Bandar Seri Begawan - The Minister of Education, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Awg Abu Bakar bin Hj Apong said the theme for the annual Teacher's Day gathering this year, "Quality Teachers, Innovative Students", emphasises the enhancement of teachers' achievements and abilities to provide quality education to produce excellent students covering holistic.

On withstanding competition and challenges of globalisation, the Minister of Education in his welcoming address during the event stressed that the teachers' capabilities tie up closely to the development of students who are expected to be "knowledgeable, pious, skilful, competent, virtuous, creative, innovative and are equipped with humanity skills."

Innovation, the minister said, is a crucial element for the society's success in economic, academic and social areas.

The theme, he added, is in line with the 10th National Development Plan (NDP), which focusses on the empowerment of productivity through education and innovation. "The country's progress relies on a society that is knowledgeable, skilful, innovative, practises education for life and considers research as a culture," he added.