Titah Kebawah DYMM sempena Hari Keputeraan yang ke 71 Tahun pada 15 Julai 2017

Titah Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan Dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam sempena Hari Keputeraan yang ke 71 Tahun pada hari Sabtu, 21 Syawal 1438 / 15 Julai 2017.

Assalamu'alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Alhamdulillah  Rabbil 'Alameen, Wabihiee Nasta'eenu 'Alaa Umuuriddunya Wadden, Wassalaatu' Wassalaamu 'Ala Asyarafil Mursaleen, Sayyidina Muhammaddin, Wa'alaa Aalihee Wasahbihee Ajma'een, Waba'du.

Alhamdulillah, Beta bersyukur kehadrat Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala kerana dapat pula merayakan hari keputeraan Beta pada tahun ini dalam suasana aman dan sejahtera.

Mula-mula ingin Beta merakamkan ucapan penghargaan dan terima kasih kepada para tetamu khas Beta yang sudi hadir, dan juga kepada semua pihak yang telah menyembahkan perutusan ucap selamat kepada Beta dan keluarga bersempena dengan perayaan ini.

Tiada nikmat yang sangat bernilai yang telah dan sedang dinikmati oleh Brunei Darussalam, melainkan nikmat aman, bersatu padu serta makmur. Oleh itu, semua pihak hendaklah berazam sambil memohon kepada Allah, supaya nikmat ini dikekalkan dan terus subur.

Dalam bidang pertumbuhan ekonomi, Beta gembira menyaksikan pelbagai usaha telah dan sedang dilaksanakan ke arah itu. Dua pendekatan utama sedang di fokus bagi memastikan bahawa pertumbuhan adalah benar-benar berlaku. Pendekatan pertama ialah meningkatkan Pelaburan Langsung Asing (FDI) dan kedua, menyokong serta menggalakkan pengusaha-pengusaha kecil dan sederhana untuk mampu menembusi pasaran-pasaran serantau dan antarabangsa. Dan untuk ini Beta mahu, supaya sektor awam dan swasta sama-sama berganding bahu mempertingkat daya inovasi dan kreativiti masing-masing, sehingga mampu menghasilkan produk atau perkhidmatan berkualiti.

Dalam konteks ini, pihak Berkuasa Maritim dan Pelabuhan adalah diharapkan untuk membentuk persekitaran kondusif bagi kemajuan perkapalan dan logistik sebagai usaha memenuhi keperluan import / export.

Selain itu, satu usahasama atau 'joint-venture' juga sudah dijalin antara Darussalam Assets dengan sebuah syarikat luar negara bagi mengendalikan secara profesional Pelabuhan Muara. Ini juga diyakini dapat menyumbang kepada pertumbuhan ekonomi.

Di akhir-akhir ini kita wajar berbangga, dengan bertambahnya para belia tempatan yang berani muncul menceburi bidang-bidang perniagaan dan perusahaan. Bukan setakat menceburi sahaja, malah berupaya menawarkan produk-produk mereka melalui pelbagai kemudahan atau platform terkini, disamping tidak ketinggalan memanfaatkan kemudahan bangku-bangku jualan yang disediakan oleh Kerajaan.

Ini tidak syak lagi adalah satu perkembangan memberangsangkan.

Perkembangan lain, Kerajaan Beta juga, kini sedang melipatgandakan usaha untuk melengkapkan para belia dengan kemahiran-kemahiran yang bersesuaian. Ini berlaku melalui beberapa program tertentu, disamping, Unit Tenaga Manusia, Jabatan Perdana Menteri dengan kerjasama Kementerian Pendidikan, juga secara khusus, telah mengenalkan kursus berasaskan Rangka Kemahiran Industri atau Industry Competency Framework (ICF).

Bagi maksud ini, Beta telah pun memperkenankan satu inisiatif tambahan, Penubuhan Pusat Pembangunan Kapasiti (PPK), yang akan menawarkan latihan-latihan kepada anak-anak tempatan bagi melayakkan mereka menjawat pelbagai pekerjaan di sektor swasta termasuk syarikat-syarikat Pelaburan Langsung Asing.

Kita adalah menyedari, bahawa pertumbuhan ekonomi atau Keluaran Dalam Negara Kasar (KDNK) masih dalam keadaan 'perlahan'. Oleh itu, sangat penting bagi Kementerian-Kementerian dan Jabatan-Jabatan Kerajaan mensasarkan usaha-usaha mereka ke arah mempercepatkan pertumbuhan keluaran syarikat-syarikat di bawah jagaan masing-masing, sama ada syarikat-syarikat itu milik swasta atau kerajaan, terutamanya syarikat-syarikat dari sektor bukan minyak dan gas.

Peningkatan produktiviti dijangka mampu untuk memperbaiki daya saing keluaran syarikat-syarikat, dan sekali gus membolehkan mereka menembusi pasaran export. Meneroka pasaran export oleh pengusaha-pengusaha tempatan boleh menyumbang kepada pertumbuhan KDNK dan memperbaiki kedudukan fiskal kerajaan.

Satu lagi perkembangan dan pencapaian membanggakan, ialah dalam bidang pengajian tinggi. Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) telah menempah rekod mengekalkan kedudukannya dalam ranking universiti Asian atau 'Asian QS University Rankings'.

Perlu diingat, bidang pengajian juga adalah satu pelaburan sepanjang hayat. Ia juga berstatus lambang dan suluh kehidupan. Sebab itu pendidikan tidak boleh layu atau lemah, tetapi untuk selamanya, ia perlu segar dan cemerlang.

Namun kecemerlangan itu di sini, masih saja tertakluk kepada kemampuan kita mengadakan pendidikan seimbang, ukhrawi dan duniawi. Lebih-lebih lagi sekarang, dunia sudah terbuka luas kepada budaya 'bercampur-campur', budaya baik dan budaya buruk, di mana pendidikan ukhrawi sahaja yang mampu untuk membezakan antara dua budaya ini untuk kita membuat pilihan. Kerana itu pendidikan Islam sangatlah perlu untuk lebih mantap dan menyerlah.

Dalam amalan antarabangsa, kita akan terus memupuk dan mempertingkatkan kerjasama dengan negara-negara sahabat, sama ada melalui hubungan biasa mahupun melalui keahlian kita dalam pertumbuhan-pertumbuhan serantau dan antarabangsa.

Dalam era yang tidak menentu ini, persahabatan antara negara-negara di dunia adalah perlu wujud dan berkekalan. Kerana jika tidak, inilah punca keamanan boleh tergugat, di mana kita selaku negara dan orang Islam, sepatutnya lebih memahami perkara ini, berdasarkan, ugama Islam sendiri telah menganjurkan hidup berbaik-baik dengan siapa saja, dan khusus bagi sesama Islam pula, kita telah pun diajar untuk tidak memutuskan tali silatur rahim.

Akhirnya, Beta dengan tulus ikhlas merakamkan setinggi-tinggi penghargaan dan ucapan terima kasih kepada seluruh lapisan rakyat dan penduduk, warga Perkhidmatan Awam, Pasukan-Pasukan Keselamatan serta mereka yang  berkhidmat di sektor swasta, termasuk mereka yang bertugas di luar negara di atas sumbangan dan sokongan mereka kepada Kerajaan Beta.

Penghargaan yang setinggi-tingginya juga disampaikan kepada seluruh Ahli Jawatankuasa Perayaan di kedua peringkat kebangsaan dan daerah, atas segala khidmat mereka menjayakan Perayaan ini.

Beta berdo'a semoga kita semua serta Negara Brunei Darussalam akan senantiasa kekal aman dan makmur, dikurniakan rahmat dan perlindungan oleh Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala. Amin.

Sekian, Wabillahit Taufeq Walhidayah,  Wassalamu 'Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.

HM questions students’ Arabic language proficiency

Rasidah HAB
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, has called into question Arabic school students’ proficiency in the Arabic language.

During Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College’s (KUPU SB) sixth convocation yesterday, the monarch said authorities need to investigate complaints of Brunei’s Arabic school students unable to master the Arabic language.

“In Brunei, we have Arabic schools. I want these schools to accurately reflect its name,” the Sultan said in his titah.

His Majesty, who is also Chancellor of KUPU SB, said Brunei undoubtedly takes pride in Arabic schools as they teach various disciplines such as religious knowledge and Arabic language, while its graduates were able to further their studies locally or abroad.

“However, there have been complaints that students of an Arabic school could not master the Arabic language or in other words, they were not able to converse well in the Arabic language compared with the English language.”

He added, “If this is true, I hope that it will be investigated and rectified”.

The Sultan called on schools to make it their primary task to seek answers as to why the students are still weak in mastering Arabic.

“Does it concern the teachers? Are there insufficient teachers or unqualified teachers, or does it relate to teaching equipment such as not enough books or the books are no longer suitable with the current situation? Or maybe it concerns teaching methods that do not meet standards,” he said.

“All these must be investigated thoroughly. Weaknesses or strengths in language cannot simply be assessed solely based on marks given on examination papers. This is because the answers can simply be memorised,” the monarch added.

His Majesty went on to say that teachers, especially religious teachers, need to know they are “agents of their time” in ensuring the survival of people and the nation.

Teachers are not only tasked with delivering lessons in classrooms but also become role models to their students and the community.

“This is the true principle of education,” he said during the convocation at the International Convention Centre.

KUPU SB graduates are qualified teachers, and as qualified teachers, they possess extensive knowledge, he added.

“This knowledge is about trust. Teachers are entrusted to impart knowledge to those entitled to it — the community, and this should be maintained,” the monarch said.

His Majesty said KUPU SB must draw up guidelines for its students to become religious teachers who have strong work ethics and are competent.

The sovereign likened KUPU SB to a factory that produces high quality commodities, in which the quality must be determined by the primary objective of education, which is to bring forth graduates who are well-mannered.

“This is a basic need, whose position should not be below but placed high, consistent with the declaration made by Prophet Muhammad SAW, as narrated by Bukhari and Muslim: ‘Verily I was sent to perfect good manners of man’”, he said.

The Sultan said the importance of akhlak or morals is more pronounced in this modern era, following the advent of information communication technology (ICT), he said.

“The whole community, including children are not exempted from being exposed to ‘symptoms’ that are detrimental to one’s morals. The ‘symptoms’ are many and difficult to control. Controlling it requires strategies that are carefully thought out and implemented in an orderly manner,” he added.

