AS THE nation continues to cultivate its youths into acquiring skills in various fields, the Mechanical Training Centre (PLM) in Kg Tungku, Gadong is set to fulfil the mechanical aspect of things. This was portrayed by the centre’s operations upon the royal visit by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday.

Having visited several locations prior to the PLM, the monarch on arrival was escorted by Dato Paduka Dr Haji Zulkarnain bin Haji Hanafi, Permanent Secretary (Higher Education); Dr Hajah Anita Binurul Zahrina binti Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Aziz, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Higher Education); Dr Chin Wei Keh, Director of Technical Education and Sheikh Lukman bin Sheikh Hamid, PLM Principal – under the Ministry of Education.

With the introduction of the EICF/BTE (Energy Industry Competency Framework/Brunei Technical Education) programme and Industrial Skill Qualification had been integrated in the centre’s curriculum, which bares a student population of 497.

The training centre also offers courses in the Automotive and also Oil and Gas industry, in addition to the ‘Heavy Construction Machinery Mechanics’ course, which dates back to 1986.

Upon being presented with a briefing on the transformation of technical education and courses offered by the centre, His Majesty spent the early afternoon touring around different workshops including the newly-established welding study in collaboration with France’s Institut De Soudure (IOS).

His Majesty witnessed practical demonstrations by mechanics in the making throughout the tour, whilst also taking a closer look at the high-end facilities provided by the centre.

Upon concluding the tour, His Majesty received two ‘pesambah‘ before consenting to a group photo session. - Borneo Bulletin (3 June 2014)