As we celebrate the 34th Teacher’s Day in the Sultanate, it is fitting to reflect on the profound legacy of educators who have shaped our nation. Among them, none shines brighter than Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam, our 28th Sultan of Brunei Darussalam.
Revered as the Architect of Modern Brunei, Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien’s reign from 1950 to 1967 reshaped the nation’s destiny.
The late monarch visionary leadership not only shaped Brunei’s educational landscape but also laid the cornerstone for a future where knowledge could flourish for generations, as he championed the transformative power of education, well before it became a national pillar.
Moreover, his unwavering dedication to education inspired a generation to excel, fostering a pursuit of knowledge deeply rooted in faith.
His legacy serves as a reminder that the influence of teachers reaches far beyond the classroom, reflecting a lifelong devotion to nurturing both the intellectual and spiritual growth of Brunei Darussalam.
Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien’s focus on education was far-reaching, grounded in his belief that knowledge was essential to the development of an independent and prosperous Brunei.
Early in his reign, he established the Education Department in 1953, marking the beginning of a formalised national education system.
One of his most significant initiatives was sending Bruneian students abroad, starting with a group to Singapore’s Al-Juned Arabic School in 1950.
This opened doors for higher education at institutions like Al-Azhar University in Egypt, ensuring Brunei would cultivate a highly skilled workforce.
Under his reign, with an investment of BND10.65 million, new schools and vocational training centres were established, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive education system.
By 1954, institutions such as the Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien College and Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam Secondary School ensured access to quality education for Bruneian youth.
His dedication to Islamic education was also profound, where in 1964, he founded the Religious Affairs Department, and by 1956, seven religious schools were established, blending faith with modern education.
His most significant contribution came in 1964 with the founding of Hassanal Bolkiah Arabic Boys Secondary School, combining Islamic teachings with modern sciences, balancing tradition and progress.
A man of many talents, Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien also earned the title of ‘Royal Poet’ for his eloquent contributions to Bruneian literature. His poetry, rich with themes of Islam, patriotism, and vision for an independent Brunei, continues to inspire generations.
Though he abdicated in 1967, passing the throne to his eldest son, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien’s legacy endures.
His educational reforms, religious leadership, and cultural influence have shaped modern Brunei into a nation that harmonises progress with its deep-rooted Islamic traditions. In many ways, Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien was ahead of his time and his visionary contributions continue to define Brunei’s identity, making him one of the most respected figures in the country’s history.
Today, as we celebrate our teachers, we also honour the legacy of a leader whose passion for knowledge still lights the path for future generations.
Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien was born on September 23, 1914 in Kampong Sultan Lama. He was the second son of the 26th Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam II.
At 18, in 1932, Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien enrolled at the Kuala Kangsar Malay College.
In 1938, Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien entered the State Administrative Service and was stationed in Kuala Belait for a year, and lived and worked in the jungle of Ulu Belait.
Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien later joined the Legal Department as a cadet officer, and learned the civil and criminal law matters.
In 1938, he left the department and devoted his time to studying religion under a well-known religious teacher.
In 1941, Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien married Pengiran Anak Damit, the daughter of the then Pengiran Bendahara. The late monarch’s older brother, Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin passed away on June 4, 1950.
Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien was crowned Brunei’s 28th Sultan at the age of 35. – Izah Azahari
