Happy Summer Time!

Wish everyone ....
A season filled with 
Sunshine of happiness and
Warmth togetherness
happy summer Time~


Enjoy the video below which was taken during the last winter holiday...courtesy of Hilmi HR.


Happy Holiday everyone.... see you all in the next semester... and congratulations to those who just completed their studies at UNSW, You all will be missed...

Solat Hajat, Sems 2, 2011

Assalamualaikum W.B.T

Memandangkan pelajar-pelajar di bawah BASS akan menduduki peperiksaan akhir semester 2, 2011, maka sebagai salah satu insiatif utama kita bagi mendapat kejayaan dan mendapat berkah dengan ilmu-ilmu yang kita pelajari, dalami dan ketahui ialah dengan memohon keberkataan dan petunjuk dari Ilahi. Semoga apa yang kita pelajari selama ini dapat bermanfat bukan sahaja bagi diri kita, bahkan bagi ugama, Negara dan Bangsa yang tercinta.


Maka seperti tahun-tahun sebelum ini, adalah menjadi kebiasaan bagi warga BASS untuk mengadakan Sembahyang Hajat beramai-ramai. Majlis Sembahyang Hajat warga BASS akan diadakan selepas Sembahyang Maghrib berjemaah dan juga akan diteruskan dengan membaca Surah Yaasin beramai-ramai. Details bagi majlis tersebut adalah seperti berikut:


Date: 15th October 2011 (Sabtu)
Time: 07:00 pm
Location: Village Boys' apartment


Maka dengan ini dijemput semua warga BASS yang beragama Islam bagi menghadirkan diri ke Majlis tersebut dan sila bawa Sejadah dan juga buku Surah Yaasin bersama.


Sekian Disampaikan


#remarks: Also we would just be having a pot-luck hi tea. So if you have any snacks or finger foods to bring, just bring em yea


atttached : Duas for studies & Exam at http://bass-box.blogspot.com/2011/06/duas-for-studies-and-exams.html

2011 Daylight Saving

Salam/Hello,


Just a quick reminder. The Daylight Saving for NSW commences this SUNDAY, 02/10/2011 at 2:00 a.m. So don't forget to spring ahead your clock by 1 hour this Sunday.

Raya for Bruneians Around Sydney Society (BASS)

This article is meant to be published in the BT, but was not able to go through :(
 Special credits to both Ain Zahiah and Khairunnisa for your marvelous works!

Raya for Bruneians Around Sydney Society (BASS)

By: Ain Zahiah bte Hj Shazli and  Nurul Khairunnisa bte Jupry

Being away from home does not stop Bruneians studying in Sydney from celebrating a joyful Raya this year.

Dk Nurul Aqilah Pg Masuni, a second year student at University of New South Wales, stated that the Raya atmosphere here in Sydney is “better than she had expected.”

“On my mind, celebrating Raya outside the country feels depressing because your family is not around but looking at what I’ve been going through so far this Raya, it has been fun, joyful and more happening than I expected for here your friends become your new family.”

On 10^th September, a group of fourteen students travelled by road for six hours from Sydney to Brunei High Commission in Canberra to attend an open house organised by the Bruneian officers.

“The trip to Canberra was part of the climax of our Raya. Meeting the elderly and some Bruneian officers who were very welcoming made it feel like home. We even got to eat some Bruneian dishes that we have been craving,” added Dk Nurul Aqilah.

On the other hand, Abdul Anas Mohammad Ishak, has a different opinion about his first Raya here in Sydney.

“My first day of Raya was quiet.  Eventhough I feel happy to celebrate Raya in Australia with my BASS family, at the same time I feel sad because I am not with my real family. The raya here is not as happening because there are not many open houses to be attended. There are also less ‘duit raya’, less ‘tapak kuda’ and less ‘kuih raya’. “

The second year Chemical Engineering student also added that he could not get the real feel of Raya when in Sydney.

“There is no raya atmosphere here because for me, the highlight of raya is to ask for forgiveness from other people especially our parents. However, this year, I did not get to do that.”

