Answer for Oral Question PL229

QUESTION

Yang Berhormat Dayang Chong Chin Yee

YANG BERHORMAT DAYANG CHONG CHIN YEE asked the MINISTER OF ECONOMY, TRADE AND INDUSTRY to state whether the Basic Tourist Guide Course could be expanded to include various languages through public institutions such as the Lifelong Learning Centre (L3C) and the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE), and whether the course fee of $1,033 could be reduced.

ANSWER

Yang Berhormat Menteri Ekonomi, Perdagangan dan Industri

1) Regarding Collaboration with Public Training Institutions and the Issue of Trainers

For information, this Ministry, through the Tourism Development Department, has indeed continuously established strategic collaborations with public institutions such as the Lifelong Learning Centre (L3C) and the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE). This collaboration encompasses various capacity- and competency-building programmes for the hospitality and tourism industry workforce, including the Basic Tourist Guide Course and language skills courses.

However, in conducting the Basic Tourist Guide Course specifically, public institutions are currently still facing constraints in terms of the availability of skilled trainers and local specialists. This limits the ability of these institutions to conduct the course.

2) Regarding the Mandarin-Speaking Tourist Guide Course Initiative

To meet the demands of the international tourism market for more tourist guides fluent in Mandarin, the Ministry intended to conduct this special course together with L3C. However, L3C was not yet ready in terms of preparing the module and providing specialised trainers.

Therefore, the Tourism Development Department took proactive steps by collaborating with a private institution to conduct the Basic Tourist Guide Course in Mandarin. However, the organisation of the Mandarin course had to be temporarily postponed as the number of registrations received had not yet reached the minimum participant quota required to enable a training session to be conducted.

3) Regarding the Explanation of the Fee Structure ($1,033)

Regarding the issue of the fee rate of $1,033 per participant, the Ministry wishes to explain that this fee is determined based on comprehensive cost expenditure. This is to ensure that the quality of the training and the certification issued meet and are recognised according to international standards. The cost breakdown comprises four main components:

• First, Appointment of an External Expert (Expert Trainer): This covers the costs of logistics, airfare, accommodation and the expertise of invited experts from Malaysia who possess specialised expertise in storytelling techniques and heritage interpretation.

• Second, Practical Training and Field Trips (Field Trips): This covers the costs of public transportation rental, logistics and admission fees for practical activities at major attraction sites such as Temburong District, Tutong District, Kampong Ayer and historical sites.

• Third, First Aid Module (First Aid Certification): This is a mandatory component and module to ensure that every certified tourist guide possesses the necessary safety and emergency preparedness skills when handling visitors.

• Fourth, Course Materials and Administration: This includes the preparation of learning materials, facilitation of practical assessments and official certification matters.

The Ministry considers the proposed fee rate to be reasonable in comparison with regional countries. For example, tourist guide training programmes in Singapore require at least 120 hours of training, or approximately two (2) months for a full-time programme, while part-time programmes may take up to four (4) to five (5) months, with fees ranging from approximately SGD1,125 to SGD1,950 after government subsidies.

However, taking into account the context of Brunei Darussalam and the feedback received from the industry, particularly tourism agencies and employers, most parties have stated that they are only able to release their staff to attend intensive training for approximately ten (10) days. A longer period would affect the companies’ daily operations, given the limited number of tourist guides and the human resource constraints faced by most local tourism operators.

Accordingly, the Ministry has adopted a more practical approach suited to the needs of the local industry through the implementation of a ten (10)-day basic course. To ensure that the competency and professionalism of tourist guides continue to be enhanced, this course will be complemented by a series of Knowledge Training sessions that will be offered free of charge throughout the year. This approach enables tourist guides to continue expanding their knowledge and skills in specialised areas such as Taman Rekreasi Hutan Luagan Lalak, Brunei River Heritage, Brunei River Safari and briefings on Adat Istiadat, without affecting the operations of their respective companies.

In addition, the Secretariat of the Manpower Planning and Employment Council (MPEC) also provides the SkillsPlus financing scheme to encourage the development of skills (reskilling and upskilling) among local citizens. This includes the Basic Tourist Guide Course, which covers study fees of BND$1,000.00 for local jobseekers who meet the criteria. This facility can also help ensure that financial considerations do not become an obstacle for potential local jobseekers wishing to undergo training, while supporting efforts to develop a skilled and high-quality tourism workforce.

Accordingly, the Ministry will continue to explore collaboration with public training institutions such as the Lifelong Learning Centre (L3C), the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) and other stakeholders to strengthen the provision of trainers, module development and the delivery of more sustainable training.

At the same time, the Ministry will also continue to examine suitable approaches to optimise the cost of implementing the course without compromising the quality of training, professional standards and the recognition of the certification awarded.