Internationalisation Trip To Brunei

Day 1: We explore the heart of Brunei’s heritage on Day 1 - Kampong Ayer, the iconic water village known as the 'Venice of the East.' Kampong Ayer is the home to generations of Bruneians, this living heritage stands as a testament to the nation's rich cultural roots and enduring traditions. A must-visit to truly understand Brunei’s soul.

Day 2: We had our moment of awe at the Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, a true icon of Brunei. This majestic landmark is both a spiritual sanctuary and an architectural masterpiece. Its 29 golden pillars stand in tribute to Brunei’s 29th Sultan - a powerful symbol of faith, heritage, and national pride. Next, we stepped out of our comfort zones with a taste of sago worms, served two ways: alive & raw, and freshly-fried. A true local delicacy and sustainable protein source! We also savored Ambuyat, Brunei’s national dish, made from the starchy interior of the sago palm. Though mild in taste, it’s all about the dipping sauces and shared experience - a beautiful reflection of Bruneian culture.

Day 3: We were warmly welcomed at Menglait Secondary School - the heart of our overseas exchange experience. From the moment we stepped in, we were greeted with warm greetings, bright smiles, and genuine hospitality. It was truly heartening to connect with the students and staff, and to witness the spirit of friendship and cultural exchange in action. Gessians had fun attending lessons, such as Islamic Religious Knowledge, Melayu Islam Beraja and Commerce with their buddies. In the afternoon, we visited the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. The mosque is recognisable by its gold dome that dominates the city's skyline and is situated in the middle of a man-made lagoon with a ceremonial stone barge. The inside of the mosque is decorated with rugs from Saudi Arabia and walls made of Italian marble.

Day 4: A meaningful morning back at Menglait Secondary School — this time, to share a piece of our story. We gave a presentation about GESS, offering our new friends a glimpse into our school’s environment, culture, and community. As a special highlight, we put on a dance performance and invited our buddies to join in - the school hall lit up with laughter, music, and unforgettable memories! Next, it was games time! Girls teamed up for netball and volleyball, while the boys played a friendly futsal match. It was a joy to see smiles, teamwork, and true sportsmanship in action - proof that sports can unite people across cultures. The day continued with a beautifully planned cultural showcase by the student leaders of Menglait Secondary School. We played traditional games like five stones, congkak, and layang-layang, tried on traditional costumes, and sampled local treats like kueh cincin and pinyaram. Our overseas exchange programme in Brunei came to a heartfelt close with a meaningful exchange of souvenirs between the two schools and between buddies from Menglait Secondary School and GESS. These tokens were not just gifts as they symbolised the friendships we have built, the cultures we have shared, and the memories we will carry with us for a long time to come. Saying goodbye was not easy. We left not just as visitors, but as part of a growing global family. The entire experience was more than just a school exchange, but a journey of connection, understanding, and personal growth. We are returning home with new perspectives, meaningful stories, and a renewed appreciation for the power of cultural exchange.