Mohd Yusri Efandi Ibrahim, a third year Petroleum Engineering student said that last year’s Raya was much better than this year’s.

“Raya so far is just okay, not as great as in Brunei. On the first day, I could not attend the mass Sunat Eid prayer because I had a presentation at the same time. Compared to last year, the first week of raya fell during our mid-semester break, but not this year. Last year we could have a gathering after Sunat prayer, but this year, we could only have it on the third day of Raya. I feel that the raya atmosphere is really missing this year, even during the BASS takbir raya gathering.”

Yusri also compared his Raya celebration in Brunei and in Sydney, saying that raya feels like normal days here.

“In Brunei, the night before raya, we would be busy doing preparation. Cleaning up the house, fixing the neon lights, ‘pelita’…. These things do not happen here. My hope for next Raya is that on the first day, we could have a gathering and help each other to make that day the most important day out of the 365 days that we have in a year.”

It is a different story for Md Zarifdana Zinal Abadin, a fourth year student in Petroleum Engineering, who has “mixed feelings” about celebrating his final Raya in Sydney.

“I feel sad because it is my last Raya here but I am kind of happy at the same time for I’ll be in Brunei next year, Insha Allah.”

He also talked about celebrating Raya at Brunei High Commission in Canberra.

“The food was great and I got to meet more Bruneians there and it felt as if I was in Brunei.”

When asked about what Raya in Sydney has taught him, the 21-year-old has learnt to appreciate his family’s presence.

”I would like to spend and cherish more time with my family when I come back to Brunei because I have been missing them during Raya here. But I will definitely miss the people in Sydney.”

BASS Hari Raya Aidilifitri 1432/2011 greetings

Sambutan Hari Raya AidiFitri 1432/2011

Assalamualaikum :))
Untuk meraikan kemenangan kita menempuhi bulan ramadhan dalam membina iman & taqwa, BASS ingin menjemput semua warga Islam BASS untuk beramai-ramai menghadirkan diri untuk sambutan malam Hari Raya Aidilfitri 1432H, pada besok hari pada jam 8 malam. Bertempat di kediaman kaka miza, 9/29 Forsyth Street.


Sambutan Hari Raya akan dimulakan dengan takbir raya melahirkan rasa Kebesaran Ilahi. Lafaz takbir raya akan disediakan. Untuk memeriahkan lagi suasana setiap rumah bolehlah sekiranya membawa juadah ringan seperti biskut, kek dan sebagainya.



Sekian, sempurnakan amalan diakhir Ramadhan dan selamat memasuki bulan kemenangan :))


Taqaballallahu minna wa minkum"
(semoga Allah menerima amalan kami dan amalan kamu)

***

Assalamu Alaikum,

The Islamic Society of UNSW (ISOC) invites you to:

Eid Ul-Fitr Prayer

When?
Tuesday, 30th August 2011

Where?
Roundhouse, UNSW, Kensington.

Program?
7:15am Takbeer,
7:45 am Salaat ,
8:00 am Khutbah ,
8:15 am Social

Refreshments and free gift bag for every child

The Prayer is open to all Brothers, Sisters, and their families and friends.

SO PLEASE JOIN US…

Kind Regards,

Mahmoud Jaame`

Update on Majlis Khatam AL-Quran 1432/2011

Assalamualaikum & Ramadhan Karim

Dengan ini dimaklumkan bahawa Majlis Khatam Al-Quran 1432/2011 bagi Warga BASS Insya Allah akan berlangsung pada hari Sabtu, 20hb Ogos 2011. Informasi terperinci  bagi majlis tersebut adalah seperti berikut:

3.15 pm  : Peserta hadir.

3.30 pm : Tetamu kehormat dan pegawai yang lain hadir.

3.50 pm : Majlis bermula.

               : Ucapan daripada Presiden BASS.

               : Ucapan daripada Tetamu Kehormat.

               : Bacaan Surah Al-fatihah diketuai oleh Tetamu Kehormat.

               : Bacaan Al-Quran dimulai dari surah Ad-Dhuha.

               : Bacaan Doa Khatam Al-Quran.

               : Dikir dan Penyampaian Sijil bagi peserta khatam.

