SPN21 to boost students for higher education institutions
New students: ITB's 24th intake of the academic year of 2008-2010 taking their pledge during the official launch of their orientation week, yesterday. Picture: Nasroul Hizam
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
THE Ministry of Education is targeting 30 per cent of the total population within the suitable age-groups to be qualified for entry into higher learning institutions once the 21st Century National Education System (SPN21) is up and running, the Acting Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) said yesterday.
Hj Suhaila Hj Abdul Karim added that with the planning and revamping of technical education programmes according toSPN21, more students are expected to make it to institutions of higher learning.
He was speaking yesterday to successful applicants of Institut Teknologi Brunei's (ITB) 24th intake of students, who will attend courses throughout the academic year 2008-2010.
He also observed that entry into technical institutions have reached around 2,000 per intake, which is estimated to be between 30 and 40 per cent of the total number of applicants. Tackling the issue, he explained that the addition of new blocks and new buildings in ITB as part of the 2007 - 2011 National Development Plan will enable a better capacity to accept even more students in the future.
Adding to the circumstance, there is already the existing high levels of competition to enter institutions, applicants vying for limited places and the possibility of rejection. He advised those that do get accepted to be thankful and demonstrate their gratitude for having such an opportunity by working hard and developing their intellectual and creative skills.
Lecturers also play a role in ensuring their students' holistic education, which is an important aspect as part of SPN 21's development.
Programmes in the institutions, on the other hand, also were advised to incorporate aspects of design, creativity and problem solving skills to create 'products' and not simply as a service. The ideas of perseverance, hard work and personality should be given much attention and emphasised by both parents and lecturers. As parents, they should also guide and prepare their children to face realistic conditions, especially with the growing future of the private sector which will open up various career opportunities. In turn, students themselves were advised to adopt a more mature and responsible mindset to prepare for it. The Brunei Times
Hj Suhaila Hj Abdul Karim added that with the planning and revamping of technical education programmes according toSPN21, more students are expected to make it to institutions of higher learning.
He was speaking yesterday to successful applicants of Institut Teknologi Brunei's (ITB) 24th intake of students, who will attend courses throughout the academic year 2008-2010.
He also observed that entry into technical institutions have reached around 2,000 per intake, which is estimated to be between 30 and 40 per cent of the total number of applicants. Tackling the issue, he explained that the addition of new blocks and new buildings in ITB as part of the 2007 - 2011 National Development Plan will enable a better capacity to accept even more students in the future.
Adding to the circumstance, there is already the existing high levels of competition to enter institutions, applicants vying for limited places and the possibility of rejection. He advised those that do get accepted to be thankful and demonstrate their gratitude for having such an opportunity by working hard and developing their intellectual and creative skills.
Lecturers also play a role in ensuring their students' holistic education, which is an important aspect as part of SPN 21's development.
Programmes in the institutions, on the other hand, also were advised to incorporate aspects of design, creativity and problem solving skills to create 'products' and not simply as a service. The ideas of perseverance, hard work and personality should be given much attention and emphasised by both parents and lecturers. As parents, they should also guide and prepare their children to face realistic conditions, especially with the growing future of the private sector which will open up various career opportunities. In turn, students themselves were advised to adopt a more mature and responsible mindset to prepare for it. The Brunei Times
Business Besides Oil
