DAY 4 AFTERNOON
27TH FEB 2022 - AFTERNOON
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Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Your Honourable Members. As we are aware, this morning we have reviewed the Supply Bill (2022) for (2022/2023), at the Committee Stage and we have successfully approved several titles.
Therefore, to enable us to discuss and examine further topics, I adjourn this State Legislative Council meeting for us to reconvene at the Committee Stage.
(The State Legislative Council meeting is adjourned)
(The meeting resumed as a Committee)
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Your Honourable Members. The council is now fully convened at the Committee Stage to allow us to continue considering the Supply Bill (2022) for (2022/2023) item by item as we are aware of the law regarding which has been proposed by the Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and
Minister of Finance and Economy II is currently under our discussion.
We will now resume to discuss and debate the following topics.
Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis
Ministry of Education from Title SF01A to Title SF06A.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members. The council will now further debate and discuss the Ministry of Education.
Before this title is opened for scrutiny and discussion. I would like to give way to the Minister of Education to provide an explanation of the policies and objectives of his ministry in the preparation of the Financial Budget Estimation for the concerned ministry.
I now invite the Minister of Education.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Chairman. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Your Honourable Members. The Ministry of Education has prepared and ensured that this budget is guided by the needs of students, school requirements, and administrative needs and further the provision of teachers and the development of educational infrastructure that aligns with the government's aspirations in enhancing the quality of education presented to our students.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, and greetings of peace.
Yang Berhormat Chairman and Your Honourable Members. The Financial Year 2021/2022 has been a challenging year for all parties including the education sector with the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic beginning in August 2021.
Learning from the experience of the first wave, the Ministry of Education has endeavoured to ensure the health and safety of students and school communities as well as the ministry are prioritized during the implementation of an appropriate Business Continuity Plan (BCP) based on the current situation.
To ensure teaching and learning could continue during school closures, home-based learning approaches through online platforms were implemented. The Ministry of Education acknowledges the challenges faced by various parties during the implementation of these approaches including the skills and competencies as well as the lack of resources such as devices and internet data, especially for less privileged families.
At the same time, the Ministry of Education also acknowledges the challenges of online teaching in terms of internet data usage and skills in using suitable teaching applications.
In this connection, several initiatives have been implemented by the Ministry of Education, one of which is the collaboration with various parties to provide internet data devices to all teachers and students who require them.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, with the consent of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, teachers have also been given an ‘additional allowance’ of $20.00 per month for the purchase of internet data for teaching purposes. Meanwhile, students from low-income families have been provided with 10GB of internet data per month.
These efforts are aligned with the strategic objectives of the Ministry of Education to enhance cooperation and strong support from various stakeholders and also to provide equal and fair access to quality education.
Yang Berhormat Chairman and Your Honourable Members.
The Ministry of Education and its departments express their highest gratitude to the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for the trust and support in allocating $583,726,080.00 for the Financial Year 2022/2023 under the Title for the Ministry of Education and its departments. Out of this amount, $426,778,270.00 is allocated for staff salaries while $140,591,250.00 for Recurrent Expenditure and Entrance Expenses $16,356,560.00. This significant allocation clearly shows that education is a priority for the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in producing high-quality human resources, in line with Goal 1 of Brunei Vision 2035 which is: Producing Educated, Highly Skilled and Successful Citizens.
Accordingly, the Ministry of Education will continue its efforts in providing holistic education to fully realize the potential for all, In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, with this allocation, the Ministry of Education will utilize it fully and responsibly, spending according to priorities and creating the best impact.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, through various initiatives implemented by the Ministry of Education in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, this educational investment continues to yield increasingly positive results especially in terms of public examination results for primary and secondary schools under the Ministry of Education.
For the Primary School Assessment (PSR) in 2021, 65.81% or 2,229 candidates obtained grade 'A' to 'C' in 5 subjects, an increase of 3.4% from the previous year. For the GCE 'O' Level and IGCSE examination, 51.3% or 2,199 candidates obtained at least 5 'O' Level passes in 2021, an increase of 8.51% from the previous year.
The GCE 'A' Level results showed that 90.43% or 1,153 candidates obtained at least 3 'A' Level passes and the percentage of 'A' Level students who obtained grade 'A' and 'C' in at least 3 subjects increased to 41.6% in 2021. Meanwhile, the percentage of 'A' Level students who obtained straight points exceeding 240 points also increased to 61.28% compared to 52.93% in the previous year.
These achievements are the result of the diligent efforts of students, teachers, school leaders, parents and the entire Ministry of Education community especially through the implementation of various primary and secondary educational strategic initiatives. Moreover, the continuous increase in professional development of teachers in each education cluster recently is evidence of how teachers are keen towards the quality of their teaching, which has reflected in the improved performance of students in national and international public examinations.
The strategic initiatives implemented by the Ministry of Education are not only focused on primary and secondary levels but also extend to higher education levels. At the university level, Universiti Brunei Darussalam continued its excellence by entering The Times Higher Education (THE) chart for the first time in 2021, ranked between 351-400 in the World University Ranking 2022. In the QS World University Ranking, UBD improved its position, successfully moving into the top 250 universities in the world in 2022.
Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University (UNISSA) was rated as a 'Four Plus Star Rating' institution in the applied university category based on the University Performance Metric (UPM) evaluation system led by the National University of Vietnam in collaboration with the ASEAN University Network (AUN). UNISSA also established the Faculty of Agriculture located at the Sinaut UNISSA Campus, which began operations in January 2022.
For Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB), the most significant international achievement is the awarding of the 'Five Plus Star Rating' for excellence by QS. UTB also succeeded in improving its position in the QS World University ranking 2022 to the 344th position, being among the top 27% in the ranking. Additionally, the UTB Petroleum Engineering Program has reached a position above 150 in the QS Subject Ranking. The beauty of these achievements proves that local universities are on par with international universities in terms of academia, research, employer reputation, student-to-faculty ratio, etc., reflecting the quality of higher education in this country comparable to foreign countries.
At the Technical Education level, Politeknik Brunei (PB) and Institut Pendidikan Teknikal Brunei (IBTE) are always committed to creating networks of cooperation and engagement with its stakeholders, specifically the Manpower Planning Employment Council (MPEC), Manpower Industry Steering Committee (MISC), and the industrial sector. These efforts aim to further strengthen the quality of training programs in addition to ensuring that the offered programs are in line with the country's and industry's requirements.
Through close cooperation and support from stakeholders, the employability rate of PB and IBTE graduates six months after convocation showed an increase of 13.8% for PB, from 55.5% in 2019/2020 to 69.3% in 2020/2021. For IBTE, there was an increase of 7.1%, from 67.6% in 2019/2020 to 74.7% in 2020-2021.
With solid support from all parties through a Whole of Nation approach, all efforts to enhance the skills and employability of graduates at both technical and higher education levels can be multiplied.
Your Honourable Chairperson, Your Honourable Members.
Behind the achievements that I have shared, there are still efforts that need to be continuously implemented in producing a high-quality education system that encompasses excellent human resource quality, equitable access to education, and close cooperation with stakeholders in the development of teaching and learning.
