The question should be why the country hasn't grown to increase demand for different skils + to have budget for scholarships. It's sad for those looking to get a scholarship but what the gov is doing makes sense.
I understand the frustrations of those who aimed to get a scholarship in a given field and then find themselves clueless about what to do now or where to go. I won't call it entitlement because I'm sure most of you subscribed to the mantra of 'study hard, get scholarship, succeed' played on repeat at every family gathering, by your teachers, parents and older siblings. I'm one of those parents who has to deal with this.
However having said that, it is what it is and its time to face the reality of what Brunei is becoming. I can see why the govt is doing this. In the 'heyday'/'glory days' of the 2000s, so many scholarships were handed out. Not just for degrees but even for HND courses and diplomas. Scholarships were given out to every Tom, Dick and Harry for every type of course you could think of, most of which had no future in Brunei. "Nasi Katok Engineering'?, you just got yourself a scholarship!", "CCE grades? Um yeah still got badget, why not" (True story, which made my son wonder why I pushed him so hard if X could still get a scholarship anyway with low grades). Sure this is great for the individual who could join their bestpals having an adventure abroad but from a national standpoint it was absolute foolishness.
They were creating the conditions for increased unemployment by creating a supply of highly skilled graduates but with having little to no demand for them, save for the lucky few who could be absorbed into niche or perpetually high demand jobs in oil and gas/medical field,etc. But even there the demand lessened with the oil prices plummeting. Many degree holders remain jobless for years or had to take a job unrelated to their field. Supply and Demand will always dictate how things plan out sooner or later.
Once again I understand your frustrations but I think the question shouldn't be, 'Why are they removing all the high quality courses for scholarship?' but rather, 'Why are they not growing the economy to facilitate the growth of demand for these skill areas?'. You all are facing the consequences of a lack of progress which affects the Demand side of employment and also the ability to give scholarships out.
My 2 cent advice: If you really want to do the field you are in, consider scholarships and grants from overseas. But take note that they will be very competitive. And even if you end up with a degree in a course not listed above, be prepared to not find a job for a very long time here unless you are lucky. Maybe you should consider work abroad, even. Whatever you do, good luck.
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