Brunei Darussalam hosts the SEAMEO Regional Centre for Vocational and Technical Education (SEAMEO-VOCTECH). It contributes over B$1 million to the annual operational budget of the Centre.

Established in August 1990, SEAMEO-VOCTECH is committed to the development of human resources in vocational and technical education and training (VTET). Its 2nd Five Year Plan was committed to making the Centre the “The Leading Centre of Excellence in Vocational and Technical and Training” in the region.

The daily operations of the Centre are motivated by its mission statement, which is: “To strengthen the VTET systems in SEAMEO member countries by enhancing capabilities through collaborative efforts incorporating research and development, programme initiatives, networks, partnerships and information services, thereby contributing to the development of a world class workforce”.

In carrying out its mission, the Centre assumes three major roles:

• As a Catalyst and Innovator – by conducting training programmes, symposia/fora/ seminars and conferences as well as workshops especially for administrators and senior officers in VTET, as well as providing customised programmes to cater to the needs of member countries, requesting organisations and the public.

• As a Clearinghouse – by disseminating relevant information in VTET through its publications, documents as well as the VNET, a network system linking participating institutions in SEAMEO member countries.

• As a Resource Centre – by providing consultancy services, undertaking research and development projects and collaborating with others for the benefit of the VTET community through the sharing of ideas, information, experience and innovations in the region.