It is important for higher education students, who are expected to enter the world of work, to have 21st Century skills, such as innovativeness, effective communication, collaboration, critical thinking and adaptability, as tools for the shaping of Brunei Darussalam’s workforce.
These skills are not only learnt through textbooks, but also acquired through informal learning environments and daily experiences.
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 underscored this in a titah on Thursday afternoon during a get-together with citizens and residents of Brunei Darussalam at Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, United Kingdom.
His Majesty noted that students are still faced with the challenge of building a noble and praiseworthy identity, and as such they should take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad not only to gain knowledge, but also to become human capital with noble character as well as broad and advanced ideas to help the Sultanate realise Brunei Vision 2035.
The monarch also said the country needs citizens who are conscious of the future, have an expansive mind and high discipline, and are tech-savvy, as technology has become the most important part of life in enriching experiences and be used as a tool. However, His Majesty also cautioned the students against neglecting hard work and self-efficiency, while advising them to set firm and clear learning goals.
His Majesty concluded the titah by calling on students to become individuals with integrity and strong moral principles amid exposure to different cultures and beliefs. The monarch also reminded the students to remain loyal to the values and principles that come with being a Bruneian and not be involved in activities that may endanger their safety and well-being.
“Activities engaged by the local community are different from what is commonly carried out by our society. Therefore, it is crucial for students to assess risks by prioritising personal safety and well-being,” added His Majesty.
On arrival at the get-together, His Majesty and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam were greeted by High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland First Admiral (Rtd) Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Norazmi bin Pengiran Haji Muhammad and spouse Pengiran Datin Noralam binti Pengiran Haji Kahar, as well as president and vice-president of the Brunei Students’ Union in the UK and Ireland (BSU) Muhammad Fadzli bin Haji Adi-Putra/Adi Putera and Aisyah Farhanah binti Nizam Sumurdani.
Their Majesties were then invited to sign commemorative parchments and attended a high tea reception with student representatives, prior to the get-together ceremony with citizens and residents of Brunei Darussalam in the UK and Ireland.
The get-together began with the national anthem and followed with the recitation of Al-Quran verses 127 to 134 from Surah Al-Baqarah by Mohammad Wajdi bin Haji Mohammad Ja’afar from University of Edinburgh, Scotland, while the translation of the verses was read by Muhammad Nabil Syahmi bin Norman from University of the Highlands and Islands, Perth, Scotland. Doa Selamat was then recited by State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.
Meanwhile, the BSU president explained the event’s theme, ‘Raja Berwibawa Pewaris Beriltizam’, reflects the leadership of His Majesty in enabling the citizens and residents of Brunei Darussalam to experience a prosperous, peaceful and harmonious life. As a result, Muhammad Fadzli said, there is an increasing commitment of citizens, particularly the students, to work towards Brunei Vision 2035 without neglecting the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy.
In line with His Majesty’s titah during the get-together last year, the president said BSU held activities aimed at strengthening friendships among students, improving character, upholding the Bruneian identity and practising the values of MIB.
The Brunei Religious Officers Student Association (BruROSA) also actively conducts religious activities for the students, such as Ibadah Camp, Tadarus and Khatam Al-Quran, he added.
Muhammad Fadzli also extended his gratitude and appreciation to His Majesty for the opportunities, amenities, support and assistance for students studying in the UK and Ireland, including accommodation at Brunei Hall and emphasis on the welfare and well-being by His Majesty’s Government.
Student representatives then presented a pesambah, ‘Merentasi Sempadan Membina Masa Depan’, to His Majesty, which displayed the combination of two iconic bridges, namely Tower Bridge in the UK and Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Bridge in Brunei Darussalam as a symbol of the spirit of cooperation and long-standing relations between the two countries. Meanwhile, a pesambah, ‘Jambangan Jalinan Makmur’, was presented to Her Majesty, which was a bouquet of flowers made from the traditional woven fabric of Brunei, also as a symbol of the friendship between the Sultanate, the UK and Ireland.
The ceremony also featured a nasyid performance titled Allahulkaafi to pray for the safety and well-being of His Majesty.
Following the ceremony, Their Majesties were greeted by some 1,200 citizens and residents Brunei Darussalam in the UK and Ireland, comprising students, government officials and those on vacation in the region.