With pleasure, it is shared that among the projects to be implemented in the Financial Year 2022/2023, specifically in transforming the human resources towards a performance-based culture under
Objective Strategy I, the Strategic Plan of the Ministry of Education 2018-2022, are:
Enhancing skills and capacity, especially for professional development programs for teachers, school leaders, and the workforce in departments under the Ministry of Education.;
The Ministry of Education through Brunei Darussalam Leadership and Teachers Academy (BDLTA) is responsible for providing and handling programs for Teachers and School Leaders. For Teachers, the Teachers Unit under BDLTA has devised a Professional Development Program focusing on two domains, namely Professional Knowledge and Skills and Professional Engagement and education standards. The courses aim to shape and strengthen competencies or Competency-based Training Modules for Signature Series based on 17 teaching competencies found in Brunei Teachers’ Standard-Teacher Performance Appraisal 2.0.;
Meanwhile, the School Leadership Unit under BDLTA has also provided and implemented 4 Tier Signature Programme for leadership levels. These programs are designed to develop the capacity and competence of school leaders at every career stage so that they can become visionary leaders capable of planning and administering strategically, managing change, strategically managing human resources, especially being instructional leaders in their respective schools.;
In addition to teachers and school leaders, BDLTA through the Expertise Unit of the Planning and Career Development Division also provides a Professional Development Program to build the identified competencies of teachers to meet the requirements of departments within the Ministry of Education in areas related to Curriculum Development, Assessment and Examination, Supervision, Education Research, Special Education, Educational Technology, and Human Resource Management.;
Furthermore, in taking into account the challenges faced by them especially when the waves of the COVID-19 pandemic hit, causing some among the teachers and school leaders to experience stress, depression, and disorders that can disturb their mental health. Therefore, the Ministry of Education has formed a new unit known as the School Leaders and Teachers Well-being Unit under the supervision of the Director General of Education.;
At the higher education level, the formation of the Competency Framework for Higher Education Leaders which will be the basis in managing human resources at a quality level for leaders at public higher education institutions under the Ministry of Education will continue.; and
The formation of the IBTE Training and Development Plan containing the IBTE core competency framework for management leaders and teachers providing a roadmap for training leaders and the academic staff and support staff in core competencies will continue to be implemented through the TVET academy at IBTE. The same Framework is also actively formed by Politeknik Brunei in equipping human resources at the institution with industry-standard competency skills.
While the main projects to be implemented for the Financial Year 2022/2023 under Strategic Objective II are to provide equal and fair access to quality education as follows:
Continuing and enhancing the quality of asset production services at educational institutions including primary and secondary schools, colleges, and sixth-form centres, as well as at higher education institutions by upgrading buildings and implementing comprehensive maintenance through the Facility Management project. UBD and IBTE will also implement the Facility Management project in their respective institutions from the Financial Year 2022/2023, and it will also be expanded to other institutions in the coming years as part of a comprehensive fiscal consolidation program implemented throughout the Ministry of Education.; and
Maintenance of computer systems for schools and departments. Taking into account the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and also the initiative of the Ministry of Education in implementing Blended Learning and enhancing human resource competencies towards work and future-ready. In line with the Digital Transformation Plan of the Ministry of Education, several projects will be implemented as follows:
The Computer Acquisition Project through the IT Central Procurement 3 master contract from the National e-Government Centre will continue to be implemented for the purpose of replacing all devices including computers and laptop computers in primary and secondary schools under the Ministry of Education.;
The project to supply laptops and Internet data to underprivileged students and all teachers from government schools to enable more effective home-based learning.;
The Ministry of Education Network Infrastructure Upgrading Project aims to provide, maintain, and monitor the network infrastructure for departments under the Ministry of Education to enhance the ministry's operations in carrying out administrative tasks through the use of technology.; and
The project to integrate teaching and learning video content into a single online platform for use by teachers and students so that the materials can be accessed anytime and anywhere. It is also expected to become an additional information source outside curriculum hours. This project is in line with the Ministry of Education's efforts to further expand digital learning approaches.
Other main projects also implemented in the Financial Year 2022/2023 under Strategic Objective II include:
Strengthening Digital Literacy standards and curriculum to ensure that experiences and skills at various levels are organized and in line with international curriculum.; and
Enhancing special education programs by continuously providing equal and fair access to quality education through the addition of Centre of Excellence with more appropriate infrastructure to accommodate the physical needs and learning facilities of special needs students.
Furthermore, in considering the wave of the COVID-19 pandemic that has hit our country causing teaching and learning to be conducted through various methods, the ministry is aware of the implications of this contributing towards Learning Deficit. In this regard, the Department of Schools, Ministry of Education will continue to improve the quality and empower the Learning Support Program. This is an effort by the Ministry of Education in enhancing literacy and numeracy competencies among students, especially those affected by the pandemic.
Next, reviewing and rearranging current curriculums and programs and offering new programs at technical and higher education institutions to always stay relevant and meet industry requirements. Through close cooperation with MPEC and relevant stakeholders. This includes MTec and HNTec programs in Business, Information Technology, Geomatics, and Agricultural Technology at IBTE, Diploma programs in Engineering and Industrial Technology at the Petrochemical School, Politeknik Brunei.
Under Strategic Objective III at the Ministry of Education, which is to increase accountability sharing with stakeholders in the development of teaching and learning, the main projects to be implemented in the Financial Year 2022/2023 are:
Improving bilateral relations with the Ministry of Education and foreign educational institutions as well as regional and international organizations through joint working groups. The Ministry of Education will continue to engage in cooperative activities, discussions, and exchange opinions on educational issues and best practices with friendly nations.
Enhancing synergy and involvement of the government industry sector in research, innovation, and job placements with higher education institutions under the Ministry of Education.
Expanding upskilling and reskilling programs and courses at lifelong learning centers in collaboration with technical education institutions, higher education institutions with MPEC, and other stakeholders.
Your Honourable Chairman and Your Honourable Members.
The ongoing involvement of Your Honourable Members, parents, guardians, and the community is crucial as we have experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Let us all support the mission of this ministry: "To Provide Holistic Education to Fully Realize Everyone's Potential" to achieve the mission "Quality Education for a Dynamic Country".
Thank you very much to the Your Honourable Chairman for allowing me the opportunity to deliver this introductory speech.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
We thank the Minister of Education for providing an in-depth and clear explanation of the plans and directions for the ministry. With that, I would like to open this topic for discussion and I invite Your Honourable Awang Haji Mohimin bin Haji Johari @ Jahari.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohimin bin Haji Johari @ Jahari
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Thank you, Your Honourable Chairman. I bring under Title SFO3A - Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University. It is suggested that the Faculty of Agriculture at UNISSA should have a comprehensive action plan and ensure the quality of programs for students in terms of employment or conducting agribusiness.
Through this faculty program, UNISSA should be able to forecast the percentage of students as skilled workforce for the agriculture industry and other industries. At least 10% of the students are expected to pursue further studies and become entrepreneurs. The country is very fortunate to have agribusiness entrepreneurs from individuals who are quality and knowledgeable in Islam.
UNISSA might have ensured that each program offered has the appropriate accreditation. Requesting transparency from UNISSA to enhance information to the public, especially the youth, to be more interested in entering UNISSA in the agriculture faculty.
Under Title SF04A - University of Technology Brunei. What is UTB's role in supporting the development of the agriculture and fisheries sector considering UTB is a technology university? Has UTB created effective and practical machinery for soil fertilization, irrigation, fertilization, paddy harvesting that are fundamental to the country's source? We know there have been many experts from within and outside the country who should be planning the provision of practical technology tools to help develop the country's economy.
Thank you, Your Honourable Chairman.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan
Thank you, Your Honourable Chairman. Thank you for the question. In response to the first question about the Faculty of Agriculture at UNISSA.
