THE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT PARTNERSHIP CENTRE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

STFP CENTRE

August 2006

The Ministry of Education, through the Department of Schools and STEP Centre hosted the 6th ASEAN Students Exchange last year. Since the year 2000, each ASEAN country takes turn to host the annual event. The programme has been held in Malaysia (2000), Singapore (2001), Thailand (2002), Indonesia (2003) and Philippines (2004) previously.

(more on page 9]

The Brunei Team for the 2nd International Mathematics and Science Olympiad (IMSO) arrived at the Brunei International Airport on Saturday 19th November 2005. These young champions were welcomed with thunderous applause and bouquets of flowers presented by the Acting Director of Schools, Assistant Director of non-government schools and Acting Head of STEP Centre.

[ more on Pg 14 ]

The above picture

The 3 IMSO Medalist were Awg Zikri Rifa'ie (centre); Ok Nurzari.fah Pg Omar Ali (left) and Lim Jia Xin (right). Awg Zikri Rifa'ie won Silver medal in the Science Category and he was also awarded a trophy for "The Best in Science Experiment", Ok Zarifah and Jia Xin both won bronze medals in the Science Category.

[more on page 14J

Highlights

3rd Robotech Competition attracts more teams from government and non-government schools. r Pg 5]

Brunei Robotics Olympiad (BRO) 2005 kicked start at Sekolah

Rendah Pusar Utak [Pg 6)

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Forward from

The Acting Head of STEP Centre Hj Metali bin Hj Mirasan

r== Messages 1

Assalamuataikum Warah matu lIah iwa ba rakatu h.

It brings us great pleasures to publish the first issue of STEP Forward. Through this publication, the Centre would be able to report its various activities, programmes and projects to its varied stakeholders. We intend to publish bi-annually, once in June and another in December, only two issues a year.

Our vision for the Centre is "Excellence Hub for Science, Technology and Environment Education".

It is hoped that through STEP Forwsrd, there would be greater awareness by the stakeholders and communities in the various undertakings of the Centre. We would welcome comments and suggestions from the readers, and we hope to improve the quality of reporting and articles of interest to readers in future issues.

Finally, I would like to thank the Ministry of Education, especially the Deputy Permanent Secretary (PT) for his guidance and support, and also Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn. Bhd. for their continuous financial support.

The Editorial Board

Patron

Dayang Apsah binti Hj Abdul Majid Deputy Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education

Advisor

Awang Hj Metali bin Hj Mirasan Acting Head of STEP Centre Ministry of Education

Chief Editor

Awang Zulbahri bin Achee Education Officer, STEP Centre

Editors

Dayang Sarimah binti Abu Bakar Senior Education Officer, STEP Centre

Awang Nor Erawadi bin Hj Ibrahim Senior Education Officer, STEP Centre

Hjh Dyg Mahani binti Hj Abd Rashid Education Officer, STEP Centre

Dayang Jauyah binti Tuah Education Officer, STEP Centre

Dayang Satinah binli Hj Abang Education Officer, STEP Centre

he former Head of STEP Centre

Awg Hj Mohd Aliddin bin Abd Ghani

We, the Head and Staff of STEP Centre express our heartfelt condolence to the late family of Allahyarham who passed away peacefully on Tuesday, 23'~ May 2006. May Allah bless his soul, Amin.

AI· Fatihah

Awg Hj, othman bin Judin

Acting Head of STEP Centre from March 2002 . December 2002

Currently Senior Project Officer at Prime Minister Office,

Awg Lim Jock Cheng
Acting Head of STEP Centre from January 2003 - April
2004.
Currently Director of Schools Inspectorate, Ministry of
Education.
Awg Koh Hong Puah
Acting Head of STEP Centre from May 2004 - March 2006
Currently Assistant Director (Secondary), Ministry of
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Malam Silaturahim

Ministry of Education and Brunei Shell Petroleum

The Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sendirian Berhad contributes B$150,000.00 for STEP activities.

Malam Silaturahim Ministry of Education and Brunei Shell Company Sdn. Bhd was held on the 17th March 2006 at Dewan Songket, Rizqun International Hotel, The Mall Gadong. The ch ief gu est for the night was Deputy Mi n i ster of Education, Pg. Data Seri Setia Dr. Hj Mohammad bin Pg Hj Abd Rahman as the representative to the Minister of Education, Negara Brunei Darussalam. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of a mock cheque from the Managing Director Brunei Shell Petroleum Sdn. Bhd to the Deputy Minister of Education .

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Robot Soccer: World Cup By Zulbahn Achee

FIRA (Federation of International Robot-Soccer Association), Robot Soccer was the brainchild of Prof. Jong-Hwan Kim and first introduced in 1997. The first Robot Soccer was held in Korea. In December 2005 two officers from STEP centre namely Awg Zulbahri Achee and Awg Nor Erawadi Hj Ibrahim, were invited as observers at the 8th FIRA Robot Soccer held in Singapore.

During the competition we managed to witness all the six categpries being competed. We also met several key people who have worked with FIRA since its formation, and also one of them was Prof. Jong-Hwan Kim himself. We also had the chance to visit the Robot Centre (ARICe) at Singapore Polytechnic.

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Three young Scientists make the country proud

by Zulbahri Achee .

Three students obtained 3 bronze medals at the First International JUnior Science Olympiad (IJSO) 2004, held in Jakarta Indonesia from 5th December till 14 December 2004.

Accompanying the students were Mr. Koh Hong Puah as the Head of Delegation and two officers, Ak Abd Raub bin Pg Ghani and Dyg Zurina binti Hj Ismail.

The students, Jason Yong Hui Wong (centre) from St.George's School; Siti Naqiah Hj Abd Aziz (right) and Dk Nur Hidayatul Hafiyyah (left) both from Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan posing for the camera .

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: Charlene Bong Yin Siet of SM Sayyidi,na Ali, KB receives "The Honorary Mention

, Award" by Zulbahri Achee

Charlene Bong Yin Siet of Sekol'ah Menengah Sayyidina Ali has made the country by becoming a recipient of the Honorary Mention Award at the 37th International Physics Olympiad held in Singapore. This prestigious Physics award is reoognised by universities allover the world.

The Brunei team comprised of Charlene Bong' of 8M Sayyidina Ali, Hjh 8alwa Khair binli POKMS Awg HJ MoM Tarif of Tingkatan Enam Berakas, Ak Md Tahir of Maktab Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien, Tan Chee Hau of Maklab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan, and Nurul Syazwani binli. Haji Abd Kahar of Sekolah Menengah Arab Laki-Laki Hasanal Bolkiah.

The Brunei students competed with other 386 students from 86 countries. Brunei Darussalam was among 72 countries to receive at least the Honorary Mention Award In total 37 others received gold medals, 48 received silver medals, 83 received bronze medals and 82 students received the Honorary Mention Award .

.

Leading the Brunei team were STEP Centre Education Officer, Zulbahri bin Achee, Maktab

Duli Pg Muda AI-Mutadee Bil.lah Education Officer, Dyg Shahrulbariah bin!i Hajj Sulaiman, and 8ekolah Menengah Sayyidina Ali Education Officer, Michelle Tieng Chwei Ling.

The Brunei team also had the chance to visit the research centres at two leading universities in Singapore i.e. The Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and The National University of Sing?pore (NUS) and also several places of interest.

The International Physics Olympiad (lPhO) is an international Physics competition for

secondary school students. .

The first IPhO was organized by Professor Czeslaw Scis!owski in Warsaw (Poland) in 1967. Since then the International Physics Olympiad has been organized in a different country every year.

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ROBOTECH COMPETrrlON - - ~

by Zulbahri Achee ~

~ cJ

This annual competition was organized by the Science Technology and Env,ironment Partnership (STEP) Centre, Ministry of Education m-partnership with Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn. Bhd and with the co-operation of Physics Department, University of Brunei Darussalam. The competition started in 2003 is opened to all secondary, technical and vocational schools incl,uding non-government schools.

The aim of this competition is to build a 'micromouse'in teams. This micromouse will then oompete in a race with other teams in different categories. The fastest micromouse that complete different race tracks will be declared as the winner.

The objectives of Ihis competition are to inculcate interest and understanding of robotics and to enhance the development and innovation in making robots.

The different categories competed:

1. Formula 1 - For upper secondary I the technical and the vocational schools 2 Formula 2 - Open category

3. Formula 3 - For the lower seoondary only

4. Gladiator - Open category

Quote

"The whole of science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday'thinking" - Albert Einstein

SNAPSHOTS AT THE ROBOTECH COMPETITION 2005

22 May 2005 'The Mall' Gadong Guest of Honor

Yang DiMuliakan Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Data Paduka Awang Haji Abdullah bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hajj Abu Bakar

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communication

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Robot Kids showing their skills at The Brunei Robotics Olympiad

2005 by Zulbahri Achee

The Brunei Robotics Olympiad (BRO) formerly known as "Lego Mindstorm Competition", opened to all primary schools (government and private) in Negara Brunei Darussalam. The BRO 2005 was organized for the second time by STEP Centre with the cooperation of Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn. Bhd.

The 2nd BRO was held at the Hall of Sekolah Rendah Pusar Ulak and the chief guest for the event was Acting Director of Schools, Dayang Hajah Norjum binti Hj Yusof, who was representing Awang Hj Ishaaq bin Haji Abdullah, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education.

Two categories were competed namely, 'The Tug-of-war' and 'The PretzelPuzzle'. A total of 27 teams from 22 schools took part in the events. The winner for 'Pretzel-Puzzle' went to SekolahRendah Muhammad Alam Seria while for Tug-of-war' went to Sekolah Rendah Anggerek Desa.

The overall champion (based on the accumulated points went to Sekolah Rendah Anggerek Desa and given the honour to represent Brunei Darussalam at the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) held in November 2005, Bangkok Thailand.

Quote

·'1 do not like it. and I am sorry I ever had anything to do with it"- Erwin Schrodinger

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The Competition in action I

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A TASTE OF SCHOOL LIFE IN JAPAN by Nor Erewedi HJ Ibrahim

Brunei Darussalam, through STEP Centre, has participated in The High School Students Exchange Program For Japan and A SEAN annua Ily since 2001 The Program me is ma in Iy sponsored by AF S Japa n and supported by Em bassy of Japan. The loca I programme here was co-ordinated by AFS Malaysia.

The pa rticipants are norma lIy high school stud ents aged between 15 to 18 years old. The prog ra mme aims to train participa nts to be future leaders, to promote multilateral exchanges and mutual understanding between Japan and ASEAN member countries and to form human networks among participants.

Two of our fortunate Form 6 students, Ok Nur Hafidah Pg Abd Rahman from Mak!ab Sains PSBS and Dyg Siti Aisyah Hj Othman from STPRI. participated in the programme from 7th and 28th December 2005. Dk Rafidah stayed in Hiroshima whilst Siti Aisyah wen! to Osaka. They were thrilled with their rich experience gained as they were involved in open panel discussions with ASEAN and Japan colleagues, attended workshops, study tours, home stays and enjoyed having lessons in Japanese school.

Aisyah and Rafidah having a wonderful night out in Kyoto town

Aisyah having a great time at lunch with her foster sister in Osaka

Rafidah (standing 3rd left) with her classmates in Suzugamine Girls' Senior High School in Hiroshima

Rafidah with other APS participants saying "fttadakimasu" before enjoying· the}r meal.

