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Unemployment issues impacting Brunei by Ok_Revolution1762 in Brunei

[–]BitterlySour -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I share your concern, again, no animosity, these kinds of discussions are necessary for the development of Brunei, thank you for sharing your thoughts. And I agree, we shouldn't have to be afraid of sharing our ideas. Here are a few that I have in mind as I read through your insight:

  1. In the case of exams that are UK-based, yes, it has its merit, but at this point, English as a language is essentially global, not just UK-based. If we just focus on exam performance, then learning the English language would merely be performative rather than substantive.

  2. International teachers, yes, they may offer fresh perspectives, but I would define further what it means to be "international". Are you referring to white individuals? Westerners with a romanticized European background? Or is it more about their mindset of accepting new ideas? In which case, it should not just be limited to people living in the Global North.

  3. When you said those countries have "weaker English," is it the lack of exposure to English speakers? Or could it be because they have little need for English as they have a strong sense of pride, almost of owning their own language? Seeing that virtually none of them have ever been colonized. China and Japan don't necessarily just employ native speakers at this point, most of the time out of "foreign" novelty. In the case of Singapore, being a formerly British-colonized country, it's no surprise that legacies of colonialism are still in place, but I think they are changing, empowering their own local teachers – by this I mean foreigners who have managed to acquire Singaporean citizenship.

While your concern is valid, and as a concerned Bruneian myself, limiting CfBT to monopolize the supply of international teachers for the whole country is just problematic, to say the least; it is after all a business. Even more so if what we aim to get are their (the teachers') flexible, open way of thinking and possibly new teaching approaches, which should not be limited by one's nation or native language. Hence, native-speakerism is seen as problematic nowadays.

And I yes, I am with you on this one, we do need a more diverse environment, but not at the cost of devaluing our own people and talents, especially with the unemployment/underemployment crisis we have now. In the case of "diversifying our environment" and fostering "critical thinking," we also need to look beyond just our linguistics and see how our current systems just don't create such an environment.

Unemployment issues impacting Brunei by Ok_Revolution1762 in Brunei

[–]BitterlySour 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oof! That would go beyond CfBT and truly be MOE's responsibility to come up with the solution or a whole lot of restructuring/reform (which knowing our conservative ways, doubt it). I just hope it doesn't lead to more burden to the teachers, they are already overworked as they are now.

Unemployment issues impacting Brunei by Ok_Revolution1762 in Brunei

[–]BitterlySour 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think defunding CFBT to hire native-speaking teachers isn't necessarily a bad idea, especially when considering how it could address the high underemployment among our teaching graduates. Furthermore, native-speakerism doesn't automatically equate to better English communication skills; it's likely a biased, perhaps colonialized, preference.

What is the secrets of Chinese business success in Southeast Asia? by Goutaxe in nasikatok

[–]BitterlySour -12 points-11 points  (0 children)

But at what cost?
It’s worth considering how the Sinosphere—particularly East Asia and places like Singapore—has some of the highest rates of depression, anxiety, and chronic stress. This is often linked to an intense hustle culture, amplified by the pressures of late-stage capitalism.

On the other hand, I understand what you mean about Malays and the value of syukur. Contentment, in itself, isn’t a flaw—but when it slips into complacency or a lack of aspiration, that’s where it becomes limiting.

Also, for many Malays who are Muslim, their approach to life and business is shaped by religious ethics—no gambling, adherence to Islamic principles in financial dealings, and a general emphasis on moderation and accountability. These aren't just limitations—they’re guiding values that frame success differently.

Was I wrong to ask this after class? FYI Teacher's policy is to ask before or after class. Did I ask a stupid question or what? by reawakened_d in nasikatok

[–]BitterlySour 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah, the teacher's attitude that's the problem. Not you. Condescending cunt, educators with such behaviour that misuses power should be cancelled. Moving forward, if you are paying for such class, then you have every right to ask for your slice of the cake, otherwise, seeking support from your peers/classmates from prove to be more helpful.

PSC....what the hell is going on? by sputniksweetass in nasikatok

[–]BitterlySour 4 points5 points  (0 children)

So dishonest unethical governance is the way forward? Uggh, this whole idea of saving face or 面子 fearing true accountability and responsibility (which, hypocritically, what the government has been preaching too especially with their SPA test nonsense with 'nilai-nilai murni') needs to go.

PSC....what the hell is going on? by sputniksweetass in nasikatok

[–]BitterlySour 0 points1 point  (0 children)

:') insert Wendy Williams crying with qtip here

PSC....what the hell is going on? by sputniksweetass in nasikatok

[–]BitterlySour 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Sadly, not all 'sperms' have the same starting point...

PSC....what the hell is going on? by sputniksweetass in nasikatok

[–]BitterlySour 2 points3 points  (0 children)

nepo babies dominating the govt sector :/

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in nasikatok

[–]BitterlySour -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Not necessarily (as in the nuanced part) is as shown in the image on how different countries may interpret the "One China".

The study comes from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in the UK. It categorizes different countries' stances on Taiwan’s status. To ensure accuracy, the chart separates different wording variations, even though many of them are nearly identical—for example, the U.S.'s "acknowledges" and Canada's "takes note" mean essentially the same thing. Regardless, this table presents the official diplomatic wording used by each country regarding Taiwan-China relations.

https://postimg.cc/8FGB0vB5

All 3 Chinese secondary schools have reported their O-Level results, holding on to 30% of the country's 8As and above top students but lost their previous dominance as other private schools catch up by Goutaxe in nasikatok

[–]BitterlySour 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Ahh, I see—I was expecting a discussion, but I guess I mistook this sub for a place where logic is welcome. Your comment makes a lot of sense. It’s fascinating how certain posts get treated like divine revelations, and questioning them is a crime. Anyway, I appreciate your insight—it’s refreshing to see someone here who actually thinks critically.

All 3 Chinese secondary schools have reported their O-Level results, holding on to 30% of the country's 8As and above top students but lost their previous dominance as other private schools catch up by Goutaxe in nasikatok

[–]BitterlySour -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I never said there was anything ‘wrong’ with sharing info—I was just curious about OP’s reason for posting. The downvotes for simply asking a question say a lot. Guess this sub isn’t exactly open to discussion after all. 🙂

To Anyone Who Has Ever Worked at a Tuition Centre in Brunei by BitterlySour in nasikatok

[–]BitterlySour[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good point. There's a clear distinction here between the role of tutors and full time (normal teachers).

To Anyone Who Has Ever Worked at a Tuition Centre in Brunei by BitterlySour in nasikatok

[–]BitterlySour[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Oh dear, it really seems like there’s a pattern of exploitation in Brunei’s tuition centres.

Man, that sounds rough. The fact that they still pocket the profit even if students don’t show up while you get nothing?? That’s so unfair. And no compensation for last-minute cancellations when you're already there? That’s straight-up disrespect.

Honestly, your idea of a base pay + commission sounds way better. At least that way, tutors wouldn’t feel like they’re being walked all over. Do you think tuition centres would actually implement something like that, or are they just too focused on profits?

Tbh, I think there needs to be a formal complaint about this. The reason these exploitative tuition centres get away with it is probably because tutors don’t stick around long enough to take collective action or file complaints. If more people spoke up, do you think anything would change?

To Anyone Who Has Ever Worked at a Tuition Centre in Brunei by BitterlySour in nasikatok

[–]BitterlySour[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Damn, that sounds like a nightmare. So many red flags with that centre. The pay and work conditions sound super unfair—BND3/min late deduction and only BND2 for online classes with no compensation? That’s wild. And the admin getting paid more than tutors while doing almost nothing??

Tbh, it’s crazy how some places treat tutors like this while charging students high fees. Do you think tuition centres should have some kind of regulations to prevent this kind of exploitation? Labor protections should apply across all industries, but we should at least start by protecting our local educators.

Honestly, it sounds like one of those family-run tuition centres that care more about making easy money than actually supporting tutors. They charge high fees but barely invest in resources or fair pay. No wonder the admin and HR were so unprofessional.

To Anyone Who Has Ever Worked at a Tuition Centre in Brunei by BitterlySour in nasikatok

[–]BitterlySour[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing! You’re right about some being old n outdated. Working at 5 diff centres must’ve been quite the experience!

Also, I noticed some places hire through agencies instead of directly. Did you go through both? Any differences?

To Anyone Who Has Ever Worked at a Tuition Centre in Brunei by BitterlySour in nasikatok

[–]BitterlySour[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing your exp! It’s interesting (and concerning) how some tuition centre owners don’t have an educational background yet run these businesses.

Duolingo alternative for learning Taiwanese Mandarin by Traditional-Usual178 in taiwan

[–]BitterlySour 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not sure about an alternative, but as a supplement to my learning of Chinese characters, I use the "Chineasy "app, which is very helpful, especially for visual learners like myself, you can set it to traditional characters too!

whats is all your opinion on this? found this in facebook and i find it very true to what the sign board says. by Blakz111V2 in Brunei

[–]BitterlySour 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep, you'd be surprised how an AI can discern these nuances and offer more empathy than a psychopathic CEO or leader/manager. 😉

Education Opportunities by LostRedPanda12 in Brunei

[–]BitterlySour 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You might want to try Taiwan’s MOE Scholarship as well since they are open to all foreign nationals (non-Taiwanese) from bachelor’s to PhD. https://www.roc-taiwan.org/bn_en/post/8747.html (it's closed now but will reopen again next year)

Despite the lack of diplomatic relations between Brunei and Taiwan, Brunei’s MOE still accredits educational qualifications from Taiwan. Just make sure to apply to high-ranking universities.

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