Answer to Written Question PT007

QUESTION

Yang Berhormat Dayang Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin

YANG BERHORMAT DAYANG HAJAH ROSMAWATTY BINTI HAJI ABDUL MUMIN asked MENTERI PENDIDIKAN to state the ministry’s strategy for recognising industry professionals as adjunct lecturers, and the extent to which the ministry is considering an adjunct lecturer scheme with mobility between universities, as well as a clear recognition and career development pathway.

ANSWER

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan

The Ministry of Education recognises that the synergy between academia and industry is a key pillar in realising the vision and mission of the Ministry of Education Strategic Plan, and thereby the aspirations of Wawasan Brunei 2035, particularly in producing human capital that is relevant to the needs of the global labour market. The ministry’s strategy for recognising industry professionals as adjunct lecturers or expert facilitators is not merely a formal appointment, but forms part of the transformation towards a more dynamic and inclusive higher and vocational education ecosystem.

The recruitment of part-time academic personnel from industry is carried out through the existing Adjunct Lecturer Scheme, which is under the control and monitoring of the respective higher education institutions (IPT) and TVET institutions. Professionals and experts from industry and the private sector have long been recognised by the Ministry of Education through their appointment as adjunct lecturers by IPT and TVET institutions under this scheme. As experts appointed as adjunct lecturers serve on a part-time basis, they may serve at more than one institution, whether locally or abroad, subject, among other things, to their willingness and the suitability of their expertise. If they wish to pursue a career as full-time academic personnel, they may apply for permanent or contractual positions offered by educational institutions.

For information, in addition to the pathway as adjunct lecturers, industry professionals are also involved in Faculty Advisory Boards and Industry Board Advisory Meetings at IPT and TVET institutions. These platforms enable industry experts to contribute directly to curriculum reviews, ensuring that every programme module is aligned with the latest technological trends and industry best practices. These professionals not only provide strategic input, but are also frequently invited to deliver guest lectures to share practical, real-world experience with students, serving as a catalyst for motivation and a bridge to the world of work. Collaboration with industry experts at universities also extends to joint research projects, which indirectly provides a career development pathway for industry practitioners in the fields of research and education. This measure ensures that the quality of the country’s higher education continues to improve through the integration of up-to-date technical knowledge.