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PRIMARY 6 SCIENCE WHIZKIOS GOING FOR GOLD!!! by Nor Era wadi Hj Ibrahim

I know this - This is rust il! .

Is my answer right or wrong, Mr. cameraman?

The Pr.imary School Science Olympiad 2006, known as PSSO 2006, Negara Brunei Darussalam is organised by The Science, Technology and Environment Partnership Centre (STEP Centre), Ministry of Education with the cooperation of Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sendirian Berhad These primary six students who are under 12 years old represent various primary schools throughout the country. Such exposure will enhance the students in their learning and understanding processes.

The first round was held in February and participated by 220 students from about 77 primary schools throughout the country. In the Second Round, only the top 15 students competed for the medals. 6 of these bright young students came from schools in Brunei-Muara District while the rest came from different schools in Belait Distrlct. It was held on Thursday morning, 20th April 2006 at STEP Centre which was the written part of the competition THe final paper which was the Experimental Test was held in the laboratories of Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan, Jalan Muara on 3'd May 2006.

Quotes

'There are in fact two things. science and opinion; the former begets knowledge, the latter ignorance" - Hippocrates

"If your experiment needs statistics, then you ought to have done a better experiment" - Ernest Rutherford

'The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet" - Aristotle

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THE 6th ASEAN STUDENTS EXCHANGE PROGRAMME 2005

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussatam (21 November 2005 -1 December 2005)

by Hajah Oayang Mahani binii Hj Abd Rashid

The Ministry of Education, through the Department of Schools and STEP Centre hosted the 6th ASEAN Students Exchange last year. Since the year 2000, each ASEAN country takes turn to host the annual event. The programme has been held in Malaysia (2000), Singapore (2001), Thailand (2002), Indonesia (2003) and Philippines (2004). The ASEAN Student Exchange Programme is a flagship project of the ASEAN Committee on Education (ASCOE) with the objectives of promoting and cultivating understanding, cooperation and networking among ASEAN students that relate to educational, social, cultural and geopolitical lives of the ASEAN people. It also encourages the development of goodwill, good faith, tolerance and spirit among students' participants.

With the theme "Building a Dynamic Youth for ASEAN Peace, Prosperity and Cohesiveness", the programme offers opportunity for students to take part in seminars, presentations and visits to schools, industry and places of historical, geographical and cultural interest and experience a 2-day homestay. Among the places they visited were Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan, Jerudong International School, Ulu Temburong National Park, Art and Handicraft Training Centre, Malay Technology Museum, Kampong Ayer, Oil and Gas Discovery Centre and BLNG.

Enjoying the view on a boat ride to Ulu Temburong National Park

The 11 ~day programme participated by 52 students from seven ASEAN countries, namely Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and the host, Brunei Darussalam was officially launched by the Minister of Education, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Data Setia Haji Mohamed Taib,

The Bruneian participants presenting the seminar paper.

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TH E 2nd INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR SCIENCE OLYMPIAD, YOGYAKARTA, INDONESIA

by Nur Amirah tzzett binti Hj Mohd Noor, Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan

last December 2005, six Bruneian students including myself participated in the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) held in Yogyakarta Special Province starting from 4th December until the 13th with "Science today, Technology tomorrow" as the theme. The other students were Muhammad Ayyub bin Hj Kamaluddin (St John's School), Ak Hj Mohd Zaki bin Pg DP Hj Zaini (SM Menglai!), Ak Hj Mohd Saiful Bahri bin Pg Hj Mohd Jofray (MSPSBS), Muhammad Fadhli bin Hj Jumat (Chung Ching School) and Mohd Faiz bin Hj Sufrikhan (SOAS College). We had four months of intensive science trainings during weekends and school holidays for the preparation of the events.

Th International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) is an international competition which gathers junior high school science geniuses from various counties. It is aimed at focusing attention on increasing importance of science and making young students love science and generating enthusiasm among young student for exploration of science. Apart from competing, IJSO is also a gateway for students to meet new friends from other parts of the world.

A total of 34 countries, with more than 200 students were competing for the medals We sat there for three papers altogether, namely the Test Competition, Theoretical Examination and finally the Experimental Examination. The exam hall was a bit uncomfortable I strange as they placed every participant inside a cubicle with all corners sealed off. Scientific calculators and stationeries were provided. Before the examination, we recited the prayers, headed by Ayyub. The Test Competition had a bad start, as the physics part was difficult. The paper was easier for Chemistry and Biology. I was relieved that most of what has been taught by Cikgy Zurina came out. The next two days, we sat for Theoritical Paper 2. The Physics part was very difficult! Surprisingly, the biology part was quite easy. Chemistry was just fine. Our last paper was a three hour experiment about the effect of light, wind and medium on the rate of transpiration of a soya ben.

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Apart from only sitting for the examination,the participants were also provided with stress-releasing tours and activities. Although the tours were done everyday, none of them were tiring as the activities were interesting and relevant for the students. On the final day, during the farewell party, each country was requested to perform a spontaneous cultural performance. Our Bruneian delegates performed a popular song called "Perfec!".

Muhd Ayyub and Nur Amirah Izzati with their bronze medals

Here, we got to know new friends with different cultures, languages and personalities, which added colors to our IJSO memories. We now realised that IJSO is not only a competition; it's an international friendship gateway!

Students visit to Prambanan Temple

Bruneian delegation after the closing ceremony and prize presentation

On the final day, during the closing ceremony, particularly when the first 20 bronze medals were distributed, there was one side of us telling not to place any hopes. Our only wish was that somebody from Brunei will bring at least a bronze prize. When Ayyub's name was announced (that was for the final 20 bronze winners), we gave a sigh of relief. At least Brunei got a medal. A few moments later, my name was announced but I was surprised and happy at the same time.