- The Faculty of Agriculture at UNISSA was established on January 28, 2021, and it is in the development process and currently doing the Agricultural Sciences and agribusiness program at the Masters, Bachelor, and Phd levels. For everyone's information, currently, there are 15 students in the Bachelor Of Science In Agriculture and Agribusiness program, and one is following the Master in Agribusiness By Research. Several more programs are in the process of being offered and have been planned in the strategic plan for the next 5 years. These areas include Agritechnology, Aqua Culture, Poultry Culture, and veterinary in the establishment. It is also necessary to consider providing suitable laboratory facilities for research and learning purposes.
The curriculum for programs in agriculture faculty has been designed with the involvement of foreign experts, the industry, and relevant departments. This effort is to ensure that the curriculum is aligned with international practices and will be regularly updated to keep pace with industry requirements and the economy of Brunei Darussalam.
As an Islamic university taking Maqasid Shariah as the guiding principle in research and learning, it is the main aim of the university and this young faculty to move balancing the needs of religion, society, and the environment, and technological advancements to support the sustainable development of the agriculture industry. Technological developments in agriculture like Smart farming, Solar Farming, and the like require research that can benefit local practitioners. These matters will also be made aware to the youth and students interested in the agriculture sector, especially those in Years 11, 12, and 13 in our education system.
In response to the second question about UTB's contribution to the agriculture sector. UTB has programs on food science and Agritechnology and has produced graduates in this sector and has research focused on food science such as food packaging and preparation. The suggestion by Your Honourable regarding UTB conducting research on paddy fertilization and others will be well received by the Ministry of Education and considered for its suitability with UBD.
Thank you, Your Honourable Chairman.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Your Honourable Awang Iswandy bin Ahmad.
Yang Berhormat Awang Iswandy bin Ahmad
Thank you, Your Honourable Chairman.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
I would like to touch on two matters for the Your Honourable Minister of Education, namely Higher Education. Referring to the allocations provided for agrotechnology programs in IBTE and as explained by the Your Honourable Minister of Education earlier, UTB and UNISSA are conducting agrotechnology programs:
How will resolutions be implemented regarding this matter given that we have 3 different educational institutions conducting more or less the same thing, and perhaps a better direction would be to become just one agrotechnology university?;
According to the Education Act, private educational institutions, especially tuition centers, need to have appropriate premises meeting certain requirements. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating digital transformation, has the time come to allow these tuition centers to operate online only for those who wish to continue in such a manner and not require physical premises? Among the benefits are:
Reducing operational costs and providing affordable and low tuition fees;
Creating job opportunities for tuition teachers, especially new graduates;
Access for all due to no physical boundaries like the travel to attend classes. All of these still need conditions for managing and ensuring the quality of education delivery complies with certain standards.
Thank you, Your Honourable Chairman.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan
Thank you Your Honourable Chairman and thank you Your Honourable for the two questions. To answer:
Regarding the coordination of agriculture programs. Currently, there are 15 agriculture and agri-food related programs including agritechnology offered by public higher education institutions and technical education institutions. For everyone’s information, there are 320 students currently enrolled in MTEC, HNTEC, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, PhD Degree programs in Agriculture and Agri-food including Agritechnology in these higher education institutions for the session 2021/2022.
Regarding the coordination, the programs offered are at different levels from level 3 to 8 as per the Brunei Darussalam qualifications framework and have different focuses and levels. For the same level programs like UNISSA and UTB, the UNISSA program is more towards Islamic agricultural business while UTB is focused on agricultural science and agri-food technology.
The Ministry of Education will continuously monitor to ensure no duplication of study programs offered by public institutions in the country considering efficiency in budget allocation.
Regarding tuition schools held virtually. As provided for in the Education Act for Term 210, registration of a private education institution indeed needs to meet several criteria to ensure the quality of teaching and learning. With the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, online learning is used to ensure that teachings can still be continued. The proposal mentioned earlier is good, but to protect the interests of students as consumers of tuition schools, it is also necessary for the tuition schools to have a physical presence. Otherwise, any issues that arise can be traced by regulatory bodies such as the Ministry of Education to identify those responsible for these issues.
This is similar to the case in e-commerce in regulating e-commerce traders. That's why a physical presence is required. And actually, with technological development, both should be taken into account and practiced so that the business of tuition schools can also be developed to reach out to students who need it virtually.
That's all, Your Honourable Chairman.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Your Honourable Pengiran Haji Ali bin Pengiran Maon.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Ali bin Pengiran Maon
Thank you, Your Honourable Chairman.
First of all, highest congratulations on the efforts of the Ministry of Education in giving assistance to teachers and to less fortunate students for the purchase of Internet data. Congratulations once again.
Your Honourable Chairman. Next, I am pleased to refer to the main projects implemented in the Fiscal Year 2021/2022 under Strategic Objective II, the Ministry of Education Strategic Plan, specifically providing equal and fair access to quality education which has been shared by Your Honourable Minister of Education in this august chamber previously.
The curriculum includes creating standards for core subjects such as English and mathematics, with existing standards. The establishment of curriculum standards for science subjects and the creation of standards for financial and digital literacy. I would like to know:
- What is the progress of the projects mentioned so far?;
- What is the progress of detailed planning by the Ministry of Education in implementing these curriculums and new standards in government schools under the Fiscal Year 2022/2023?; and
- If these projects have not yet been launched, when does the Ministry of Education plan to implement them.
That is all from me, Your Honourable Chairman, thank you.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan
Thank you Your Honourable Chairman and thank you too to Your Honourable for those questions. Regarding the curriculum revision project, it has been somewhat delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, where the project is currently in consultation and the process to appoint consultants and experts is expected to occur in March and April this year for the curriculum review process and also to review the standards and content of the subjects mentioned earlier.
In terms of detailed planning from the Ministry of Education, it is indeed in the process of reviewing the curriculum by providing standards and also checking the preparations. It requires various levels like preparation of resources for teaching and learning and requires training for teachers and officers involved in this review process so that we can transfer the technology and know-how so that in the future we can do these things ourselves.
And that's what's in the detailed plan in the Ministry of Education where we indeed call consultants and experts to build our own capacity so that we can do it ourselves and also compare our curriculum with those of other countries.
For the third question, God willing, we can implement these projects comprehensively if there is no prolonged pandemic, in 2024. It requires detailed planning and is subject to all the steps stated earlier being completed so that the implementation will be orderly. The important thing is that the implementation concerning the curriculum and these standards will be able to proceed in an orderly and systematic manner.
That is all that can be shared, Your Honourable Chairman.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Your Honourable Pehin Orang Kaya Putera Maharaja Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Ghani bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Dewa Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Rahim.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pendikar Alam Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Hasrin bin Dato Paduka Haji Sabtu
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on various sectors in this country, with the education sector, whether at the primary, secondary, or higher education levels, not being exempt from its effects.
In Negara Brunei Darussalam, praise be to Allah, the government of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam through the Ministry of Education has successfully arranged several strategies so that students' learning can continue through teaching methods or online learning platforms. Meanwhile, physical learning is implemented in accordance with the SOP set by the Ministry of Health.
Kaola would like to ask, what are the initiatives of the Ministry of Education in ensuring there are no dropouts among students in receiving their education. Is it feared that students from less fortunate families and students with disabilities will fall behind in their learning sessions due to matters beyond their control?
It is hoped that students from the mentioned groups will continue to be cared for so that they can also enjoy education and learning as deserved, not only students at the primary and secondary levels but also students at higher education levels of technical and vocational training.
In addition, kaola would also like to ask. How is the well-being of teachers since the occurrence of the second and third waves of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Indeed, in cultivating new norms of teaching and learning, the learning and teaching process for teachers needs to be dynamic, creative, and flexible. Any issues and challenges should be properly addressed so that they do not adversely affect the learning of students and the commitment of teachers, both psychologically, emotionally, or academically. It is hoped that support and encouragement to teachers will continue to be given appropriately.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, and thank you also, Yang Berhormat, for the questions.
To answer the question about initiatives to reduce or prevent dropout among students, the Ministry of Education will always monitor the presence of our students in our education system, hence several initiatives stated earlier were made, such as providing devices and data to underprivileged students to achieve equal access in our education system, and this is not only in terms of devices but also includes nutritional assistance and enrollment in the hope program for students, and teachers are always monitoring the condition of our students and they are always cared for, and each school is required to monitor and maintain statistics to prevent any dropouts.
In terms of learning, several programs have been provided to monitor the progress of our children, and at this time, at the lower levels, the Ministry of Education is preparing to welcome back Year 1 and Year 6 students to school, and has prepared a Learning Support Program or Student Enhancement Program to assess their current level and provided reinforcement or strengthening before they can learn according to the curriculum prepared. These are the initiatives made by the Ministry of Education so we can help our students from dropping out.
Regarding the well-being of teachers, thank you, Yang Berhormat, for that question. Various initiatives have been made, and as stated earlier, a welfare unit for school leaders and teachers has been established because the Ministry of Education recognizes the challenges faced by school leaders and teachers during this pandemic, especially in terms of mental health, and it is hoped that this unit can help school leaders and teachers use it well and help them perform their jobs as best as they can. Various professional development programs have also been held so that they can carry out their duties in the new normal, especially in conducting online teaching.
That's all that can be shared for now, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Putera Maharaja Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Ghani bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Dewa Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Rahim.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Putera Maharaja Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Ghani bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Dewa Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Rahim
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Under the discussion of the Ministry of Education, I am pleased to seek clarification and enlightenment on the following matters:
Has the curriculum for primary, secondary, and upper secondary schools been reviewed, and how often?; and
Have the science and social science curricula currently in use been reviewed? When designing these curriculums, were they referenced to the Quran and Hadith as the main sources of the Melayu Islam Beraja as the nation's philosophy and also education? I raise this question to ensure that the current curriculum is truly relevant and meets the noble aspirations of the country to successfully achieve Wawasan Brunei 2035.
That is all I can convey for the enlightenment of Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan, and I conclude by or I donate a poem for us. I purposely use the word "donate" hoping it will be beneficial as a charity for us.
Noni fruit, sidr fruit, Many benefits and virtues, Together we realize the National Vision, Knowledge is the key to success.
That is all,
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan
Thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and thank you Yang Berhormat for the questions or requests for clarification for those questions.
To answer, the Ministry of Education will always review the school curriculums regularly, according to current requirements, for instance, the Science subject has been reviewed taking into account the changes in times and also Industrial Revolution 4.0, and the Social Sciences subject also has been reviewed. Regarding whether it was referred according to our nation's philosophy and the Quran, the Ministry of Education greatly appreciates this viewpoint and it will be considered in the formation of a committee in reviewing the mentioned subjects.
The Ministry of Education will continue to review our curriculums and at the same time also empower our officers who have been entrusted in reviewing these curriculums, and these matters will be able to be implemented perfectly and it is hoped that whatever has been suggested earlier will be well received by the Ministry of Education and that we can achieve the intended goal.
That is all Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Emran bin Haji Sabtu.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Emran bin Haji Sabtu
Thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
On to the question under the Title SFO4A – Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB). His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam once commanded that the Master of Teaching program be reviewed. I want to know about the actions and developments of the mentioned program, has an assessment been made and its effectiveness?
Following, as conveyed by Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohimin bin Haji Johari @ Jahari regarding programs at UTB being a technology university, they should have produced products for the convenience of the community and the nation innovatively.
The question is, has UTB conducted research on the fundamental needs of the country and community based on technology? For example, fruit openers, fish cleaners, army cleaners, lawn mowers to beautify the landscape and surroundings, and others.
Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan
Thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, also thanks to Yang Berhormat. If not mistaken myself as well, about UTB with the Master of Teaching program, seeking clarification from Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Emran bin Haji Sabtu before I can answer that. The mentioned program was claimed to be Master of Teaching.
Actually, UTB does not have a Master of Teaching program, actually it is conducted by UBD (Universiti Brunei Darussalam). Currently, UBD is in the stage of completing its curriculum with a consultant already appointed from the University of Melbourne. The process is currently ongoing and is expected to provide an improvement in the program that meets the needs of the education industry in our country and also internationally. That is what can be shared Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
On the second question regarding whether UTB has produced the required technology for our economic development such as in fisheries. At present, there indeed are research activities conducted by UTB but to the level it is commercialized as previously discussed in our meeting has not yet reached that stage.
Therefore, still in various processes regarding research and also tightening and commercialization. This is a complex and long process and it is hoped that soon, Universiti Teknologi Brunei will succeed in making a contribution we can be proud of in the near future.
That is all Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Ramli bin Haji Lahit.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Ramli bin Haji Lahit
Thank you. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. I express the highest appreciation and congratulations for the presentation of the introduction by Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan which was very clear and comprehensive just now.
So, within the Ministry of Education, I speak under the Title SFO2A - Universiti Brunei Darussalam with the allocation amount of $77,342,530 specifically for Code 003-000 - Academic Institution and research, so it’s somewhat similar with Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Emran bin Haji Sabtu but more specified.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, firstly I'm curious to know about UBD's collaboration in research on biodiversity and environmental issues with renowned universities where UBD itself established a consortium named e-Government Innovation Centre.
Secondly, has a scientific study been conducted on herbs that grow abundantly in this country to discover their medicinal properties? because these herbs are widely sold in 'tamu-tamu' and stalls but unfortunately still in their original form such as slices of wood, leaves, roots, and bark, not yet processed or their scientific content is unknown.
Thus, I suggest that lecturers or students or anyone in the government can cooperate with these herb sellers to help them upscale their products into powder or juice in attractive bottles, accompanied by information in articles so that it can further elevate UBD's ranking in the international arena.
That is all, may Allah give us success and guidance. Peace be upon you, and Allah’s mercy and blessings.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan
Thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi and also thank you to Yang Berhormat regarding those 2 questions.
To answer the question regarding the herbs earlier, UBD indeed has been conducting research and also there's our herb garden located on the UBD campus at present. But what has yet to be presented is whether it has been commercialized from the research done.
They are currently conducting various research such as the use of herbs in substituting the use of sugar and many more. Thus, it's hoped that this research process will yield practical products in the future.
For the first question about UBD's collaboration on biodiversity issues, indeed there is, as we know UBD has a Biodiversity Centre in Belalong, Temburong, and many collaborations have been made with renowned universities overseas to accommodate researchers from outside the country to conduct research on the biodiversity found in our country, in Borneo Island.
These collaborations will also continue and are expected to produce various useful collaborations and research not only to our country but to the whole world.
That is all Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Mohamed bin Pengiran Haji Osman @ Othman.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Mohamed bin Pengiran Haji Osman @ Othman
Thank you Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. In the name of Allah, the Merciful the Compassionate. All praise be to Allah, Lord of all the worlds, and by His help, we seek assistance.
