UVC Registration Day
Wednesday | 03 February 2010
Time: 2.30pm onwards
Venue: CLT Foyer
Others: $4 registration fee
Wednesday | 03 February 2010
Time: 2.30pm onwards
Venue: CLT Foyer
Others: $4 registration fee
Sunday, 31 January 2010
ASEM Volunteers: Our Journal
By: Billah H and Tiqah R
Acknowledgement to the following people for contributing the pictures:
Yuan Pin
Jepthe Sompud
Syaz Cls
Stanislav Spaniel
Lin Ji
Faryna
___________________________________________________________
Day 0 (December 28, 2009 till January 1, 2010)
It was in this week that the twenty of us met each other for the second time and we had a pre-ASEM team-building talk. Thank you Bazilah for the very inspiring and motivating presentation. It's all about proactive and response-ability from now onwards!
In addition, we also helped the organiser with the adminstration side in terms of printing out names of invitees for the Welcoming and Farewell dinners. We were quite enthusiastic to know that the guests of honour will be HRH The Crown Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah and HRH Princess Sarah.
So far we have updated the participants arrival schedule, packed the goodie bags and name tags, now waiting for the real day to come and get down to business. Ganbatte!
Day 1 (January 2, 2010)
We checked-in into our rooms at Rizqun International Hotel at around 4pm and liased with the hotel management in regards with the procedure of checking in of participants and speakers that will be arriving. Communication skills proven to be advantageous for Billah, Nora and Bazilah for they have done quite a good job handling some unforseen matters.
The volunteers were given two room; the boys were in room 409 while the girls were in room 407. We managed to had some rest after the hectic preparation before the clock stoke 11.30pm where the Airport Volunteers had to go to the airport to welcome the arriving participants. Meanwhile the Hotel Volunteers prepared themselves (and on standby mode) to usher the participants to the frontdesk and a short briefing on housekeeping.
We finally went to bed at around 3.30am and the boys had a mini ghost story-telling before we all dozed off to sleep.
Day 2 (January 3, 2010)
Another busy day. We brought foreign participants from Brunei International Airport to the Rizqun International Hotel. The volunteers have already bonded with the participants and some of the hotel staff.
Meanwhile, the participants tagged the volunteers along to the night market or locally known as Pasar Malam to have their dinner. The weather was just beautiful for us to stroll the Pasar Malam and explained the available local delicacies to the foreign participants.
Day 3 (January 4, 2010)
Hadri, Sahlan, Husrin, Agee, Naj and Syaz worked pretty well with the arrival of participants today, dealing with their visas and immigration procedures. Although there was a bit of unexpected "warm welcome" drama by one of the custom officers, the Airport Volunteers have proven themselves that they can now attend to any official matters professionally!
Day 4 (January 5, 2010)
The most hectic day so far! All participants and speakers registered their names for the mentioned workshop at our counter prior to their arrival at the Chancellor Hall from the hotel. Kudos to the Airport Volunteers for setting up the booth, fetching all and arranging all the gooding bags to-and-fro KBFSC office and everything!
Meanwhile the Hotel Volunteers made it in time after making sure that all participants and speakers have been transferred to the Chancellor Hall, they also helped in terms of ICT, photocopying presentation slides and ushing participants in between coffee breaks.
Nevertheless, as a reward the Welcoming Dinner was fantabulous! The caterer was the Polo Club since there were several familar faces of waiter and waitresses from the previous UBD Gala Night 2009. Just the right time for the volunteers and participants to break the ice. And one more thing; the desserts were so "ohlala~".
Day 5 (January 6, 2010)
The workload for the volunteers began to decrease bit by bit. Those who were stationed at the Chancellor Hall were still busy with the photocopying and taking pictures of the participants. At the same time, some of the Airport Volunteers were still welcoming one or two speakers from the airport and the Hotel Volunteers lending a hand with the ushing at the hotel and checking in part.
Highlight of the day: The foreign participants (and some of the volunteers too!) were very excited that they made the front cover of today's newspapers! Pretty exhilarated too to be able to see their group photo with HRH The Crown Prince before the Welcoming Dinner starts.
Day 6 (January 7, 2010)
CITY TOUR!!! Had a good time on the water taxi, a cup of tea and traditional delicacies at one of the houses in Kampong Ayer, spent time with the participants at the Royal Regalia and saw a magnificent view of Istana Nurul Iman.
