Looking Back to Look Forward

Transcription

30 Years of Partnership 1984-2014
Looking Back to Look Forward
It is a great pleasure for me to publish a
commemorative booklet on the occasion of the 30th
anniversary of diplomatic relations between the
Republic of Korea and Brunei Darussalam.
Having looked back past three decades, I am
happy to note that our bilateral ties have been
expanded in various fields and our bond of friendship
has been shared by the peoples of the two countries.
H. E. Mr. CHOI Byungkoo
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea
to Brunei Darussalam
We are looking back in the hope that the past can
shed some light on how we can further develop our
partnership in the future. I am sure that we will
continue to build upon the past achievements and in
the years to come we will make even more
remarkable progress in our relationship.
Taking this opportunity, I would like to thank
editors of this publication for the job well-done.
1
Exchange of Congratulatory Messages
by the two Leaders
on the occasion of the 30th Anniversary
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the
establishment of diplomatic relations between Brunei
Darussalam and the Republic of Korea, His Majesty
Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin
Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei
Darussalam, and H. E. Park Geun-hye, President of
the Republic of Korea, agreed to exchange
congratulatory messages.
In the message to the President of the Republic of
Korea, His Majesty said he has great pleasure in
extending his warmest congratulations to the
president and the government as well as people of
the Republic of Korea on the occasion of the
auspicious event.
“In the past 30 years, our relations have become
closer and stronger, marked by the warm friendship
that has evolved between our people and the valuable
cooperation in many important areas including
energy, infrastructure, education and people-topeople exchanges.”His Majesty said.“I also greatly
appreciate the many contributions that your country
and people have made towards our own development
and thank you for your personal support of our
ASEAN Chairmanship and the East Asian Summit
last year.
Meanwhile, the President of the Republic of
Korea extended her warmest congratulations to His
Majesty as well as the people of Brunei Darussalam
on the auspicious occasion.“I am pleased to note
that our two countries have developed robust
partnership in a wide range of areas including
politics, economy, culture, education and people-topeople exchanges,”said the President of the
Republic of Korea.
“I would like to congratulate His Majesty once
again on successfully hosting the ASEAN-related
Summits last year. Indeed, our bilateral summit in
Bandar Seri Begawan was a great opportunity for me
to witness the close and cordial relations that our two
countries have fostered together. I look forward to
meeting Your Majesty in Korea at the end of this
year and to continue our discussions on the further
enhancement of our bilateral ties as well as regional
peace and prosperity.”
Editor’s note: This article is quoted from of Borneo Bulletin on
17 May 2014.
“I look forward to meeting you in Seoul later this
year to commemorate the 25th anniversary of our
ASEAN-Republic of Korea Dialogue Relations as
we continue our work together to further strengthen
the bilateral and international partnerships between
our two nations.”
3
KOREA - BRUNEI
Bilateral Summits
Her Excellency PARK Geun-hye, President of the Republic of Korea, visited Brunei in 8-10 October, 2013
to attend the ASEAN-related Summit Meetings held in the country.
The exchanges of visits at the highest level between Korea and Brunei are as follow;
4
Presidential visits to Brunei from Korea
Nov. 1988
President ROH Tae-woo
(official visit)
His Majesty’s visit to Korea
Apr. 1984
Official Visit
Oct. 2000
On the occasion of ASEM Summit
Nov. 2005
On the occasion of APEC Summit
President KIM Dae-jung
Nov. 2000
(official visit on the occasion of
APEC Summit)
Nov. 2001
Oct. 2013
President KIM Dae-jung
(ASEAN+3 related Summits)
President PARK Geun-hye
(ASEAN+3 related Summits)
Jun. 2009
On the occasion of ROK-ASEAN
Special Summit
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KOREA - BRUNEI
SOAS Memorial Lecture
by Former Prime Minister of Korea
Former Prime Minister of Korea, Dr. HAN
Seung-soo, delivered the SOAS (Sultan Omar‘Ali
Saifuddien) Memorial Lecture in the ICC on 29
October 2013 at the invitation of the Sultan Haji
Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation.
Minister of Health, and other senior governmental
officials were also present at the lecture, together
with over 3,000 audiences.
Dr. Han’s SOAS public lecture was the third of
its kind. Past speakers included Lee Kuan Yew,
Through the lecture entitled“How did Korea Singapore’s Minister-Mentor, in 2009 and Pg Dr Hj
grow so fast? Lessons for developing economies,” Mohd Yusof Pg Hj Abdul Rahim, former Menteri
Dr. Han shared his insights on how Korea has Besar(Senior Minister) of Brunei Darussalam.
transformed itself from one of the most povertystricken countries in the world to the world’s 12th
largest economy in just half a century.
HRH the Crown Prince, Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee
Billah, HRH Prince Abdul Malik, and HRH Princess
Masna graced the lecture with their attendance.
Pehin Dato Dr. Hj Abu Bakar bin Hj Apong,
Minister of Education, Pehin Dato Hj Adanan,
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7
KOREA - BRUNEI
KOREA: Miracle on the Han River
Editor’s note: This is an abbreviated version of the article prepared by Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation for the SOAS Memorial
Lecture 2013.
The Republic of Korea (South Korea) was helped
by Ethiopia, along with Allied Forces of 16
countries, to fight the Communist invasion during
the Korean War (1950-53) by which the Peninsula
was reduced to ashes. The War devastated the
country, killing and injuring millions of people, and
Korea was then synonymous with poverty.
Korea which ranked below Ethiopia six decades
ago is now providing aid back to Ethiopia and many
other developing countries. Korea, once an
international aid recipient, has now become an aid
donor. It is indeed a stunning reversal.
Unlike the other countries on the list of rich
nations, Korea has emerged from the ashes of the
Korean War. During the 1950s, Korea’s economy
slowly began to recover, but there was not much to
work with.
8
The journey to growth began in the early 1960s
with the introduction of the Five-Year Economic
Development Plan. The government in the 1960s
instituted sweeping economic policy changes
emphasizing exports and labour-intensive industries.
In the 1960s, Korea’s major exports were labourintensive products such as wigs, plywood, footwear
and low-quality clothing and apparel.
In 1970, a government-initiated campaign known
as“Saemaul Undong”, literary meaning“New
Village Movement”was introduced. Initially targeted
toward underdeveloped rural areas, Saemaul Undong
soon inspired various aspects of civic and cultural
life throughout the nation. The cooperation of
communities across the nation rallied around the
movement and it became the driving force behind
Korea’s modernisation and rapid economic
development.
In the 1970s, South Korea began promoting
heavy and chemical industries and implemented
various financial reforms. Korea achieved an
incredible record of growth and industrialization
since the 1960s in line with the consecutive
economic plans. From 1970 to 2009, Korea’s gross
domestic product (GDP) increased 370 times.
Currently, Korea with a population of over 50
million, is Asia’s 4th largest economy, the world’s
15th and globally the 7th largest trading country.
In the late 1990s, Korea stepped forward to
develop new technologies considered future growth
engines like information technology, biotechnology
and nanotechnology. Nowadays, Korea is trying to
compete with advanced countries through innovation
Transformation that took more than a century to
achieve in most nations was shortened to only half
the time in Korea. Its GDP per capita grew from
US$100 in 1963 to US$3,200 in 1980 to
US$10,8412 in 2000. Because of its miraculous
economic growth, South Korea is known as“the
Miracle on the Han River”.
and has become a major exporter of semiconductors,
iron and steel, ships, automobiles, electronics and
electrical appliances.
In 60 years since the end of the Korean War,
Korea achieved phenomenal rapid development and
transformed herself from a poor agrarian country into
a leading industrial power house. Government
investment in education, training, R&D and
infrastructure; streamlined bureaucracies; and
stronger and deeper financial systems are each
important and complementary ingredients in what
makes Korea today. The country is now impressively
a leading economic powerhouse armed with worldclass industries such as Samsung, LG, Hyundai,
POSCO, etc.
Furthermore, Korea is often mentioned as a model
country which has successfully caught two birds in
one shot - a thriving economy and dynamic
democracy. Korea’s success has been largely thanks
to strong but efficient governance, competent
economic planners, an educated workforce and hardworking people, all of which together made“the
Miracle on the Han River”possible.
Today, the World Bank classifies Korea as a
“high-income economy”, ranking seventh in export.
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KOREA - BRUNEI
HRH Prince Sufri Bolkiah (seated centre) with Co-founder of B-KAF, H.E. Kim Woong-nam (3rd from right)
and President Dato Haji Abdul Alimin (3rd from left)
10
MESSAGE FROM B-KAF
The President and all Executive Committee
Members of B-KAF extend their congratulations on
the auspicious occasion of the 30th Anniversary of
diplomatic relations between Negara Brunei
Darussalam and the Republic of Korea.
The founding of Brunei-Korea Association for
Friendship in 2004 was initiated by then Ambassador
of the Republic of Korea, H.E. Mr. KIM Woong-nam
and undertaken by founding president Dato Paduka
Haji Mohd Alimin Hj Abd Wahab, with the aim to
promote friendship, to enhance mutual understanding
in social and cultural life and to foster tourism,
academic and cultural exchange between the people
of Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Korea.
B-KAF has recently obtained the Associate
Membership status with World of Martial Arts Union
(WoMAU) in the Republic of Korea, an advisory
NGO in Operational Relations with UNESCO in
safeguarding and preserving world intangible
cultural heritage. Both B-KAF’s retiring and
incumbent presidents, Pg Dato Paduka Hj Mustapha
Pg Metasan and Dr. Hj Kamaruddin Dato Paduka Hj
Talib attended the WoMAU’s 12th General Meeting
in Chungju City on September 5, 2013.
B-KAF will continue to take every opportunity to
bring contributions to the expansion of ties between
Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Korea.
B-KAF is honored to have the consent of His
Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah as the
Patron, and is grateful to Brunei Shell Petroleum Co.
(BSP) and Brunei Liquefied Natural Gas (BLNG) for
their support and contribution.
Since its founding, B-KAF has received
continuous support from the Embassy of the
Republic of Korea. One example was co-organizing
with Brunei Energy Association (BEnA) the Nuclear
Energy Forum in 2007. Other activities include
friendly golf competitions and meetings with B-KAF
members and Embassy staff.
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KOREA - BRUNEI
How Our Two Countries
Entered into Diplomatic Ties
• In November 1983, the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea opened in Berakas, Brunei.
• On December 27, 1983, the Government of the Republic of Korea proposed to establish
diplomatic relations through its Consulate General.
• The Diplomatic Service Department of the State of Brunei consented the proposal on December
31, 1983.
• Accordingly, the two countries established diplomatic relations and the Consulate General of the
Republic of Korea became the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Brunei Darussalam as of
January 1, 1984.
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KOREAN AMBASSADORS
BRUNEI AMBASSADORS
TO BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA
H.E. CHOI Bae Shik
Jan ’84 - Mar ’86
H.E. Pg Anak Puteh (Non Resident)
Jun ’87
H.E. KANG Sung Ku
Mar ’86 - Mar ’89
H.E. Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Majid
Jan ’89
H.E. HUH Se Lin
Mar ’89 - Dec ’90
H.E. Pg Putera Negara Pg Haji Omar
Aug ’91
H.E. PAIK Sung Il
Feb ’91 - Jan ’94
H.E. Pg Dato Haji Mustapha
Nov ’93
H.E. CHOI Kwang Shik
Jan ’94 - Jun ’96
H.E. Dato Haji Abdul Aziz
Dec '97
H.E. SA Boo Sung
Aug ’96 - Aug ’99
H.E. Dato Rahman Hamid
Sept ’01
H.E. KIM Ho Tai
Aug ’99 - Dec ’02
H.E. Dato Harun (Current)
Aug ’05 -
H.E. KIM Woong Nam
Feb ’03 - Aug ’05
H.E. HWANG Won Kun
Aug ’05 - Sept ’08
H.E. KIM Dae Sik
Sept ’08 - Sept ’11
H.E. CHOI Byung Koo
Sept ’11 -
Is There a Story
behind the Embassy License Plate Pla
When Brunei started to establish diplomatic ties
with foreign countries in 1984, Korea was the 4th
state to have entered into relations with Brunei.
Therefore, one would assume that the embassy’s
license plate is number 4.
However, according to Pengiran Dato Mustapha,
then Chief of Protocol of the Diplomatic Service
Department and H.E. CHOI Bae Shik, the first
Ambassador of Korea, the Korean envoys requested
the number 5 instead of number 4. Why, you ask?
The number sounds just like the word“death”in
Korean and according to superstitious beliefs, it is
said to bring bad luck.
13
KOREA - BRUNEI
In Memories of Witnessing a Historical
Moment
Editor’s note:
H.E. CHOI Bae Shik was the first Ambassador to Brunei. The following are excerpts taken from our interview
conducted in March 2014.
Q: You were the first Ambassador to Brunei.
What are your fondest memories?
I arrived in Brunei as the Consul General on 12
December, 1983. I witnessed the historical moment
of Bruneian independence, where the flag of Brunei
Darussalam was raised along with the lowering of
that of United Kingdom at midnight on 31
December, 1983. With the independence of Brunei
on 1 January, 1984, Korea and Brunei established
diplomatic relations, and I was appointed as the first
Ambassador of Korea to Brunei. I attended the very
first commemorative event for Bruneian
independence. I was a little concerned whether
Brunei could organize its Independence Festival well
enough, but my worries turned out to be unwarranted
as the event was excellent. It reassured every one of
us that Brunei could stand on its own feet.
Q: In 1984, His Majesty the Sultan visited to
Korea. How did you prepare for it?
The Korean Prime Minister, H.E. CHIN Ieechong, visited Brunei as the head of Korea’s
commemorative delegation. He conveyed President
CHUN Doo-hwan’s letter of invitation to His
Majesty the Sultan. I was informed that His Majesty
the Sultan had plans to pay an official visit to Japan
in April 1984. This gave me hope that His Majesty
could also visit Korea. Although I did not have much
time, I did everything to arrange for the visit. Of
course, I was faced with some difficulties, but I did
my best to make the historic visit successful. His
Majesty the Sultan visited Korea from 7 to 9 April,
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1984. Mutually beneficial relations were established
between our two countries and it was great pleasure
for me to have helped contribute to such a feat.
Q: What are your thoughts on the path that
our partnership should take?
The 30 years history of our relationship reminds
me of old memories. Although I am now retired from
foreign service, I organized the Korean-Bruneian
Friendship Association (KBFA) in Korea. Perhaps an
increase of exchanges in sports between the two
countries would be a good direction as Korea has
emerged as a sports powerhouse. Korean archery is
especially considered to be the best in the world.
With talented Korean archery coaches training
Bruneian players, I believe that it could yield very
good results.
<A diplomatic note from the Diplomatic Service Department
informing the consent of the appointment of
the first Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam>
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KOREA - BRUNEI
The First Resident Ambassador of Brunei
Darussalam to the Republic of Korea
Recollects His Days in Korea
Presenting credentials to H.E. President ROH Taewoo, 17 January 1990.
Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Majid Rahim was appointed by His Majesty the
Sultan to be the first resident Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the
Republic of Korea on November 29, 1989. He had been the Deputy Chief of
Mission in London and Singapore prior to this arrangement.
Dato Majid remembers the cold weather when he arrived in Korea. He
was given the task of setting up the first Brunei Embassy in Korea as the
first resident Ambassador. He laid the groundwork in establishing friendly
ties with Korean political leaders, Government officials, business persons
and academics. In the short period of time that Dato Majid was there, the
seeds of bilateral relations between the Republic of Korea and Brunei
Darussalam were sown. After 18 months in Seoul, Dato Majid left in June
1991 for Germany. His next mission was to set up the first Bruneian
Embassy there.
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A seasoned veteran, he accomplished much in the time he served in the
position. But sometimes, even experience could not foretell what could
happen. He shared an anecdote about a shocking turn of events. He was
surprised with an unintended tear gas attack when he was driving through a
student protest, as the fumes seeped in through the vents. From that day
onwards, he adhered to the advice of the other Ambassadors and kept a gas
mask in his car.
He was under the impression that Korea was quite different from Brunei,
despite the fact that it is an Asian country like the Sultanate. He stated that
Koreans are homogenous, very hardworking, efficient and highlydisciplined.
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KOREA - BRUNEI
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Editor’s note:
H.E. KIM Woong-nam was the Korean Ambassador to Brunei from February 2003 to August 2005. The
following are excerpts from the interview conducted in April 2014.
Q: You supported to establish BKAF and you are
now president of KBFA in Korea. What could
you tell us about the relations between the two
countries?
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in
1984, our two countries have developed an amiable
relationship. Brunei is a close friend that stayed by
Korea’s side on the international stage. In terms of
economic relations, Brunei is a stable energy supplier
to Korea and therefore, Brunei is strategically a very
important partner to Korea.
Q: Do you have anything to share about the times
when you were in Brunei for diplomatic duty?
In 2003, prior to my appointment as Ambassador
to Brunei, Dato Rahman, then Bruneian Ambassador
to Korea, advised me that a traditional Korean arts
performance during His Majesty the Sultan’s
birthday event would be a good idea. The Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and Trade of Brunei, however,
responded that Malaysian performers were the only
ones allowed to put on a show during the event.
Nonetheless, I explained that traditional
performances would make the event more
meaningful and insisted that they consider our
friendly gesture. As a result, they accepted to have
the traditional performance.
The traditional musical performance took place
with the royal families, ministers and high ranking
officials and diplomats as the audience. It left a
strong impression on His Majesty and other
spectators about Korea. The public performances
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that followed were a great success, which provided
momentum and thus triggered the‘Korean Wave’in
Brunei. Also, in order to stimulate scholarly
exchanges, Korean language courses were
established in the Universiti Brunei Darussalam.
Ehwa and Daejeon Universities started to receive
Bruneian students.
Q: What are some areas where we could develop
bilateral relations in, and what needs to be
done in the future?
His Majesty’s visit to Korea can reinvigorate our
bilateral relationship, and therefore, I think it very
important to arrange a royal visit to Korea. Another
idea would be to establish a Korea-Brunei
Development Fund that will be used to facilitate
cooperation at the level of entrepreneurs, NGOs,
research institutes and higher educational
institutions.
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KOREA - BRUNEI
Korea-Brunei Energy Cooperation
A timeline of memorable achievements:
1994
1997
2004
2013
2014
The first agreement to export Liquefied Natural Gas(LNG) to the Republic of Korea was signed
between BLNG and KOGAS.
BLNG and KOGAS signed a second agreement to supply LNG to Korea for the next 16 years.
To Celebrate their 10th Year Anniversary, a new Memorandum of Agreement on LNG pricing covering
a 5 year period from 2003 to 2008 was signed. During this period, BLNG achieved another milestone
when it exported 3,749,354 tonnes of LNG to Korea with a value estimating to BND$ 1,990.9
million.
A third agreement was signed between BLNG and KOGAS. Throughout the year Korea received
1,096,786 tonnes of LNG (valued at BND$ 1,207.3 million), the largest amount compared to the
previous ten years.
This year marks the 20th Year Anniversary between KOGAS and BLNG.
EXPORTS OF CRUDE OIL AND LNG TO KOREA 2004-2013
CRUDE OIL
YEAR
20
LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS (LNG)
QUANTITY
VALUE
QUANTITY
VALUE
(Tonne)
(BND Million)
(Tonne)
(BND Million)
2004
1,395,912
749.7
849,420
350.6
2005
1,468,425
1,039.5
606,765
275.2
2006
1,742,598
1,419.5
868,719
404.8
2007
1,277,129
1,132.6
603,878
268.7
2008
1,437,824
1,519.4
820,572
691.6
2009
1,220,737
831.3
543,030
373.8
2010
1,761,363
1,397.2
805,298
611.7
2011
1,658,869
1,772.4
710,312
690.9
2012
1,324,111
1,475.5
859,406
1,020.3
2013
1,008,965
1,090.4
1,096,786
1,207.3
Korean-Built Ships in Brunei
On December 21, 2012, another contract was
signed between the Brunei Gas Carriers and Hyundai
Heavy Industries Ltd for the construction of a fourth
Korean-constructed vessel. The vessel will be
delivered in mid 2015.
“ARKAT”
On January 31, 2008, Daewoo Shipbuilding and
Marine Engineering Company Limited (DSME)
were awarded two ship-building contracts worth over
US$500 Million. These two Korean-constructed
vessels“Arkat”and“Amali”were delivered in 2011
and these two vessels doubled the size of the Brunei
Shell Tankers B-Class Fleet, currently under the
administration of Brunei Gas Carriers.
“AMALI”
On April 28, 2012, a signing ceremony took place
between the Brunei Gas Carriers and Hyundai Heavy
Industries Ltd for the construction of a third Koreanconstructed vessel. The vessel is expected to be
delivered to Brunei in October 2014.
The new 154,800 cubic meter vessel will be
equipped with“new and green technologies”. This
Dual-fuel-diesel-electric-engine-powered vessel will
have more fuel efficiency and will emit less carbon
dioxide compared to BGC’s first A-class vessel, the
“Abadi”.
21
KOREA - BRUNEI
Korean Cars in Brunei
Korean-made cars have been in Brunei since the
1980s. Initially, the demand for them were not high
compared to other brands of cars due to the rarity of
spare parts for Korean- made cars. The first two
models to enter the Bruneian automobile market
were Hyundai Pony and Stellar, which are still seen
to this day being driven by some Bruneians.
The two best selling Korean cars brands in Brunei
are Hyundai and Kia and they are distributed by
Setia Motors Sdn Bhd and Grand Motors Sdn Bhd
respectively. Furthermore, Hyundai and Kia are
ranked within the 2013 top five selling cars in
Brunei. Kia takes second place with a total of 8,758
units sold, while Hyundai rounds the top five with a
total of 5,256 units sold.
As time passed by, however, Korean-made cars
improved to become more reliable and affordable. In
doing so, the demand for Korean-made cars steadily
increased throughout the years. A variety of Koreanmade cars can be seen nowadays providing reliable
and comfortable transport for many of the locals
across the roads of Brunei.
Units of cars sold
22
Year
Hyundai
Kia
2010
1,011
1,078
2011
1,107
1,797
2012
1,642
3,397
2013
1,496
2,486
First models in Brunei from the 1980s
The Hyundai Pony
The Hyundai Stellar
Latest Models
The Hyundai Veloster
Owning a Korean car is now a catching trend in
Brunei. In contrast to the 1980s, certified
professional mechanics are readily available for any
after-sales service and spare parts can be easily
obtained from almost every parts store in Brunei.
With striking body designs, a durable engine and
affordable prices, Hyundai and Kia cars have risen to
become some of the most sought-after cars in Brunei
The Kia Optima
Korean-made cars in Brunei have come a long
way since the 1980s and will continue to do so as
many Bruneians look forward to in anticipation to
more exquisite cars from Korea.
23
KOREA - BRUNEI
A New Landmark
Daelim Industrial Co., Ltd. launched the
construction of the“Sungai Brunei Bridge (Sungai
Kebun Bridge)” on January 16, 2014. The
construction firm was the first Korean company to
have entered the Bruneian market; it erected a
liquefaction plant in 1970s.
The Sungai Brunei Bridge project includes access
roads, a 2-kilometer expansion of pre-existing roads
and two new interchanges. As a single bridge, it will
be the largest in Brunei after completion of its
construction in 2016.
The Sungai Brunei Bridge will straddle the
Brunei river, passing through Bandar Seri Begawan.
It will connect the Jalan Residency and the Kampong
Sungai Kebun area and is expected to smooth traffic
in the region, and make the area a better place to live.
24
Once the bridge is built, the 40km distance will be
shortened to a mere 607m.
The 607-meter long iconic cable-stayed bridge
will have one concrete pylon at the height of 161m,
along with a four lane expressway. Aesthetically, the
design of the bridge incorporates Islamic culture.
The pylon’s shape embodies the dome of a mosque,
and a prayer room will be located on the first floor of
the tower. Its unique architecture will become a
major landmark of Brunei.
Korean construction companies have undertaken
other monument construction projects such as the
Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, also known as
the Kiarong Mosque, and the Yayasan Complex.
Successful accomplishment of the Sungai Brunei
Bridge project will, once again, demonstrate close
ties between Korea and Brunei.
History of Korean Construction in Brunei
Project
Period
Company
1983.07 - 1984.07
Keangnam
Badas Barrage
1984.03 - 1986.08
Daelim
Co-generation Plant
1985.02 - 1986.10
Shinhwa
Royal Brunei Air Building
1983.05 - 1985.02
Q.A.F Building
1985.04 - 1985.07
Arterial Road
1984.11 - 1985.10
Airport Cargo Terminal
1984.04 - 1985.11
Tumasek Plaza
1984.04 - 1985.11
Airport Taxi-way
1983.02 - 1985.01
Housing Project
1984.07 - 1985.05
Halla
Mechanized Rice Production Project
1985.07 - 1986.02
Korea Agricultural
Development
Corpotation
Jame’Asr Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque
1992.07
Keangnam
1994.05 - 1996.12
Daelim
Yayasan Hassanal Bolkiah Complex
1994.05 - 1996.07
Keangnam
Jerudong Park Marina Breakwater
1996.06 -1998.10
Hyundai E&C
National Housing Project at kg Lumut/sg Liang (402
Unit)
2010.09 - 2012.11
Daeje
Military Academy
2013.04 - 2014.10
Daeje
Sungai Brunei Bridge
2014.01 -
Daelim
Brunei Guest House Complex
(Prince Mohammad Official Residence)
Ssangyoung
Daehan
BSP(Brunei Shell Petroleum) Main
Office Building renovation
25
KOREA - BRUNEI
New Elements that Make up Good Cosmetics
Q: You have been doing a lot of charity work
in Brunei for about 5 years with LANEIGE.
Can you tell us about your activities?
We held charity campaigns throughout these
years to give back to the society. Sometimes, we are
unaware of how privileged we are in life, until we
notice others who are in need. Seeing this, I took
action and did what I believed to be my part.
We work closely with Non-government
Organizations and the different government sector as
well other business supporters to help those who are
Editor’s note:Patricia Li is the General Manager of HGKK LHS
in need through different campaigns. For instance,
Company, a distributor of Korean cosmetics since 2005.
“LANEIGE Makeup Your Life”Breast Cancer
Awareness Campaign is a fundraiser supporting
BBCSG and aims to increase awareness. Other
Q: How did you start the cosmetic business, examples are“LANEIGE Broadway Musical
Charity Competition”which raises funds to support
LANEIGE?
YASKA Children Cancer Fund, SMARTERS,
Ever since I was young, I was very keen to KACA, Pusat Bahagia and BELTA.
explore how to keep my skin at its best condition.
Since my 20s, I have been using cosmetics from
LANEIGE, because it suits my skin very well. Due Q: What makes Korean cosmetics special to
you?
to this experience, I naturally gained trust for the
brand. In addition, I saw Korean cosmetics as
befitting my beliefs in making a choice and therefore
I founded LANEIGE in Brunei. LANEIGE is the
leading cosmetic corporation in Korea which
develops its products with pride. We will constantly
endeavor to provide satisfaction for customers and
continue to make advances.
26
I believe Korean cosmetics stands out from the
crowd thanks to its unique culture, tradition and
people. It is always about the energy that people
deliver into a project. In a Korean made product, I
see elements of the Korean spirit. The respectful,
energetic and persevering mindsets are what I greatly
enjoy.
‘National Day’during the opening ceremony of the
International Exposition Yeosu Korea 2012. At the
opening ceremony, Brunei cultural troupes
performed traditional songs and dances such as Solla
Rabbuna, Alai Ashik and Alas Jua Dindang.
For 93 days from May 12 to August 12, the
Republic of Korea played host to 106 countries at the
International Exposition Yeosu Korea 2012. The
Expo was held at the New Port area in Yeosu due to
its excellent location as an urban coastal site that
made it ideal for the successful realization of the
Expo theme, The Living Ocean & Coasts: Diversity
of the Resources and Sustainable Activities.
Among the participating countries was Brunei
Darussalam with the theme, Forests and Reefs;
Sustainable Biodiversity. Present at the ceremony
was the Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and
Trade, the Honorable Pehin Lim Jock Seng. Brunei
Darussalam had the privilege of being one of the few
countries to have a separate pavilion from which the
efforts on bringing out much about the delicate ecobalance on land and water could be exhibited on a
grand scale to the 8 million visitors in attendance.
Another privilege for Brunei Darussalam during
this global event was the opportunity to host a
Aside from having been culturally represented at
the opening ceremony, the Brunei Pavilion
showcased how resource development and
administration could contribute as prime factors to
maintaining its tropical rainforests and diverse
marine ecosystem. The Pavilion echoed both the
Expo and its own theme through organizing each
corner of the pavilion to demonstrate distinct features
of Brunei Darussalam’s rainforests and marine
ecosystem.
The outcomes of the 93 day Expo were well
received with regards to their respective themes. For
Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Korea, the
International Exposition Yeosu Korea 2012 marked
another chapter in the history of bilateral relations
between both countries.
27
KOREA - BRUNEI
Korean Language Education in Brunei
Editor’s note: Dr. KIM Jiyeon is a Korean Language Lecturer at Universiti Brunei Darussalam and she wrote this article.
It was August 2005 when I started teaching
Korean Language as a part of the Korean Language
program in Universiti Brunei Darussalam. The
“Korean wave,”often referred to as Hallyu, was a
significant reason as to why I was hired as a
language lecturer. Many Bruneians were enthusiastic
about Korean drama and had watched the first
generation of Hallyu drama such as Winter Sonata
(Gyeoul Yeonga) and Jewel in the Palace (Dae Jang
Geum). Increased interest in Korea had expanded to
other aspects, especially to its language. The former
Vice Chancellor of UBD, Dato Ismail, made a
request to the then Korean Ambassador to help
provide Korean language courses in UBD. With the
initiative of the university and support of the Korea
Foundation, I was able to start Korean classes.
Demand for the classes were very high and I had
to accommodate as many students as I could do in
one semester. Korean quickly became one of the
most popular foreign language courses in UBD. I
also offered Korean Language evening courses in
February 2006 in response to such a high demand.
Dr. Kim (front) and students pose in Sookmyung University
The difficulties that I faced were that sufficient
time was not allocated for language training, and that
access to Korean language as well as culture was
very limited. To overcome such difficulties, I
gathered students who wanted to learn more through
extra-curricular classes and started culture club
activities. I helped five students attend the youth
28
camp program organized by the Korean Government
in July 2006. Those who attended the camp became
the first committee members of Korean Culture Club
(KCC). Since October 2006, we have held events
such as Korean Language and Culture Weeks. The
KCC and UBD volunteered to help with various
events that were organized by the Language Centre,
the university and the Korean Embassy. Also, the
alumni of KCC contribute largely to the spreading of
Korean culture in Brunei. They launched Korean
culture clubs at other schools after their graduations,
and volunteered to teach Korean language courses
for beginners.
I also tried to expand relations between UBD and
universities in Korea. In the beginning, UBD only
had one Korean university as a partner because it
was not recognized among Korean universities and
had no means of reaching out to other universities in
Korea. I served as a channel to help UBD find its
partners in Korea when the university was preparing
for a program called“GenNEXT.”14 students and I
visited Sookmyung University for the International
Summer School Program in 2010. This was the first
group of exchange students from UBD to Korea.
Currently, UBD has signed MOUs with 13 Korean
universities and institutions. I am proud to say that
Korea is the first country of choice among UBD
students for their Discovery Year and their further
studies.
Successful development of the Korean program
in UBD resulted in a higher demand from the
students. The Language Center could not
accommodate all the students that wished to attend
the courses. Thus, I suggested that UBD should
apply for another visiting professorship of the Korea
Foundation. Along with the support of the Korean
Embassy in Brunei, the Language Center upgraded
the Korean language program to a minor since
August 2011. The sponsorship equipped us to
increase the student quota for Korean courses. UBD
recruited another Korean lecturer, which enabled us
to provide the courses in a steadier manner.
29
KOREA - BRUNEI
UBD Korean Culture Club
By UBD Korean Culture Club
Hallyu, the Korean Wave, is no longer just a
Korean Pop Culture but is now a wider global
culture that is enjoyed by everyone around the world.
Hallyu has helped to develop a general interest not
only in the Korean culture, but the Korean language
as well. From Vietnam to the Philippines, and to
Brunei, Hallyu continues to expand its fan base,
going beyond Asia to capture the hearts of people all
over the world.
Korean Culture Club (KCC) is an extra-curricular
club established in 2006 in Universiti Brunei
Darussalam (UBD). It was managed by a group of
students from UBD who were selected to join the 1st
Korean Youth Camp under the recommendation
from Dr. KIM Jiyeon. In 2010, KCC adopted a
Korean saying -“뿌리 깊은 나무는 바람에 흔들리지
않는다,”which translates to“Trees with deep roots
does not fall when swayed by the wind”. The main
reason KCC adopted this motto is to remind and
motivate the club committees and members that no
matter how hard or challenging the situation is at that
moment, we can still overcome the obstacle and
succeed.
KCC organizes various activities throughout each
semester. Some of the activities include teaching
some simple but useful Korean phrases along with
the history or importance of certain events such as
Seollal (설날) and Korean Lunar New Year. On these
special occasions, the members are taught the correct
way to perform a deep traditional bow known as
Sebae (세배). Sebae is a deep formal bow performed
by the younger generation of the family to pay
respects to their elders. Famous cultural dances like
the Talchum (탈춤 Mask dance) and Buchaechum
(부채춤 Fan dance) as well as traditional songs such
as Arirang (아리랑) were also taught to the members.
Since Korean food has gained a lot of interest and
curiosity among Bruneians, ‘ Cooking
Demonstration’and‘Cooking Competition’became
two of the highly anticipated activities that members
look forward to each semester. In Cooking
Demonstration, the recipe of simple Korean dishes
such as Kalguksu (칼국수) is given to the members
and they are able to prepare the food personally.
Meanwhile, when festive foods such as Songpyeon
(송편) are on the menu, members get the chance not
only to cook and but to learn Korean beliefs. For
example, a well-made Songpyeon indicates that one
will have beautiful daughters in the future.
The main objective of KCC is to teach and
promote Korean culture to the students and the
society as a whole. KCC also offers the members an
environment to be actively engaged in Korean
KCC also organizes an activity that is in line with
culture and experience it first hand. KCC educates one of the most popular Korean variety shows
and exposes its members to both modern and ‘Running Man’. It remains as one of the most
traditional Korean culture by all kinds of means such awaited activities in the whole semester alongside
as language, foods, music, films and arts.
our‘Mini Concert’. KCC holds the‘Mini Concert’
30
once every two semesters, and this is where
participating students can showcase their hidden
talents on stage. This event is also open to students
from other schools and institutes hence making it all
the more memorable each time it is held.
(UBD KCC Mini Concert, 12 March, 2014)
With the rising popularity of Korean culture, it
has attracted the interest of not only the students in
UBD but also the general public. Over the years, the
number of students joining KCC has progressively
increased. After joining KCC, the members are now
more educated about the Korean culture as a whole
and have begun to see the culture in a new light.
They are now capable of speaking basic Korean
phrases and are also able to make simple Korean
dishes.
culture through its traditional and modern roots. The
club would like to be seen as a bridge formed by
passionate individuals in hopes of merging the
cultures of Brunei and Korea.
The current club president of KCC, Kim Ahram,
hopes to wholly educate the members about Korean
31
KOREA - BRUNEI
Korean Government Scholarship
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is the Korean Government Scholarship program aimed to provide
international students with the opportunity to conduct advanced studies at higher educational institutions in
Korea. Under the program, the Korean Government supports three categories of academic programs, in
addition to a year of preliminary Korean Language course.
- Bachelor degree course (4 years)
- Master degree course (2 years)
- Ph.D. course (3 years)
The Korean Government sponsors around 800 grantees with tuition, monthly stipends, travel fare and other
benefits.
For further information, please visit www.studyinkorea.go.kr
GKS Grantees
Since the first batch of Bruneian GKS Grantees has been sent to Korea in 2008, 14 Bruneians have studied
in Korea thus far. With a better understanding on both Korea and Brunei, they will certainly serve as a bridge
connecting our two countries.
32
Name
Year
Major
University
Nurfauzanna Abu Bakar
2008
Master(Politics/Diplomacy)
Dong-a Univ.
Mohammad Aliff Awang Hj Medial
2008
Bachelor(Architecture)
Cho-sun Univ.
Siti Rawini AWG Sulaiman
2009
Bachelor(Fine Arts)
Kyung-pook Univ.
Yii Yuh Chyn (Brenda)
2009
Bachelor(Int’l Relations)
Sun-moon Univ.
Mohammad Redzuan Hj Rusli
2009
Bachelor(Fine Arts)
Chon-nam National Univ.
Izzat Mohamed Mohamed
2010
Siti Nurhana Hj Budin
2010
Master (Fine Arts)
Kyung-hee Univ.
Nur Diyana Muhammad Hasrin
2011
Bachelor(Chemistry/Biology)
Kun-kook Univ.
Fung Li Sai
2011
Master(Energy Resources)
Dong-a Univ.
Mohd Azim Seruji Mohd Ruzymaselysan
2012
Master(Int’l Development)
Korean Univ. of Foreign Studies
Siti Nurnabilah Hj Abdul Rahman
2012
Master(Politics/Diplomacy)
Kyung-hee Univ.
Muhammad Ashyiq Masri
2013
Bachelor(Int’l Relations)
Korea Univ.
Siti Nazifah Hj Superi
2013
Master(Economy))
Kyung-hee Univ.
Lim Shi Mei
2014
Bachelor(Physical Therapy)
Korea Univ.
Bachelor(Measuring
and Control Technology)
Kyung-Sang Univ.
My Time in Korea
Editor’s note: Brenda Yii studied in Korea for 5 years under the Korean Government Scholarship Program from 2009 to 2014. She
graduated from Sun-moon University with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations.
Before I started my studies in Korea, I was
worried about the language and cultural differences. I
knew nothing about the country except for Kimchi.
Fortunately, Koreans were very friendly and the
University was very helpful. What was unfortunate
was that there was a language barrier. Body language
became my primary method of communication in
many situations.
essential to the Korean lifestyle. Internet and smart
phones appeared to be a vital part of their lives. For
instance, online shopping is well developed and you
can order almost anything, including groceries. One
of the many reasons why I enjoyed staying in Korea
was that it was convenient.
The classes were intriguing and it provided me
with the opportunity to look at things from an East
Asian perspective. I also learned about North Korea.
I attended a lecture entitled‘North Korean Studies’
which helped me better understand Koreans and the
situation in North Korea. I recommend this class to
Bruneian students who plan to study in Korea. Not
only did I earn a degree in Korea, I gained
experiences that went beyond my expectations.
I met many interesting people and professors.
The program had students from all over the world
and my exposure to different cultures made my time
in Korea even more meaningful. My scholarship
program provided me with invaluable experiences.
For that I am grateful to the Korean Government.
The Republic of Korea has grown to become one
of the most technologically advanced countries in the
world, with well-known firms such as Samsung and
LG. I was surprised by how much technology was
33
KOREA - BRUNEI
The Story behind My Artwork
Editor’s note: Redzuan Rusli studied in Korea for five years under the Korean Government Scholarship Program. He graduated from
Chonnam National University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts.
First of all, I would
like to thank the Korean
Government for giving
me an opportunity to
have a once-in-alifetime experience as a
student in Korea. I am
an
alumnus
of
Chonnam National
University
(CNU)
under the Korean Government Scholarship Program.
I started my studies in 2009 and graduated with
flying colours from the College of Fine Arts in
February 2014.
They also helped me get connected with other artists,
which would come as very useful in the future.
I based my artwork on the values of freedom and
respect. I believe that people are free to do what they
want to do, think what they want to think, believe
what they want to believe and thus are free to
express their thoughts and values.
Without prior knowledge of Korea and only with
an invitation from the scholarship institution,
everything was a huge mystery. The language barrier
was the hardest thing that I had to overcome.
Without the continuous help from the lecturers and
friends while I was enrolled in the university, I would
not have been able to master the Korean language.
If Only by Redzuan Rusli 2010
I learned a lot not only from my art major but also
from the society. It gave me the opportunity to look
into myself and improve my artwork as well as my
language. During my 5 years stay in Gwangju, I
joined local and international art communities such
as Gwangju Artist Collective, Jeonju Art Coalition,
and International Artist Community. These groups
helped me join many art showcases and exhibitions.
34
My artwork portrays the shadows of my emotions
and mixtures of feelings that I have often
experienced. Most of the time, my work is my only
‘private space’to express my inner thoughts.
Painting allows me to express so much freely
without fearing about being‘disrespectful’or
‘provocative’to others. It also allows me to convey
my thoughts and frustrations when no one
understands me. I struggle with a piece of canvas,
which I think is better than arguing with others.
I do not believe in describing my artwork to the
viewers because I personally think that art is not
meant to be explained, but rather to be appreciated. I
would prefer my artwork to be mysterious with
hidden stories that instill my views and imaginations
thus conveying a sense of tranquillity and privacy.
It is often up to the viewers’interpretations to
create their own stories and tales. My purpose of
painting is to give viewers the freedom to use their
imagination. I believe that doing so makes it more
interesting.
깨어라! (Awake), 2011
For now my goal is to further develop my
education to higher levels. I would like to encounter
new challenges to expand my knowledge of arts and
hone my Korean. I sincerely believe that my passion
in life lies with the creative arts, namely the“fine
arts.”I greatly appreciate the chance to pursue my
lifelong ambition. I would once again like to extend
my sincere gratitude to the Korean Government.
website: http://redzuanrusli.wix.com/juan
35
KOREA - BRUNEI
Great Experiences in Brunei Darussalam
Editor’s note: JI Dagyum is a student of Sookmyung Women’s University and she studied at UBD in 2013 as an exchange student.
She wrote this article.
Many people were curious why I wanted to come
to Brunei. To them, I said I wanted to experience
Islamic culture and have a better understanding of
Islam. For this reason, I decided to immerse myself
in a Muslim country where I could get hands-on
experience and firsthand knowledge.
I was touched by the kindness of the local
students as they treated me with the same kindness
that they had with their neighbours. The professors
were also very considerate. Thanks to their efforts, I
never felt excluded during the lectures despite the
fact that I was the only foreign student without any
background knowledge on Islam.
My studies in UBD provided me with the
opportunity to study alongside experts on Islam at
36
the coalface. I studied why economies of Islamic
countries have been considered to be underdeveloped
in the neoliberal era. In addition, I researched how to
improve their economic system and how Islam can
contribute to their social and economic development.
There is a great diversity of cultures in Brunei.
What I found interesting was that the Chinese are
invited to celebrate Hari Raya and Muslims are
invited to celebrate the Lunar New Year. This shows
the respect for different religions and cultures in
Brunei. Furthermore, I saw that Bruneians embrace
foreigners at various local events which mean that all
people regardless of nationality can come together
and enjoy such events. From these experiences, I felt
that Bruneians understand the importance of cultural
exchange and mutual respect.
The Korean Wave in Brunei was remarkable.
Korean pop culture and Korean products are very
popular and heavily consumed amongst many
Bruneians. For instance, Kia and Hyundai cars are
seen frequently on the roads and Samsung mobile
phones are a popular first choice for many
Bruneians. I felt a sense of pride in seeing the
transfer of brand value and recognition of Korean
products across borders.
The Korean Culture Club (KCC) in UBD held
many events on campus to commemorate Korean
holidays such as Seollal and Chuseok. I participated
in their events to introduce the tradition of Seollal.
The event was successful as many people showed
interest and enjoyed Korean food and traditional
games. I thought it crucial to recognize the diverse
spectrum of Korean culture as a whole since Korean
pop culture is only a fraction of Korean culture.
My time in Brunei was great. Throughout the
year, I was able to acquire a great deal of practical
knowledge about Brunei and Islam by participating
in many events. I would like to express my heartfelt
gratitude to Brunei Darussalam and all the people
who helped me during my stay. I hope that I could be
a specialist of Islam and contribute to further
improving the relationship between Korea and
Islamic countries.
37
KOREA - BRUNEI
Educational Cooperation:
Cyber Classroom in Rimba II School
In October 2012, the Cyber Classroom project
was successfully completed with state-of-the-art ICT
hardware and software equipment to better nurture
young students in the school.
The cost of the project was half a million US
dollars and was fully sponsored by the Korean
Government.
Education has been a top priority and will remain
so in Korea because Koreans know, through their
own experiences, that education is the key for their
rapid development.
On the other front, Korea has a strong edge in
Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
Korean companies are currently leading the world
market and its government has been ranked first for
several consecutive years in the UN e-Government
Development Index and ICT Development Index.
The Cyber Classroom in Rimba II School is a
case in point where education and ICT come in a
nexus. It was a cooperation project to further develop
and strengthen the bilateral cooperation in the field
of e-Government and education by producing
tangible results.
38
Melodic Contribution to Schools in Brunei
Boo Young Corporation, a Korean Construction
Company with 30 years of history, donated 440
pianos to primary and secondary schools in Brunei in
an effort to strengthen educational cooperation and
cultural exchanges. The estimated value of the
contribution is about 440,000 USD.
world. The Company has also contributed to
constructing more than 600 schools in Cambodia,
Laos and Vietnam.
