HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented for an affordable educational loan facilities scheme for students who do not meet the scholarship criteria but wish to pursue their tertiary education, an allocation of $220 million to hire foreign teachers to teach English Language and Mathematics and also for the formation of a Vision 2035 Council to assist the implementation of efforts in realising its objectives.

These measures were announced by His Majesty in the monarch’s 68th birthday anniversary titah delivered at the Throne Room of the Istana Nurul Iman yesterday during the Audience and Investiture Ceremony.

“As one of the steps to provide opportunities for students who are unable to meet requirements to receive scholarships so that they could pursue their studies at local or overseas tertiary institutions, I have consented for the introduction of an Education Loan Facility Scheme. This scheme will provide affordable financial loan facilities to these students to cope with their standard of living and cover education costs,” said the ruler as Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pg Anak Hajah Saleha and other members of the royal family looked on.

His Majesty also said to address certain weaknesses, especially in English Language and Mathematics subjects, the monarch has consented an additional allocation of $220 million for a period of three years to cover the cost of recruiting teachers from overseas to teach these subjects.

“In the field of education, my government is concerned about all sectors of education to meet the socio-economic needs and prosperity of the nation. Among the steps that have been taken is the provision of a scheme known as Public Higher Education Institution for Academic Workforce Scheme, with the purpose to attract human resources like quality and world class academics.

HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented for an affordable educational loan facilities scheme for students who do not meet the scholarship criteria but wish to pursue their tertiary education, an allocation of $220 million to hire foreign teachers to teach English Language and Mathematics and also for the formation of a Vision 2035 Council to assist the implementation of efforts in realising its objectives.

These measures were announced by His Majesty in the monarch’s 68th birthday anniversary titah delivered at the Throne Room of the Istana Nurul Iman yesterday during the Audience and Investiture Ceremony.

“As one of the steps to provide opportunities for students who are unable to meet requirements to receive scholarships so that they could pursue their studies at local or overseas tertiary institutions, I have consented for the introduction of an Education Loan Facility Scheme. This scheme will provide affordable financial loan facilities to these students to cope with their standard of living and cover education costs,” said the ruler as Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pg Anak Hajah Saleha and other members of the royal family looked on.

His Majesty also said to address certain weaknesses, especially in English Language and Mathematics subjects, the monarch has consented an additional allocation of $220 million for a period of three years to cover the cost of recruiting teachers from overseas to teach these subjects.

“In the field of education, my government is concerned about all sectors of education to meet the socio-economic needs and prosperity of the nation. Among the steps that have been taken is the provision of a scheme known as Public Higher Education Institution for Academic Workforce Scheme, with the purpose to attract human resources like quality and world class academics.

“I have also consented for the establishment of Brunei Technical Education Institution Order as the leader for the development of technical and vocational education. This is crucial to produce skillful and marketable educational workforce as our preparation to face economic challenges that are global in nature and knowledge-based.

“To strengthen all agendas of development, I have also consented for the formation of Vision 2035 Council which will work closely with the Executive Committee of the National Development Plan and a “Penggerak” unit at the Prime Minister’s Office. The role of this council is to jointly assist intensively and systematically government agencies’ efforts in realising the achievements of Vision 2035 objectives.”

His Majesty also said praise to Allah the Almighty, with His blessings, Brunei has been able to celebrate the ruler’s birthday with peace and prosperity. “Once again, the royal celebration is held after Muslims in the country have completed fasting in the holy month of Ramadhan and celebrating the festive Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

“With the blessings and by staying rooted to our religious values, we are able to continue our lives comfortably and steadily building in areas that are needed. I believe in the ‘blessings’ factor that is making the country thrive,” added His Majesty.

Speaking on other aspects of development, the ruler said, in the field of communication infrastructure, the Land Transport Master Plan has been completed. In addition to providing an efficient road service network, the plan also includes a blueprint for economic development under this sector.

The port infrastructure enhancement project and modernisation of international airport which are currently ongoing will open up the commercialisation of services under them, and generate more business and job opportunities, the ruler said.

In welfare, attention continues to be given to tackle crime. “In this context, I wish to remind the people on cyber threats that are harmful to children.

“The Ministry of Communications is actively working on a framework for Child Online Protection to protect children who use the Internet from being exposed to negative influences and cyber-crime threats.”

On National Service Programme (PKBN), His Majesty said, “Insya Allah, PKBN will soon have its own camp facilities in Temburong District. I have consented for a new organisational structure to further empower this programme.”

In concluding his titah, His Majesty wished to express his sincere appreciation and thanks to all citizens and residents, public service personnel, uniformed personnel and those working in the private sector, including those working overseas, for their contributions and support to His Majesty’s Government.

Similar appreciation was also extended to all festive committee members at both national and district levels for their efforts in making this celebration a success. “I pray for peace and prosperity for all and blessings and protection from Allah the Almighty,” said the monarch. - Borneo Bulletin (15 August 2014)