His Majesty said it is important to engage the services of qualified teachers to teach moral values to children as well as guide and motivate them to become children who have faith.

Moreover, parents are also urged to provide their children with an environment that is good and conducive for Islamic learning.

The monarch said one must not forget the meaning behind the hadith which states: “Every child is born in a state of fitrah that is clean like a piece of white cloth. It is parents who are responsible in bringing them up either as a Jew or a Christian”.

His Majesty also announced the establishment of ‘Fiqh Al-Usrah Research Centre’ at KUPU SB that aims to strengthen education and family institutions.

Speaking on Brunei’s accomplishment in implementing the Compulsory Religious Education Order 2012, the Sultan said it is a “huge responsibility”.

“Alhamdulillah, we have fulfilled (this responsibility), what is left for us to do now is to make religious education prominent, progressive and well established,” he added.

The sovereign then extended his congratulations and appreciation to all members of KUPU SB for their contribution and service and hoped that Allah SWT will bestow them many rewards and that KUPU SB will become a blessed institution of higher learning.


Sumber - The Brunei Times

KDYMM: Buat bersungguh-sungguh

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, 28 Feb – Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam bertitah mengingatkan bahawa penggubalan Akta Kanun Hukuman Jenayah Syariah (CPC) bukan perkara yang main-main tetapi harus dibuat semata-mata kerana Allah, bukan untuk glamor.

Penggubalannya juga mesti dibuat dengan bersungguh-sungguh untuk mengelak tanggapan Akta Kanun Hukuman Jenayah Syariah sebagai tidak berharga di mata mekanisma undang-undang yang ada.

Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia bertitah demikian ketika berkenan berangkat ke Mesyuarat Khas Majlis Ugama Islam Brunei (MUIB) di Bangunan Dewan Majlis, Jalan Dewan Majlis, di sini.

Turut mengiringi keberangkatan Baginda ialah Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, Menteri Kanan di Jabatan Perdana Menteri.

Dalam mesyuarat berkenaan, Baginda ingin mengetahui status semasa CPC Syariah, berapa banyak fasa pembangunan yang ada dan berapa banyak yang telah pun dilaksanakan.

Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia ketika berkenan bertitah dalam keberangkatan ke Mesyuarat
Khas Majlis Ugama Islam Brunei (MUIB), di Bangunan Dewan Majlis, Jalan Dewan Majlis.

“Fasa pertama, Akta Kanun Hukuman Jenayah Syariah telah pun dikuatkuasakan pada 1 Mei 2014. Kemudian untuk fasa kedua dapat dilaksanakan, kita mesti pula menunggu 12 bulan lagi dari tarikh CPC atau Perintah Kanun Peraturan Jenayah Syariah diwartakan.

“Sekarang masa sudah pun berlalu dua tahun, namun CPC Syariah belum juga diwartakan. Bahkan setakat itu, drafnya pun belum lagi disemak. Bererti, jika ia siap dan diwartakan pada tahun 2016 ini, maka kita akan menunggu pula setahun lagi, iaitu pada tahun 2017 barulah fasa kedua ini dapat dilaksanakan.

“Sementara bagi fasa ketiga pula akan menunggu lagi sehingga ke tahun 2018. Sudahlah tempoh menunggu bagi setiap masa untuk dapat dilaksanakan terlalu panjang, iaitu selama 12 bulan, ditambah lagi membawa lebih lambat ialah penyemakan draf CPC Syariah tidak dibuat dengan sepatutnya. Jadi sampai bilakah lagi Akta Kanun Hukuman Jenayah Syar’iah itu akan dapat dilaksanakan sepenuhnya,” tegas baginda.

Baginda turut mempersoalkan mengapakah para penyemak draf tidak dapat menyemaknya dengan segera, adakah betul tidak dapat menyemaknya dengan segera atau sengaja tidak mahu menyemaknya.

“Sekali lagi beta bertanya, mana menteri dan mana peguam negara? Tidakkah mereka mahu menyubuk-nyubuk di mana kerja itu dibuat oleh pegawai dan kakitangan mereka,” tegas Baginda.

Baginda bertitah menegaskan bahawa kerja kerana Allah tidak boleh tidak, mestilah dibuat dengan bersungguh-sungguh.

Titah Baginda lagi, pelan strategik Kementerian Hal Ehwal Ugama meliputi objektif misi dan visi kementerian. Semua itu akan memperkasa formaliti dan amalan Islam sebagai satu cara hidup yang lengkap untuk mencapai Negara Zikir; menyokong dan memulihara formaliti Islam serta untuk membangunkan Islam melalui dasar-dasar dan pentadbiran yang berkesan dan dinamik untuk pembangunan dan kemakmuran negara berdasarkan Undang-undang Syariah, perlembagaan negara, undang-undang dan falsafah Melayu Islam Beraja.

“Bercakap tentang undang-undang, di hadapan kita sekarang ialah CPC Syariah,” titah Baginda.

Mesyuarat dimulakan dengan bacaan Surah Al-Fatihah dan doa selamat yang dipimpin oleh Mufti Kerajaan, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr.) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned diikuti dengan sembah alu-aluan oleh Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama, Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, selaku Yang Di-Pertua MUIB.

Turut hadir ialah Ketua Adat Istiadat Negara, Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz; Yang Di-Pertua Majlis Mesyuarat Negara, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib; dan Timbalan Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama selaku Timbalan Yang Di-Pertua MUIB, Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud.

Selepas mesyuarat itu, Baginda berkenan berangkat melawat Kementerian Hal Ehwal Ugama, di mana Baginda berkenan melawat Bahagian Kutipan dan Agihan Zakat di bawah Jabatan MUIB, Jabatan Urusan Haji, Dasar, Perancangan dan Bahagian Penyelidikan, Bahagian Kemajuan Syi’ar Islam dan Bahagian Teknologi Maklumat.

Baginda berkenan meneruskan lawatan ke Pusat Dakwah Islamiah di mana Baginda melawat Unit Penerbitan Tafsir Darussalam, Bahagian Pembangunan Dakwah, Bahagian Pembangunan Muallaf dan Dewan Pameran Pusat Dakwah Islamiah.


Sumber - Media Permata



HM questions delay in Syariah law enforcement


Rasidah HAB and Rachel Thien
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, yesterday ordered authorities to explain the two-year delay in the phased enforcement of Syariah Penal Code Order.

The monarch said the Syariah law has remained “stagnant” without any progress after being actively pursued for a brief period following the launch of the Order in 2014.

Delivering his titah during a meeting with the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) at the Legislative Council (LegCo) building, His Majesty questioned how many of the Syariah law provisions have been enforced.

“How long has passed since it was launched and gazetted until now? It has already been two years but it is still at the stage where only general offences are dealt with.

“What about the other phases? When will they be implemented? I expect the ministry concerned might respond by saying that the Syariah Penal Code could not be fully enforced at this stage because the CPC (Syariah Courts Criminal Procedure Code) has not been finalised,” the Sultan added.

The CPC outlines the rules for conducting criminal proceedings, from the investigation to prosecution.

His Majesty said authorities might respond by saying they are still waiting for the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) to finalise the vetting of the draft documents.

“My next question is when will the draft law be sent to the AGC? Their response might be that it was already sent in 2014,” His Majesty said.

The Sultan went on to say that if this was the case, it is most regrettable because two years have passed and yet the CPC has not been completed.

“How thick is the draft? The AGC might tell us there are many other legal documents that need to be urgently dealt with too. The vetting of the CPC will only be able to be finalised in June 2016, after it has stalled for two years,” the monarch said.

His Majesty said this is an “unacceptable excuse”.

“It is as if people will be under the impression that the Syariah Penal Code is worthless as a law mechanism. Where is the Minister of Religious Affairs? And where is the Attorney General? Why have they not come forward to remedy this unsatisfactory situation?” the Sultan questioned.

The first phase of the Syariah Penal Code was enforced on May 1, 2014. His Majesty added that before the second phase can be implemented, the country has to wait for another 12 months after the CPC can be gazetted.

“Now two years have gone by, but the CPC is not gazetted yet and the vetting process has not even started. This means that after it is gazetted in 2016, we have to wait another year, until 2017 before the second phase can be implemented.”

He said it will be 2018 by the time the third phase of the Syariah law can be enforced.

“So when will the penal code be ready to be fully implemented? Is it true to say that the officers responsible in vetting the draft legislation could not do so as a matter of urgency? Is it just a matter of vetting or did they intentionally refuse to vet?” His Majesty questioned.

The monarch asked why had the religious affairs minister and attorney general failed to keep tabs on how the work was being done by their officers.

“May I remind all that we did not formulate the law out of whims and fancies but we do it solely for the sake of Allah, not in pursuit of glamour. Working for Allah must be done earnestly,” His Majesty said.

Religious education

His Majesty also raised concerns on the direction and future of Arabic education in the country.

Arabic schools are established to bring forth those who are competent in religious knowledge, with the objective of eventually getting Islamic scholars or ulama. With this in mind, Arabic schools must prioritise religious subjects such as Arabic language, fiqh, tauhid, Quran, hadith and tafsir, he said.

He added that this must be done without ignoring the importance of subjects such as Malay language, English language and Mathematics.

Everything went well since the inception, but Arabic schools introduced the science stream from the 1980s, making it compulsory to take Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Additional Mathematics – subjects that are available in mainstream schools under the Ministry of Education, he said.

This meant that students who took the science subjects are required to reduce the number of religious subjects so that it will not be too burdensome, and thus science subjects came to gain more prominence than religious subjects, he continued.

Science stream classes at Arabic Schools currently only offer classes up to O-levels. After completing their O-levels, the students would have to transfer to mainstream schools if they wish to pursue the sciences.

“At that point, they are no longer considered students of Arabic schools and they completely stop studying religious subjects after their O-levels,” he said.

The monarch said there is a need to review the impact of introducing the sciences in Arabic schools when it was implemented in the 1980s.

“Unfortunately, no such research has been done, we do not know the implications whether good and bad of introducing Science stream classes back in the 1980s,” he said.

The Arabic religious education system is experiencing major changes with the implementation of the National Education System for the 21st Century (SPN21).