5.30pm    : Berbuka puasa secara ringan.

5.45pm    : Sembahyang Maghrib berjemaah.

6.10pm    : Bertolak menuju ke Old Tote UNSW bagi menikmati jamuan.

Remarks untuk peserta

1) Semua peserta dimestikan untuk menghadiri Majlis diatas

2) Semua peserta juga dimestikan untuk memakai Baju Kebangsaan

3) Semua peserta dikehendaki untuk membawa senaskah Al-Quran dan sejadah

Remarks untuk semua warga BASS

1) Semua warga BASS (Muslim/non Muslim) adalah digalakkan untuk menghadirkan diri di Old Tote pada jam 6.00pm pada hari tersebut

2) Setiap rumah digalakkan untuk membawa pencuci mulut atau hidangan lain

3) Semua hadirin dikehendaki untuk berpakaian kemas dan sopan

Sebarang pertanyaan, sila hubungi Yusri (FB link) atau Nurul Ain Haji Abu Bakar (FB link).

Sekian, harap maklum

List of Juzuk-Juzuk Al-Quran to be recited by all participants

Assalamualaikum W.B.T

First and foremost, we would like thank those who attended the Majlis Pembukaan Bertadarrus Al-Quran Bass 1432/2011and the Majlis bersungkai, for the overwhelming support to participate in this first-ever Majlis Bertadarrus event by BASS.

Alhamdulilah, the night turned out very well. We had opportunity to spend time and listen to a sharing session presented by our Sister, Nurul Ain, about Ramadhan Al-Karim and its benefits. The night ended with Terawih and Witir prayer lead by Md Zarif.

Back to the actual intention of this post. Please kindly find the attached list of Juzuk-Juzuk to be recited and completed by all participants before the Majlis Khatam Al-Quran BASS which insya Allah will be held on 20th August 2011.

The full agenda on the Majlis Khatam Al-Quran BASS will be posted by next week.

Thank You

An update on Majlis bertadarrus AL-Quran BASS

Assalamualaikum and Hello,

This is an update regarding to the Majlis Tadarus Al-Quran BASS on this Saturday. Due to some issue, we have to change the venue for the Majlis Tahlil and the opening of the Majlis Bertadarus from  Old Tote to the village boys apartment. The agenda on that day remain unchanged.

However, the location for the Majlis bersungkai (eating session) remains unchanged at Old Tote (starts at 6.00pm) and again it is a potluck and it is open to all BASS family members, (Muslim/non Muslim).

And  just a quick reminder, the closing time for the registration to  participate in the Majlis Tadarus Al-Quran BASS will be closed on this Friday evening. Please refer to the previous post for details...

On behalf of Bass Committee, we hope to see you there.

Salam Ramadhan Karim

Regards

Info mengenai Majlis Bertadarrus Al-Quran

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullah dan Salam sejahtera.

Sebagaimana yang telah dimaklumkan sebelum ini Majlis Tadarrus Al-Quran akan dibuka secara rasminya pada hari Sabtu, 13 hb Ogos 2011, bertempat di Old Tote, UNSW.

Agenda yang akan berlangsung pada hari tersebut adalah seperti berikut:

3.30pm - Semua ahli BASS dijangka hadir.

4.00pm - Majlis bertahlil dimulakan.

4.30pm - Pembukaan rasmi Majlis Tadarrus beramai-ramai.

5.24pm - Majlis Berbuka Puasa secara ringan.

5.40pm - Solat Maghrib berjema'ah.

6.00pm - Menikmati juadah yang dihidangkan.

7.00pm - Solat 'Isya berjema'ah diteruskan dengan Solat Sunat Terawih dan Witr.

8.00pm - Majlis dijangka selesai.

Oleh kerana majlis ini adalah majlis rasmi, semua peserta adalah digalakkan memakai baju melayu /Jubah (lelaki) dan perempuan (baju kurong atau jubah) dan sahabat yang non-muslim berpakaian formal (formal attire).


