Sriwittayapaknam School > Friends Around the World > Brunei

Country: Brunei Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan Location: South-east Asia Area: 5,770 sq km Highest point: Bukit Pagon 1,850 m Population: 343,653 (July 2001 est.)

The Sultanate of Brunei's heyday occurred between the 15th and 17th centuries, when its control extended over coastal areas of northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. Brunei subsequently entered a period of decline brought on by internal strife over royal succession, colonial expansion of European powers, and piracy. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate; independence was achieved in 1984. Brunei benefits from extensive petroleum and natural gas fields, the source of one of the highest per capita GDPs in the less developed countries. The same family has now ruled in Brunei for over six centuries.

VISITORS In October 2001 we were delighted to welcome Mr. Chai Chua from Brunei to our school. Chai is the Vice-chairman for the Board of Govenors at St. George's School. He came to see our computer department. In February 2002 he came back as representative of the Brunei Catholic Board of Education. He brought with him teachers from his and two other schools: Mr. Vincent Sumping (the principal of St. Michael's School), Mr. Merlin Kong and Mr. Gerry Sim (St. Georges's School) and Ms. Chea Wan Ching (St. Angela's School, Seria). (see pictures)

SCHOOLS We have strong links with the following schools in Brunei: St. Michael's School St. Georges's School St. Angela's School Mr. Vincent Sumping, the principal of St. Michael's School, was kind enough to record his voice before he left in order for our students to learn some Malay. Click here if you want to learn some words yourself.