Under the education system, Arabic school students will be able to master both religious and Science stream subjects. Year 11 students at Arabic secondary schools will have to sit for two major examinations, including the O-levels for their mainstream subjects and the Brunei Islamic Studies Certificate (SPUB) for their religious curriculum.

In Year Nine, the students will be divided into three streams based on their results: 1) fast track Science stream for students who obtained excellent results; 2) normal track Science stream for students who obtained ‘very good’ results; and 3) Arabic stream for students who obtained ‘good’ results and below.

The Sultan said the grading of the three streams reflects that the Arabic stream is of third class level, not on par with the other two categories.

They are also required to study all subjects for their SPUB and O-level examinations simultaneously, possibly doubling the number of subjects that need to be taken in mainstream schools, he added.

“Wouldn’t such a system make it burdensome for Arabic school students and difficult for teachers to teach and complete the syllabus with that many subjects?”

He added that this can cause students to choose the Science stream over the Arabic stream.

The monarch said it is generally known that religious education subjects are more difficult and taxing compared to the other subjects, a factor that can push students away from Arabic classes in favour of the sciences.

“All these need to be deliberated on as thoroughly as possible to save and popularise religious subjects so that they will be seen as a good choice, more attractive and more appealing than non-religious subjects, not a means to open an opportunity for them to get away or escape from.

“This is a matter of much concern to me – the future direction of Arabic schools. Are their roles fading into irrelevancy or diverting towards another direction. All these call for a thorough reassessment to turn back to its original course. Let it not be changed,” he added.

Islamic propagation

The monarch said da’wah (dissemination of Islamic teachings) in the country is still weak and needs to be strengthened amid uncertain times and social ills affecting the country.

Among the issues raised were the number of propagators at the Islamic Da’wah Centre and whether they were properly trained.

“In addition to having many propagators, we want the da’wah delivered to be effective. Effective da’wah is successful da’wah,” he said.

His Majesty pointed out that one important medium of the da’wah is through the mimbar. The mimbar is a pulpit where the imam delivers the sermon in mosques.

“It is vital to deliver effective messages in the sermons. That is why all aspects must be taken into account, starting from preparation, content, writing, policy guidelines and lastly, the individual who will deliver the sermon,” he said.

His Majesty said it is important to practise discretion in deciding the content of the sermon, adding that the content must be appropriate.

He gave an example of an incident where SEA Games become the topic of a sermon. “The khatib (sermon readers) called upon congregants and Muslims to flock to the stadium to witness the events that would take place. We might say that sports is not something Islamically impermissible, but for a khatib to persuade and herd people to the stadium, in my opinion, is something that needs to be given thorough deliberation.

“Have we exhausted all topics and there is no other more important issue other than the SEA Games? This is what discretion is in the choice of topic along with the need to adhere to policy guidelines on sermons,” he added.

The Sultan said khatibs need guidelines on the correct way of delivering the sermon.

“Some readers are too tense and some were repetitive in their presentation. Is this what is expected of them by the Mosque Affairs Department? Where are the mosque affairs officers? Have they not come across incidents like these,” he asked.

Official visits and functions

His Majesty went on to say that it is not necessary for both the Minister of Religious Affairs and his deputy to make visits together as one should stay at the ministry and attend to pressing matters, such as the need to formulate policies for schools and the Islamic Da’wah Centre.

“The minister and his deputy minister should not simply enjoy making visits upon visits, for instance to schools, mosques and elsewhere. In doing so, both of them pay a visit to the same place and enjoy media coverage,” His Majesty said.

The monarch also said there is no need for all senior government officials to attend official functions that were held either in the day or at night.

“It is alright to make a visit and hold a function, but if the events are becoming too many and frequent, what about office work and worse, if too many attend them – the minister, his deputy minister and a horde of other officers! Is it not more reasonable for one of them to make the visit while the other stays behind?

“Is it not true that there are a lot of more pressing matters that need to be dealt with and given serious thought in the office?

He said other pressing matters include formulating policies for schools, Islamic Da’wah Centre, mosques, zakat (tithes), following up on the development of new converts, maintenance and upkeep of Muslim cemeteries and burial grounds, as well as halal certification.

Following the meeting, His Majesty visited the Ministry of Religious Affairs, which houses several units under the Islamic Religious Council before making a stop at the Islamic Da’wah Centre.


Sumber - The Brunei Times

Nearly 40% UNISSA graduates still unemployed: statistics

Ak Md Khairuddin Pg Harun
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

NEARLY 40 per cent of Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) bachelor’s degree graduates from 2011 and 2014 are still unemployed, according to the latest statistics from the university’s Academic Registrar’s Office.

In an interview with The Brunei Times, the Islamic university’s Acting Academic Registrar, Hayattuddin Hj Moksin, said the figure was gathered at the end of last year to determine the number of the institution’s unemployed graduates.

For the period from 2011 and 2014, the Islamic university has produced a total of 348 bachelor’s degree graduates. Of the total, 146 are employed, 73 are continuing their studies and the rest are still unemployed.

Hayattuddin said the university is in the process of providing more workshops and practical courses to enhance the career marketability of the students. “This year we want our undergraduates to undergo work experience at various government departments to expose them to the working environment during their third year. For those taking Usuluddin, they will work at Islamic Da’wah Centre, while those taking syariah and law will work at law firms or the magistrates’ courts,” he said.

“We are planning to get feedback from departments and companies that our graduates are currently working for. We also found that job seekers (unemployed) from our university applied for attachment programmes at various government departments and private sectors. This feedback will hopefully help us provide the best courses that is of high demand in the market,” he said.

“We want to tell the members of the public that UNISSA graduates possess similar English language skills and competencies with other foreign and local universities,” said Hayattuddin.


Sumber - The Brunei Times

‘Many underprivileged children do not attend school’

Amanda Yap
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE Brunei Council on Social Welfare (MKM) said many underprivileged do not go to school because their parents neglected them.

Head of MKM’s Children Committee Zubaidah Dato Hj Abu Zar said the council discovered that some underprivileged children had parents who were put in prison or were undergoing drug rehabilitation.

“I found out that these kids are left alone by their families – they don’t have anyone to support them. I thought that government agencies would be helping them all this while, but no one is helping them.

“They don’t go to school because they don’t have transport, they don’t have money to buy school things they need,” she continued.

Zubaidah was speaking on the sidelines of the Borneo Insider's Guide (BiG)'s 10th Anniversary Picnic Festival last Sunday at the Jerudong Park Colonnade, which helped raise funds for MKM.

Zubaidah urged more government agencies to work with MKM by providing the lists of people who require financial help.

“We don’t really mind as that’s what we’re here for, to help the needy. I particularly place emphasis on the kids, because if the children don’t have enough education, the cycle will go back to square one,” she said.

“These (children) are the leaders of the future - these will be the people we will depend on for our children’s futures, for our grandchildren’s futures.

“So if these kids are not being looked after or being well taken care of, I don’t think we’re going to get anything from them,” Zubaidah added.

She said the council works with departments at the Ministry of Education in alleviating the problem.

It was recently reported that as many as 3,913 students missed at least three weeks of school last year. Minister of Education Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman had said 16.2 per cent of primary school pupils were absent for more than 20 days in 2015, while some were away from school for 140 days.

According to the Compulsory Education Act of 2007, Bruneian citizens or residents aged from six to 15 must attend school if they were born on or after January 1, 2002.

Zubaidah said MKM is currently providing financial assistance to over 100 underprivileged children.

Underprivileged children were often identified through MKM’s legal advice and advisory clinic, or through word-of-mouth referrals, she said.

She added that these children often came from families with a monthly income of below $450.

Zubaidah urged members of the public to support charity events organised by MKM, as a way to aid the underprivileged.


Sumber - The Brunei Times

Concern over school truancy rate

Rabiatul Kamit
BRUNEI-MUARA

THE education minister yesterday voiced grave concern over truancy in primary schools as it was revealed that as many as 3,913 students missed at least three weeks of school in 2015.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman said a staggering 16.2 per cent of primary school students were absent for more than 20 days last year while some were away from school for 140 days.

“We also saw a very low percentage of attendance in July and November, which were in the month of Ramadhan and the month before the start of the school term holidays,” he added.

The newly-appointed minister raised the issue during a closed-door meeting between Ministry of Education (MoE) officials and Legislative Council (LegCo) members, admitting that chronic absenteeism was troubling education providers.

“Such problems should be dealt with together as schools have identified absent students to the extent of visiting their respective homes,” he said.

Addressing LegCo members, YB Pehin Dato Hj Suyoi called for cooperation in recognising the underlying factors affecting truant students, including parents who lack commitment in ensuring their children attend school or are indifferent to their children’s learning progress.

He also urged for causes behind chronic absenteeism to be addressed and necessary assistance to be provided for these students.

Students living in national housing schemes nationwide have one of the worst attendance rates in the country, according to preliminary data collected by the MoE from January to March 2015.

Hj Abdul Rahim Hj Derus, Acting Director General of Education, last year said a “mindset” problem was the likely cause for poor attendance in schools.

“The majority (of absenteeism) is because of mentality. Some genuinely don’t have transport, but there are cases where the distance from home to school is only one kilometre, and yet they are still not going to school,” he said on the sidelines of a meeting with Belait grassroots leaders.

Visits by the Department of Schools’ Student Welfare Unit to resettlement housing areas and nearby schools also found that students were often falling asleep in class.

“In some visits, both parents and older siblings were at home (when the children were sleeping late).
 ”Parents shouldn’t spoil their children so much, and (they should) make sure that they go to bed on time so they can be ready for school in the morning,” he said.

The MoE set a 95 per cent attendance rate as a key performance indicator for schools last year as part of its remedial action to tackle truancy.

The Compulsory Education Act was also introduced in 2007 requiring Bruneian citizens or residents aged between six to 15 years old to attend school if they were born on or after January 1, 2002, and enables legal action to be taken against parents or guardians of truant students.

If convicted, an offending parent or guardian will be liable to a maximum fine of $5,000, imprisonment for up to a year, or both.

“Send your children to school every day. If your child is sick, notify the school and let them know what’s happening. Communicate with schools because that’s important.

 ”Parents should also get to know their children’s teachers,” said Hj Abdul Rahim previously.