In the evenings some of the volunteers brought the participants to the Pasar Malam again upon their request to taste some local fruits and delicacies.
Day 7 (January 8, 2010)
The Airport volunteers finally had their chance to have some rest after going to-and-fro the airport to welcome the participants and speakers. Meanwhile things were pretty the same at the Chancellor Hall for the rest of the volunteers, but with a plus point: we had a chance to listen to the talks presented by the invited speakers during the workshop. A worthwhile volunteering experience indeed!
The volunteers to KBFSC have packed their bags and ready for more volunteering in Kuala Belalong Field Studies centre, in Ulu Temburong. In the afternoon, we reached Ulu Belalong. A wonderful and relaxing ride on the Temuao took us to KBFSC where there is no network or internet at all! But not to worry, the volunteering work will keep us all busy! As we reached Ulu, some volunteers have to stay at Ulu Ulu Resort (what a bliss!) while some stayed at the KBFSC.
Day 8 (January 9, 2010)
Today, participants are going to the field to study dendrochronology and about forest studies. While we the volunteers helped in the kitchen. Its busy time. We have to help the people in the kitchen to ready their breakfast, lunch and dinner, not forgetting their refreshments! Moreover, after every meal, some are assigned to washing the dishes. It doesn’t matter, we get to eat with the participants and share stories with them. Qeelz is getting very well with Yudho from Indonesia while Nabeelah and the Europeans are mingling very well. The volunteers also had a dip in the river while the participant are sweating it out in the forest. What a treat!
Day 9 (January 10, 2010)
The same routine and jobs. The participants, today are divided into two, some went to the higher parts of the forest while some are running around with butterfly nets along the river. Volunteers and participants have become more and more closer by the day. Agee, for example, has become Dan Sluckin’s forest buddy. Both went for night watch in the forest and he always has interesting stories (not to mention spooky ones) to tell.
Today some of the volunteers sat with the participants at the dining table in the afternoon and shared ghost stories. Not to worry, its only 5pm. OR should we worry? Nevertheless, we never expected Mr Ranbeer from India to have such an interesting spooky story from his childhood.
Day 10 (January 11, 2010)
It started raining heavily. When yesterday we could see the participants dipping, now no one could swim because we were warned not to, by the KBFSC people. The food cooked by our cook was amazingly delicious. It doesn’t feel like we’re in the forest at all. Of course, that would not happen if we the volunteers didn’t help out with peeling onions and cutting vegetables. We also have fruits to cut. Now even the research assistants have to help out with kitchen chores.
At night it rained heavily also. Some of the participants are scheduled to go to the site where a road has been built causing erosions and other environmental impact. Note that this is at night, hence, only those with good headlight or torch are able to go. In the end, due to the heavy rainfall, the boat cannot travel between Ulu resort and KBFSC hence, some of the volunteers who stayed at the Ulu resort has to stay at KBFSC and those who are already at Ulu-Ulu resort lent clothes to the stranded participants. Another interesting night.
Day 11 (January 12, 2010)
Today is the most rewarding of all days in KBFSC for the volunteers. We had the chance to go to Canopy walk and waterfall. The group was divided into two to the Canopy walk, some went earlier at 6am but most volunteers went with the other participants at 8am. The trail was muddy and the climb to the canopy was very scary, but in the end, the view was very rewarding. Plus, there was mobile network on top!
In the afternoon, we had a nice walk to the waterfall. There was a place where there are little fishes nibbling on your toes. A natural spa.
Day 12 (January 13, 2010)
It’s the last day in Temburong. We were brought from KBFSC to Batang Duri with our luggages. Just as the first time we went to KBFSC, we had to tie our bags inside a plastic bag so it won’t be wet. Participants and volunteers alike formed a long chain to carry the bags onto the buses. The buses brought us to Long house where the house owners showed us how to cook traditional kuehs.
Just when we thought that was the cultural show in the itinerary, the participants and volunteers were brought to the Temburong district office, where the officers greeted us. Not just the officers, but also people wearing traditional costumes as well, lined up till we reached a place where our lunch was served. Traditional dances from Iban, Murut and Malay groups were performed and we had a chance to have fun on the stage with the very supporting participants.
Its time for more work for the hotel volunteers as participants headed back to Rizqun hotel. Today is the highlight of the workshop- closing dinner at BRIDEX with HRH Princess Sarah as the guest of honour.It was also exciting for the participants as they get to take a group photo with HRH and were presented with the certificate by HRH. It was an honor indeed for the volunteers when the VC, Dr Zulkarnain mentioned “thanks to the student volunteers” in his speech. The hectic and tiring job is almost ending.
