Speaker: Mohammad Hilmy Baihaqy, Research Visiting Scholar, Temple University

Located on the north coast of Borneo, the nation of Brunei Darussalam (which means Abode of Peace) gained independence from Great Britain in 1984.  With a population of just under 430,000 people, Brunei has one of the highest standards of living in the world—thanks to abundant natural reserves of oil and gas.  Dr. Baihaqy’s lecture will focus on the development of the nation’s educational system, which is free to all Bruneians up through university level.

Dr. Mohammad Hilmy Baihaqy is currently a Fulbright US-ASEAN Visiting Research Scholar in Temple University’s Department of Religion.  He holds three degrees from the University of Brunei Darussalam: a Bachelor’s in mathematics and physics, a Master’s in Quranic studies and astronomy, and a Ph.D. in Quranic and science education.  He is on the faculty of Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College (KUPU SB).