Information and communication technology, as well as the side effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, allowed rapid advancement in Islamic education compared to previous years. These factors compelled education methods and mindsets to adapt to change, which has persisted until now, said Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman during a visit to Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Religious School yesterday in Seria.
He added that this change has brought a wave of benefits to the students in their academic journey as it helps create an engaging and exciting learning experience that students can look forward to during their time at school.
While these changes can bring benefits to the students, the minister also highlighted the challenges in keeping pace with the rapid advancement of technologies.
“It is important to devise strategies to ensure that the teaching of Islam is not left behind in the wake of modern advancement.”
Present alongside the minister were the Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Religious) at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Haji Shamshol bin Haji Omar, senior officers and staff members from the Islamic Studies Department.
The delegation was welcomed by the school’s headmistress Hajah Zahrah binti Yahya, who briefed the visiting minister on the activities held throughout the week to welcome the students during the new school year. During the visit, Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin met and interacted with the students in their respective classrooms as they participated in some of the class’ activities.
A muzakarah was also held with the school’s administration following the visit, during which the minister highlighted the advancement made with the implementation of modern technologies.
Earlier, the minister also conducted a working visit to Bandar Seri Begawan Arabic Preparatory School in the morning. Some 190 female students have been admitted to Year 5 at the school.
The visits were part of the ministry’s annual initiative to oversee the registration activities of new students at Arabic schools while closely monitoring the school’s infrastructure and facilities to ensure high-quality educational delivery. – Daniel Lim & Fadley Faisal