Sumber - The Brunei Times

Over 12,000 students rely on educational assistance

Hj Mohamad Rajap, assistant director of Department of Schools, pointing out the financial aid recipient statistics.
A total of 12,527 less fortunate students were identified as aid recipients this year.

Rasidah HAB
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE number of students receiving government educational assistance continue to rise this year, with 12,527 less fortunate students identified as aid recipients.

Assistant Director of Department of Schools Hj Mohamad Rajap said the number of recipients keep growing every year since the Ministry of Education started the Miftaahun Najaah scheme.

Stastistics showed that the number of aid recipients nationwide stood at 2,232 in 2011 before increasing to 7,898 a year later.

A total of 9,935 received financial assistance in 2013, while 12,341 were recipients of the scheme in 2014. The number surged to 13,532 last year.

Hj Mohamad said the increase in 2014 and 2015 numbers can be attributed to the inclusion of pre-university students to the scheme.

The scheme was previously targeted at primary and secondary school students when it was introduced in 2011.

Out of the 12,527 students this year, 6,392 are primary school pupils, 6,055 in secondary schools and 80 are pre-university students.

Hj Mohamad, who is also head of the Miftaahun Najaah Unit, said the scheme aimed to help students who are facing economic, family, accommodation and transportation issues.

“Some of the students come from families whose household income is $250 and below per month. Other reasons include having a large number of dependents, parents who are unemployed, fired/dismissed or suspended from their work or declared bankrupt.”

The scheme also aimed to ease the burden of parents and guardians in buying school supplies as well as to prevent the students from being left behind in their studies.

The assistant director said every school has their own Miftaahun Najaah scheme committee, and applications can be made through the schools.

The schools are also tasked with distributing the assistance to the students.

To be eligible for the assistance, students must be residents or permanent residents of Brunei and they must be studying in Year One to Year 12 in schools registered under the Ministry of Education.

Hj Mohamad said the cost of purchasing school necessities is an average $400 per student for a new academic year.

The types of assistance provided include school stationeries and uniforms, workbooks, tuition classes, teaching aids as well as materials for special needs students. Considerations will also be given to students in need of hostels, transportation services and financial assistance.

A student may stop receiving assistance under certain circumstances, such as dropping out of school, recorded below 85 per cent in attendance or do not show an interest in studying.

“Parents must be supportive of their children’s education, so that the children would have a direction for their future,” he said, adding that the scheme is part of the government’s strategies to promote equality in education towards achieving Vision 2035.


Sumber - The Brunei Times

Norway is the best place to live in the world, according to the UN

Emma Henderson

Two billion people have moved out of low human development levels in the last 25 years, but 830 million people are still classified as “working poor”, earning under $2 a day

Norway has been named the best country in the world to live in - for the 12th year in a row.

The Human Development Index (HDI) is a measure of basic human developments within 188 countries, released by the UN in its annual Human Development Report.

It uses three categories of human development -  categorised as a long and healthy lifestyle, access to knowledge and decent standard of living - to assess the long-term progress of nations.

Norway ranks at the top, followed by Australia and Switzerland, with values of 9.44, 0.935 and 0.930 respectively, making them the best countries to live in for health, life expectancy, education and high incomes.

Norway has also been named the most prosperous country in the world - for the seventh year running. It's outdoor lifestyle, which makes the most of the mountains and fjords, undoubtedly plays a key role in the country's health and main attractions such as the northern lights boast a popular tourism industry.

The components of the index look at a person’s life expectancy from when they are born, the amount of years they are expected to have in school and the gross national income.

The UK is 14th place - one position up from the previous year.

But life expectancy in the UK is 80.7 years, only just behind the top country Norway’s life expectancy of 81.6.

The UK boasts an average of 13.1 years spent in school, a figure higher than all of the countries above it in the list.

Australia has the highest amount of expected school years at 20.2. While Luxembourg and Qatar, both in the very high human development group, only expect 13.9 and 13.8 years in education, which is the same duration as many countries in the medium human development category.

Japan is down one place from last year, slipping from 19th to 20th position. But the countries which faced the steepest drop were Libya down 27 places and Syria which fell 15 places.

However, India is up five places from last year, and now ranks as 130th in the index.

The first 49 countries are categorises as having a very high human development index. Other countries included in this top section are Israel at 18th, Greece in 29th place, Brunei in 31st and Montenegro in 49th.

High human development countries rank from 50th to 105th and include Samoa, Jordan, Serbia and Malaysia.

The next category is medium human development countries, which start from 106th place with Botswana, to 143rd place of Sao Tome and Principle, an African island off the west coast.

In 145th place, where the low human development countries category begins, is Kenya.

The five countries at the bottom of the list, in the low human development category, from 183rd to 188th are Burkina Faso, Burundi, Chad, Eritrea, Central African Republic and Niger.

Niger has 5.4 expected years of schooling, while Central African Republic’s life expectancy is 50.7 years.

The report’s lead author, Selim Jahan, said: “Human process will accelerate when everyone who wants to work has the opportunity to do so under decent circumstance.

“Yet in many countries, people are often excluded from paid work, or are paid less than others for doing work of the same value.”

This year’s report shows that two billion people have moved out of low human development levels in the last 25 years.

But 830 million people are still classified as “working poor”, earning under $2 a day (£1.30).


Sumber - The Independent

Help strengthen Bahasa Melayu, urges president of teachers body

Khai Zem Mat Sani
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

BRUNEIANS need to be more active in strengthening the Malay language by speaking it or through the written word, the president of the Brunei Malay Teachers Association (PGGMB) said.

Hj Antin Hj Ahad said modernisation and the emphasised usage of an international language has eroded the value of Bahasa Melayu.

“English has become the more dominant language as it is considered trendy and modern while the use of Bahasa Melayu among the public is slowly dissipating,” said Hj Antin.

“Since we are striving for modern lifestyle as well as technological development, we are slowly abandoning the use of Bahasa Melayu under the notion that emphasising the use of an international language will help to ease communication,” he said.

“The value of Bahasa Melayu is not as strong as before where most of former education were concentrated in Malay medium and now has been manipulated by the English language.”

He went on to say that early education in Brunei emphasised Bahasa Melayu as a compulsory subject that required students to study and excel in examination.

“Nowadays, that regulation is not highly implemented in the education system where some student who failed in Bahasa Melayu were still given chances to further their study.”

He said it is not to condemn the students for not excelling in the Malay language but more like showing them that their Malay language skills and knowledge must be equivalent to English medium subjects.

“The education system must emphasise Bahasa Melayu like the former system where Bahasa Melayu was seen as the important subject that could enhance the students’ chances in furthering their study,” he added.

Hj Antin (pictured) said that if Bruneians keep on imitating other cultures, they are indirectly moving away from their own way of life, customs, race and, most importantly, identity.

As one of PGGMB’s main goals in enhancing the education amongst locals, particularly in Bahasa Melayu, the association has established rapport with other foreign associations in Asian countries.

The association has extended its network to other ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

Hj Antin said that the efforts in strengthening Bahasa Melayu were not just made within the sultanate but also in this region as well as some European countries that offer Bahasa Melayu as a course or subject in some higher education institutions.

PGGMB over the years has served to become an important asset for the Ministry of Education in its efforts to enhance the quality of education amongst young generation of the sultanate, the association president said.

The association has more than 2,000 members. Pg Datin Paduka Hjh Mariam Pg Hj Matarsat is deputy president.

Besides PGGMB, there are several governemnt agencies that work on maintaining the values of Bahasa Melayu, such as the Language and Literature Bureau and the Supreme Council for the Malay Muslim Monarchy (MIB).


Sumber - The Brunei Times

Students living in housing schemes have the worst attendance rate

Aaron Wong
BELAIT

STUDENTS living in the national housing schemes have one of the worst attendance rates in the country, according to Ministry of Education (MoE) data collected from January to March this year.

Acting Director-General of Education Hj Abd Rahim Hj Derus said the findings – made known by records collected by the new Integrated National Education Information System (iNEIS) – would be researched by MoE to allow for remedial action to be taken.

“We cannot say for sure what the reason (for absenteeism in resettlement housing) is at this moment, as we have yet to do research,” said the acting director-general yesterday on the sidelines of a meeting with the District Office and Belait grassroots leaders.

“The findings are based on data collected from the first school term of 2015 from students living in resettlement housing and schools located near these housing areas. The same trend is noted in all districts.”

According to statistics listed during the briefing, only 41 per cent of government primary schools have an attendance rate of 95 per cent and above.

Based on visits by officers from the Department of Schools’ Student Welfare Unit to resettlement housing areas, Hj Abd Rahim said a “mindset” problem was the likely cause for poor attendance, over practical reasons such as a lack of transport or poor health.

“The majority (of absenteeism) is because of mentality. Some genuinely do not have transport, but there are cases where the distance from home to school is only one kilometre, and yet they are still not going to school,” he said.

Hj Abd Rahim also revealed separately in his briefing that during these visits by officers, students were often found sleeping during school hours.

“In some visits, both parents and older siblings were at home, while the children were still sleeping late in the morning. In this aspect, parents should not spoil their children so much and make sure that they go to bed on time so they can be ready for school in the morning,” he said.

Minister of Education Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Awg Abu Bakar Hj Apong earlier this year said effective February 10, a 95 per cent attendance rate will be measured as a key performance indicator for schools.

The total number of students absent in government schools has also increased from January to March.

About four per cent out of the total number of students at government schools were absent in January, followed by 5.1 per cent of students in February, rising further to 5.8 per cent in March.

According to the director-general, the primary reason behind the increasing absence is students and parents seeking to add to the period of days off from public holidays and school term breaks.


Sumber - The Brunei Times

Berfikiran terbuka, penyelidikan berterusan bantu capai Wawasan Negara 2035

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Sabtu, 21 Mac. - Yang Di-Pertua MMN, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Seri Setia Haji Mohamed Taib telah memberikan ruang kepada Ahli Majlis Mesyuarat Negara (MMN), Ahli MMN, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Maharaja Kerna Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Yaakub bin Pehin Orang Kaya Maharaja Dato Paduka Awang Haji Zainal bagi Perkara IX, ucapan-ucapan penangguhan.

Ucapan penangguhan tersebut berlangsung pada Majlis Mesyuarat Pertama dari Musim Permesyuaratan Kesebelas MMN yang bersidang kembali pada hari ke-12 sesi petang, bertempat di Dewan Persidangan MMN, Bangunan MMN.

