Bandar Seri Begawan - The Ministry of Education through its Administrative and Services Depai lent and in collaboration with the higher education sector, celebrated a total of 119 retiring staff from 2011 of the ministry and its departments yesterday, during a ceremony held at the Main Conference Hall of the International Convention Centre in Berakas.

The guest of honour at the event was the Minister of Education, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Awg Abu Bakar bin Hj Apong, who presented certificates and souvenirs to the retiring staff.

Also present were the Deputy Minister of Education, Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Yusoff bin Hj Ismail, deputy permanent secretaries and officers of the ministry.

Dk Hjh Mastoli binti Pengiran Seri Indera Pg Hj Ismail presented a speech as representative of the retiring staff The 119 retiring staff - 75 men and 44 women - consist of officers, instructors and general staff who have served in schools, colleges and institutes of higher education.

The purpose of the ceremony was to show the government's appreciation and recognition of their contributions, as well as to strengthen and maintain the relationship between the retirees and those currently employed at the ministry.

Among the notable retired officers were Dk Hjh Mastoli binti Pengiran Seri Indera Pg Hj Ismail, the former Director-General of Education; Dr Hj Kassim bin Hj Daud, former Director of Planning, Development and Research; Awg Hj Muhammad Masa Masdi bin Muhammad Sa'idun, former Director of Examinations; and former Senior Special Duties Officer Dr Awg Hj Mohammad Yusop bin Hj Awg Damit.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin