In a move to further enhance Brunei’s technical education landscape, the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 22 industry partners on Tuesday at Mulia Hotel, Berakas.
Acting IBTE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Director of Technical Education Principal at IBTE Satellite, Dr Suhaimi bin Haji Abdul Wahab, highlighted the transformative potential of this collaboration during his speech at the event.
“This collaboration is set to pave the way for a transformative journey in the areas of competency-based training, aligning perfectly with IBTE’s mission,” Dr Suhaimi said. “At the core of this partnership lies a shared vision to empower our young generation with relevant skills that meet market needs, enabling them to thrive in an increasingly challenging world of work.”
Dr Suhaimi emphasised that the MoU not only strengthens cooperation between IBTE and its industry partners but also represents a unified effort between IBTE and the private sector to foster the development and training of Brunei’s human capital.
He highlighted the dual benefits of the partnership: for industry partners, it provides an opportunity to share expertise with students, offering them real-life insights into industry practices and expectations. “Additionally, it helps to expand the talent pool for future recruitment,” he added.
For students, the Acting IBTE CEO noted that work-based training offers valuable real-world experiences where they can apply theoretical knowledge. “Students can develop workplace skills such as technical, communication, teamwork, and higher-level problem-solving skills. They also gain exposure to industry dynamics, work culture, challenges, and opportunities, easing the transition from being a student to becoming a contributing workforce,” he said.
“In this era of globalisation and interdependence, collaborative partnerships are no longer an option but a necessity. To produce industry-relevant graduates, IBTE needs to work hand-in-hand with the industry,” Dr Suhaimi added.
The signing ceremony was attended by the Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the Ministry of Education, Dr Haji Azman bin Ahmad, who attended as the guest of honour. Representatives from each participating company signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organisations, alongside Dr Suhaimi who signed on behalf of IBTE.
The MoU aims to bring IBTE closer to its goal of producing competitive, employable, and work-ready graduates through increased student engagement, aligning and integrating industry-needed skills into its curriculum, and building valuable relationships with industry professionals.
Industry partners for the Dual System Apprenticeship in NTec Professional Cookery & Services include The Empire Brunei, Mulia Hotel, Royal Brunei Yacht Club, Entrek (B) Sdn Bhd, The Rizqun International Hotel, and Royal Brunei Culinary. For the Dual System Apprenticeship in HNTec Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning, partners are Aconkleen Company and Q-Carrier Sdn Bhd.
NTec in Automotive Technician partners include AMSOIL Pro Auto Services, Autoimagination Services, Bee Motors Sendirian Berhad, Boustead Sdn Bhd, Bengkel Kereta Berakas Sdn Bhd, Gadong Auto Parts and Services, GHK Motors Sdn Bhd, Jati Transport Sdn Bhd, NBT (Brunei) Sdn Bhd, Premier Motor Company Sdn Bhd, QAF Auto Sdn Bhd, QAF Prestige Sdn Bhd, Setia Motors Sdn Bhd, Sin Hing Auto Supply, and T.C.Y Motors Sdn Bhd. For Level II Apprenticeship in Deck Rating and Engine Rating, partners include Jisco Marine Sdn Bhd and Stanford Orion Services.
The apprenticeship programmes aim to provide apprentices with high-quality work-based training and recognised standards, equipping them with relevant knowledge and skills, recognised qualifications, and enhancing their employment opportunities within IBTE industry partners.
The objective of the MoU is to promote and develop cooperation between IBTE and both new and existing industry partners in education and training programmes, specifically for IBTE Apprenticeship Programmes such as Dual System Apprenticeships in HNTec Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning, NTec Professional Cookery & Services, NTec Automotive Technician, and Level II Apprenticeship in Deck and Engine Rating. – ROKIAH MAHMUD