Mengenai titah perkenan Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam bagi Penubuhan Majlis Wawasan Negara 2035 dan titah semasa Istiadat Menghadap dan Mengurniakan Bintang-Bintang Kebesaran Negara Brunei Darussalam sempena Hari Keputeraan Baginda Ke-68 yang berlangsung di Balai Singgahsana, Istana Nurul Iman pada 14 Ogos 2014, Yang Berhormat menyatakan beliau mempunyai beberapa cadangan dan pandangan yang meliputi bidang pendidikan dan Program Khidmat Bakti Negara (PKBN).

Dalam bidang pendidikan, Kebawah DYMM Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam telah memperkenankan satu skim yang dikenali sebagai Skim Perkhidmatan Tenaga Akademik bagi menarik minat sumber tenaga manusia daripada kalangan tenaga akademik berkualiti bertaraf dunia, ujar Yang Berhormat.

Baginda, jelas Yang Berhormat, telah memperkenankan peruntukan tambahan berjumlah BND270,000,000 bagi menampung kos mendatangkan tenaga pengajar mahir dari luar negara untuk mengajar mata-mata pelajaran Bahasa Inggeris dan Matematik. Baginda juga memperkenalkan penubuhan-penubuhan Institut Pendidikan Teknikal Brunei bagi menerajui kemajuan Pendidikan Teknikal dan Vokasional, iaitu bertujuan melahirkan golongan berpendidikan mahir lagi mampu berdaya saing, sanggup menghadapi apa jua cabaran pada masa hadapan, terang Yang Berhormat.

Pada masa ini, insyaaAllah mampu menggantikan tenaga pengajar dari luar negara dan Yang Berhormat juga mengingatkan agar jangan lupa atau terlepas pandang dengan hasrat Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam agar pengambilan tenaga pekerja asing dapat diseimbangkan.

Jika negara kita mampu mengeluarkan tenaga pengajar yang berkemahiran dan berkualiti, ini akan mengurangkan pengambilan tenaga mahir luar dan memberikan satu pengiktirafan kepada graduan-graduan institusi-institusi tinggi tempatan, tegas Yang Berhormat.

PKBN merupakan satu kaedah yang amat sesuai untuk melahirkan warganegara yang cintakan tanah air, nyata Yang Berhormat. Pelaksanaan program ini, “Kita berharap golongan belia masa kini akan dapat memenuhi keperluan modal insan yang cukup berilmu dalam segala bidang duniawi dan ukhrawi, berketerampilan cemerlang dan dinamik. Itulah di antara inti pati titah-titah Kebawah DYMM Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam,” nyata Yang Berhormat lagi.

Di samping itu, Yang Berhormat juga menyuarakan tiga pandangan dan cadangan bagi pihak-pihak yang berkenaan bagi kemajuan negara juga.

Cadangan pertama, Yang Berhormat mencadangkan Skim Rancangan Perumahan Negara (RPN) yang dilaksanakan di darat semenjak tahun 1980-an dilaratkan ke Kampong Ayer dengan dinamakan Skim Pembinaan dan Pengubahsuaian Rumah-Rumah di Kampong Ayer.

“Di bawah skim ini, kaola bercadang struktur, reka bentuk luaran atau ‘external design’ rumah-rumah ini mestilah menggambarkan ciri-ciri ala kebruneian, iaitu bentuk rumah-rumah dalam tahun-tahun 50-an dan 60-an seperti namanya jenis Rumah Tungkup, Rumah Balah Bubung, Rumah Potong Limas, Rumah Loteng, Rumah Belanggar dan lain-lain lagi dengan tujuan sebagai aras identiti kita orang Brunei, jelas Yang Berhormat.

Perkara yang dicadangkan, nyata Yang Berhormat, adalah selaras dengan hasrat kerajaan dalam Pelan Induk Pembangunan di Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) (BSB Development Masterplan), iaitu pembangunan semula Kampong Ayer dalam menghidupkan infrastruktur industri pelancongan dan untuk mewujudkan bandar yang selesa sekali gus mengekalkan identiti kebruneian berteraskan Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB).

“Skim ini juga bertujuan bagi menampung ketidakcukupan kawasan tanah untuk membina rumah-rumah perpindahan di darat pada masa kini. Perkara ini pernah dinyatakan oleh Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan melalui temu bual beliau dengan pemberita televisyen pada bulan November tahun lepas,” tambah Yang Berhormat.

Cadangan kedua, Yang Berhormat pula mengingatkan kepada jabatan-jabatan yang berkenaan agar dapat memberikan perhatian yang secukupnya terhadap apa juga projek pembangunan kerajaan yang dikendalikan oleh pihak swasta untuk memastikan tidak berlaku unsur-unsur penipuan, kecuaian atau rasuah bagi menggalakkan kejadian yang tidak diingini berlaku setelah merujuk insiden pembangunan Maktab Sains di Daerah Belait yang lepas.

“Mengenai Pelan Induk Pengangkutan Darat Brunei Darussalam, menurut laporan yang dinyatakan melalui akhbar tempatan Borneo Bulletin bertarikh 29 Oktober 2014, Pusat Strategik dan Pengajian Dasar (CSC) melaporkan hasil kajian yang telah dibuat mengenai perkara di atas bahawa sistem Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) masih bersesuaian digunakan di negara ini dengan memberikan tambahan bilangan kenderaan sehingga menjelang tahun 2035 Masihi,” jelas Yang Berhormat.

Pandangan dan cadangan Yang Berhormat seterusnya agar kita perlu berpandangan jauh ke hadapan untuk merealisasikan Wawasan Negara 2035. Walaupun kajian awal, tambah Yang Berhormat, melaporkan Perkhidmatan Sistem Pengangkutan, BRT masih bersesuaian digunakan sehingga tahun 2035, namun penggunaan sistem pengangkutan BRT amat penting diberikan pemerhatian, kajian dan kaji selidik secara berterusan dari semasa ke semasa bagi benar-benar menentukan keberkesanannya dalam jangka panjang perlu dilakukan.

Mengambil contoh dari negara-negara maju di mana penggunaan sistem pengangkutan moden seperti MRT, sistem pengangkutan pentas, ‘on rail’, ‘underground trains’ mengambil peranan penting dalam memastikan pergerakan trafik berjalan lancar, ujar Yang Berhormat.

“Bagi negara kita, kaola benar-benar dan penuh berharap perkara yang kaola sebutkan mengenai sistem yang pengangkutan moden ini tidak akan dilupakan dan diketepikan begitu sahaja bisaitah jua perkara ini diambil ingatan dan pemerhatian serta kaji selidik diteruskan dari semasa ke semasa,” tegas Yang Berhormat.


Sumber - Pelita Brunei

Hampir semua sasaran MDGs dicapai

Oleh Sim Y. H.

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, 2 Mac – Negara Brunei Darussalam hampir mencapai kesemua lapan Matlamat Pembangunan Milenium (MDGs) yang disasarkan yang mana Brunei telah berjaya untuk menghapuskan kemiskinan yang melampau, penyakit-penyakit berjangkit telah berjaya ditangani serta negara terus memperbaiki kedudukan ekuiti secara progresif.

Di samping itu, peluang-peluang pendidikan disediakan bagi pelajar-pelajar lelaki dan perempuan pada setiap peringkat dan wanita kini mempunyai tahap penyertaan dalam tenaga kerja yang tinggi serta jumlah bagi menjawat jawatan kanan di sektor awam juga meningkat.

Pada masa yang sama, Negara Brunei Darussalam juga merupakan di antara kumpulan negara yang menguruskan sumber asli dan alam sekitarnya selaras dengan prinsip pembangunan mampan.

Perkara itu dinyatakan oleh Timbalan Ketua Pengarah Jabatan Perancangan dan Kemajuan Ekonomi (JPKE), Haji Abdul Amin bin Haji Hashim dalam kata alu-aluannya di Majlis Penandatanganan Kontrak Perjanjian Perkhidmatan Bagi Penyediaan Laporan Ketiga Matlamat Pembangunan Milenium (MDGs) Negara Brunei Darussalam yang berlangsung di Hotel Badi’ah, Bandar Seri Begawan, hari ini.

Hadir di majlis berkenaan bagi menyaksikan penandatanganan itu ialah Pemangku Ketua Pengarah JPKE, Pengiran Hajah Rosnah binti Pengiran Haji Damit.

Turut hadir ialah pegawai-pegawai kanan kerajaan serta ahli-ahli Focal Points MDGs yang telah dilantik dari pelbagai agensi kerajaan yang berkenaan.

Haji Abdul Amin dalam kata alu-aluannya turut menyatakan bahawa Brunei juga melihat dirinya sebagai sebahagian daripada kerjasama global dalam pembangunan dan kerjasama sokongan teknikal bagi manfaat negara-negara yang kurang membangun.

Di samping itu, Brunei juga terus melabur dalam sumber manusia negara termasuk dalam sains dan teknologi untuk mengekalkan momentum pembangunan negara.

Pada masa yang sama, beliau menyatakan adalah amat penting bagi semua pihak untuk menggandakan lagi usaha hasil daripada pencapaian yang sedia ada supaya akan mampu untuk meningkatkan lagi pencapaian itu dari segi kualiti pembangunan sosioekonomi.

Majlis diteruskan dengan penandatanganan kontrak perjanjian di antara kerajaan Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam dan perunding yang disyorkan oleh Program Pembangunan Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu, PT Asia Strategik, Indonesia.

Menandatangani bagi pihak kerajaan ialah Haji Abdul Amin dan bagi pihak PT Asia Strategik ialah Dr Staish Mishra dengan penandatanganan itu disaksikan oleh Pengiran Hajah Rosnah.

Penandatanganan itu menandakan permulaan penyediaan Laporan Ketiga bagi Negara Brunei Darussalam mengenai Pelaksanaan MDGs Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu.

Selepas majlis penandatanganan berkenaan, seminar telah dijalankan oleh Dr Satish Moishra bagi mendapatkan pemahaman yang lebih baik mengenai proses-proses yang diperlukan dalam penyediaan laporan berkenaan.

Seminar itu juga sebagai satu forum bagi membincangkan dengan lebih lanjut lagi perkara-perkara berkaitan perkembangan dan isu-isu yang dihadapi oleh Focal Points MDGs dalam pengumpulan data dan maklumat MDGs yang berkaitan dengan agensi kementerian masing-masing.

