BDTVEC COUNCIL VISITS KIGS (BB)

Bandar Seri Begawan - The need to have conducive infrastructure and trained educators in institutions must be emphasised to reach the highest effectiveness of teaching and learning for students, the Deputy Minister of Education said yesterday.

Institutions that offer courses in Brunei Darussalam Technical and Vocational Certificate (BDTVEC) in particular must strive to diversify their programmes to be much more innovative and competitive, in line with human resource needs of the country.

Speaking during a visit of the BDTVEC Council to IGS College (KIGS) yesterday, Dato Seri Setia Awang Hj Yusoff bin Hj Ismail said, "These efforts must be further enhanced in response to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's call for the private sector to play a role in the Sultanate's development".

In his capacity as Chairman of the BDTVEC Council, he said the visit was imperative to provide an opportunity for members to further monitor the implementation of the courses in the college, as well as to allow them to interact with students and teaching staff and observe the infrastructure available and teaching and learning sessions that are being practised.

To date, the BDTVEC Council has approved 107 programmes in various levels.

Institutions currently offering BDTVEC programmes include seven technical and vocational institutions under the Technical Education Department; Institut Teknologi Brunei (ITB); several secondary schools under the Schools Department; Marine Technical Training Centre under the Ministry of Defence and four other BDTVEC Approved Centre (KIGS, Micronet International College, Cosmopolitan College of Commerce and Technology and Kemuda Institute).

The council's establishment is aimed at providing a flexible and effective certification system for technical and vocational education that meets certain requirements to fulfil the needs of local and private industries, and the communities as well as the economy of Brunei Darussalam, he said.

Pg Hjh Fatimah binti PSJ Pg Hj Abd Momin, CEO/Chairman of KIGS, said the college has become the first of its kind to offer a full-fledged tertiary level locally, with a record of highest rate of employability for its students in both government and private institutions.

A number of students have been awarded with scholarships to pursue their education abroad. (Six are now pursuing their degrees in the United Kingdom and one in Malaysia).

The introduction of SPN21 has spurred KIGS towards meeting the new challenges, requirements and national expectations in tandem with its mission "to become a dynamic industry leader and achieve excellence in meeting the education needs and aspirations of Bruneian and international students by providing leading-edge tertiary level education and professional training, she said.

The BDTVEC Council delegation toured the college's campus, the administration office, tutorial rooms, library, staff room, computer hardware and maintenance rooms and computer labs.

KIGS is one of the private higher learning institutions in Brunei that pioneers BDTVEC courses in business management and computer studies since 2004.

The college offers seven BDTVEC programmes related to Business and Computer Studies in Pre-National Diploma, National Diploma and Higher National Diploma.

These courses are BDTVEC Higher National Diploma in Business (Accounting), BDTVEC Higher National Diploma in Business (Management), BDTVEC Higher National Diploma in Computing, BDTVEC Higher National Diploma in Business and Finance, BDTVEC National Diploma in Computer Studies, BDTVEC Pre-National Diploma in Business and Finance and BDTVEC Pre-National Diploma in Computer Studies.

KIGS also offers courses in the degree level with the collaboration of Limkokwing University of Creative Technology Malaysia.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

GETTING UPDATES ON VTE PROGRESS (BT)

by Hana Roslan

Brunei's voctech education council visits IGS College

MEMBERS of the Brunei Darussalam Technical and Vocational Education Council (BDTVEC) made their way to International Graduate Studies College (IGS College) in Kiulap yesterday morning to keep abreast on latest developments in the technical and vocational sector.

The council's chairman, Deputy Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Hj Yusoff Hj Ismail, led the group who were welcomed by Chairman of IGS College Pg Hjh Fatimah PSJ Pg Hj Abdul Momin.

This would be the third visit made by the council this year. Also part of the delegation was Deputy Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) Dr Hj Junaidi Hj Abd Rahman.

In the deputy minister's speech, he said he hopes that the college would diversify the courses or programmes offered so that it would be more innovative and competitive and address the human resource needs in the country.

"In this regard, the need to prepare an infrastructure that is conducive and having a teaching force that is adequate and skilled is much needed to guarantee the effectiveness of learning and teaching of the students," he said.

Dato Hj Yusoff also said that the visit was an opportunity for the council members to closely observe the vocational and technical courses offered at the college.

The visit also provided a platform for a two-way discussion between council members and college faculty and staff, especially on the importance of the relationship between private sector and accredited institutions that offer vocational and technical courses to fulfil private sector needs.

Prior to the deputy minister's speech, Pg Hjh Fatimah also gave the members a briefing on the college's achievements and future plans.

As part of Vision 2035 and the introduction of the New National Education System of the 21st Century (SPN21), she said that they were planning on strengthening their immediate expertise in Information Technology (IT) and Business.