The Chairman, Mr. LEE Joongkeun, firmly
believes that education is a key to betterment and
that educational tools are an invaluable investment
for a brighter future.
With the firm belief of the Chairman, Boo Young
Corp. has been carrying out educational support by
donating educational tools such as pianos and
blackboards to more than 17 countries around the
39
KOREA - BRUNEI
e-Government Cooperation
Between Brunei and Korea
Editor’s note: Dr. HWANGBO Yeoul is Director General of BEDB.
In 2004, I attended the e-Government conference
held at Institut Perkhidmatan Awam (IPA) in Brunei
Darussalam. The conference made me feel as if I was
destined to come to Brunei. In 2006 when I came
back to Brunei, the tranquility of the country warmly
welcomed me.
I started working for Universiti Brunei
Darussalm(UBD) and was on secondment to
Authority for Information and Telecommunication
Industry (AITI) where my role was to initiate eGovernment through introducing and applying the
Korean e-Government to suit Brunei. I supported
governments of Korea and Brunei to sign relevant
40
MOUs in 2006 and 2010, as the MOUs could serve
as a framework to facilitate the collaboration on ICT
and e-Government.
However, the lack of expertise and specialists in
the country made it difficult for the Bruneian
Government to move forward with the eGovernment initiatives. Recognizing the challenge, I
returned to UBD and proposed a tertiary training
centre to train Government officials to be equipped
with relevant skills and knowledge to initiate eGovernment. UBD signed a MOU with Korea
Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
(KAIST) in November 2010 for e-Government
training and research.
As a result of the agreement, e-Government
Innovation Centre (eG. InC) was established in June
2011 and has served as an e-Government think-tank.
eG.InC continued to provide training for the civil
servants, conduct research on emerging ICT issues,
and organize forums for raising awareness on eGovernment and ICT. Through close cooperation
with Korean experts, eG.InC was awarded the Future
Gov 2012, which is as a prestigious recognition for
excellent agencies for innovating government and
public sectors. It was a significant achievement.
UBD continued its collaboration and signed
several MOUs with major universities as well as
prestigious government research institutes in Korea.
As a result of these collaborations, UBD students
have been given an opportunity to study in several
Korean Universities through exchange programmes.
Brunei and Korea have made great strides in ICT
and e-Government during the 10 years of
partnership. I believe that now is the time for us to
identify areas to prepare and collaborate with each
other for the next 10 years, with particular emphasis
on innovative areas.
Looking back at the past 10 years, I am grateful
to my Bruneian colleagues and friends, who always
encouraged me to be committed to fulfilling my task.
Such friendship and bonds, along the lines of my
destiny, are what continue to connect me with
Brunei.
41
KOREA - BRUNEI
Korean Cultural Shows In Brunei
Korea is a country rich with culture and tradition, just like Brunei. Part of the task of the Korean Embassy
in Brunei is to expose its culture and tradition to the people of Brunei so that they could better understand
Korea. For the past eleven years, the Korean Embassy has made its efforts to bring prestigious performing
groups to Brunei to showcase a wide spectrum of Korean cultures.
Year
Korean Cultural Shows
2003
Cultural delegates from Chongdong Theatre performed at ICC.
2004
Cultural delegates from Kook Soo-ho Didim Dance Company performed at ICC to celebrate the 20th
anniversary of Brunei and Korea’s diplomatic relations.
2005
Two main actresses from the hit Korean drama“Jewel in the Palace”visited Brunei to celebrate the 15th
anniversary of ASEAN and Korea’s relation
2006
Cultural delegates from Chungju City performed at ICC.
2009
Korean folk dance troupe Korea House together with break dance team B-Boy Breakout performed at the
Rizqun International Hotel.
2010
Modern dance troupe“JUMP”performed at Empire Hotel and Country Club.
2013
Korean cultural troupe performed at Jerudong International School Arts Center
2014
An internationally known group“Nanta”performed at Jerudong International School Arts Center.
All the events held were a success and received amazing responses from the public. The venues were
flooded by cultural enthusiasts who were eager to appreciate the colourful and graceful cultural dances as well
as to enjoy the traditional music of Korea.
42
Tears of Laughter with the show “Jump”
and Sports, Minister of Development and other
higher government officials came to the event. The
audience gave rapturous applauses again and again.
An individual who was interviewed after the show
exclaimed that the performance was “ mindblowing.”
On 20 September 2010, the Korean comic martial
arts show“Jump”was performed in the Grand Hall
of the Empire Hotel. The show was organized by the
Korean Embassy in Brunei. Although the Grand Hall
in the Empire Hotel can only house 2,800 spectators,
the actual number of people in attendance was over
3,200. People were, to say the least, ecstatic to be
able to watch the unique show.
Mr. Lim Han Hu, another spectator, remarked that
he was in tears whenever he roared with laughter
throughout the whole show. Also, he said he left
smiling and that he would very much like to thank
the Korean Embassy for the opportunity to watch the
show for free. Others expressed their hopes that
Jump will be the first of many Korean shows to
come.
His Royal Highness Prince Sufri was the guest of
honor. In addition, the Minister of Culture, Youth
43
KOREA - BRUNEI
Nanta: A fine ingredient to 30 years of
friendship
Editor’s note: Ishan Johari is a senior in UBD majoring in Sociology and Anthropology and he wrote this article.
On 1 April, 2014, the first ever Nanta show was
held in Brunei Darussalam. For two nights in a row,
audiences were rolling in their seats with laughter
thanks to the side-splitting comedic antics. At the
same time, they were enthralled by the high octane
Samulnori percussion performances that Nanta is
well known for. Though the Nanta show time ran for
only an hour and a half, audiences such as myself,
felt as though we had been laughing for well over an
hour and a half. I personally felt as though it was the
longest time I have ever laughed in one night.
As this was the first time Nanta was being
performed live in Brunei, audiences with no
background knowledge struggled to imagine just
44
how everyday kitchen utensils could be transformed
into creating traditional Korean rhythms. Around me,
I saw puzzled faces pointing to the kitchen utensils
such as the Korean traditional food storage jars in
confusion. For many Bruneians, this would also be
their first time to hear Samulnori and they might
wonder what Samulnori sounds like. As Nanta
began, however, their questions were swiftly
answered. Beat after beat from every kitchen utensil
and action on stage resonated throughout the halls of
the Jerudong International School Arts Centre. In
turn, this was met with ecstatic rounds of applause
and gazes in awe, especially during the Three-Drum
Dance performance (삼고무).
In every Nanta scene, there was something to find
joy in as the very talented Nanta performers cooked
up an experience that made audiences eager for more
of their refreshingly unique brand of humor and
flawless coordination in simultaneously creating
dramatically unique Korean music and enticing
culinary masterpieces. In fact, I can recall a number
of scenes that were so hilarious that many in the
audience, including my parents, were laughing with
tears in their eyes.
Whilst the Nanta performers competed against
the clock to deliver these masterpieces, the
mouthwatering aroma of sizzling Bulgogi on a
flaming grill gave the impression that the finest
ingredients were indeed being used as advertised.
Audiences were quick to notice this aroma due to its
popularity as a recommended dish in a growing
number of Korean restaurants in Brunei. They
moved towards the edges of their seats to get a whiff,
exhaled with Bulgogi-desiring looks on their faces
and then warmly applauded the Nanta performers for
their culinary talents. By the end of the show, my
parents and I were craving for a Korean meal. To our
friends who had yet to see Nanta, we advised them to
come with a full stomach because all the laughter,
applause and appetizing aromas will definitely
exhaust them of whatever energy they had prior to
watching Nanta.
When the curtains closed, many were amazed at
just how Nanta is able to be performed daily in
Korea. Despite advertisements, Nanta went beyond
all expectations thanks to the brilliance of its
energetic cast. A show such as this is hard to come
by in Brunei. Therefore, I think it is very fortunate to
have been able to attend the unforgettably
entertaining Nanta that was also generously made
free of charge. I would like to take this opportunity
to express my sincere gratitude to the Korean
Embassy in Brunei Darussalam for organizing Nanta
as a truly memorable way of celebrating the 30th
Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the
Republic of Korea and Brunei Darussalam. The
efforts made by the Korean Embassy in Brunei
Darussalam as well as that of the Nanta cast are
certainly deserving of high praise as I am sure that
audiences went home with much more than just a
smile on their face and a hungry stomach. Personally,
I went home with a vision of Korea that is thriving
with life and diligent in fostering good relations with
foreign partners.
45
KOREA - BRUNEI
Self-learning the Korean Language
Editor’s note: Lim Rui Shuan is a student of Maktab Duli and she wrote this article.
Two years ago, I decided to study the Korean
Language by myself. I found the alphabet and
writing system quite interesting. Day by day I tried
to know by heart a few alphabets and in about a
week I managed to memorize every consonant and
vowel.
The Korean Language, Hangul, is incredibly
simple and easy to learn. I believe that many people
who are interested in K-pop and Korean culture can
easily memorize the Korean alphabets. Learning how
to read and write Hangul is also relatively easy,
while understanding the meaning of sentences is
quite challenging to most beginners.
As I have the background in Chinese Language, I
found learning Korean to be more exciting and
comfortable since some of the pronunciation is very
similar to the Chinese.
My Korean study goes on everyday and I use
everyday materials. Whenever I found a new Korean
song that I like, then I find the English and Korean
lyrics from the Internet and try to understand the
meaning of song while singing along to the Korean
words. Watching Korean drama is also a very useful
way to capture the correct pronunciation and fine
nuances of the Korean language.
When I first started learning Korean, I just liked
its culture and wanted to understand K-pop in
46
Korean. However, the more I learn about Korea, the
greater the resolution it gives me to study more about
the country. Now I dream of going to Korea to study
in a Korean university and having a better command
of the Korean language. To make the dream come
true, I am doing my best everyday.
A Word from the local media
Editor’s note: James Kon is Deputy Editor in Borneo Bulletin and he contributes this congratulatory remarks.
The
bilateral
relations and friendly
ties between Brunei
and Korea have
reached a historic high
this year especially as
Brunei and Korea are
celebrating 30 years of
diplomatic relations.
On this momentous occasion, I would like to
congratulate Brunei and Korea for the continued
prosperous relationship that both countries have
enjoyed over the past decades.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on
1 January 1984, trade as well as people-to-people
exchanges between both countries have continued to
grow. Brunei and Korea have shared extensive
cooperation in economic and trade, agriculture,
education, culture and youth, ICT and tourism. The
trade between Brunei Darussalam and the Republic
of Korea was valued at US$2.6 billion in 2011,
mostly coming from the oil and gas. As a journalist
in the sultanate, my colleagues in the industry and I
have had the privilege of witnessing a number of
landmark events between both countries.
over the Brunei River that will link Kg Sungai
Kebun and Jalan Residency in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Brunei Gas Carriers (BGC) is expected to receive its
biggest vessel, a 154,800㎥ Liquefied Natural Gas
(LNG) vessel in 2014 which is being built by South
Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries Ltd.
The popular Nanta Show that recently captivated
more than a thousand of people in two nights has
further strengthened cultural ties between Brunei and
Korea. The much enjoyed show displayed the talents
of the Korean entertainment industry that has a long
list of followers in Brunei Darussalam, who are also
fans of Korean drama series as well as K-Pop.
I look forward to seeing the established bilateral
relations between Brunei Darussalam and Republic
of Korea continue to grow and prosper.
Beside trade, many Korean companies are getting
involved in mega projects in the sultanate. Recently
DAELIM Industrial Co. Ltd. has clinched a
significant project in the construction of a bridge
47
KOREA - BRUNEI
Hungry for Hallyu
Editor’s note: Ishan Bin Johari is a senior in Universiti Brunei Darussalam majoring in Sociology and Anthropology. This
article is his observation on Hallyu in Brunei.
I first came to know about
Korean culture through my
aunties who gleefully
gathered around the television
set to watch Korean Dramas
such as Winter Sonata and
later reflected on the contents
of the show with friends and
family. To this day they can still recall various stories
from the many Korean shows they had watched over
the years. Little did I know back then that this was
part of a phenomenon known as Hallyu which had
also taken other countries by storm during the early
2000s due to the increasing demand and popularity
of South Korean entertainment and culture.
Nowadays I am noticing that gleeful interest in
Hallyu becoming much more present in everyday
Brunei life. This occurred to me during my high
school years when I began to build an interest in
Korean cultural products for its portrayals of a
diversely active society with a multitude of
narratives that did not always fit the grand narrative.
Along the way I met several others who shared a
common interest in South Korean entertainment and
culture. Like many young and urban Bruneians with
an internet connection, we were in search of variety
in creative media content. Fortunately for us and
many others there continues to be a proliferation of
Korean cultural content made available on the
48
internet in various platforms that have been able to
satisfy this search.
A major platform that has helped satisfy the
search are social networking sites through which one
is able to instantaneously experience a diverse array
of Korean cultural media content personally shared
via fellow Hallyu fans and Korean entertainers alike.
In some cases it is plain to see those who share an
interest in sustaining Hallyu as these social
networking sites enable membership participation
simply by clicking on a subscription button that then
opens the subscriber to a plethora of Hallyu related
content. In addition, this creates a multi-directional
model of globalization from which they can enjoy
updates regarding their favorite Korean entertainer in
various media formats as well as creatively produce
or respond to events beyond their own borders.
My social networking sites are especially filled
with Hallyu content posted by friends right after
concerts from established Korean entertainment
companies such as YG and SM. Furthermore, Hallyu
successes like Psy’s Gangnam Style was the talk of
the town for many weeks after its release both on
social networking sites and in everyday
conversations. During this time it also spawned
several parodies by local talents who put their own
spin on the incredibly viral music video through
combining its catchy tune and humorous dance
moves alongside various Bruneian social aspects;
thusly producing a video aptly entitled, Brunei Style
(available on YouTube), which highlights and pokes
fun at what is stereotyped to be the Beverly Hills of
Brunei just as Psy had done so in reference to the
Beverly Hills of Korea, Gangnam.
Another Hallyu success that is receiving much
interest in Brunei due to its availability online is the
Korean variety show, Running Man. The enchanting
landscapes across Korea, exhilarating challenges and
effusive ensemble are what keeps many Bruneians
waiting eagerly for each new episode week after
week. Several times while at university and cafes, I
often found Running Man to be the cause of joy on
many peoples faces as they shared episodes with one
another. Local and online stores have sought to
capitalize on this by selling Running Man caps as
well as other Hallyu merchandise that fans purchase
to express support for their Hallyu favorites in the
public sphere. Many of the local viewers have found
so much joy in the Running Man challenges that they
have reinterpreted several of the Running Man
challenges and applied them to spice up events such
as community ice breakers.
have enthusiastically volunteered to help set up these
performances, and in doing so, enrich their
knowledge on Korean culture.
Since its beginnings in the early 2000s, Hallyu
has certainly gained steam to become a popular form
of entertainment that embodies and inspires
creativity through a variety of platforms. It shows no
signs of slowing down due to the continued
proliferation of widely appealing Korean cultural
content online thanks to the advancements in
technology. This, in turn, contributes to the selfsustainment of Hallyu within Brunei as support for
Hallyu is expressed creatively both in the online and
public spheres through social networking sites and
clubs. For all the reasons above, I believe that many
Burneians will be happily hungry for Hallyu for a
long time to come.
With all this being said about the plethora of
online available Hallyu content, it is undoubtedly the
advancements made in technology that have helped
narrow the gap between Brunei and Hallyu by
providing more access to cultural interactions and
exchanges on-the-fly. Many Bruneians, especially
those in Korean clubs amongst different institutions,
make use of these technologies to learn both
traditional and contemporary aspects of Korean
culture. Additionally, these clubs utilize the same
technologies to assist them in transforming
classrooms into organized showcases of Korean
culture in a collective effort to sustain a wholesome
view of Hallyu without forgetting its traditional
roots. The Korean Embassy in Brunei Darussalam
further adds to the already self-sustaining Hallyu via
the organization of unique large-scale performances
hailing from Korea where Korean club members
49
KOREA - BRUNEI
Korea And Me
Editor’s note: Hj Abdoh Hj Damit is Assistant Director of Culture and Art Section in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Brunei
Darussalam. The following is his recollection of a cultural cooperation project on the occasion of Korea-ASEAN Special Summit in 2009.
December 2008, I received a
phone call from the Ministry of
Culture, Youth and Sport,
inviting me to be one of the
musician, composer and
conductor for the ASEANKorea Traditional Orchestra. A
challenge that I mostly welcomed, but at the same
time, lots of questions came to mind. Korea? I
haven’t been there. Is the food ok there? Can they
understand English? I only knew Korea from the
romantic piano pieces from the drama‘ Winter
Sonata’.
Came that day in February 2009, where I, with
few other musicians from the Ministry of Culture,
Youth and Sports, attended the workshop in the
formation of the orchestra. 80 musicians with 52
different instruments of a different model, type,
shape, performance method and sound tried one
arrangement from the Korean entitled“ Kuejina
Ching Ching Na Ne”. It sounded weird. It did not
sound like an orchestra. Hence as composers, we
arrived to a conclusion that we must check the
performance method of each instruments, check the
tuning and standardize them. We agreed to A =
440Hz.
50
We moved to Guro, a district in Korea, and this
was where we saw different cultures adapting to one.
Each and every instrument was checked for a
standardized playing technique which we called the
Asia way. Tunings were adjusted up to a point that
my Indonesian friend sat down night after night retuning his bamboo gamelan and our Singaporean
friend invited a master tuner from Singapore for his
Alto Sheng (mouth organ).
We sat and watched composers rewriting their
songs, players struggling to change their playing
technique and transcribing notes from western staves
to number styles. Slowly it began to sound like one
unique orchestra, never heard before.
The workshop concluded in Guro and we
performed“Kuejina Ching Ching Na Ne”. A new
beginning to the world of traditional music and a
world record in the making; the first ever and the
largest Traditional Orchestra with the most diverse
instruments. The orchestra evolved performance
after performance, and I had my initial exposure to
Arirang through a composition entitled“Bitgoel
Arirang”by Professor Choi, the Director of the
Orchestra. We also went around to different theatres
and concert halls around Jeju, Gwangju and Seoul.
During the tour, I met friends from the Korean
Traditional Performing Arts Federation and they
invited me to arrange and record Jindo Arirang and
Miryang Arirang in a project called“The Name of
Korean Vol. 3”. I managed to render Jindo Arirang
into the Zapin style of Brunei Darussalam as well as
play on the Gambus Miryang Arirang in a jazz
ballad style.
When the project was completed, and the CD was
launched, I paid a courtesy call to Korean
Ambassador Choi at his office in Jalan Muara. He
gave me a book on Arirang, which I took enthusiasm
in reading. It is interesting to note that Arirang is a
song of feelings, joy, sadness, strength and power.
The aesthetics is what interests me most. Simple
melodies specific to the place in the Korean
Peninsula with different renditions of the melody,
from traditional, classical, jazz, hip-hop, solo, and
ensemble: Arirang has been a source of motivation
in the cultural identity of Koreans. Arranging
Arirang in Zapin on the Gambus, I hope more
Bruneians will listen to Arirang and at the same time
understand the importance of identity and the values
in this song which is recognized by UNESCO as the
representative list of World Intangible Cultural
Heritage.
This connection through the Orchestra and the
Arirang Project answered my questions about Korea.
Food, ok! There are Korean restaurants serving halal
food. For that, Itaewon is the place to go. There is
also a grand mosque there. Bruneians and
Malaysians had their Hari Raya prayers there during
one of the concert tours. Kimchi, a must try. English,
yes few of them do speak. But learning basic Korean
to start a conversation and asking your way in
Korean is easier. Transportation, no problem.
The Asia Culture Complex, a cultural hub for
cultural exchanges between ASEAN and Korea, is
under construction in Gwangju! I look forward
enthusiastically to the completion of the Center. 감사
합니다.
51
KOREA - BRUNEI
History of Koreans in Brunei
Editor’s note: Mr. KIM Dongun was the former president of the Korean Community Association. He came to Brunei in 1968 and settled in
the country ever since. The 2014 marks his 46th year of residence.
Q: How
did
early
settlements of Koreans
start in Brunei?
It all started when Koreans came from Miri,
Malaysia, for logging businesses in Brunei. As Brunei
was a peaceful country close to Miri, Brunei was
preferred as an immigration destination. Another reason
was the British educational system in Brunei as Korean
parents put a top priority on their children’s education.
In the mid-1960s, the majority of the settlers
operated in automobile workshops. Afterwards, those
who came for the agricultural development project
engaged in the poultry industry. In the early 1970s,
approximately 50 to 60 Koreans created the Korean
Community Association. The first president was Mr.
KIM Yonggeun. There were 12 poultry-farm
households in Tutong, Sg. Liang and 15 automobile
repair shops in Muara. Koreans gave Bruneian the
impression that they are hard working people. In the
1990s, Koreans came as sports instructors such as
Weightlifting, Boxing, Judo, Taekwondo, Shooting, and
Football. By the 2000s, Korean immigration took a
different turn. The immigrants took up trading, running
Korean restaurants and travel agencies. There were also
a number of Koreans who came to Brunei for the sake of
their children’s education.
52
Q: What are the achievements that the Korean
Community Association has accomplished?
After organizing the Korean Community
Association, the next step was to build a Service Centre
and a Korean language school. For building the Korean
establishments, Sg. Liang was chosen as the ideal
location as half of the Korean population resided in the
area. We discussed the matters of leasing the land with
the head of district office of Tutong and built the
structure where it is found now. Daelim Industrial Co.,
which was proceeding with the refinery project in
Lumut, donated building materials for the Korean
Language School and Service Centre. There were
approximately 500 to a 1000 Koreans residing in Brunei
at one point. The sudden and sharp increase in the
Korean population in Brunei attributed to the
construction workers that came for various projects in
the country.
Q: What are the things that you are most
thankful for while living in Brunei?
One of the many reasons that Koreans chose to live
in Brunei was the educational advantages for their
children. The safe environment that Brunei offered
provided good conditions for the upbringing of children.
In the first 12 years of the children’s academic career,
they are schooled under the British educational system.
Then they would go on to receive higher education in
Korea or the United States. About 200 Koreans educated
here in Brunei are now actively working in various
professional fields in Korea and other countries.
Q: Can you recall anything that was striking
to you while living in Brunei?
When I was doing community service in the
longhouse in Temburong, I met village chief Dato Haji
Ibrahim. When the late Sultan was in refuge of the
Japanese soldiers during the Second World War in the
Temburong region, he was responsible for the safety of
the Sultan. He told me that the Japanese military was
stationed in the area at the time. One thing that intrigued
me was that about 20 comfort women of Korean origin
had been there for 3 years. When the Japanese soldiers
retreated at the end of the war, the Korean comfort
women were summoned one day to meet in a hut. They
thought they would be given a lecture but unfortunately
they were all burned to death.
53
KOREA - BRUNEI
Exceptionally Outstanding Student from
Korea
Editor’s note: Ms. HONG Kyungju is a Korean student of Maktab Duli. She achieved the
highest cumulative total standard mark in Brunei in her 2013‘O’Level results. She has written
on her study in Brunei Darussalam.
News Article from Borneo Bulletin on 15 May 2014
In an exceptional display of academic excellence, Seri Mulia Sarjana School student, Kyungju
Hong, was recognised by the Ministry of Education and U.K University of Cambridge International
Examinations as the recipient of the GCE O Level / Best Across Seven Cambridge O Levels‘First
Place’.
This award is for students who achieved the first highest cumulative total standard mark in Brunei,
over a range of seven, eight and nine‘O’Levels. Kyungju attained a notable 7A stars in her‘O’
Level results, and a‘B’for Bahasa Melayu - an outstanding feat for someone whose first language
is Korean. Remarkably, Kyungju is also the recipient of Top Ten in the World for Maths (Syllabus
D) surpassing thousands of candidates worldwide. These awards recognise the outstanding
academic achievements of secondary school students all over the world in different regions. The
awardees are given due recognition in the Cambridge Outstanding Achiever Awarding Ceremony.
Kyungju’s achievements
* GCE O Level / Best Across Seven Cambridge O Levels‘First Place’, 2013
* Top Ten in the World for Maths (Syllabus D), 2013
* 1st place from Year 7 until Year 11, under Science Stream
* Champion in the Princess Rashidah Young Nature Scientist Award in 2012
* Champion, in National Speech Choir Competition 2011
* Top Ten students in the Explomaths 2010 Maths Brain Teasers Quiz
54
When the small tropical country first took
sightings of me, the girl was eight, oblivious of how
her little world around her worked like innumerable
gears turning continuously to run an intricate system
of a machinery. Ten years in the meanwhile has been
well spent in the abode of peace. Now I am soon to
emerge to society as a useful member of the
clockwork (hopefully), with the slow but significant
impression of the country cherished deeply within
myself.
As the Korean proverb goes,“a decade gone is a
good deal enough to change even the mountains and
rivers”, Brunei has surely transformed in various
ways since the dawn of the New Millenniumsuccessions of booming economic activities,
advancements in educational institutions and
facilities, admirable production of talented human
assets and a healthy increase in the populace.
However, the carefree yet disciplined ambience of
the Asian equator remains, and the inhabitants
maintain their pleasant and pure-hearted disposition.
Exactly what I fancy boasting about Brunei
Darussalam.
should certainly have incurred irrecoverable sacrifice
from my parents, which still continues to this date
and would probably not stop until I have victored
against all challenges. My teachers who have
painstakingly guided me from my first alphabets to
advanced-level syllabuses find me as the fruit of
their incessant efforts. And trusting that the only
compensation I can offer in return to the gracious
favors I have been lucky to receive, is finding
happiness through the process. I will continue to give
my fullest to my entitled task of becoming a fine
member of the Bruneian, Korean and the
international community as a whole.
Nevertheless, living in Brunei as a student
throughout the entire school phases is not something
that a fun-loving teenager would gladly volunteer to
do. Alternating between school and home (with an
occasional visit, say, to the Mall), you are left with
no other choices than to focus hard on your academic
progressions, which I was extremely lucky enough to
be supported on full-scale from both my parents and
my school. Their thoughtful assistance and
considerations, in synergy effect with Brunei’s
serenity and exhilaration delivered from fellow
students, had created such an environment for me to
discover the true joy of learning.
Of course I would be lying if I were to say it was
unburdensome. The very idea of migrating to an
exotic place far away from home just for the sake of
educating their children in a way they preferred
55
KOREA - BRUNEI
A Tribute to the Man
Who Bridged Brunei and Korea
new religion. Later on he went to Anthony Abell
College in Seria where he met his future wife, Sadiah
Bte Hj Hidup.
During his adolescence, the late Asman Kim was
offered a scholarship by Brunei Shell to study in
Singapore. He worked for Brunei Shell Tankers and
retired at the level of Chief Officer.
After his career at Brunei Shell, the late Asman
Kim started his construction company Armada Jaya.
His company designed and built mosques and
houses, most notable the ‘ Menara Cendera
Kenangan’monument in Kuala Belait.
Menara Cendera Kenangan
The late Asman Kim was born in Korea on May
18, 1959. At first glance, he looked like a very
sophisticated Korean businessman until he conversed
in Malay. Kim Ho Sun, migrated to Brunei with his
parents and his 4 other siblings when he was 16
years old. He converted to Islam when he was
adopted by Pengiran Haji Yassin. Throughout his
schooling years at St. Andrew’s School, he stayed
with his adopted family and willingly learned his
56
Before his passing in 2008, Mr. Asman Kim
ventured into two new businesses: a clothing store
called Verde located in the Empire Hotel and Pines
Restaurant which specializes in Korean cuisine. All
of the late Asman Kim’s business legacies are
currently being run by his daughter Ms. Yuri Kim
and her husband Mr. Wan Shaiful. His second
daughter, Ms. Yumi Kim has followed her late
father’s footsteps and joined Brunei Shell.
The late Asman Kim was a very charitable man.
He was actively involved in activities such as
organizing golf tournaments, helping out at the
Korean School in Sungai Liang and maintaining
friendship with the Brunei Taekwondo Association.
He contributed to setting up the Brunei-Korea
Association for Friendship (BKAF) where he was
the Secretary-General until the day of his passing.
His efforts to bridge Brunei and Korea will never be
forgotten that is why he received an appreciation
award in 2005 from then Foreign Minister of Korea,
H.E. BAN Ki-moon, who is now Secretary General
of the United Nation.
The Late Asman Kim (Centre) with his wife,
Sadiah Haji Hidup and daughter, Yumi Kim.
His daughters, Yumi & Yuri Kim
57
KOREA - BRUNEI
Triumph of Bruneian Football
Editor’s note: Coach KWON Ohson is the head coach of the Brunei national football team. After 8 years of his career in Brunei, coach Kwon
successfully led the Bruneian HBT team to victory in 2012. The following are excerpts from our interview conducted in March 2014.
Q: What
were
some
difficulties that you
encountered?
Professional football in
Korea has a much bigger and
active league, so the players
can devote themselves to
football and endeavor to reach
their goals. In contrast, it is
very difficult for Bruneian players to focus solely on
the sport. Also, there is a lack of appropriate training
grounds and no fixed schedules for training as they are
busy with their respective occupations.
At first, the minds of the players were shrouded
with pessimism. I taught them to be victors in an effort
to change such attitudes. As we made progress through
the games, they gradually gained confidence.
Bruneians have a genuine love for football. They have
experienced eyes from watching the English Premier
League for a long time. I will work with the team in
order to meet their expectations.
Q: When did you feel most accomplished
during your career in Brunei?
On March 9, 2012, Brunei celebrated its
championship and claimed the Hassanal Bolkiah
Trophy (HBT). It was one of the most memorable
events in Bruneian football history. This was an
opportunity to get Bruneian football back on its feet,
and the people were very proud.
58
Q: What are your hopes and aspirations?
My foremost goal is for us to win first place with
the national under-23 football team. Furthermore, I
wish to claim the title for the SEA (South East Asia)
Games. Lastly, discovering talented players and
supporting their efforts to join influential foreign
leagues is my goal. Paving the way for Bruneian
players and watching their dreams come true would
come as great happiness.
Q: What would you like to say to the citizens
of Brunei?
Bruneians have been very kind and I feel that I
should return the favor. I will see it as my duty to work
strenuously for the sake of Bruneian football. Thank
you so much for your support.
“The Reds”; Korea National Football Team
Korea national football team is one of the most successful Asian teams as it has participated FIFA World
Cup tournaments in eight consecutive times, the most for any Asian team. Despite going through five World
Cup tournaments without winning a match, Korea became the first and currently only Asian team to reach the
semi-final stages when they co-hosted the 2002 tournament with Japan.
The team is commonly nicknamed“The Reds”by both fans and the media due to the color of their primary
kit. This led to the creation of an official supporting group referred to as“The Red Devils”in 1995.
Korea team’s achievements in World Cups
9 Appearances
(1954, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014)
Best Record : 4th in 2002
59
KOREA - BRUNEI
Embassy Visit Program
The Embassy Visit Program was introduced for
the first time in Brunei in 2012 by Ambassador
CHOI Byungkoo with an aim to provide an
opportunity for Bruneians to learn more about Korea
and to better understand the functions and roles of
the Korean Embassy as its country’s representative.
Included in the visit program was a presentation
about Korea and functions of the Embassy followed
by a short video clip on Korea and Korean learning
session.
On March 15, 2012, the students of Bright Jigsaw
International School became the first group to
participate in the program. A total of ten Embassy
Visit Programs have been conducted and the
Embassy looks forward to continuing the program
with more local schools.
Students trying out different types of traditional instruments put on
display
60
A group photo with EVP participants from St. Andrew’s School August 28, 2013
SCHOOL/ORGANISATION
VISIT DATE
Bright Jigsaw International School
March 15, 2012
SMS International School(Year 6)
May 7, 2012
Korean Cosmetic Companies
June 20, 2012
Chung Hwa Middle School
July 13, 2012
SMS International School (Year 5 & 6)
November 7, 2012
SMS International School (Year 5 & 6)
November 8, 2012
Meragang Sixth Form Centre (PTEM)
February 6, 2013
St. Andrew’s School (Year 10)
August 28, 2013
Korean Language School (Brunei)
November 22, 2013
Maktab Duli PMAMB
November 27, 2013
Stella School
May 29, 2014
Yayasan Secondary School (Korean Club)
June 11, 2014
Sengkurong Sixth Form Centre (Korean Club)
June 18, 2014
Apostolic Vicariate in Brunei Darussalam
August 4, 2014
Maktab Duli PMAMB
August 5, 2014
61
KOREA - BRUNEI
Walks through the history of the Korean Embassy
Interviewer: YI Dohyung, Intern Student, Embassy of Korea in Brunei
Interviewees: Mr. LEE Sangyoung and Ms. PARK Sungran, Gerardo Manego (Administrative Staffs in the Embassy of Korea)
Editor’s note: The year 2014 marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Brunei. This also goes to say that the
Embassy’s history dates back to more than 30 years ago. Among the staff, the Ambassador’s chauffeur, Gerardo has been with the Embassy
for 23 years. He is the longest working employee and has served 8 Ambassadors during his time at the Embassy. While diplomats are
stationed in different locations of duty every two to three years, there are two Korean staffs who have worked in Brunei for quite a long time
Q: Mr. Lee, how long has it been since you
started your service in the Embassy? Do
you have any memorable moments to
share with us today?
62
Lee: It has been 10 years since I arrived in Brunei.
When I first started, the Embassy was set up in a
regular three story household. It was nearly
impossible to distinguish the establishment from
other households, and its location was not ideal for
visitors to find. Afterwards, the Embassy moved to
where it is now. The Embassy is now easier for
visitors to find and the working environment has
improved a lot. We could even hold small events
within the building. The visitors can have a cup of
tea while waiting in the lobby or borrow books from
the collection we have there.
