| Lyna Mohamad |
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 emphasised the importance of updating current teaching methods to meet 21st Century expectations in a titah at the 28th Teacher’s Day Celebration at the International Convention Centre, Berakas.
The monarch began by noting that highly skilled and educated citizens and residents are central to a nation’s development and competitive power.
“Consequently, a quality education is the first step towards producing successful human resources. This is where teachers are needed, as a positive influence in shaping the characters of children in this country,” said His Majesty.
“Our world is currently undergoing rapid technological progress, resulting in tremendous changes in all aspects of life. The growth of the digital industry centred on the Internet of Things (IOT), artificial intelligence (AI) and the building of smart robots, contribute to these changes, particularly in the workplace, industrial structure, social interaction and administrative system.
“With that, we will need to confront this challenge. If not, we will be left behind.
“In this context, the field of education is also immensely and deeply impacted; therefore, the educational system and teacher training courses are required to adopt significant changes, particularly in the preparation of a new curriculum and the requisite skills.
“Teachers are not merely there to teach or guide students for examinations; they should also show them how to prepare for challenges in this age of rapid globalisation and technology.
“This means that teachers are also required to teach 21st Century competency from the elementary to the higher levels, for the development of creative thinking and cultural sensitivity among students.”
The monarch also stressed the need for more capable teachers, to cope with increasingly complex demands of the teaching profession.
“Therefore, it is essential to update the criteria and recruitment process for new teachers through the Master of Teaching programme at the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education, to ensure that the country’s teachers are truly qualified,” said His Majesty.
“This includes important updates to the content of the Master of Teaching programme, inclusive of effective training methods. Our country needs well-trained teachers to be entrusted with the development of good character.
“It is my wish to see the teaching profession as the main career choice in this country. With that, we need to give more attention to the welfare of teachers.
“The teaching environment, including recruitment and professional development, requires a more efficient and organised implementation so that teachers can continue to provide quality education.”
His Majesty concluded the titah on the hope for more commitment among teachers in terms of providing quality education.
“Their dedication is apparent in their partnership with parents and guardians. On this note, I welcome the inaugural Parents and Teachers Association Convention which was held earlier this year, and which should be extended to the rest of the community or non-govermental organisations that can also contribute towards a quality education.”