Rokiah Mahmud, Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman recently received a courtesy visit from an Omani delegation led by Dr Saeed bin Saif Al Ameri, Advisor to the Minister of Education for Educational Media and Head of Minister’s Office of Oman. The visit aimed to strengthen cultural cooperation programs between Oman and Brunei, particularly in the field of Arabic language education.
During the meeting, Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin expressed his appreciation for Oman’s efforts in bringing Arabic language experts to Brunei to empower the use of the language in the Sultanate. The collaboration between Brunei’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Oman’s Ministry of Education has been instrumental in enhancing the teaching and learning of Arabic language in Brunei.
One of the key programs discussed during the visit was the Tadreeb Mu’alim program, which focuses on training Arabic language teachers in Arabic schools and Institute Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (ITQSHHB). Additionally, cultural exchange and twinning programs between Arabic schools in Brunei and UNESCO schools in Oman have been implemented to introduce Bruneian students to Omani culture and traditions while developing their proficiency in Arabic as a second language.
The twinning program not only enhances cultural understanding but also aims to improve the quality of Arabic language education in Brunei. Oman’s contribution of educational and cultural books for Arabic and religious schools in Brunei has been greatly appreciated by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, as it aligns with their goal of enhancing the teaching and learning experience in these institutions.
Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan also attended the meeting, showing the importance both countries place on strengthening educational and cultural ties. The Omani delegation’s visit, which lasted from July 18 to July 28, signifies the ongoing commitment to enhancing cooperation between Brunei and Oman in the field of Arabic language education.
Overall, the courtesy visit from the Omani delegation highlights the strong bilateral relations between Brunei and Oman, particularly in the area of Arabic language education. The collaborative efforts between the two countries have not only benefited teachers and students but have also contributed to the cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the two nations.