The Special EduTALK, held in conjunction with Brunei’s 34th Teacher’s Day celebration, commenced with a speech by Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the Ministry of Education, Dr Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati Haji Tajuddin. In her address, she emphasised the importance of teacher well-being, motivation, and passion as key factors in fostering student success.
Dr Shamsiah also highlighted the participation of Associate Professor Ng Pak Tee from the National Institute of Education (NIE), Singapore, who served as the keynote speaker. Professor Ng’s sessions, which span over four days and include eight engagements, aim to provide insights into the “Interplay of Well-being, Motivation, and Pedagogy for Student Success.” These sessions are expected to benefit over 6,000 teachers across Brunei.
Reflecting on her personal experiences in education, Dr Shamsiah shared stories of impactful teachers who significantly shaped her understanding of effective teaching. She recounted a light-hearted anecdote about Professor Ng, who once assisted a student with a math problem while on a bus ride, illustrating how passionate teaching can leave a lasting impact.
The Permanent Secretary also addressed the transformation of teaching methods over the past two decades, particularly the shift from traditional approaches to the integration of digital tools and a greater emphasis on critical thinking. She acknowledged the evolving challenges teachers face with technology and student engagement. Despite these changes, she reminded educators of the need to reignite their passion for teaching, or as Professor Ng puts it, to stay “bright-bright,” ensuring they continue to deliver meaningful and impactful education.
In closing, Dr Shamsiah expressed her gratitude to Professor Ng for his valuable contributions, as well as to the organising committee from the Brunei Darussalam Leadership and Teachers Academy (BDLTA) and the Department of Educators Management for their efforts in organising the event. She commended Brunei’s educators for their unwavering commitment to maintaining a supportive and inspiring learning environment.
The Special EduTALK will run until October 1, offering educators continued opportunities for professional development and the enrichment of their teaching practices.
The audience included heads of departments, senior education officers, school leaders, and educators. – FADLEY FAISAL
