His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, graced the 34th Teachers’ Day celebrations on Thursday.
Also in attendance were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.
The event pays tribute to the dedication and contributions of educators who play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s human capital. Held , the event highlighted the theme “Quality Teachers Drive Education Transformation,” with a sub-theme focusing on “Education for a Continuously Changing World.”
His Majesty was welcomed by Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Othman, and Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Md Salleh, who served as co-chairpersons for the celebration.
The event opened with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by a Doa Selamat led by State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Dr Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.
Verses from the Quran were recited by students, with a translation delivered by a lecturer from Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), emphasising the importance of knowledge and the role of teachers in society.
In her welcoming speech, Minister of Education Dr Hajah Romaizah lauded the transformative power of educators, echoing the theme of the day. This was followed by a titah from His Majesty, who reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to advancing education and praised the resilience and dedication of Brunei’s teachers.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the 34th Teachers’ Day Awards, with His Majesty conferring accolades on four Meritorious Teachers, nine Excellent Teachers, and 30 recipients of the Special Mention Teachers’ Day Appreciation Award.
The celebration also featured a video clip that depicted the challenges and sacrifices of a rural school teacher, alongside a montage of Brunei’s educational advancements. These included the integration of religious studies into general education, the growth of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) initiatives, and the country’s efforts in digital transformation.
A musical performance by students from various schools captivated the audience, featuring medleys such as “Jasamu Guru” and “Terima Kasih Cikgu,” along with this year’s Teachers’ Day song, “Guruku Pemacu Masa Depan.”
Following the awards ceremony, His Majesty and the royal family viewed an exhibition focused on STEAM education, showcasing student projects from primary to higher education levels. The exhibition highlighted the vital roles teachers play as educators, mentors, and guides, shaping the future of Brunei’s youth.
The exhibition showcased The Electronic Application System (EASE) is designed to digitise various departmental services, improving efficiency and accessibility, while MESH (MOE Employee Service Hub) serves as a centralised platform for ministry staff to access internal services and resources. The ministry is also prioritising STEAM education and Outdoor Learning to equip students with 21st-century skills, focusing on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to address global challenges and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Innovative projects like the Aquacool Suit and Conservation Through Arts, Design & Media aim to demonstrate technological advancements and promote environmental conservation.
The Green Life Initiative emphasises the importance of environmental sustainability by incorporating green technology into everyday life. Additionally, the Jejak Intelek exhibit highlights student achievements in competitions like RICTA 2024, showcasing their creativity and technological knowledge.
Furthermore, AI-driven applications such as Mr Grabbish and PAW911 encourage students to be more aware and responsible regarding health, safety, and the environment. The Ministry continues to celebrate milestones like CfBT’s 40 years of collaboration, which has grown from 15 English teachers in government schools to over 200 teachers across Brunei.
These initiatives reflect Brunei’s commitment to fostering educational excellence, innovation, and sustainability across all levels. – FADLEY FAISAL
