin Muhd Waffe
3. Mohammad Najib bin Abdul Manaf
And from SM SMJA were :

1. Abdul Malek bin Manap
2. Amiratul Akmal binti Alimin
3. Siti Nursakinah Afiqah bte Hj Zulkifli
The teams were accompanied and supervised by their
teachers, Cikgu Samri bin Hj Jumat from SM SMJA,
Cikgu Alinomin bin Hj Omarali from SR Binturan
and two STEP Officers , Dyg Satinah binti Hj Abang
and Awg Azahan bin Hj Abdul Wahab as the Head of
Delegation.
4 out of the 6 students received special awards from 4 different categories. They were Aiman Hafizul Akram from SR
Binturan for the Rolling Ball Maze Solving Junior League, Abdul Malek from SM SMJA for the Rolling Ball Maze
Solving Challenge League Amiratul Akmal grasped another medal for the Cart Rolling Ball Maze Solving Challenge
League and Siti Nursakinah Afiqah pairing with Amiratul Akmal received another medal in the Legged Robot Race
Challenge League.
Special Award medals were given to students who showed outstanding talent in various skills such as creativity in
designing, speed in building up and testing the robots and programming their own robot during the competition.
Only 3 to 5 participants from each category were given this Special Award.

STEP
FORWARD
News
3rd Tech Challenge Competition 2009

By: Zulbahri Achee
The third Oil and Gas Discovery Centre (OGDC) National Tech Challenge competition was held at OGDC,
Seria. Out of 37 schools which took part in the preliminary round, only 10 teams went through to the finals.
The competition was organised in partnership with the Science Technology, Environment Partnership (STEP)
Centre at the Ministry of Education and the Faculty of Science at Universiti Brunei Darussalam. This year's
competition was themed "Earth day".
Two tasks were given during the final competition, the first
was that the students were asked to create a machine
which can run on water power and the second task was to
build a hydropower system capable of lifting a cup filled
with marbles. The students were given styrofoam cups,
plastic spoons, cellotape, threads and little sticks as raw
materials.
Berakas Secondary School was crowned the winner, while

Pengiran Dipa Negara Pg Jaya Sengkarai Secondary
School emerged as first runner-up and Sayyidina Ali
Secondary School as second runner-up.
The guest of honour during the function, Dayang Hjh Masni Hj Munir, External Affairs Advisor at Brunei Shell
Petroleum, in her speech said, the students who participated in the competition were exposed to the joy of
science through hands-on activities.

STEP
FORWARD
News
SHOWCASING STEP CENTRE

DURING INFORAMA CARNIVAL 2008
STEP Centre was invited to participate in the INFORAMA Carnival 2008 held and organised
by Sekolah Menengah Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Rashidah Saadatul Bolkiah in Lumut.
The two day carnival was held in the Multi-Purpose Hall of the school. During the opening
ceremony on 11th August 2008, the guest-of-honour Cikgu Hajah Norjum binti Hj Yusop,
Deputy Permanent Secretary (Corporate Services), Ministry of Education spent the whole
morning going through each booth and mingling with the participants in the exhibition. Most
of the booths showcased ICT-related activities and projects by various schools as well as
departments within SMPAPH Rashidah itself.
Syed Rozman and myself in front of STEP Centre’s booths Syed Rozman demonstrated the line reading Lego Mindstorm
robot as watched by eager students and teachers.
STEP Centre was represented by Syed

Rozman and myself and with the assistance
of Muhd Khirul Hazwan, a Jerudong
International School student. Hazwan was
invited to demonstrate to the visitors the
ASEAN Quest PC game, which was
introduced in July 2008 in the Philippines by
the ASEAN Foundation. Apart from the
game, STEP also put up some information
banners, achievements won by students who
represented Brunei in overseas programmes
and outdoor value-added activities which
Cikgu Hajah Norjum binti Hj Yusop, Deputy Permanent Secretary have been organised for some time.
(Corporate Services), Ministry of Education, took interest in the interactive
ASEAN Quest game as demonstrated by Muhd Hazwan (seated).
We also gave away our latest edition of the STEP Forward Newsletter to the students and
teachers who visited our booths. Syed Rozman explained and demonstrated the Lego
Mindstorm robots to interested visitors. The carnival was a good opportunity for the public
especially those from Belait District to know more about STEP Centre and its activities.

STEP
FORWARD News
The 5th International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO)

By: Syed Rozman
Brunei Darussalam’s third participation at the 5th International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO)
has achieved the best results to date, with four out of six of its students winning bronze medals,
the highest number of medals received so far.
The four bronze medalist who did the nation proud were Muhammad Zulfadli bin Ramli of
Sekolah Menengah Muda Hashim, Abdul Qawi bin Abdullah of Sekolah Menengah Sultan Sharif
Ali, Wong Kuo Hern of Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan and Lee Wan Wei of St
Andrew’s School. The two other students who participated in the competition were Mohammad
Faris ’Izzuddin bin Dr Haji Supry of Sekolah Menengah Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and
Siti Aniza binti Naim of Sekolah Menengah PAP Hajah Masna.
Sitting for the Exam At the Closing Ceremony On Stage during the Award Presentation
The Brunei delegation was led by Awg Syed Rozman bin Hj Syed Abd Rahim, Education Officer
from STEP Centre, Awg Chong Yun Onn, Education Officer from Maktab Sains Paduka Seri
Begawan Sultan and Dk Hasnimulyati binti Pg Hj Kahar, Education Officer from Sekolah
Menengah Pengiran Dipa Negara Sengkarai, Tutong.
246 students from 42 different countries participated in the 5th IJSO which was held in
Gyeongnam, Republic of Korea from 7th to 16th December 2008. The countries included
Afghanistan, Argentina Australia, Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Chinese Taipei,
Estonia, Germany, Ghana, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran,
Kazakhstan, Kenya, Korea, Kuwait, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia, Myanmar, the
Netherlands, Nigeria, the Philippines, Romania, the Russian Federation, Serbia, Singapore,
Slovakia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Zimbabwe.
All the six students were amongst the eligible winners of the Brunei Secondary School Science
Olympiad (SSSO) which were held in early February 2008 and organised by STEP Centre.
The students did their trainings twice a week since August this year at STEP Centre. The
frequency of the training increased during the third term holidays. They also did some of their
practicals at Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan and Sekolah Menengah Sultan Sharif Ali.
Several other teachers were also involved in the trainings. They were Cikgu Zurina bte Hj Ismail
from Sekolah Menengah Sayidina Abu Bakar, Cikgu Pg Abd Raub bin Pg Hj Ghani from Sekolah
Menengah Berakas, Cikgu Azahar bin Hj Abd Latib from Pusat Tingkatan Enam Berakas, Cikgu
Chew Ying Ngo from Examination Department and Cikgu Dk Nuramani binti Pg Hj Ahmad from
Sekolah Menengah Sharif Ali.