Day 13 (January 14, 2010)
Most of the participants are going home today. The earliest to go home would be Aloysius from Singapore. His flight is at 7am and airport volunteers had to sent him way earlier than that. It was a sad moment as we sent them, but bonds can never be broken even when we’re miles apart right? We just have to keep in contact.
To all the volunteers - a job well done!
Friday, 29 January 2010
To All FOS Students
The SRC (Student’s Representative Council) invites all interested FOS students to volunteer for UBD OPEN DAY 2010 on the 20th and 21st February 2010 (Saturday & Sunday)
E-mail / text message your full name, registration number and complete contact details to the following:
E-mail / text message your full name, registration number and complete contact details to the following:
uvcvolunteers@gmail.com
8656185 (sms)
8656185 (sms)
“Let’s experience the joy and fun of volunteering! Meet your potential juniors too!”
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
We are OPEN for REGISTRATION
Hello Everyone!!!
We are open for Registration for this semester!
To register:
Send your;
- Fullname
- Registration No.
- Programme
- Contact No.
To UVC email; uvcvolunteers@gmail.com
Club Rules and Regulation.
- The registration fee is $4 per semester. The fee is non-refundable.
- To obtain certificate, a member must attend at least 3 activities.
Regards.
Sahlan Zuhairi
Public Relation Officer I
Monday, 25 January 2010
ASEM workshop (flashback)
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
UNIVERSITI Brunei Darussalam (UBD) should conduct a research on the effects of climate change to tropical rainforests, as little research is being done on the subject, said an expert from National University Singapore ( NUS) yesterday.
Professor Dr Richard T Corlett, professor of Terrestrial Ecology and Conservation from NUS Department of Biological Sciences said: "Very little work has been done in the tropics. One thing that would be very good for the university here to work on would be in predicting the effects of global warming on its biodiversity."
Professor Dr Corlett is an invited speaker at the Asia Europe Meeting (Asem) workshop on climate change from January 4-14.
"For instance, we don't know how a four-degree rise in temperature could affect the biodiversity in Brunei. Will it affect them greatly, or even kill them?"
"This will be an ideal place to do that sort of research," he said, adding that global climate change was going to affect everyone.
"That is the one that you should worry about and work on, " he told The Brunei Times on the sidelines of the workshop for university students from 24 countries at UBD.
Professor Dr Corlett who presented a paper on Climate change and other threats to tropical rainforests: Which should worry us most? said the major threats over the last 34 years was deforestation (for agriculture), logging and hunting.
"Global warming is going to make all these things worse, even in areas like Brunei where you protect your forests," he said.
He said that we don't really know the effect of global warming on tropical rainforests.
"Unfortunately we have little data on this. Brunei will certainly get at least two degrees warmer this century, but it would probably be three, four, five and six degrees warmer. Tropical forests have not experienced temperatures like this since several million years ago," he added.
He went on to say that there has been very little evidence on what effects it would have.
"Protecting your forests doesn't protect Brunei from global change. Brunei is still going to be affected by global changes. Changes which it is not responsible for."
If you keep your forests intact, it will give you some degree of protection," Professor Dr Corlett said.
For the rest of the countries in the region, the effects of climate change will interact with the effects of deforestation and logging, he added.
The workshop is a collaborative effort between Kuala Belalong Fields Studies Centre and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The Brunei Times
Professor Dr Richard T Corlett, professor of Terrestrial Ecology and Conservation from NUS Department of Biological Sciences said: "Very little work has been done in the tropics. One thing that would be very good for the university here to work on would be in predicting the effects of global warming on its biodiversity."
Professor Dr Corlett is an invited speaker at the Asia Europe Meeting (Asem) workshop on climate change from January 4-14.
"For instance, we don't know how a four-degree rise in temperature could affect the biodiversity in Brunei. Will it affect them greatly, or even kill them?"
"This will be an ideal place to do that sort of research," he said, adding that global climate change was going to affect everyone.
"That is the one that you should worry about and work on, " he told The Brunei Times on the sidelines of the workshop for university students from 24 countries at UBD.
Professor Dr Corlett who presented a paper on Climate change and other threats to tropical rainforests: Which should worry us most? said the major threats over the last 34 years was deforestation (for agriculture), logging and hunting.
