| James Kon |
HIGHER education institutions and parents alike must ask how they can best prepare present and future generations to succeed in this transforming world.
This was highlighted by Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD )Datin Dr Hajah Anita Binurul Zahrina binti Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Aziz in her opening remarks at the Brunei Dialogue 2018, organised by UBD at the Royal Berkshire Hall of the Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club yesterday.
“There is no doubt that education is at the heart of efforts to make success. Therefore, it is important that we produce an education system that can develop the human potential rather than pitting it against machines.
“An education system that was designed for an industrial economy is now being automated and requires transformation from a system based on facts and procedures to one that actively applies knowledge for collaborative problem solving,” the vice-chancellor said.
Touching on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, she said, “We are on the verge of the Fourth Industrial Revolution or the digital revolution.
“The world is experiencing extraordinary change on a rapid speed. Coupled with globalisation, the digital revolution 4.0 brings with it exciting possibilities and new solutions to global challenges.”
At the same time, she said, “The digital revolution threatens to create technological unemployment while the society adapts to the new normal. Combined with climate change and rapid global population growth, this century is the most challenging that mankind has ever faced.
She highlighted that “In the past, writing and reading were important skills, but today what is more important is the adaptation of skills.
“The most valuable skill would be learning how to learn, unlearn and relearn. We need to de-construct the curriculum and design a learning experience that encourages learners to collaboratively solve real world challenges.
“We will succeed by working alongside machines rather than competing with them by programming them rather than being programmed by them.”
Datin Dr Hajah Anita Binurul Zahrina said UBD is aspiring to be a university of lifelong learning.
“Last year, UBD established the Centre for Lifelong Learning where we provide students opportunities for personal development and to enrich their professional skills.
“We offer a blended approach to learning and students can study at their own pace and place through multiple pathways without disrupting their career.
“This is our commitment to human capacity building which is aligned with Brunei’s long-term development plan Vision 2035.”