Glorious Teachers - Excellent Students.

Teachers and students are two interrelated entities which mutually support each other towards the pursuit of glory and excellence in education. Educational excellence among students requires the teachers' ability in educating, instructing and guiding the students to achieve progress, prosperity and human perfection as a national asset.
Glorious teachers are those who possess both academic excellence and respectable personality. Academically these teachers are highly educated and acknowledgeable, having experties in instructional techniques, visionary and steadfastly adhering to the faith (Aqidah) as decreed by Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) in a hadith narrated by Imam Malik which reads, "I have left two matters with you. As long as you hold them, you will not go the wrong way. They are the Book of Allah and the Sunna of His Propeht".
Excellent students are those who achieve excellence in both academic and co-curricular disciplines, as well as possessing commendable moral values. In pursuing excellence, students require guidance and support from teachers who have the above-mentioned qualities.
Towards realising the theme's vision, the Teachers Service Scheme which was approved by the Government of His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam will not only be able to elevate the status of teaching profession in this country but also to produce teachers and school leaders who are competent and of high quality. In addition to the long-term training programmes at home and abroad, professional development programmes for the short term should also be implemented on an ongoing basis such as the School Laedership Programme and development programme of teachers in various subjects including literacy programs, numeracy and lesson study.
Looking forward, we have no other choice but to strengthen the quality of teachers because quality is the key to ensuring that they achieve success. It is therefore imperative that teachers should be aware of their responsibilities and obligations since they are entrusted with the high expectation placed by the society and the nation to educate the students to become useful citizens.

It is hoped that, by Allah's grace, this year's Teachers' Day will encourage and motivate teachers to achieve glory in education. The excellence of both the teachers and students is a development complementary to each other. It is through strengthening the two parties will the Ministry of Education's Vision and the Nation's Vision of 2035 be realised. (Teachers' Day 2010, Organising Committee).

HM delivering the Titah,

during this morning's 'Sambutan Hari Guru 2010' at ICC Berakas.

The Royal entourage

Among the ladies attendees, most of them are school teachers.

The Honourable Minister of Education delivering the welcoming speech

As well as the men attendees, they are teachers from various schools.

Among the award recepients

Also the award recepients

The Special Mention Award recepient

Behind the scene shots, with the choir group.

Breakfast prior to the event.

This man is known as 'Nini Boi' (Grand-father').

The spirit is there.

Salam, good day. Last evening I attended a Hari Raya Gathering hosted by our department. Last night's function was also in honour of our retired officer who has ended their service this year. Some of them has been working for over 30 years! Isn't that quite long? But since the mandatory pension has been extended until the age of 60, I'm sure the younger generations will serve their department much further. I took a lot of picture last night, but the three below would do enough for my weekend posting. To my colleagues, I'll forward your pictures via email. Wonderful Syawal:)

My ex-boss, Mr.Osman Mohamad (L). He served as a Special Duties Officer at The Prime Minister's Office until his retirement. His previous position was the Director of RTB. During his tenure with our section, he has been our brother, friend and colleague. He is damn friendly! Also the best thing is he never get angry. Although he is the boss, but he never look one!

My ex-boss, Mohamad Sah Salleh delivering his farewell speech. He has been one of my closest colleague to his retirement. He is the one who keeps on complaining almost everyday but also he never let you down. The best way to deal with him is 'negotiate'.

Senior Operation Officer, Mr.Jamain Taib (L). Since he moved to the section which works closer with us, every single job comes easy-peasy! Day in, day out he and his team gave their full cooperations and supports until our job is completely done. This type of guy is actually that we are looking for years! But now, he gonna leave us.

20th Teachers' Day.

The Ministry of Education (MoE) has announced that the 20th Teachers' Day celebration carries the theme "Guru Gemilang, Pelajar Cemerlang" (Great Teachers, Excellent Students).
This year's theme emphasises that the path of the teacher and student are interconnected. Both must mutually cooperate with one another in order to achieve excellence, a press release from MoE stated.
The MoE said that Guru Gemilang (Great Teachers) are those who are educated, highly knowledgeable in teaching and learning techniques, possesses a noble character and broad vision for the future.
Pelajar Cemerlang (Excellent Students) were described as students who had achieved both academic excellence and possessed an excellent character. These outstanding students must receive the proper guidance and support from equally outstanding teachers for them to become national assets.
The MoE stated that the Teacher Services Scheme that has been approved by the government is not only aimed at elevating the current level of professionalism among teachers of the country, but also produce competent, high quality teachers and school leaders.
Apart from long-term programmes, short-term professional development programmes should also be conducted continuously, including the School Leadership Programme and teaching development programmes in various subjects, such as literacy, numeracy and lesson study, the statement added.
The MoE reminded teachers of their responsibilities as well as the great expectations the nation has placed on their shoulders as they are key to the success of students and their future as productive citizens.
The ministry also hoped that this year's theme will encourage both teachers and students to strive towards excellence, and only by strengthening the two parties will the Vision 2035 be achieved.

bd File

Brunei celebrate Teacher's Day on 23 September every year to commemorate the birth date of the 28th ruler of Brunei, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, also known as the 'Architect of Modern Brunei' who amongst others had emphasized on the importance of education to his subjects by introducing policy of 'free' education whereby the citizens are charged very nominal fees for attending schools. This policy have now been followed by the current 29th ruler His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam who have since extended the policy further.

