Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien College

Curiosity danced in the air at Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien College. It was palpable among the students who first walked these halls. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien College, or SOASC as it’s often called, stands as a testament to Brunei’s commitment to education. Established on October 15, 1951, it holds the distinction of being the first English secondary school in the country. Originally known as the Brunei Town Government English School, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien College was more than just a place of learning. It was a symbol of progress, a beacon of hope in a rapidly changing world. The college was named after Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, a visionary leader who shaped modern Brunei. His emphasis on education and modernization is reflected in the very existence of this institution. In the early days, the school’s two instructors, one from Malaya and the other from the United Kingdom, laid the foundation for Brunei’s English education system. Many practices they implemented are still in use today. The college’s motto, “Ilmu Adalah Kuasa” meaning “Knowledge is Power”, encapsulates the spirit of the institution. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien College began as a preparatory school, but quickly expanded to offer a full five years of secondary education. By 1957, SOASC students were sitting for the Cambridge Overseas School Certificate examination, a precursor to the GCE ‘O’ Level. This marked a major milestone in Brunei’s educational journey. Even during times of political upheaval, the college remained a steadfast center of learning. During the 1962 Brunei revolt, when Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam Malay School was occupied by British forces, SOASC temporarily housed its students. The college has also fostered a strong sense of discipline and service. The SOAS College Military Cadet, a collaboration between the college and the Army Cadet Team, exemplifies this commitment. Over the years, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien College has nurtured generations of future leaders. Its alumni include prominent figures in Bruneian society, including Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah himself. The college continues to provide a high-quality education to young men, shaping them into the leaders of tomorrow. The legacy of SOASC is etched into the very fabric of Brunei, a symbol of the transformative power of education.