Empowering Bruneian Youth
through World Building in XR. eXtended Reality, and Emerging Technologies in Game Development
A 14-week in-person / virtual hybrid program sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Brunei Darussalam will be offered in a hybrid format. It is led by the Serious Game Institute (SGI) of George Mason University and Company E starting in April 2025.
About
An Innovative GAME Dev Course
Welcome to the Virtual Brunei Initiative!
The Virtual Brunei Initiative under the American Super Museums program aims to provide Bruneian youth, particularly from marginalized and underserved communities, with the skills, tools, and mentorship to create an immersive, digital representation of Brunei’s culture, history, and heritage. This project will empower young participants through education in emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI), culminating in the creation of a 3D virtual version of Brunei. The digital output will be showcased on the SuperMuseum Go platform, fostering cross-cultural exchange and offering a dynamic learning environment that connects Brunei and the United States. By highlighting Bruneian cultural identity and providing training in advanced technologies, the project contributes to cultural preservation and the promotion of digital entrepreneurship.
The program is directed by Company E (CoE) of Washington, DC and the Serious Games Institute (SGI) of George Mason University
Global
Brining the world together using game development
Fun
Engaging and immersive
Serious
Games that make difference
Program Objectives:
- Create an Immersive Digital Platform: This initiative will develop an interactive platform that brings Brunei’s culture and history to life in a virtual format. The platform will engage Bruneian youth, encouraging them to explore and learn about their country through modern digital technologies while fostering a deeper understanding of American culture through comparative themes showcased on the SuperMuseum Go platform.
- Foster Cross-Cultural Dialogue and Understanding: The project will promote bilateral understanding by engaging youth in discussions on cultural values, practices, and shared histories between the U.S. and Brunei. These dialogues facilitated through the platform’s immersive experiences and educational content, will encourage cross-cultural appreciation, ultimately enhancing mutual respect and cooperation.
- Equip Youth with Digital Skills: The program will offer training in game development, digital design, AR/VR, and content creation, providing Bruneian youth with vital skills for the digital economy. This will include practical, hands-on mentorship where participants create a virtual 3D representation of Brunei, reflecting their vision of the country’s cultural identity.
- Promote Entrepreneurship and Innovation: The project will encourage participants to explore entrepreneurial opportunities in the digital and creative industries through the skills training and mentorship components. This initiative seeks to empower youth as innovators and content creators, fostering creativity and contributing to economic development within the digital economy.
- Strengthen U.S.-Brunei Relations: This initiative will deepen the bilateral ties between the U.S. and Brunei by promoting cultural exchange and educational collaboration. This partnership will enhance people-to-people connections, strengthen diplomatic relationships, and open avenues for future cooperation in education, digital innovation, and cultural diplomacy.
Something For Everyone!
This is what you will:
- Learn about digital storytelling through mixed media, including AR and VR with a central jump-off point in the SuperMuseum: America.
- Explore AI tools for digital content creation (see the AI Summit below as well)
- Receive mentorship from industry experts in game design, digital architecture, and cultural heritage.
- Work collaboratively to build a virtual 3D version of Brunei, showcasing its unique cultural landmarks, traditions, and historical sites.
Course Schedule (Tentative)
Creating a game to respond to a worldly problem!
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Virtual Brunei Empowerment Program
The proposed workshop for the Virtual Brunei Initiative will span 14 weeks and will be designed to empower Bruneian youth from marginalized and underserved communities. The workshop is structured into two phases:
Phase 1 (Weeks 1-7): General Game Design and Development
Participants will receive foundational game design and development training covering core principles, storytelling, mechanics, and basic technical skills. This phase ensures that all participants, regardless of their prior knowledge, acquire the fundamental competencies to create immersive digital content.Phase 2 (Weeks 8-14): Specialized Tracks
In the second half, participants will be assigned into one of two specialized tracks:- Game Programming: Focus on advanced coding techniques, including logic implementation, user interactions, and optimizing game performance for VR environments.
- 3D Modeling & Animation: Delve into advanced 3D asset creation, character animation, environmental modeling, and integrating assets into game engines for virtual experiences.
By the end of the program, participants will have the skills to conceptualize and create a virtual representation of Brunei’s cultural heritage using VR technology. Furthermore, this workshop will foster entrepreneurship by encouraging participants to form collectives or entities to translate their creative visions into viable digital ventures. The program will also provide mentorship and resources for participants to explore entrepreneurial paths in the digital and creative industries. This long-term vision empowers participants to preserve Brunei’s culture through modern technology and contribute to the local economy through innovation and digital entrepreneurship.
Resources
Resources for Participants
Future-focused Curriculum
A curriculum which places a strong emphasis on skills, knowledge and competencies predicted by the tech market.
Game Dev Mentors
You will get help from experienced game developers to learn about how you can materialize your game idea into a proof-of-concept game.
Future Opportunity
You will be introduced to future opportunities utilizing the skillsets you obtained from this course from building commercial games to developing serious application/software.
Join the Course, Shape the Future
Whether you’re a designer, developer, or storyteller, the Game Dev Course welcomes you to be part of shaping futures through interactive, educational gaming. Let’s create games that make a difference and bring meaningful change to the world!
Ready to Change the Future?
Gather your skills, join a team, and embark on a journey to create games with purpose. Together, let’s build a sustainable future through serious games!