STEP
FORWARD News
From page 11
Each student performed three tasks. Questions for Task One included pure Physics (10 problems),
Biology (10 Problems) and Chemistry (10 problems). Task Two was more complex involving a
combination of Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Task Three involved experimental questions; a
combination of Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Task One and Two were individual competitions.
However Task Three was a team competition, whereby one team consisted of three students from
each delegation.
IJSO is the premier junior scientific competition in the world for 15 year-old students. It isn’t just
science competition, it is a chance to expand their horizons and create life long friendships with the
future scientists from around the world.
Remarks From IJSO Participants
IJSO created plenty of unforgettable moments that I personally

label as the best so far. Throughout the ten day stay in Korea I
experienced many things which were very new to me. That was my first
time separated away from my close family, especially my parents. It
was valuable as it helped me discipline myself without asking for their
support. But the best thing was making bonds of friendship with the
other participants, regardless of race and religion. With these, I learned a
lot about their personalities, ways of life and culture, and so did they. To
memorialise the friendship, we exchanged name cards, emails and even
Muhammad Zulfadli bin Ramli souvenirs.
IJSO Bronze Medalist
Not only did I collect experiences, but the competition also shaped my mind and shed new lights on science. It taught
me that everywhere is science, from body cells to supernovas. There are actually infinite knowledge of it, only waiting
to be learned by us.
When the MC during the Closing Ceremony announced my name as one of the bronze medalists, I was
immensely happy. Although as many as 60% of the participants would receive the medals, the problems were very
tough. I thought my effort and encouragement from my family, school and STEP Centre had finally paid off.
As a whole, the IJSO 2008 was conclusively positive. It opened my mind to the ways the global community
thinks. I would also like to praise the organiser for making the event successful. Kamsa-Hamida!

STEP
FORWARD News
From page 11
Last year, I was selected together with five other students to represent Brunei for
Remarks From IJSO Participants the International Junior Science Olympiad which was held in Gyeongnam, Korea.
Upon hearing the news, I was filled with excitement and joy. However, it also
meant that I needed to work harder as I was competing with students from other
countries.
I was very surprised and delighted when I was announced as the bronze
medalist. What I liked best about IJSO was when I got to meet a lot of new
friends from different countries. I also got the opportunity to tour around
Gyeongnam. My experience at IJSO has certainly changed the way I think about
Science as it provided me with a greater exposure to the different areas in Science.
Lee Wan Wei
IJSO Bronze Medalist Overall, it was indeed a very challenging and exciting experience which I’ll never
forget.
The IJSO 2008 was the best thing that had ever happened to me so far. I have
Remarks From The Participants gained a lot of knowledge and friends during the IJSO 2008. I got on a plane and
visited Korea for the first time due to the IJSO competition. I also made friends
from around the world and learned form five’s science in advance. Some of the
topics that I learned in the STEP centre for the IJSO had just been taught by my
teachers at school this year. The IJSO 2008 competition has completely changed
the way I think about science!! It taught me that science is everywhere and that
science is more than what I’ve learned in school!! The IJSO 2008 didn’t just give
me the chance to learn science in advance, but also gave me the chance to
experience the culture of Korea!! When it was announced that I won a bronze
medal, I was shocked. I never thought that I could win a medal as the
competition was very hard. Harder than I thought it would be. Nevertheless, I
Abdul Qawi bin Abdullah
IJSO Bronze Medalist gained a lot of experience during the IJSO 2008. Thank you STEP centre for
choosing me to participate in the IJSO 2008!!
Remarks From The Participants Producing more young scientists and building up students’ interest in Science
were not the only objectives of the IJSO Competition. What I liked best was they
encouraged us to build friendships between ourselves and people from different
countries around the world who has the same interest as ourselves, particularly in
Science. Throughout the competition, we hardly met our teachers. From there, I
learned how to live independently and to adapt to the new environment and
surroundings there. IJSO has changed my thoughts about Science. Science is very
important in our life and may also affect our future. Being selected to enter this
competition really did make me happy and honoured as it is not easy to get this
kind of opportunity. Lastly, although I failed to get a medal, I will not give up
that easily in Science as success will come along after failure where we learn from
our previous mistakes. And this is one of the things that I learned from the IJSO
Siti Aniza binti Naim
Competition.