When the prize presentation ended, we were entertained by a few songs including "we are the champion". We waved happily throughout the song.

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SCHOOL IMMERSION PROGRAMME (SIP)

by Satinah Hj Abang

In line with the progress of globalization, the process of formal education or non-formal education nowadays is beyond the boundary of a country or nation. One of such programmes is the Schoo/Immersion Programme (SIP) which involves students and officials of one country participating in joint programmes and activities with students and officials in another country. All programmes and activities are planned to benefit both participating nations.

The School Immersion Programme (SIP) is organized by The Science, Technology and Environment Partnership Centre (STEP Centre), in collaboration with Centre for Learning and Training (CFL T) Sdn. Bhd., a member of Cyberland International Pte. Ltd of the Republic of Singapore and in partnership with Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn. Bhd.

SIP started last year, when 6 Officials from Nanyang Primary School Singapore, set off a courtesy visit to schools and visit to schools and visited some places of interest from 15 to 17 November 2005. Subsequently, on the 20 to 26 November 2005, 29 primary four and five pupils accompanied by 4 teachers from Nanyang Primary School Singapore had participated in SIP, where they were involved in various activities such as Immersion at Sekolah Rendah Anggrek Desa and Sekolah Rendah Dato Marsal: Maths Trail activity; educational visits to Museums, Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park, Ambulong Processing Factory in Kg. Ukong, Brunei Shell Petroleum Sdn Bhd (BSP) and Brunei Liquefied Natural Gas Sdn. Bhd (BlNG); and a one ni'ght home stay.

Headmasters and headmistresses of all primary schools throughout this country were very fortunate to be able to attend a worthy sharing sessions by the principal and teachers of Nanyang Primary School, which is one of the prestigious schools in the Republic of Singapore.

In addition, earlier this year, ten officials from Negara Brunei Darussalam had been invited to share information and the success story of the first School Immersion Programme (SIP) to headmasters and prtncipals of primary and secondary schools in Singapore. Apart from that, the Brunei Darussalam delegation was exposed to the best practices employed by the Singapore education system particularly in school administration.

A first experience for most Singaporean students to play our musical instrument called 'Guling Tangan' at the Art and Handicraft Training Centre

Singaporean and Bruneian primary students study together in a Malay Language class

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SCHOOL IMMERSION PROGRAMME (SIP)

As a result of the success of SIP, more participants has been encouraged to·take part in School Immersion Programme (SI P). A reciprocal working visit from a group of 14 headmasters and principals from Singapore took place on 12.May until 15 may 2006.The main objectives of this visit were to provide opportunity for participants from both countries to interact and exchange knowledge and information; to provide an opportunity for participants to observe, explore and discuss any best p ra cticesin ed ucatio n of either cou ntries (Bru nei and Sing apore) 0 n th e possibil ities of futu re School Imm ersion Programmes.

Some of the programmes included during this visit are a "Networking Dinner" with principals, headmasters and officials in the Ministry of Education; visits to the Department of Schools, Ministry of Education, Sekolah Rendah Pintu Malim, Seko!ah Rendah Amar Pahlawan, Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan and Sekolah Menengah Jamalul Alam. Additionally, the group visited potential places for Singaporean students and teachers to study our culture and eco-systems, such as the Brunei Arts and Handicraft Training Centre; Ulu Temburong National Park and Tasik Merimbun Heritage Park. They also visited the cultural heritage at the residents of Penghulu Mukim Tamoi and witnessed precious antiques at the mini museum at Kampong Saba at Kampong Air.

School Immersion Programme is indeed an enriching and fruitful educational programme. It is hoped that officers and students from both countries will continue to build relationship through the School Immersion Programme

Singapore students witness the process of making 'Ambu/ong' (Sago production) at Kampong Ukong

A courtesy visit to the Department of Schools, Ministry of Education

A group photo of Singapore's principals and Brunei officials at the Ulu Temburong National Park

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THE 2nd INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE OLYMPIADS (IMSO 2005)

by Satinah Hj Abang

Six primary school pupils represented Brunei Darussalam in the "2nd International Mathematics and Science Otyrnpiad (I M SO) in Jakarta, Re public of I ndones ia from 12th November until 19th Nove m be r 2005. I MS 0 was org anized by th e Directorate of Kindergarden and Primary School Development, Ministry of National Education, Republic of Indonesia.

The Olympiads were meant to develop primary school pupils' talent, interest, intellectual ability and skills in Science and Mathematics .. The event, which ran by the theme "smart, Skilled and Creative in a Joyful Competition for Excellence", involved the participation of Primary Six students aged less than 12 years.

Awg. Zikri (centre) won silver medal and also honored with "The Best in Experiment, Dk. Zarifah (left) and Dyg. Jia Xin (right) both won bronze medals

Awg. Zikri received trophy for "The Best in Experiment". He got the highest mark among the other 46 countries.

All the 6 young representatives dressed dazzing/y and had petformed spectacularly the Iraditional dance of 'Zipin Tar'during the cuI/ural night.

The Six representatives were Muhammad Zikri Rifa'ie bin Zulkifli (Sekolah St.Michael, Serial, Ok Nur Zarifah binli Pg. Ornar Ali (Sekolah Sunshine, Gadong), Dyg. lim Jia Xin (Sekolah Chung Hwa Middle, BSB), Rusydinnah binti Hj Awg Buntar (Sekolah RendahTungku, Gadong),. Ak. Md. Haziq Asyraf bin Pg. AM. Haris (Sekolah Yayasan SHHB) and Awg .. Lim Li @ Lin Li (Jerudong International School).

