His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam recently graced the 100th-year celebration of the establishment of Chung Hwa Middle School (CHMS) in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Accompanying the monarch were His Majesty’s sons and brothers; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.
In a titah at the event, the sultan said that the pandemic has caused a decrease in face-to-face learning and teaching periods, resulting in learning loss among students, especially at the primary and secondary levels.
“I hope private education institutions will also take this issue seriously and be responsible in ensuring learning recovery can be carried out successfully”, said the monarch.
His Majesty further said in acknowledging contributions from private education institutions, the government through the ministry of education and ministry of religious affairs will continue to provide support for professional development programmes, paralleled with the National Education System’s curriculum implementation requirement.
This is to ensure an equal and inclusive education can be given to all parties, added the sultan.
“One of the main factors that are of interest is the school’s achievement in producing excellent students. In my opinion, such an achievement can produce a highly skilled and educated generation in the coming years,” said His Majesty.
“Aside from appreciating the school’s achievement, I would also like to take the opportunity to remind all schools and educators in the country to never forget to instil Bruneian values among the students. This is because it is only the way to maintain harmony and realise solidarity,” added the sultan.
The monarch lauded the CHMS community for its achievement which is evident that the importance of education has long been the country’s major agenda with concerted efforts also carried out by the Tiong Hwa community.
On his part, Chairman of CHMS Board of Directors Ong Tiong Oh underscored five aspects of education at CHMS including physical and mental shaping as well as strengthening social values.
“For a century-old school to remain relevant and effective in providing educational services, it is necessary to take measures in facing challenges in the changing times while strengthening the noble values of Brunei,” said Ong, adding that CHMS emphasises innovative education in keeping with the digital and globalisation era.
His Majesty then presented long-service awards to 15 members of CHMS board of directors prior to watching a colourful performance from the students highlighting the school’s establishment.
Furthermore, CHMS became the first school in the country to be named as ‘Microsoft Showcase School’ in 2014.
The private education institution offers a three-language learning environment namely Malay, English and Mandarin.
His Majesty and other members of the royal family then proceeded to witness the school’s academic exhibition, highlighting CHMS’s teaching and learning medium.
The event also features “The Future of Education” exhibition which showcased projects by the Science, Mathematics, and Malay, MIB and Jawi departments.
Attractive interactive learning was also highlighted in the Teaching and Learning Resource Room.
Started as a hut school, it has grown and expanded throughout the years to the present day, providing kindergarten, primary and secondary-level education.
CHMS continues to provide quality education to students, aligned with its vision ‘To be the Most Sought-After School in Brunei.’
The arrival of His Majesty and members of the royal family at CHMS was greeted by Minister of Education Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah Haji Mohd. Salleh and Ong Tiong Oh.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
