As Laksamana College of Business (LCB) opens registration for its September intake, the institution continues to stand out as a premier destination for higher education – blending British academic standards with accessibility for Bruneian students.
And over the years, LCB has grown into a trusted name synonymous with quality, opportunity and career readiness.
A History of Excellence and Global Connection
Founded in Brunei in 2003, LCB was established as a partnership between Abdul Razak Holdings and Kensington College of Business in London, which has been providing higher education since 1982.
With over four decades of experience and nearly 22 years of operations in Brunei, the college has become a bridge between the Sultanate and the world of British education.
“History matters. We started in Brunei in 2003, but our roots go back to Kensington College of Business in London, which was established in 1982. That gives us over 43 years of experience in higher education,” shared CEO and Deputy Principal Dr Sivarajah Subramaniam in an interview.
The collaboration was the vision of the late Pehin Hapidz, who saw it as a way to give back to the nation.
“The idea was simple; to help Bruneian students and their parents. Not everyone can afford to send their children to the United Kingdom (UK) for three or four years, so we brought the foundation and degree programmes here.
“The vision has always been to make higher education more affordable for Bruneians,” Dr Sivarajah explained.
All LCB programmes are based on UK qualifications, with Brunei-based students earning the same degrees as their counterparts in Britain.
“Operating under a British college makes us unique. Our qualifications not only open doors locally but also allow our graduates to work internationally,” he added.
Among the institute’s key milestones is its collaboration with the University of Essex, which is currently ranked 23rd in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2025 and 29th out of 130 universities in the Complete University Guide 2026.
This partnership enables students to pursue UK degrees in Business Management, Marketing, Accounting, Computer Science and International Tourism Management.
And for the first time, students can access a UK law degree pathway that allows them to study in Brunei before progressing to the final year in the UK.
Premium British Education, Accessible to All
From its early days as a foundation-year institution, LCB has grown to offer full degree programmes and postgraduate options.
Despite this continued growth, affordability remains at the heart of its philosophy.
“Through our partnership with UK universities, students have the opportunity to graduate with a British degree right here in Brunei.
“The qualification holds the same recognition and value as if studied in the UK, while also offering the convenience of staying closer to home and the benefit of a more affordable pathway to an international standard of education,” said Dr Sivarajah.
LCB has also made accessibility a priority for working professionals, offering evening classes for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
“We always admire students who work and study. It takes discipline and sacrifice. That’s why we’ve offered evening classes since the beginning – so students can come in after working hours and still progress academically.”
Ultimately, the college is dedicated to providing quality education and clear progression routes for learners at every stage.
With programmes ranging from BTEC Level 2 to Master’s in Business Management, Laksamana offers students the opportunity to begin or continue their studies at different levels, ensuring they can achieve their academic and career goals in a supportive environment. Beyond affordability, LCB offers a vibrant learning environment enriched by industry partnerships, entrepreneurship opportunities and regular events with guest speakers, including Oxford lecturers and legal experts from the UK.
Its facilities include a sports complex and soon-to-be-upgraded sports park, adding to a well-rounded student experience.
“We want LCB to be for everyone and we try to make sure, our graduates must leave with qualifications they can use – and the mindset to perform in the workplace.”
Culinary Creativity and Career-Ready Pathways
Among LCB’s most celebrated strengths is its culinary school, offering City & Guilds qualifications recognised worldwide.
Students not only master the craft of cooking but also learn essential supervisory and kitchen management skills – equipping them to run their own ventures or work in high-profile hospitality environments across the globe.
Practical training is a core element of LCB’s approach. Culinary students take part in internships at the college’s restaurant, in hotels around the Sultanate, and at high-profile events – such as a recent collaboration with the Embassy of China, which featured a visiting chef from China.
“That kind of experience shows students what the real world is like – the intensity, the pressure, and the rewards,” added Dr Sivarajah. Beyond culinary arts, LCB runs a Work Readiness Programme to ensure all graduates are career-prepared. Over several days, students receive guidance on CV writing, interviews and professional presentation.
The programme concludes with recruitment sessions featuring leading employers – with 19 companies participating in the most recent event.
Field trips and entrepreneurship initiatives further enrich the curriculum.
Tourism students visit regional destinations such as Kuching to gain insight into resort operations, while pop-up days on campus encourage business innovation.
A Future of Opportunity – Registration Now Open
LCB continues to expand its offerings in hospitality, tourism, information technology, accounting and finance – areas Dr Sivarajah sees as vital for Brunei’s future workforce.
“These are talents we can export. They give our youth opportunities to thrive not only in Brunei but across the world”.
With its September intake now open, LCB invites students – school leavers, working professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs – to be part of its legacy of British excellence, world-class training and career-ready education.
To register or learn more about LCB’s programmes, you can explore lcb.edu.bn. From foundation to degree, your career starts here. – Wardi Wasil