The 19th Teachers’ Day celebration took place yesterday at the International Convention Centre, in Berakas. School teachers were given a public holiday except those who were involved in the Brunei General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (BGCE ‘O’ Level) Physics 3 and invigilators of the Geography 2 papers.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzadin Waddaulah and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday called for a teaching standard that can be used as a benchmark for quality, similar to that of other developed countries. The call comes in light of developed and developing nations today constantly striving to improve their education systems.

Also present at the ceremony were His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, HRH Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah, HRH Prince Hj Jefri Bolkiah, HRH Prince ‘Abdul `Azim, HRH Prince ‘Abdul Malik and HRH Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

Speaking on the theme for this year that reads “Quality Teachers, the Basis for Excellence in Education”, His Majesty said quality teachers are needed to educate and enrich students with knowledge and expertise through attractive and effective methodology.

Teachers are the agents that produce innovative, outstanding, bright ideas and capable students. Such type of teachers is what we want to bring about changes to achieve the country’s 2035 vision and to face the ever-changing world.

“Today’s teachers are digital immigrants while students are digital natives. It means that teachers should work extra hard and be capable to face any developments and should reach the required standard. It is high time for us to have a teacher’s standard which could become a benchmark for quality teachers as in other developed countries,” the monarch said.

“As a small nation, we cannot isolate ourselves from engaging the waves of change towards progress,” His Majesty said. “Instead, we should continue to focus our attention and efforts in reaping better results as well as prepare ways to make it a reality because time will not wait for us,” he added.

His Majesty, however, reminded those present that in the urgency and passion in pursuing development, Brunei must not slide from our pillars of strength that form the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy.

“The elements contained in MIB are important to preserve as our pillar for preparing a generation that is knowledgeable, faithful and pious,” the monarch said.

In addition to having a high-quality education system, he highlighted the importance of the teachers’ role. “If this is neglected, it would be hard for us to optimally achieve our targets. That is why efforts towards preparing quality teachers are a right and justified move,” His Majesty said.

The monarch touched on the overall quality of the country’s education system, saying that he “had witnessed our country achieve a very good position in the international arena”.

The success in the international arena included Brunei’s successful implementation of its Education For All (EFA) programme.

“Brunei is at the top position among Asean countries and is placed 36th out of 129 countries,” said His Majesty.

“Our success in implementing EFA in this country has ensured that its residents are educated. This puts Brunei in the same group of countries with Very High Human Development Index, such as Japan and the USA.”