Meritorious Teacher award recipients share their experiences
By Za'im Zaini & Sonia K

Dato Paduka Cikgu Haji Kifli, a recipient of the
Award for Meritorious Teacher. - Photo: Hj Minor

Cikgu Dyg Hjh Masura and her family.

An interview with the two winners of the Award for Meritorious Teacher revealed that they both have one thing in common: a genuine interest in teaching.

Dato Paduka Cikgu Hj Kifli Bujang began his career on January 1, 1947 at Sekolah Melayu Kuala Belait (or KB Malay School).

He was then appointed as a qualified teacher on January 1, 1951.

He has also held various other important positions.

For example, in 1959, he was a Senior Assistant Researcher, a School Inspector in 1962, and an Examinations Officer in 1964.

When asked how he came to be in the teaching profession, he replied, "My parents actually asked me to be a teacher and it was also partly self-interest."

"The best moments for me are seeing my students become successful, as this shows their progress, and the saddest times would have to be seeing some students unable to advance."

He advised today's young teachers to work hard and hoped that they would be dedicated in educating their students, so that they will become useful citizens to the nation.

He added that for teaching, one has to be committed to the cause and keen while being on the job.

Meanwhile, the other recipient, 66-year-old Dyg Hjh Masura Hj Abidin, revealed that she began her teaching career just out of interest, but then it grew and developed along the way.

At the young age of 17, Dyg Hjh Masura was the first local to be appointed as a religious teacher by the Brunei British Resident on January 5, 1957.

She has been a teacher for over 49 years in 18 of the Sultanate's schools.

She also has a 10-year working experience as a religious teacher at the Ministry of Defence.

Dyg Hjh Masura also disclosed that during her years as a trainee teacher, she had always tried to advance herself by taking up exams like STP or LCE (better known as PMB).

Through teaching, she has been inspired to attempt new things and actively tried to improve herself.

She contributed her success to the support as well as encouragement and understanding of her husband, who passed away a few years ago.

She said that she never expected to win the award and wanted to thank all her family members, especially her mother, and all others for their prayers.

Her advice to young teachers is to "always try to learn new things, so that you are continually kept up-to-date."

Meanwhile, among the young teachers who attended the Teacher's Day celebration at ICC yesterday was 25-year-old Hj Shahrul Fadzillah Saharil from Puni Primary School in Temburong.

He added that the event was useful in showing appreciation and providing teachers with motivation to improve themselves.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin