| Danial Norjidi |
A HIGHLY educated and skilful workforce will help to promote investment and build a modern economy that creates quality employment for the country, said Dr Haji Mohd Zamri bin Haji Sabli, Centre Director of Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation (SEAMEO) Regional Centre for Vocational and Technical Education and Training (Voctech) and Deputy CEO (Corporate), Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE).
He made these comments delivering a presentation on ‘Strengthening the Role and Effectiveness of TVET System’ at the regional forum yesterday at the SEAMEO Voctech.
He shared some of the good practices of the Brunei TVET system for preparing youth for employment, touching on the dynamics and challenges of TVET, education system and its alignment and articulation, strategies in strengthening the effectiveness of TVET system and the measures of success.
Speaking on dynamics and challenges of TVET, he said, “Governments and policymakers everywhere in the world recognise the importance of TVET as social and economic development for people and a nation.
“A dynamic system of TVET faces many challenges, and this includes the growing expectations of the young people. It also involves the global environment,” he said. “It is seen that a TVET system is very important in many countries. TVET is one of the SEAMEO seven priority areas.”
He highlighted that a TVET system does not stand alone. “There is a lot of collaboration and mutual support from all relevant stakeholders, from the government, the industry and the community as well.”
The centre director added, “Not every child responds equally well in academic pathways. The less academic can respond better and do well in a more hands-on and practical teaching and learning.”
“In this respect, society’s mindset must also change in line with the present day’s realities. Unlike the past, TVET is not for failures. The success of education system hinges on its ability to meet the different needs of students of alternative pathways, including that of a quality TVET system.”
He said, “This is our aspiration of TVET in Brunei Darussalam – to maximise student potential, to see they have social and career mobility, and lastly to have a first class post-secondary TVET system in Brunei Darussalam.”
He added that young people have a very important role in society, noting that today’s youth are the hope and leaders of tomorrow.
“Because of that, the future of society, country and community depends on our youth. So the youth must be prepared for our future. If they are not being prepared enough, we cannot say that the future will be brighter than today, because a strong building always has a strong foundation.”
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