The Ministry of Education (MoE) in Brunei has taken a significant step in educational reform, announcing a comprehensive budget allocation during the 20th session of the Legislative Council meeting. Led by Minister of Education Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh, the MoE has outlined a strategic plan for 2023-2027, focusing on creating an innovative education ecosystem, nurturing future-ready students, and boosting human resource capacity.
For the 2024-2025 financial year, the MoE has designated a total provision of BND810,383,636, with a substantial 68% allocated for the emolument of its 12,580 teaching and non-teaching staff. This financial strategy underscores the government's commitment to retaining and fostering teaching talent domestically. Additionally, BND221,997,500 is allocated for recurrent expenditure, and BND39,209,286 for developmental expenditure, ensuring well-equipped educational institutions and a relevant and forward-thinking curriculum.
The MoE's ambitious strategic goals demonstrate a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the educational sector. Focusing on cultivating future-ready students, the ministry aims to adapt the education system to better prepare students for the complexities of the modern world. The establishment of Brunei's first special school in January 2024 represents a significant move towards inclusive education, addressing the needs of students with special requirements.
Despite a slight decline in performance in the Brunei-Cambridge GCE 'A' Level examinations compared to 2022, the MoE remains optimistic about the future of education in Brunei. The consistent upward trend in examination results over the past decade reflects the effectiveness of ongoing educational reforms. The strategic plan for 2023-2027 provides a solid framework for improving education quality at all levels, emphasizing the importance of an innovative education ecosystem and a robust human resource base.
