Brunei Darussalam

OPEN AND DISTANCE EDUCATION IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

By: Awang Othman bin Haji Simbran

Presented at the Ninth SEAMOLEC GB Meeting

(12-13 September 2006)

INTRODUCTION

Brunei Darussalam is a Malay Muslim Monarchy situated on the north-west coast of the island of Borneo. It has an area of 2,226 sq. miles (5,679 sq. km) and a population of around 314, 400 (in 1997) of which two-third are Malays and the remainder Chinese, indigenous people and other smaller groups. The official language of the country is Malay, but English is widely used as a medium of instruction in schools and other educational institutions. Economically, Brunei Darussalam is very dependent on the production of crude oil and natural gas. With per capita income of about US$17,000 a year, the country has one of the highest standards of living in Asia. Currently, the country is going through a period of rapid development and modernisation with increased emphasis on diversification of the economy and the provision of quality education, welfare and health services. In spite of the universally accepted potential benefits of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system, education delivery in Brunei Darussalam is still based on entirely, on a formal conventional system of education. This is attributed to its smallness in terms geographical area whereby all points in and around the country are accessible, and that education could be provided and delivered through conventional method. In addition, in view of its small population and stable economy, Brunei has been able to provide favourable and accommodating educational infrastructure and set out policies that allow opportunities for Bruneians to access education in the conventional way. Consequently, ODL has not established any significant inroads as alternative modes of accessing education in Brunei Darussalam.