Firstly, I want to touch on under the Title SF01A - Department of Ministry of Education the allocation given $567,369,520. In the early phase of the endemic, we begin to adapt to a new norm. Seeing the development of the COVID-19 pandemic that is still ongoing in our country, parents are concerned about the pandemic situation. Thus, we must be cautious even though we are in an endemic phase. One of the initiatives and views of parents to reduce the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic. Is it just a suggestion Yang Berhormat Pengerusi for the meantime? Can the students study physically only on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday? While on Thursday and Saturday, study online.
Secondly, kaola would like to touch on the subject of Special Education Units. Does the Special Education Unit provide allocations for the purchase of assistance devices for special needs students because their needs are not the same among one student and another due to their special needs? This comes from the complaints of special education teachers regarding a shortage of equipment or materials.
Indeed, these teachers have been using their own money to fulfill these needs so that these special needs children are not left behind and receive special education. Kaola wants to ask what efforts are being made by the Ministry of Education to provide for these needs without the need for teachers to use their own money?
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Third, kaola would like to touch upon the topic under title SF03A with a provision of $21,731,700. Kaola's question is about the aim of establishing UNISSA to produce scholars. To what extent has the UNISSA program been successful and effective in producing scholars, and can UNISSA graduates to date be considered scholars since its establishment?
Lastly, under the title SF02A with a provision of $77,342,530. Kaola wants to ask if the curriculum for UBD's programs has been evaluated for its effectiveness for the needs and development of the country?
That concludes, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, and thank you, Yang Berhormat.
Regarding the 4 questions asked. The suggestion in this endemic phase for schooling to be held on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday physically, and on Thursday and Saturday online will be considered and discussed in the Education Taskforce within the COVID-19 Pandemic Committee. We hope it will be discussed in more detail at this time. Thank you for the suggestion.
For the second question regarding the Special Education Unit, i.e., the purchase of special assistance equipment. Indeed, there is an allocation provided, and we hope for cooperation from the teachers to provide these needs, and it will be considered and if necessary will be provided. There is indeed an allocation for the purchase of special assistance equipment for the Special Education Unit.
Regarding UNISSA in producing scholars, kaola does not have statistics yet and may answer in writing, what achievements have been made by UNISSA in producing the scholars referred to.
Regarding whether the UBD curriculum has been evaluated for its effectiveness, one way in assessing its effectiveness is regarding Employer Satisfaction studies conducted after or 6 months from convocation, which UBD currently finds encouraging.
As for its curriculum, it is indeed in process. The university has an external examiner in terms of the programs they will evaluate regarding this part of the curriculum, whether its standards match or are equivalent to programs found in other countries. This is conducted periodically.
That is all that can be shared, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I also want to add, Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan, that we take pride in the achievements already attained by UBD in the world ranking among premier universities here, an achievement that is not easy to achieve.
This gives a very high credibility value to a leading university like UBD. I also want to emphasize if we ourselves do not take pride in our university, by questioning its position, then whatever we do will not reach its targets.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Please go ahead, Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Abdul Hamid bin Haji Mumin.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Abdul Hamid bin Haji Mumin
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Kaola also wants to take part in this discussion and kaola is pleased to speak under Title SF01A - Ministry of Education Department.
All praise to Allah, through the discussions that have been held, it appears that this honorable National Assembly in this Chamber revolves around higher education matters and to achieve the goals set by the Ministry of Education.
However, it would also be good to look downwards, i.e., at the basic level of primary schools so that we can also remember how primary schools in the 50s, 60s, and early 70s had their educational policy focused on the Science of Creation or Agriculture. At that time, school children were given education at schools, learning about farming and the like, as one of the subjects or weekly activities. However, such matters are no longer carried out in primary schools now. Now we recall how important it is to one aspect of our country, i.e., the agriculture sector, so that our children will have early experience on how to farm and cultivate. It can bring them to a higher level because we now have the IBTE in agriculture and so on. Perhaps their interest will lead there. So, it might also be good to look down again because we have already looked up and always look up. But it's also good to look down a bit, and if possible, to revive that matter as one of the means to provide early skills to our children and our country so they can engage in the agriculture sector.
Perhaps, kaola requests enlightenment from the Ministry of Education to provide some clarifications on this matter. Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, that's all kaola has to share.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Pendidikan
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, and Yang Berhormat regarding the question of agriculture in primary school.
For everyone’s information, our curriculum indeed has it in primary school from the Science subject, covering some knowledge about agriculture. Primary schools also have agriculture activities as niche activity. For example, Sungai Liang Primary School indeed has agriculture activity, and in secondary schools like Masin Secondary School, its focus is on agriculture. From this perspective, there are schools that make their own choices, what specific activities they do to attract students' interests. Usually, this is done when seeing the school community's environment interested in agriculture and such activities will be considered by the school as well. That is what can be shared, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I also want to add that traditionally our evaluation standards are not solely based on domestic ones. We usually benchmark our standards with those more advanced than us. For example, recently I saw that the Ministry of Education has started to follow methods like PISA, where we compare our position with other countries. We can see that our position, in terms of the education we provide for schooling children, is quite commendable. Perhaps, the Ministry of Education is too modest to announce matters like this; let me, someone who has been in the Ministry of Education and still follows educational development, say that what the Ministry of Education has done can be said to be successful, I extend my congratulations to them.
With that, I think it’s sufficient for us to deliberate on the Ministry of Education's Schedule, and it's time for us to vote.
Members who agree to pass this Title, please raise your hand.
(All members raise their hands in agreement)
Thank you. All Members agree. We pass the Ministry of Education's Title.
Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis
The Ministry of Education Title from SF01A to SF06A is made part of the Schedule. The Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism Title from SH01A to SH06A.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members, the assembly now moves on to the Title of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism from SH01A to SH06A and as usual, I would like to give way first to Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan to provide an explanation on the policy and objectives of his ministry in providing the relevant Budget Expenditures.
I now invite Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan.
Peace be upon you, greetings of well-being. Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Firstly, kaola wishes to express gratitude to Yang Berhormat Pengerusi for giving kaola the opportunity to deliver this prelude before discussing the budget allocation for the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism for the Financial Year 2022/2023.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, I seek refuge in Allah, kaola welcomes the allocation provided to the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism amounting to $96.13 million, which includes $31.38 million as Development Expenditure for the Financial Year 2022/2023.
Kaola also welcomes the proposal for the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism to use the Recurring Expenditure allocation of $24.61 million, among others to finance major projects such as:
About $9 million is provided under the Paddy Buyback Scheme, which includes financing the purchase of hybrid seed grains to be distributed to paddy farmers, the service production of "Titih" seeds, and others.;
About $1.3 million is provided to finance expenditures to support efforts towards increasing livestock industry output, among them financing the ISO/IEC 17025 Recognition Accreditation Program for the veterinary service lab and the Program to Address Epidemic Animal Diseases.;
About $1.8 million is provided to finance the maintenance of agriculture infrastructure, buildings, machinery, and equipment, among them financing the maintenance of main plantation roads, drainage and gutter maintenance, and flood prevention programs, and others.; and
About $3 million is provided to finance projects to increase the output from the fishing industry among others project constructing and deploying artificial reefs and 'lawa-lawa' in national waters.
