Kitchen Chemistry visits Brunei

As part of a British Council grant with Sue Matthews from the University of East Anglia Kitchen Chemistry visited Brunei in January 2023.

Not only was there the opportunity to spend the day at the Pro Chancellor Arts Centre performing Kitchen Chemistry in a huge auditorium, but the Kitchen Chemist was also interacting with teachers to encourage them to use practical activities in class and thus embed STEM in the curriculum.

The Pro Chancellor’s Art Centre is a lovely venue and we put on four shows during the day to very appreciative audiences.

The Kitchen Chemist on stage.
Kitchen Chemistry at the Pro Chancellor Arts Centre at the University of Brunei Darussalam.

We also visited the Seria Energy lab where Kitchen Chemistry was performed for a local school in their, rather more cosy, auditorium. At Seria we also had the opportunity to look around and see part of one of their science shows. There are some very interesting interactive exhibits and it is well worth a visit.

  • The UK-Brunei partners with the whole of the Seria team.
  • Flaming custard; Kitchen Chemistry at the Seria Energy lab.
  • Examining the maker space at the Seria Energy lab.
  • Comparison of different grades of oil. One of the Seria Energy lab exhibits.
  • A little thank you from the Seria Energy lab team.
  • The Seria Energy Lab – Brunei’s science centre.
  • Science presenters at the Seria Energy Lab.

This trip was not just to do the shows, and there was plenty of interaction with teachers, both in-service and trainees. It was great to see how willing the participants were to get stuck in and engage with the demonstrations and presentation. We put balloons on sticks, and made noise with straws amongst other activities. It wasn’t all fun and games though. We also met with the chemistry faculty at Univiersiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and I represented the UEA at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions. It turns out that the British High Commissioner and I went to school together.

Balloon on a stick proved to be a hit!
Balloon on a stick – the educators really got involved with the workshop.
Making noise with straws.
A workshop in full swing.
Ready to go at an educator workshop.
The winning entries in the competition for trainee teachers.
Meeting the chemistry faculty
Working with the educators.
At the MoU signing.
After the successful MoU signing.
The buildings housing the Education Department: SHIBIE.
At the educator training facility.

All work and no play makes the Kitchen Chemist a dull boy. We also made time to visit the local markets, sample local food and were taken sightseeing by the very hospitable MTeach students. I can’t wait to go back. There are plans – all we need to find is funding!

  • Durian – lovely!
  • Goods at the night market.
  • Fancy a squid?
  • This shell is now proudly displayed at home.
  • The main mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan.
  • Refreshing coconut, straight from the fruit.
  • Signs you don’t see in the UK.
  • The longest bridge in SE Asia.
  • Our trip coincided with Chinese New Year.
  • On a boat trip to Kampong Ayer.
  • Kampong Ayer.
  • Lunch destination in Kampong Ayer.
  • Exploring Temburong.
  • City wildlife.