Success stories at MTSSR orientation
By James Kon

Cikgu Noorzainab Haji Abdul Ladi, giving a brief opening remarks.

Some 505 students accepted for the 40th intake of Sultan Saiful Rijal Technical College for the July session 2004 started their two-day orientation yesterday morning.

Guest of honour was Cikgu Haji Mohd Daud Bin Haji Mahmud, the Director of Technical Education Department of the Ministry of Education.

He shared success stories of MTSSR graduates, and he gave the example of a student from the electrical programme who is now a small electrical contractor.

He added two other students graduated from the apprenticeship in professional cookery and services with RBC. One of them is now with Brunei Shell Tankers as Chef and the other had just graduated with honours in BA in Culinary Arts from the UK.

The success stories from some of the MTSSR graduates set good examples for the new intake students, he said. He hope the students would follow the same routes as the successful graduates.

Studying in MTSSR will also provide students the opportunity to get a qualification, which is recognised, internationally with value added work experience, he said.

The Director of Technical Education also urged students to use their skills and knowledge to create and develop technology and products that can be used in daily life.

Gaining experience through part time work will enhance the student's skills, competitiveness and survival in the ever challenging world, he said.

Touching on the issues of allowances, the guest of honour said that His Majesty's Government allocates 9 million dollars annually to pay for allowances to purchase necessary items directly related to the courses.

He hoped students could inculcate themselves with good financial management to practice saving.

One of the strategic goals of the Department of Technical Education is to upgrade MTSSR physically, organisationally and programmes wise, he said.

The recent signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Technical Education and Royal Brunei Airlines for the aviation training will further enhance the capability of the college to deliver an internationally recognised aviation qualification, he said.

Over the 40 years of intake, the quality of education and knowledge are getting higher and the value of getting accepted in a technical school has increased, said the chairperson, Cikgu Noorzainab Haji Abdul Ladi,

She congratulated the students picked among 1,700 applicants to qualify for a place in the Sultan Saiful Rijal Technical College.

She hoped the students would make good use of the opportunity and study hard to achieve their ambitions.

With the completion of the speeches, the students read out the students oaths lead by Awang Muhd Mutawakkillah Bin Haji Idris of the MTSSR Student Council. Also present at the ceremony was the Acting principal of MTSSR, Cikgu Pg Suhaimi Pg Haji Bakar.

The new students will be taking up various courses in National Trade Certificates, Pre-National Diploma and National Diploma. They will have to undergo a series of games and talks during the two-day orientation to enhance the relationship between students and members of the student's council.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin