James Kon
A delegation comprising 19 Princess Maha Chakri Award Foundation (PMCAF) members, led by its chairman, Dr Krissanapong Kirtikara, is visiting Brunei Darussalam to exchange views and teaching experiences with teachers especially the latest award recipient in the Sultanate.
The delegation yesterday paid a courtesy call to the Ministry of Education (MoE) and met Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the MoE Dr Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati binti Haji Tajuddin.
The delegation, including 2021 Thai award recipient Patin Leamchamroon, also paid a courtesy call to Thai Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Boosara Kanchanalai.
The PMCAF chairman said, “I proposed the signing of memorandum of understanding between Brunei and Thailand, where education would be one of the pillars.”
He added, “We discussed projects including an ongoing cooperation between Thai and Bruneian teachers on how to raise young entrepreneurs. We hope that this will be extended to many schools in the two countries.”
Another project “is on special education”. “Brunei has produced excellent teachers on special education. Our delegation is exploring how to go further in a joint project between Brunei and Thailand on this,” he added.
He said there is also a project to organise an annual youth camp for upper secondary, college and university students.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he said, “We learnt a lot from Brunei. This is very important. We should keep this kind of virtual meeting to share information and knowledge. We also encourage teachers in the region to work together virtually.”
The group also met and exchanged views with Mohamad Amir Irwan bin Haji Moksin, the latest recipient of the award from Brunei for his outstanding literary coaching at Pengiran Kesuma Negara Bukit Beruang Primary School.
His previous achievements include participating in education development on local and international levels, his devotion to working during weekend and term breaks to provide extra lessons for weak students.
He also initiated English learning projects for teachers and exchanging future curriculum planning programmes.
His preparation and participation in the fifth award ceremony in Bangkok for the 11 recipients from ASEAN and Timor-Leste on October 17 was also brought up during the meeting.
The Princess Maha Chakri Award commemorates and recognises outstanding teachers who have dedicated their efforts in helping and promoting education for national development, said Dr Krissanapong.
The Princess Maha Chakri Award is a mechanism for the continuity of friendship among ASEAN member countries with all Thai embassies in Southeast Asia being the liaisons in the respective countries to connect with the recipient of each country by paying a visit and inviting the recipient to take part in “Friends of Thailand” activities.
This also includes the Thai Embassy in Brunei engaging various activities and festivals with invitation to all previous recipients to take part.
The award commemorates the auspicious occasion of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s 60th birthday anniversary in 2015.
The PMCAF seeks to commemorate outstanding teachers whose dedication and internationally recognised achievements have resulted in significant impact on the students’ lives and a better education system.
The PMCAF, in association with 11 ministries of education in ASEAN and Timor-Leste, helps to select and nominate the most qualified for the award from each country in the region every two years.
