Minister of Education Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh addressed six key issues relating to education during the 21st Legislative Council session yesterday. These included the wellbeing of students and teachers, special education, curriculum, professional development, student achievement and alternative pathways and scholarships.
WELLBEING OF STUDENTS AND TEACHERS
“The Integration of religious subjects into the general education system began on November 1, 2023. The integration is seen as a transformation opening up more holistic and comprehensive learning opportunities while prioritising religious education,” the minister said.
Acknowledging the challenges faced in implementing these changes, she emphasised the importance of careful planning. A survey conducted by the Ministry of Education (MoE) from July 31 to August 6, 2024, involving 8,566 respondents – including parents, teachers, school leaders and Year 5 students – revealed that 79 per cent of parents reported their children were happy spending more time at school, while 85 per cent provided food or an allowance for their children. However, the findings also indicated that some students were not receiving adequate provisions from their parents.
To address student welfare, the ministry has introduced two key initiatives: a school feeding programme benefiting 23,472 government primary school students and 263 hostel residents, and the Harapan and Anak Harapan programmes, assisting 8,928 students from schools with over 50 per cent of annual school assistance recipients. Nutritional guidelines for school meals are aligned with the MoH’s recommendations to support students’ physical and mental well-being.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
The minister reaffirmed the commitment to ensuring that students with special needs are not left behind in the integration process. Efforts include the recruitment of 56 special education teachers at the G1 level since 2023, with additional graduates joining through the Civil Service Apprenticeship Scheme (SkiPPA).
Recognising the importance of teacher welfare, the minister announced that, with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s consent, compassionate leave for teachers during school term sessions is granted starting January 1, 2025.
Additionally, the ministry’s Counselling Division has implemented the Reach Out Programme for Educators (ROPES), which promotes mental health awareness among school leaders and teachers. So far, 70 schools have participated, and in 2024, a motivational workshop attended by 6,341 teaching staff was introduced as an annual initiative.
CURRICULUM
To ensure higher education curriculum remains relevant and aligned with job market demands, the ministry has undertaken several initiatives.
These include the appointment of curriculum committees comprising academics, institutional administrators, practitioners and professionals from industry and public agencies. Additionally, programmes are accredited by professional bodies such as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), ensuring compliance with international industry standards.
Students are exposed to real-world work environments through internships and work attachments, while part-time lecturers from related industries enhance the learning experience.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Ensuring quality education extends beyond curriculum development; teacher professional development remains a priority. In 2024, the Teacher Talent Unit conducted 116 training programmes attended by 8,313 educators from primary, secondary, and sixth-form levels, including those from the private sector and religious education institutions.
According to the 2024 Educator Survey (KSWP), which involved 586 educators, 75 per cent reported an understanding of the Brunei Teacher Standards (BTS) and Teacher Performance Appraisal (TPA). However, 25 per cent indicated a lack of understanding, prompting the ministry to intensify efforts to enhance awareness and implementation.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AND ALTERNATIVE PATHWAYS
Brunei Darussalam will participate in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) in April 2025. The results will serve as a benchmark for assessing the country’s education system. Despite previous learning losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, student performance in major examinations such as the PSR, ‘O’ Level, IGCSE, and ‘A’ Level has shown an upward trajectory over the past decade.
For ‘O’ Level examinations, achieving five credits remains the standard for progressing to post-secondary education, including ‘A’ Level, diploma, and foundation programmes locally and abroad. The number of students obtaining three ‘A’ Level has increased, reaching 72.35 per cent in 2024 – a 7.03-per-cent rise from the previous year.
To enhance student performance, the ministry implemented the Student Learning Survey in 2023, assessing literacy, numeracy, and science skills from Years 2 to 10. Participation increased from 23,000 students in 2023 to 47,000 in 2024, covering 197 out of 204 schools. Findings indicate competency gaps, leading to intervention programs focusing on primary education.
In 2025, the Student Learning Survey expanded to over 50,000 students between January 16 and February 15, with data currently under analysis.
Recognising the need for alternative qualifications, the ministry has introduced Pearson BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) programmes, offering career-based qualifications tailored for further studies or direct workforce entry.
SCHOLARSHIPS
The government continues to uphold its merit-based scholarship scheme, established 50 years ago by Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam. This initiative provides opportunities for high-achieving students to pursue further education at prestigious institutions worldwide.
Additionally, to safeguard the well-being of underprivileged students, the MoE also offers the Technical and Vocational Education Scholarship Scheme (BPTV) to pursue studies at private higher education institutions at levels 1 to 4 in the Brunei Darussalam Qualifications Framework (BDQF). – James Kon