The college will also be diversifying by offering new courses in Multimedia Creativity, Communication and Design Innovative and also working on developing their own courses.

The college is affiliated with Lim Kok Wing University in Malaysia and Pg Hjh Fatimah said that they are looking into more collaboration with local and foreign academic institutions.

An expansion plan is also in the pipeline, she said, where a new administration office will be built around the campus. This plan also includes the construction of a new lobby area, additional 13 classrooms and the procurement of new equipment.

They have also introduced degree courses this year namely Bachelor's in Business Administration, Bachelor of Business in Accounting, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering with Multimedia.

In terms of passing rates, she said that majority was 95 per cent and sometimes they even reached 100 per cent.

She added that the only reason why it didn't reach 100 per cent was because of students' attendance.

At present, there are a total of 700 students and 40 full-time staff at the college.

Following the briefing, the deputy minister toured the facilities of the college which include the administrative offices, tutorial room, library and computer hardware and maintenance rooms.

The Brunei Times

MERAGANG 6TH FORM CENTRE BAGS TOP LIVEWIRE BUSINESS AWARD (BB)

Bandar Seri Begawan - Nur Dinani Mat Salleh from Meragang Sixth Form Centre emerged as the winner of Upper Secondary and Pre-U (A1) Category for the LiveWIRE Brunei Business Awards 2010-2011. Her unique shoe designing business plan also won the heart of the judges and received the LiveWire Brunei Most Outstanding Award.

On hand to present the prizes was Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Education in his capacity as the guest of honour at a ceremony held at Rizqun International Hotel yesterday.

The Business Awards is part of an on-going effort to nurture the development of local small and medium enterprises and recognises young and enterprising people who submitted outstanding business plans and have proven excellence in running their businesses.

The biennial LiveWIRE Brunei Business Awards was divided into two categories: Category A for the Business Plan and Category B for Existing Enterprises.

Further, the Business Plan Category (Category A) was sub-divided into three categories: A1 for upper secondary and Form Six students, A2 for post-secondary and higher educational institutions such as UBD, ITB, and Business School and A3 are for LiveWIRE course participants.

Meanwhile Category B, which was for existing business was sub-divided into two categories. The first sub-category B1 was for LiveWIRE Business Network Members who have started their business for at least six months up to three years. The second subcategory B2 was for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that have been operating for over three years.

In the Al category, Nur Dinani from Meragang Sixth Form Centre bagged the top prize with her unique shoe designing business plan, D'S Stylishia. Pusu Fishing Company, an entry from four students of St Andrew's School won second prize and third prize went to Rainforest Restaurant, another entry from Meragang Sixth Form Centre while fourth prize went to Art to Heart, an entry from four students of Maktab Sains PSBS.

In Category A2, no first prizewinner was announced but Musiques Cafe De'Familia, an entry from three students of IGS College won second prize. Third prize went to Choco Cafe, an entry from four students of Business School and fourth prize went to Pudding Paradise, another entry from Business School.

Meanwhile in Category A3, the first prize went to 'Board Game' represented by Pg Mohd Hassanal bin Pg Hj Amir Muhd Jaffri Saifuddin and Tay Gek Eng, both of whom were ex-participants from LiveWIRE Leadership Camp. Allan Sea Shell Collection Corner by Norkhairulaney bin Hj Damit won the second prize while the third prize went to E'lowa Cosmetics by Irene Sufinah binti Ali Rahman and Siti Hafizah bte Haji Awang Bahar and in fourth place was Indah Brunei Tours and Services by Marliza binti Abdul Rahman/Mohd Amin.

For Category B2, no entries were nominated as winners in the category but three entries from Noorana Enterprise by Juliana binti Jamaludin, Jocon Contractor by Johari bin Brahim and MSP Jaya Trading Company by Md Pisal bin Haji Abdullah, Pg Sulaiman bin Pg Hj Metali and Mohamad Zin bin Hj Abdullah received consolation prizes for their efforts.

The LiveWIRE Brunei Highest Entries Awards was bagged by Meragang Sixth Form Centre.

According to organisers, this year's awards received a total of 72 entries, 59 of which were for Category A1 from various schools in the Sultanate. The youngest participants of the awards were only 15 years old.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

FIRST INTAKE OF GOVT SCHOLARS AT KIGS (BB)

By Azaraimy HH

The first batch of students under the new government scholarship scheme have entered local private tertiary education institutions.

The first intake of government sponsored scholarship scheme for local students started yesterday at Kolej International Graduate Studies (KIGS).

The scheme was announced by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in the monarch's titah on July15, 2011on the ruler's 65th birthday.

Cikgu Mohamad bin Abu Bakar, Kolej IGS Registrar, highlighted the importance of education and training in the future growth and economic development of the country.