They were accompanied to Jakarta by an officer of Science, Technology and Environment Partnership (STEP), Minislry of Education, Dyg. Satinah Hj. Abang, Awg. Muhd Pural bin Abdullah Sikut of Sekolah Rendah Bendahara Lama (Science trainer) and Dyg. Rosita binli Haji Abdul Halim of Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan (Malhs trainer).

The young representatives showed exemplary performances during the international contest. Awg. Zikri Rifa'ie won silver medal and was awarded a trophy for "The Best in Science Experiment". Ok. Nu r Za rifah b inti Pg. Omar AI i and Dyg. Li m Jia Xin both won bronze medals also in the Science category.

The path 10 their sucess, however, was not easy. First, they had to compete in the first round of the Primary School Science Olympiad (PSSO) with about 264 participants from 89 primary schools PSSO was organized by STEP Centre in collaboration with the Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn. Bhd. Then the lop 55 students had to compete again in Brunei Darussalam in Science Competition in Jakarta. The 3 pupils who represented Brunei Darussalam in Mathematics Category had to sit for a Mathematics examination which was set and supervised by STEP Centre

Additionally, three months before the departure, the 6 selected pupils had to undergo coaching and training on every Friday and Sunday at STEP Centre. In the International Olympiad in Jakarta, each participant sat for 3 grueling papers, narnety "Theory 1", "Theory 2" and "Experiment for Science / Exploration for Mathematics.

Brunei had participated in IMSO for the past 3 years and pupils managed to bring home several medals. For their success in the international competition this year, credits should also go to four other trainers namely, Awg. Lim Hong Leong of PTE Berakas, Awg. Syed Rozman bin Syed Abd Rahim of PAP. Hjh Masna, Awg Ramlan bin Hj. Abd. Samad of SR. Sengkurong and Dyg. Nurul Aini binti Hi. Thani of SM. PDSM, Menliri

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PRIMARY SCHOOL MATHEMATICS OLYMPIAD (PSMO)

by Satinah Hj Abang

The exploration tasks are testing pupils' skill, creativity and understanding in problem solving

Pupils attempting a grueling written test in the final round

The Primary School Mathematics Olympiad (PSMO) is firstly initiated this year by the SCience, Technology and Environment Partnership Centre (STEP Centre) Ministry of Education with the co-operation of Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn. Bhd. The objectives of the Olympiad are to improve the competence of the students in mathematics, to develop their talent and interest in mathematics and to motivate the primary school students to develop their intellectual capacity and skills in mathematics.

The main focus of the Olympiad is the Primary Sixth students aged less than 12 years old. This Olympiad consisted of two rounds which comprises of short answer problems (written), essay problem (written) and exploration This academic competition is established in recognition of the growing significance of mathematics education among the upper primary students in Negara Brunei Darussalam The questions are based on Upper Primary Mathematics Syllabi for Negara Brunei Darussalam including general knowledge and current issues on the field of Mathematics which also cover intellectual, reasoning and creativity.

The Preliminary Round was held concurrently in all four districts on Saturday, 2006 where 264 pupils from 92 government and non-government schools from all districts sat for the written test. Only the top 18 pupils were eligible to proceed to the Final Round which took place on 27 April 2006, The total marks of each of the 18 contestants were accumulated from both written tests and exploration test. Winners in the PSMO will be awarded with either medals; trophies; and some cash.

Quote

Imagination is more important than knowledge, for knowledge is limited while imagination embraces the entire world

Einstein

This pupil is solving an exploration task on 'Traction of liquid"

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WORKSHOPS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF R&D INDICATORS IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

by Sarimah & Norerawadi

Two Senior Education Officers of STEP Centre; Sarimah Abu Bakar (1 st from left of 2nd row of top picture & 3rd from right of 1 sl row ) and Nor Erawadi Hj Ibrahim (3rd fromtaft of 1 st row of top picture & 3rd from right of 3rd row) attended workshops on the Development of R&D Indicators in Brunei Darussalam.lt was organized by R&D Unit, Ministry of Development. It was conducted in 3 phases; 05 - 11 Sept. 05, 29 Nov - 01 Dec 05 and 23 - 25 Jan 06. The aims of these workshops were to develop and discuss R&D survey questionaires, to improve S&TI R&D data collection, a roadmap for future R&D surveys and strategies on how to increase national R&D efforts. All the workshops were facilitated by a consultant from GECD, Dr. Gunnar Westholm and assisted by Associate Prof. Dr. Tan Kha Sheng of Universili Brunei Darussalam.

In general, R&D activities in Brunei are momentarily inadequate and not yet centralised. There was no clear vision and mission for the overall Brunei R&D in S&T policy and its priorities as absence of operating Science Council. GERD as a percentage of our Gross Domestic Product (GOP) in year 2004 was about 0.05% which was twice of that in 2003 but very low according to international standards (ASEAN average in 2002 was 0.4% of GOP). Most responding institutions here did not have formal R&D units or separately budgeted R&D funds (or R&D capacity building).

The Opening ot the Workshop was officiated by Hj Mohd Said bin POKPS Data Paduka Hj Hashim, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Development (Technical and Professional) on 5th September 2005.

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Group photo of the project team at the closing ceremony officiated by Awg Hj Metassan bin Hj Daud, former Permanent Secretary (Administration and Finance), Ministry of Development (6th from right) and Dr Gunnar Westholm, the project consultant from OECD (5th from right).

Dr Weslholm's conclusion on the subject with reference to S&T education needed to be highlighted here. He fell that there should be an mcreasinq investment for S& T education as well as:

1. Reorientation of educational and research institutions to foster business activities in science, technology and innovation.

