SEAMEO Secretariat

A Cultural Journey Through Brunei: SEAMEO Service Awardees Immerse in Heritage and Tradition

Friday, 01 August 2025 |

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Language, Culture, and Heritage

A Cultural Journey Through Brunei: SEAMEO Service Awardees Immerse in Heritage and Tradition
Pintip Iamnirath, Deputy Director (Admin & Communication), SEAMEO Secretariat

Each SEAMEO Council Conference is more than a policy dialogue—it is also a moment to celebrate the dedication of outstanding staff from the SEAMEO Secretariat and Regional Centres through the SEAMEO Service Awards. These awards recognise individuals who go beyond their regular roles, demonstrating exceptional service, innovation, and impact in improving systems and implementing meaningful programmes.

This year, held in Brunei Darussalam, the 2024/2025 awardees had the honour of receiving their recognition from the SEAMEO Council President and enjoying an enriching cultural tour. More than a gesture of appreciation, this experience served as a meaningful opportunity for awardees to deepen their understanding of Southeast Asian heritage, reflecting SEAMEO’s commitment to fostering cultural appreciation as an integral part of education.

Cultural Highlights of the Tour

The Royal Regalia Museum: Brunei’s Monarchical Legacy

Photo Credit: Supitcha Sutthanonkul, SEAMEO SPAFA

The journey began at the Royal Regalia Museum, a treasure trove showcasing Brunei’s deep-rooted royal traditions.

Among its highlights is the golden coronation chariot used during the coronation of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in 1968, an event marking the modern era of Brunei’s independence. Visitors also marveled at ceremonial attire, crowns, and a dazzling array of state gifts from world leaders, underscoring Brunei’s respected position in global diplomacy.

Photo Credit: Brunei Tourism

The main feature of the Royal Regalia is its grand dome, adorned with intricate golden floral mosaics known as bunga putar—a traditional spiral-shaped flower motif symbolising prosperity and continuity. These designs echo the patterns often seen in the Sultan’s ceremonial attire, reinforcing the unity between the monarchy and national heritage.

Kampong Ayer: The Venice of the East

The next stop, Kampong Ayer, provided a living example of cultural resilience. Known as the “Venice of the East,” this water village is the world’s largest stilt settlement. Once the political and economic heart of Brunei, it was home to an estimated 100,000 residents in the early 20th century.

Photo Credit: Supitcha Sutthanonkul, SEAMEO SPAFA

Today, about 10,000 people still call Kampong Ayer home, traveling by water taxis through a network of wooden walkways that connect homes, schools, and mosques. For the awardees, this glimpse into traditional Bruneian life revealed a unique blend of heritage and modernity—a living testament to the adaptability of culture across time.

Istana Nurul Iman: The World’s Largest Royal Residence in Gold

Photo Credit: Supitcha Sutthanonkul, SEAMEO SPAFA

The highlight of the tour was a scenic stop at Istana Nurul Iman, the official residence of His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei. Built in 1984 and designed by renowned Filipino architect Leandro V Locsin, this architectural marvel—featuring golden domes adorned with real gold and inspired by Islamic and Malay culture—is listed by Guinness World Records as the largest occupied residential palace in the world.

Spanning 200,000 square meters with 1,788 rooms, 257 bathrooms, and a banquet hall for 5,000 guests, the palace epitomises grandeur and cultural pride. Though not open to the public except during Hari Raya Aidilfitri, its golden domes and lush surroundings offered awardees a stunning view and a deeper appreciation for Brunei’s architectural and cultural legacy.

Photo Credit: VIATOR

In front of the palace stands a magnificent golden ceremonial barge, historically used in royal celebrations such as His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah’s Coronation in 1968 and Brunei’s Independence celebrations in 1984, when it floated on the Brunei River as part of elaborate ceremonies. Today, it serves primarily as a symbolic and iconic feature, representing Brunei’s maritime heritage and river-based traditions.

Culinary Experience at Laksamana College’s Culinary School

The cultural journey concluded with an elegant dining experience at The Culinary School by Laksamana College of Business, an institution originally established to provide hands-on training in hospitality and culinary arts. What began as a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)-based programme has evolved into a fine-dining training restaurant, allowing students to apply their skills in a real-world setting while offering guests a taste of Brunei’s culinary creativity.

Photo Credit: Onpreeya Phungpaingam, SEAMEO Secretariat

This approach reflects Brunei’s commitment to skills development and experiential learning, bridging education with industry standards and promoting sustainable culinary practices. For the SEAMEO awardees, it was not just a dining experience but a window into Brunei’s investment in education-to-employment pathways that empower the next generation of culinary professionals.

Though a long day, the cultural journey proved far more than sightseeing—it was a celebration of learning beyond the classroom, rooted in history, heritage, and hospitality. The experience reaffirmed SEAMEO’s belief that cultural understanding is key to building a strong and inclusive Southeast Asia.