A quality national education system in producing highly skilled workforce to boost economic productivity should be a priority, said Deputy Minister (Energy) at the Prime Minister’s Office Haji Mohamad Azmi bin Haji Mohd Hanifah.
He said this at the 31st Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) convocation ceremony at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas yesterday.
The deputy minister also emphasised the critical role of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in shaping the nation’s workforce.
In terms of achievements and collaborations, the deputy minister congratulated IBTE’s success, noting a remarkable 98 per cent satisfaction rate from employers regarding IBTE graduates’ performance. He attributed this to close collaboration between public and private sectors, emphasising on the importance of stakeholder engagement in the success of TVET programmes.
In line with Brunei Vision 2035, the deputy minister urged IBTE to continue developing a quality, competitive and relevant TVET education system.
He emphasised the institution’s commitment to ongoing partnerships with both local and private sectors to ensure programme relevance to current and future industry needs.
Haji Mohamad Azmi highlighted several key initiatives aimed at enhancing TVET education system, ensuring the provision of innovative, relevant and high-quality TVET teaching and learning which include implementing active and collaborative learning approaches, using technology in the teaching process, and providing opportunities for lifelong learning.
He said strengthening collaboration with industries and communities is essential to meet evolving needs of the job market and that constant communication with industries is vital to identify skills and knowledge required by the graduates.
In recognising the significance of practical experience, the deputy minister pointed that IBTE should focus on high-quality, relevant, and meaningful practical programmes and industrial placements to equip graduates with essential on-the-job training and industry knowledge.
The deputy minister also encouraged IBTE to collaborate with other TVET educational institutions, both locally and internationally.
The collaboration, Haji Mohammad Azmi added, may involve resource sharing, faculty and student exchanges, joint research and programme sharing to enhance the overall quality of higher education. – Rokiah Mahmud
