Stem Education In Brunei: A Focused Curriculum?

Brunei, officially known as Brunei Darussalam, is a small but wealthy nation located on the north coast of Borneo island in Southeast Asia. With a population of only 425,000, it is one of the richest countries in the world due to its vast oil and gas reserves, which have fuelled its economy for over 85 years. The country provides its citizens with an excellent standard of living, including free education through to the university level. In recent years, there has been a growing focus on STEM education in Brunei, with the government recognising the need to reduce dependence on oil and gas revenue. Currently, only 20% of Bruneian students continue on to further education, which is significantly lower than in other Southeast Asian countries. With a third of the population under the age of 19, the government is investing in education to address this issue.

Brunei's education system is based on the British model, with English as the main language of instruction

Brunei's education system is heavily influenced by its past relationship with Britain, with English being the primary language of instruction. Brunei gained independence from British rule in 1984, and since then, the country has made efforts to enhance its national identity and develop its human resources.

The education system in Brunei is provided and regulated by the Government of Brunei through two ministries: the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The former manages most government and private schools, while the latter administers government schools providing Islamic religious education. The Ministry of Education oversees the curriculum and allocates resources to all schools under its control.

Brunei's education system follows a 7-3-2-2 pattern, which includes seven years of primary education, three years of lower secondary education, two years of upper secondary education, and two years of pre-university education. The system emphasizes Islamic religious education, with all Muslim children between the ages of 7 and 15 required to attend religious schools.

While Malay is the official language of Brunei, English is the primary medium of instruction in most primary and secondary schools, as well as colleges and universities. This is a result of the country's past dependence on Britain, which has led to educational structures and curricula that draw from the British educational system. The value of UK education is evident, with a growing number of English-medium international schools in the country.

Brunei's only university, the Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), was established in 1985 and offers undergraduate and graduate programs through its faculties, including arts and social sciences, business, economics, Islamic studies, science, and education. The teaching staff at UBD numbers over 300, and while most undergraduate programs are offered in English, some are also available in Malay.

The country's educational policies aim to provide greater scope for the use of Malay in education, a total of 12 years of education for all students, integrated curricula and public examinations, Islamic religious education, facilities for education in scientific and technological fields, and access to higher education.

The government provides free education through to university level

Brunei's education system is provided and regulated by the government through the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The former manages most of the government and private schools in the country, while the latter specifically administers government schools that provide Islamic religious education.

The government provides free education for its citizens from preschool through to university level. Compulsory education can be of two types: general education, which takes 12 years and consists of preschool, primary, and secondary; and Islamic religious primary education, which lasts seven years and is compulsory for Muslim pupils in Brunei.

The Ministry of Education administered or oversaw 232 schools in preschool, primary, and secondary levels, 12 technical and vocational institutions, and seven universities and other tertiary-level institutions as of 2019. The country's first school was founded in 1914, and since then, there has been a substantial expansion in the availability of education in the nation.

At the secondary level, learners can choose from four programs structured to match their interests and capabilities. After secondary education, students can advance to post-secondary learning institutions, including sixth-form colleges or centres (pre-university level) and vocational and technical education (VTE) institutions.

Brunei has only four universities offering courses ranging from two years for diploma programs to four years for bachelor's programs. These universities include the University Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Institut Teknologi Brunei (ITB), Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University (UNISSA), and Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College (KUPU SB).

Brunei's economic future is uncertain as oil reserves are projected to run out in 20 years

Brunei's economic future is uncertain as its oil reserves are projected to run out in just over 20 years. The country's economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas exports, which account for 90% of its exports and government revenue. With oil prices plummeting and reserves dwindling, the country is facing a challenging future.

To address this issue, the Bruneian government has developed a plan called "Brunei Vision 2035", which aims to reduce the country's dependence on oil and gas revenue. The government recognizes the need to diversify the economy and is focusing on education as a key strategy. Currently, only 20% of Bruneian school pupils go on to further education, which is significantly below the levels of other Southeast Asian countries. With a third of the population under the age of 19, the government is investing in the education sector to address this gap.

The country has also been promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education to varying degrees. While there is limited specific information available on Brunei's focus on STEM, the country has recognized the importance of technical and vocational education. The establishment of the Institut Pendidikan Teknikal Brunei (IBTE) in 2014 highlights this focus, aiming to support the government's goal of creating a highly trained and educated citizenry.

However, the future of Brunei's economy remains uncertain. The country has struggled to recover economically after the COVID-19 pandemic, with no significant growth in 2023. The decline in crude oil production, challenges in rejuvenating offshore fields, and the slow recovery of the tourism sector have all contributed to the stagnant state of the economy.

