HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to attend the 23rd Teacher’s Day celebration and honoured teachers with special recognition that was held at the International Convention Centre yesterday.

Educators and academicians as well as those related in the field of teaching were honoured for their contributions, dedications, passions as well as their sacrifices in educating the nation.

Accompanying His Majesty to the event were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel.

Upon arrival, His Majesty and other members of the royal family were greeted by the Minister of Education, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong and the Minister of Religious Affairs, Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahman, in their capacity as the Co-Chairman of the Executive Committee for the 23rd Teacher’s Day celebration.

The ceremony commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah specially dedicated to Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien as well as teachers and educators that have passed away and was led by the State Mufti at the Prime Minister’s Office, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.

It was then followed by the recitation of Surah Al-Fussilat, verses 30-35 by Awangku Muhammad Amirul Aiman bin Pengiran Haji Marjuki, Awang Mohamed Nor bin Haji Ibrahim and Awang Mohd Ayob bin Mohd Ali. The translation of the verses was elaborated by Awang Haji Abdullah bin Haji Sahat, a Religious Teacher at the Department of Islamic Studies, Ministry of Religious Affairs.

In a welcoming address by the Minister of Education, he said teachers who have vision is those who are able to make positive contributions in producing society which is knowledgeable, skilful, ethical and faithful.

The minister said this is in line with His Majesty’s titah on his 67th birthday that the country’s education system needs to emphasise on a well-balance human capital that shall encompass behaviour, mentality, attitude, creativity and entrepreneurship that need to be implemented at an early stage.

“Therefore, I hope that all teachers in the country will uphold the foresight of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam towards realising Vision 2035 and becoming a Zikir Nation.”

He added that one of the efforts that have been undertaken to improve the quality of teachers is to carry out the best practice approaches that have been outlined in the Ministry of Education’s Strategic Plan that is Teacher’s Quality and Professionalism.

Elaborating on the development and changes in the field of education, the minister explained that the Ministry of Education is very keen in looking on the impact that has been caused due to technology, social, economy and innovation based on industrial knowledge. On this state, he explained the ministry is currently restructuring the Technical and Vocational Education System, also known as TVET.

Later, His Majesty consented to deliver a titah.

The highlight of yesterday’s ceremony was the presentation of awards to several recipients who have contributed tremendously in the field of education.

Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abd Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohd Taib received the prestigious Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Education award.

With the award, he received the certificate of honour, B$20,000 cash, 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 Awards to four recipients – Cikgu Haji Hamdan bin Md Said, Cikgu Hjh Madiah bte Abdul Hamid, Cikgu Hajah Asiah bte Abd Latif and Cikgu Haji Md Daud bin Abu Bakar.

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

Meanwhile, six educators namely Cikgu Hjh Salmiah binti Hj Ladi, Cikgu Hajah Jamilah Abd Manaf, Cikgu Dyg Hajah Ainah Haji Untong, Cikgu Hjh Rokiah Abu Bakar, Cikgu Tan Been Tiem and Associate Professor Dr Haji Awang Asbol bin Haji Mail were named to receive the Excellent Teacher’s Award in their respective fields of teaching.

These recipients received certificate of honour, B$4,000 cash, souvenirs and the rights to be considered priorities in regards to pursue their studies at higher level, which is also based on conditions as part of the in-service training scheme.

At the ceremony, 15 educators were name to receive the Special Mention recognition in recognising their significant contribution and efforts in producing excellent students as well as actively involved in programmes, activities as well as projects that are conducted not only by their respective schools but also nationwide. The Special Mention ceremony will be conducted in a ceremony, which is scheduled to be held in the Temburong District.

After the presentation of the awards, His Majesty and other members of the royal family toured an exhibition highlighting on the development of technology and its usage by participating departments at the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Religious Affairs as well as teachers and students from selected schools.

Before departing the ceremony, His Majesty also consented to receive Junjung Ziarah from teachers, officials and members of the event’s organising committee as part of the celebration.

The theme for this year’s celebration – “Visionary Teachers Nurture Quality Human Capital” – elucidates that teachers are not only responsible for imparting knowledge but also educating and nurturing the younger generation into individuals who are knowledgeable, confident, of high and reputable moral standards, ethical, well behaved, courteous, disciplined, dynamic, innovative, creative, healthy, patriotic and so on.

This year Teacher’s Day celebration was jointly organised by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Religious Affairs. - Borneo Bulletin (26 September 2013)