| Rokiah Mahmud |
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 yesterday graced the 27th National Teacher’s Day celebration held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.
Accompanying His Majesty 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 Mateen; and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel.
Upon arrival at the ICC, His Majesty and members of the royal family were greeted by Minister of Education Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman and Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman in their capacities as Co-Chairman of the Executive Organising Committee for the 27th National Teacher’s Day celebration, as well as other members of the organising committee.
The ceremony began with a recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah specially dedicated to Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam, as well as teachers who have departed.
A Doa Selamat was then read by The State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.
This was followed by the recitation of Surah Al-Imran verses 159 – 161 by Ahmad Syuza’iee bin Mudim Haji Matassim – Brunei’s representative for the International Al-Quran Reading Competition held in Kuwait – while its interpretation was delivered by Haji Mohd Sharol Azmi bin Haji Abdul Muluk, Deputy Director of the Centre of Core Knowledge at the Religious Teacher’s University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB).
In a welcoming address, the Minister of Education explained that this year’s Teacher’s Day celebration carries the theme ‘Teachers Excellence, the Core of an Ummah’s Success’, holding teachers as individuals entrusted to create “complete citizens who are able to fulfil, in a balanced way, the demands of this world and the hereafter”.
“Complete individuals (Syumul) are individuals who are knowledgeable, noble in personality, dignified in manners and have a strong sense of identity in upholding the religion, the nation and the country’s sovereignty,” said the minister.
“Hence, the teachers’ duties are not only limited to their efforts in teaching various knowledge, skills and values but also to enhance the continuous and complex process of developing the physical, cognitive, social and spiritual aspects (of students)in an integrated manner.
“In the context of Brunei Darussalam, teachers’ excellence rest in their efficiency in utilising and expanding the overall potential of individuals and human capital to optimum levels,” added the minister.
“This excellence is the core component in generating the nation’s success; produce highly-skilled, successful individuals and a high quality of life among citizens; and creating a dynamic and resilient economy based on loyalty to the king, faith, and piety to Allah the Almighty.
“Thus, teachers need to always be proactive and progressive to enhance their excellence in pursuit of the nation’s success in the international arena.”
The celebration was enlivened with a Syair stage performance, entitled ‘Kecemerlangan Guru Teras Kejayaan Ummah’, and a series of medley songs called ‘Guru Oh Guru’, ‘Jasamu Guru’, ‘Pelita Hidupku’ and ‘Terima Kasih Cikgu’.
The performances were given by six special needs students – comprising one wheelchair-bound student, two students with impaired vision, and three hearing-impaired students, six primary school students, 10 secondary school students, seven students from higher education institutions, four primary and secondary school teachers, and six officers and staff from the Special Education Unit of the Ministry of Education.
The highlight of yesterday’s celebration was the presentation of teacher’s awards by His Majesty.
The Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Education Award – the highest award for Teacher’s Day – was bestowed to Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Home Affairs.
The Meritorious Teacher’s Award went to Dato Paduka Awang Haji Ali Hashim bin Haji Daud.
Excellent Teacher Award were presented to Cikgu Haji Mat Dani bin Haji Abu Bakar from Tanah Jambu Primary School (Excellence in School Leadership); Pengiran Dr Mohammad Iskandar bin Pengiran Haji Petra from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (Excellence in Engineering); Cikgu Haji Maidi bin Haji Ahmad from Lumapas Religious School (Excellence in Religious Special Education); Cikgu Mariah binti Haji Abdul Manaf from Institute of Brunei Technical Education (Excellence in Management); and Cikgu Zaitunah binti Haji Kurus from Institute of Brunei Technical Education (Excellence in Agro-Technology).
Twenty recipients were named for the Special Mention for the Teacher’s Day Award.
Prior to leaving the venue, His Majesty and members of the royal family viewed the exhibition set up in conjunction with the 27th Teacher’s Day celebrations, and greeted Teacher’s Day award recipients from 2011-2016, teachers, students and performers for the event.
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