Category: Literacy

JERUDONG — The 9th Higher Education Expo 2024 opened its doors on the 3rd of February, aimed at establishing a comprehensive One Stop Information Centre for Higher Education. Organized by the Ministry of Education, specifically through the Department of Higher Education, the Department of Scholarship Management, and the Brunei Darussalam National Accreditation Council, the expo is staged over two days at Hall 2 of BRIDEX, Jerudong.

According to Radio Television Brunei, the expo was inaugurated by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Minister of Home Affairs, serving as the Acting Minister of Education. A significant highlight of the expo was the launch of the Higher Education Information Hub Plus, a mobile application designed to serve as an information platform for higher education within the country. The expo, which runs until the 4th of February from 9 AM to 5 PM, also features a webinar session via the HE VIRTUAL EXPO channel on YouTube on the 5th and 6th of February 2024, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. This event provides a valuable opportunity for the public, especially students, to engage with representatives from higher education institutions and various education sector agencies to gather essential information.

MANILA - Oscar Joseph "OJ" Cantela, a promising Filipino chess player, is pursuing the prestigious title of FIDE Master, a recognition awarded by the World Chess Federation. The Grade 11 student at Far Eastern University - Diliman, part of the team that won the high school boys championship in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86, is coached by Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales.

According to Philippines News Agency, achieving the FIDE Master status requires participation in international tournaments against rated players to earn Elo rating points. His quest for the title will commence at the 21st Bangkok Chess Club Open, taking place at the Sheraton Hua Hin Resort and Spa in Phetchaburi, Thailand, from April 13 to 21. Cantela, who hails from San Juan Uno, General Trias, Cavite, currently holds a National Master title and boasts Elo ratings of 2009 (standard), 1772 (rapid), and 1791 (blitz).

Cantela expressed his aspirations for the upcoming tournament in Thailand, aiming to improve his Elo rating through strong performances. His efforts in the chess community have been notable, including winning a gold medal in the 16-under category at the 12th Dato' Tan Chin Nam Foundation Open Rapid Age-Group Chess Championship on August 27 last year and gaining 100 Elo rating points at the 2023 World Youth Chess Championships in Montesilvano, Italy, on November 24.

BELAIT - The Belait Arabic School celebrated the achievements of its students and teachers on the morning of February 3rd, during a Prize Presentation Ceremony. The event recognized the accomplishments of 46 students in the Student Progress Examinations and Primary School Assessment for the year 2023, alongside 18 teachers for their contributions to the school's success.

According to Radio Television Brunei, the ceremony aimed to acknowledge and appreciate the hard work and success of both students and educators. A Member of the Legislative Council, present at the ceremony, emphasized the importance of fostering enthusiasm, potential, and motivation within the school community through such recognitions. The awards serve not only as a testament to the recipients' dedication but also as an inspiration for the entire school community to strive for excellence.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – The 12th World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC) commenced on 29th January at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and will continue until 2nd February. The congress, themed 'Connecting People, Creating Tomorrow,' is attended by a delegation from Politeknik Brunei, comprising a lecturer and two students, led by Awang Muhammad Hazazi Rifaie bin Said.

According Radio Television Brunei, the WEEC aims to facilitate global discussions and sharing of knowledge about educational programs focusing on environmental and sustainable development.

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM – Celebrating 40 years of diplomatic relations between Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of India, a reception was held on the evening of January 26th to commemorate the 75th Republic Day of India. The event was a testament to the growing and friendly relations between the two nations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1984.

According to Radio Television Brunei, Representing His Majesty's Government at the reception was Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar, Minister of Health. His Excellency Alok Amitabh Dimri, High Commissioner of India, highlighted the progress in various fields, including trade and investment. He also identified agriculture, education, and health as key areas for future cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and India.

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – The Korean Junior Study Camp, aimed at fostering academic, cultural, and skills development for students aged 10 to 12, concluded with a closing ceremony on the night of January 26th. The event was held at Laksamana College of Business (LCB) in Bandar Seri Begawan.

According to Radio Television Brunei, The camp, organized in collaboration with an external organization from South Korea and facilitated by LCB lecturers, provided participants with a unique learning experience. It moved beyond traditional education methods by integrating international learning styles, skill development, and insights into studying abroad. The camp's activities were designed to offer a transformative experience that combines academic enrichment with cultural exposure.

An election ceremony for the position of Village Head took place in Kampung Mulaut, Mukim Sengkurong, on the morning of January 21st. The event was hosted at Pengiran Anak Puteri Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam Religious School in Kampung Mulaut.

According to Radio Television Brunei, Pengiran Muhammad Ameer Mubarak bin Pengiran Haji Hashim, the Acting Brunei Muara District Officer, emphasized the importance of the Village Head's role in fostering understanding, unity, and harmony within the community. He also noted the Village Head's responsibilities in conducting consultations and meetings related to community welfare with the Village Consultative Council. Awang Hamizan bin Haji Mustapa, the sole candidate for the vacant position, received 82 votes in favor. The results of the election will be submitted to the Board of Appointment, Discipline, and Procedures of Penghulu Mukim and Village Head, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, for the final selection process. A Member of the Legislative Council was also present at the ceremony.

