MINISTER CONTINUES WORKING VISIT TO SOAS COLLEGE AND MABOHAI PRIMARY SCHOOL

Bandar Seri Begawan, 15 February 2007 – Align with continuing efforts and commitment of the Ministry of Education in monitoring the effectiveness of the learning and teaching processes of students with emphasis on high quality education, His Honourable Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Awang Haji Mohamed Taib, Minister of Education made a working visit to two educational institutions in the capital today.

At the Maktab Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin (SOAS), he was greeted by the college's principal, Cikgu Haji Awang Salleh bin Haji Mahmud. On his second visit to the college, the minister discussed the academic achievements of the students especially in the PMB and "O" Level examinations for 2006. He gave particular attention to English, Math and Science subjects. A sharing and open discussion session with the principal and heads of departments gave an insight into the issues and challenges the college is facing as well as its efforts and initiatives in improving the academic achievements of the students.

The minister toured the science lab and administration block. He took a closer look on English teaching and learning sessions. The college is one of the oldest learning institutions in the country and has produced some of the nation's intellectuals, he said. The college would be renovated and upgraded, he added.

At Sekolah Rendah Mabohai, the headmistress, Cikgu Hajah Dayang Hajah Norzimah binti Haji Hassan, welcomed the minister. She made a briefing on the history of the school's establishment, its facilities, programmes and activities.

The minister toured the school's classrooms, library, and learning facilities. He interacted with teachers and students.

Present during the working visit were the deputy minister of education, permanent secretary, deputy permanent secretary, director general and senior officers from the ministry.

Berakas, 15 February 2007 – Ministry of Education today organized Scholarship Open Day which held at the International Convention Centre in Berakas. Present as guest of honour during the opening ceremony was Dato Paduka Hj Abd Wahab bin Juned, Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, in his speech said that the objective of the commission is to produce adequate number of officers and staff of high quality to meet the needs of national development.

He said the provision of scholarships is the nation's strategic investment to ensure potential students get high quality education from 'world class' learning institutions in various fields.

He said the government is fully aware and highly committed on the need to invest in education and in human resources development.

He said other than the 'established' scholarship schemes currently on offer, the government has created two new scholarship schemes, namely the Department of Planning and Economic Development Human Resources Scholarship and the Brunei Administration Services Scholarship.

He said these schemes are complementary to other scholarships such as the "Supreme Commander Scholarship" under the Ministry of Defence and the scholarship schemes under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, as well as those related to the government such as the Brunei Shell Scholarship and the Sultan Scholar under Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.

Earlier during the opening ceremony, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Hj Daud bin Hj Mahmud, in his welcoming remarks said that three main committees are involved, namely Interview Committee, Bahasa Melayu Test Committee and the Ministry of Education Scholarship Committee.

He said currently the ministry handles the Ministry of Education Scholarship, the Department of Planning and Economic Development Human Resources Scholarship and the Brunei Administration Services Scholarship.

He said the ministry is also working closely with Brunei Shell and Royal Brunei Airlines on their scholarship schemes.

The event was aimed to provide:

• an opportunity for students and the public to find out more about scholarship schemes offered by the Ministry of Education, as well as by other government agencies and the private sector;
• other useful information such as education loans and ways to secure a place at overseas universities.

Students finding out about BSP scholarships.

Seeking information on studying in UK.