STEP
FORWARD News
EMPOWERING BRUNEI YOUTHS IN AN ASEAN SCIENCE

AND TECHNOLOGY SUMMIT
By: Nor Erawadi Hj Ibrahim
Four of our Form 6 students had the opportunity to meet other ASEAN youths during the
Asean Youth Science Summit (AYSS) held in Manila, the Philippines from July 7th to 11th 2008.
The summit held in Traders Hotel, Manila was part of the 8th Asean Science and Technology
Week (ASTW). Our delegation was a collaborative co-ordination by STEP Centre and the
Research and Development Unit, Ministry of Development, Brunei Darussalam. Other
adjoining programmes included the Science and Technology (S&T) ministers’ meeting as well
as a public exhibition on S&T held in Sofitel Hotel and World Trade Centre, Manila
respectively.
The summit was one of many initiatives to engage and empower the youths in discussing
relevant forum topics. The four students – Ahmad Bokhari Hj Mohd Sufian and Nurul Adilah Hj
Abu Bakar both from Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan, Muhd Khirul Hazwan Jaton
from Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Ali and Nur Saidah Athirah Othman from Maktab Duli
Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah – were joined by youths from other ASEAN countries plus
India and China.
Forum Debates
Each of our students joined different forum
groups. Mimicking the general assembly
form of debates, each cohort must agree on
specific resolutions. Bokhari participated in
the forum: Going Nuclear. His group talked
about the issue of “Utilization and Feasibility
of Nuclear Energy as a Major Source of
Power for the Future of Asean”. The fast
depletion of non-renewable resources,
Brunei contingent to ASEAN S&T Week in the Philippines – Nur greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, current
Saidah, Nurul Adilah, Hazwan and Bokhari – posing during the
Opening Ceremony in Hotel Traders Manila.
fuel price hike and high cost of food has
made nuclear energy as a viable option. For
this to be realised, a common agreement
must be passed by all nations with relevant
organization like the International Atomic
Agency giving proper advice coupled with
adequate safety procedures and efficient
nuclear waste management techniques. The
main speaker from the group was a youth
from India. He was adamant about the
subject and coincidentally around the time of
this summit, India had just obtained
Congressional Approval for a go-ahead on
using nuclear to energise its power grid.
ASEAN teachers, mostly from the Philippines, listening attentively to
the teacher representative from India in a science teachers’ forum

STEP
FORWARD News
From page 14
On the topic of space technology as a means of mitigating natural disasters, the delegation
that Nur Saidah joined believed more public awareness and effective information must be
disseminated especially on its warning system. Asean could bridge that link through the
implementation of the Asean Disaster Advisory System.
Concerns on genetically modified (GM) products, either current or in the pipeline, such as for
medicines and vaccines, foods and food ingredients, feeds and fibers, were highlighted in the
summit. The agreed consensus was that GM organisms could become controversial as it
could be detrimental to global issues such as health concerns, ecological biodiversity, gene
flow and economic disruption. Nevertheless, this group with Nurul Adilah as Brunei’s
representative, supported further exploration of using GM but ensured that it would not go
beyond the limits of morality.
The last forum topic discussed was Extreme Games. Hazwan and other members of this
group discussed the importance of minimising the negative effects and impacts of computer
gaming whilst supporting more design-creation and production of educational games. The
group also stressed the importance of public awareness with the support of government,
associations, private companies, lawmakers, schools and computer shops especially on
monitoring and imposing stricter laws on advertisement, violence and piracy issue.
Meanwhile on the issue of teaching science and

mathematics in Asean, the teachers highlighted
several common concerns. Whatever the
nature of the problem was, they recognised that
all stakeholders including students, teachers,
parents, community and the policy-makers must
be involved in the process of educational
improvement. The delegation proposed further
effective teaching and learning strategies in
Science and Mathematics education.
Nurul Adilah giving her thoughts during her forum session
on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO).
It could be through collaboration of Asean nations by means of establishing dynamic online

networks by which students and teachers could collaborate, having fellowship/scholarship
programmes, continuous initiation of student programmes, production of low-cost instructional
materials, incorporation of community-based learning in school curriculum and adequate
financial avenues obtained through relevant institutions such as Asean Foundation, each
country’s respective Science and Technology Ministries, and other agencies.
ASEAN Quest Game and S&T Expo

During the summit, a competition on a PC game called ASEAN Quest was also launched. Our
students emerged third place winning a plaque and US$200 behind the winner Indonesia and
first runner-up Thailand. The new computer game was commissioned by Asean Foundation to
promote multicultural harmony amongst Asean countries through fun and appealing interactive
games especially for the youths.

STEP
FORWARD News
From page 15
All the participants also had the opportunity to visit the expo at the World Trade Centre
exhibition hall where they met Brunei exhibitors in their beautifully constructed booths. The co
-ordinator of the whole programme from the Ministry of Development, Ak Haji Jaafar, was also
on hand to welcome them there. In fact, the Brunei students actually met and dined to-
gether with the Deputy Minister of Development, Dato Paduka Haji Mat Sunny during the
opening ceremony and Cultural evening as he was attending the ministerial meeting at the
same time.
Thriller in Manila!
During a tour of Manila, the students were brought to the Science Centre located within SM
Mall of Asia, which is said to be the largest mall in Asia. There was a tour of the city’s main
historic sites too. A visit to the Jose Rizal monument was a must. Jose Rizal is considered a
national hero. His literature and his final days before his fateful execution by the Spanish were
depicted in the tour. The group then spent some time at Intramuros, a walled-city with its
history and local architecture heavily influenced by the Spanish when they ruled the island for
more than 400 years. The group also toured an area known as Rajah Sulayman Theatre (the
locals pronounced it as “Rahah Sulaiman”). He was indeed, our fourth Sultan of Brunei,
Sultan Sulaiman. Based on our history book, that would have been during this ruler’s heydays
between 1432 and 1485. His native settlement is now the site of Fort Santiago. It is located at
the mouth of a major river. Being one of the oldest fortresses in the country, it was a strategic
location for the Spanish, British, Japanese and American Corps’ era before being returned to
the Philippines government in 1946.
The thrilled young delegation in front of the Jose Excited delegation from all ASEAN countries took
Rizal monument in downtown Manila. pictures after the Cultural Night performances.
An experience to remember
The fun-filled tour plus the summit provided valuable lessons for the students. They learnt,
shared and appreciated the whole experience suitable to the vision One Asean Community.
As always, STEP Centre is proud to have provided our four students the opportunity to
experience and gain valuable knowledge not just for themselves, but to be shared with their
fellow friends in Brunei Darussalam especially on scientific and technological wisdom. The
students learnt and studied best practices and value-added information which they would
not have gained without this international forum.

STEP
FORWARD News
The Training Program in Japan

Energy Conservation for Brunei Darussalam [ECBN1]
By: Zulbahri bin Achee
The training program in Japan on “Energy Conservation for Brunei Darussalam (ECBN1)” was organised by the
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan and was jointly conducted by The Association for
Overseas Technical Scholarship (AOTS) and the Energy Conservation Center, Japan (ECCJ). The training was
conducted at the Yokohama Kenshu Center (YKC), Japan.
Basically, the purpose of the training was to study the Energy conservation activities, Policy and Measures and
best practices in Japan, in order to support and help Brunei Darussalam in developing efficient energy conservation
policies and measures effectively. On top of these, the training also gave us new knowledge on policy or law,
effective and dissemination methodologies for EE&C (Energy Efficiency and Conservation) and specific
experiences including Energy Management at factories and buildings performed in Japan
The group photo with the participants, trainers and the organisers in front of Yokohama Training Centre (YKC)
The participants from Brunei Darussalam came from different backgrounds i.e. the public sectors, namely the
Energy Division, Prime Minister’s Office, the Electrical Department, The Ministry of Health, The Ministry of
Defence, The Ministry of Development (Public Work Department) and The Ministry of Education, which include
The STEP Centre (represented by Awg Zulbahri bin Achee), Institut Teknologi Brunei, Universiti Brunei
Darussalam and The Department of Curriculum Development; and from the private sectors namely The Brunei
Shell Petroleum (BSP) and The Berakas Power Station.

STEP
FORWARD News
From page 17
Through this training program it is hoped that the trainees will realise and create the following in Brunei Darussalam.
• Establishment of policy and basic measures to promote energy efficiency and conservation including legal and
regulatory framework.
• Energy Efficiency and Conservation in the operation and maintenance of electricity production.
• Energy auditor educational course for higher institutions and accreditation.
• Provision of basic guidelines for energy management practised by factories and buildings.
• Energy labelling and building envelopes.
During lectures and visits
Contents of the course

• As part of the energy conservation and energy management project that has been running in Japan, the
Energy Conservation Center, Japan (ECCJ) has developed activities for the residential and transport
sectors to promote “smart life” by which the educational aspect is greatly emphasised. Through these
projects we have learned a lot on how Japan is conducting “Energy Efficiency and Conservation”.
• ECCJ has also established strong networks among schools, homes and communities. One such effort was
the distribution of power meters known as “E-Co Navi” free-of-charge to every school by ECCJ.
• We also learned that ECCJ provides guidelines and Standards for the Design of Buildings as well as the
Standards for Energy Efficiency & Conservation Operation of Buildings.
Some of the lecturers from Energy Conservation Center, Japan (ECCJ)

STEP
FORWARD News
From page 18
Visits
• The organiser managed to take us to some useful sites that really practice energy conservation and have
won various awards on energy related programs.
• The site visits gave us a first hand overview on how the Japanese practice “Energy conservation and
efficiency” in everyday life.
• Furthermore they gave us insight on how to harness solar energy efficiently, especially in conserving
energy in buildings and factories.
• Some of the sites that the organiser arranged for us to visit are as follows:
− The refinery company, Thye Idemitsu Kosan Co, Ltd
− Tokyo Gas Co Ltd, Sodegaura LNG Terminal
− Tokyo Electric Power Company Inc (TEPCO)
− Yokohama Thermal Power Station
− World Trade Center
− Takenaka Corporation, Tokyo Office.
Visits to the Tokyo Gas Co Ltd and Tokyo Electric Power Company Inc (TEPCO)
Group Work
− The purpose of the group work was to formulate an action plan on “Energy Efficiency and Conservation Policy
and Measures in Brunei Darussalam”.
− There were altogether four groups formed and each group consisted of people from different backgrounds and
different departments.
− Enough time was given by the organiser to each group to formulate the action plan.
− On the final day of the training, each group made their presentation.
− Each group produced a well-structured action plan based on the “Energy Conservation and Efficiency” for
Brunei Darussalam.
Group work presentation and after the certificate presentation

STEP
FORWARD News
Science Camp 2008- Improvement on Science Achievement Programme

By:Azahan bin Haji Abd Wahab
The Science camp as part of the Improvement

on Science achievement programme was held
for 4 days from 15th June to 18th June 2008. The
camp was hosted by Sekolah Menengah Masin
and supported by Sekolah Menengah Awang
Semaun and Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina
Umar Al-Khattab. The campsite were in the
Sekolah Menengah Masin compound.The camp
was officially opened by the Head of Science,
Technology and Environmental Partnership
(STEP)Centre, Awang Haji Metali bin Hj
Mirasan.
The objectives of the camp are:

− To promote the interest of students towards science subjects
− Increase awareness on the importance of science in everyday life
− Establish friendship amongst the participating students
About 115 students in Secondary 2 from the three schools participated in the camp. The students did
a lot of activities ranging from Astronomy, Cultural night, Powerpoint Presentation and so forth. The
students were also given an opportunity to visit the Berakas Forest Reserve and Bukit
Shahbandar .Here; the students were given certain tasks related to the surrounding area. Apart from
doing Science-based activities the students were also taught to incorporate some physical and
spiritual activities.
The closing ceremony was held on 18th June, whereby the students were asked to take down all the
tents and clean up the campsite area. The guest of honour for the closing ceremony was the Director
General, Ministry of Education, Dayangku Hajah Mastoli binti PSI Pg Hj Ismail. Representing on her
behalf was the Acting Director of Examination, Awg Haji Muhd Masa Masdi bin Hj Muhd Sa’idun.The
closing ceremony ended with prize presentation for the best male and female campers.

STEP
FORWARD News
UPSTAGING THE ENVIRONMENT, IN A

SUSTAINABILITY CONFERENCE
Discussing highlights as a participant in The 4th International Conference on Environmental, Cultural,

Economic and Social Sustainability (ICECESS) in Trengganu, Malaysia from 4th to 7th January 2008.
The conference “4th International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sus-
tainaility (ICECESS)” was officially opened on Friday morning, 4th January 2008, by Professor Dato’
Dr Sulaiman Md Yassin, the Vice Chancellor at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) who was also
present at the plenary session. Paper presenters came from countries such as the U.S.A, the U.K,
Malaysia, India, Denmark, Australia, South Africa and including myself representing Brunei
Darussalam.
The conference was a multidisciplinarian conference which encompassed issues pertaining to

environmental, cultural, economic and social sustainability. The forum was held in Hotel Primula
Beach Resort, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. It was organised for the fourth time by the Common
Ground Publishing Company, which is based in Australia. In previous years, they were held every
January. It was previously held in India, Vietnam and Hawaii before being held in Malaysia which
was hosted by UMT.
A group photo of all the participants in the conference
Talking Circles
In that conference, through talking circle discussions, the participants came to a genuine realisation
that when dealing with reforms in social, environmental and economic sustainability, core knowledge
and understanding is of utmost importance. I joined the environmental sustainability talking circle
which included some university professors, corporate managers and researchers. The fruitful
discussions connected us into appreciating each others’ capacities, enthusiasms and similar
concerns, that is, emphasising further the urgent need and action encompassing any form of
sustainable development no matter how diversified the issues were.
The talking circles also highlighted the actions involved, that is, how to reach the masses and how to
involve the government in implementing the so-called recommendations. One idea brought up was
the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) which has been in place and made to good use in the
United Kingdom. Through KTP, suggestions from the researchers were relayed to the government or
practitioners to achieve the actions required for sustainability issues raised. However, a clear Terms
of Reference (TOR) and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) should be inked first so that the
networking and collaboration will be enhanced and persevered.

STEP
FORWARD News
From page 21
One of the participants, a lecturer from Universiti Sains Malaysia, raised the importance of education
in schools as a major source for increasing awareness and promoting sustainable actions to address
the concerns we raised in the conference. According to him, the students need to be better facilitated
in realizing the importance of sustainability issues. For example, pollution in rivers. Teachers ought
to take them to the polluted rivers and let them experience first hand the concerns that the students
must be aware of in such problems. The exploratory and discovery learning would be more
meaningful this way compared to lessons in classes where a teacher would simply give notes on the
dangers of pollution to the environment and humans.
The Vice Chancellor of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Professor Dato’ A parallel session in progress, entitled “Right First Time with a Green
Dr Sulaiman Md Yassin (brown coat) after the signing of MOU with way to Sustainable Built Environments and Architecture in the ASEAN
Common Ground Publishing Company as the conference organizer, Area” as delivered by Mr. Viet Tuan Do, Atelier Ten Ltd, UK.
represented by Phillip Cope, Director of Operations during the opening
session.
Highlighting environmental sustainability

My paper presentation was entitled “A Preliminary Examination On Brunei Darussalam’s Attempt To
Tackle Local Environmental Problems Through Schools”. The paper examined the extent to which
Brunei Darussalam attempted to tackle the local environmental problems and challenges in line with
the National Development strategies using the national education system as the implementing factor.
My paper suggested that simply by reorienting current educational practice, environmental education
became more relevant to societal transformation processes toward sustainable development. There
was no need to change the existing national educational policies and objectives. In terms of imple-
mentation, STEP Centre must continue to network, collaborate and partner with other government
agencies in order to empower positive actions towards sustainability through sharing sessions,
workshops, seminars, conference, forum and possibly training. For environmental sustainability to be
studied, a country must first be equipped with complete data and relevant information, for example,
pollution level in a river in question. The figures obtained need to be accurate and unbiased. To an
extend, Brunei lacks such crucial information mainly due to several possible factors. It could be due
to insufficient expertise or manpower, lack of technological equipment required or simply the
excessive red tapes in most areas of concern. To move forward, responsible government agencies
must remove the unnecessary red tapes and must carry out their responsibilities and obligations to
the nations so that the trust of the people will be upheld.
Having said that, there was something that needed attention when attending such a conference. One
of them was the lack of numbers of participants who attended. In this conference only a handful of
experts who were genuinely concerned in various sustainability issues were present. It is feared that,
like any other conferences, the passion ends when the conference ended. No doubt that the
researchers present would gain more knowledge but the lack of empowerment or inaction persisted
because their voices were not heard. Even with a Conference Declaration endorsed, it would still not
guarantee success. Based on what I observed in the past, even though bigger and major
conferences declared and adopted many suggestions and directions, nothing would happen after that
- mainly because they were not legally bound.

STEP
FORWARD News
THE 1ST APEC FUTURE SCIENTIST CONFERENCE

20th August – 24th August 2008
By: Siti Nur’arifah Haji Suhaimi
The 1st APEC Future Scientist Conference was held at Kyungnam University, Gyeongnam, Korea. It
was hosted by The APEC Mentoring Center for the Gifted in Science. The aim of the conference was
to improve opportunities to strengthen relationship among the Gifted in Science and teachers from
APEC economies. Its theme was “Friendship, Creativity and Future.”
A total of 53 students were involved, all from 13 different APEC countries. Brunei Darussalam was
represented by Mohd. Khairi Ihsannudin Isnon bin Ismail and myself, both from Maktab Sains Paduka
Seri Begawan Sultan. We were accompanied by our chaperone Zulbahri bin Achee, an Education
Officer from STEP Centre, Ministry of Education.
During the whole convention, attendees had the opportunity to not only gain further knowledge in
Science, but also to acknowledge and experience Korea’s wonderful and exquisite culture. The
attendees shared their various experiences and knowledge via oral presentations, poster sessions
and team project workshops.
The poster presentations focused mainly on the students’
research on Science & Technology prior to the conference.
There were over 20 posters up on display on the second day
of the conference. ‘Jatropha as Biodiesel’ was the title of our
research and poster. Prizes were awarded to the top three
groups or countries that managed to impress the judges.
The first prize winner went to Mr. James D. Ginting of
Indonesia who did an amazing experimental explanation on
his very own fabrication of geo-polymer concrete using fly
ash as a substitute for cement by using environmental-
friendly technology.
For the team project, six students were randomly picked for each team and each team had to plan
and devise a mechanism which suited the theme ‘Clean Energy for the Future.’ There were a total
of nine groups and gold medals were awarded to the top two groups. My team basically used the
combination of wave and magnetic energy to create electricity. We called it ‘Riding Waves.’ We had
two days to complete our project and our hard work paid off when we managed to attain one of the
top two positions.

STEP
FORWARD News
From page 23
Alongside the poster presentations and team projects, interesting and inspirational Science talks
were also given. Additionally, the students also had the chance to learn a few basic Korean traditional
dances which were unique in their own and quite easy to get a grasp on.
On the very last day, all the attendees had the chance to relax as it was called an excursion day. A
visit to Goseong Dinosaur Museum was arranged.
Overall, I had a memorable time in

Korea. Friends were made, a wide
range of knowledge was gained and
different skills were learnt. For that, on
behalf of my colleague and I, would
like to express my gratitude to the
STEP Centre and the Ministry of
Education for this wonderful
opportunity.
QUOTE
“As far as the laws of Mathematics refer to reality, they are not certain, and as far as they are
certain, they do not refer to reality”
Albert Einstein
(1879-1955) German-Swiss-U.S. scientist
"Your theory is crazy, but it's not crazy enough to be true."

Niels Bohr
Danish Physicist (1885—1962)

STEP
FORWARD News
BID TO LEARNING EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE

DEVELOPMENT (ESD) CONCEPT
A brief account after participation in The South-East Asia ESD Coordination and Capacity Building
Workshop, Manila, the Philippines (9th – 12th September 2008)
The South-East Asia ESD Coordination and

Capacity Building Workshop organised by
UNESCO was given to relevant members of the
government agencies focused towards ESD
leadership, programme coordination and
monitoring of ESD. This was also in response to
the 34th UNESCO General Conference, the
immediate challenges in implementing ESD at
the national level, and preparation for the World
Conference on ESD in March/April 2009 and
beyond. Myself and an environment officer from
the Department of Environment, Parks and Rec- The participants and facilitators took a photo during the
reation, Ministry of Development, Awang Yusrein first day of session. Seated front row included His
Hadi bin Abdul Ghani had the opportunity to Excellency Minister of Education of Timor Leste (2nd
from left) and Madame Secretary of Education for the
participate in that capacity building workshop in Philippines (2nd from right).
September 2008.
The trainee cohort was made up of officers from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the
Philippines and Timor Leste. The four-day workshop was held at the Avenue Hotel and
Suites in Manila from 9th to 12th September 2008. During the workshop, we learnt ESD
mapping for each country, what the linkages and approaches between education and learning
to sustainable development priorities should be, who should be involved, and how the
implementation processes should be done.
The different country delegation also worked in mixed grouping on different exercises. This
helped us to learn more about similarities and differences in terms of SD in different countries
and the mechanisms involved. Indeed, we also learnt a lot about each country’s challenges
and sustainable issues in the process. There were a lot of similar impending concerns
between the cohort as highlighted in the table below:
Sustainable issues identified in the 5 cohort countries

Brunei Indonesia Malaysia The Philippines Timor Leste
− Over consumption − Energy waste, − School dropouts − Good governance − Human capital
of fossil fuels fossil fuel among boys − Poverty reduction development
− Solid waste extensive use − Gender Equality − Peace and − Education and
− Cross-border haze − Agriculture land − HIV/AIDS human security literacy
destruction − Economic and
− Narrow agricultural
chauvinism productivity
− Deforestation − Good
governance

STEP
FORWARD News
From page 25
This account was not necessarily complete or accurate but merely based on inputs by the
workshop participants. In the context of Brunei Darussalam, I would say that we are gearing
towards mainstreaming the concept of ESD in the education sector either through formal,
non-formal or informal mechanisms. The realisation and implementation of any ESD
initiatives or projects would only succeed if all those involved are serious towards the
specified objectives.
To conclude, we were satisfied with the workshop’s essence led by the facilitators, Mr Joel
Bacha and Mr Derek Elias, both officers based in UNESCO Bangkok. In this opportunity, I
would like to thank our Ministry of Education especially the International Affairs Unit for
entrusting me to learn more and report back on the significance of ESD.
Getting ready on the first day of workshop Yusrein explained our group’s findings on an
exercise about actors of ESD
Madame Soliven, Head of UNESCO National The group was not peeking out the window but
Commission of the Philippines gave her welcoming actually reading through a written exercise
speech whilst flanked by Mr Elias and Mr Bacha from
UNESCO Bangkok

STEP
FORWARD News
SPE BRUNEI SECTION STUDENT PAPER CONTEST

By: Sarimah Abu Bakar & Zulbahri Achee
The contest was organised by The Young Professional Chapter Brunei Society of Petroleum Engineering (SPE)
and in collaboration with The Science, Technology and Environment Partnership (STEP) Centre, Ministry of
Education and Brunei Shell Petroleum Co. Sdn. Bhd.
The competition was held in conjunction with the Energy Week 2008. The theme of the student paper contest is
related to "A Career In Oil & Gas Industry" with the purpose of creating an opportunity for the young generation
to be more interested in energy related issues in Brunei Darussalam.
The competition was open to all secondary schools throughout the state. It was divided into two categories
namely the Lower Secondary Level and The Upper Secondary Level. The competition was held at the
Chancellor’s Hall, Universiti Brunei Darussalam.
Committee members group photo
List of winners for the SPE Paper Contest Competition 2008
Category A (Secondary 1 to Secondary 3) Category B (Secondary 4 to Secondary 5)
St. Andrew's School, Brandon Lee Tze Chung Ching Middle

First Harris bin Karim First
Bandar Seri Begawan Loong School, Seria.
Second Radin Abdullah bin Saints James's School, Second St. George’s School,
Nikhil Kingsly
Radin Mas Basiuni Kuala Belait. Bandar Seri Begawan.
Chung Ching Middle
Jarrod Sim Cheng St. Andrew's School, Third Lai Wen Qiang
Third School, Seria.
Jie Bandar Seri Begawan
Sekolah Ugama Arab
Amanda Ngo Hui St. John's School, Kuala Ainan Husnaa Binti Menengah Perempuan
San Belait Muhammad Saifullah Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak
Annabelle Leong Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Damit, BSB
Tze Ling Begawan Sultan, BSB
Awang Basil Ali Witsqa Chung Hua Middle School,
Maktab Sains Paduka Seri bin Awang Mohammad Kuala Belait
Koo Pin Ying
Begawan Sultan, BSB
Nuraini binti Abdul Chung Hua Middle Chung Hwa Middle School,
Loh Wei Ho
Zabar School, Kuala Belait Consolation Bandar Seri Begawan
Consolation Maktab Sains Paduka Seri
Chung Ching Middle Ephraim Reyes Leong
Lei Ting Wen Begawan Sultan, BSB
School, Seria
Haji Abdul Azeez bin Chung Hwa Middle School,
Sultan Omar Ali Soh Sing Sing
Dato Paduka Hj Bandar Seri Begawan
Saifuddien College, BSB Muhammad Hidayat bin PGGMB Secondary
Abdul Salam
Haji Ahmad School, BSB
Muhammad Amirul Sultan Omar Ali St. Andrew's School,
Syafiq bin Noorazmi Saifuddien College, BSB Maria Chong Shin Yi
Bandar Seri Begawan

STEP
FORWARD News
From page 27
Some of the pictures during the official launcing of SPE Paper Contest held at
Chancellor’s Hall, Universiti Brunei Darussalam
Appreciation & Prize Giving Ceremony

Guest of Honour
Dayang Hajah Norjum binti Hj Yusop
Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education
15th August 2008
Empire Hotel & Country Club

STEP
FORWARD News
UPDATE ON PAPER RECYCLING IN STEP

As reported in the previous STEP Forward Newsletter, STEP Centre has implemented a used paper
recycling project which began on 1st February 2008. This initiative is our way of exercising
environmental awareness for the whole staff and users of the Centre.
To show our concern for the environment, we try to reduce wastage in any forms especially on
exhaustive or recurrent resources, like paper, water and electricity usage in line with the current global
environmental issues. As mentioned in the previous Newsletter, STEP Centre aims to strive towards
being sustainable and having recognition status as a “green and energy-efficient building” or achieving
“zero carbon emission” centre.
With regard to paper recycling, the first collection by the recycling company was done on 12th
November 2008. The papers were collected for a duration of 10 months (February to November
2008). By weight, STEP “produced” about 128 kg amount of recycled paper within that period. We
will monitor the amount collected over time. It is important that an evaluation or monitoring or auditing
be done to ensure that no excessive wastage occurs in the centre.
Together we can succeed!
The huge green bin for recycling wel- A STEP officer (Syed Rozman) is doing his part on the
coming visitors to STEP Centre to be recycling programme.
more environmentally-friendly.

STEP
FORWARD News
By Satinah binti Haji Abang &

Rosita binti Haji Bangkol
It is obviously difficult to sustain pupils’ Through the SEG activities, pupils were
interest to study in a normal classroom able to learn in a less formal and
condition after the end of year school unthreatening condition; learn several
examination. Despite the difficulty, science concepts; test their creativities
schools in Brunei Darussalam have and logical thinking; socialise and work
initiated school-based activities such as cooperatively with peers from different
sport tournaments; board games schools.
competitions and basic skills activities
such as cooking. The designed activities
RELATED SCIENCE TOPIC:
were normally unrelated to the subjects’
curriculum. One curriculum related ACTIVITIES SCIENCE TOPICS
activity that could be initiated by schools
What is wrong? Properties of Materials –
is to organise visits such as to the Brunei (Jigsaw Puzzle) choice of material
Museum or the Brunei Mc Farm.
Unfortunately, there are several Relay living things
constraints in organizing visits. For Instant Make Over Healthy Habits
example, transportation provided by the Float your boat Properties of materials –
relevant authorities may be limited as Float or sink
many other schools are also requesting
Hovercraft Launching Air pressure
for transportation. Additionally, the
number of pupils involved is normally Hop into the Hoops Water
restricted either because of the limited
Human tree Parts of a plant
number of bus seats; or the hosting par-
ties can only accept a limited number of Strongest Shape Properties of materials
pupils. Sinking and Floating Properties of materials
Soda Cans
In May, 2008, STEP Centre successfully Jet Propulsion Air
organised an off-site Science Trail Activity
in collaboration with Sekolah Rendah Keep Brunei Clean Health and Environment
– Recycling
Pengiran Anak Puteri Besar.
(General Knowledge)
Nevertheless, the Science Trail idea is not
confined to out of school activities only.
There are variety of ideas that the school
area might offer for the trail activities.
In November last year, another potential

