HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam clearly enjoys keeping a close eye on his government’s education system. The ruler took time to visit two schools in the Belait District yesterday as the monarch handed over key plaques to recipients at the National Housing Scheme and also visited a number of their new homes in the district.

Soon after the key handing over ceremony at Pusat Insani, His Majesty visited Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Secondary School.

Upon arriving at the school, His Majesty was greeted by the school’s Principal, Hajah Murni binti Abdullah, and was guided towards the school’s front yard where Syakiratul Afiah binti Adi Iswandi of Year 11 Marvelous gave a presentation on “Arca” (Arch), a project that intends to symbolise the school’s mission, which Design and Technology teachers and students collaborated in building since March this year.

His Majesty consented to sign a Royal Parchment at the project site.

His Majesty spent the rest of the morning touring the school’s compound whilst checking on its facilities. Starting from a welcoming dance performance at the multi-purpose hall, His Majesty proceeded to the staff lounge, the Physical Education Unit, a number of labs and CCA clubs that showcased a wide range of skillful student projects, scientific experiments and technical demonstrations.

The monarch’s light-hearted interactions with students not only demonstrated his care and attention towards the school’s development, but significantly revealed his keen interest in students’ welfare.

Before proceeding to his next destination, His Majesty visited the school’s library and concluded the visit at the school’s main reception with a group photo with teachers, staff and students. - Borneo Bulletin (27 November 2013)