The Embassy of the United States of America in Brunei Darussalam is pleased to announce the latest participant in the 2018 International Visitor Leadership Program, the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program. Ms. Mazveen Kaur Saggu, Executive Officer at the Ministry of Defense, will visit the United States from September 24 to October 12 to participate in the IVLP program entitled “ASEAN – Security Challenges.”
This project will provide participants a better understanding of U.S. security and defense policies and the U.S. perspective on key security challenges that the United States and ASEAN countries jointly face. The project will examine the roles of international organizations and multilateral forums in addressing security threats. The program will take place in four cities, namely Washington D.C., Chicago, San Francisco, and Honolulu.
Mazveen Kaur Saggu met recently with Chargé d’Affaires Scott E. Woodard, who congratulated her on her selection for the program. During the conversation, Chargé Woodard emphasized, “The U.S. Embassy in Brunei Darussalam is excited to sponsor mutually beneficial opportunities like this to outstanding Bruneians seeking professional development to help forge closer ties between the United States and Brunei Darussalam. The ‘ASEAN – Security Challenges’ program in itself is exceptional as it will give Mazveen Kaur Saggu the opportunity to not only explore opportunities for cooperation between the United States and ASEAN countries, but also review a wide range of perspectives on shared challenges affecting domestic and global security.”
Mazveen Kaur Saggu noted, “I am extremely honored to take part in this prestigious educational program offered by the U.S. Department of State. I would also like to thank Brunei Darussalam’s Ministry of Defense for supporting my participation and encouraging me to represent the ministry, and Brunei as a whole.”
“Through this program, I hope to enhance my knowledge and skills, as well as share my experiences with my counterparts, while learning about the best practices of the foreign policy and security aspects of the United States. I believe that this program will contribute to my professional development, expand, and strengthen my professional network with other professionals from the participating countries. I am truly humbled and sincerely grateful for the opportunity and recognition,” Mazveen Kaur Saggu continued.
The IVLP provides an opportunity to strengthen relationships between international participants and their American counterparts. The IVLP is one of the U.S. Department of State’s most important exchange programs, connecting current and emerging foreign leaders with the American people through short-term programs to build mutual understanding on a wide range of issues. Nearly 200,000 distinguished individuals have participated in the program, including more than 335 current or former Chiefs of State or Heads of Government, and thousands of leaders from the public and private sectors.
More information on the IVLP can be found at the following link: https://eca.state.gov/ivlp