2. Combining improvements in higher education by growth of economic opportunities.

3. Introduction of entrepreneurial training and internships in the educational curricular.

4. Encouragement of students to take research from tertiary instituti.ons to firms.

5. Strengthening enrolment in science and mathematics in upper secondary education in order to improve enrolment in tertiary education (1997 - only 6% of tertiary students in science, mathematics and engineering).

6. Establish an interactive science centre to promote and popularise S&T.

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THE 3rd SEAMEO MATHEMATICS OLYMPIAD 2005 Penang, Malaysia (16-20 May 2005)

by Charlene Bong, Pre-U2 SM Sayyidina Ali, Kuala Belait

I'm forever seeking new ways to challenge myself. In lower secondary school, I was fortunate enough to make my school's Explomaths team, and had many hours of fun and excitement learning maths outside the classroom. I was a little disappointed after my school's Explomaths semi-finals quiz against St. Andrew's School in 2004, not just because our team had lost but also because it was the last time I would be competing in the Explomaths. I had no similar competition to look forward to in 2005, as the Explomaths competition does not extend to the Sixth Form.

I was therefore pleased to learn about the SEAM EO Maths Olympiad (SEA-MO) during my first week at my new Sixth Form school. After sitting for a challenging Screening Test at the STEP Centre, I was chosen as part of the four-student team that was to be sent to the 3rd SEA-MO in May 2005 The other three students were Mohammad Adi Hamdi bin Haji Aminuddin, Hjh. Nur Hamizah bte Hj. Ismail (both from Maktab Sains PSBS) and Hamizah binti Hj. Mohd. Harun (from Maktab Duli PMAMB). Our training started immediately, and we had problemsolving sessions twice a week for two months with our two Maths tutors , Cikgu Wan Abdul Rahman bin Wan Ibrahim from Maktab Duli PMAMB and Dr. Saiful Azmi bin HJ. Husain from Mathematics Department, UBD and with the supervision of Cikgu Jauyah binti Tuah, programme coordinator from STEP Centre. We were taught very interesting and elegant ways of solving mathematical problems. In a short span of time, our mathematical arsenal of tools expanded to include the Pigeonhole Principle, Euclid's Division Algorithm, and many other esoteric theorems. Problems that took at least half-an-hour to solve each became the staple of our mathematical diet. I was quite intimidated at first, but I grew steadily in confidence with each problem that I. solved.

Intensive training at STEP Centre every Friday and Sunday and also during school holidays.

Brunei Team during the 3'" SEAMEO Mathematics Olympiad 2005

Soon it was time to depart for Penang, which has played host to the Olympiad since its conception in 1998. We were very excited to meet the young mathematicians from the eight other countries which were competing in the Olympiad. It was not hard to tell that everyone was immensely bright; our first ice-breaking activity had us all sitted in a large circle whereupon each person introduced himself/herself and a challenge was held to see who could remember the names of all the fifty or so chaperones, leaders, deputy leaders and students who were present!

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THE 3rd SEAMEO MATHEMATICS OLYMPIAD 2005 Penang,. Malaysia (16-20 May 2005)

We sat for tests over two days, competing in two individual events and a team event. Everyone was exhausted by the tests, and it was the three-hour long individual power test ~ consisting of just five questions - that was the most challenging. After the tests, the team leaders faced the monumentally difficult task of deciphering and marking the test scripts, while everyone else was whisked away on a relaxing Grand Tour of Penanglsland. There were many visits to temples and shopping places, but something a little maths-oriented was planned too, namely a tour of the mini-planetarium at the University Sains Malaysia.

A visit to the Astronomy and Atmospheric Science Research Unit at the Universiti Sains Malaysia

Receiving the Honorary Mention Award during the Closing Ceremony

We soon learned of our results in the Olympiad, and a closing ceremony and banquet was held to honour the winners. I

received the Honorary Mention Award for my efforts in the Olympiad. After the banquet, each country performed a cultural song or dance for the entertainment program of the evening. It was then time for some teams to leave and lois of addresses

were exchanged. Manyfriendsh.ips had been made, and the event promised to be a memorable one for all. The SEAMEO 2005 was extremely interesting, both tor its mathematics and for the opportunity to mingle with other young mathematicians. I would therefore like to thank the STEP Centre, Ministry of Education for having coordinated Brunei Darussalam's partici-

pationin th,is even!.

Quotes

Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe

A.lbert Einstein

Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration

Thomas Alva Edison

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by Dayang Jauyah Tuah

The 1st World Robot Olympiad (WRO) was held in Singapore in 2004 with over 70 teams from 13 countries participating. Last year, the number of participating teams had increased to almost double where over 120 teams from 13 countries competed in 4 categories. The Olympiad held at the Science Centre for Education, Bangkok from 4th to 6th November 2005.

Brunei Darussalam was represented by a team from Anggerek Desa Primary School, the overall Champion of the Brunei Robotics Olympiad (BRO) for Primary Schools organized by STEP Centre in cooperation with Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn. Bhd and Centre for Learning and Training, (CFL T ) held on 20th September 2005.

WRO is an event that brings together students from around the world to interact and engage in a friendly robot competition. The process and experience inculcates create thinking and problem-solving skills. Through the event, participants are enriched by not only with the technical skills but also the soft skills while at the same time learning about different cultures through social activities. The Brunei Team participated in the Primary category for two events namely: : "Sprint - Pretzel Puzzle" and "Tug of War".

Prior the competition, the students went through intensive training at

STEP Centre. During the competition the students had the opportunity

to visit the galleries at the Science Centre and they were also brought

to Dream World Theme Park.

Intensive training at STEP Centre every Friday and Sunday and also during school holidays.

