On Wednesday, 25th January 2017, the Institute of Policy Studies hosted a high tea event for foreign embassies and high commissions. This is an annual event aimed at strengthening networks and friendship with the international community, particularly envoys and diplomatic representatives living here in Brunei. The event was graced with the recital of the Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by a welcoming speech by Dr. Teo Siew Yean, the AVC of Global Affairs, UBD. An information-sharing session was then led by the Director of IPS, Dr. Mahani Hamdan, and Graduate Studies Coordinator, Mr. Emil Zahrin Hj. Ali, who highlighted UBD’s flagship programme, the Master of Public Policy and Management (MPPM).Now in its third year running, the MPPM has produced graduates coming from diverse professional backgrounds and nationalities, including Russia, Philippines, Myanmar, Singapore, Malaysia, and Cambodia. Among those in attendance were His Excellency Mr. Craig Allen, the Ambassador of the United States Embassy in Brunei, and other foreign dignitaries. Among the good news shared by Dr. Teo Siew Yean during this event was the offering of scholarships to nationals and citizens of the members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, OIC, in addition to applicants from the East Asia Summit (EAS) member countries.
