Izah Azahari is a prominent figure in Brunei, known for her role as the Minister of Education. Recently, she participated in the sixth edition of the Youth Town Hall, where she shared valuable insights and advice with the youth of the nation. During the event, Minister Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh emphasized the importance of being globally competitive and stepping out of one’s comfort zone. She also highlighted the significance of reading, being active in youth associations, and having a thirst for knowledge.
The theme of the Youth Town Hall was ‚Developing an Inclusive and Dynamic Economy through Education‘, reflecting the government’s commitment to providing quality education for all. The event was organized by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and the Young Professionals Network (YPN) Brunei, with support from the Ministry of Education (MoE). The session was moderated by Dr Muhammad Nuriskandar bin Mohd Hasnan, Assistant Head Officer (Youth) at the Department of Youth and Sports.
One of the key topics discussed during the event was the allocation and distribution of funds within the Ministry of Education. Minister Izah Azahari provided insights into Brunei’s strategies for overcoming the challenges posed by the pandemic, particularly in transitioning to online education. She stressed the importance of investing in education for the nation’s future and highlighted the need to address gaps in the holistic development of young individuals.
In her interactions with the participants, Minister Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh emphasized the importance of inclusivity in education. She mentioned initiatives such as developing specialized curriculum for students with special needs, promoting technical education for industry-driven competencies, and encouraging STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). These efforts aim to provide multiple pathways for students to excel and contribute to the economy.
The project lead for the Youth Town Hall, Mohammad Ashmeer Imtiaz Ahmad, shared that the event aimed to cover two significant pillars of Brunei Vision 2035 – education and the economy. Dynamic exchanges took place between the minister and participants, covering topics such as budget allocation, resources, priorities of the MoE, skills for competitiveness, and special needs education. The Youth Town Hall serves as a platform for youth to engage in national development and contribute to the solution-driven generation envisioned by the government.
Overall, the Youth Town Hall was a success, with over 500 youth members participating in the event. Minister Izah Azahari’s insights and advice will undoubtedly inspire the youth of Brunei to strive for excellence, embrace challenges, and contribute to the nation’s development.