Three version of happy birthday songs, they sing in English, Mandarin and Bahasa Melayu.

Yesterday Sa'adah hosted a birthday party for her classmates at CHMS BSB. Since this is her first year in school, this is the first time ever she throw a party with her friends and of course the environment very much different from what she has at home. Although she has got not even a single presents from her classmates, she seems very happy to celebrate her 4th birthday with them. Happy birthday dear Sa'adah, may you be successful on your academic studies with the guidance from Allah the most gracious and the most merciful:)

You are right, 2 + 2 = 4. Good girl!

While her friends queing for their cake...

Sa'adah is already having on her own...hehe.

Sa'adah with her beloved babu...

Move on.

Salam, good day. Although it is the second week of Syawal, we can still feel the spirit of celebrations everywhere. Invitations for hari raya open houses keep coming in to my inboxes, meaning that until now I'm yet to perform my six-day fasting in Syawal. I hope in the coming days I would able to that. Meanwhile, if you happen to turn on today's Borneo Bulletin you will see one interesting topic being highlighted by a 'Road Namer'. Haha, it seems very hilarious! I do agree with his opinion, road name should not be translated. I came across with this before when one of my foreigner friend says that not only road name should not be translated, but banks, shops and buildings as well. Please click on my previous postings on bruneidaily Thursday, May 21, 2009 for further comments:)

What is your goal?

Salam, good day. Yesterday for the fifth year, Yayasan has awarded Sultan's Scholar Scholarship award to the nation's top students and also it is the fourth year I've been the emcee. How do you feel emceeing such function?, the recepients keep on moving further with their career but for my self I'm still doing the same thing. It seems very inspirational for me to see those students who has managed to achieve such award and also has made their parents so proud of. At my age, I still have a long way to go and I'm looking forward to further my studies as well. But how I wish, if not me who manage to achieve such goal I hope my kids would:)

HM in conversation with the committees (the only pic I took)

Five top students yesterday received the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah 'Sultan's Scholar' Scholarship award for further studies abroad. His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar Ali saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to award the scholarships yesterday at Istana Nurul Iman.

Also present at the ceremony were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, His Royal Highness Prince Haji 'Abdul 'Azim and His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik.

The five recepients were Muhammad Shu'aib bin Haji Kamaluddin, Haji Muhammad Azim bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohammad Daud, Muhammad Sulaiman bin Haji Sufardi, Nurul Adilah binti Haji Abu Bakar and Nur Hafilah Salihah binti Haji Mohammad Salleh.

The 'Sultan's Scholar' Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship. It is awarded with the aim to produce knowledgeable, skilled, disciplined and well-mannered individuals for the long-term benefits of Religion, Monarch and Nation. The scholarship was awarded to students who have been identified by the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Religious Affairs as having shown excellence in academic, extra curricular activities to further their studies to a higher level at the prestigious institutions abroad. (RTB News).

Sa'adah turns 4.

Salam, good day. My daughter Sa'adah turns 4 today. From three of my kids, she is the most active and she eats a lot! In comparison to her sister and brother, she is the heaviest at her age. Now in her kindegarten days, now she behave well and knows how to manage her time. My wife and I feels very lucky to have her, she is the one to break the silent. She is the one who makes us laugh and makes us angry as well, haha... We pray to Allah the almighty, the most gracious and most merciful for her success and with the guidance of Allah may she be obedient to Allah, follows the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him as well as obedient to her parents:)

Its ain't 8, its 4 instead.

Very wet.

Salam, good day. So far we are only able to make a few visits to our close families and relatives, as the weather doesn't permit us to do more. The current wet weather was also not very safe for the road users. It all started during the hari raya eve, Brunei was hit by a heavy rain mainly several areas in Tutong District. Local news has reported Masjid Hassanal Bolkiah in Tutong was heavily hit by a soil erosion, as well as the muslim cemetery at Kampong Sugan where the landslide has occured. According to the statistics, Tutong District has recorded 295.5mm of rainfall from 8am on 9 September until 8am on 10 September, which is twice the average of rainfall recorded on the same month last year. I pay my sympathy to all the residence effected and assure them the relevant authorities would take full consideration and responsibilty on this matter. Lets hope all comes good and may Allah the most gracious and the most merciful be with all of us to protect our beloved nation of Brunei Darussalam:)

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

1st Syawal 1431 Hijrah.