"Global warming is going to make all these things worse, even in areas like Brunei where you protect your forests," he said.
He said that we don't really know the effect of global warming on tropical rainforests.
"Unfortunately we have little data on this. Brunei will certainly get at least two degrees warmer this century, but it would probably be three, four, five and six degrees warmer. Tropical forests have not experienced temperatures like this since several million years ago," he added.
He went on to say that there has been very little evidence on what effects it would have.
"Protecting your forests doesn't protect Brunei from global change. Brunei is still going to be affected by global changes. Changes which it is not responsible for."
If you keep your forests intact, it will give you some degree of protection," Professor Dr Corlett said.
For the rest of the countries in the region, the effects of climate change will interact with the effects of deforestation and logging, he added.
The workshop is a collaborative effort between Kuala Belalong Fields Studies Centre and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The Brunei Times
_____________________________________________________
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
CLIMATE change has evidently affected vertebrate populations in the tropics, particularly in Borneo where ecological communities are expected to move upward in both elevation and latitude.
Associate Professor at the Faculty of Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Ulmar Grafe said environmental issues such as habitat alteration, pollution, agriculture, logging, forest fires and other various stressors have posed threats to Borneo's tropical diversity.
Grafe highlighted this during the second day of the Asem Workshop 2010 at the university's Chancellor Hall yesterday.
During the second session of the workshop which primarily discussed biodiversity, forest ecosystem and functions, Grafe presented his research on the biodiversity of amphibians and reptiles and assessing responses to climate change in vertebrates.
He said that some of the recent climate models which have been presented by various speakers at the workshop so far have predicted that temperatures in the tropics have been increasing from two to even six degrees, and if that is going to happen, then that will have great effect on the local species richness.
"What these predictions mean to us is that we're going to lose many of these interesting species which are unique to Brunei and Borneo."
Borneo is a biodiversity hotspot, home to a rich frog fauna with only limited similarity to other land masses within Sundaland. There are 160 different species of frogs in Borneo, with 100 of them native to the island.
"Many of these species of frogs might have medicinal value to us. Frog skin has the potential elements that might have miracle cure against cancer. If we lose these species as a result from climate change, that will be a great loss."
He added, "One of the problems we're facing is that we're on an island, and the species cannot move north to track cooler temperatures, so the only place they can go is up the hill. Unfortunately, Brunei doesn't even have that many hills."
Climate change models predict increased variability in the timing and amount of precipitation.
Terrestrial vertebrates most at risk are species with small geographic ranges, narrow physiological tolerances, limited dispersal abilities, and strict habitat requirements. For mammals, shifts in abundances and distribution are being predicted mostly for species in northern latitudes.
"As ectothermic vertebrates, amphibians and reptiles are particularly sensitive to and respond strongly to changes in variability of air and water temperature, precipitation, and the length of time in which water is available," he said.
He further elaborated several factors which influence the degree to which amphibians and reptiles respond to climate change: changes in local environmental and habitat conditions; timing of reproduction, dispersal and migration; interactions with emerging pathogens and invasive species and; interactions with other environmental stressors. Grafe has spent many years researching behavioural ecology, population ecology and physiological ecology of vertebrates. He is particularly interested in monitoring amphibian and reptile populations in tropical forests.
The Brunei Times
Associate Professor at the Faculty of Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Ulmar Grafe said environmental issues such as habitat alteration, pollution, agriculture, logging, forest fires and other various stressors have posed threats to Borneo's tropical diversity.
Grafe highlighted this during the second day of the Asem Workshop 2010 at the university's Chancellor Hall yesterday.
During the second session of the workshop which primarily discussed biodiversity, forest ecosystem and functions, Grafe presented his research on the biodiversity of amphibians and reptiles and assessing responses to climate change in vertebrates.
He said that some of the recent climate models which have been presented by various speakers at the workshop so far have predicted that temperatures in the tropics have been increasing from two to even six degrees, and if that is going to happen, then that will have great effect on the local species richness.
"What these predictions mean to us is that we're going to lose many of these interesting species which are unique to Brunei and Borneo."
Borneo is a biodiversity hotspot, home to a rich frog fauna with only limited similarity to other land masses within Sundaland. There are 160 different species of frogs in Borneo, with 100 of them native to the island.
