National skills competition opens doors for Bruneian Youth

BRUNEI. Borneo Bulletin (26 January 2026) - The WorldSkills Brunei National Competition 2026(WSBNC2026) was officially launched Monday at The Mulia Hotel, marking the start of Brunei Darussalam's premier national platform for technical and vocational skills excellence.

The launch ceremony was officiated by the Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the Ministry of Education Dr Haji Azman bin Ahmad, as guest of honour. Organised biennially by the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) with the support of the Ministry of Education, WSBNC 2026 will take place from January 27 to 29 at BRIDEX, Jerudong, and selected IBTE campuses.

The competition will feature contests across 16 skill areas, Providing Bruneian youth with the opportunity to demonstrate high-level competencies in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) aligned with international standards. Skill areas include Information Network Cabling, Mechanical Engineering CAD, IT Software Solutions for Business, Web Technologies, Carpentry, Restaurant Service, IT Network Systems Administration, Graphic Design Technology, Cyber Security, Video Production (Junior Skills) and Aircraft Maintenance.

Other competitive skill areas include Cooking, Bakery, Welding, Automobile Technology, and Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, while Bricklaying will be showcased as a demonstration skill.

Participants comprise students from colleges and secondary schools under the Department of Schools, Ministry of Education, including Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan and Awang Semaun, Katok, Rimba and Sayyidina Hasan secondary schools. IBTE will be represented by its School of Aviation; School of Building Technology Services; School of Energy and Engineering (Central and Satellite); School of Hospitality and Tourism; and School of Information and Communication Technology.

Higher education institutions and training providers taking part include Laksamana College of Business, Politeknik Brunei and Royal Brunei Culinary.

In his opening remarks, Dr Haji Azman underscored that the competition is part of a broader global movement that elevates skills as a mark of excellence, professionalism and competitiveness, noting that such platforms play an important role in identifying high-potential youth, raising TVET standards and strengthening collaboration between education institutions and industry to ensure workforce relevance.

IBTE Chief Executive Officer and Director Dr Haji Mohd Zamri bin Haji Sabli, in his welcoming remarks, said the competition reflects the nation's continued commitment to strengthening TVET in line with international standards, while providing greater opportunities for local youth to develop industry-relevant skills and prepare for regional and international competitions.

As Brunei Darussalam's official national skills competition, WorldSkills Brunei is part of the global WorldSkills movement, which promotes skills excellence and workforce readiness worldwide. The initiative supports Brunei Vision 2035 by empowering youth, strengthening vocational education and preparing competitors to represent the Sultanate at ASEAN and international WorldSkills competitions.

Brunei Darussalam has been a member of the WorldSkills movement since 2004 and has since actively participated in WorldSkills ASEAN and WorldSkills Asia events, alongside consistently organising national competitions to nurture local talent and advance vocational excellence. - Lyna
Mohammad

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