A more stable education policy has made Brunei Darussalam a world member that enjoys progress in education. However in the excitement of enjoying the progress, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddien Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam, in a titah reminds that the people should not forget the early foundations when the nation created the path to glory of education until today which is Islamic education. It's from those foundations that formal or informal education continues to be based on Islamic education and no one can change or modify it.
His Majesty's remarks come in the titah at the 24th Teachers Day and 100 Years of Formal Education in Brunei Darussalam Celebration. The event took place at the International Convention Centre in Berakas this morning.
Upon arrival, His Majesty was welcomed by the Minister of Education, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Doctor Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong and the Minister of Religious Affairs, Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Doctor Haji Mohammad bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahman as the Joint Chairmen of the event's Executive Committee. Also present were His Majesty's sons, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minster's Office; His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Wakeel.
The function began with a recital of Surah Al-Fatihah dedicated to Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien and departed teachers.
It was followed with the Doa selamat led by the State Mufti, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Doctor Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.
There was a Quran reading presentation by the winner of the Al-Quran Reading Test organised by the Johore Darul Ta'zim Heritage Foundation, Awang Haji Mohammad Hendra bin Haji Marajah @ Meraji.
In his address, the Minister of Education among other things recalled that the leadership and vision of Al-marhum Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien, the 28th Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam had laid a strong foundation for the National Education System. The Minister said that with wisdom and commitment, His Majesty has continued and strengthened the policy and education in all fields, especially after independence, with the implementation of the Bilingual Education Policy, and the National Education System for the 21st Century SPN 21 until the birth of Compulsory Education Order 2007 and the Compulsory Religious Education Policy 2014.
In the Titah, His Majesty said with the theme," Lifelong Education Guarantees The People's Prosperity", the 100 years can act as a benchmark for the maturity of any development, hence education in Brunei Darussalam has reached that 100 years of maturity.
Since the beginning of the formal education system in the country, it has shown an important evolution inline with national development and requirements, as well as positive effects on economic development and also showed integrity in various fields. The country's commitment can be seen in the Brunei Vision 2035 that aspires to make the country famous in the world as one that has educated and skilled people with quality life as well as a dynamic and sustainable economy.
The climax of today's event was the presentation of awards to nine recipients. YANG DIMULIAKAN PEHIN ORANG KAYA SETIA PAHLAWAN DATO SERI SETIA DOCTOR HAJI AHMAD BIN HAJI JUMAT was chosen to receive the highest Teachers Day Award or the Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Education Award. Yang Dimuliakan Pehin received a Citation, 20 thousand dollars, and souvenir and free first class ward medical service at all government hospitals in the country.
The Meritorious Teacher Award was awarded to AWANG HAJI KASSIM BIN HAJI ADIS; AWANG HAJI OTHMAN BIN DURANI; DAYANG HAJAH SITI NAFSIAH BINTI ORANG KAYA MAHARAJA DINDA HAJI SAMAN dan DAYANG HAJAH HAFSAH BIN HAJI NAWEH. The recipients received Citations, twelve thousand dollars, souvenirs, free first class medical service and expenses at all government hospitals.
Meanwhile, recipients of Excellent Teacher Awards in their respective fields or subjects, are officers and teachers who have been identified as giving many contributions in improving education development in the country. Their meritorious service includes as teachers or as school and school leaders. They were
Dayang HAJAH AMINAH BINTI HAJI ABDUL WAHAB; Dayang DOCTOR HAJAH ZURINA BINTI HAJI HARUN; SHARIFAH KHADIJAH BINTI HUSSIEN AL-KHAF and Dayang HAJAH NORHAYATI BINTI HAJI SAWAL. They also received citations, four thousand dollars, souvenirs, and priority to continue their education. Twenty other Teachers Day Special Awards recipients will receive their awards at a ceremony in the Belait District which will be announced at a later date.
A Government and Private Teachers' Choir performed in an act depicting the theme of the celebration.
First introduced in 1991, Teachers Day is the nation's recognition to education or an appreciation to the teachers for their services in educating the country's young to further advance education in the country. In facing the 21st Century challenges, Brunei Darussalam needs human capital possessing high quality, knowledge and skills based on the Malay Islamic Monarchy.
News courtesy of Radio Television BruneiPhoto courtesy of InfoFoto
