James Kon is a prominent figure in the Ministry of Education (MoE) in Brunei, who has been instrumental in upholding the quality of education in the country despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the Minister of Education, Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman has shown unwavering commitment to ensuring that education continues to thrive in Brunei.
In a recent event at the 7th Politeknik Brunei (PB) Convocation Ceremony, Minister Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah highlighted the impact of the pandemic on various sectors, including education. However, he emphasized that under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Brunei has successfully navigated through the challenges and moved into the Early Endemic Phase. This has allowed the MoE to integrate new norms into the education system and produce high-quality graduates who are resilient and dynamic, in line with Brunei Vision 2035.
One of the key initiatives implemented by PB to adapt to the new norms is the use of PB Learning Management System (LMS) and PB Virtual Learning Experience. These platforms enable students to access learning and teaching online, making the educational experience more interactive and engaging. Additionally, the PB Hybrid-Flexible (HyFlex) Blended Teaching and Learning pilot project has been introduced to meet the need for deep hybrid learning in the new norm, combining online and face-to-face teaching in a synchronised manner.
Minister Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah commended PB for actively improving the quality of teaching and learning, and encouraged other educational institutions to integrate technology to meet the requirements of the new norm. He also acknowledged the efforts of PB teaching staff and students who volunteered at clinical centres and vaccination programmes, gaining valuable experiences and building networks that will benefit them in their future endeavors.
As the only polytechnic in Brunei Darussalam, PB plays a significant role in providing quality human resources to support the country’s development and socio-economic progress. Minister Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah emphasized the importance of aligning PB initiatives with the Politeknik Brunei Development Plan 2021-2025, the Ministry of Education Strategic Plan 2018-2022, the Digital Economy Masterplan 2025, and the Economic Blueprint to achieve the goals of Brunei Vision 2035.
In conclusion, James Kon’s leadership in the Ministry of Education has been pivotal in ensuring that education in Brunei continues to thrive despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through innovative initiatives and a whole-of-nation approach, the MoE and institutions like PB are working towards producing high-quality graduates who are well-equipped to contribute to the country’s development and achieve the goals of Brunei Vision 2035.