"Many of these species of frogs might have medicinal value to us. Frog skin has the potential elements that might have miracle cure against cancer. If we lose these species as a result from climate change, that will be a great loss."
He added, "One of the problems we're facing is that we're on an island, and the species cannot move north to track cooler temperatures, so the only place they can go is up the hill. Unfortunately, Brunei doesn't even have that many hills."
Climate change models predict increased variability in the timing and amount of precipitation.
Terrestrial vertebrates most at risk are species with small geographic ranges, narrow physiological tolerances, limited dispersal abilities, and strict habitat requirements. For mammals, shifts in abundances and distribution are being predicted mostly for species in northern latitudes.
"As ectothermic vertebrates, amphibians and reptiles are particularly sensitive to and respond strongly to changes in variability of air and water temperature, precipitation, and the length of time in which water is available," he said.
He further elaborated several factors which influence the degree to which amphibians and reptiles respond to climate change: changes in local environmental and habitat conditions; timing of reproduction, dispersal and migration; interactions with emerging pathogens and invasive species and; interactions with other environmental stressors. Grafe has spent many years researching behavioural ecology, population ecology and physiological ecology of vertebrates. He is particularly interested in monitoring amphibian and reptile populations in tropical forests.
The Brunei Times
_____________________________________________________
Thursday, January 7, 2010
PARTICIPANTS of the Asem (Asia-Europe Meeting) Workshop 2010, went on a tour of some of Brunei tourist hotspots yesterday.
The group visited the Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah, the Royal Regalia, followed by a visit to Kampong Ayer and a quick stop outside the Istana Nurul Iman.
Katherine Budd from the United Kingdom (UK) is not only on on her first trip to Brunei, but her first trip to Asia.
Her favourite part of the trip was the visit to Kampong Ayer, Brunei's "Venice of the East".
"It's amazing to see the other cultures and the way they live on the water, we even had a chance to go into one of the houses for tea," she said.
However, the trip was not the only opportunity she and others from the workshop have had to explore the country.
"We like the night time because it's where we get to explore the area (Gadong). I've been to the night market, I'm keen on trying durian, regardless of the reviews I've had," said Budd. "One of the places we have yet to visit is the beaches."
Budd added that with regards to biodiversity Brunei had much to offer. "In the UK, biodiversity is minimal, in Brunei you could be driving down the road and it's all around you."
Whilst Budd said that it was her first real experience of the city and she wanted to see more of it, she was most keen on visiting the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre (KBFSC) in Temburong, which Asem participants will be heading off to for four days.
Ginny Benardout, also from the UK in commenting Brunei's infrastructure said: "I've been to Sabah and the difference in development is obvious. The infrastructure here is amazing." She specifically referred to Istana Nurul Iman.
Benardout however said that she was disappointed at the level of pollution that was obvious in the Brunei River.
She further enquired as to the culture of living on the river.
"I wonder if anyone has thought about the implications of rising sea levels. High tides coupled with rising seas would make it almost impossible to live there."
Both, Budd and Benardout, added that they were very lucky to be one of the three members of the delegation from the UK, adding that Brunei held much interest for them.
Budd is a graduate in Ecology and Conservation, while Benardout studying environmental geography.
The Brunei Times
The group visited the Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah, the Royal Regalia, followed by a visit to Kampong Ayer and a quick stop outside the Istana Nurul Iman.
Katherine Budd from the United Kingdom (UK) is not only on on her first trip to Brunei, but her first trip to Asia.
Her favourite part of the trip was the visit to Kampong Ayer, Brunei's "Venice of the East".
"It's amazing to see the other cultures and the way they live on the water, we even had a chance to go into one of the houses for tea," she said.
However, the trip was not the only opportunity she and others from the workshop have had to explore the country.
"We like the night time because it's where we get to explore the area (Gadong). I've been to the night market, I'm keen on trying durian, regardless of the reviews I've had," said Budd. "One of the places we have yet to visit is the beaches."
Budd added that with regards to biodiversity Brunei had much to offer. "In the UK, biodiversity is minimal, in Brunei you could be driving down the road and it's all around you."
Whilst Budd said that it was her first real experience of the city and she wanted to see more of it, she was most keen on visiting the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre (KBFSC) in Temburong, which Asem participants will be heading off to for four days.
Ginny Benardout, also from the UK in commenting Brunei's infrastructure said: "I've been to Sabah and the difference in development is obvious. The infrastructure here is amazing." She specifically referred to Istana Nurul Iman.
