Brunei - Over $90m to build schools under RKN

Over $92 million will be dedicated to constructing schools over the next five years with an additional $25 million allocated to rebuild schools throughout the country, including those in Kampong Ayer, disclosed the Second Minister of Finance yesterday.

These allotments are part of the five-year National Development Plan for 2012-2017, said Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Hj Abd Rahman Hj Ibrahim during a meeting of the eighth session of the Legislative Council (LegCo).

Approximately $92.46 million has been allocated for the construction of sixth form centres, secondary schools, religious and Arab schools throughout Brunei.

The minister also outlined several new initiatives to develop human capacity, such as the introduction of a scholarship scheme for technical and vocational education in local non-government institutions. This scheme provides opportunities for 'O' and 'A' level school leavers to continue their education at private higher education institutions.

"This initiative aims to help reduce the number of local jobseekers that have low qualifications, by expanding their skills, while strengthening and developing private education institutions in this country, and providing support to the national education system," said YB Pehin Dato Hj Abd Rahman.

Education allowances for higher learning also received a boost of $10 million, bringing the total to $36 million for 2012-2013. Starting January 1, 2012, both citizens and permanent residents working in the private sector will be able to claim an education allowance for their children who study at privately-owned higher learning institutes.

Some $22.8 million has also been allotted to Brunei's first Polytechnic which began operation earlier this year.

Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) will be introducing the Chancellor Scholar award in the 2012-2013 academic year, for selected locals to pursue studies at world-renowned universities. The awardees will be expected to return to Brunei upon completion of their course to serve as academic at UBD.

YB Pehin Dato Hj Abd Rahman added that various Memorandums Of Understanding have been signed for undergraduate and Higher National Diploma students to undertake supervised work experience overseas.

QURATUL-AIN BANDIAL

The Brunei Times

Business & Investment Opportunities

YourVietnamExpert is a division of Saigon Business Corporation Pte Ltd, Incorporated in Singapore since 1994. As Your Business Companion, we propose a range of services in Consulting, Investment and Management, focusing three main economic sectors: International PR; Healthcare & Wellness;and Tourism & Hospitality. We also propose Higher Education, as a bridge between educational structures and industries, by supporting international programs. Sign up with twitter to get news updates with @SaigonBusinessC. Thanks.