Negara Brunei Darussalam telah mencapai hampir kesemua sasaran MDGs dan Laporan Negara Ketiga itu adalah sebagai susulan kepada laporan MDGs pertama dan kedua yang masing-masing telah diterbitkan pada 2005 dan 2010.

Laporan ketiga itu merupakan laporan terakhir bagi menilai pencapaian dan pengalaman negara dalam MDGs yang akan menjadi satu tanda aras sebagai persediaan negara menghadapi Agenda Pembangunan PBB Pasca-2015.

Laporan MDGs itu akan merangkumi pelbagai petunjuk pembangunan dan akan digunakan semasa Sidang Kemuncak Ketua-Ketua Negara, PBB pada September 2015.

Sasaran MDGs pada 2015 adalah berasaskan kepada Deklarasi Milenium yang telah dipersetujui oleh 189 buah negara-negara anggota PBB semasa Perhimpunan Milenium pada September 200.

Lapan sasaran atau matlamat pembangunan yang digariskan oleh PBB adalah membasmi kemiskinan dan kelaparan, mencapai pendidikan rendah yang sejagat, meningkatkan kesaksamaan jantina dan memperkasakan wanita, mengurangkan mortaliti (kematian) kanak-kanak, memperbaiki kesihatan ibu bersalin, mencegah HIV/AIDS, malaria dan penyakit lain, memastikan alam sekitar yang mantap serta mewujudkan perkongsian global untuk pembangunan.


Sumber - Media Permata

Dialog kupas sejarah Brunei

Oleh Mohamad Asyramisyanie

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, 10 Feb – Pusat Sejarah Brunei dengan kolaborasi Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan (MSPSBS), hari ini, telah mengadakan dialog bagi mengupas dan membincangkan beberapa topik sejarah dalam kesultanan Brunei yang menjurus kepada unsur politik, kepemimpinan dan semangat nasionalisme.

Dialog yang berlangsung di Dewan Auditorium MSPSBS di Berakas itu dihadiri oleh Pegawai Sejarah Kanan, Ketua Bahagian Penyelidikan dan Dokumentasi Pusat Sejarah Brunei, Hajah Fatimah binti Asgar, para pegawai Pusat Sejarah dan penuntut-penuntut.

Pemangku Pengetua MSPSBS, Dayang Zabaidah binti Tuah ketika menyampaikan ucapan berkata agenda utama projek di antara Pusat Sejarah dan maktab berkenaan adalah untuk mengenalkan, mendedahkan dan menerapkan sejarah negara kepada masyarakat sebagai saranan di masa hadapan.

Menurutnya, projek seperti ini akan dapat melatih dan mendidik pelajar untuk membuat penyelidikan secara bersendirian mahupun berkumpulan dan sekali gus meningkatkan kemahiran bertutur, membuahkan idea dan keyakinan diri para peserta apabila berhadapan dengan orang ramai.

“Dengan adanya inisiatif sebegini, ia akan memberikan kesan positif kepada pelajar dan belia untuk menambahkan ilmu pengetahuan khususnya sejarah negara kita dan secara tidak langsung menanamkan semangat patriotisme dan perasaan kecintaan kepada negara di hati mereka,” ujarnya lagi.

Dialog bertajuk “Pendudukan Tentera Jepun di Brunei Darussalam 1942-1945” itu menampilkan tiga ahli panel yang terdiri daripada para pelajar maktab iaitu Dayang Aimi Iffah Radhiah binti Abdullah Zulhilmi, Dayang Nur Nadhirah Noor binti Hanizam dan Awang Arif Azhan bin Besar, serta dipengerusikan oleh Dayang Nor Amirah Aziyah binti Hasdy.

Sejurus selepas sesi dialog, majlis turut menyaksikan tayangan video Pendudukan Tentera Jepun di Brunei 1942-1945 diikuti dengan sesi soal jawab dan rumusan yang disampaikan oleh Haji Muahimin bin Haji Mohamed.

Tetamu kehormat seterusnya menyampaikan sijil kepada barisan pelajar Tingkatan 6 yang terlibat dalam projek dialog sejarah itu.

Projek dialog ini diadakan dalam tiga fasa secara berperingkat bermula fasa pertama hari ini diikuti dengan fasa kedua pada 10 Mac 2015 dengan tajuk “Perang Kastila” dan fasa ketiga pada 26 Mei 2015 dengan tajuk “Kenali sejarah kitani”.


Sumber - Media Permata

Concerted effort vital in realising Vision 2035: HM

HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday called for a concerted effort towards achieving National Vision 2035, following the appointment of leaders to oversee its strategies.

In his New Year’s Eve titah, the monarch said there is little room for procrastination as the deadline for Brunei’s vision nears.

 “The next 20 years is not a long time… We must have a more progressive attitude and mindset,” said His Majesty.

Vision 2035 Executive Council

His Majesty has approved the recommendation of the Vision 2035 Executive Council to appoint leaders for strategies that have been identified as well as a number of additional strategies in the country’s vision.

The leaders are ministers and deputy ministers who have been tasked with identifying specific targets, devising and implementing action plans towards the realisation of National Vision 2035.

“All these need to be aligned through the Vision 2035 Executive Council in order to avoid any duplication as well as to derive the optimum impact and effectiveness,” said the monarch, adding that the appointed leaders will be responsible for their respective fields.

Education

His Majesty welcomed the Ministry of Education’s plan to implement medium and long term strategies to ensure full student attendance in the classroom, as well as to derive multiplied efficacy in teaching and learning from lower to subsequent levels.

“We have set a high target of at least 90 per cent of students achieving grades A to C in the Primary School Assessment for 2017,” said the monarch.

The target is hoped to be able to help all students at the primary school level to become more successful in their studies. In doing so, His Majesty said the enforcement of the Compulsory Education Act should be enhanced in a bid to produce a more disciplined and dynamic generation.

Economy

On the economic front, the monarch said the Prime Minister’s Office is preparing a list of key performance indicators (KPIs), which need to be achieved by all economic sectors on the basis of a realistic trajectory to reach economic base under National Vision 2035.

His Majesty said the objective is to boost the growth of gross domestic product with two main focus areas of economic diversification, followed by improving productivity.

In a bid to diversify the economy, the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources is planning to develop a special body to provide local entrepreneurs with assistance by building the capacity of micro, small and medium enterprises to enable growth and competition in markets locally and abroad. “It is my hope that we will all be able to enjoy and take advance of the opportunities made available after we realise the ASEAN Community by 2015,” said the monarch.

Commenting on productivity, His Majesty observed there is still room for improvement in the private and public sectors. Besides being closely related to capacity building and technology, the monarch said productivity is dependent on the attitude and discipline of all levels in the organisations.

Quality of life

The monarch expressed his wish for the authorities concerned to be swift and efficient in tackling the rising number of criminal cases occurring over the past few years, which include murders, robberies and house break-ins.

“Deal with all these crimes intently and firmly. Prevent crimes from occurring, and if they do occur seek out the perpetrators until they are caught and brought to justice,” said His Majesty.

His Majesty also voiced grave concerns over the health of the people. Citing the findings of a study, the monarch noted many children below the age of five are suffering from obesity. Among the contributing factors were lack of healthy food consumption such as fruits and vegetables.

“If this is true, it is essential for the health authorities and parents to take the necessary measures to overcome this problem,” said His Majesty.

Research also indicated that more than 50 per cent of parents are smokers who are puffing cigarettes at home and inside vehicles. In addition to putting themselves at risk, the monarch said “smokers are exposing their own family members to the awful hazards of tobacco smoke”.

The monarch said such statistics show that the people have not yet reached a satisfactory level in practising a healthy lifestyle.

“Our society still needs couching and guidance, including preventative education for those who disobey the law and religious rulings, such as errant smokers who flout warnings from authorities,” said His Majesty, reminding those concerned to take serious action to purge unlawful habits.

New Year’s Greetings

In ending his titah, His Majesty expressed his heartfelt appreciation to all levels of the civil service and security forces, including those working abroad; as well as the private sector for their sincere efforts in carrying out their respective tasks and responsibilities for the nation’s welfare.

“My family and I wish a Happy New Year 2015 to all citizens and residents of this country. I pray Allah SWT will continue to bless and protect us all and our country,” said His Majesty.


Sumber - The Brunei Times

HM urges MoE to identify weaknesses of SPN21

Waqiuddin Rajak

HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam called on the Ministry of Education (MoE) to equally examine the weaknesses and strengths of the National Education System for the 21st Century (SPN21) during its review.

In a titah delivered during the 24th Teachers' Day and 100 Years of Formal Education celebrations at the International Convention Centre (ICC) today, His Majesty welcomed the good efforts of the MoE to review the SPN21 after the system was carried out in 2009, but urged the ministry to also look into its weaknesses or deficiencies.

"It is not sufficient to just highlight its strengths (alone)," said His Majesty.

“Because I myself have not forgotten, in the beginning of SPN21, it also displayed a number of shortcomings. Have these weaknesses been addressed?” the Monarch added.

His Majesty also praised the high literacy rate in the country, where men and women, aged between 15 and 24, recorded 99.18 per cent and 99.54 per cent respectively, adding that Brunei have met one of its targets in its Millenium Development Goals.

His Majesty added that Brunei had also fulfilled six objectives in the "Education for All" (EFA) framework, which must be achieved by 2015.

“Based on reports released by Unesco (UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation), we have performed well compared to the situations in other countries (where) 250 million children worldwide are unable to read, write and count,” said the Monarch.

* Full transcript of His Majesty's Titah *

I am grateful to Allah, glorified and exalted be He, for being able to be here on this special occasion to commemorate the 24th Teachers’ Day and 100 years of formal education in Brunei, with the theme: “Life Long Education Guarantees the Welfare of the People.”

One hundred years may be taken as a milestone at which point something in progress has reached maturity. So is in the case of education in Brunei Darussalam, which has matured after a span of one hundred years.

Within that period, the country’s education system definitely has gone through many changes depending on the progress and requirements over the course of time.
                                                     
 With his foresight my late father Almarhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, had implemented a well-balanced education policy by focusing on Islamic religious teaching as well as promoting conventional education. This policy has succeeded in producing local intellectuals of quality.

