BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah has consented to the establishment of the National Intervention Centre for Early Childhood Education (NICEe), which will provide early educational intervention for children aged two to four from 2027.
In a titah in conjunction with the 36th National Teachers’ Day celebration at the International Convention Centre in Berakas on Wednesday, His Majesty said the centre would be jointly led by the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, and Ministry of Home Affairs.
His Majesty stressed the importance of strengthening early childhood intervention and providing inclusive early education to ensure every child, regardless of background or ability, has equal opportunities to develop to their full potential.
The establishment of NICEe was announced as His Majesty highlighted the need to further strengthen the education system and ensure that learning and teaching processes continue to improve.
His Majesty also called on the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Religious Affairs to work together to enhance the curriculum, particularly in strengthening the inculcation of moral values and the principles of Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) from primary school.
His Majesty said educators carried the responsibility not only of equipping students with knowledge and technological skills, but also of shaping their character, morals and values.
Turning to the achievements of the country’s education system, His Majesty expressed pleasure that the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2025 found students in Brunei reporting highly positive teacher support, exceeding the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average.
His Majesty noted that Brunei was among the few countries to record improvements in all three PISA domains – science, mathematics and reading.
More than 70 per cent of students also achieved performance levels exceeding expectations in computational problem-solving, placing Brunei among the top two countries participating in PISA for the assessment.
His Majesty congratulated the country’s teachers, saying the achievement would not have been possible without their unwavering commitment and sacrifices.
On teachers’ welfare, His Majesty said the Government would continue to prioritise the wellbeing of educators, including addressing the workload and teaching challenges they faced.
His Majesty urged the Ministry of Education to improve the integrated and effective management of relief teachers to safeguard teachers’ welfare and maintain the quality of teaching and learning.
His Majesty also extended his appreciation for the dedication, sacrifices and services of teachers in educating and guiding the nation’s future generations.
The titah was delivered under this year’s Teachers’ Day theme, “Guru: Pemangkin Pendidikan Lestari dan Inovasi” or “Teachers: Catalyst for Sustainable Education and Innovation”, which recognises the role of teachers in strengthening a quality, sustainable and relevant education system capable of producing creative generations who can adapt to changing times. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