Secondly, I would like to mention the election. In
2012, there was an overseas voting for the
Presidential election for the very first time. I was
glad that Koreans living abroad, could cast their
votes. In fact, statistics show that many Koreans in
Brunei voted as Brunei was among the top 10 in the
overseas voting participation in the world. One of the
most memorable occurrences during the election was
with an elderly lady. She had come to the Embassy
from afar but could not take part in the election
because she had not registered. Fortunately in the
next election, she did not return home empty-handed.
The elderly lady, having lived abroad for over 40
years, stated that she was very delighted to be able to
vote.
Q: Ms. Park, you have been working as
assistant to consul. Have there been any
unforgettable memories in your 15 years
of working in the Korean Embassy?
Park: The biggest changes that I see is the
computerization of most of the work. As the years
went by, I felt that the Korean government is
continuously pushing for fast computerization and
this has increased the level of satisfaction among
Koreans and the locals as it results in faster service.
If you apply for a passport, we could receive your
fingerprints from the Embassy and confirm the
person’s identification. When Koreans in Brunei
mention that the system of consular work has been
well developed, I feel proud.
Q: Did you see any changes in the reputation
of Korea?
Park: My children tell me that their schoolmates
often know more about Korean celebrities, K-pop
and Korean dramas than they do. A Bruneian friend
of mine has a cabinet filled with DVDs of Korean
dramas. At the Embassy, I meet many Bruneians
who go to Korea for studies or travel. In fact, the
number of visitors to Korea is increasing year by
year. Seeing such things makes me think that Korea
is indeed a place worth visiting. Over the last two
and a half years, 200 Bruneian students have
received study VISAs. Although my workload has
increased, I’m glad that they decided to choose
Korean universities. The number of Korean residents
in Brunei is steadily increasing and it is true the other
way around as well.
63
KOREA - BRUNEI
Q: Mr. Gerardo, What is your fondest memory?
64
Gerardo: I joined the Korean Embassy as a
chauffeur to the Ambassador. For the last 23 years, I
have experienced a lot of good beautiful memories.
The time two Korean Presidents visited Brunei for
APEC Summit and the ASEAN Summit respectively
was the most memorable experiences for me as a
chauffeur.
65
KOREA - BRUNEI
The Beauty of Korean Food
Dr. YOON Sookja (Director, Institute of Traditional Korean Food, Seoul )
Since thousands of years ago, Koreans have cooked nutritious foods out of the very seasonal
ingredients and built strong community life style by sharing foods with neighbors. Korean
traditional dishes, which are naturally developed and influenced by the characters of four
different seasons, reflect the perfect balance of exquisite flavors and essence of each season as
66
well as the very distinctive tastes of eight different provinces. The variety of proper cooking
methods by using the seasonal local ingredients is still thought to be highly scientific by the
modern day dieticians. Among many excellences, what make Korean foods very distinctive from
other countries’cuisines are its science and philosophy of valuing the human bodies and
appreciating the nature.
Firstly, the science of Korean cuisine is the most important feature of it. Many Korean
traditional foods are not supposed to be eaten right away. They need a certain amount of time of
ripening. This procedure makes the foods to have deeper taste and nutrition than just mixing of
raw ingredients. The fermented foods like Kimchi and pastes were developed as a unique style of
Korean foods which you can’t find anywhere else in the world. The soy bean paste, red pepper
paste, and soy sauce are widely used as the most important seasonings and condiments in each
Korean family. Not only do they strengthen the tastes of foods with added nutritious values from
the vegetables proteins, but it is also shown by numerous studies that the fermented foods
actually help prevent cancer. Particularly, the lactic acid of bacteria in Kimchi plays a positive
role in our health.
Secondly, Korean food culture has philosophy of valuing the human bodies and health. There
are old sayings like‘medicine and food have the same origin’, and‘the proper dining is taking
medicine in itself.’These adages mean that having nutritious meals can be the key to the health
and longevity while preventing and curing the diseases at the same time. Korean traditional foods
have the idea of valuing nature. Korean foods usually keep the original taste of the ingredients’
own. Even though lots of spices are added to the dishes, the cooks carefully control the amount of
spices so that the spices won’t disturb the original taste of the ingredients. Korean foods that
reflect Koreans’four basic emotions - joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure harmonize the science
behind the foods, the philosophy about health, and naturalism in an elegant way.
Korean Restaurants in Brunei
Restaurant
Corea Restaurant
Korea House
(non-Halal)
Tel
Address
896-3787
Bangunan Lim Eng Ming Spg 88,
Kg. Kiulap
245-7644
Unit 6, 7, BLk C, Warisan Matamata Complex
Seoul Garden
879-2119
Food Court, 1st Floor, Yayasan
Complex
Silla Restaurant
717-5989
Spg 1116, Jalan Tutong, Kilanas
Jangsak
Yam Yam Sarang
886-3858
Unit 6, Ground floor Block J,
Bangunan PHTM, Batu Bersurat
Special Menu
Kimchi Stew
Green onion Pancake
Sizzling Pot Bibimbap
Korean-style Bacon
Grilled Spareribs
Spicy Beef Soup
Sizzling Pot Bibimbap
Braised Short Ribs
Mandu(dumpling)
Bulgogi
Seafood Shabu-Shabu
Lamb Stew
Fried Chicken
Gimbap and rice cake set
Lunchbox set
67
KOREA - BRUNEI
Visit to Korea
The people-to-people exchanges between the two countries have been on the constant increase. Notably, in
the wake of 2010s, the number of Bruneians visiting Korea has made a remarkable jump to more than 2,000
each year.
Traveling to Korea has never been easier thanks
to the abundance of airlines to choose from and a
number of convenient services ready at your
disposal. Korea plays host to the full spectrum of all
four seasons; each of which is filled with a range of
exciting activities tailor-made to accommodate the
season at hand.
68
Although December to February in Korea kicks
off with the cold and dry winter season, it is the blue
skies and sunshiny days that makes spending time
outdoors in the Korean winter more tolerable. During
this season, skiing is a popular winter activity with
many ski resorts such as Alpensia Ski Resort, Muju
Ski Resort and Yongpyong to provide fun challenges
for friends and family. Spending time indoors is even
more tolerable due to a heating system composed of
a series of pipes containing hot water or hot air
which lie beneath the floor. This distinctive Korean
heating system is known as Ondol (온돌). It emits a
pleasant feeling stemming from the floor that will be
sure to keep you warm just before you head out to
enjoy your day.
From March to May, Korea weather gradually
warms up to the cool and wet spring season. This
particular season is the one season that many
travelers look up to when traveling to Korea as many
things, especially nature, start anew. Sprouting trees
and blossoming spring flowers of vibrant colors
make a dazzling appearance across the country,
adding to a truly beautiful view wherever you go.
This includes bright yellow forsythia flowers (개나
리), magnolia and cherry blossoms which breathe
new life into streets, highways and more. Many tours
and festivals, spanning from spring flower
sightseeing tours to commendable cultural festivals,
are organized all throughout this season so you can
fully experience the romantic atmosphere that Korea
has to offer in full color.
this season as the Heart warming familial holiday
Chuseok (추석), Korean Thanksgiving, takes center
stage all around.
Regardless of whichever season you choose to
travel to Korea, you can rest assure knowing that
Koreans are always crafting new and enjoyable
experiences around each season alongside older
traditions that compliment the everchanging
beautiful landscape of Korea.
Those who visit Korea will find a dynamic
mixture of historical, economical and cultural
ingredients which has shaped the country. To warmly
welcome the friends from Brunei, the Korean tourist
organizations make its effort to provide information
suitable for Muslim tourists. For more information
on Halal restaurants and Mosques in Korea, please
check the website at www.visitkorea.or.kr or mobile
App‘Visit Korea’.
Following on from this is the relatively hot and
humid summer that takes place between June and
August. Despite the weather, you can still have fun
in the sun celebrating the cinematic and musical arts
at the many outdoor festivals with local and
international guests alike. Afterwards, there are
plenty of ways to cool down such as the
recommended sweet juicy peaches, cold noodles (냉
면) and even zany festivals like the Boryeong Mud
Festival.
Finally, there is the warm and sunny autumn
season that wraps up the full spectrum of the four
seasons. Taking place from September to November,
autumn in Korea is marked by the vivid blend of
gold and red leaves across the country that, when
coupled with the mild weather, makes it perfect for
hiking courses in the countryside. Feel the warmth of
69
KOREA - BRUNEI
Practical tips for the trip to Korea:
Editor’s note: Michael Song who wrote this article is a Sale Manager at the Pan Bright Travel Service.
Route to Korea
The most convenient way to travel to Korea is flying via Singapore, but fare is around B$ 1,450 per
person. Alternatively, if you are flying via Hong Kong, fare goes slightly down.
If you have a budget constraint, you might
consider flying via Kuala Lumpur by Air Asia in
the late afternoon. Fare is only around B$ 800. If
you consider travelling directly to Jeju Island, a
well known honeymoon destination, you can
transit either in Bangkok or Shanghai.
24/7 Tourist Information Centre
Travel to Korea is fun and very easy. If you are having any difficulties in Korea, you can call 24 hours
One-stop Travel Information service at 1330 with your local phone.
Transportation
Transportation in Korea is well developed and easy to
take. You may reach the city Centre either by Bus (B$10),
KAL Limousine (B$15), Airport Railway Express (AREX,
B$15), or Taxi. To move around Seoul, subway is the most
convenient and cheapest way.
70
Accommodation
Korea offers budget accommodation like Boutique Hotel, home stay, or Guest House which only costs you
around B$ 40 to B$ 60 depending on its location. If you would like to pamper yourself, then you can choose
to stay at Lotte Hotel, Westin Chosun, Walkerhill or Shilla Hotel of which the room rates are around B$ 300B$ 500 per night or you can choose to stay at Resort-based accommodation in which the Resort provides hot
spring bath, restaurant, and outdoor activities.
Food
Not all the Korean foods are spicy, but all the Korean foods are highly nutritious and low calories as the
seasonings are made of wide variety of vegetables. Kimchi will be served from breakfast to supper. Do try to
eat all the cuisine like“Samgetang”(Ginseng Chicken Soup),“Bibimbap”(similar to our Nasi Campur but
serve in Hot pot) , Galbi ( Korea style BBQ) , Korean Ramen, Rice Cakes & etc. For Muslims friends, there
are lots of Halal restaurants in Seoul, Busan & Jeju. In Itaewon district, there is a famous Halal burger which
only costs B$ 3. Junk food lover can try the Shrimp burger or Kimchi burger at Lotteria.
Shopping
Shopping in Korea is marvellous as you can shop from traditional market (Namdaemun), wholesale market
(Dongdaemun), fashion street (Myeongdong & Shinchon), antique street (Insangdong) to major department
stores (Lotte, Shinsegae).
Here is my suggestion of 8 things-to-do in Korea
1. Learn a few Korean phrases ( Anneyong haseyo, Gamsa Hamnida, Dowajuseyo, etc )
2. Eat Korean BBQ and try Korean Ice Cream
3. Taste the street food at Gwangjang Market
4. Join the shopaholic at Myeongdong
5. Try the Korea Dabang (Korean Coffee House)
6. Buy a padlock & lock to the Seoul Tower Fences & throw the Key (as a token of love or friendship
lasting forever)
7. Soak in Korean Sauna
8. Go for Skiing
71
KOREA - BRUNEI
Republic of Korea at a Glance
Area:
99,678 square km
Population:
50 million (2013)
72
Per Capita Income:
$26,205(2013)
Life Expectancy:
81.44 years(2013)
Export :
$560 billion(2013)
Import:
$516 billion(2013)

Looking Back to Look Forward

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