Through RKN-11 expenditure, kaola is grateful for the allocation of $31.38 million, among others to finance the following projects:
About $12.3 million is for Agricultural Development Expenditure under the National Rice Production Program, $10 million to implement the opening of the second phase of rice planting areas in the Kandol area, Belait District. $2.3 million for financing projects building Additional Irrigation Scheme for Rice Planting areas across all districts.;
About $5 million to support the Increase in Vegetable Output using high technology.;
About $3 million to support Livestock Industry Development.;
About $7 million for Fisheries Development Expenditure, $6 million to open sites for the aquaculture industry and $1 million to finance the Genetic Development and Selective Breeding Fish Program to increase aquaculture industry productivity.;
$732,000.00 is expenditure to finance the Reforestation Program in degraded forest areas.; and
$670,000.00 is Tourism Development Expenditure to strengthen tourism products.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. In the effort to reduce government expenditure dependency, the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism has successfully implemented several projects through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) method, for example:
In the fisheries sector is the implementation of the Muara Fish Landing Complex Redevelopment Modernization Project that cost about $14 million. This project began in 2021 and is expected to be completed by 2023.;
In the forestry sector, which is also related to tourism, is the restaurant development project at Bukit Patoi Recreational Forest, Temburong with an estimated cost of about $450,000.00.; and
Whereas in the tourism sector is the implementation of The Abode Resort & Spa Construction Project, a Luxury Ecotourism Resort in Kampong Perdayan, costing about $4.5 million for Phase 1. This project has been fully completed and has been operating since the end of last year.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
In this opportunity, allow kaola to share the achievements of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism in the Agricultural, Fisheries, Forestry, and Tourism sectors throughout 2021.
Undoubtedly, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic that has stricken our country since early 2020 has somewhat impacted the effectiveness and smoothness of business and plantation management operations for some entrepreneurs. Among them is caused by issues related to bringing in and importing all foreign workers, for example, farm labor, besides issues related to bringing in farm input materials like seed grains, fertilizers, etc.
However, through initiatives implemented by this ministry and with solid support from relevant parties, especially the entrepreneurs, farmers, planters, livestock breeders, and fishermen. Overall, the gross output performance of the Primary Resources industry recorded a positive increase in 2021 compared to 2020, which increased about 25.8% from $651 million in 2020 to $819 million in 2021.
This achievement is generally contributed by an increase in output from:
The Agricultural and Agrifood Industry increased by 24.6%, from $471 million in 2020 to $580 million in 2021.; and
The Fisheries Industry increased by 37.4% from $139 million in 2020 to $191 million in 2021.
The gross output increase from the agricultural and fisheries industries follows an increase in output for several key commodities as follows:
The increase in broiler chicken output by about 22.3% from 26,364.82 metric tons in 2020 to 30,555.79 metric tons in 2021, the highest production level ever achieved by our country.;
The increase in buffalo and cattle meat output by about 99.4% from 2,148.75 metric tons in 2020 to 3,827.21 metric tons in 2021.;
The increase in rice output by about 6.4% from 2,511.31 metric tons in 2020 to 2,672.00 metric tons in 2021.; and
The increase in fishery output, including shrimps, by about 18.8% from 16,575 metric tons in 2020 to 19,699 metric tons in 2021.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Further, kaola also wishes to share about the self-sufficiency achievement of the agricultural and fishery industry's output in 2021:
For the livestock sector, the country nearly achieved an average of 100% self-sufficiency in chicken meat and chicken eggs supply and about 85% self-sufficiency for buffalo and cattle meat supply.;
For the plantation sector, the country achieved about 66.5% self-sufficiency for tropical vegetable supply and around 41.9% self-sufficiency for tropical fruit supply.;
For the rice sector, in rice production, the country achieved an average of about 8.71% self-sufficiency.; and
For the fisheries sector, the country achieved an average of about 87% self-sufficiency.
Kaola congratulates and commends all entrepreneurs consisting of farmers, breeders, fishermen, and agrifood businessmen for their diligence in increasing their output, which helps improve the country's self-sufficiency level.
It is hoped that more of our people, especially the youth who are innovative and skilled in endeavors to increase the output of the agricultural, livestock, fisheries, and agrifood sectors, which are to ensure the food security of this country.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. To support the efforts towards ensuring the country's food security, besides increasing output and improving self-sufficiency levels, the strategy to ensure food security requires the involvement of all ministries and departments especially those relevant to local food supplies, import supplies from abroad, international trade cooperation, public health issues, food safety issues, logistics and transportation issues, whether by land, sea, or air, and not least, the involvement of educational institutions in the country. Therefore, this matter requires a Whole of Government Approach, Whole of Nation Approach, involving relevant ministries and departments as well as private parties.
These matters are contained in the Food Industry Roadmap document prepared collectively by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism and the Ministry of Finance and Economy.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. We are very proud that more and more new and young entrepreneurs in the agricultural and fisheries industries are more comfortable using modern technology and techniques in their farming operations, among them, such as using the closed barn system for broiler chicken farming, feedlot system for cattle farming, aquaponic systems, vertical farming, drip irrigation and fertigation in protected houses for crop farming; and recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) for fish farming activities in tanks. Even some of them manage their businesses with a full computer system to ensure more perfect management.
It is hoped that more entrepreneurs and farmers implement the use of modern technology and techniques and operations in their businesses and plantations to increase productivity and competitiveness of our products and in line with the direction in supporting the digital economy.
Yang Berhormat Chairman. I address the initiatives that have been carried out so far, several young entrepreneurs have become actively involved in the agricultural and fisheries sectors. For example:
Through the implementation of the Agricultural Pilot Program, out of 104 entrepreneurs who are still active, 39 entrepreneurs are from the youth group.; and
While under the Business Expansion Program, out of 49 entrepreneurs who were given additional sites to expand plantation activities, 19 entrepreneurs involve the youth.; and
Through 6 sessions of the Youth Agricultural Exposure Program, announced by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism since 2018, a total of 98 young people have joined the program which includes basic agriculture courses and visitation sessions to several successful youth farms.
Yang Berhormat Chairman. Touching on developments in the tourism sector, the outbreak of COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the growth of business activities related to tourism services in this country, following the impact on the number of tourist arrivals.
Therefore, the ministry through the Tourism Development Department together with the Brunei Tourism Board has implemented several initiatives as efforts to help stimulate economic activities related to tourism services in this country by promoting domestic tourism campaigns and activities.
Among them, through the organization of activities promoting domestic tourism packages themed "Selera Bruneiku" which offers local delicacies as a major attraction, community-based domestic tourism packages that combine the uniqueness and diversity of local community culture and traditions as well as various attractions offering experiential/tours services that combine various primary tourism products, new tourism products, and products showcased by the members of the Village Consultative Council (MPK) as well as the organization of various interesting activities through programs Brunei December Festival, Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition (Brunei MYCE), etc.
These initiatives to promote domestic tourism will continue to be implemented throughout the year 2022 and the launch of tourism product packages in all four districts was just launched in early February 2022.
Yang Berhormat Chairman. The ministry also does not forget its commitment towards the protection and preservation of the country’s forest and natural resources. Under the Brunei Darussalam National Climate Change Policy, the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism through the Forestry Department is the lead agency for Strategy III, namely "Forest Coverage." This strategy aims to increase carbon absorption (carbon sink) through reforestation and afforestation with a target of planting as much as 500,000 trees by 2035.
Under the Green Protocol, other ministries are also involved to support the "26,000 Trees Campaign" Planting areas include the Berakas Forest Reserve, Arboretum Forest Reserve, Kebun Forest Reserve, areas or zones between the valleys of the Tutong and Belait Inter-Riverine Zone (IRZ).