Pg Hjh Fatimah binti Pengiran Setia Jaya Pg Hj Abdul Momin, Chairperson of the Board of Directors and the CEO of Kolej IGS, urged them not to waste this 'Nikmat dan Rahmat dari Allah SWT' or God-given opportunity, and the scholarship awarded by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's Government through the Brunei Economic Development Board and Ministry of Education.

She advised the students to study hard and spend their time at Kolej IGS with dedication and commitment.

"As educators, we are entrusted with the responsibility of moulding and shaping our students, amongst whom are you; the younger generation of this nation, to become future leaders, managers, entrepreneurs and whatever areas that you are interested in."

She said the HELP programme initiated by the Kolej IGS, Holistic Excellence Leadership Programme, emphasises attendance, self-discipline, attire, leadership skills and also competitiveness amongst the different academic groups to vie for the best student and best group award every month.

"The notion of creating such programmes is basically to heighten the level of motivation and to groom the students to prepare themselves to the working environment," she said.

She said the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan approved its degree programmes in collaboration with Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Malaysia.

Seventy -five students are undertaking two-to-three-year degree programme in Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Information Technology and Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons).

She thanked the government for the strong support and commitment accorded to Kolej IGS, which serves as strong encouragement for the college to provide skilled human resources towards achieving Vision 2035.

IGS COLEGE RECORDS 100 PERCENT INCRASE IN SEPTEMBER ENROLMENT (BT)

by Quratul-Ain Bandial

ENROLMENT at the International Graduate Studies (IGS) College has increased by more than 100 per cent after the scholarship scheme for private technical and vocational institutions was introduced last July.

IGS College Registrar Mohamad Abu Bakar said the college had received 347 new students under the government-sponsored scheme.

"Our enrolment has more than doubled since the introduction of the new scheme," he told The Brunei Times during an orientation programme for the new intake yesterday.

Mohamad added that the scheme would give opportunities to school-leavers with only three or four 'O' level credits who have been shut out of government-run technical and vocational schools due to stiff competition for limited places.

"Under the scholarship scheme, school leavers will have a chance to pursue tertiary education," he said. "Under the country's vision 2035 each individual citizen must have some kind of qualification and must be employable. This scheme will give rise to a skilled population and lessen unemployment among school-leavers."

The scholarship scheme provides financial assistance to those who cannot afford high tuition fees for higher education in the private sector. Under the scheme, Brunei citizens will enjoy full sponsorship of tuition fees with a monthly transportation allowance of $45, while tuition fees will be heavily subsidised for permanent residents.

IGS College is one of five local institutions selected to house the scholarship students, along with Cosmopolitan College of Commerce and Technology, Kemuda Institute, Laksamana College of Business and Micronet International College.

IGS College offers certificate, pre-diploma, national diploma and higher national diploma programmes in business, computing in finance. Fees can range from $2,400 to $3,600 per annum.

During the orientation, IGS College CEO Pg Hjh Fatimah Pengiran Setia Jaya Pg Hj Abdul Momin, urged new scholarship students not to squander the opportunity given by the government.

"As educators, we are entrusted with the responsibility of moulding and shaping our students, amongst whom are you; the younger generation of this nation, to become future leaders, managers, entrepreneurs and whatever areas that you are interested in."

The scheme was one out of the three educational schemes announced by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam during his 65th birthday titah on July 15.

Approximately $100 million has been allocated to the scheme and to date 1,104 scholarships have been awarded.

The Brunei Times

IGS COLLEGE HOLDS TAHLIL CEREMONY (BT)

THE International Graduate Studies College (Kolej IGS) Brunei Darussalam held a Tahlil ceremony at its campus premises in Kiulap on Thursday.

The event was held in conjunction with the holy month of Ramadhan.

Officiating at the ceremony was the CEO and Chairperson of Board of Directors of IGS college Pg Hjh Fatimah Pg Setia Jaya Pg Haji Abdul Momin.

Also present at the event were members of the board of directors, faculty staff and students.

IGS College is the first private higher education institution in Brunei to introduce four new undergraduate degree programmes namely: Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours), Bachelor of Business (Honours) Accounting, Bachelor of Science (Honours) Information Technology and Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Software Engineering. IGS College is also known for being the first private college in Brunei to offer a full three-year degree programme for the students.

The Brunei Times

IGS HOLDS TAHLIL FOR RAMADHAN (BB)

By Syah D

The International Graduate Studies College (IGS) Brunei Darussalam yesterday organised a tahlil at its campus building in Kiulap.

The CEO and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of IGS College, Pengiran Hajah Fatimah binti Pengiran Setia Jaya Pengiran Haji Abdul Momin was the guest of honour.

Among attendees were members of the Board of Directors, faculty, staff and a large number of students. The ceremony was held for the upcoming month of Ramadhan, which will commence in a few days time.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin