MIB to Take on Bigger Role in Brunei’s Education System

The government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Dipertuan of Brunei Darussalam understands the importance of instilling our national identity in all Bruneians.  In line with this, the government has introduced a curriculum to promote our national identity by introducing subjects such as Civics and MIB in primary and secondary schools, as well as the university.

This was the topic of a working paper presented by Pengiran Dr. Haji Abu Bakar bin Pengiran Haji Sarifuddin, the Director of the Academy of Brunei Students at UBD.  The paper was aimed at discussing the importance of the education system in implanting the concept of MIB among the young.

There is a perception among parents, teachers and students that the study of MIB has no practical value, compared to subjects such as Science, Mathematics and English. However, MIB is still extremely important in that it gives the youth an understanding of MIB from an early age. 

The study of civics at primary level covers aspects of the Brunei culture and religion.  Students start learning about Brunei customs or adat istiadat, and cultural history.  They also start learning about the Muslim calendar and living as a Muslim.

The University of Brunei Darussalam is vital in carrying on the study of MIB beyond primary and secondary levels, as they assist government agencies in holding public lectures on the subject.  The university has also made MIB a compulsory subject in their curriculum.

MIB was only implemented in schools in the late 80’s but it is now a fundamental part of the school curriculum.  In the working paper, Pengiran Dr. Haji Abu Bakar concludes that if we Bruneians hope to instill the many aspects of our national identity at all levels of the community, the educational system seems to be the best place to start.