The U.S. Embassy in Brunei Darussalam, in collaboration with the Serious Games Institute at George Mason University and Washington, D.C.-based Company E, has launched a 14-week training program focused on game design, programming, and animation. The initiative aims to empower Bruneian game design and immersive technology enthusiasts through remote and in-person learning experiences.
A total of thirty students from Brunei, aged between 15 and 40, have been chosen to participate in the program. They will engage in twice-weekly coursework by George Mason University faculty, equipping them with essential skills in the immersive and gaming industries.
“We see the talent and potential here in Brunei, and we are very pleased to facilitate this opportunity for Bruneians to learn from some of the most extraordinary American educators and creatives,” remarked Katherine Ntiamoah, U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer. She emphasized that the program is intended to mark the beginning of a long-term partnership between Brunei and the United States in the digital era.
Professor Sang Um Nam, leading the program, noted the significance of the collaboration in light of recent technological advancements, including the growth of artificial intelligence. “We see this program as a remarkable and inspired effort by the U.S. Embassy to bring us together, and through that partnership, support the development of the Gaming and Immersive sector here in Brunei,” he said.
Students in the program will work on developing a virtual reality (VR) app that showcases a Brunei locale of their choice. This creation will be pitched to the Meta App Store and integrated into the SuperMuseum, a virtual reality platform by Company E and the U.S. Department of State. The project is expected to highlight not only landscapes like Mars but also unique Bruneian experiences.
“Having a tangible result like this makes the entire thing real – even if that real is in virtual space,” said Olga Sunyaikina, Program Manager. She pointed out the potential benefits of the project for Brunei's tourism sector and the Vision 2035 initiative, noting the program's focus on innovation and practical outcomes.
This initiative aims to strengthen connections between Brunei's aspiring tech leaders and U.S. digital innovators to boost entrepreneurship and tourism in the region.