THE NATION BUILDING YEARS AND INDEPENDENCE 1950-1984

The

1st National Development Plan was in 1953. sum of $100 million was approved by the Brunei State Council for this purpose.

Under

the 1st National Development Plan the government made improvements in various fields:

 Rebuilding

the oil industry after the Japanese occupation. 1955, the $14 million Gas Plant was completed. It was opened by Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III.

In

 As

early as 1954, survey and exploration work both land and offshore were carried out by the Brunei Shell Petroleum Company (BSPC). As a result, the Seria field had increased in production in 1956.

 In

1954, Brunei set out written policy on education. The main aim was to ensure educational facilities for primary and secondary, technical, vocational training and adult education. 1956, Brunei Teacher Training College (BTTC) was set up. 1958, Brunei English-medium teachers were sent for training in Kota Bharu.

In

In

 More

schools were built.

In

1957, the Seria Government was opened. And later renamed Anthony Abell College (AAC).

 In

1958, an English medium school for girls was set up in Brunei and known as Sekolah Tinggi Perempuan Raja Isteri (STPRI).

 Chinese

schools were opened in Brunei Town and Seria. education was first set up in 1951 to train skilled workers for oil industry. government of Brunei also gave scholarships to students to further studies in various institution oversea.

Technical

The

In 1956, religious schools operating in the afternoon were established. teachers were also recruited from

Religious

Johore.
Scholarships

were offered to students to continue their higher education such as AlJunied Arabic school in Singapore, Islamic College Klang and Al-Azhar University in Cairo.

 In

1958, road was built linking Belait district to Brunei Town.

 Shipping

activities linked Brunei with other countries. Main ports were Kuala Belait, the mouth of Tutong River and Brunei Bay.

 In

September 1953, reconstruction on airfields at Berakas started. It was completed in 1954.

 In

October 1953, Bruneis first nursing school began at the hospital in Brunei town.

 Increased

in number of medical workers. Many of them had received their training overseas particularly in Sarawak and Malaya.

 Improvements

in public utilities such as water supplies and electricity. This progress brought about improvements in the living standards of the population.