BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Romaizah Mohd Salleh emphasised the transformative role of Generative AI (GenAI) as a “cognitive partner” in language education, along with the importance of inclusivity, linguistic diversity and sustainability during the opening ceremony of the 60th SEAMEO Regional Language Centre (RELC) International Conference at the SEAMEO RELC in Singapore in her capacity as President of the South-East Asian Ministers of Education Organisation (SEAMEO) Council for the 2025-2027 term.
The minister also highlighted the significance of this year’s theme ‘Global Trends and Innovations in Language Education: Theory, Research, and Practice in Action’.
She also urged participants to translate research into meaningful practice, ensuring that innovations remain human-centred and equitable.
Following the opening ceremony, Romaizah conducted an official engagement at SEAMEO RELC in her capacity as President of the SEAMEO Council.
During the visit, the minister was briefed on the centre’s strategic roles, areas of expertise, and key programmes, including their regional impact and future development plans.
The session also highlighted the longstanding participation of Bruneian delegates, reflecting the cooperation between Brunei and the Centre. The engagement concluded with a tour of the centre’s facilities.
Romaizah also paid a courtesy call on Acting Minister (Community, Culture and Youth) and Senior Minister of State (Education), Singapore David Neo.
The meeting served to strengthen bilateral relations and provided a platform to exchange views on successful initiatives and shared interests in education, reflecting both nations’ commitment to nurturing future-ready generations.
The minister also visited recipients of the Brunei Darussalam-Singapore Youth Education Scholarship at Victoria Hall, R Singapore.
Romaizah encouraged the scholars to strive for academic excellence as young ambassadors of the Sultanate, while remaining firmly grounded in the values of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB), in preparation for their future roles as leaders.
Accompanying the minister were High Commissioner of Brunei to Singapore Noor Qamar Sulaiman, Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the Ministry of Education Dr Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati Tajuddin and as Chair of SEAMEO High Officials Meetings (SEAMEO HOM) for the 2024-2026 term, and officials from the ministry. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
