Creative: Jongsarat is a full-length fictional novel set in Brunei. It follows the lives of two cousins as they struggle with the same decision over the course of one summer. Rijal, the black sheep of the family, must try to come to terms with his fears and his troubled past when he finds out his girlfriend is pregnant. Hana, the family's golden girl and hope for the future, fights to keep her own sins a secret as she faces losing her boyfriend to his growing love for God. Set against the backdrop of a country in which reputation and religion are inextricably intertwined, and in which traditional values are struggling to stay alive, Rijal and Hana must find a way to understand the future that they are fighting for. Jongsarat is fundamentally an exploration of the challenges traditional social and religious structures are facing as they struggle to shape modern-day Brunei. It is a study of how, when traditional culture is uninformed by the heart of religion, it leads to disenfranchisement and the hollowness of ritual. It is a story about the ways in which everyday families have to cope with the hopes and expectations each generation places on the next in an ever-changing world. Critical: By exploring the reasons why study of the religious trope has been so neglected in Chinese American literary study, this thesis seeks to understand the critical paradigms which have dominated and shaped Chinese American literary discourses. This thesis will do this by looking seriously at the history of the formation of Chinese American literature and critical study, and the ways in which it has been influenced by American social and political movements such as the feminist and civil rights movements. Having established the state of Chinese American literature and literary discourse, the thesis will then go on to examine the ways in which these external influences have caused grave misreadings which have severely limited the scope and understanding of critical discourse. This thesis will then correct these misreadings by using Amy Tan's works as a case study for performing a critical reading of the religious trope in order to open critical discourse up to new and alternative readings that will ensure the continuation of fresh, relevant and vibrant dialogue within Chinese American critical study.

This paper hopes to serve as a primer, firstly for this Author, regarding the concept of Institutional Economics; a foundation and an enabling environment, which allows economics to function and to be free. Firstly, we focus on the topic of institutions within the scope of economic development, and ask the simple question, “Why some countries are poor, and why some countries are rich?” In terms of set up, this paper is guided by Dani Rodrik & Arvind Subramanian’s 2003 article, “The Primacy of Institutions (and what this does and does not mean).” I looked at how institutions, market openness and geography effect economic development. Both an OLS and pooled OLS model are employed, with the results showing that, institutions account for the largest variation in income. The data is sourced from the Heritage Foundation, 2019 Index of Economic Freedom. Secondly, a discussion of Brunei Darussalam, my home country is presented, trying to link ideas of institutional economics, economic freedom, entrepreneurship and economic development.

This study employs qualitative methods to explore the tensions experienced by deaf young people with hearing parents, hearing parents with little or no experience of deafness prior to the birth of their deaf children and language teachers with a lack of skills and knowledge of deafness in the implementation of an inclusive education system in Brunei Darussalam. The empirical evidence I used to develop and support my thesis involves data I have generated using a variety of data collection tools, and includes analysis of documents, interviews with 12 deaf people age 18-25 years old, 4 hearing parents and 4 teachers together with 8 hours of classroom observations. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify prevalent similarities in the participant’s responses. Underachievement among young deaf people was due to undeveloped language. Undeveloped language for communication is the major theme identified. This study argues that while certain barriers to participation in hearing inclusive classrooms and hearing environments may be being removed, perceptions of the deaf as being unable to communicate remain embedded in dominant disability discourse (Lang, 2001). The study’s conclusions are drawn within the context of proposing a framework for a holistic, integrated, community based educational support structure for Brunei Darussalam that meets the support requirements of deaf young people (DYP), parents and teachers within inclusive schools.

published_or_final_version / Botany / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

Ethno botanical surveys have revealed that Brunei Darussalam has a rich source of tropical medicinal plants. As 80% of the country's land is covered by tropical rainforest, Brunei Darussalam may have some medicinal plants with unique characteristics of secondary metabolites. Some plants such as Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don and Eurycoma longifolia Jack have long been used by the local communities to treat various disease conditions. However, no research has been done in terms of the constituents or biological activities of the Brunei Darussalam medicinal plants. We have investigated the genetic variability diversity and pharmacological actions of Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees [1] also known as Daun Pahit or Chuan Xin Lian or King of Bitters by an interdisciplinary approach, involving DNA-based RAPD and RFLP analyses, HPLC-based chemical analysis as well as cell culture and tissue-based bioassays. We have demonstrated that Andrographis paniculata extr acts exhibited a range of actions including antioxidant, anti-allergies, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. Some of the pharmacological actions of Andrographis paniculata are co-related with their active constituents Andrographolide (A) and Dehydroandrographolide (D). The study is valued not only in obtaining experimental evidence for supporting traditional use of native medicinal plants but also in establishing a platform for studying other medicinal plants in Brunei Darussalam.

Many studies in the literature have shown the importance of phonological skills in the development of literacy, particularly in reading. The literacy difficulties evident in both languages; Standard Malay and English, is a concern in schools which requires systematic and appropriate assessment to identify children with poor phonological skills. In this study, the Phonological Assessment Battery (PhAB) was analysed to determine the extent it can be used with Malay speakers. It was developed, validated and tested for its reliability for the purpose of assessing phonological awareness. The modification of PhAB consisted of seven subtests translated to standard Malay (L2): Alliteration, Naming Speed, Rhyme, Spoonerisms, Fluency, Non-word Reading and Supplementary Alliteration. The three types of validity used in this study found that the modified PhAB is a valid tool to measure phonological awareness. The test-retest reliability showed that the modified PhAB is a useful tool for teachers and psychologists in Brunei and other countries where Malay is spoken. The MPhAB provides a basis for future intervention to improve reading difficulties amongst Bruneian children.

published_or_final_version / Ecology and Biodiversity / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

Examining teachers' attitudes/perceptions and their influence on behaviour can be an important step in understanding the psychosocial factors affecting teachers' use of Information and Communication Technology in teaching. This study attempted to provide such an understanding by elaborating Ajzen's theory of planned behaviour (TPB), a widely applied psychosocial theory in modeling behaviours. Basically, TPB explains a behaviour as a consequence of attitude towards the behaviour, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control. These three direct factors of TPB are, in turn, influenced by salient beliefs or indirect factors: behavioural, normative, and control beliefs, respectively. In this study, the TPB was modified by (1) decomposing each of the three types of beliefs into two dimensions respectively, and (2) incorporating external variables – age, sex, subject taught, teaching experience, teaching period, qualification, level of class, classroom access, and computer laboratory access. Using these predictor variables, an Information and Communication Technology Use Model (ICTUM) was developed for assessment and comparison in performance with the TPB. Using a survey questionnaire, data were collected from a total of 1,040 secondary school teachers in eighteen government schools in Negara Brunei Darussalam. Structural equation modeling, using AMOS 5.0 software, was employed as the major statistical analytic technique for a series of data analyses: measurement model assessment for validity and reliability tests; and assessments of the models, ICTUM and TPB. The proposed model, ICTUM, was found to fit only marginally and the modification efforts through beliefs decomposition and external variables incorporation provided only a small increase in the amounts of variance explained by the predictor variables. However, the TPB model of direct factors was found to be a good-fitting model showing attitude towards behaviour, and perceived behavioural control; as predictors of intention; and intention as a stronger predictor of use of ICT than perceived behavioural control. By demonstrating the significance of those factors as predictors of intention and use of ICT, this study suggests that augmenting teachers' positive attitudes towards the use of ICT and supporting them technically and personally could encourage teachers to increase the use of ICT in their teaching. This study also suggested a need for future research on the direct influence of salient beliefs on intention, and behaviour (use of ICT) respectively. Although the TPB model is theoretically and statistically justifiable, further testing with different samples is required. Through its use of a theoretical and statistical modeling approach, the current study represents an initial step towards uncovering fundamental mechanisms that explain teacher use of ICT in teaching.

