| Rokiah Mahmud |
THE nation yesterday marked the 25th Teacher’s Day at the Plenary Hall of the International Convention Centre in Berakas, with the highlight being the presentation of awards in four categories. The celebration this year carries the theme ‘Teacher as a catalyst of visionary individuals.’
At the event, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, consented to present awards to seven recipients in recognition of their hard work and contributions towards the nation’s development in the field of education.
Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Dr Ustaz Haji Awang Yahya bin Haji Ibrahim received the prestigious Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Education Award for his contributions, dedication as well as in appreciation of services rendered to the government of His Majesty.
Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Dr Ustaz Haji Awang Yahya began his career as a temporary trained religious teacher from 1964 to 1965, and was later on appointed as religious officer for three years, between 1967 to 1970.
In 1968, he was also appointed as Acting Secretary for Religious Council, and the following year saw him being appointed as acting principal of the Hassanal Bolkiah Arabic Boy Secondary School.
His appointment as Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs from 1986 to 2005 did not hinder his commitment to contribute to religious education, in which he played a vital role in the development of religious education in the country.
Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Mahalle bin Haji Awang Abdullah received the Meritorious Teacher Award
Associate Professor Ampuan Dr Haji Brahim bin Ampuan Haji Tengah received the Excellent Teacher Awards in overall category
Faridah binti Abdul Hamid, recipient of the Excellent Award. – PHOTOS: DEAN KASSIM
With high expectations in seeing the country progress – especially in the field of religious education back then, Pehin Yahya held discussions with Al-Azhar University towards efforts in upgrading Institut Pengajian Islam (IPI) Certificates from Diploma to Bachelor Degree. The IPI syllabus has been reorganised based on syllabi of Al-Azhar University so that the students would be able to pursue their studies at the prestigious Al-Azhar University.
In adding to his success, the Arabic language was included as one of the syllabus in Brunei Religious Education Certificate (Sijil Pelajaran Ugama Brunei). He has also made enormous contributions in producing a number of religious education textbooks used by schools.
As an Islamic scholar who also has an interest in literature, Pehin Yahya has contributed to countless works especially in the field of religious education development until today.
In a show of appreciation, Pehin Yahya received a certificate of honour, a $20,000 cash award, souvenir and privilege in the forms of entitlement to first-class medical treatment at any government hospital – paid for by the government.
Meanwhile, Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Mahalle bin Haji Awang Abdullah and Haji Ibrahim bin Md Yassin are two former educators who received the Meritorious Teacher Award.
Each recipient received a certificate of honour, a $12,000 cash award, souvenir and entitlement to first-class medical treatment at any government hospital paid for by the government.
Speaking to the Bulletin, Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Mahalle expressed gratitude for the award and advised young educators to seek knowledge so as to upgrade themselves. He said they need to remain focussed in their teachings in order to educate the knowledge-hungry younger generation
As a teacher, he added, one needs to have an open heart and practise patient in educating students who come from different backgrounds.
Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Mahalle has contributed substantially to religious development in the country. In his 34 years of service with the government, he has assisted in the field of education, guidance and nation building. His career has seen him appointed as school inspector and religious development officer, among others.
Associate Professor Ampuan Dr Haji Brahim bin Ampuan Haji Tengah received the Excellent Teacher Award for overall category. He received a certificate of honour, $6,000, souvenir and priority when it comes to pursuing higher level studies.
Associate Professor Ampuan Dr Haji Brahim expressed gratitude to the government of His Majesty for the honour. After 39 years of service in teaching and spending 26 years contributing his expertise at the higher education institution, he expected no award.
His motivation to work hard is Allah the Almighty and his strong will in educating the nation. In 1989, he began his career as an educator at a higher education institution. He was later promoted to senior lecturer in 2000. Driven by his strong will and commitment in upgrading his profile, in 2008 he was successfully named as Associate Professor of Malay Literature programme, Faculty of Arts and Social Science.
Excellent Awards were also presented to Faridah binti Abdul Hamid who excelled in Malay education, Mazmewwati binti Mazali who excelled in Fiqeh, and Hajah Normah binti Md Daud who excelled in school leadership.
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