Benardout however said that she was disappointed at the level of pollution that was obvious in the Brunei River.
She further enquired as to the culture of living on the river.
"I wonder if anyone has thought about the implications of rising sea levels. High tides coupled with rising seas would make it almost impossible to live there."
Both, Budd and Benardout, added that they were very lucky to be one of the three members of the delegation from the UK, adding that Brunei held much interest for them.
Budd is a graduate in Ecology and Conservation, while Benardout studying environmental geography.
The Brunei Times
_____________________________________________________
UBD mulls grants for 'green' courses
UBD mulls grants for 'green' courses
Thursday, January 14, 2010
UNIVERSITI Brunei Darussalam (UBD) is considering offering grants for courses on the environment, UBD Vice Chancellor Dr Hj Zulkarnain Hj Hanafi announced last night.
During his speech at the closing dinner for the Asia-Europe Meeting (Asem) Workshop, Dr Hj Zulkarnain also said UBD will be increasing its efforts in promoting environmental education and research.
The 10-day workshop on environmental issues was attended by students from throughout Asia and Europe, and included a visit to the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre (KBFSC) in Temburong.
Dr Hj Zulkarnain said that the UBD foresaw a more prominent role for the KBFSC. "We are interested in establishing collaborative projects on climate change, sustainable development and tropical biodiversity under our Belalong initiative," he said.
He invited participants to apply and compete for grants for master's degree and PhD-level research in these topics, stating that the UBD would be "delighted" to offer competitive grants to those who wanted to conduct research on these topics.
The Vice Chancellor also said that UBD would be working with various ministries, agencies and the private sector to gain their support and to have a greater engagement with the community in its efforts to promote environmental education and research.
Dr Hj Zulkarnin said that the topics covered in workshop, such as the impacts of climate change and the monitoring of ecosystem responses to climate change, could easily be a workshop or conference of its own.
"This reflects the huge task facing every community in addressing global climate change," he said.
He went on to thank the organising committee including student volunteers for their hard work.
He also thanked Asem and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for their support and guidance. The Brunei Times
During his speech at the closing dinner for the Asia-Europe Meeting (Asem) Workshop, Dr Hj Zulkarnain also said UBD will be increasing its efforts in promoting environmental education and research.
The 10-day workshop on environmental issues was attended by students from throughout Asia and Europe, and included a visit to the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre (KBFSC) in Temburong.
Dr Hj Zulkarnain said that the UBD foresaw a more prominent role for the KBFSC. "We are interested in establishing collaborative projects on climate change, sustainable development and tropical biodiversity under our Belalong initiative," he said.
He invited participants to apply and compete for grants for master's degree and PhD-level research in these topics, stating that the UBD would be "delighted" to offer competitive grants to those who wanted to conduct research on these topics.
The Vice Chancellor also said that UBD would be working with various ministries, agencies and the private sector to gain their support and to have a greater engagement with the community in its efforts to promote environmental education and research.
Dr Hj Zulkarnin said that the topics covered in workshop, such as the impacts of climate change and the monitoring of ecosystem responses to climate change, could easily be a workshop or conference of its own.
"This reflects the huge task facing every community in addressing global climate change," he said.
He went on to thank the organising committee including student volunteers for their hard work.
He also thanked Asem and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for their support and guidance. The Brunei Times
_____________________________________________________
Thursday, January 14, 2010
HER Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah at the closing of the Asia-Europe Meeting (Asem) Workshop last night called for individuals to take the initiative and make changes in their daily lives in order to help save the environment.
"We all have a duty to secure a better future for the next generation," she said.
"It can start with something as simple as planting a tree, flowers or plants in our gardens and using less paper at school or work, or we can reduce the use of plastics bags, whilst also recycling our waste products and conserving energy and water in our homes and workplaces.
"But above all, we need to lead by example and impart upon our children the importance of preserving our environment and its biodiversity, whether it be tropical rainforests, coral reefs or just the plants and creatures in our gardens and surroundings," said HRH Princess Sarah.
"Every one of us has a role to play, not just in the future but right now, to stop global warming and to decelerate climate change. I firmly believe in the ability of individuals to make a difference and your presence here is a testament to this ability," she said.
HRH went on to say that higher learning institutes played a crucial role in scientific research and knowledge sharing. "Education should be at the forefront of our efforts to increase awareness and promote interest in learning about climate change and the preservation of the natural environment," she said.