Praises be to Allah, the educational policy which we have implemented, specifically after independence, is now becoming well established. Not only has the system been able to generate human resources needed for the country’s development, it has also helped to unite the citizens and residents of this country as a unified society based on the national philosophy of Malay Islamic Monarchy.

This is where the role of a teacher is of vital importance. A teacher must prove his worthiness by possessing effective leadership skills besides being widely knowledgeable.  It is in here the true worth of a teacher lies, so much so that they continue to be well-admired and respected by society.

It is incumbent upon teachers to remind us not to be complacent, and they also need to work hard to reinforce and improve teaching and learning for the acquisition of 21st century competencies.

Towards this end, the Ministry of Education ought to draw up better strategies and approaches for the national education system.

I applaud the worthy efforts of the Ministry in reviewing the National Education System for the 21st Century (SPN21) after it was implemented in 2009. In doing so, the shortcomings as well as the deficiencies of the system, if any, must also be examined. It is insufficient to merely highlight its strengths. This is because I personally have not forgotten that in the early days since its inception, SPN21 revealed a number of weaknesses. Have these weaknesses been overcome or what (action has been done so far)?

At the international level, the Sultanate has participated in the global commitment to provide basic quality education for all children, young and adult persons. I am pleased to note that the literacy rate for male and female between 15 and 24 is 99.18% and 99.53% respectively. This goes to prove that we have succeeded in reaching our Millennium Development Goals in literacy.

We have also achieved 6 objectives of the Education For All (EFA) initiative, which needed to be attained by 2015.  According to a report issued by UNESCO, we have done well compared to some countries, where a substantial number or a total of 250 million children across the globe are not able to read, write and count. 130 million of primary school children have not reached the minimum standard of learning, and 120 million have low school attendance, including 57 million who do not attend school at all. Surely, we do not wish to hear that we will also be a contributor to those figures.

I am extremely happy to learn that our country has played a more significant and wider role in this region and internationally.   In the past Brunei was well-known for its financial contributions alone, but now we are capable of providing a service to others in the form of “human capital” by sending Bruneians to teach English Language in the neighbouring countries.

Undoubtedly, we in the Sultanate have become part of the global community enjoying the progress of education. However, in our enjoyment of the fruits of education, we must not forget the groundwork when we set on the glorious journey of education to where we are today. The groundwork (or fundamentals) are the (traditional) Islamic religious education.

It is from here when we began to cast our own Brunei mould (of identity). Islamic religious teaching laid the foundation for formal and non-formal education.

This is our Brunei and a system of education (that is our own), of which no one else will alter or modify it.

To conclude… Happy Teachers’ Day to all.


Sumber - The Brunei Times

KDYMM: Lahirkan graduan-graduan yang marketable

Titah KDYMM sempena Majlis Konvokesyen ke-26 UBD pada hari Sabtu 11 Zulkaedah 1435 bersamaan 6 September 2014 Masehi.

Assalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Alhamdulillah Rabbil ‘Alameen, Wabihiee Nasta’eenu ‘Alaa Umuuriddunya Wadden, Wassalaatu’ Wassalaamu ‘Ala Asyarafil Mursaleen, Sayyidina Muhammaddin, Wa’alaa Aalihee Wasahbihee Ajma’een, Waba’du.

BETA bersyukur, kerana dapat pula pada pagi ini, bersama-sama hadir di Majlis Konvokesyen Kali Ke-26 Universiti Brunei Darussalam.

Terlebih dahulu beta dengan sukacita mengucapkan setinggi-tinggi tahniah kepada para graduan yang telah berjaya menamatkan pengajian mereka. Kejayaan ini kita sifatkan, baru sebagai anak tangga pertama untuk mendaki ke tingkat yang lebih tinggi.

Sektor pengajian tinggi adalah nadi pembangunan negara. Kerana itu beta sangat teruja untuk mengucapkan syabas kepada Universiti Brunei Darussalam yang telah mencapai kedudukan dalam QS Asia University Rankings pada tahun ini.

Kejayaan ini menunjukkan UBD adalah semakin matang dan mendapat pengiktirafan antarabangsa. Namun UBD perlu diingat, bahawa dalam pembelajaran dan pendidikan itu tidak ada titik penyudahnya, melainkan semuanya adalah dinamik dan selalu berubah.

Oleh itu beta mengingatkan agar UBD terus berlari, bukannya melangkah dengan langkah longlai, ke arah menempatkan dirinya di antara institusi-institusi tertinggi di dunia. Peringatan ini juga turut ditujukan kepada semua institusi pengajian tinggi di negara ini. Adalah sudah sampai masanya untuk kita mesti bersaing, bukannya setakat menonton orang lain bersaing.

Menyebut tentang persaingan ini, ia tidak mungkin berlangsung tanpa adanya tenaga akademik yang berkualiti tinggi. Kerana itusebagai galakan kepada tenaga akademik tempatan khasnya, beta telah pun memperkenankan Skim Perkhidmatan Tenaga Akademik Bagi Institusi Pengajian Tinggi Awam. Skim ini dihasratkan sebagai penghargaan kepada tenaga akademik yang berprestasi cemerlang mengikut piawaian antarabangsa.

Beta ingin menyarankan di sini, supaya hanya tenaga akademik yang benar-benar layak sahaja yang diresapkan ke dalam skim ini.

Beta adalah turut memahami, bahawa bukan semua tenaga akademik itu mempunyai status yang diharap-harapkan. Seperti golongan yang lain juga, mereka itu ada yang dedikasi dan ada juga yang tidak. Begitu juga ada yang rajin dan berwawasan di samping ada juga yang sebaliknya.

Mereka yang tidak rajin dan tidak berwawasan itu mungkin sahaja dapat dilihat sebagai cuma tahun mengajar semata-mata sebagai memenuhi jadual, tetapi selesai mengajar, tidak ada apa-apa yang dibuat. Dalam makna, pada setiap hari cuma rutin mengajar sahaja, sedang selebihnya adalah kosong dan tidak ada apa-apa.

Tenaga akademik yang seumpama ini boleh disifatkan sebagai tidak kreatif. Ia adalah jumud atau beku, tidak boleh menyumbang kepada perkembangan dan kemajuan ilmu. Kerana itu tidak pelik, jika seseorang itu, walaupun telah berkhidmat berbelas-belas tahun lamanya selaku tenaga akademik namun tiada sebuah pun buku atau kajian dapat dihasilkan.

Selain tenaga akademik, para graduan juga adalah dinilai dengan penilaian yang sama. Mereka juga boleh didapati dalam kedudukan yang berbeza-beza, sekalipun mereka berada di peringkat dan bidang pengajian yang sama. Misalnya, di antara mereka itu ada yang lebih berminat kepada bidang penyelidikan, sementara yang lain pula, tidak atau kurang meminatinya. Di antara kedua-dua kategori ini, sudah pasti, kualiti mereka adalah berbeza.

Menyebut mengenai penyelidikan ini, kerajaan beta telah menyediakan satu Skim Biasiswa Lepasan Ijazah (Graduate Research Scholarship). Ia ditawarkan kepada pelajar-pelajar tempatan dan antarabangsa. Dan pada hari ini, penganugerahan pertama Ijazah Kedoktoran bagi graduan di bawah skim ini akan menjadi kenyataan. Kita ucapkan syabas kepada penerimanya itu.

Beta sangat ingin melihat skim ini dapat membantu perkembangan penyelidikan dan inovasi dalam bidang yang boleh menyumbang kepada pertumbuhan ekonomi negara.

Dalam perkara ekonomi, UBD juga patutlah merancang untuk melahirkan graduan-graduan yang marketable, yang juga mampu berdiri sendiri melalui keusahawanan. Melalui pendidikan, kita juga perlu berubah dan malah berani untuk mengubah: sikap suka menunggu-menunggu pekerjaan, menjadi budaya proakif: suka berkarih dan berbasah bekaring.

Sehubungan ini, The National Entrepreneurship Agenda dalam pendidikan telah pun bertapak di UBD dan telah berjalan dari awal tahun lagi. Ia bertujuan untuk memupuk keusahawanan dari awal pendidikan sampailah ke pengajian tinggi.

Menyebut lagi berkenaan dengan program pendidikan dan penyelidikan, beta telah pun memperkenankan penubuhan Centre for Advanced Material and Energy Sciences yang bertanggungjawab untuk melaksanakan penyelidikan saintifik inter-disciplinary dalam bidang sains material dan tenaga untuk melatih sumber manusia bagi keperluan industri berteknologi tinggi. Beta mengambil maklum, inisiatif ini adalah kerjasama rapat di antara UBD, Jabatan Tenaga di Jabatan Perdana Menteri dan industri.

Ini semua, adalah merupakan langkah ke arah membina kapasiti dan kualiti pendidikan bagi generasi masa kini dan akan datang. Dalam keghairahan ktia menuju matlamat ini, beta sedikit kecewa apabila mendengar, ada khabar-khabarnya dalam kalangan ibu bapa dan penjaga yang masih kurang memberikan perhatian terhadap kedatangan anak-anak |mereka ke sekolah. Sesungguhnya perkara ini amatlah tidak wajar untuk berlaku.

Ini baru mengenai kedatangan, belum lagi lain-lain perkara, seperti mengawal disiplin anak-anak dan memberikan perhatian atau pengawasan terhadap kegiatan-kegiatan di luar sekolah. Jika dalam perkara kedatangan anak-anak pun ibu bapa boleh terlepas pandang, betapa dengan kegiatan-kegiatan mereka yang memang susah untuk dikesan, seperti kecenderungan melayari internet secara bersembunyi-sembunyi, adakah para ibu bapa dan penjaga juga mengambil berat?

Beta secara telus berpendapat, jika para ibu bapa dan penjaga gagal untuk memberikan perhatian yang sewajarnya kepada anak-anak, maka impian kita dan hasrat negara bagi melihat lahirnya generasi yang cemerlang, tidak akan tercapai.

Oleh itu, semua kita para ibu bapa dan penjaga, perlulah lekas-lekas muhasabah, sama ada ktia sudah menjalankan tanggungjawab kita dengan sempurna, demi untuk satu generasi cemerlang yang terdiri daripada anak-anak kita sendiri.

