James Kon
Some 722 retired Ministry of Education (MoE) officers and staff were recognised in a ceremony at the Royal Berkshire Hall, Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club in Jerudong.
Organised by the MoE through the Department of Schools and the Department of Special Education, the ceremony celebrated the retirement of officers and staff from 2019 to 2021.
Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh, as the guest of honour, presented certificates and souvenirs to the retirees.
Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the MoE Dr Haji Azman bin Ahmad, paying tribute to the retirees, said, “Regardless of the nature of your service, whether office work, support services, or teaching, our goal is all the same – to achieve excellence and development in education.”
He added, “Retirement may seem like an end goal, to resting the mind and body. However, it is also an opportunity. It is an opportunity to engage fully in your passions – to achieve dreams that were previously unfulfilled.”
The permanent secretary believed that the experience gained serving the MoE will provide inspiration and motivation towards the development in the field of economy, social, community, welfare and education in the Sultanate.
The retirees comprised 214 department officers and staff, as well as 508 teachers and staff working in schools, colleges, sixth form centres, technical and higher education institutions under the ministry.
The ceremony also saw speeches from former acting director general of education at the MoE Marina Chek binti Bujang, and former head of Special Education Unit at the MoE Haji Ali Yusri bin Haji Abdul Ghafor as representatives of the retirees.