Bandar Seri Begawan, 23 November 2024 – SEAMEO VOCTECH, in collaboration with CENTEXS (Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak), proudly celebrated the successful completion of its Regional Training Programme titled “IR4.0 Applications to Enhance Teaching and Learning Through Cloud Services – Online Applications for Content Development.”
The closing ceremony was graced by the presence of His Excellency Datuk Mohd Aini Atan, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Brunei Darussalam, who served as the Guest of Honour. The event also saw the attendance of Mr Haji Norjemee bin Jenek, Centre Director of SEAMEO VOCTECH, along with Deputy Directors, management and officers, and the dedicated participants of the programme.
Nineteen participants from 10 SEAMEO member countries—Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam—received certificates after engaging in a rigorous training programme, which included a three-day online workshop from 4-6 November, followed by a five-day on-site session at the SEAMEO VOCTECH Regional Centre in Brunei from 18-23 November 2024.
During the closing ceremony, the Centre Director highlighted the transformative role of educators in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, stressing their responsibility to prepare learners for a rapidly evolving world. He expressed hope that the course had not only equipped participants with practical tools for engaging and inclusive teaching but had also inspired them to become ambassadors of innovation, ready to lead change in their institutions.
His Excellency Datuk Mohd Aini Atan also addressed the participants and congratulated them, emphasising the importance of embracing IR 4.0 technologies. He commended the collaboration between SEAMEO VOCTECH and CENTEXS.
“As we progress in this new era, a forward-thinking organisation for teaching and learning that equips learners with the skills essential for the future is indeed crucial. Thus, I commend SEAMEO VOCTECH for taking the lead in organising such a fitting programme on IR 4.0 technologies in collaboration with CENTEXS,” he said.
As part of the Centre’s ongoing efforts to equip TVET educators with the skills needed to adapt to rapid technological advancements, the training programme focused on empowering educators to leverage cutting-edge technologies. Specifically, it emphasised the use of cloud services to align with IR4.0 advancements, enabling personalised learning experiences, improved accessibility, and real-time collaboration. The introduction of cloud solutions also provided participants with scalable and cost-effective options for content development, storage, and distribution. By integrating these technologies into their curricula, educators are better positioned to prepare students for the evolving demands of the modern workforce.
The training programme was further enriched through CENTEXS’s collaboration with EON Reality, a global leader in Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) technology. This partnership aimed to equip educators with advanced skills in AR/VR technology, cloud services, and online applications, enabling participants to integrate cutting-edge tools into their teaching strategies. By doing so, the programme enhances educational delivery and prepares students to meet the demands of the modern workforce.
A standout feature of the training was the Collaborative Development of an Immersive Learning Module, where participants applied IR4.0 concepts using the EON-XR platform. Organised into groups based on their areas of interest, participants designed interactive 3D environments, integrated multimedia elements, and aligned the content with educational objectives. This hands-on activity emphasised user-centred design and iterative development, allowing participants to consolidate their learning into practical, impactful outcomes.
The class president and one of the participants in the training programme, Dr. Aliamat Omar Ali from Universiti Brunei Darussalam praised the training as “remarkable,” highlighting participants’ perseverance amidst busy schedules and the collaborative spirit that brought ASEAN educators together. He acknowledged CENTEX Sarawak’s generosity in providing access to EON-XR Educator accounts and commended their vision of becoming a leading technology training institute by 2030, aligning with SEAMEO VOCTECH’s mission of empowering TVET through digitalisation and sustainability. Reflecting on the programme’s outcomes, Dr. Aliamat emphasised the unity and teamwork showcased in group projects, embodying ASEAN’s motto, “One Vision, One Identity, One Community.”
