His Majesty’s Titah on Education,

“ ...a system that will always prepare policy and curriculum that are relevant to the job market and national needs, especially at tertiary and vocational levels”
[UBD 13th convocation, 6th September 2001]

“Investment in human resources can raise human capital. The special nature of human capital is that it will never be obsolete or reduced even when used, different from other capital. So education has to be viewed seriously, not only by educators but by every individual, because it is a question of national survival and the future”
[National Day, 23rd February 2003]

“National Education should provide a dynamic, forward looking educational programme to provide knowledge and skills required by industry and services without ignoring values”
[National Day, 23rd February 2003]

“Prepare curriculum with the objective of inculcating a lifelong learning culture, so that the Bruneian society is well educated”
[National Day, 23rd February 2003]

Quality education as main provider of quality manpower
The drive for diversification away from oil and gas had been in the forefront of the National Development Plan. The Ministry of Education sees itself as playing an important role in supporting the government’s diversification objectives through the enhancement of the quality of education system and lifelong learning experiences. These are essential cornerstones for expanding individual options for youth and adults, enhancing business and community organisations, and strengthening families.

Alignment to National Development Plan
In building a globally dynamic and competitive knowledge-based economy, education is central to the strengthening of human capital. The economies of the 21st century require workers to be life long learners with the capacity to continuously adapt and change as opportunities and labour market of the knowledge economy change. The education system of Negara Brunei Darussalam therefore has to evolve and align with the direction espoused in the National Development Plan. The close alignment of its strategic plan to the National Development Plan ensures its support in achieving the nation’s objectives. Objectives relevant to the Ministry of Education as highlighted by the Economic Planning and Development Department are those related to efforts in strengthening Brunei’s economic leverages, the intensification of economic diversification agenda, acceleration of human resource development with particular focus on ICT, transiting into a knowledge-based economy and furthering the country’s socioeconomic progress.

At the core of the Ministry of Education’s remit is the enhancement of quality educational experience within the percept of life long learning. Learning is the critical renewable resource which the nation can capitalize on. The Ministry of Education supports the development and implementation of programmes which allow for learning throughout life in a variety of contexts, encompassing all levels from preschool through to tertiary and extending to those even outside the education system.

Impacts of Globalisation
Globalisation has a multi-dimensional impact on the system of education. The impact has underlined the need for us to reform our educational system with particular reference to the wider utilisation of information technology, giving a productivity dimension to the educational system and placing emphasis on research and development. Education is the key to a knowledge economy that will enable us to compete effectively on the global front. We need to produce higher quality manpower with the ability to create, share and use knowledge that will enable us to tap into the global bank of knowledge, by assimilating, adapting and innovating to local needs.

The Ministry of Education’s membership in UNESCO as well as to other international organisations reflects the Ministry of Education’s firm commitment to enhancing the quality of education and developing a contextual framework that will propel Brunei’s education internationally and clearly within a global context. It will consequently complement the Millennium Development Goal, as enshrined in UNESCO DAKAR 2000. The education system needs to be adaptable to changes in demands of society and market economies. We need to invest more in a knowledge infrastructure with quality institutions, a flexible curriculum at all levels of education, new kinds of teacher training, and use of ICT to enhance the teaching and learning process. Students should learn by doing and discovering. Flexibility in the education system in accommodating the students’ needs as well as having efficient assessment capability are ways that can maximise learners’ potential.

Each individual needs knowledge, skills and competencies to meet changing economic conditions, job requirements, and new technology. They need to be encouraged to take risks, be more flexible and adaptable, with marketable skills. Further, individuals need to demonstrate resourcefulness, self-reliance and work well with others.