James Kon
The Ministry of Education (MoE) and Progresif Sdn Bhd cemented a year-long partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish ‘Progresif for Schools’ at the Progresif Headquarters yesterday.
‘Progresif for Schools’ is a multi-dimensional collaborative programme designed to meet the common goal of ensuring the success of Brunei’s youth in meeting educational demands of the 21st Century.
The forged partnership aims to further national education objectives with the MoE and Progresif assessing the brand’s key competencies and strength as a telco and technology company and how it could serve the ministry in their mission to deliver a world class education.
Progresif CEO Hajah Nurul Haniah binti Haji Jaafar said, “Progresif has always been a strong advocate for education. We started this journey five years ago and along the way we have supported over 255 NGOs from all four pillars of our CSR (arts and culture, education, environment and entrepreneurship) and supported over 80 startups and 50 musical acts in performance and record singles.
“Education has and always will be one of our strategic CSR pillars. Supporting a Progresif Brunei is a cornerstone of our vision and mission where we take it upon ourselves as a corporate entity to help the nation achieve the Vision 2035, particularly in accomplishing educated and highly skilled individuals,” she added.
Under the ‘Progresif for School’ initiative, she said, “We will be launching a number of programmes. One of them is ‘Donate Your Quota Campaign’ where Progresif will be supporting connectivity to the schools and also getting the public involved by donating a certain amount of data quota to sponsor Wi-Fi in selected schools to better support the school’s access to online learning and training needs.”
In addition, Progresif will also be providing career advice for students, helping them identify their interest and career path.
“Through the ‘Progresif 1% Pledge’ that commits to giving one per cent back either in monetary form, in kind or volunteerism, our talented and dedicated professionals will be exchanging views and experience in the hope that it will contribute meaningfully to better prepare them for what lies ahead.”
As part of Progresif Partnership support, she said, “We will bring in some of our partners to provide interesting activities and programmes to support students and make them realise their full potential through a programme ‘The Intern’.
“At the same time being a market leader, it is a privilege for Progresif to share knowledge by conducting a cross- training programme in marketing and corporate communication for staff and teachers from the Ministry of Education.”
Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the MoE Dr Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati binti Haji Tajuddin signed for MoE, while Hajah Nurul Haniah signed for Progresif.
Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman was the guest of honour and witnessed the signing with Progresif Chairman Junaidi bin Haji Masri.
Before concluding the MoU signing ceremony, the Minister of Education also inked his support for the ‘Progresif 1% Pledge’ initiative.
Deputy Minister of Education Datin Seri Paduka Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh and senior officials from the MoE and Progresif were present.