Latest: By consent of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Dipertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the Honourable Head of Brunei Islamic Religious Council has announced that Brunei Darussalam will mark the 1st of Syawal on Friday 10th of September. This was confirmed by Yang Mulia Dato Seri Setia Hj Zaimi bin Hj Talib (Syarie Judge) which is broadcasted live through the state's radio and television. I took this opportunity to wish my family, muslim friends, colleagues and bruneidaily visitors a very wonderful Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Allahuakbar, Allahuakbar, Allahuakbar:)

Mudim leading the takbir on 1st Syawal

HM with members of royal family performing the sunat Aidilfitri prayer

Khatib delivering the sermon

HRH Prince Abdul Malik consents to receive junjung ziarah

As well as HM and CP

Later with the rest of my family,

I went to pay a respect to my grand mother's cemetery.

Ramadhan is gonna leave us.

Salam, good day. These few days, certain areas in the country is blanketed by heavy rain which caused flash floods mainly in the lowland areas. I'm not sure if this a rainy season, but then for the residence in the lowland areas as well as the highlanders to take extra precautionary measures to prevent something bad happen. May Allah the most gracious and the most merciful be with us. Below is today's weather forecast issued by Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Service, Deaprtment of Civil Aviation.

(Issued at 0632 LT on Wednesday 28 Ramadhan 1431H / 08th September 2010M)
Weather Partly Cloudy with isolated showers or thundershowers mostly at sea and chance of affecting some parts of coastal area this morning. Isolated coastal showers are expected around midday with showers or thundershowers mostly over inland in the afternoon.

Outlook to tomorrow morning

Inland showers or thundershowers in the afternoon becoming widely spread as propagate out to coastal and sea areas around early night.

Wind

Light and variable in the morning and becoming Northwesterly at 10-20 km/h in the afternoon.

Temperature

25°C , 33°.

The aftermath along Jalan Residency

Jalan Subok

Wonderful Ramadhan.

Salam, good day. How I wish the whole year is Ramadhan, now it is almost leaving us. Less than a week we are going to celebrate Aidilfitri, but the spirit of Ramadhan has never gone by. Ramadhan has offers a lot to all muslims in terms of rewards, some of the thick-pocket even perform 'umrah' (visit to Mecca) during this holy month. Yes, they spend more but will gain more rewards from Allah the most gracious and the most merciful once they perform 'ibadat' in the holy land. In the meantime while others are busy with their preparation for the festive season, I was still unable to clear up the mess at my workplace. This is going to be very very tough since I have to do two job at once and I hope it will be settle in these few days. May Allah bless us with forgiveness, Ramadhan al-Karim:)

HM attending Tarawih prayer at Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosques

Mudim Ahmad Kasra Ibrahim collecting the 'zakat fitrah'

(About this man, he is a big fan of Liverpool)

As well as Pehin Khatib Hamidon Abdul Hamid. Emmm, I'm yet to pay mine.

...and last Friday I went to the cemetery at Jalan Residency and Jalan Sungai Kebun to pay respect to my late grandfather and grandmother. Photo above shows a revamped and more organised graveyard at Jalan Sungai Kebun. Before you make your booking, please be sure to be obedient to Allah the most merciful. Am I right?

A pleasant Ramadhan.

Salam, good day. Soon after the launching last Monday, 'Projek Jalinan Kasih' Radio Division of RTB yesterday has reached their recepients in Belait District. The previous day, the selected recepients in Brunei Muara Districts has received their goodies and 'sedekah' as well. Today, the 'Jalinan Kasih' (JK) move to Tutong District and at Temburong District on Saturday. This is the second year Radio Division of RTB has organised such project in order to lift up awareness to our community to give a helping hand to the needy people, to the poor and under privileged person. May Allah bless us, Ramadhan al-Karim:)

The residence of Awang Maidin bin Rimba at Kampong Sungai Teraban

Could you imagine how they live their life in such condition? May Allah bless.

We also came across with a very old cemetery (non-muslim)

As well as this, dated back in 1933.

Under the sunny day at Kampong Sungai Teraban. L-R: Adi Zulhazmi

Mohammad Salleh, Irwan Rino Nordin, Mohamad Sah Mohamad Salleh,

Redzuan Mohamad Hashim and Hazwan Abdullah.

One of the recepients at Kampong Pandan, family of the late Pg Ali bin Pg Hamit.

This is at Kampong Mumong, the recepients were Asrin bin Ismail and

Jali bin Mohammad. Both of them are muslim converts.

RTB news crew in an interview with Suhana Abdullah, a muslim converts

resides at Lorong Tiga Selatan Seria.

Someone falls asleep on our way back home

Our journey concluded here (for sweet corn).