Yang Berhormat Chairman.
Officers and staff of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism and entrepreneurs of the primary resources sector are grateful that in recent years, the growth of the output of the agricultural, livestock, agrifood, and fisheries sector has become the main contributor to the GDP growth for non-oil and gas.
The ministry will continue to be committed to identifying and thinking of new strategies and initiatives to ensure that outputs from the agricultural, fisheries, forestry, and tourism industries will continue to increase from year to year and significantly contribute to GDP growth.
This includes also to invigorate efforts to attract the involvement of new entrepreneurs in the fields of agriculture and fisheries including the participation of GLCs and Foreign Direct Investment, encouraging the relevant entrepreneurs to always be committed, progressive, and enthusiastic about expanding their business and plantation activities, adopting modern technology and techniques and practicing good governance to ensure the output will continue to increase from year to year and significantly contribute to GDP growth.
That is all the information kaola can provide as a basis regarding the activities and recent developments of the achievements highlighted by this ministry, as a guide before we discuss the allocation provided to the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism.
Kaola extend the highest thanks to Yang Berhormat Chairman for the opportunity given.
Thank you, وبالله التوفيق والهداية والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you Yang Berhormat Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism.
Your Honourable Members. Yang Berhormat Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism has just finished explaining in depth about the planning and directions of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism.
I now want to open this topic for us to discuss and I invite you to start with Yang Berhormat Awang Iswandy bin Ahmad.
Yang Berhormat Awang Iswandy bin Ahmad
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Chairman.
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ. الْحَمْدُ لِلّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِيْنَ وَالصَّلَاةِ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى أَشْرَفِ الْمُرْسَلِيْنَ. Let us proceed to our discussion. The country has endeavored to control the COVID-19 pandemic in its endemic phase, while ensuring economic recovery continues to rise. Although essential travels have begun to be introduced, the Omicron outbreak certainly paralyzes planning for international transport for tourism. However, we need to restart international tourism. I also commend the efforts of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism earlier in strengthening domestic tourism as shared by Yang Berhormat earlier.
My question, is there any planning such as framework or timeframe to reopen our international tourism? Considering we are now in the endemic phase and other countries have started their international tourism because it definitely requires significant allocation as well as coordination between various government and private sectors to ensure it runs safely for future tourists and can generate revenue again.
Thank you Yang Berhormat Chairman.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Chairman and thank you Yang Berhormat.
Kaola feel this question has been raised during the discussion session at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism a few weeks ago. Anyhow, kaola will answer it again. Regarding reopening tourism to foreign tourists, it is subject to the condition or advice from the health authorities in Brunei Darussalam. So, kaola cannot promise anything as it is subject to developments from time to time.
However, what's important is that we are ready when tourism is allowed. Since the trials of the past year, we have been emphasizing the development of domestic tourism, while we prepare to welcome the arrival of foreign tourists when our borders reopen.
What's important before the borders are opened is that tourism products must be readily available. So, by the time foreign tourists start to arrive, tourism products, whether prime products like the Water Village, in Temburong District and Bandar Seri Begawan, and new tourism products developed in the Brunei-Muara, Tutong, Belait districts, and other places are ready.
In the meantime, we collaborate with district offices to use MPK activities as a tourism destination in all districts, as long as they are earnest and consistent with their products and we will promote them. A newly introduced tourism product for example is MICE Tourism in the form of meetings and conferences. This is popular in small countries like Singapore and Hong Kong. We have started the Mid Year Conference and Exhibition or MYCE 2021 last year to kickstart MICE tourism for this country.
Last year's MYCE 2021 event, held over a month in June 2021 for a month, was attended by 8,000 visitors and due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation most events were held in a hybrid format with speakers from outside the country invited, but they attend virtually and domestic participants also attend but virtually.
When the situation has recovered, the foundation is there to hold international conferences physically and we hope MICE tourism will grow and help increase tourist arrivals in the related sector.
At the same time, the ministry also focuses on ensuring the best quality, that is safety and cleanliness are guaranteed for both domestic and foreign tourists. All these are preparations for us to welcome the arrival of tourists whenever borders are reopened.
That's all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohimin bin Haji Johari @ Jahari:
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Mohimin bin Haji Johari @ Jahari
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. Peace and salutations be upon the Messenger of Allah, upon his family and companions, and those who follow him. To proceed:
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. I fully support the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism's efforts to develop the agriculture, fisheries, forestry industries, and others. I bring up under Title SH04A – Department of Agriculture.
There are issues arising from local authorities managing the Green House project under the company Gropoint. A change in the contract documents from before. Operators are forced to find buyers and sell their agricultural produce themselves, given that the harvest is not fully marketed by Gropoint as promised. The sale proceeds are deducted, supposedly for the construction expenses of the Green House, the progress, and effectiveness of the operators under the project with Gropoint company should also be thoroughly reviewed.
Thank you. Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. Gropoint is a company that originally planted musk melons, offering contract farming meaning it cooperates with local farmers. It buys all the musk melons and exports them abroad.
The latest initiative is contract farming with employees from the Brunei telecom company planning for retirement; the telecom company has provided funding for them to start a business, and this funding is used to build a greenhouse – Green House. The arrangement is, they plant chili with Gropoint, and if the chili meets the specified quality as set out in the contract early on, then Gropoint will buy it.
I often visit there, but haven’t heard this story and if there is, it will be resolved. So far, no complaints to me, either from the farmers or Gropoint, but if any, we will try to resolve, that's all. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Umarali bin Esung.
Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Umarali bin Esung
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Yang Berhormat Koala wants to address under Title SH06A — Department of Tourism Development. With the COVID-19 pandemic, it's undeniable that the tourism industry has faced significant challenges especially in driving the business in tourism especially if it's local tourism. In this situation, I pose a question.
In this matter, do the relevant parties have efforts and initiatives to introduce new methods based on online technology to ensure the local tourism industry continues to grow and contributes to the country's economy and the local community?
Thank You, In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan
Thank you, Yang Berhormat. Indeed, we are using the latest technology in operating to promote the tourism industry of Brunei Darussalam for both within and outside the country extensively. Previously, the budget for tourism promotion could reach millions of dollars at the Department of Tourism Development, but in recent years it's almost zero, no budget for tourism because we are using digital marketing to promote our country's tourism products, all countries do so, and they are using Instagram, Facebook to promote tourism destinations or certain events to attract people to join or visit those places.
Due to our lack of tour guides proficient in Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, and French. We have introduced through a Pilot Project in Royal Regalia where tourists after downloading a certain app can use their smart phones to scan anything that's exhibited there. Once scanned, the exhibition will automatically present information either in text or sound that explains what's being exhibited in the selected language whether Mandarin or Japanese or Korean and even if the tourist is on a coach or just walking in the city, for example, passing by the Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Mosque, a signal will notify regarding the history of the Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Mosque. The use of technology has reached an advanced level and this will be extended to other museums in the future.
So, even if our tour guides cannot speak several languages, the need for us to import guides from abroad to be tour guides for our tourism is reduced, because it's known that the information they deliver is not accurate. Basically, we are indeed trying to adapt the latest of this technology. Thank you.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
I invite Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Mohamed bin Pengiran Haji Osman @ Othman.
Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Mohamed bin Pengiran Haji Osman @ Othman
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. I would like to address under Title SH01A – Department of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, with the allocation to be given as $5,960,390.00.