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN - The Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Tahfiz Al-Qur'an Institute has welcomed 63 students for secondary level studies this year. The admission ceremony for these new students was held on the morning of January 20th, marking the beginning of their educational journey at the institute.

According to Radio Television Brunei, During the ceremony, Awang Haji Abdul Rajid bin Haji Mohd Salleh, the Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary for Policy and Religion at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, addressed the students. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of balancing the memorization of Al-Qur'an with academic subjects and other skills. The event also included the presentation of Mushaf Al-Qur'an and a pledge reading by the new students. Prior to the ceremony, these students had participated in an Orientation Week, which spanned six days starting from January 8th.

CEBU CITY: The Cebu provincial government's extensive school feeding program has garnered additional backing from the private sector, as announced on Tuesday. Purefoods-Hormel Company Inc., a prominent processed meat firm, has pledged to contribute canned goods, including corned beef and chicken luncheon meat, to the Sugbo School Feeding Program. Governor Gwendolyn Garcia highlighted the company's commitment, spurred by the program's evident benefits to schoolchildren.

According to Philippines News Agency, Jose Gabriel Cruz, the vice president and CEO of Purefoods visited Garcia before Christmas to formalize their support for the feeding initiative.

This new pledge comes in addition to the three tons of dressed chicken previously donated by San Miguel Food and Beverage Inc. San Miguel Food has promised to donate an additional 7,000 kilos of dressed chicken for the porridge provided to learners once the program resumes post-New Year celebrations. The daily feeding program, operated by the Department of Education, aims to feed 878,619 Kindergarten to Grade 12 students across 1,594 public schools in the province until June 2024.

Bandar Seri Begawan – The 117th Special Women's Munajat Night Talk, organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and supported by the Basmida Association Women Congregants, was held at Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam Mosque in Kampung Jerudong and virtually. The event stressed the importance of parents as primary educators in imparting religious knowledge and values to children.

According to Radio Television Brunei, Datin Hajah Masni binti Haji Mohd Ali, President of BASMIDA, attended the event alongside Datin Hajah Nahriah binti Haji Awang Asbi, wife of the Minister of Religious Affairs, and Datin Hajah Norazimah binti Haji Ramlee, wife of the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs. The event also saw participation from muslimahs from mosques, surau, religious halls nationwide, and female staff from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and its departments and institutions. The talks emphasized the need for children to receive foundational religious education to guide them towards virtuous paths and away from detrimental influences like drug abuse.

Tokyo - His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, expressed anticipation for further enhancing relations with Japan as the two countries approach their 40th anniversary of friendship in 2024. This sentiment was shared during a Working Lunch with Japan's Prime Minister, His Excellency Fumio Kishida, in Tokyo. His Majesty was accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen.

According to radio Television Brunei, During the luncheon, held at the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo and coinciding with the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit, His Majesty conveyed his appreciation for the opportunity to officially visit Japan. He extended congratulations to Prime Minister Kishida and the Japanese Government for hosting the Summit and invited the Prime Minister and his spouse, Mrs. Yuko Kishida, for an official visit to Brunei Darussalam. His Majesty also extended best wishes for Japan's successful hosting of the World Expo 2025 in Osaka.

A key highlight of His Majesty's visit was the signing of the “Memorandum of Cooperation between the Prime Minister's Office of Brunei Darussalam and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan on the Realisation of Energy Transition." This agreement aims to bolster energy cooperation between the two nations.

His Majesty also acknowledged Japan's ongoing support for various initiatives, including the ASEAN Climate Change Centre, the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS), the Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Programme (SSEAYP), and the MEXT scholarships. These programs are instrumental in enhancing friendship and understanding, a sentiment echoed by Prime Minister Kishida.

The upcoming visit of His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office of Brunei Darussalam, to Japan in March 2024, was also discussed. This visit is seen as significant in the context of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the Brunei-Japan Friendship Year in 2024.

In addition to energy cooperation, discussions also encompassed bilateral cooperation in defense, maritime sectors, regional and international matters, including the development of ASEAN-Japan Dialogue Relations and the situation in Palestine.

The Working Lunch concluded with a Joint Press Statement issued by Brunei Darussalam and Japan, underscoring the enduring and warm relations between the two countries since the establishment of diplomatic ties on April 2, 1984. The partnership encompasses cooperation in energy, trade and investment, education, and people-to-people exchanges.

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN - In a recent Friday sermon, the Imam or Prayer Leader underscored the importance of respect and kindness towards the elderly, as taught in Islam. The sermon highlighted that such values should be ingrained from childhood, particularly in the way children interact with their parents and older community members.

According to Radio Television Brunei, Prophet Muhammad SAW advocated for the good treatment of adults, emphasizing that the elderly should be treated with love and respect. In Islam, caring for the elderly is seen as a hallmark of piety. The community is encouraged to educate children to behave civilly towards everyone, especially parents and older individuals. Demonstrating concern and sympathy for the elderly by maintaining good relationships was a key message of the sermon.