"Higher learning institutes like universities have a crucial role and responsibility in not only educating our youths, but also in terms of scientific research and knowledge sharing that will assist nations and their leaders in making well-informed decisions on climate change," she added.
The workshop, entitled "Towards understanding the impact of global climate change on biodiversity and tropical rainforest", was attended by 44 undergraduate students from Asia and Europe, who were given the opportunity to listen to a series of lectures by invited experts in biodiversity studies and climate change and the opportunity to work in Brunei's tropical rainforests.
HRH Princess Sarah commented in her speech that the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Center has attracted the interest of top scholars and students from around the globe to conduct research on biodiversity and rainforests.
"This workshop exemplifies this interest by bringing together young scientists from Asia and Europe to our nation, to learn more on climate change and to gain a deeper understanding of its impact on our planet and to crucial challenges it poses to the world's leaders," she said.
HRH Princess Sarah praised the passion and concern shown by the participants towards the well being of the natural environment, which she said has allowed for the sharing of knowledge and experience among participants in the workshop.
The Brunei Times
"We all have a duty to secure a better future for the next generation," she said.
"It can start with something as simple as planting a tree, flowers or plants in our gardens and using less paper at school or work, or we can reduce the use of plastics bags, whilst also recycling our waste products and conserving energy and water in our homes and workplaces.
"But above all, we need to lead by example and impart upon our children the importance of preserving our environment and its biodiversity, whether it be tropical rainforests, coral reefs or just the plants and creatures in our gardens and surroundings," said HRH Princess Sarah.
"Every one of us has a role to play, not just in the future but right now, to stop global warming and to decelerate climate change. I firmly believe in the ability of individuals to make a difference and your presence here is a testament to this ability," she said.
HRH went on to say that higher learning institutes played a crucial role in scientific research and knowledge sharing. "Education should be at the forefront of our efforts to increase awareness and promote interest in learning about climate change and the preservation of the natural environment," she said.
"Higher learning institutes like universities have a crucial role and responsibility in not only educating our youths, but also in terms of scientific research and knowledge sharing that will assist nations and their leaders in making well-informed decisions on climate change," she added.
The workshop, entitled "Towards understanding the impact of global climate change on biodiversity and tropical rainforest", was attended by 44 undergraduate students from Asia and Europe, who were given the opportunity to listen to a series of lectures by invited experts in biodiversity studies and climate change and the opportunity to work in Brunei's tropical rainforests.
HRH Princess Sarah commented in her speech that the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Center has attracted the interest of top scholars and students from around the globe to conduct research on biodiversity and rainforests.
"This workshop exemplifies this interest by bringing together young scientists from Asia and Europe to our nation, to learn more on climate change and to gain a deeper understanding of its impact on our planet and to crucial challenges it poses to the world's leaders," she said.
HRH Princess Sarah praised the passion and concern shown by the participants towards the well being of the natural environment, which she said has allowed for the sharing of knowledge and experience among participants in the workshop.
The Brunei Times
Note of Appreciation
On behalf of the Organiser, Student Dean and MPP, the UBD Volunteering and Charity Club (UVC) would like to thank the following students for their hard work, dedication, commitment and patience during ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Global Climate Change Workshop which was recently held at our university.
Thank you and job well done!
Hadri Jamil
Husrin Nazry
Sahlan Zuhairi
Billah Hasan
Agee Fadillah
Ayshah Qamruddin
Noorajrina Awg Damit
Pei Fen
Syazana Serbini
Bazilah Ghazali
Qeelz
Adlina Azlan
Najj Kifli
Nora Johari
Nabeelah Khalid
Surayah Hussain
Aisyah Hamdan
Lisah Mustapa
Amanina Aliuddin
Nurasilah Saidi
(NB: Absent in the picture - Ayshah, Adlina & Amanina & Pei Fen)
Husrin Nazry
Sahlan Zuhairi
Billah Hasan
Agee Fadillah
Ayshah Qamruddin
Noorajrina Awg Damit
Pei Fen
Syazana Serbini
Bazilah Ghazali
Qeelz
Adlina Azlan
Najj Kifli
Nora Johari
Nabeelah Khalid
Surayah Hussain
Aisyah Hamdan
Lisah Mustapa
Amanina Aliuddin
Nurasilah Saidi
(NB: Absent in the picture - Ayshah, Adlina & Amanina & Pei Fen)
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