18 July 2025 – In every hospital corridor, behind every act of care and comfort within every patient’s story, there is a nurse. At Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC), the future of nursing is not just a vision, it is being nurtured through the hearts and hands of young individuals ready to serve.
This year, we welcomed five individuals into the Scholarship Programme, each of whom will be pursuing their studies at JPMC College of Health Sciences (JCHS), the institution dedicated to shaping Brunei’s next generation of healthcare professionals. Their journey is just beginning, but their reasons for choosing this path already speak volumes. In their hopes and voices, we are reminded that nursing is more than a career. It is a calling to care, to uplift and to be there when it matters most.
Compassion in Action
Azra Zawanah binti Azri is a recipient of the JPMC Scholarship for the Foundation in Science Certification and Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nursing. Her journey into nursing began with a deep-rooted desire to help others. As a former peer guider during her school days, she was already familiar with leadership, empathy, and service to her peers.
“Growing up, I’ve always admired nurses for their unwavering dedication. They not only provide care but also offer comfort during life’s most vulnerable moments. That sense of compassion and purpose is what drew me to nursing”, she said.
Azra Zawanah views nursing not merely as a career but as a calling. She hopes to not only provide excellent patient care but also contribute to public health education, aligning herself with Brunei’s national goals under Wawasan 2035. “I aim to be a nurse who enhances patient experiences and promotes public awareness. With the opportunity to train alongside the team at JPMC, I aspire to uphold their mission of leading an excellent quality and compassionate care”, Azra Zawanah said.
She continued, “Challenges are a part of growth, and they shape me into a better person. I see them as opportunities to learn and become stronger. I also rely on my support system, including my family, friends, and those who are always there for me.”
Honesty, Heart and Healing
For Hannah Batrisyia binti Azmi, honesty is more than a trait, it is her foundation. She was awarded the JPMC Scholarship to pursue the Foundation in Science Certification and the BSc in Nursing. She carries herself with sincerity, speaking directly from the heart.
She is now ready to channel that sincerity into her nursing studies at JPMC College of Health Sciences. The scholarship news was a life-changing moment for her. She said, “I was shocked but incredibly motivated. I want to work even harder and not disappoint those who believe in me.
“Her motivation to become a nurse is grounded in empathy and her desire to make tangible impact on people’s lives. She also hopes to lead by example and elevate the quality of nursing care in the nation.
“If you’re thinking about becoming a nurse, you should be proud. It’s a noble path that will make a huge difference in someone’s life. I want to encourage more people to take better care of themselves and others, not just through words, but through genuine actions” she said.
Despite the challenges, Hannah’s motivation comes from a place of selflessness and accountability. Hannah said, “I always tell myself that if I give up then that means I am a selfish person. Because every time I step back, lives are lost, and the hopes of others would dim. My family and friends keep me going and motivated to pursue this career.”
Growing with Grace and Grit
As one of the selected scholars under the JPMC Scholarship Programme 2025, which supports her through the Foundation in Science Certification and the BSc in Nursing programme, Nur Nazimah Aqilah binti Nordin’s journey reflects the transformative impact of access to quality education and mentorship. As a child, Nazimah didn’t fully understand or appreciate the nursing profession. But with time, empathy, and personal growth, Nazimah came to see the true heart of nursing: resilience, emotional strength, and compassion.
“Nurses deal with people from all walks of life. Even if someone is difficult, they’re still someone’s dad, mom, loved ones. I’ve always been very big on family, so I feel deeply connected to them on an emotional level and can easily empathise with their feelings”, she said.
Nazimah is passionate about raising awareness in health and hopes to use her voice and perspective to make healthcare more relatable to her generation. She said “I want to be part of a new generation of healthcare professionals who are not only clinically skilled, but also deeply involved in making more awareness in health education. I also want to produce new concepts and ideas to help promote healthier lifestyle to my generation.”
A Path Guided by Passion and Purpose
Nur Aiman Al-Ain binti Abdul Salim, currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nursing at JCHS, was awarded a full JPMC Scholarship to support her journey.
Her love for biology and anatomy, and inspiration from her nurse aunt fuelled her dream of joining the healthcare industry. Hailing from Temburong, she brings with her not just academic curiosity but a sincere dedication to community services.
“I was drawn to the life-saving work of doctors, but as I grew older, I came to truly appreciate the vital and compassionate role that nurses play in healthcare. I was especially inspired by my aunt, who was once a nurse, and her dedication left a lasting impression on me”, she said.
Learning she had received the JPMC Scholarship was a humbling and inspiring moment, as nursing is a lifelong mission of learning, services and personal development for Nur Aiman. “Nursing is more than just a job. It’s a chance to constantly do good, to keep serving, and to bring light into people’s darkest moments. Alhamdulillah, it is an honour to be selected by JPMC. This is more than just a scholarship—it’s a journey of growth that will shape me in every way.”
She continued, “”I begin everything with a prayer, asking for strength and guidance. I also listen to podcasts, whether related to medical studies or personal motivation. These keeps me grounded, focused, and to move forward”
A Caregiver’s Calling
Nur Hidayah @ Syafiqah is one of the five scholars awarded the Foundation in science Certification scholarship. Her story is a powerful reflection of what the programme stands for: recognising personal potential, nurturing resilience, and fostering a deep commitment to patient-centred care.
Syafiqah’s path to nursing became clear during one of the most emotional moments of her life, caring for her late grandmother. “I learned to monitor her vitals, give her medication, and be present. That experience taught me that care is more than knowledge. It’s about connection and love”, she said. That deeply personal experience opened her eyes to the human side of healthcare and the profound impact of compassion.
The day she received her scholarship offer was unforgettable. Her mission is to become a surgical nurse, Syafiqah wants to serve with both excellence and empathy. “I was on a break at work when I read the news. My heart started pounding fast, feeling overwhelmed. I called my mother, I thanked her because I know this blessing wasn’t just from my efforts, but also because of her constant prayers and unwavering support.”
Motivated by her purpose, she embraces failure as part of the journey. Nur Hidayah believes in empowering local talent to build a more self-reliant and culturally aware healthcare system. She said” I try to romanticize the journey, even the difficult parts. Whether it’s studying late at night, preparing for presentations, or just reviewing notes at a café, I remind myself that these are the moments shaping me into the person I dream of becoming a surgical nurse.”
A Future Rooted in Service
These scholars, each with unique backgrounds and aspirations, represent the heart of what nursing truly is: compassion, courage, and commitment. With their unwavering spirit, they are preparing to lead Brunei Darussalam towards a healthier and more compassionate future.
As we celebrate their stories, we are reminded that every nurse begins as a student with a dream. And when that dream is nurtured with purpose, the impact can echo across a nation.
