Bandar Seri Begawan - The Ministry of Education (MoE) yesterday held its Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations at Rimba II Secondary School, which saw the Minister of Education Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong as the guest of honour.

Breaking away from the norm, the event was held following the concept of 'open house,' and saw 20 stalls and exhibits prepared by the departments under the ministry at their respective open houses.

During the event, the departments were given the opportunity to display open houses and prepare food and decorations in line with a theme of their choice.

The minister visited each of the departments' open houses,' and the celebrations were further enlivened by acting skits, dancing and the singing of traditional Raya songs by officers and staff under the ministry.

Organised by the Department of Planning, Research and Development, the event aimed at further strengthening ties between officers and staff of the MoE, while at the same time increase the level of understanding between them, particularly those of different cultures and religions.

The chairperson for yesterday's proceedings, Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh, delivered welcoming remarks, in which she explained, "Through this 'open house' concept, members of the MoE have the opportunity to invite people from different stalls and exhibits.

"It is hoped that this will encourage those under the ministry to get to know each other better and further strengthen the ties between them," she said.

She highlighted that in order to ensure development in line with the Ministry of Education's Strategic Plan 2012-2017, it is important to adopt a work culture of responsibility, integrity, leadership, honesty respect and teamwork.