By M K Anwar
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam saw the Teacher's Day celebration not just an event to appreciate the services of teachers but a kind of forum to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching and teachers' professionalism.
His Majesty delivered a titah yesterday morning during the 16th Teacher's Day Celebration at the ICC.
His Majesty was accompanied at the event by His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, His Royal Highness Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah and HRH Prince Abdul Malik.
His Majesty said teachers must continue to be relevant and manage the teaching environment effectively as they are the axis of the teaching profession.
Teachers not only teach but also nurture a great generation, His Majesty added.
"They are the backbone of the education system. They determine the success and failure of the system. Because of this, excellent teachers are those who are able to confront different challenges while being able to fulfill the expectations of the people and the nation," the monarch said.
His Majesty said our biggest investment is education. It must be given value in line with the demand of time. "So far, we consider our achievements are already on par with other developed countries."
His Majesty said that nearly all of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and the aims of UNESCO's Education for All have been achieved.
The monarch added that this, however, does not mean that the efforts should stop.
"There is no end to education. It is an asset that lives for change and demands improvements. If it does not improve, it means the changes are not as much as hoped for.
"It is because of this that we must not delay the improvement process. Improvement means development and hence delaying the process would be in vain," said the ruler.
His Majesty also reminded that the approach towards development must not only be made according to an individual's demands but consideration must also be given to what is necessary for the nation.
"Whether we like it or not, the nation's importance is still a priority," he said. "This is the appropriate work ethic and in the field of education, ethics are needed to enhance the improvement process.
"If we can improve today, then why do we have to wait until the next day or the day after?" His Majesty questioned.
His Majesty also touched on the issue of time. "It moves fast and if we are not equally quick enough to move in tandem with it, then it will definitely overtake us."
In relation to this, His Majesty said we should be aware of the attitude of developed countries on time. They appreciate time, which is one of the factors that made them a developed nation.
"Have we, as a country that is developing, taken this as an example?"
Taking in things that are good is indeed a good attitude but we do not want to bring in something that will destroy us, said His Majesty.
These are among the education strategies that we must have. "It can make us proud of our own values and at the same time generate the enthusiasm to move forward."
Before concluding his titah, His Majesty advised teachers in the country to continue to improve themselves with knowledge and skills, for the future benefit of the people and the country.
The Minister of Education, Pehin Dato Seri Setia Awang Hj Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Hj Mohamed Taib, in his opening remarks, said that His Majesty's presence at the event showed the monarch's concern for the teaching fraternity in the country and hoped it would act as a stimuli for teachers in improving the level of their services.
A quality education is a need that must be fulfilled in ensuring the success of the human resource development in the country.
Excellent teachers in different fields and streams are the nucleus in infusing a nation with good qualities, said the minister.
He added that quality teachers undoubtedly strengthen the capabilities of a country in the competitive global arena.
This year's Teacher's Day's theme 'Guru Berkualiti Meningkatkan Daya Saing Bangsa' or 'Quality Teachers Raise the Nation's Competitiveness' is appropriate in fulfilling the nation's goals and hopes.
It is therefore important for all teachers to give their fullest commitment and the best of services to support those aspirations, said Pehin Rahman.
Touching on His Majesty's recent titah at the Education Institute's Golden Jubilee celebration, the minister expressed his utmost appreciation on the vision of His Majesty in highlighting the importance of quality teachers and the characteristics they must possess to produce successful students.
The highlight of the Teacher's Day celebration was the presentations of Special Teachers Awards.
The Award for Meritorious Teacher went to Dato Paduka Cikgu Haji Kifli bin Bujang and Cikgu Dyg Hjh Masura binti Haji Abidin.
Special Teacher's Day awards were presented to Cikgu Awg Haji Abdul Hamid bin Talipuddin, Cikgu Pengiran Haji Mohd Yusof bin Pengiran Sabtu and Datin Seri Setia Cikgu Hjh Kamaliah Suhaimi binti Haji Md Fadzullah Suhaimi.
Meanwhile six teachers received the Excellent Teachers Awards, namely: Cikgu Awg Haidon Lim Beng Guan, Cikgu Dyg Sa'diah binti Haji Abdul Gapar, Cikgu Dyg Shim Guek, Cikgu Dyg Hjh Masnah binti Haji Lusin, Cikgu Dyg Saliah binti Haji Kahar and Cikgu Hjh Dyg Jaini binti Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Mohsin.
- Borneo Bulletin
(22nd September 2006)
