30 October 2026 – The Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) and Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) have formalised a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the healthcare and applied sciences sectors in Brunei Darussalam.
The signing ceremony was attended by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar, Minister of Health, in his capacity as Chairman and Executive Director of JPMC, as the Guest of Honour.
The partnership aims to strengthen the connection between technical and vocational education and industry practice by providing students with practical learning opportunities, supporting curriculum development and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise between educators and healthcare professionals.
Under the MoU, JPMC will support IBTE students through clinical placements, industrial attachments, work-based learning, clinical observation and practical skills development. The collaboration will also facilitate curriculum review, guest lectures, clinical demonstrations, professional workshops and opportunities for IBTE instructors to gain industry experience and enhance their professional competencies.
The partnership will benefit students enrolled in IBTE’s existing programmes, including HNTec in Laboratory Science, HNTec in Pharmacy Technician, NTec in Assistant Nurse (General Nursing) and NTec in Assistant Nurse (Dental). Through exposure to healthcare environments and guidance from experienced healthcare professionals, students will have opportunities to strengthen their technical competencies, professional conduct and understanding of multidisciplinary healthcare practices.
IBTE plays a vital role in preparing students for employment through industry relevant TVET programmes, hands-on training and practical learning. Through collaboration with healthcare institutions such as Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC), IBTE strengthens students’ technical skills and professional competencies to meet industry needs and contribute to Brunei Darussalam’s healthcare workforce.
The MoU also provides a framework for supporting IBTE’s planned introduction of new programmes in healthcare and applied sciences from 2028. Potential areas of JPMC’s contribution include programme consultation and validation, clinical competency mapping, training site provision and clinical preceptorship, subject to the development and agreement.
Beyond student training, the partnership provides opportunities for collaboration in applied research, healthcare innovation, continuing professional development and graduate career pathways. Potential joint activities include clinical skills and laboratory technology workshops, pharmacy practice seminars, nursing and allied health symposia, career talks and recruitment sessions.
“Through this MoU, we are strengthening the connection between industry and education by providing our experienced professionals with a platform to share their expertise as educators, mentors, and role models,” said Salehin Basir, Chief People Officer of JPMC.
By strengthening the link between education and industry, IBTE and JPMC aim to support local talent development, enhance professional competencies and contribute to the development of a skilled healthcare workforce for Brunei Darussalam. This also supports JPMC’s broader ambition to strengthen its healthcare training capabilities and contribute to the country’s long term healthcare development, including its medical tourism aspirations.
About Jerudong Park Medical Centre
Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC), a subsdiairy of Darussalam Assets Sdn Bhd (DA), is a private hospital in Brunei Darussalam providing general, specialist and surgical healthcare through coordinated multidisciplinary teams. JPMC became the first hospital in Brunei Darussalam to receive Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation in 2014, with subsequent reaccreditation in 2017, 2020 and 2023, reflecting its ongoing commitment to patient safety, quality care and continuous improvement.
