Educational system needs study
By Khairunnisa Ibrahim

Bandar Seri Begawan - There should be more research done on the progress and development of education in Brunei, particularly in the field of teaching, a local scholar said yesterday.

Dr Haji Awang Asbol bin Haji Mail, a senior lecturer in the History Department, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, said that such research is valuable and needed, but also lacking.

He encouraged those interested to do research on the development of teaching in the country, in both Malay and English.

"Teachers are one of the main contributors to national development," Dr Haji Awang Asbol said, adding their role in nation-building justified the need for the research.

The history lecturer, who did his Masters and PhD studies at the University of Malaya, spoke to The Brunei Times following the signing of an agreement, giving the rights of the publication of his Masters' thesis manuscript to the Brunei History Centre.

The manuscript, entitled History of the Development of Education (1950-1985), traces the development of the educational system in the country in 35 years.

According to the lecturer, one of the most significant developments throughout the period is the introduction of secondary and higher education in 1966.

Formerly, locals only had access up to Primary 6 education.

Another notable progress is the introduction of English medium schools in the 1950s, with foreign teachers brought in from India and the Philippines, among others.

Dr Haji Awang Asbol said the publication is targeted towards academics, teachers, students and researchers of history.

Signing the agreement on behalf of the Brunei History Centre was its director, Dr Mohd Hadi bin Mohd Mellayong.

The director expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, adding that Dr Haji Awang Asbol's work has added significantly to the store of knowledge on Brunei's history and provides a useful reference on the educational development in the country.

He also encouraged and welcomed other local writers to contribute their historical works and research to the centre.

"This is in line with the objective of the Historical Centre, which is to become a resource and reference centre, and facilitate the dissemination and sharing of information," he pointed out. The Malay-medium manuscript is available at the Brunei History Centre bookstore in both paperback and hardcover versions for $8 and $13, respectively.  -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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