I am writing to express my concern about a growing trend in our society where individuals use the title ‘Dr’ before their names despite having obtained their doctorate degrees from online or unaccredited programmes.
While the pursuit of higher education is commendable, the increasing use of this title – particularly when not conferred by a recognised or accredited institution – is alarming.
This issue is especially troubling in professions governed by strict ethical standards, such as engineering, architecture and quantity surveying.
Many professionals in these fields are members of respected organisations responsible for upholding the integrity and quality of their professions.
When individuals who have not earned their doctorates from reputable institutions use the title ‘Dr’, it creates confusion and undermines the credibility of these professions.
Moreover, when professionals in technical fields use ‘Dr’ alongside their designations, it can mislead the public, creating a false perception of expertise or authority.
This, in turn, may damage the reputation of the professional organisations they belong to, raising concerns about membership standards and educational qualifications.
It is crucial to distinguish between those who have legitimately earned their doctorates from accredited institutions and those who have obtained degrees from questionable sources. The integrity of our professions should not be compromised for the sake of appearances.
I urge the relevant authorities, particularly the Brunei Darussalam National Accreditation Council, to look into this matter and take action against the misuse of the ‘Dr’ title. It is essential to uphold the trust and respect that these professions have built through years of education, training and ethical practice.
Concerned citizen
