Hakim Hayat

The challenges of globalisation require the education system to be constantly updated, while the role of teachers should be constantly improved to meet current needs, said His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in a titah yesterday.

His Majesty delivered the titah during the 29th Teacher’s Day celebration at the International Convention Centre in Berakas, with the theme ‘Quality Education as the Core of Students’ Excellence’.

Also in attendance were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah.

Touching on this year’s theme for Teacher’s Day, His Majesty said it is in accordance with the national vision of developing the country through quality education.

In trying to attain this goal, His Majesty reminded, “We cannot escape the challenges of globalisation, as they will eventually become a threat to our cultural and national identity.”

To this end, His Majesty emphasised on the importance of empowering teachers, while also urging teachers to be conscious of the crucial role that they play.

His Majesty also noted that the Ministry of Education (MoE) is currently implementing its Strategic Plan of 2018-2022 with regard to the transformation of human resources, particularly teachers, so that they would have professional competency in terms of being qualified and efficient in executing their roles and responsibilities.

To further reach these goals, His Majesty announced his consent for the upgrading of the Human Capital Development Section at the MoE, as the Department of Educators Management.

“This transformation is vital, because the features of classrooms in the 21st Century require a significant transformation, whether it’s from the teachers or the students,” said His Majesty.

“The education sector must be responsive, in accordance with its responsibility in the development of a skilled and illustrious generation, and I call on teachers to constantly enhance their knowledge, which will then be passed down to their charges.”

In this respect, His Majesty reminded that, “Knowledge is in the hands of teachers; it is up to them to disseminate this knowledge. And that is why teachers with knowledge are exalted by Allah the Almighty.”