*Updated* to all non Muslim -Bass members: You are most welcome to attend this event and you are allowed to wear long sleeves and jeans on that day... Any questions /confusions regarding the attire or anything, you may contact me /Azimah

*Salinan Surah yang akan dibaca beramai-ramai akan disediakan oleh pihak jawatankuasa majlis.

*Peserta diminta untuk membawa sejadah masing-masing.

*Majlis pada hari itu adalah secara "potluck", kami berharap jika abiskita dapat menyatakan juadah yang ingin dibawa untuk hari tersebut di facebook BASS.

Info majlis khatam Al-Quran:

1) Peserta yang berminat untuk mengikuti mengkhatamkan Al-Quran adalah dikehendaki untuk memberi respon "attending" di facebook BASS sebelum hari Jumaat malam (12hb Ogos) (link)

2) Pembacaan Tadarus Al-Quran adalah secara persendirian yang mana peserta dikehendaki untuk menghabiskan juzuk2 Al-Quran yang diberikan sebelum Majlis Khatam Al-Quran tersebut. 

3) Peserta boleh menghabiskan juzuk2 yang diberikan secara peseorangan/kumpulan, mengikut kehendak masing2. tetapi sebagai syarat bagi majlis ini, setiap peserta Khatam Al-Quran akan di tasmi' (disemak) bacaannya oleh Mohd Zarif (bagi peserta lelaki) dan Nurul Ain (bagi peserta perempuan) sekurang-kurangnya sekali dalam tempoh Tadarus tersebut.

4) Pembahagian juzuk-juzuk Al-Quran akan diaturkan pada 13hb Ogos nanti.

5) Majlis penutup Tadarrus dan majlis khatam Al-Quran akan diadakan inshaAllah pada 20hb Ogos (hari Sabtu) dan tetamu kehormat untuk majlis tersebut adalah Pegawai kerajaan dari Pesuruhjaya Brunei (Canberra).

Sebarang pertanyaan bolehlah dirujuk kepada saya atau Nurul Ain (Zahra Abu Bakar)

Sekian,

Salam Ramadhan Karim

Majlis Tadarus AL-Quran bagi warga Bass

Bismillah Ar-rahman Ar-Rahim,

Assalamualaikum and Ramadhan karim..

Sebagai sebahagian dari ibadah kita di bulan ramadhan ini, pihak AJK BASS ingin mengendalikan majlis pengkhataman Al-Quran di bulan Ramadhan ini. Dibukakan pada semua umat islam Brunei di Sydney. Majlis pembukaan khatam Al-Quran akan diadakan pada hari sabtu 13hb Ogos, selepas sungkai bersama  solat terawih berjemaah. Majlis penyungkaian adalah bertemakan (potluck).

*untuk pengkhataman Al-Quran, 30 juzuk akan dibahagikan kepada jumlah perserta yang mengikuti program ini. Bacaan boleh dibuat secara persendirian dalam satu tempoh yang akan ditetapkan kemudian. Peserta lelaki dan perempuan akan dibahagikan untuk penyemakkan (tasmi') bacaan Al-quran.


Penyemakkan akan dibuat oleh Zarif (untuk lelaki) & Nurul Ain Abu Bakar (untuk perempuan).. Peserta boleh berkonsultasi memilih masa & hari penyemakkan dengan kedua-dua penyemak. Penyemakkan akan didengar beberapa muka surat sahaja.




Marilah kita bersama-masa menghidupkan ramadhan dengan keindahan kitab Allah. Rasulullah bersabda; “Orang yang membaca Al Quran dan dia pandai membacanya maka (nanti di akhirat akan dikumpulkan) bersama para malaikat yang mulia, sedangkan orang yang membaca Al Quran dan dia terbata-bata karenanya serta kesusahan maka baginya dua pahala “ (Muttafaq alaih) - ertinya bacaan orang yang pandai membaca Al-quran satu pahala. Orang yang membaca tergagap-gagap pula dua pahala; satu pahalanya kerana keinginannya untuk membaca walaupun terhenti-henti dan satu pahala lagi kerana membaca Al-quran.