Examining teachers' attitudes/perceptions and their influence on behaviour can be an important step in understanding the psychosocial factors affecting teachers' use of Information and Communication Technology in teaching. This study attempted to provide such an understanding by elaborating Ajzen's theory of planned behaviour (TPB), a widely applied psychosocial theory in modeling behaviours. Basically, TPB explains a behaviour as a consequence of attitude towards the behaviour, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control. These three direct factors of TPB are, in turn, influenced by salient beliefs or indirect factors: behavioural, normative, and control beliefs, respectively. In this study, the TPB was modified by (1) decomposing each of the three types of beliefs into two dimensions respectively, and (2) incorporating external variables – age, sex, subject taught, teaching experience, teaching period, qualification, level of class, classroom access, and computer laboratory access. Using these predictor variables, an Information and Communication Technology Use Model (ICTUM) was developed for assessment and comparison in performance with the TPB. Using a survey questionnaire, data were collected from a total of 1,040 secondary school teachers in eighteen government schools in Negara Brunei Darussalam. Structural equation modeling, using AMOS 5.0 software, was employed as the major statistical analytic technique for a series of data analyses: measurement model assessment for validity and reliability tests; and assessments of the models, ICTUM and TPB. The proposed model, ICTUM, was found to fit only marginally and the modification efforts through beliefs decomposition and external variables incorporation provided only a small increase in the amounts of variance explained by the predictor variables. However, the TPB model of direct factors was found to be a good-fitting model showing attitude towards behaviour, and perceived behavioural control; as predictors of intention; and intention as a stronger predictor of use of ICT than perceived behavioural control. By demonstrating the significance of those factors as predictors of intention and use of ICT, this study suggests that augmenting teachers' positive attitudes towards the use of ICT and supporting them technically and personally could encourage teachers to increase the use of ICT in their teaching. This study also suggested a need for future research on the direct influence of salient beliefs on intention, and behaviour (use of ICT) respectively. Although the TPB model is theoretically and statistically justifiable, further testing with different samples is required. Through its use of a theoretical and statistical modeling approach, the current study represents an initial step towards uncovering fundamental mechanisms that explain teacher use of ICT in teaching.

In most epidemiological studies, one in every five children and adolescents are said to display Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EDB), with greater risk of school and wider social exclusion (Brauner & Stephens 2006; Costello, Egger & Angold 2005). Although no formal statistics are currently available with regards EBD in Brunei, there was a formal report stating that quite a number of young people are now being referred to professionals for assistance and support for EBD. There is currently no assessment tool for EBD in Brunei and no ‘Brunei Malay’ translation for most of the Western design measures. Although some of these measures have Malay translations, it was formally back-to-back translated among professionals from Malaysia, who are known to speak slightly different standard Malay language than those Malays who reside in Brunei. Despite the differences in some technical language, Malays in Brunei and Malaysia share a very similar culture and geography. The aim of this study was twofold, to explore the responses of parents, teachers and adolescents in Brunei using the translation of the Western designed assessment tool for EBD as well as to determine how useful the original subscales of those measures are in reporting problems associated with EBD in Brunei Darussalam, a Malay speaking country based in the South East Asian region. A single phase cross sectional survey of 11-16 year-old adolescents attending mainstream public (i.e. government) schools in Brunei was carried out. Responses of parents and teachers were measured using the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaires (SDQ) and a subsample of the participants received a second copy of Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) and Teacher Report Form (TRF) of Achenbach measures. Responses from adolescents were measured using the Youth Self Report (YSR) of Achenbach measure. In total, responses were obtained from 396 parent version SDQ and 92 parent version of CBCL; 329 teacher version of SDQ and 71 teacher version of TRF; and 282 adolescent Youth Self Report (YSR) were obtained for analyses. Results indicated that there are some differences in the three different groups of respondents in Brunei in relation to the identification of EBD and that this differed somewhat from Western population studies. It is suggested that this may be due to differences in interpreting behavioural norms and that this might be linked to cultural differences. It was found that the YSR did not produce factor structure like that of the original study and this might indicate necessary refinement to ensure better fit as revealed by the psychometric analyses. Teachers’ responses to the SDQ items were more similar to those of teachers in other evaluation of the SDQ, whilst parents differed more in their responses when compared to those of Western respondents. Despite the clear differences in their responses when describing EBD using these Western measures, exploration of other statistical tests offered some possible reasons for continuing using the measures to report the prevalence of the problems. Previous studies have also highlighted some critical insights into the use of the measures in other cultures, which are discussed in the finding of this study. Some age and gender differences also appeared in responses, and there were a tendency for parents and adolescents in Brunei to report higher Total Difficulties Score (TDS) among girls than boys. The cut-off scores that were adjusted based on the criteria advocated by the founder of these measures indicated slight differences in the level of point describing the clinical range. This again served to highlight the possible cultural behavioural expectation that varies from one country to another. This exploratory study suggests that reporting a prevalence rate of a given culture using a measure that was designed elsewhere might pose risk of wrongly describing problems of a particular nature without investigating the way in which it has been understood by the respondent. The study stresses that it is important to understand cultural determinants of respondents when reporting EBD of adolescents and points out the necessity of planning and networking across social context to meet young people mental health needs.