Lyna Mohammad
Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) contributes towards the building and development of the national socio-economy as proven from IBTE Tracer Study results – carried out six months after convocation – showing graduates’ job marketability meeting the job performance index target of 75 per cent. This is further strengthened by the Global Talent Competitiveness Index 2022 report that puts technical and vocational skills of Brunei at the 18th spot globally.
Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar highlighted this in his speech at IBTE’s 30th Convocation Ceremony yesterday.
The new normal deriving from the COVID-19 pandemic and Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) have brought about changes to the human resource needs in competency and skill sets around the world, including the Sultanate, the minister said.
The World Economic Forum 2020 report stated job demands related to use of new technology and skills will rise according to the needs of IR4.0.
This, he added, resulted in the Government of Brunei Darussalam working on empowering the nation’s Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 through the implementation of the Strategy Framework and Action Plan.
The empowerment of the Technical Education and Vocational Training (TVET) system is an appropriate step as this field enables the country to develop human capital towards the formation of new technologies dealing with IR4.0.
In alignment with IBTE’s mission to instil students with education and training based on industry practices, graduates are equipped with values and skills for careers and innovative now and in the future.
Entrepreneurship knowledge has also been instilled in the graduates, which the minister believes adds value in the working world and paves the path towards entrepreneurship in the future.
The minister called on the institution to work together with stakeholders such as Manpower Planning and Employment Council (MPEC), Manpower Industry Steering Committee (MISC) and the industry to ensure programmes meet the industry and human resources needs.
“I hope that the teaching and learning quality at IBTE is maintained and updated to meet the needs of stakeholders, both in the public and private sectors.
“IBTE must also always review and improvise their curriculum to align with the current and future needs and development.”