Mari menjadi orang yang baik dan ikhlas dari sisi Allah Azza Wajala


-Nurul Ain Abu Bakar


SIla RSVP untuk Maljis Tadarus AL-Quran diatas di http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=142716585813148

Salam Ramadhan

Bismillahi rahmani rahim..

Assalamualaikum warahmatullah kakak-abang-adik 

Pertama sekali, Selamat Menyambut Bulan Ramadhan.

Alhamdulillah, satu nikmat yang besar, Allah panjangkan umur untuk bertemu lagi di Bulan Ramadhan untuk tahun ini. Mungkin saja ajal sudah menjemput, tapi Allah bagi chance lagi untuk menambah amalan, apalagi ganjaran amal ibadat dan kebaikan akan dilipat gandakan... Allah dah janji, bukan saya yang bual kosong ;p syaratnya; niat adalah inginkan Allah redha.

Jangan tak sahur pulak. Sahur tu ada keberkatannya. Dan lagi elok kalau sahur tu kita meriahkan dengan zikir, solat sunat tahajjud dan banyak-banyak berdoa. Pasal ketika waktu beginilah doa kita sangat dekat dengan Allah. Allah akan turun ke tingkat langit yang paling rendah untuk mengabulkan rayuan dan permohonan hambaNya. 
Ditanya kepada Nabi (oleh seorang sahabat) : Wahai Rasulullah :" Waktu bilakah doa paling didengari (oleh Allah s.w.t) ; jawab Nabi : Pada hujung malam (waktu sahur) dan selepas solat fardhu" (Riwayat At-Tirmidzi)

Dalam kita berpuasa, jangalah pulak kita ambil kesempatan, tidur banyak, tak buat homework, tak dirikan solat fardhu. orang islam itu sepatutnya bijak mengatur masa dan bijak bertindak. Jangan beralasan, kalau berani nak buat jugak, beralasanlah dengan Allah. HOHO~~ "Apabila masuk Ramadhan, pintu-pintu syurga akan di buka, di tutup pintu-pintu neraka dan syaitan-syaitan di gari." [HR Al-Bukhari] Iblis dibelenggu, tinggal nafsu kita saja lagi yang memujuk membuat benda sia-sia. So, watch out haha. 

Dan ketika berbuka / bersungkai, jangan lupa untuk menadahkan tangan berdoa sebanyak yang mungkin pasal ketika itulah jugak doa kita sangat makbul. "Sesungguhnya bagi orang berpuasa itu, ketika berbuka (atau hampir berbuka) doa yang tidak akan ditolak" (Riwayat Ibn Majah)

*Doakan ibubapa dan keluarga serta kawan-kawan, semoga segala dosa diluputkan dan amalan diterima. Jangan hanya letih dan lapar berpuasa tapi amalan ditolak. Sama-sama kita berjuang cemerlang hidup di dunia dan tidak kecundang hidup yang lebih kekal di sana, akhirat*

Salam Ramadhan Al-mubarak. 
Mari saling bermaafan agar hidup lebih tenang dalam keamanan Semoga berkah Ramadhan semuanya =))







Dari : Nurul Ain Abu Bakar

Pengumuman Awal Ramadhan bagi tahun 1432/2011

Assalamualaikum W.B.T

Dengan sukacitanya dimaklumkan kepada semua warga BASS yang berugama Islam bahawa awal Ramadhan 1432 Hijrah bagi kawasan University of NSW telah pun disabitkan jatuh pada petang , Ahad, 31hb Julai 2011.

Maka dengan ini distiharkan bahawa warga Islam di UNSW akan mula berpuasa pada hari Isnin, 01hb Ogos 2011. Perkara ini telahpun dimaklumkan oleh Pegawai Islam ISOC (Islamic Society of UNSW), Mahmoud Jaame' selepas Sembahyang Fardhu Jumaat yang lepas dan juga melalui makluman dari pihak Suruhjaya Brunei di Canberra.

Dengan bermulanya awal Ramadhan pada 31hb Julai bagi tahun ini, Insya Allah, Sembahyang Terawih  bagi Muslim dan Muslimah di University of NSW akan dilaksanakan seperti berikut:

Bermula : 31hb Julai 2011

Jam: 7:30 malam sepanjang bulan Ramadhan

Lokasi: Level 3, Square House, Lower Campus, UNSW

  

Dengan ini juga disertakan Niat berpuasa dan berbuka puasa bagi bulan Ramadhan:

Saya mewakili Komiti BASS 2011/2012 dengan ini mengucapkan Selamat Berpuasa dan semoga Ramadhan pada tahun ini lebih baik dari ramadhan sebelumnya dan semoga amalan yang kita lakukan diterima Allah, Insya Allah.

BASS gathering - Semester 2, 2011

Assalamualaikum / Hello,

First of all, let us welcome everyone back here in Sydney for the beginning of the 2nd semester of 2011. As everyone would have notice by now that there are 24 new undergraduates (12 PE and 12 CE) from ITB joining us starting this semester (we are growing bigger......xD ).

Like what we have been doing as part of the BASS's 'culture', we will be having a pot-luck gathering to welcome the newcomers and also to mark the beginning of a new semester (although its the 2nd week oredi....=p)
There will be gold coin donationre the better....=D )



The details for the event are as follows:

Day/ Date : Saturday / 30th July 2011
Time: 12.00pm to 4.00pm
Location: Old Tote, UNSW Village

Please do tell what you will be bringing on the day (by commenting).....this will ensure that we don't have one type of food only........=p

Will see you all there......... as well.......so be as generous as possible....(the more the better ... :D )

Any questions? feel free to leave a comment at BASS FB gathering page

For latest updates on BASS activities or events, please add/visit BASS Facebook    






Cheers


On behalf of BASS committee

Some guidelines and information for new BASS members

New Petroleum and Chemical Engineering Students 2011

Assalamualaikum and Hello

Foremost, we would like to say Congratulations to those who are on the verge of coming to Sydney. We are so happy to announce that our BASS family is growing bigger yearly and this July, Insya Allah another 24 new students are coming to UNSW for Petroleum and Chemical Engineering courses.

Here are some guidelines and information prepared for the new BASS members.

What to bring to Sydney?

Basically Sydney offers and is able to provide most of our needed items at an affordable price. Therefore, it is not necessary to bring a year of such supply to Sydney.  Just bring some necessary things such as few thick clothes, Indomie (you will miss them very soon :) ) and most importantly photocopies of your Visa, passports, IC, Sponsorship letters and etc which will be needed for house application. Not to forget your Hari Raya clothes.

What NOT to bring to Sydney?

Since Australia is one of the largest food suppliers, therefore in order to control the quality of foods as well as to prevent any food/animals diseases in the country, the Australian Government has taken a step to control the entrance of several foods, animals and plants products from outside Australia. Therefore you are required to declare on arrival to AQIS of any dairy, animals or plants products to the country. This includes some Kueh, Teas, dried or fresh fruits and etc. The full list of the foods that are required to be declared are available at http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/travel/entering-australia/cant-take. If you are not really sure if the items you are bringing along are under quarantine or not, just declared it. This also includes any used foot wears (soil/sands/plant might sticks on it)

Calculator

In UNSW specifically, there are only several types of calculator that can be used during the exam. So make sure you bring the right calculator with you. The full list of the approved calculator can be found at https://my.unsw.edu.au/student/academiclife/assessment/examinations/Calculator.html

Halal Foods / Asian Foods

Alhamdulilah, It is not that difficult to find halal foods and restaurants in Sydney. So you don’t have to worry much on this. List of halal butchery can be found at http://www.msda.org.au/web_images/halal%20helpline%20butcher.pdf.

There are oriental shops selling Asian foods (Jasmine white rice, rendang paste, satay powder, fried rice paste and etc ) are easily available at Kingsford and Randwick.