Intensive training at Benja Hotel, Bangkok one day before the competition

Visiting one of the galleries at the Science Centre

Brunei's Team before the 'Tug of War" and "Sprint" Competition

Visit to the Dream World Theme Park

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NATIONAL MATHEMATICS OLYMPIAD (NMO) 2006 NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

by Oayang Jauyah Tush

The first National Mathematics Olympiad is initiated by The.Science! Technology and Environment Partnership Centre (STEP Centre),. Ministry of Education with the collaboration of Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sendirian Berhad and' Mathematics Department, Faculty of Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD). The objectives of the Olympiad are

to develop the students' talent and interest in MathematiCS, to motivate the secondary school students in developing their intellectual capacity and skills in mathematics education and to create an avenue for the secondary students to apply and learn mathematics in a challenging and meaningful environment.

The main focus of the Olympiad is for lower Sixth School students aged not more than 17 years old .. The idea came about from the Brunei Darussalam participation at the 3rd SEAMEO Mathematics Olympiad held in Penang 2005 which was coordinated and hosted by the SEAMEO RECSAM Penang Malaysia. During the programme, one of the students was awarded a Honorary Mention Award.

This is an academic competition and hoped to further enhance the interest and knowledge of the respective students in Mathematics and its applications. The Olympiad was only consisted of one Round but the students sat for two test papers, "Short Answer Test" and "Written Power Test" and were conducted in two consecutive days 4th April and 5th April 2006 respectively. There were aUogether 36 participants from 8 Sixth Form schools throughout the country. Both the test papers were conducted at Pusat Tingkatan Enam Berakas.

The pariicipants sitting for the two tests at Pusat Tingkatan Enam Berakas

The technical committee marked the test papers at STEP Centre

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THE SECONDARY SCHOOL SCIENCE OLYMPIAD 2006 (SSSO)

by Hajah Oayang Mahani

Secondary School Science Olympiad (SSSO) Negara Brunei Darussalam is an academic competition on Science namely, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, for Form 4 students aged less than 16 on 1st January 2006.,

The Science, Technology and Environment Partnership Centre (STEP CENTRE), Ministry of Education with the co-operation of Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sendirian Berhad had organized The First Secondary School

Science Olympiad (SSSO). Similarly, this year STEP Centre, Ministry of Education with the co-operation of Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sendirian 8erhad is

organizing the event for the second time

The competition aims to improve the competence of the students in Science (particularly Biology, Chemistry and Physics), to develop secondary school students' talent and interest in Science and to motivate the secondary school students in developing their intellectual capacity

and skills in Science.

This Olympiad consists of 2 rounds, the Preliminary Round and the Final Round. The Preliminary Round was held successfully on 29 March 2006 at two venues, Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan and Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Ali, Kuala Belait. 25 best students

out of a total of 143 form four students from 38 secondary schools got through to the final round. In the final round, the students sat for three papers namely Theoretical Paper I, Theoretical Paper II and The Experimental

The Experimental Paper was held on 24 April 2006 at Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan. The three hour test assessed the students' ability in making observati on, reaso n i ng. i nterpretati 0 n, an a lysis and d ed u ctio n. The students also sat for Theoretical paper I and II al the

same venue on Tuesday, 2 May 2006, The marks from the three papers will be totalled to get an overall average mark.

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The APEC R&D Management Training Program

by Sarimah Abu Bakar

Sarimah Abu Bakar, Senior Education Officer, STEP Centre had attended the APE.G R&D Management Training (ART) Program in Seoul & Muju, Rep. of Korea on 20 - 25 February 2006.

Theme of training :"Human Resources Capacity Buil.ding in Science and Technology" Topics

• Human Resources Capacity

Innovation-driven Economy

• Meeting Industrial Demand

• Promoting Interdisciplinary Education and Training

• International Cooperation in Science and Technology

BuUding in an

• Enhancing participation of Women and ethnic Comrnunities in Science and Technology

• Boosting Young Students' Interest in Scientific and Technical Careers

• Retraining Incumbent Workforce

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Participation to the 16th International Biology Olympiad (180 2005) Beijing, The People's Republic of China (10 -17 July 2005)

by Sarimah Abu Bakar

Delegation from Negara Brunei Darussalam was headed by Sarimah Abu Bakar, Senior Education Officer, STEP centre. The participants were: Afifah Liyana bt Haji Ismail (Sekolah Tinggi Permpuan Raja Isleri), Nurz.awanah bl Abdul Gapar (SM Sayyidina Ali), Lim Chun and Yeo Chong Hsien (Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan). Two trainers and jury members were Haji Azrul Melda bin Haji Abu Bakar, education officer from Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan and Gregory Teo Soon Hock from SM Sayyidina Ali.

Students were divided into groups during the Practical examination. Their grouping had been indicated by the 4 different colours of Lab-

coats as shown in picture. Also in picture (centre) is Grace Lou Mei Yan, the chaperon for participants of Brunei Darussalam.

The delegates also had the opportunity to visit places of interest like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City as shown in above picture.

It is the regulation and responsibility of jury members to check, discuss and argue on questions and marking scheme of examination papers They were not allowed to communicate with the participants until the examination was over.

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STEP involved in BASE S & T Week 2006

by Nor Erawadi bin Hj Ibrahim

Since its inception, STEP Centre has had an on-going symbiotic relationship with Brunei Association for Science Education (BASE), Hand in hand, we strive together to promote science and technology education in this country. In fact, some officers of STEP are still executive members of the association. BASE also relied on STEP Centre's conference room as its venue for meetings.

Yang Mulia, the Deputy Minister of Education present souvenir to teacher supervisor of parl/cipating primary school

BASE had invited STEP officers to become judges in different categories. The officers' involved were:

Sarimah Abu Bakar -

Judge for BASE Science Project competition for Secondary Schools Hjh Mahani Hj Rashid -

Judge for BASE RekaCipta Sains for Lower Primary Schools Jauyah Tuah-

Judge for BASE Young Scientisl Badge Award Competition for Upper Primary Schools

Zulbahri bin Achee-

Judge for BASE Science Camp Essay Competition Satinah Hj Abang -

Judge for BASE Science Camp Essay Competition

News

Yang Berhormat, Minister of Education presenting prizes to a student winner of BASE Science Project Competition

Recently, the annual BASE Science and Technology Week 2006 was held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas for 4 days from Monday, June 12th until Thursday, June 15th. It was organised in co-operation with Ministry of Education and sponsored by Brunei Shell

Petroleum Company Sendirian Berhad.

The Prize

Presentation and Closing Ceremony was officiated by Minister of Education, Yang Berhormat, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib.

The main objective of the event was to highlight and .exhibit products from different competitions reinforcing Science and Technology education to all members of the public and the students. The activities included an exhibition on BASE Science Project, Rekacipta Sa ins BASE from lower primary students, Young Scientists Badge Award (YSBAS) Scheme Competition, BASE Secondary Science Teachers' Seminar, essay exhibitions, BASE Electronic craze, BASE souveneirs sale, BASE Membership, Activity Corner, Career and Motivational Talk as well as BASE Dinner Night.

STEP Centre's supporting staff also became Working Committee members during BASE S& T Week. They were responsible in preparation and distribution of invitation letters chaired by Nor Erawadi Hj Ibrahim, a STEP officer, who is also currently the Vice-President of BASE.

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by Jenny Tan Feng Ling

This congress has been organised for its 5th time; which is held once in two years by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation (SEAMEO), Regional Centre for Education in Science and Mathematics (RECSAM). For the first time it had successfully attracted participation from all SEAMEO member countries with at least one project from each country.

The aims of SSYS are:

• to encourage research and development in science and technology among youths in SEAMEO Member Countries, Associate and Non-SEAMEO Member countries;

• to provide a venue for intellectual and social interactions among students and educators;

• to identify and give recognition to outstanding young science researchers

SSYS is not organised as a competition between student delegates, but is designed as a congress to conduce the exchange of ideas and experiences among student delegates

Brunei Darussalam delegation was headed by Mr Koh Hong Puah, acting Head of STEP Centre. Our school team from Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin College (SOAS) comprised of two students: Muhd Arninnuddin bin Mohd Yussof and Muhd Zarifdana bin Hj Zinal Abadin I was the supervising teacher to the college. Our project : "Any POSSibility of Conserving and Sustaining Heath Forest of Bukit Beruang r was chosen by a panel of judges consisting of representatives from Physics Department, Universiti Brunei Darussalam; Forestry Department, Department of School and STEP Centre. A tota I of 1 0 projects be ing j ud ged was he Id at STE P Centre on 10 -11 Au gust 2005 and ou r proj ect was selected to re pre-

sent Niegara Brunei Darussalam at this Congress.

0: U y

AWARD PR.S.NTAnON CERflO!ONY

Although this congress is not meant to be a competition, the projects are still Judged and awarded to encourage and give recognition to potential young scientists: hence promoting continuity in scientific researches. Altogether 20 projects from 10 ASEAN countries competed during the Congress and we managed to gel the Award for "Best Research Report Written". The theme for this year's congress is "Sustainable Development for a Better World". This co ngress al so in cI udes, scie n ce forum. workshops, educationa I vi sit and

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Some Outstanding Achievements of Brunei Darussalam's Participation at Regional & International Programmes

No Regional and International Partici- Achievements
pation
1 Inte m ational M athem atics and 2003 2 Bronze medals ( II was called ASEAN Pri·
I Science Olympiad (IMSO) mary School Mathematics and Science Olyrn-
piad)
2004 1 silver and 1 bronze medal
2005 1 silver medal, 2 bronze medals and 1 Award
for Best in Experiment.
2, International Junior Science Olyrn- 2004 3 bronze medals
piad (IJSO)
2005 2 bronze medals
3. SEAMEO Mathematics ()Iympiad 2001 No medal/Award
(SEA·MO)
2005 One student received "Honorary Mention
Award"
4. International Physics Olympiad 2006 One student received "Honorary Mention
(IPhO) Award"
5. Regional Congress: Search for 1999 1 Award - "Best Application of Scientific
; SEAMEO Young Scientists Sk illsl Approach
(SSYS) 2002 3 Awards ~" Best Appli,cation of Scientific
Skilis/Approach" , "The Most Promising
Young Scientist" and "Overall Winner among
the SEAMEO countries"
, 2006 1 Award . "The best Written Report"
6. Asia-Europe Scientist Of Tomer- ' 2004 Merit Award
row Programme (AESOTOPE)
7. APEC Youth Science Festival 1998 One student among the Team Member was
awarded as "Best Presenter" during Forum
2000 One student was awarded as "Best Pre-
senter"
2004 5 Awards - "1" in Students Project and Exhi-
bition" , "2nd in Students Project and Exhibi-
tion" , "pi in Forum Group Paper", "2nd in Fo-
rum Group Paper" and" 1s1 in Student Do
Yoursel f Pro duct Oem ons t ration".
8. ABU ROBOCON 2003 No Award
2004 No Award
2005 Toyota Award
9, WorldR abo! Olympi ad (WRO) 2004 Placed13 from 33 countries
2005 No Award 26

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STEP Staff since its formation

Staff of 2002

Staff of 2005

Staff of 2003

Staff of 2006

Some Light Moments .

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