Minister of Education Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh in her closing statement at the Second Meeting of the 21st Legislative Council Session yesterday, expressed appreciation and gratitude to all educators who, undeterred by fatigue, continue to show patience and dedication in fulfilling their responsibilities as teachers.
She reiterated that the Ministry of Education (MoE) plays a vital role in shaping the students’ lives, ensuring their well-being, and preparing them for the future. In this regard, students are monitored to prevent dropouts through various efforts and tracking systems, including the Cohort Tracking, Student Attendance Management System, the Harapan Programme and Anak Harapan Programme, and the Ri’ayah Wa Mahabbah Programme, which target low-performing and at-risk students.
To address programme mismatch, graduate unemployment, and industry alignment, she shared that the MoE advocates a comprehensive and nationwide approach focusing on quality education, skills development, and stakeholder collaboration. These initiatives are guided by three Blueprints and the ministry’s Strategic Plan, which aims to transform Brunei Darussalam into a dynamic and sustainable economy with a future-ready workforce.
To enhance the employability of Technical and Vocational Education and Training graduates, she explained that Politeknik Brunei (PB) and the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) implemented special schemes involving industry instructors.
At PB, 35 industry instructors have been appointed under the Locum Tenens scheme for the period from January to December. At IBTE, 21 professionals have been appointed through the Adjunct Lecturer scheme across various technical and professional fields. This approach, she said, not only provides students with real-world exposure but also facilitates their transition into the workforce through practical experience gained during their studies.
Addressing the gap in teacher qualifications, she noted that the MoE has taken systematic steps to enhance the quality of early education through formal guidelines, professional training programmes, curriculum standards and the monitoring and regulation of private educational institutions.
To further reduce disparities in teacher qualifications between public and private institutions, she highlighted initiatives led by the MoE, such as the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme and the Brunei Teachers Standard-Teacher Performance Appraisal (BTS-TPA), which serve as benchmarks for teaching and learning quality.
These are also extended to teachers and school leaders in private institutions and those under the supervision of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
(News & pic source: Borneo Bulletin)