Accomodation

The current bass members will provide you with the temporary accommodation while you are still looking for your accommodation. Besides that your humble seniors :) will help and guide you how to apply and inspect a unit/property.  List of the top 3 famous websites are as follows

http://www.domain.com.au

http://www.realestate.com.au

http://www.homehound.com.au

There are several information that are important  for you to know  such as bonds, advanced payment, bills, and etc  before applying for any of the property. This information can be access at http://www.housing.unsw.edu.au/housing/private_rental/private_rental.php?p=tenancy_advice

Last, but not least, Welcome to Sydney Peeps!. The fresh air blows while sitting on the long sandy beach with the multifaceted geological formations of the cliff, together with the array of flora in the vicinity are waiting for you guys besides the huge shopping complex, entertainments, foods, chocolates and assignments :)

Any question? Feel free to leave your question at Bass FB group wall which can be access at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_41671005738

Photo taken from http://www.freestockphotography.com.au/Images-Clipart/Sydney-City__116

BASS Video 2011 for BAA annual dinner

Video Editor : Zarif

Engineering Students Seek Bright Future At UNSW

Bandar Seri Begawan - The career opportunities for petroleum engineering graduates are bright. Many students are taking advantage of the strong partnership between the Institut Teknologi Brunei and the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia.

UNSW is located in Sydney's eastern suburbs and is the destination of choice for international students, looking to combine a top quality education with lifestyle advantages.

The UNSW Bachelor of Engineering (Petroleum Engineering) degree is internationally recognised and enjoys strong support from the global petroleum industry.

In fact, the key to the UNSW School of Petroleum Engineering's ongoing success is its close industry links.

UNSW is one of Australia's top ranked universities that offer a vibrant campus life.

Over 120 countries are represented amongst the student body, with one in every four students from overseas.

Currently, there are 43 students studying at UNSW from Brunei, many holding sponsorships from Brunei Shell Petroleum and the Brunei Ministry of Education.

Nadiah Haji Mohd Ya'ani, 20, and Azimah Jofri, 20, are both second year UNSW petroleum engineering students, sponsored by Brunei Shell Petroleum.

Arriving at UNSW can be a rollercoaster ride for students. Many students are excited to be a part of their new surroundings, however for many; it is their first experience living away from home.

Azimah says, "I am very family oriented - I was very homesick in the beginning."

UNSW offers many mentoring and peer support schemes to help with the transition. Azimah and Naidah are personally guided by Dr Yildiray Cinar, Senior Lecturer in Petroleum Engineering.

Additional support is offered through UNSW Student Development International (SDI). SDI assists international students with services from airport pick up to assistance with housing.

Shell-sponsored student, Ak Muhd Amal Nur Qasman Metussin, 22, was part of the first group of ITB Petroleum Engineering students to join the ranks at UNSW.

Qasman lives in the recently completed UNSW Village with six other students, mostly fellow compatriots from Brunei.

In addition to the convenience of living on campus and the proximity to his classes, Qasman also enjoys the "good facilities (including) study rooms and fast Internet connection".
There are plenty of facilities for students at UNSW.

Naidah says, "For me, everything is here. Even if I'm not on campus, everything is online." Naidah is referring to the My UNSW portal, where students can access their notes, assignments and even interact with other students.

The extended opening hours of UNSW's world class library are a definite advantage for Azimah, as studying without the distractions of home increases her concentration.

Azimah and Naidah live in Randwick, just five minutes from the university.

Azimah says, "It's a good place to stay. It's safe and quiet."

The beachside suburb Coogee is also just minutes away, and the girls like to visit the beach when they are not busy studying.

Yusri Efandi Ibrahim, 23, lives in the nearby suburb of Kingsford.

He says living in an area as diverse as Kingsford has definite advantages, one of which is the availability of good quality, Halal food in the area.

"I wasn't expecting to find that in Sydney!" Yusri says.

Yusni began his career in Bruneian bank before assessing his future prospects and deciding to instead study petroleum engineering. Indeed, UNSW alumni enjoy challenging and successful careers around the globe.

Petroleum engineering graduates command excellent starting salaries between A$60,000 and A$110,000, and it is common for graduates to progress quickly through company ranks.

With so many opportunities awaiting hard-working UNSW graduates, Naidah offers some sage advice: "Always remember what your priorities are, study hard, but once in a while, remember to do something fun for you."

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin dated 09th June 2011

(Some of the information in the above article were incorrectly stated)