The Empire Hotel and Country Club, Jerudong
Negara Brunei Darussalam
1-4 March 2004
Proceedings
Contents |
| Proceedings |
| Appendices |
Appendix
II
|
| Welcoming Remarks by His Excellency Pehin Dato Haji Abdul Aziz Umar, Minister of Education, Brunei Darussalam |
| Ampun Beribu Ampun. |
I
would like to express my sincerest thanks to Your Majesty for your
gracious consent to be our Royal Guest of honour and to officiate
the opening of the 39th SEAMEO Council Conference this evening.
We are deeply honoured with Your Majesty's presence here on this
auspicious occasion. For the record, this is the third occasion
that Brunei Darussalam is hosting the SEAMEO Council Conference.
|
This
annual SEAMEO Council Conference is attended by Ministers of Education
of the Southeast Asian Member Countries, representatives of Associate
Member and Affiliate Member Countries, Member Country Delegates
as well as observers, comprising representatives of international
organizations, institutions and officials of the SEAMEO regional
centres and networks. |
| The Conference has been convened with some specific objectives in mind. In the first place, at this conference, Ministers will receive updated information on the programmes and activities of the SEAMEO Secretariat and SEAMEO regional centres and networks, through their progress reports. Ministers will also be able to endorse new programmes and projects, approve proposed budgets of the SEAMEO Secretariat as well as regional centres and networks, and discuss issues and new challenges that are of particular interest to SEAMEO and its Member Countries. Hopefully, this conference will endeavor to determine, or at least to suggest, the future direction of SEAMEO in the coming year, as well as in the longer term. Finally, a policy forum has been included in order to discuss a vital topic, namely "Thoughtfulness and Technology in Education". |
| Your Majesty, |
Since
Brunei Darussalam attained full independence two decades ago, the
Ministry of Education has been closely associated with a number
of international educational organizations. We have also participated
in many of the activities organized by these international organizations.
There is no doubt that the benefits derived from such involvement
have been most invaluable. However without any bias, I am indeed
happy to acknowledge and declare that our membership in SEAMEO has
proven to be the most functional and rewarding. |
| Hence, it is only appropriate that Brunei Darussalam continues to reaffirm its support and association in this organization, not only through the Ministry of Education but also through other relevant Ministries, such as the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, Ministry of Welfare, Youth and Sports and Ministry of Health. |
Your
Majesty, may I now seek your benevolent consent for me to address
my fellow Council Members, delegates and observers of this 39th
SEAMEO Council Conference. |
| Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, |
It
is a pleasure for me to warmly welcome you all to Brunei Darussalam
for this 39th SEAMEO Council Conference. |
| Among the programmes that have been organized for Council Members, delegates and observers is a visit to schools, which we hope will offer you an opportunity to see how our schools are run, the facilities we provide and the curriculum we offer for the young children in those schools. And, if you have some spare time after the conclusion of the Conference we hope you will take the opportunity to see a little bit more of our country. |
The
preparation of this Conference would not have been complete without
the crucial support from the SEAMEO Secretariat. Therefore I should
also thank the SEAMEO Secretariat for the unstinting help and cooperation. |
| Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, |
Before
I conclude, I must express my fervent hope that this 39th SEAMEO
Council Conference will yet be another successful gathering of the
Council to resolve issue of importance to the Organization, as well
as to each Member Country. |
| Your Majesty, |
In
conclusion, I would like to, once again, express my humblest but
profound gratitude to Your Majesty for your gracious consent to
officiate the opening of the 39th SEAMEO Council Conference. |
To
all Head of Delegates, observers and participants, I would like
to express my thanks and appreciation for their kind attendance
and hope they will find their stay, here, in Brunei Darussalam both
fruitful and enjoyable. |
| Wabillahit Taufiq Walhidayah Wassalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh. |
| Junjung Anugeraha. |
