This book focuses on the intertwined relationships between globalisation, nation-building, education, and reform as manifested throughout the modern history of Brunei Darussalam, an Islamic monarchy located on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. It is the first book dedicated to the examination of Brunei’s education system, schooling, teacher education, and society in close connection with the national philosophy Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) or Malay Islamic Monarchy. The authors provide a historical understanding of the country’s education and tell Brunei’s story of educational reform and change in its own language, narratives, accounts, and unique standpoints. Interdisciplinary chapters draw on significant historical and textual sources in three languages, namely Arabic, English, and Malay, to contribute to scholarship on education studies, international and comparative education, and international and development education.

After being a British protectorate for about 96 years since the 1888 Treaty of Protection, the modern state of Negara Brunei Darussalam (Abode of Peace) eventually obtained its independence from Great Britain on 1 January 1984. Run by a royal family that established a kingdom in Brunei some 650 years ago, the first sultan, Muhammad Shah (Alak Betatar) was installed in c.1363. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the current ruler, is the 29th sultan of the lineage and is one of the richest men in the world. In spite of being called a mini-state, Brunei is well-known around the world because its population enjoys one of the highest gross national income per capita in the world, at an average of US$39,943 (2015) a year. This third edition of Historical Dictionary of Brunei Darussalam contains a chronology, an introduction, appendixes, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 300 cross-referenced entries on important personalities, politics, economy, foreign relations, religion, and culture. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about the Brunei Darussalam.

This wide-ranging book re-evaluates in detail the early history and historiography of Brunei Darussalam, the origins of the sultanate, its genealogical foundations and the structure and administration of Brunei society. Contributors draw on the seminal work of Donald E. Brown whose major monograph on the sultanate was published in 1970 and marked the beginnings of advanced sociological, anthropological and historical research on Brunei. Among the key issues addressed are status systems, titles and social stratification, Chinese sources for the study of Brunei, Malay oral and written histories and traditions, the symbolism, meanings and origins of coronation rituals, previously unknown sources for the study of Brunei history and the processes of incorporation of minority populations into the sultanate. Contributions by leading scholars of Brunei, Borneo and the wider Indonesian-Malay world, both from within Brunei Darussalam and beyond, address some central preoccupations which Brown raised and which have been the subject of continued debate in Austronesian and Southeast Asian studies. A novel contribution to the study of the history of Brunei Darussalam, this book will be of interest to scholars of Southeast Asian history, Asian history, Colonial and Imperial history and anthropology.

This detailed survey of Brunei English reflects the burgeoning academic interest in the many new varieties of English which are fast evolving around the world. Wholly up to date, the study is based on careful analysis of a substantial dataset that provides real-life examples of usage to illustrate the narrative throughout. As well as a thorough account of the pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary usage, and discourse patterns of Brunei English, the volume explores its historical and educational background and current developmental trends, providing an in-depth review of the patterns of English usage within this multilingual, oil-rich society on the north-western coast of Borneo. Written in a non-technical style throughout that will assist non-specialists wishing to grasp the fundamentals of this unique brand of the English language, the work is a worthy addition to Springer’s series on multilingual education that plugs a gap in the coverage of the numerous varieties of English being used across South East Asia. “The authors bring renewed and badly needed attention to the long-overlooked development of Brunei English. Their examination of the variety not only documents the features and functions of English within Brunei society, it also suggests the development of regional or global varieties of English that extend beyond Brunei, and even beyond South East Asia.” Andrew Moody, University of Macau

Brunei, although a relatively small state, is disproportionately important on account of its rich resource base. In addition, in recent years the country has endeavoured to play a greater role in regional affairs, especially through ASEAN, holding the chair of the organisation in 2013, and also beyond the region, fostering diplomatic, political, economic and educational ties with many nations. This book presents much new research and new thinking on a wide range of issues concerning Brunei largely drawn from Bruneian academics. Subjects covered include Brunei’s rich history – the sultanate formerly had much more extensive territories and was a key player in regional affairs; the country’s economy, politics, society and ethnicities; and resource issues and international relations.

Contrary to modern theories of developing nations, Brunei Darussalam, which has a very high rate of literacy, is also one of the few countries where the traditional elite retains absolute political power. Professor Gunn's comprehensive study, which assesses the state's efforts to implement national language policies, explores the aspects of the complex relationship between language and power including the oral tradition, the rise of Islamic literacy, print culture and mass literacy, and the electronic media and its effects.

Brunei Darussalam is a small country located in Southeast Asia with a population of approximately 442,400 people. The country is situated on the northern coast of the island of Borneo and shares land borders with Malaysia. Brunei Darussalam has a rich history, with evidence of human activity dating back to the 6th century. The country was ruled by the Bruneian Empire from the 14th to the 16th century and later became a protectorate of the United Kingdom. Brunei achieved independence in 1984 and has since been governed as an absolute monarchy under the Sultan of Brunei. Brunei Darussalam has a thriving economy based primarily on the production of crude oil and natural gas. The country has one of the highest standards of living in Southeast Asia with a relatively low unemployment rate and a well-developed infrastructure. Despite its small size, Brunei Darussalam has a rich cultural heritage with a diverse population consisting of various ethnicities including Malays, Chinese, and indigenous groups. The country is known for its beautiful natural scenery, with pristine rainforests, white sand beaches, and breathtaking coral reefs. Brunei Darussalam is also home to a variety of unique flora and fauna, including the proboscis monkey and the carnivorous pitcher plant.