Despite these challenges, there are some positive developments. The country's first shipment of chicken eggs to Singapore in 2023 and the success of aquaculture exports are examples of diversification efforts. Additionally, Brunei has set ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and its abundant sunshine provides a natural advantage for solar power generation.

In conclusion, while Brunei's economic future is uncertain due to the projected depletion of oil reserves, the government is taking steps to address this challenge. The focus on education, including STEM, and economic diversification efforts may help mitigate the potential negative impacts. However, the success of these initiatives remains to be seen, and the country may need to embrace more transformative changes to secure its economic future.

The government is prioritising education to reduce dependence on oil and gas revenue

Brunei, officially known as Brunei Darussalam, is a small but wealthy nation located on the north coast of Borneo island in Southeast Asia. Its economy has been fuelled by oil and gas for over 85 years, with these resources accounting for 90% of the country's exports. This has resulted in a high standard of living for its citizens, who enjoy benefits such as free healthcare, subsidised housing, and free education through to the university level. However, with oil prices declining and finite reserves projected to run out in the next two decades, the country is facing an uncertain future.

Recognising the need to reduce dependence on oil and gas revenue, the Bruneian government has developed a plan called Brunei Vision 2035, which identifies education as a key priority. Currently, only 20% of Bruneian school pupils continue on to further education, a significantly lower proportion compared to other Southeast Asian countries. With a third of the population under the age of 19, the government is investing in the education sector to address this disparity.

The government's efforts to enhance the country's education system are not new. Following Brunei's independence from the United Kingdom in 1984, various initiatives were launched to strengthen national identity and human resources. This culminated in the implementation of Wawasan Brunei 2035, a national vision, and the Sistem Pendidikan Negara Abad ke-21 (SPN21), an objective for the 21st-century national education system, in 2007.

The Ministry of Education plays a crucial role in administering and overseeing schools, with 232 schools and 7 universities under its purview as of 2019. It is responsible for both government and private learning institutions, ensuring compliance with the Education Act of 1984. The Ministry sets a common syllabus for all primary and secondary learning institutions, with English serving as the primary medium of instruction, although bilingualism with Malay is also practised.

Brunei's educational philosophy reflects its Islamic heritage and monarchy, emphasising Koranic components such as piety, faith, and allegiance to the Sultan. At the same time, the country's historical ties with Britain have influenced its educational curricula and structures. The value of UK education is evident, with a growing number of English-medium international schools and the popularity of qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate (IB).

The government's focus on education as a means to reduce dependence on oil and gas revenue is evident in its commitment to making education accessible to all citizens. Free schooling is provided at all levels, and the Ministry of Education works to distribute resources to all learning institutions under its control. Additionally, the government subsidises university-level education, ensuring that citizens can pursue higher education without incurring significant costs.

In conclusion, the Bruneian government's prioritisation of education is a strategic move to reduce the country's reliance on oil and gas revenue. By investing in the education sector and promoting continued learning, the government aims to foster a highly educated and skilled population that can contribute to the country's economic growth and diversification. This approach aligns with the goals of Brunei Vision 2035 and demonstrates the government's commitment to securing the nation's future beyond its finite natural resources.

The International School Brunei (ISB) is the only Green Mark-certified school in Borneo

The International School Brunei (ISB) is a globally recognised, internationally accredited eco-school with a strong reputation for academic excellence and inclusivity. Established in 1964, it was the first international school in Brunei Darussalam and is now one of the best international schools in Southeast Asia. The school has three campuses in Brunei Darussalam, spanning from Seria to Brunei Muara, and caters to a diverse community of students from ages 3 to 18, with over 37 nationalities represented.

ISB's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship is evident in its eco-friendly, multimillion-dollar campus, which was opened in 2015. The campus was constructed in adherence to the rigorous standards of the BCA Green Mark requirements, firmly establishing ISB as the only Green Mark-certified school in Borneo and the foremost 'green' school within its community.

The school follows the English National Curriculum, offering the Cambridge IGCSE qualification, and was the first school in the country to offer the IB Diploma. ISB's IB Diploma pass rates are consistently above global averages, with a pass rate of 98% achieved in 2024. The school's state-of-the-art classrooms and world-class facilities, including a competition-ready swimming pool and a fully equipped multipurpose hall, provide an optimal learning environment that fosters creativity and innovation.

ISB's teaching faculty consists of professionals from diverse backgrounds around the world, embracing the school's mission of "Inspiring Minds, Shaping Values, and Building Futures". The school nurtures students to become responsible leaders who are caring, open-minded global citizens geared for success in an ever-changing world. With its strong focus on inclusivity, ISB ensures that every student excels and is given the support and resources needed to achieve their learning goals.

Frequently asked questions