Ministry of Education of Brunei Darussalam

Overview

The Kementerian Pendidikan, Negara Brunei Darussalam (Ministry of Education, Brunei Darussalam) is the principal government agency responsible for overseeing and regulating the education system in Brunei. Its primary mission is to ensure that all Bruneian citizens have access to quality education and training, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to the country's economic and social development. The Ministry's responsibilities encompass all levels of education, from early childhood to higher education and it plays a pivotal role in shaping educational policies and strategies in alignment with national development goals.

History and Legal Framework

Established on January 1, 1984, following Brunei's independence, the Ministry of Education was formed to centralize and streamline the governance of the nation's education system. The foundation for Brunei's modern education system was laid earlier, with the creation of the Jabatan Pelajaran (Department of Education) in 1951. This department was instrumental in developing the educational framework under the direction of the British Resident, with assistance from local educators. The earliest draft on education policy was introduced in the First National Development Plan (1954–1959), which laid down the basic foundation for the infrastructure of Brunei’s education system, including provisions for six years of free education in Malay schools for Brunei children aged 6–14 years. The legal framework governing education in Brunei includes the Education Act, which provides the Minister with authority to exempt educational institutions from certain provisions, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of the education system.

Mission, Vision and Objectives: Role in Higher Education

The Ministry's mission is to provide quality education that meets the needs of the nation and its people. Its vision is to develop a well-educated and skilled workforce that can contribute effectively to the nation's development. In higher education, the Ministry aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of tertiary education, ensuring that institutions produce graduates who are competent, innovative and capable of meeting the challenges of a rapidly changing global landscape. The Ministry's objectives include fostering a culture of lifelong learning, promoting research and innovation and ensuring that higher education institutions align with national development priorities.

Governance, Structure and Independence

The Ministry of Education operates under the governance of the Sultan of Brunei, who holds supreme authority over the nation. The current Minister of Education is Datin Seri Setia Dr. Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Md Salleh, who took office on June 7, 2022. The Ministry's organizational structure comprises various departments, including the Department of Schools, the Department of Higher Education and the Secretariat of the Brunei Darussalam National Accreditation Council. These departments work collaboratively to implement educational policies and programs across the nation. While the Ministry operates within the framework of Brunei's absolute monarchy, it functions with a degree of autonomy in managing the education sector, guided by national policies and development plans.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation: Role in Higher Education

The Ministry plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of higher education in Brunei through the Brunei Darussalam National Accreditation Council (BDNAC). The BDNAC is responsible for evaluating and accrediting higher education institutions and programs, ensuring they meet national standards and international benchmarks. The Brunei Darussalam Qualifications Framework (BDQF) serves as a tool to classify and benchmark qualifications across various education sectors, including higher education. This framework aids in developing guidelines that classify qualifications based on agreed criteria, promoting transparency and comparability in the recognition of academic credentials.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The Ministry of Education actively engages in international cooperation to enhance the quality and relevance of Brunei's education system. It is a member of several regional and international educational organizations, including the Commonwealth of Learning (CoL), the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation (SEAMEO), the ASEAN Sub-Committee on Education (ASCOE) and the APEC Education Network (APEC EDNET). These memberships facilitate collaboration, knowledge exchange and participation in global educational initiatives, aligning Brunei's education policies with international best practices.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

The Ministry's strategic initiatives, such as the Strategic Plan 2023–2027, aim to transform Brunei's higher education landscape by focusing on quality, accessibility and relevance. Emphasis is placed on integrating technology, promoting research and innovation and fostering international partnerships. These efforts are expected to enhance the competitiveness of Brunei's higher education institutions, attract international students and produce graduates who are well-equipped to contribute to the nation's development and participate in the global economy.

Summary

The Kementerian Pendidikan, Negara Brunei Darussalam, serves as the cornerstone of the nation's education system, from early childhood through to higher education. Through its comprehensive policies, strategic planning and international collaborations, the Ministry strives to provide quality education that meets the evolving needs of Brunei's society and economy. Its commitment to excellence in education ensures that Brunei's citizens are well-prepared to face the challenges and opportunities of the future.

FAQs

• What is the role of the Ministry of Education in Brunei?
  The Ministry oversees and regulates the education system in Brunei, ensuring access to quality education at all levels and aligning educational policies with national development goals.
• When was the Ministry of Education established?
  The Ministry was established on January 1, 1984, following Brunei's independence. However, the foundation for modern education in Brunei was laid earlier with the creation of the Jabatan Pelajaran in 1951.
• Who is the current Minister of Education?
  The current Minister is Datin Seri Setia Dr. Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Md Salleh, who assumed office on June 7, 2022.
• What is the Brunei Darussalam Qualifications Framework?
  The BDQF is a tool developed by the Brunei Darussalam National Accreditation Council to classify and benchmark qualifications across various education sectors, ensuring transparency and comparability in academic credentials.
• Which international organizations is Brunei's Ministry of Education a member of?
  The Ministry is a member of the Commonwealth of Learning, ISESCO, SEAMEO, ASCOE and APEC EDNET, among others, facilitating international collaboration and knowledge exchange in education.

Organization Name

Ministry of Education of Brunei Darussalam
Kementerian Pendidikan, Negara Brunei Darussalam

Acronym

MoE

Year of Establishment

1954

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Old Airport, Berakas
Bandar Seri Begawan
BB 3510 Brunei and Muara Brunei

Phone

+673 2 381133

Fax

+673 2 380101

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

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Wikipedia Article

Ministry of Education of Brunei Darussalam's Wikipedia article

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