Educators nationwide were honoured yesterday as the Sultanate celebrated its 22nd Teacher's Day with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, who consented to attend and present awards to recipients.

Also present at the ceremony was His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik.

This year's celebration carried the theme, "Quality Teachers, Innovative Learners", and was held at the Plenary Hall of the International Convention Centre in Berakas.

His Majesty was greeted on arrival by the Minister of Education, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Awg Abu Bakar bin Hj Apong and the Minister of Religious Affairs, Pg Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad bin Pg Hj Abdul Rahman in their capacity as Co-Chairpersons of the Executive Committee for the 22nd Teacher's Day Celebration.

The ceremony proceeded with a Surah al-Fatihah recital and a Doa Selamat read by the State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Dr Ustaz Hj Awg Abdul Aziz bin Juned.

Then, the reading of Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 70-79, was presented by a former winner of the Asean Inter-Varsity Musabaqah Tilawah al-Quran and first runner-up of the Majlis Tilawah al-Quran Dunia Melayu Islam 2011 held in Malacca, Awg Md Zulhafiz bin Awg Tengah. The translation of the verses was then read by a representative of the Department of Islamic Education, Awg Mohammad Samree bin Hj Sulaiman.

The welcoming address was then delivered by the Minister of Education which was later followed by a titah presented by the monarch.

YAM Pengiran Setia Negara Pg Hj Mohd Yusof and Pehin Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Utama Dr Ustaz Hj Awg Md Zain, the former Minister of Religious Affairs received the prestigious Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Education Award in recognition of their significant contribution towards the nation's development in the field of education.

Each recipient received a certificate of honour, a B$20,000 cash award, souvenir and a privilege in the form of an entitlement to first-class medical treatment at any government hospital paid for by the government.

His Majesty then consented to present the Meritorious Teacher's Award to three recipients -Dato Paduka Haji Abd Razak bin Haji Muhammad, Datin Paduka Hajah Misli binti Haji Awang and Pg Haji Aliuddin bin Pg Haji Omar Ali.

Each of the recipients received a certificate of honour, a B$12,000 cash award, a souvenir and an entitlement to first-class medical treatment at any government hospital paid for by the government.

Meanwhile, nine educators - Marina Chek binti Bujang, Hj Mohd Hairol bin Mohd Yusof, Lim Soh Ngo, Hjh Siti Sara binti Hj Mohamad, Hj Matassan bin Hj Tuah, Dyg Mariam binti Hj Md Gais, Dk Hjh Samsiah binti Pg Hj Damit, Rokiah binti Hj Asmahkhan and Nor Swee Yin Chua binti Abdullah - received Excellent Teacher's Awards.

The recipients received certificates of honour, B$4,000 cash, souvenirs and the right to be considered priorities in regards to pursuing their studies at higher levels, which is also based on conditions as part of the in-service training scheme.

An additional 21 teachers will receive Special Mention in a separate ceremony.

After presentation of awards, the monarch consented to tour an exhibition highlighting the development of Brunei's education across the primary, secondary, higher-education, and technical edu-cation fields.

His Majesty also consented to watch a nasyid presentation by students from the Al-Falaah School and a hadrah performance by students from Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Secondary School, Mentiri.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, His Majesty consented to receive junjung ziarah from students, teachers, officials and members of the event's organising committee as part of the celebration. - Borneo Bulletin (25 September 2012)