DTE's 10-year strategic plan

DTE's 10-year strategic plan

QISTINA RANGGA
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

DEPARTMENT of Technical Education (DTE) celebrated its 15th year anniversary yesterday, launching its "10 Years Strategic Plan 2008-2017" book which aims at sustaining the country's socio-economic and promoting human resource development through its technical and vocational education services.

Bagging eight milestones already, the department continues to hone Brunei Vision 2035 in preparing the nation's youth for employment and achievement in a world that is increasingly competitive and knowledge-based, as stated in the 15-page book.

Speaking at the ceremony, Acting Director of DTE, Ibrahim Hj Abd Rahman said that "among the major changes in vocational and technical education (VTE) is the comprehensive and quality 3-tier qualification for the technical education system, encompassing skills training, technologist and professional training relevant to the skilled human resource needs of the country".

Outlined in the "10-year Strategic Plan" book are four strategic goals: : to enhance management and leadership skills, to produce quality learning and teaching, to increase the capacity of the department by 2012, and to produce quality and competitive human resource.

Under these goals, four new VTIs (Vocational and Technical Institutes) and one polytechnic are expected to be established while introducing a number of new programmes such as Arts, Graphic Design, Multimedia Technology and Mechatronics Engineering.

Indicated in the strategic plan as well are key performance indicators (KPIs) which are used to help the department define and measure progress toward its goals.

Several strategies in the strategic plan book have already been accomplished this year such as the workshop on "Project Education Polytechnic International Singapore Development" and officials visits to Singapore and Malaysia to share on best practices in VTE.

In June next year, DTE will be organising the second FRESH International Conference carrying with it the theme "Excellence in Technical Education", said Ibrahim.

He urged the department to share the responsibilities which have been entrusted with full-commitment, preparedness and honest dedication so that the objectives of the 10-year strategic plan are met.

DTE was established in early 1993 as one of the departments within the Ministry of Education (MoE). Among the many milestones achieved by the department were the recent upgrading of Institut Teknologi Brunei (ITB) as the third national's university and the placement of Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Nursing College under Universiti Brunei Darussalam.

Since 1994 up until June 2008, a total of 15,144 graduates were awarded with Higher National Diploma, National Diploma, Pre-National Diploma and certificates in various fields by the Technical and Vocational Council.

The Brunei Times