STEP FORWARD - 6th Issue

THE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT PARTNERSHIP CENTRE
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
STEP FORWARD
June 2009
Issue : 6 Tel/Fax : 2335963. E-mail: step@moe.edu.bn
Inside
Energy Club in Schools launched
By: Zulbahri Achee
The Energy Club for Schools was

launched on 24th May 2009 during the
Energy Day by the Minister of Energy at
the Prime Minister’s Office. The main Olympiads Awarding Ceremony
aim of setting up this Energy Club is to [See page 8]
penetrate the minds of the younger
generation, fostering their mindsets
towards an energy-saving culture and to
become "ambassadors" in raising the
The honourable Minister of Energy
awareness of energy saving. launching the Energy Club
Present at the function were Datin Paduka Dayang Apsah binti Haji Abdul
Energy Trail on Energy Day
Majid, Permanent Secretary of Core Education and Awang Haji Mohd Daud [See page 19]
bin Haji Mahmud, Permanent Secretary of Higher Education.
There were 26 schools pledging to set up the Energy Clubs. Some of the
activities to be conducted by these clubs include Energy Trail, poster
drawing, forums, debates and drama.
Recycling Awareness @ STEP

[See page 21]
APhO Bangkok [See page 32]
Group photo, Guest of Honour, the honourable Minister of Energy with members of Energy Club
and the two Permanent Secretaries from the Ministry of Education PPPS Explorace [See page 37]
Page 1 STEP Newsletter

STEP
FORWARD Messages
Foreword from The Acting Head of STEP Centre

Hj Metali bin Hj Mirasan
Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

Dear Readers
Welcome to the 6th edition of STEP FORWARD, January - June
2009.
The Influenza A H1N1 affected our programmes/ activities and some

had to either be postponed or cancelled.
This year we managed for the first time to organise the INFORAMA and xPLOMATHS. We would like
to congratulate the hosting schools; Sekolah Menengah Rimba (INFORAMA), Sekolah Menengah
Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar and Sekolah Rendah Pengiran Setia Jaya Pengiran
Haji Abdul Momin (eXPLOMATHS).
As for the PPPS (Programmes To Raise Science Achievement) Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Umar
Al Khattab has successfully organised the Science Fair.
Congratulations must also go to this year’s winners of the Mathematics and Science Olympiad. Six
Olympiads were contested; the Primary School Mathematics Olympiad, the Primary School Science
Olympiad, the Secondary School Mathematics Olympiad, the National Mathematics Olympiad and
the National Physics Olympiad.
We also worked closely with the Energy Division at the Prime Minister’s Office during the Energy
Week and launched the Energy Club.
In addition, the Department of Environment and Recreation (JASTRE), Ministry of Development and
STEP Centre jointly organised the National Youth Environment Forum.
Finally I would like to thank everyone involved in publishing the 6th edition of the STEP FOREWORD.
Last but not least, we would like to extend our own gratitude towards Brunei Shell Petroleum
Company Sdn Bhd for their continuous advice and financial support.
Wassalam.
Editorial Board
Patron Editors
Datin Paduka Dayang Apsah binti Hj Abdul Majid Dayang Sarimah binti Abu Bakar
Permanent Secretary [Core Education] Senior Education Officer, STEP Centre.
Ministry of Education.
Awang Nor Erawadi bin Haji Ibrahim
Advisor Senior Education Officer, STEP Centre.
Dayangku Hajah Mastoli binti PSI Pg Hj Ismail
Director General, Awang Azahan bin Hj Abd Wahab
Ministry of Education Education Officer, STEP Centre.
Awang Hj Metali bin Hj Mirasan Awang Hj Fadzil bin Hj Mohd Salleh
Acting Head of STEP Centre Education Officer, STEP Centre.
Chief Editor Awang Syed Rozman bin Syed Hj Abd Rahim
Awang Zulbahri bin Achee Education Officer, STEP Centre.
Education Officer, STEP Centre.

STEP
FORWARD
News
The Second Regional Science and Technology Camp 2009

Phnom Penh, Cambodia
By : Zulbahri Achee & Sarimah Abu Bakar
The camp was held at the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Centre (CJCC), Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The
10-day camp began on 25th February and ended on 5th March 2009. This Camp was jointly organised
by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, Cambodia, Royal University of Phnom Penh, UNESCO
and JICA and supported by Tokyo Institute of Technology, University of Indonesia and Lego Company
in Singapore.
Brunei delegates before departing to Cambodia Guest of honour and other guests at the opening ceremony
There were altogether eight ASEAN countries taking part in the event, namely Brunei Darussalam,
Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste and the host country Cambodia with
the total number of participants of 52 students.
The camp was officially opened by the Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, His Excellency Im Sethy.
In his speech, he hoped that for the next generations, the issues on “Development and Equity” will be
bettered and addressed soundly in a sustainable way, and the attitude “Can-Do” will be fostered with no
boundary and difference of the nations, economy, society, culture and politics, especially in science,
technology and engineering among our children and youth.
Brunei Darussalam was represented by five students

namely, Hamirul Anak Belitang and Hazim bin Masri
both from Sekolah Menengah Sultan Hassan
Bangar. Austin Ngalanag Baring Anak Melayu and
Zulkimin Mesa from Sekolah Menengah Muda
Hashim, Tutong as well as Muhamad Hazwan bin
Suhaini from Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Umar Al
-Khattab, Lumapas. These students were ac-
companied by two officers from STEP Centre,
Dayang Sarimah binti Abu Bakar and Awang
Zulbahri bin Achee.
There were two main robot activities introduced in the camp, i.e. Lego Education Robots Activities and
the Scavenger Robot Activities. In both activities, students of different nationalities were mixed together
to form a group. For the LEGO Education activities the facilitator’s were students from University of
Indonesia headed by Professor Wahidin Wahab while for the Scavenger Robot activities the facilitators
were students from Tokyo Institute of Technology.
Continue to page 4

STEP
FORWARD
News
From page 3
The Lego Education Robot Activities consist of two main activities: the walking robot and the
renewable energy. The participants did the above robot activities by using Lego Kits. The above
activities were conducted by the students and lecturers from University of Indonesia. [Picture above]
Scavenger robot activities. In this activity each student created his/her own robot which would pick
as many ping-pong balls as possible. The robot kits were specially prepared and designed by the
Tokyo Institute of Technology for this camp. The scavenger robot activities were facilitated by the
students and lecturers from Tokyo Institute of Technology . [Picture above]
Besides attending the workshop, the participants were also taken to places of interest around the
Phnom Penh area, such as The Royal Palace and the National Museum.

STEP
FORWARD
News
Policy Designed To Increase Science Skill In Brunei Darussalam

By: Haji Metali bin Haji Mirasan
Introduction:
Science and technology are key vehicles to achieve global sustainable development. There is declining
interest in science among young people in the developed as well as in the developing countries. One of
the main agenda of the Ministry of Education is to design a policy that will increase students’ science
skills, thus increasing enrollment of students in science.
The New Education System (SPN21) has introduced the New Science Curriculum for all Lower Primary
School levels beginning January 2009. It uses a scientific approach, with English as the medium of
instruction. In the previous system Science was taught from Year 4 onwards.
Literature Review;
The American Association for the Advancement in Science identifies two science skills;
a) Basic science skills - observing, classifying, measuring, inferring, predicting, communicating and
using number relationship.
b) Integrated science skills - making models, defining operationally, collecting data, interpreting data,
identifying and controlling variables, formulating hypothesis and experimenting.
Singapore has consistently excelled in international comparative studies in Mathematics and

Science. In the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMMS), their students are
ranked first in Science and Mathematics for 7 & 8 graders. This is because Singapore Ministry of
Education has introduced a national curriculum ‘Thinking Schools, Learning Nation’. The students
have to do project works to acquire science skills for such as; creative and thinking skills which
foster collaborative learning skills, improve as well as communication skills and develop self
directed inquiry and life long learning skills. Likewise China and Japan are also undergoing
curriculum reform to increase the science skills of their students.
Background Information;
a) A report to the Ministry of Education from the UNESCO Jakarta office in July 2005 proposed for
Brunei Darussalam to set up a Brunei National Science, Technology and Innovation Council.
b) Brunei Darussalam’s Long Term Development Plan 2007 - 2035 has an educational vision of
accomplishing highly educated and skilled citizens.
c) The Summary Report on Science Education Provision in Secondary Schools in Brunei produced by
the Department of Planning, Research and Development 2000 by 2 research experts from the
International Research, Paris. One of the findings was low student enrollment in science; i.e. 20.8%
in 1995.
d) The Ministry of Education’s Strategic Plan 2007 - 2011, has a vision to provide quality education
towards a developed, peaceful and prosperous nation.
e) The Ministry of Education has introduced and promoted various strategies to increase students’
enrollment in science, for example, the establishment of Science College in 1979, the National
Science Committee 1994, the Science Task Force, the Committee for Improvement of Science
Education 2006, and Science, Technology and Environment Partnership Centre (STEP) 1999. As
for staff development, science teachers are given opportunities to attend seminars and workshops
locally and overseas.

STEP
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News
From page 5
Statistic on the percentage of students’ enrollment into science stream;
Year No of Students %
2001 2201 19.47

2002 2211 18.71
2003 2260 18.25
2004 2066 15.95
2005 2085 15.54
2006 2229 16.04
f) There are media reports highlighting shortages of doctors in the local hospitals, and Brunei Shell
Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd is facing difficulty in recruiting local chemical engineers.
The SPN21 will be fully implemented in 2010 with partial implementation at year 7 in 2008, as well as
the trialing of a New Science Curriculum for the lower primary level for 10 selected schools.
The Policy Making Process;
One of the main aims of the new Lower Primary Science Curriculum is to increase students’ science
skills, so that they will be more aware and motivated to learn science.
The Policy Making Processes are as follows;
Agenda Setting To increase science skills in Brunei Darussalam
Formulation of Policy SPN21 Committee was set up to formulate the policy,

through discussion, meetings, researches and consultation
Decision Making To introduce the New Lower Primary Science Curriculum
Implementation The New Lower Primary Science Curriculum is

implemented in 2009.
Evaluation There will be continuous evaluation and assessment once

the new curriculum is implemented.
Conclusion;
The SPN21 was implemented in 2009. The introduction of the New Lower Primary Science Curriculum
will hopefully address some of the public as well as the Ministry concerns, and will increase students’
science skills thus increasing students’ enrollment in science. Science teachers will play a vital role in
ensuring success of this new policy.

STEP
FORWARD
News
From page 6
Recommendations;
Several recommendations should be followed to ensure successful implementation of the new

curriculum.
a) Strategies
- continuous training for the science teachers
- continuous feedback from the teachers
- continuous information to parents and the public
b) Monitoring
- continuous monitoring should be done by various departments in the Ministry
such as the Department of Schools, the Department of Curriculum Development,
Department of Examinations, the Department of Schools Inspectorate and the STEP Centre.
c) Indicators
- improved Mid Year and End of Year science results
- improved Primary Six School Examinations science results to 85% by 2014.
- increase in students’ enrollment in science stream at year 9 to 49% by 2018
- significant increase in the number of students enrolled in science related subjects at higher
institutions.
d) Evaluation
- there should be continuous evaluation and revision of the curriculum.
References;
a) Brunei Economic Development Board, Brunei Darussalam Long Term Development Plan
2007 - 2035
b) Ministry of Education Brunei Darussalam Strategic Plan 2007-2011.
c) Ministry of Education Singapore website
d) Summary Report on Science Education Provision in Brunei Darussalam 2000.
e) The American Association for the Advancement of Science
f) UNESCO Report to the Ministry of Education, July 2005.
QUOTES
“If someone feels that they had never made a mistake in their life, then it means they had
never tried a new thing in their life”
Albert Einstein
(1879 -1955) German-Swiss-U.S. scientist
"Science is the great antidote to the poison of enthusiasm and superstition."

Adam Smith
(1723 - 1790) Scottish moral philosopher and a pioneer of political economy

STEP
FORWARD
News
Students Awarded For Achievement in

Science and Mathematics Olympiads
By: Syed Rozman bin Syed Hj Abd Rahim
A total of 52 students were rewarded for their outstanding performance at this year's National Science
and Mathematics Olympiads during an award-giving ceremony organised by the STEP Centre, Ministry
of Education which was held at the Ballroom, Hua Ho Mall, Manggis on 20th May 2009.
Guest of Honour and Acting Head of STEP Centre with the Prize Recipients
During the event, the Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the ministry, Haji Mohd Daud bin Haji
Mahmud was present as the guest of honour. He expressed his satisfaction at the level of student
participation in the international olympiads, such as the International Mathematics and Science
Olympiad in Indonesia, the International Mathematics Competition in Thailand and the International
Junior Science Olympiad in Korea, from which the country's contestants have brought back medals.
"This proves that our students are highly capable in competing at international levels," said Haji Mohd
Daud. He further added that in light of STEP Centre's 10th anniversary, he hopes that the centre will
take on this role to help contribute to the efforts of the ministry in further improving students'
achievements in Mathematics and Science subjects.
Six Olympiad categories were held this year, namely, the Primary School Science Olympiad (PSSO),
the Primary School Mathematics Olympiad (PSMO), the Secondary School Science Olympiad (SSSO),
the Secondary School Mathematics Olympiad (SSMO), the National Mathematics Olympiad (NMO) and
the National Physics Olympiad (NPO). The winner of each category received a gold medal award, $200
cash prize and a certificate, while first runner-ups each received a silver award, $150 cash prize and a
certificate. Second runner-ups each received a bronze medal award, $100 cash prize and a certificate.
Continue to page 9

STEP
FORWARD
News
RESULTS OF THE OLYMPIADS
Primary School Science Olympiad (PSSO)
Medals Recipients Schools

Gold Tom Antony Sekolah St Margaret
Mohammad Asraf Haziq bin Hj Mohd Sekolah Yayasan Sultan Hj Hassanal
Silver
Marasharin Bolkiah
Bronze Janise Sam Qian Yee Sekolah Seri Mulia Sarjana
Sekolah Yayasan Sultan Hj Hassanal
Muna Maisarah binti Abdul Malik
Bolkiah
Jonathan Lau Kim Yeat Sekolah St Andrew
Nicholas Ting Jing Kun Sekolah Seri Mulia Sarjana
Consolation Alexandra Hii Wei Chi Sekolah St George
Adrian James Yong Jet Xiang Sekolah St Margaret
Nirmal Jayakrishnan Jerudong International School
Sekolah Menengah Chung Hua Kuala
Kuncheria Jose
Belait
Primary School Mathematics Olympiad (PSMO)

Gold Son Honn Wee Sekolah St Andrew
Silver Loh Ben Heng Sekolah Menengah Chung Hwa. BSB
Bronze Samuel Johannes Chin Yun Chen Sekolah Menengah Chung Hwa. BSB
Adrian James Yong Jet Xiang Sekolah St Margaret

Jong Shin Min
Belait
Nicholas Ting Jing Kun Sekolah Seri Mulia Sarjana
Tengku Putra Muhammad Afif Anis bin
Consolation Sekolah Rendah Rimba II
Tengku Putra Hj Amir Farouk
Hjh Nurul Atiqah binti Hj Abu Bakar Sekolah Tunas Jaya PGGMB Madang
Nigel Tang Chee Xiong (Non-citizen) Sekolah Seri Mulia Sarjana
Ho Hee Yian
Belait

STEP
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Secondary School Science Olympiad (SSSO)

Gold Kejia Wang Jerudong International School
Silver Jun Hong Lim Jerudong International School

Bronze Siew Yick Ying
Belait
Awg Basil Ali Witsqa Awg Mohammad
Belait
Aishah Sazali Jerudong International School
Khairul Hazim bin Sannay Sekolah St Margaret
Consolation Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan
Batrsiya Aqilah bt Hj Ahmad Ghazali
Sultan
Khong Yu Neng Sekolah Menengah Chung Ching
Lai Wen Qiang Sekolah Menengah Chung Ching
Maria Chong Shin Yi Sekolah St Andrew
Secondary School Mathematics Olympiad (SSMO)

Gold Peter James Beer Jerudong International School
Silver David Kong Yi Hui Jerudong International School
Bronze Abdul Haziq Hazmi bin Abd Nasir Sekolah Menengah Chung Hwa. BSB
Lim Wan Shen Maktab Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien

Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan
Mohammad Nazri bin Hj Saman
Sultan
Muhammad Shafiq bin Hj Shazali International School Brunei
Consolation Sekolah Menengah Chung Hua Kuala

Chee Hao Zhen
Belait
Janane Yogesan Sekolah Seri Mulia Sarjana
Muhd Afif bin Hj Abd Razak Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Hassan
Sekolah Menengah Pehin Dato Seri
Amal Zahirah bt Hj Md Jefri
Maharaja

STEP
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News
National Mathematics Olympiad (NMO)
Gold Lim Chung Tee Jerudong International School
Maktab Duli Pengiran Muda

Silver Siah Tze Hung
Al-Muthadee Billah
Bronze Sia Kao Xiang Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Othman
Yap Wei Chin Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Ali
Consolation Nobuko Iijima International School Brunei
Maktab Sains Paduka Seri

Lawrance Lim Yin Jun
Begawan Sultan
National Physics Olympiad (NPO)

Gold Teo Fwu Chyi Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Ali

Silver Supatra Yee Ping Lee
Al-Muthadee Billah
Bronze Nathaniel Ting Jerudong International School
Oliver Rag Olney Jerudong International School

Consolation S. Prashanth
Al-Muthadee Billah
Haji Muhammad Qawie bin Awang
Jerudong International School
Haji Sabli
QUOTES
"The important thing in science is not so much to obtain new facts as to discover new ways of
thinking about them."
William Bragg
British Physicist. (1862 - 19420)
"Three sentences for getting success, know more than others, work more than others and
expect less than others."
William Shakespeare
British Writer / Poet (1564 - 1616)

STEP
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News

STEP
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News
THE WORLD CONFERENCE ON EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (ESD)

– Moving Into The Second Half Of The UN Decade, Bonn, Germany (31st March to 2nd April 2009)
By: Nor Erawadi Hj Ibrahim
From 31st March to 2nd April 2009, I had the opportunity to attend and represent Brunei Darussalam to
the World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development in Bonn, Germany along with Cikgu
Hajah Razia binti Haji Muhd. Shariff from the International and Public Relations Unit and Cikgu Hajah
Noridah binti Abdullah from the International Unit, Department of Schools, Ministry of Education Brunei
Darussalam. It was organized by UNESCO and the German Federal Ministry of Education and
Research in cooperation with the German Commission for UNESCO. The conference brought together
almost 900 participants including over 50 ministers and deputy ministers from other countries.
Ms. Annette Schavan, the German Federal Minister of Education and Research launched the
conference alongside Mr. Nicholas Burnett, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Education, who
delivered a speech on behalf of Director-General Koichiro Matsuura. Ms.Graca Machel, the former
Minister of Education and Culture of Mozambique, gave a keynote presentation and Her Royal
Highness Queen Rania of Jordan sent a message by video to the opening ceremony. At the end of the
conference, Member States adopted a declaration referred to as The Bonn Declaration which reflected
the debates and proposed guidelines for the implementation of the UN Decade for Education for
Sustainable Development in its second half.
The Brunei delegation to the ESD mid-decade Posing at the main entrance of the Conference Centre,
conference in the Plenary Hall of the World Conference which used to be the Parliamentary Hall for Germany
Centre, Bonn Germany before it was moved to the new capital city Berlin.
The United Nations (UN) has declared 2005 to 2014 as the UN Decade for Education for
Sustainable Development (UN DESD) and this world conference was a platform for “mid-term
review” of the UN Decade. It was also aimed at reaching out to the governments of the member
countries especially on policy endorsements and finance apart from bringing together leaders,
practitioners, interest groups and business communities in sharing ideas and good practices on
ESD. The goal of DESD is to emphasise the role of education as an integral part towards
achieving sustainable development in all the regions and countries in the world through integration
of the principles, values and practices of sustainable development into all aspects of education and
learning. From this conference, the Bruneian contingent learnt best practices from other countries’
experiences as well as participated in workshops (during side-events) on different aspects of ESD
with their own contextual frameworks. I had a chance to listen to Professor Danielle Tilbury in one
of the side-events’ workshops. She is a leading expert on environmental education and a member
of Advisory Group involved in the development of ESD monitoring and evaluation indicators for
UNESCO. I also had the opportunity to visit a UNESCO-affiliated English-speaking German school
where our delegation witnessed some Year 9 and Year 10 students engaging in role plays
addressing several issues in their school and the mitigation actions suggested.

STEP
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From page 13
Ms. Annette Schavan, German Federal Minister of Her Royal Highness Queen Rania of Jordan,
Education and Research gave a welcoming well-known for her philanthropic work and also an
speech before officially opening the conference advocate for women’s and children’s rights, sent a
message by video to the opening ceremony
How did we benefit from this experience? Personally, it helped me to become more adaptive
towards the discussion and reporting of updates on ESD in Brunei Darussalam which I would need
to access information and coordination as well as cooperation from other agencies in promoting
Education for Sustainable Development. I hope that these efforts would also help to strengthen
STEP Centre’s roles in the discourse of ESD and reach out to the intended parties. This will be
made possible through the set up of our own ministry’s ESD taskforce committee with close
involvement of member representatives from the Department of Schools, the Private Education
Section, Technical Education, Curriculum Development and higher institutions. We can have better
coordination of current and new ESD projects in schools and other relevant stakeholders which con-
tribute to the purpose. In a nutshell, workshops on mapping ESD for Brunei Darussalam with the
help of UNESCO personnel are already in the pipeline apart from conducting briefings for principals
and headmasters / headmistresses whom we hope could lead and encourage their own schools to
engage in the concept of ESD in relevant teaching-learning processes involving teachers and
students either through their own teaching or activities in CCA. STEP Centre would monitor the
progress of those schools which intend to be involved from time to time so that they can make
progress which, I believe, they will succeed in. Indeed, it will be a daunting task for them and
ourselves but together we can reach a greater height.
Ms. Graca Machel, former Minister of Education Professor Danielle Tilbury, an expert involved in
and Culture of Mozambique and currently an ESD giving a workshop on monitoring and
international advocate for women’s and evaluation of ESD
children’s rights giving her keynote speech

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National Mathematics Olympiad (NMO)

The National Mathematics Olympiad is an individual academic competition, which consists of two
different papers of written power questions in Mathematics. It is opened to lower six students in Year
2009 of Government or Non-Government Schools throughout the country who must not be more than
20 years old by July 2009.
Twenty six students from 7 schools, namely; Maktab Duli Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah, maktab
Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan, Pusat Tingkatan Enam Meragang, Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina
Othman Tutong, sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Ali Kuala Belait, Jerudong International School (JIS)
and International School Brunei (ISB) participated in the NMO.
Paper One was held on 1st April 2009 and Paper Two on 4th April 2009. Both were held at the
Science, Technology and Environment Partnership (STEP) Centre in Jalan Muara. The event was
organised by the Science, Technology and Environment Partnership (STEP) Centre, Ministry of
Education in cooperation with the Faculty of Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, led by Dr Saiful
Azmi Hj Awg Husain, a Mathematics Lecturer at the university.
Among the objectives of the NMO are to improve the competence of the students in Mathematics and
to motivate pre-university students in developing their intellectual capacity and skills in Mathematics.

STEP
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TRAINING OUR ENVIRONMENTAL ENVOYS

IN SINGAPORE
By: Nor Erawadi Hj Ibrahim
Photos by: Lina Hasrina Md Tahir
A training workshop called The Youth Environment Envoy (YEE) Workshop was held in Singapore from
16th to 21st March 2009. The 4-day workshop was part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
training programme on environment between the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation
(DEPR), Ministry of Development Brunei Darussalam and the National Environment Agency (NEA),
Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Singapore. STEP Centre was invited to participate and
select the school participants for this purpose. As a result, three Menengah 4 students – Mohd Fazrul
Wafiy bin Musa from Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan, Dk Khairunnisa Nazirah Pg Dr Karim
and Fatin Basirah Haji Samli who are both from SM PAP Hajah Masna – were chosen. The delega-
tion from Brunei was led by Awang Yusrein Hady, an Environmental Officer from DEPR and accompa-
nied by Cikgu Lina Hasrina Md Tahir from SM PAP Hajah Masna and myself as a representative from
STEP Centre. A total of 25 participants attended the workshop with the rest being Singaporeans who
were students from polytechnics, lecturers and teachers from Junior Colleges and High Schools plus
several NEA’s own staff. It was held at Quality Hotel located only a few kilometres away from Scotts
Road’s Shopping area.
Brunei delegation attending the Youth Environment All the workshop participants looking into the progress
Envoy (YEE) Workshop at the airport before leaving for involved in building a pyramid of sustainability
Singapore discussion
The main objectives of the workshop included enhancing the skills of the participants (youths) to
become proactive leaders and change agents for championing environmental sustainability agenda in
their communities. The YEE workshop also focused on coaching and strengthening their knowledge on
environmental issues, improving their public speaking, networking, facilitation and project management
abilities. These young environmental ambassadors are hoped to take up the challenge by initiating and
implementing meaningful projects that will contribute towards Brunei's environmental sustainability.
Continue to page 17

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From page 16
The Brunei delegation with the Director of NEA Singapore Our three students posing with the Director for Semakau
(centre), Mr Robert Steele, the workshop speaker to his right Landfill in the department building before a tour of the man
and also Mr Ng Meng Hiong (a DeputyDirector at NEA) at the -made island just opposite Pulau Bukom oil refinery Singa-
end of the certificate presentation. pore.
How did STEP Centre benefit from this workshop? The capacity building served to increase our own
capacity in organizing environmental programmes in education (in line with SPN 21) which could be
shared through having workshops on appropriate environmental agenda. STEP Centre’s association
with DEPR is further strengthened from this as both organisations strive to promote the importance of
saving the environment to the people of Brunei Darussalam through our youths: the students. This
environmental programme is also in line with the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
agenda for which we at STEP Centre act as co-secretariat, for the National Committee on ESD. With
this in mind, STEP Centre will engage further with DEPR on setting future plans. These include the
preparation of the National Youth Forum on Environment (planned in June 2009 in conjunction with
World Environment Day) which will then lead to ASEAN Youth Forum on Environment to be held later
in Brunei Darussalam. There are also plans on setting-up environmental clubs and the likes under the
“sustainable schools” agenda. Projects with the community such as recycling, conservation, survey,
mentoring of environment champions from primary and secondary schools, organising environmental
youth events and other fringe activities could be implemented with proper organisation and guidance.
STEP Centre hopes that our young students are encouraged to take on leadership roles in promoting
environmental ownership and sustainability in their own schools, homes and communities through
creative environmental projects and activities.
Dk Khairunnisa Nazirah Pg Dr.Karim (next to her essay) Fatin Basirah Hj Samli (next to her essay)
Continue to page 18

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From page 17
Two of the envoys who participated in the workshop had this to say :
“ From 16th to 21st March 2009, we (Mr. Yusrein Hady, Mr. Nor Erawadi, Ms. Lina
Hasrina, Mohd. Fazrul Wafy, Fatin Basirah and I) went to Singapore to attend a
workshop called the Youth Environment Envoy workshop. We stayed at Quality Hotel
Singapore. The workshop was held at the Diamond Room. There were about 25
participants who joined the workshop. The six of us were the only Bruneians there.
We were told that the workshop targets youths because they believe that youths have
more ‘power’ to spread the word effectively to other youths. The objective of the
workshop was to educate us on how to make the environment better. For the whole
three days we did various activities and played some games too. We did a lot of
th
brainstorming, discussing and presenting. On 20 March we went to the Semakau
Landfill. Semakau Landfill is a beautiful man-made island. It covers a total of 350
hectares. The Semakau Landfill is expected to meet Singapore’s need for landfill space
beyond the year 2045. In Semakau there are leisure activities that you can do. The
activities are: intertidal walk, bird watching, stargazing and educational/ recreational
outing. On the same evening, we had our farewell dinner at a restaurant hosted by
NEA. We presented our gifts for our school to the director and the staff. The workshop
was tough work but it was a lot of fun and challenging. ”
DK. KHAIRUNNISA NAZIRAH PG DR KARIM
“A week before the first term school holiday, we were sent to Singapore to attend the
11th Youth Environment Envoy Workshop (YEE) which were carried out by the NEA. It
was the first time Brunei joined the workshop. The aims were to encourage the youths
to get used to public speaking, to spread knowledge on how to sustain the
environment to others and to increase the environmental awareness which, to me, is
lacking more in Brunei compared to Singapore. Our speaker, Mr. Robert Steele, taught
and helped us on how to maintain environment sustainability. As we all can see, in
Brunei, the climate has changed a lot. The participants were only Singaporeans and
Bruneians and I came to know that I was the youngest of them all! The workshop was
very informative and challenging. The workshop was not just about listening and
receiving information but also about playing fun environmental games, brainstorming
and sharing of ideas which were very useful because Brunei and Singapore more or less
face similar issues. The workshop lasted three days. Other than acquiring new
knowledge, we also met new Singaporean friends. We will try to attract people
especially youths to join in any upcoming environmental programmes. The programmes
hopefully will sustain the environment and give the chance for the next generation to
enjoy our green world.”
FATIN BASIRAH HJ SAMLI

STEP
FORWARD
News
Saving Energy through “ENERGY TRAIL”

By: Zulbahri Achee
In conjunction with the setting up of ‘The Energy Club for Schools’ which was launched on 24th May
2009 during the Energy Day by the Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office, the Science
Technology and Environment Partnership (STEP) Centre in-collaboration with the Energy Division at
the Prime Minister’s Office, organised the ‘Energy Trail’.
Teams getting ready before the Trail begins Teams listen to the briefing made by STEP’s Officers
Among the objectives of the trail were to inculcate the culture of energy saving through ‘out-door’
activities and to increase students knowledge of the importance of energy saving and issues on
environment.
There were altogether 15 schools that took part in the event. Each school was represented by two
students from Menengah 3. The teams had to complete certain task or answer certain questions at
designated 9 stations.
Teams going to one of the nine stations Winning teams receiving their prizes from the Head of Energy
Division, Prime Minister’s Office
The champion went to Sekolah Menengah Pg Isteri Hajah Mariam, Sekolah Chung Hua Kuala Belait
came second and third place went to Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Abu Bakar. Prizes were pre-
sented by the Head of Energy Division, Awang Haji Alidi bin Haji Mahmud.

STEP
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Secondary School Mathematics Olympiad (SSMO)

One hundred and fourteen Year 8 students from government and non-government schools took
part in the first nationwide Secondary School Mathematics Olympiad (SSMO) on 5th March
2009 at two separate venues; Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan for participants from
the Brunei-Muara and Temburong districts and at Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Othman for
participants from the Tutong and Belait districts.
The competition aimed to develop the talents and interests of lower secondary school students
in the field of mathematics and is an extension of the Primary School Mathematics Olympiad
(PSMO).
It caters for Year 8 students whereby the questions are based on numerical operations,
algebra, number sequence, geometry, probability and other relevant topics that test a student's
intellect, reasoning and creativity process.
Set as one of the initiatives of the Science, Technology and Environment Partnership (STEP)
Centre, the competition also aims to upgrade the subject of mathematics in the school
curriculum towards an international standard, so that teachers will be able to improve their
teaching while students, their learning of mathematics and high-order thinking skills.

STEP
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News
UPDATE ON PAPER RECYCLING AT STEP

By: Nor Erawadi Haji Ibrahim
This is the third update of STEP Centre’s used paper recycling project initiated on 1st February 2008 as
our way of exercising environmental awareness for the whole staff and users at the centre. As
mentioned in the previous newsletter, STEP Centre aims at striving towards being sustainable and
having a recognition status as a “green and energy-efficient building” or achieving “zero carbon
emission”.
A second collection made from paper waste accumulated between 12th November 2008 to 8th August
2009 (a duration of 10 months) amounted to 259 kg of waste paper “produced” by STEP Centre. The
weight increase was exactly double of the previous 10 months. The main reason for this is possibly due
to the heavy usage of paper materials especially during the first half of 2009 when STEP Centre
organised a number of subject-based national Olympiads which involved a lot of printing of question
papers and answer sheets. Certainly unavoidable, this is an interesting observation which needs to be
addressed by the officers and staff of the Centre. As stressed in our previous STEP Forward
newsletter, we must ensure that no excessive wastage occurs in our Centre.
While we are on the subject of being “Green”, we would like to take the opportunity to inform the
readers regarding STEP Centre’s next implementation project which we are going to aptly name
GREEN STEPs. Through this initiative, we will try to incorporate all the green activities that STEP
is, and has been, actively involved in. This direction will only work with the mutual cooperation of
those directly involved especially schools in the country and also support from the other
departments within the Ministry of Education and other supporters such as Energy Division at the
Prime Minister’s Office, the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation, Ministry of
Development and Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sendirian Berhad. The Strategic Layout of our
GREEN STEPs initiative is very much summarised in the following diagram. We hope that this
initiative will be successful and more importantly, remain sustainable for the benefit of our students
and Brunei Darussalam as a whole.
Remember, together we can succeed!!

STEP
FORWARD
News
STRATEGIC LAYOUT OF GREEN STEPs INITIATIVE
STEPs
PROGRAMME
Education For
Sustainable
Development
(ESD) for
UNESCO
ENVIRONMENT ENERGY
EYEs ENVIRONMENT CLUB SCHOOLS’ ENERGY

OTHER RELATED
(Environmental Youth IN SCHOOLS CLUB
INITIATIVES
Envoys) Partners: DS(Primary & Partners: Energy Division,
ORGANISED BY STEP
Partners: DEPR, private Secondary), PSS & DRA, Prime Minister’s Office,
CENTRE
sectors, etc. private sectors, etc. private sectors, etc.
ACTIVITIES ORGANISED OR CO-ORDINATED BY STEP CENTRE

(Include: Awareness, Promotion, Campaigns, Competitions, Forums, Seminars,
Monitoring, Evaluation and Assessment)
KEY:
DEPR – Department of Environment, Parks & Recreation, Ministry of Development
DRA – Islamic Education Department, Ministry of Religious Affairs.
DS – Department of Schools, Ministry of Education
PSS – Private Schools’ Section, Ministry of Education

STEP
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YOUNG PHYSICIST AT THE 2ND

NATIONAL PHYSICS OLYMPIAD (NPO)
By: Zulbahri Achee
A total of 32 students from eight different colleges and schools throughout the state took part in the
2nd National Physics Olympiad (NPO) which was held on 2nd April 2009 at The Science Technology
and Environment Partnership (STEP) Centre. The competition lasted for two hours.
The competition was orgasined by the Science Technology and Environment Partnership (STEP)
Centre and supported by the Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sendirian Berhad.
The general objective of the Olympiad was to improve the competence of students in Physics while
the specific objectives include the following:
• To develop the students’ talents and further interest in Physics.
• To enhance understanding for the students of the concepts learnt in schools.
• To provide the opportunity for students to explore the applications of Physics.
• To motivate students in developing their intellectual capacities and skills in Physics.
Jerudong International School (JIS) student, Nathaniel Ting Han Chien said: "It was a welcome
challenge to test myself and see where I stand.” Another JIS student, Haji Muhammad Qawie bin
Awang Haji Sabli commented that “Overall, I found this Olympiad very tough and it has given me a
few insights on university Physics.”
Teo Fwu Chyi, from Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Ali, Kuala Belait said, "This competition has
really intimidated and motivated me at the same time to study and practise more in Physics in order
to do better next time." And he also added “The competition motivates students to work harder and
gives a very good idea of how university Physics would be like.”
Gold medal went to Teo Fwu Chyi, from Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Ali, Supatra Yee Ping Lee of
Maktab Duli Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah grabbed the silver medal while Nathaniel Ting of
Jerudong International School won the bronze medal.

STEP
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Giving ‘energy saving’ awareness

through drama
By: Zulbahri Achee
The second sketch competition, in conjunction with the Energy Day 2009 was held at the Multi
Purpose Hall, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD). Out of thirty teams registered, only ten teams
were lucky enough to show their talent on that day.
With the theme entitled "Save Energy, Our Responsibility", eight participants from each participat-
ing secondary school presented an awareness cum comedy sketch to highlight the spirit of
energy conservation. The 10-minute sketch highlighted the importance of adopting the right
attitude in educating and raising awareness on energy efficiency and conservation (EEC).
Among the objectives of the competition were to inculcate the culture of energy saving through
drama and to give students more confidence to communicate in public and also to nurture to spirit
of teamwork and leadership. This competition was jointly organised by the Science Technology
and Environment Partnership (STEP) Centre and Energy Division, Prime Minister’s Office.
Prizes were presented by the guest of honour Deputy

Permanent Secretary of the Energy Division at the Prime
Ministers Office, Hj Ismail POKPS DP Hj Hashim.
Maktab Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien (SOAS) emerged as the

champion, Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan
came as first runner up while Sekolah Menengah Sayiddina
Hussain gained third place.

STEP
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LEGO ENGINEERING CONFERENCE 2009 SINGAPORE

By: Muhd Purat Abdullah Sikut
The LEGO® Engineering Conference 2009 was jointly organised by Science Centre Singapore, National
University of Singapore, Tufts University Center for Engineering Educational Outreach, LEGO Education
(SEA) and Rulang Primary School Zonal Centre of Excellence Robotics. The venue was at Science
Centre Singapore and Rulang Primary School Singapore. It was a three-day conference from 16th to18th
March 2009.
The objectives of the conference are;

• To provide a venue for educators to share and present the use of LEGO MINDSTORMS Education
NXT and robotics in education as a tool for teaching and learning not necessarily confined to
science and mathematics, as well as using robotics as a tool for creativity and innovation to create
products and systems to improve our quality of lives.
• To promote robotics education among existing or new schools which are interested in setting up the
robotics clubs or integrate robotics into their curriculum.
• To provide opportunities for students to experience NXT robotics systems.
For the introductory workshop, we use the LEGO® Education WeDo to build models, such as a bird. By
using the sound sensor, the bird was made to flap its wings as well as make sounds.
LEGO® Education WeDo activity.
The Robotics (NXT) Workshop for Primary School Teachers titled “Lesson Demonstrations” was
conducted by Kristen Bethke Wendell from Tufts University Center for Engineering Educational
Outreach. In this workshop, we explored how engineering and robotics can bring creativity and
ownership to primary students’ science learning. Workshop participants were engaged in two
science-through-engineering lessons that use NXT robotics. In the first lesson, we explored the
science of sound by building and testing musical instruments with LEGO™ NXT sensors and
construction elements. In the second lesson, we explored the science of animal adaptations by
creating LEGO™ NXT robotic models of animal behaviours. These lessons included examples of
carefully-conceived engineering design challenges that demand science content understanding. By
posing these kinds of design challenges to our students, educators can empower them to become 21st
century learners of science – learners who ask and answer their own scientific questions in order to
solve real-world problems.
Continue to page 26

STEP
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From page 25
Mrs.Wendell also conducted a similar workshop for Secondary Teachers. In this workshop, we explored
how engineering and robotics can bring creativity and ownership to secondary students’ science learning.
Workshop participants learnt how LEGO™ NXT robotics – digital sensors and computer programming –
can transform secondary physical science instruction. We used the data acquisition abilities of the
LEGO™ NXT to conduct high school physics investigations that involve the collection and analysis of
authentic data. Participants left the workshop with first-hand experience using the NXT toolset to conduct
inquiries into scientific phenomena. We can then use this technique to help our secondary physics
students learn the 21st skills of defining, investigating, and answering important scientific questions.
Workshop for primary and secondary school students were held concurrently with the teachers’ workshop.
There was a competition for each level. Robo-fashion for the primary school pupils and Game Plan fro the
secondary schools students.
For the Robo-fashion Show, robots demonstrated their costume to music of the team’s choice. Interaction
with human players using various sensors was encouraged.
Ready for the competition.
During the competition.
For the Game Plan, students were encour-

aged to program an autonomous robot to
follow a pathway and to avoid obstacles to
reach the destination. [Pictured right]

STEP
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News
5th Science Olympiad for Secondary Schools

By: Azahan Hj Abd Wahab
2009 marked the 5th consecutive year that the STEP Centre has organised this Olympiad. The
Secondary School Science Olympiad (SSSO) was held on 3rd March 2009. Two different venues
were chosen to cater for a total of 100 students from government and non-government schools. The
venues for the competition were Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan for students from
Brunei-Muara and Temburong participants and Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Othman for
participants from Belait and Tutong districts.
The format of this year’s competition was the same as last year’s. The students were only given a
chance to do their best in the theoretical paper. However the questions were designed to
incorporate the idea of practical concept questions.
The Olympiad is an academic competition on Science namely; Biology, Chemistry and Physics ,
and is opened to students of Menengah 4 throughout the country whose age must not exceed 16
years on a given specific date.
The main objective of this olympiad is to improve the
competence of the students in Science (particularly Biology,
Chemistry and Physics). The top three students received cash
money of $200.00, $150.00 and $100.00 respectively besides
medals and certificates. 7 students received consolation awards
which consisted of medals and certificates of participation.

STEP
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News
INFORAMA 2009
By Azahan Hj Abd Wahab
Inforama 2009 was officially launched on 7th March 2009. “ Realising SPN21 through ICT “ was chosen to be the theme
suitable to meet the challenges of the 21st Century National Education System, SPN21. This year marked the 14th year of
Inforama since it was first started in 1996.
The objectives of the competition are:
• To expose primary and secondary school students to relevant basic ICT skills which can be applied to their learning process
• To provide students of higher institutions the opportunity to acquire and enhance their ICT skills which are essential in the
current job market.
• To promote the use of ICT among teachers hence contributing to the accomplishment of ICT integration across the
curriculum.
This year, the competitions was divided

into 4 levels and categories listed as
follows:
Level 1
Categories:
• Creativity with Paint
• Working with Words and Excel
• Presentation using Powerpoint
Level 2
Categories:
• Internet Activity
• Animation
• Photoshop
Level 3
Categories
• Adobe Premier Pro
• Animation Project
• Educational Project
Level 4
Categories
• Education and Training
• Media and Entertainment
The Level 1 competition was opened to all primary schools. Around 100 primary schools participated in this level. 40 secon-
dary schools and colleges took part in the Level 2 competition and 22 secondary schools for the Level 3 competition.

STEP
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News
ROBOTECH BRIEFING 2009

By: Muhd Purat Abdullah Sikut
This year’s robotech briefing was held on 10th June 2009. The venue was the lecture theatre at
Chancellor Hall, Universiti Brunei Darussalam.
There were 89 students and teachers from government and non-government secondary schools and
other higher institutions. The briefing was delivered by two facilitators from Universiti Brunei
Darussalam. The briefing aimed to introduce robotics to new participating schools as well as its rules
and regulation.
Mr Frank Nikols shared on the “Hints and Tips for Robotic Design”, while Mr Ong Wee Hong gave a
briefing on “Pointers for the Robotech Games and DASH Free System”. At the end of the session the
participants were given the opportunity to ask questions related to the briefing.
Unfortunately, this year Robotech Competition was cancelled due to health concern, the Influenza A
H1N1 virus.

STEP
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ROBOCON – ROBOT CONTEST 2009

The National Robocon Contest was held on 13th June 2009. The new Radio Television Brunei building located in Kampung
Sungai Akar was selected as the venue for this year event. This year marked the 4th year the national contest was held. Two
teams competed for this year’s Robocon competition. The teams were from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and Maktab
Kejuruteraan Jefri Bolkiah (MKJB).
The Guest of Honour, Awang Haji Suhaila bin Hj Abdul Karim, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Higher Education), Ministry of
Education, officially launched the competition.
The core item of this year’s contest was the Kago, the traditional Japanese palanquin or litter of the pre-modern era. In the
olden days, people were often carried in Kago to distant places. The Kago was a basket suspended from a wooden pole, called
here the Shoulder Pole. It was carried by two men, one in front and the other behind. Travel in olden times was far from
smooth. There were mountains, steep slopes, and sharply winding roads to traverse. The bearers who carried the Kago had to
cooperate very closely to reduce the sway and complete the journey safely.
The game, Travel Together for the Victory Drums was based on an imaginary journey in the olden days using the Kago
palanquin. An Automatic Carrier Robot in the front and a Manual Carrier Robot in the rear had to cooperate to carry an
automatic Traveller Robot in a Kago to the goal with the aim of completing the journey before the other team. Various
obstacles stood in the way, including a Mountain Pass and Woods. The Kago and Traveller Robot could not be dropped. The
Traveller Robot must beat the three Victory Drums when it reached the Goal Zone. The three traditional Japanese drums were
arranged vertically on a platform. The team that beat all three drums first would be the winner.
Both teams were given three attempts to accomplish their mission. Maktab Kejuruteraan Jefri Bokliah won the first attempt but
Universiti Brunei Darussalam showed a competitive spirit by winning the second and the third attempt.
The overall winner, Universiti Brunei Darussalam received cash money of US$1,000.00 (sponsored by ABU) and B$1,000.00
with trophies. The runner-up team, MKJB received B$800.00 with trophies.

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THE PRIMARY SCHOOL SCIENCE OLYMPIAD 2009 (PSSO)

By Muhd Purat Abdullah Sikut
This year’s Primary School Science Olympiad (PSSO) was held

on 2nd March 2009. It took place at two different venues; Sekolah
Menengah Sayyidina Othman for students from Tutong and
Belait, and Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan for
students from Brunei-Muara and Temburong districts.
The format for this year’s competition was similar to

last year’s, i.e. theoretical paper which was designed
to incorporate the idea of practical concept questions.
It is the 7th consecutive year this Olympiad’s organised
by STEP Centre supported by Brunei Shell Petroleum
Company Sdn. Bhd. The objectives were to improve
the competence of the students in science, to develop
talent and interest in science, and to motivate students
to develop their intellectual capacities and skills in
science.
Altogether there were 178 students from government schools and 76 students from non-government
schools participating this year. The top three winners received cash money, medals and certificates,
while the other six students received consolation awards which also included cash money, medals
and certificates.
This year, six students were selected to represent Brunei Darussalam in the 6th International
Mathematics and Science Olympiad (IMSO) for Primary Schools in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

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The 10th Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO)

Bangkok, Thailand.
By: Zulbahri Achee
APhO stands for the Asian Physics Olympiad. It is currently the premier Physics competition for Asian
countries. It is modeled upon the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO), and demands a similar level of
intellectual capability from the participants. The competitors representing each participating Asian
country are expected to be drawn from pre-university or equivalent institutions from the respective Asian
countries of age not more than twenty years old.
In 1999, the team leader of Indonesia, Dr. Yohanes Surya, together with the president of IPhO, Prof. W.
Gorzkowski, undertook to create and organise the first Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO) in April 2000 in
Indonesia, since then it has become an annual event. The first APhO has attracted participation from 12
Asian countries. Its successful implementation was followed by the second APhO held in Taiwan in April
2001 and the third APhO held in Singapore in 2002. Thailand hosted the fourth APhO in April 2003 and
the 10th APhO in April 2009.
The participants sat two sets of papers namely the “Theory Paper” and the “Practical Paper”. Both
papers lasted for 5 hours.
Sitting in a separate cubicle at the Examination Hall for theory and practical papers
The winners would receive diplomas or honorable mentions in accordance with the number of points
accumulated as follows:
• The contestants who accumulate more than 90% of points receive first prize (diploma).
• The contestants who accumulate more then 78% up to 89% receive second prize (diploma).
• The contestants who accumulate more than 65% up to 77% receive third prize (diploma).
• The contestants who accumulate more than 50% up to 64% receive an honorable mention.
• The contestants who accumulate less than 50% of points receive certificates of participation in
the competition.
The mentioned marks corresponding to 90%, 78%, 65%, and 50% was calculated by rounding off to
the nearest lower integers. The participant who obtained the highest score (Absolute Winner) would
receive a special prize and diploma.
English Language was used as the official language for the competition, but some countries were
allowed translation into their native language.
Continue to page 33

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From page 32
A total of 23 students from 7 different schools and colleges throughout the state that offers ‘A’ Level
courses sat for the written test that was held at STEP Centre on 31st January 2009. Only 5 students
were qualified for the APhO and underwent further training at STEP Centre. The students were:
1. Chan Chung Sun
Maktab Duli Pengriran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah
2. Lim Chea Xin

Maktab Duli Pengriran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah
3. Haji Muhammad Ayyub bin Haji Kamaludin

Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Ali
4. Haji Muhammad Qawie bin Awang Haji Sabli

Jerudong International School (JIS)
5. Muhammad Nurul Hafiz bin Haji Mohd Yussof

Jerudong International School (JIS)
Training at the Physics Lab, University of Brunei Darussalam (UBD)
Three officers accompanied the students for the 10th APhO, namely Awang Zulbahri bin Achee, an
Education Officer from STEP Centre as Team Leader. Awang Mohd. Khairul Zarifi bin Haji Masri, a
Lecturer from University of Brunei Darussalam, as Tutor 1 and Awang Azahar bin Haji Abdul Latib, an
Education Officer from PTE Lambak, as Tutor 2.
Receiving a warm welcome from the organiser The three Officers at the Official Opening Ceromony
Continue to page 34

STEP
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From page 33
Brief daily activities for students and officers

Day 1
Students Officers
• Arrival and Registration at KU Home Kasetsart • Arrival and Registration at Sofitel Centera
University. Grand Bangkok Hotel.
Day 2
• Opening ceremony at Golden Jubilee Building, • Opening ceremony at Golden Jubilee
Kasetsart University, officiated by the Thailand Building, Kasetsart University, officiated by
Prime Minister, Mr Abhisit Vejjajiva. the Thailand Prime Minister, Mr Abhisit
• Welcoming party at Hotel Sofitel Centera Grand Vejjajiva.
Bangkok. • Welcoming party at Hotel Sofitel Centera
• Visit National Museum. Grand Bangkok.
• Discussing theory paper. Discussion ended at
midnight!!!
Day 3
• Theory Paper exam, began at 8.00 am and • Visit National Museum.
ended 1.00pm (5 hours). • Visit Suan-Lum Night Bazaar and Thai
• Visit Suan-Lum Night Bazaar and Thai puppet puppet play.
play.
Day 4
• Visit Wat Phra Kaeo and Grand Palace. • Discussing practical paper. Discussion
• In the afternoon, visit to Wat Pho. started in the morning and ended at
midnight!!.
Day 5
• Practical Paper exam, began at 8.00 am and • Visit Wat Phra Kaeo and Grand Palace.
ended 1.00 pm (5 hours). • In the afternoon, visit to Wat Pho.
• Dinner on a cruise ship along Chao Phraya • Dinner on a cruise ship along Chao Phraya
River. River.
Day 6
• Visit to Nongnooch Tropical Botanical Garden • Visit to Nongnooch Tropical Botanical Garden
and Pattaya. and Pattaya.
• Moderation of Theory Papers.
Day 7
• Shopping and visit Bangkok area. • Moderation of Practical Papers.
• International Board Meeting at Kasetsart
University.
Day 8
th
• Official Closing Ceremony of the 10 AphO • Official Closing Ceremony of the 10th AphO
2009 at Golden Jubilee Building, Kasetsart 2009 at Golden Jubilee Building, Kasetsart
University. University.
• Farewell dinner. • Farewell dinner.
Day 9
• Back to Brunei Darussalam. • Back to Brunei Darussalam.
Continue to page 35

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From page 34
A total of 15 countries took part at this year’s APhO. Those countries were Brunei Darussalam, China,
India, Indonesia, Israel, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (Chinese
Taipei), Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkmenistan and Vietnam.
Even with the unstable situation in Bangkok a few days before the APhO, the organiser managed to
handle and run the event smoothly. The organiser really took care of the safety, welfare and comfort of
all the participants taking part at APhO. The organiser also provide halal food and prayer rooms for
Muslim participants.
Our team didn’t get any medal or award at this APhO but Awang Khairul Zarifi, one of the team trainers
commented that ‘the team did well even though they didn’t get any medals. Our students did better in
the practical papers as compared to our previous participation at the 8th APhO, which was held in
Beijing, China’.
Memoirs of APhO Bangkok 2009

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THE PRIMARY SCHOOL MATHEMATICS OLYMPIAD 2009 (PSMO)

By Muhd Purat Abdullah Sikut
This year’s Primary School Mathematics Olympiad was held on 4nd March 2009. It took place at two
different venues; Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Othman for students from Tutong and Belait, and
Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan for students from Brunei-Muara and Temburong districts.
Altogether there were 210 students from government schools and 84 students from non-government
schools competing in the 4th Primary School Mathematics Olympiad.
The format for this year’s competition was similar to last year’s, i.e. it was divided into two sections.
Section A consisted of 18 short answer problems and Section B comprised of 6 challenging essay
problems. It was a one and the half hour paper.
It is the 4th consecutive year that this olympiad is organised by STEP Centre supported by Brunei Shell
Petroleum Company Sdn. Bhd. The objectives were to improve the competence of the students in
mathematics, to develop talent and interest in mathematics, and to motivate students to develop their
intellectual capacities and skills in mathematics. Top three winners received cash money, medals and
certificates. 6 other students received consolation awards which also included cash money, medals
and certificates.
This year, six students were selected to represent Brunei Darussalam in the 6th International
Mathematics and Science Olympiad for Primary Schools in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Three other students competed in the International Mathematics Competition in Illiolo, Philippines.

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SCIENCE EXPLORACE- PROGRAM PENINGKATAN PENCAPAIAN SAINS (PPPS)

Another programme initiated, by three secondary schools under the Program

Peningkatan Pencapaian Sains was the SCIENCE EXPLORACE conducted
concurrently on 23rd May 2009. The teachers of Sekolah Menengah Masin,
Sekolah Menengah Awang Semaun and Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Umar Al
-khattab showed their cooperation and put their heads together to set up all the
activities for the explorace.
Around 260 students from Sekolah Menengah Masin, 330 students from Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Umar Al-Khattab
and 215 students from Sekolah Menengah Awang Semaun participated in the explorace. The targeted students were
Menengah 3 students. It was held in the vicinity of the three schools, that is, within their school compounds.
The Objectives of the Science Explorace are :

To generate interest and promote science to students.
To expose students to the interactive side of learning science.
To develop awareness on the role that science plays in parts of our daily lives.
The students were divided in groups of six from different classes and abilities. The type of questionnaires ranged from easy
to difficult questions based on the Year 7 to Year 9 syllabus. Each team had to answer the questions from different spots or
stations. Each spot or station consists of 2 different types of questions [ Hard (10 points) and Easy (3 points & 5 points)].
Each group had to complete this competition within 2 hours. Each group had to solve the problems given from one station
to another station. No jumping of station was allowed. At each spot/station, students had the choice of whether to solve the
hard or easy questions. Students were allowed to answer both hard and easy questions in order to get bonus marks. The
team that obtained the highest marks would be the winner.
At the end of that day, the students seemed to be very exhausted yet found it enjoying. The 10 top groups from each school
were given prizes.

STEP
FORWARD
News
Courtesy visit from New Zealand Officials

to STEP Centre
By: Zulbahri Achee
Two officials from New Zealand, Ms Elise Broadbent from the Ministry for Environment and Heidi
Mardon from Enviroschools Foundation visited STEP Centre on 30th March 2009.
Among the objectives of the visit was to give information on “Enviroschools Foundation’ and
‘Enviroschools’ in New Zealand.
The officials also shared their educational projects on environment which they have implemented in
their country such as ‘worm farming’, ‘Poster Drawing Competition’ with the theme save our environ-
ment and the ‘Nursery Corner’ which uses recycle materials as a nursery place and also providing
recycle bins to schools. Apart from that they also discussed the potential of working collaboratively
with appropriate agencies in Brunei Darussalam with regards to education and environment.
Also present at the functions were officials from Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation,
Ministry of Development, Department of Schools, Department of Curriculum Development and Unit
of International Affairs and Public Relations.

STEP
FORWARD
Brain Teaser
Mathematics Crossword Puzzle
Across Clues Down Clues
1. all numbers are made from the 1. point that separates dollar and cents
digits 0,1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 2. find out something about two numbers
4. the value of the place a digit has in a number 3. put numbers in order from least to greatest
7. form in which a number is written in 5. form in which a number is written as the sum
a way that shows only its digits of the values of its digits
6. form in which a number is written in words
Answers
Digits, Word, Expand, Order, Placevalue, Standard, Decimal, Compare

STEP
FORWARD
Homepage
New Members
Awang Muhammad Purat bin Abdullah Sikut
Education Officer
Joined STEP Centre on 1st December 2008
[Left picture]
Dayang Nurulhilda@ Siti Hafizah binti Omar Ali

Clerk
Joined STEP Centre on 10th March 2009
[Right picture]
Awang Mohammad Eswandy bin Awang Zahari

Pekerja Tingkat IV
[Left picture]
Widayah binti Karim

Pekerja Tingkat IV
[Right picture]
STEP Centre honoring

Malai Hajah Jamilah binti Syed Ahmad Hussain on her retirement
held at Nyonya Restaurant Serusop
15th May 2009

STEP FORWARD - 6th Issue

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THE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT PARTNERSHIP CENTRE

The Energy Club for Schools was

Recycling Awareness @ STEP

APhO Bangkok [See page 32]

Page 1 STEP Newsletter

Foreword from The Acting Head of STEP Centre

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

The Influenza A H1N1 affected our programmes/ activities and some

Page 2 STEP Newsletter

The Second Regional Science and Technology Camp 2009

Brunei Darussalam was represented by five students

Page 3 STEP Newsletter

Page 4 STEP Newsletter

Policy Designed To Increase Science Skill In Brunei Darussalam

Singapore has consistently excelled in international comparative studies in Mathematics and

Page 5 STEP Newsletter

Statistic on the percentage of students’ enrollment into science stream;

2001 2201 19.47

The Policy Making Process;

The Policy Making Processes are as follows;

Agenda Setting To increase science skills in Brunei Darussalam

Formulation of Policy SPN21 Committee was set up to formulate the policy,

Decision Making To introduce the New Lower Primary Science Curriculum

Implementation The New Lower Primary Science Curriculum is

Evaluation There will be continuous evaluation and assessment once

Page 6 STEP Newsletter

Several recommendations should be followed to ensure successful implementation of the new

"Science is the great antidote to the poison of enthusiasm and superstition."

Page 7 STEP Newsletter

Students Awarded For Achievement in

Page 8 STEP Newsletter

RESULTS OF THE OLYMPIADS

Primary School Science Olympiad (PSSO)

Medals Recipients Schools

Primary School Mathematics Olympiad (PSMO)

Silver Loh Ben Heng Sekolah Menengah Chung Hwa. BSB

Adrian James Yong Jet Xiang Sekolah St Margaret

Page 9 STEP Newsletter

Secondary School Science Olympiad (SSSO)

Medals Recipients Schools

Silver Jun Hong Lim Jerudong International School

Secondary School Mathematics Olympiad (SSMO)

Silver David Kong Yi Hui Jerudong International School

Lim Wan Shen Maktab Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien

Consolation Sekolah Menengah Chung Hua Kuala

Page 10 STEP Newsletter

National Mathematics Olympiad (NMO)

Medals Recipients Schools

Gold Lim Chung Tee Jerudong International School

Maktab Duli Pengiran Muda

Yap Wei Chin Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Ali

Consolation Nobuko Iijima International School Brunei

Maktab Sains Paduka Seri

National Physics Olympiad (NPO)

Gold Teo Fwu Chyi Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Ali

Maktab Duli Pengiran Muda

Bronze Nathaniel Ting Jerudong International School

Oliver Rag Olney Jerudong International School

Maktab Duli Pengiran Muda

Page 11 STEP Newsletter

Page 12 STEP Newsletter

THE WORLD CONFERENCE ON EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (ESD)

By: Nor Erawadi Hj Ibrahim

Page 13 STEP Newsletter