Thai visitors dazzled by Brunei charm

The KMITL delegates and LCB member with Syahmi Zulfadhli bin Abdullah (front, right) during the boat ride

A DELEGATION from King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), a research and education institution in Thailand, recently made an official visit to Laksamana College of Business (LCB) to further enhance collaboration between the two educational establishments.

King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang was established in 1960 and has seven major faculties – engineering, architecture, agricultural technology, science, industrial education, agricultural industry, and information technology.

The delegation consisted Assistant Professor Dr Pachernchaiphat Chaiyasith, Dr Samart Deebhijarn, Dean of College of Education Innovation Research, Dr Sudaporn Sawmong and Ornicha Norkaew.

KMITL had received an official visit from Laksamana College of Business last October during the World Didac Asia event held in Bangkok, Thailand.

The delegates were briefed on the state-of-the art facilities available at LCB including student accommodation and the latest hologram project by LCB Invention and Innovation Club. They were also given a presentation on courses, international partners and prospects of cooperation by Sivarajah Subramaniam, Chief Operating Officer/Deputy Principal of LCB, followed by a 15-minute presentation on student exchange programme and study tour to Brunei.

The Thai delegates also observed how LCB conducts lectures and had the chance to meet with LCB students who were holding the Food Booth activity at the college premises.

During the visit, the KMITL delegates went to the new park opened in conjunction with the Golden Jubilee Celebration of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Accession to the Throne.

The visitors were amazed to witness Brunei’s water village, the Kampong Ayer and the towering symbol of the Sultanate’s values of Malay Islamic Monarchy, the Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien (SOAS) Mosque. They also had the opportunity to see the Istana Lama located at Jalan Sumbiling, and took some photos in front of the Istana Nurul Iman.

On the second day, the delegates visited the Royal Regalia Building in the city centre where they observed a remarkable recreation of the coronation of His Majesty, exhibiting the gilded carriage which carried the newly-crowned Sultan in gold and silver ceremonial armour through the streets of the capital city.

The Thai visitors also watched the Royal Regalia showcases that present His Majesty’s childhood days up to the time of the monarch’s coronation, such as jewel-encrusted crowns, thrones and garments. They had the opportunity to see the Silver Jubilee Gallery celebrating His Majesty’s 25th ruling year and watched film footages of the auspicious event.

In the afternoon, Dr Pachernchaiphat Chaiyasith and other members of KMITL were taken on a tour around the water village, guided by Syahmi Zulfadhli bin Abdullah, a former student who completed the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism-endorsed Basic Tourist Guide course conducted by LCB. Also joining the boat tour were LCB Administration Manager Bogumila Mischke, IT/Computing Lecturer Jay Santhanam and Marketing Officer Salmeiah binti Awang Sulaiman.

One of the main activities the delegation witnessed was the ‘ambuyat’ demonstration conducted at the residence of Markim bin Haji Rahman and Wan Zunaidah Ariff binti Mohd Zain Ariff, at Kampung Burung Pingai Air.

One of the delegates Dr Samart was given a chance to make his own version of ambuyat and try it with ‘sambal binjai tempoyak’, Brunei’s famous condiment.

They were also given a boat ride from the couple’s residence to Sungai Meradun, where they observed so many animals including the proboscis monkeys, also known as the Dutch monkeys.