Private Sector Play's Role In Education
By Shareen Han

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei's private schools are playing a crucial role in improving the quality of education and producing competent human resources for the benefit of the nation and its economy, said His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office.

His Royal Highness said in a sabda here yesterday that His Majesty's government welcomed the private sector's involvement and contributions in enhancing Brunei's educational infrastructure.

"The private sector's involvement should not only be seen as the country's economical gain. It has succeeded in raising the quality of education for the country's population," he further said during the official launching of Persekutuan GuruGuru Melayu Brunei's (PGGMB - Brunei Malay Teachers Association's) new school complex. His Royal Highness noted that 29 per cent of students in the country were enrolled in private schools in 2006, while 177 private educational schools were registered under the Ministry of Education. .

"With the involvement of private schools, opportunities to get basic education are increasing from year to year," His Royal Highness added, citing that the PGGMB school had also set a fine example in providing a conducive learning environment. His Royal Highness went on to say that the achievement of an educational institution required all stakeholders to make a long-term commitment and a good understanding of their roles and responsibilities.

His Royal Highness also remarked on the private sector's role in providing a competitive edge to strengthen the education industry and the country's economy. "The participation of the private sector in the educational field is also expected to uphold the nation's aspiration in producing educated citizens of calibre, through a quality educational system," His Royal Highness emphasised.

In addition, His Royal Highness urged the Ministry of Education to perform its, role in ensuring that the private education sector not betray parents' trust in sending their children to private schools.

"The enforcement of both the Education Order and Regulations by the Ministry of Education should be implemented continuously in ensuring the well-being and welfare of the students in private schools," His Royal Highness added. Antin Ahad, principal of the PGGMB secondary school, meanwhile, said the school had responded to the suggestion by the Ministry of Education for students to undertake religious studies at school.

"Parents should no longer face the hassle of sending their children to a religious educational institution in the afternoon," he pointed out.

He asserted that PGGMB spent a non-cash expenditure valued at $2.1 million over a period of six years to ensure that the religious school was in operation. Antin also pointed out that the second phase of another school building, currently used for secondary students, cost $3.5 million.

The first phase of the building for primary students was completed in August 1996 at about $6.8 million. There are currently 803 primary students and 52 teachers under the leadership of its primary section principal, Salmah Tengah.

On the other hand, some 427 secondary students and 33 teachers have since moved into the new secondary section building, as compared to 86 secondary students back in 2001.

The PGGMB association was established in 1939 with its first primary school located in Jalan Telepok. It also has a primary school in Kuala Belait named Tunas Jaya School.

The new school also boasts science and computer laboratories, a library, a prayer room, multi-purpose hall, co-curriculum activity room, audiovisual aids room, a canteen and a playing ground.

In line with the nation's IT drive, all students and teachers have access to the school's wireless internet facility. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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