I refer to the speech of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, during the Opening Ceremony of the First Meeting of the Eighteenth Session of the Legislative Council regarding the country's food security.
I joyfully request clarification from the Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan:
The society has long been accustomed to eating rice from imported sources, and is less familiar with locally produced rice. Has any research been conducted on the community's opinions and views in evaluating the quality of local rice?; and
Brunei Darussalam is blessed with fertile lands and seas with potential natural resources. I would like to ask, how many local experts are there in the fields of agriculture and fisheries, what efforts have been made by the ministry to produce fruits, vegetables, chicken, meat, and fish from the soil of Brunei Darussalam to achieve country’s food security and as an export resource for the economy's development?
That's all, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Sumber-Sumber Utama dan Pelancongan
Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi. I have already explained during the introduction that the output sector for agriculture and fisheries has increased by several percent and the status of self-sufficiency increase has been explained.
God willing, we find the agriculture and fisheries sectors have significantly improved in the last few years, and this is also as stated by the Yang Berhormat Menteri at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Finance and Economy, two days ago, it is clear this sector significantly contributes to our economic growth from the non-oil and gas sector.
But of course, we will not be satisfied and will continue to improve, not just to meet the self-sufficiency level but also for the purpose of exports and processing. There is room for us to grow beyond just self-sufficiency. That's why places like Kandol are opened up. Currently, around 500 hectares are allocated for rice cultivation in Kandol, about 200 hectares will complete by the end of this year. So, there's still 300 hectares to be developed and it requires substantial investment considering it's a vast area and requires adequate irrigation. This topic was touched upon in my introduction earlier.
Regarding rice being not popular, I haven’t heard, but our rice always sells out, people queue in supermarkets to buy. No study has been conducted whether it's popular or not but clearly, it's sold out.
Regarding expertise in agriculture, fisheries, most people working in the ministry indeed have qualifications in various fields of agriculture and fisheries, but not in all fields and we don't have many officers and we also depend on cooperation with universities, whether UBD, UTB, and UNISSA in collectively improving our skills in this sector, to together develop our country, God willing. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you. Your Honourable Members. I think that's enough for our discussions on the Topic of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism and I would like to ask Your Honourable Members, who agree that we should approve this topic. Please raise your hands.
(All members raise their hands in agreement)
Thank you, everyone agrees.
Yang Dimuliakan Jurutulis
The topics for the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, namely Titles SH01A to SH01A are made a part of the Schedule.
The topic for the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Your Honourable Members. We now move to the Schedule on the topic of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. I would like to give the opportunity to Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama to present his introductory speech on policies and objectives in the preparation of the financial expenditure plan for the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praises be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, from whom we seek help in the matters of this world and the religion. May peace and blessings be upon our leader Muhammad, and upon his family and companions.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, Yang Berhormat colleagues, Your Honourable Members.
Kaola would like to thank you for this opportunity where we remember if there's time for this ministry to complete within less than an hour, maybe we have time to summarize kaola's introduction.
The Government of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam has approved the support for the allocation for the Ministry of Religious Affairs for the 2022/2023 Budget amounting to a total of $280,936,340.00, which is reduced from the Development Expenditure by $19,030,000.00 making the Recurrent and Maintenance Expenditure including Staff Salaries amount to $261,906,340.00.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs will strive to optimise these funds to implement the plans within the budget strategy:
Focusing expenditure on religious education for all residents of Negara Brunei Darussalam including preaching considering it the main task of the ministry including producing a generation knowledgeable in religion, practicing it, and having an orderly and systematic religious understanding. The closeness of religious teachings taught in schools, practiced in households, and preached. With that, we can maintain religious integrity. Nobody will deviate from the teachings we practice.
Focusing allocation on the maintenance of assets under MORA that need to be given primary attention.; and
To strategically place staff across identified district branches, especially for the purposes of solid preaching and also to fill some positions for mosque affairs across districts and in the field of law enforcement.
Therefore, the support to its budget is as kaola has previously stated.
Based on the experiences of last year, even though our situation with the COVID-19 pandemic wave, some of our daily life movements are somewhat limited, however, religious services, Yang Berhormat with the blessing of cooperation from all parties can proceed according to the rhythm and atmosphere of the COVID-19 pandemic we are experiencing. Based on this, the budget for next year will also be used for activities stated in a rhythm that Yang Berhormat in this endemic phase, maybe will become accustomed to this endemic and be able to perform our routine tasks, duties in a much better rhythm than before.
At the same time, kaola would like to announce that for the plans that have been planned is to strengthen the achievements already achieved, for example in the field of education, the achievement of our students in religious schools and Arabic schools measured from their examination results in religious streams such as Religious Lower Secondary Certificate, Brunei Religious Education Certificate (SPUB), Higher Religious Education Certificate. All three are equivalent or on par with certificates in general disciplines such as PSR, `O’ Level/and ‘A’ Level. Its achievement has reached the expected target and the figures can be seen from further reports later.
Also regarding developments, although somewhat limited with a few things but requests that have been planned especially in the National Development Plan for mosques that have been allocated. Last year 2 mosques in NDP namely Mengkubau Mosque and Mergong Mosque have begun to be implemented.
While other mosques are still in the pipeline either waiting for offer determinations or in the stage of changes required following from the limitedness of the allocation.
Similarly, with other initiatives. In short, the Ministry of Religious Affairs will continue its efforts especially in matters not involving allocated funds but contribute to the government's fiscal, for example through Majlis Ugama Islam Brunei regarding zakat and wakaf.
All these are moving forward while contemplating ways to enhance it, for example in terms of zakat alone it has contributed to the government's fiscal, in terms of welfare for the public, no less than families supported by zakat in terms of those, people unable to live along with their dependents, nearly reaching 19,000 people, with expenditure for 2 years and reaching a figure of $80 million.
Fortunately, the collection from zakat estimated annually between $17 million to $18 million, and hence the Ministry of Religious Affairs through Majlis Ugama Islam Brunei (MUIB) is thinking creatively to increase the collection results as what was done last year for zakat fitrah through online and saw success and has been introduced for zakat harta through online.
Likewise, for wakaf. Wakaf now has its acts to be finalized by mid-year and is not only preparing its laws but also how to consider its governance.
Zakat already has established decisions introduced for a fully department Zakat and Baitulmal. Remaining now is under consideration of the Salary Committee thinking of an appropriate structure. While wakaf must be in the thoughts we will see later.
God willing, also in the field of Islamic studies several initiatives have been made and have shown success reaching KPIs in the vision. For instance, in terms of the performance percentage of teachers and schools' performance percentage shows continuous improvement over 4 years and all these are thanks to the initiative from young officers serving in the educational services they are the new generation of us who will continue the religious services God willing towards its such objectives.
That’s all Yang Berhormat Pengerusi, what kaola can briefly explain. Thank you, Yang Berhormat Pengerusi.
Yang Berhormat Pengerusi
Thank you Yang Berhormat Menteri Hal Ehwal Ugama. Your Honourable Members. It’s best we adjourn this Committee Meeting and we will reconvene at the State Legislative Assembly.
(Committee Meeting adjourned)
(State Legislative Assembly reconvenes)
Yang Berhormat Yang Di-Pertua
Your Honourable Members. We now reconvene at the State Legislative Assembly Conference.
I propose that we adjourn this conference and will reconvene on Tuesday, 1 March 2022 at 9.30 am.
Thank you, (and peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you) (State Legislative Assembly adjourned)
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