Science curriculum related activity namely
‘Science Educational Games’ (SEG) was
successfully organised by the STEP
Centre with the collaboration of Sekolah
Rendah Junjongan. All Primary 4 pupils
from Sekolah Rendah Pehin Dato Jamil,
Sekolah Rendah Pengiran Anak Puteri
Besar and Sekolah Rendah Junjongan
and 37 teachers from the three schools Group photo: Guest of Honour, Awang Aidin bin Haji Abu
Bakar (Acting Assistant Director, Department of Schools,
were involved.
(Primary Section), the Head of STEP Centre, the Head-
mistress of SR Junjongan and the overall winning team

STEP
FORWARD
News
From page 30
COMMENTS FROM SR JUNJONGAN
“After completing the pupils’ final year

examination reports, the headmistress
and the teachers of SR Junjongan
worked cooperatively to prepare the
materials for the games. Although we
only had a few weeks, with the
cooperation from our teachers, some
colourful and attractive materials were
produced and mostly from used
materials. We are very lucky to have
teachers who are artistic and very
creative. Pupils and teachers enjoyed Working cooperatively to make the best boat that can
and learnt some relevant Science float while carrying the given loads
concepts from the SEG games. We were
also able to interact and strengthen the
bond between the three schools. We
seldom have the opportunity to do such
an activity. Thanks for the continuing
effort and support from STEP Centre, and
also to all teachers from the three PPPS
schools who contributed to the success of
the SEG”.
Guests and the primary 4 pupils teamed up to compete

in a game called: KEEP BRUNEI CLEAN
Let’s label him…I mean the parts of a Human Tree!
With a good strategy, the GOH’s team won the KEEP

BRUNEI CLEAN competition. Congratulations!
These boys need instant make over! Don’t you think so?

STEP
FORWARD
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STEP Holds Khatam Al-Quran

The khatam Al-Quran was held on 24th Ramadhan 1429 / 25th September 2008. All the STEP Centre’s officers
and staff took part in the ceremony as they completed the 30 verses from the Al-Quran as a pre-requisite for
the Khatam Al-Quran ceremony.
Hari Raya Aidil Fitri @ STEP Centre

Hari Raya Aidil Fitri for the year 1429 Hijrah was held on 13th October 2008 at STEP Centre. The function
began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by the reading of Doa Selamat and the speech by the
Head of STEP Centre, Awang Haji Metali bin Haji Mirasan.
Hari Raya Korban @ STEP Centre

Officers and staff of STEP Centre hold a Koran ceremony on 9th
December 2008. One buffalo was slaughtered and the beef was
distributed among the staff and the family members of STEP
Centre. [left]
STEP’s Centre Annual Dinner @ KTM Restaurant Jerudong on 5th December 2008

STEP FORWARD - 5th Issue

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What activities did STEP organize in the second half of 2008?

What activities did STEP organize in the second half of 2008?

What religious events did STEP organize?

What religious events did STEP organize?

THE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT PARTNERSHIP CENTRE

Issue : 5 Tel/Fax : 2335963. E-mail: step@moe.edu.bn

STEP Centre @ Teachers’ Day Exhibitions Inside

By: Zulbahri Achee

His Majesty the Sultan and

SPE Paper contest

Page 1 STEP Newsletter

Foreword from The Acting Head of STEP Centre

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

Advisor Awang Azahan bin Hj Abd Wahab

Page 2 STEP Newsletter

Page 3 STEP Newsletter

LOMBOK EXPERIENCE FOR YOUNG BRUNEI

The Brunei contingent consisting of 3 science and 3

The students who represented science were Mohd

According to Mohd Hafiy “It has been an exciting and memo-

Page 4 STEP Newsletter

The Opening Ceremony in its grandeur was witnessed by

Page 5 STEP Newsletter

Primary and Secondary Students in IMC, Chiang Mai 2008

Ak Muhammad Al-Ameen Bin Pg Mohd. Yani Lim Jia Ying

The objectives of this competition were:

Page 6 STEP Newsletter

Group photo of Brunei Team

Brunei’s Exhibition Booth Visit at Chiang Mai Zoo

Page 7 STEP Newsletter

BRUNEI STUDENTS BRING MEDALS FROM

The students from SR Binturan were:

And from SM SMJA were :

Page 8 STEP Newsletter

3rd Tech Challenge Competition 2009

Berakas Secondary School was crowned the winner, while

Page 9 STEP Newsletter

SHOWCASING STEP CENTRE

STEP Centre was represented by Syed

Page 10 STEP Newsletter

The 5th International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO)

Page 11 STEP Newsletter

Remarks From IJSO Participants

IJSO created plenty of unforgettable moments that I personally

Page 12 STEP Newsletter

Page 13 STEP Newsletter

EMPOWERING BRUNEI YOUTHS IN AN ASEAN SCIENCE

Page 14 STEP Newsletter

Meanwhile on the issue of teaching science and

It could be through collaboration of Asean nations by means of establishing dynamic online

ASEAN Quest Game and S&T Expo

Page 15 STEP Newsletter

Page 16 STEP Newsletter

The Training Program in Japan

Page 17 STEP Newsletter

During lectures and visits

Contents of the course

Some of the lecturers from Energy Conservation Center, Japan (ECCJ)

Page 18 STEP Newsletter

Group work presentation and after the certificate presentation