Akhir kalam, beta mengambil peluang mengingatkan para graduan, supaya mengekalkan identiti kebruneian yang berpaksikan Melayu Islam Beraja. Peliharalah ia, sampai ke generasi turun-temurun.

Beta tidak lupa merakamkan ucapan terima kasih kepada semua warga Universiti Brunei Darussalam yang merangkumi Ahli-Ahli Majlis dan Senat Universiti, Naib Canselor, Pegawai-Pegawai Utama, Ahli-Ahli Akademik dan seluruh pegawai serta kakitangan universiti di atas segala sumbangan dan khidmat mereka. Semoga Allah juga akan membalas mereka dengan ganjaranNya yang berlipat ganda.

Sekian, Wabillahit Taufeq Walhidayah Wassalamu’Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.

Academics not doing enough: HM

HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam, yesterday lamented that some UBD academics are not doing enough to develop knowledge.

In his titah during the 26th UBD Convocation Ceremony, the Sultan said some lecturers have remained stagnant as their routine is only limited to teaching.

“Is it not strange if someone failed to produce even a single publication or conduct research, despite being in service for many years,” His Majesty said.

The monarch said those who are not industrious and without a vision can be seen as teaching for the sake of meeting their schedules, and not doing anything else after completing their teaching duties.

“Such an academic staff can be described as uncreative. He or she is static or stagnant, and unable to contribute to the advancement and development of knowledge,” His Majesty added.

The sovereign went on to say that it is time for UBD to compete, and not merely stay as a spectator in witnessing other varsities race ahead.

It is impossible to stay competititive without the availability of academic staff who are of high quality, His Majesty said.

As an encouragement for local academics, His Majesty said he had consented for the establishment of Public Higher Education Institutions Academic Staff Service Scheme.

However, His Majesty suggested that only “deserving” academic staff should be eligible for the scheme as it was intended as an appreciation for academics who have excelled based on international standards.

His Majesty said graduates can also be evaluated using a similar assessment.

“For example, there are those who are fascinated with research, whereas others lack or have no interest at all. The quality of both categories of graduates will be different,” he pointed out.

The monarch further said he was disappointed after learning from the news that there were some parents and guardians who still paid little attention towards their children’s attendance at school.

“If it is possible for children’s school attendances to be overlooked by parents, how can they handle the more difficult task of monitoring their children's other activities, such as the tendency to surf the Internet in secret?” His Majesty said.

His Majesty said failure by parents and guardians to give such attention to their children would not see the realisation of the country's vision and aspiration to see the emergence of a generation with excellence.

He urged parents and guardians to reflect upon and question themselves if they had been carrying out their responsibilities to the best of their abilities, for the sake of a generation that would consist of their own children.

Speaking on the importance of higher education as the heart of national development, the Sultan said he was pleased to congratulate UBD’s achievement in attaining a position in the QS Asia University Rankings this year.

“This accomplishment indicated that UBD is increasingly becoming more mature and gaining international recognition. Nevertheless, UBD must bear in mind that there is no finishing line in learning and education, but that they are dynamic and ever-changing,” the monarch said.

“In this regard, I wish to remind UBD to keep running, and not simply walk ahead with weary steps towards its goal of placing itself among the world’s top universities.

“This reminder is also directed to all other institutions of higher learning in the Sultanate.” His Majesty added.

On the topic of research, His Majesty mentioned the Graduate Research Scholarship Scheme (which is offered to both local and international students), and expressed congratulations to the first batch of doctorate students who had graduated under the scheme.

“I would really like to see this scheme aid in the development of research and innovation in areas that can contribute to the country’s economic growth,” the monarch said.On economic matters, His Majesty further said UBD should also make plans to produce marketable graduates who are able to stand on their own, through entrepreneurship.

“Through education, there is also a need to change and even courage to change: from an attitude of waiting for employment, one that is proactive and willing,” he said.

With regards to this, His Majesty noted the National Entrepreneurship Agenda, which has been running at UBD since the start of this year, with the aim to foster entrepreneurship from earlier stages of education.

Moreover, the Sultan also mentioned the establishment of the Centre for Advanced Materials and Energy Sciences, which is responsible for carrying out interdisciplinary research in the field of material science and energy to train human resources to meet the needs of high-tech industries.

“I have taken note that this initiative will see close collaboration between UBD, the Energy Department at the Prime Minister’s Office, and the industry,” said His Majesty.

The monarch then acknowledged that these were all steps that had been taken toward building the capacity and quality of education for the benefit of existing and future current generations.In concluding the titah, the monarch took the opportunity to remind the new UBD graduates to preserve the Bruneian identity based on the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) concept. “Protect it, and hand it down to generations to come,” he said.


Sumber - The Brunei Times

Brunei berpotensi jadi contoh pembelajaran pendidikan pra-sekolah

Oleh Normazlina M.D

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, 6 Mac – Pendidikan awal Kanak-kanak akan memberi kesan positif kepada kemajuan pembelajaran pelajar-pelajar secara amnya dan seterusnya akan membantu mempertingkatkan pencapaian sistem pendidikan negara.

Di samping itu, ianya akan mencapai objektif-objektif sosial seperti pengurangan kemiskinan, mengelakkan penderaan kanak-kanak.

Ke arah mencapai wawasan negara 2035, pelbagai inisiatif telah dikendalikan oleh Kementerian Pendidikan, termasuklah menjalankan kajian pendidikan awal kanak-kanak (Early Childhood Care Education) yang dimaksudkan dengan mengambil seorang pakar yang mempunyai pengkhususan dalam pendidikan awal kanak-kanak.

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Zulkipli bin Haji Abdul Hamid (gambar bawah) semasa sidang Majlis Mesyuarat Negara ke-10 petang tadi telah menyuarakan mengenai status kajian yang dibuat oleh Kementerian Pendidikan mengenai Pendidikan Awal Kanak-Kanak (Early Childhood Care Education) yang dilaksanakan dan seterusnya bertanya mengenai persediaan awal kementerian itu bagi memastikan pelaksanaan sokongan-sokongan yang dibuat dalam kajian berkenaan dibuat dalam masa yang terdekat serta perancangan/tindakan lain Kementerian Pendidikan bagi memperluaskan lagi pendidikan awal di negara ini.

Menteri Pendidikan, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr.) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong menjelaskan bahawa di negara ini, pendidikan kanak-kanak berumur lima tahun di peringkat Pra Sekolah telah mula disediakan oleh pihak kerajaan pada tahun 1939 secara percuma.

Walau bagaimanapun, pendidikan kanak-kanak lima tahun ini tidak diwajibkan sepertimana Akta pendidikan 2003, tetapi diwajibkan pada kanak-kanak berumur enam tahun menurut Perintah Pendidikan Wajib 2007 dan pihak kerajaan telah menyediakan kemudahan untuk persekolahan kanak-kanak berumur lima tahun, dengan penyediaan pra-pra sekolah di 120 buah sekolah rendah.

Mengenai hasil dapatan kajian yang dijalankan oleh Konsultan dari International Child Resources Institute (ICRI) California, Amerika Syarikat yang memakan masa tujuh bulan yang bermula pada bulan September 2013 dan dijangka akan berakhir pada bulan April 2014, Yang Berhormat Menteri telah mengongsikan beberapa dapatan awal daripada kajian pihak konsultan.

Pertama, melalui kajian itu, Negara Brunei Darussalam mempunyai potensi untuk menjadi contoh kepada negara-negara lain di rantau ini, dari segi proses pengajaran dan pembelajaran di pendidikan Pra-sekolah.

Kedua, kajian juga menunjukkan lebih ramai guru-guru Pra Sekolah diperlukan untuk dilatih jika pendidikan kanak-kanak seawal 3-4 tahun ditawarkan kepada semua sekolah di negara ini.

Ketiga, kajian menyarankan Unit Pemedulian dan Pendidikan Awal Kanak-kanak untuk membangunkan dan mengimplementasikan kurikulum tersendiri yang berjenama Brunei dengan berlandaskan Melayu Islam Beraja dengan menyesuaikan kurikulum yang disediakan dengan keperluan relevan dalam konteks budaya dan pendidikan di negara ini.

Keempat, kajian juga menyarankan untuk meluaskan lagi penawaran latihan di peringkat universiti dan menubuhkan pusat-pusat latihan di negara ini, termasuk latihan dalam talian yang akan diiktiraf oleh institusi-institusi atau badan-badan ternama antarabangsa.

“Dalam masa yang sama, tanpa menunggu hasil kajian ini, adalah menjadi hasrat dan tanggungjawab Kementerian Pendidikan untuk terus berusaha memantapkan kapasiti tenaga pengajar yang mengajar kanak-kanak berumur lima tahun di kelas pra sekolah pada masa ini,” jelas Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan.

Di samping itu, Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan juga mengongsikan beberapa perlaksanaan program yang dibuat oleh Kementerian Pendidikan dalam mengusahakan Pendidikan Awal Kanak-Kanak.

Antaranya ialah Program Pembangunan Guru sentiasa dijalankan oleh Unit Pemedulian dan Pendidikan Awal Kanak-Kanak dengan menggunakan tenaga kepakaran tempatan dalam pendidikan awal kanak-kanak.

Selain itu, Kementerian Pendidikan juga menghargai khidmat sukarelawan terdiri daripada belia yang sedang menunggu keputusan peperiksaan di peringkat ‘O’ dan ‘A’ level dalam membantu guru-guru Pra Sekolah dengan mengikuti latihan pendidik dan dibantu oleh guru-guru Pra Sekolah, yang telah dapat membantu keperluan kanak-kanak dari segi sosial, dan emosional.

“Selain membantu guru-guru darjah bagi kelas-kelas biasa, para sukarelawan juga membantu menjaga keselamatan kanak-kanak yang mempunyai keperluan khas dengan memberikan perhatian yang diperlukan oleh kanak-kanak berkenaan.”

Tempoh jangka panjang pula ialah penyediaan program bagi meningkatkan pendidikan pra sekolah melalui latihan dalam perkhidmatan pengkhususan pendidikan terawal kanak-kanak turut dijalankan dan pembentukan kerangka kebangsaan yang berkualiti bagi pemedulian dan pendidikan kanak-kanak berumur 0 hingga 5 tahun telah bermula sejak akhir tahun 2012.

Sumber - Media Permata