The inaugural Brunei-Australia Association Australiana dinner was a runaway success thanks to the social committee’s hard work and perseverance. It was a night filled with music, food, and dancing. It was also an opportunity to honour some of our young scholars who excelled in their studies in Australia.
Salwa Tarif receiving a Momin Award for Excellence from HRD Services
B-AA President’s Welcoming Remarks during Australiana Dinner:
Welcome everyone to the Brunei-Aussie Dinner. Particularly to our young ones who are currently in Australia and some about to go. Tonight we honour some of you for your achievements down under.
Brunei and Australia share one piece of history which I don’t think many of you know. In 1984, while Brunei regained its independence from Great Britain, the Australian national anthem was also changed from God Save the Queen to Advance Australia Fair.
On another note, in 1954, Bob Hawke was immortalised by the Guinness Book of Records for sculling 2.5 pints of beer in 11 seconds. Bob later became the Prime Minister of Australia.
The BAAA was formed in 2002 with the following objectives:
- To represent and advance the interests of members who are alumni of Australian universities, education institutions, defence institutions and training centres.
- To establish a network of members in Brunei Darussalam so as to foster progress in the areas of education, culture, commerce, science and industry.
- To promote and foster relations amongst alumni associations of Brunei Darussalam and of other countries.
- To support business and social activities for members and their families to further enhance the network of members and prospective members.
- To raise and administer funds for the business of the Association and its activities.
Membership is open to any citizen or permanent resident of Brunei Darussalam who has undertaken study of any duration at any Australian university, college, institution of higher learning, school, education or language centre; or has undergone formal professional, technical, military, or industrial training in Australia or its territories; or has worked in Australia or its territories.
Associate Membership is open to any person who is not a citizen or permanent resident of Brunei Darussalam but who meets the above criteria, and parents of students studying in Australia.
In an effort to include the broader community, we have now removed the Alumni in the association’s name and called it the Brunei-Australia Association. This means that anyone can join as long as u have some sort of connection with Australia e.g. have you ever been to a barbie? Do you watch Neighbours or Home and Away? Do you own any article of Billabong, Quiksilver, or Rip Curl attire? Do you enjoy watching or playing cricket, footie or rugby? Fancy driving a ute?
I would encourage all of you who aren’t already members to sign up in order to enjoy the benefits of networking with other aussie alumni or fellow aussies in Brunei. We plan to hold future events including footie arvos, food tastings, and even group outings to some attractions in Brunei like Temburong, Labi, and others.
Anyway, have a great evening and do stay on for a chance to win a whole slew of lucky draw prizes! Thank you!
