Christian Mark T. Mangubat Dr. Kathleen R.

Osano
BEED 2-A
TEACHING PROFESSION

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

Overview of the Education System in Brunei

The education system in Brunei was restructured in 1974 through a formal governmental commission report to
manage the educational policies and distribute educational resources to all the learning institutions. Currently,
all the government and private learning institutions are supervised by the Ministry of Education in compliance
with the Education Act of 1984. All primary and secondary learning institutions follow a common syllabus that
has been decided by the Ministry. The use of both Malay and English language is practiced in their education
system.

Current Structure and Format

The education system in Brunei begins at the age of five, where children attend preschool for one year. The
next step is primary education which takes six years to complete. Students will go through a 3-year lower
primary phase (Year 1 to Year 3) and a 3-year upper primary phase (Year 4 to Year 6). By the end of Year 6, it
is compulsory for students to take the Primary School Assessment or Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (PSR). This is
to assess the students’ suitability for secondary education and to place them in the suitable secondary school
course that suits their learning abilities. There are four programs that are available: General Secondary
Education Program, Applied Secondary Education Program, Specialised Education Program, and Special
Educational Needs Program. Students will then go through four or five years of secondary school. However,
for the first two years (Year 7 and Year 8), they adhere a common syllabus.

Teachers in Brunei

Teachers in Brunei can expect 4 to 5 weeks of off-days in December. Despite that, teachers are not allowed to
take leave during the school term and may be expected to attend workshops or national events during certain
days within the students’ holidays. For foreigners who would like to teach in Brunei, there are a few criteria to
adhere to. One of the criteria is that the individual has to be a Commonwealth citizen who has completed their
schooling in countries such as Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom. Moreover,
applicants who would like to teach in Brunei should be 55 years old or younger.

Average Cost of Education in Brunei

Local students who are attending primary school do not have to pay school fees. However, students have to
pay a small amount for miscellaneous fees, which schools use to help finance some school activities or
programmes. Besides that, students in secondary schools and pre-university pay a subsidized school fee.
Brunei citizens who are aged 5 and above, and choose to go to private schools for primary or secondary levels,
are eligible to apply for education allowance. Foreign students pay school fees that are set by the school.

Education Levels

The education levels in Brunei goes by a pattern of 7-3-2-2. The first part consists of seven years of primary
education, which also includes a year of preschool, and ends with a public examination known as the Primary
Certificate of Education. The next part consists of three years of lower secondary education, which ends with a
public examination known as the Lower Secondary Assessment exam. Based on the student’s results from this
examination, the student will either go to a technical or vocational education stream, or amore academic-
focused stream which consists of two to three years of upper secondary education, which leads to the Brunei-
Cambridge General Certificate of Education (GCE) examination. The GCE examinations is divided into O-
Level or N-Level. N-Level students are required to go through another year of schooling to prepare for the O-
Level examination. After that, students can proceed with a year or two of pre-university education that equips
them the knowledge to sit for the Brunei-Cambridge A-Level examinations. Following that, students can
further their studies in university.

Teacher’s Annual Salary

In Brunei Darussalam, the average annual salary for individuals is approximately USD 2,300 per month.
Salary levels range from USD 1,900 (lowest average) to USD 2,600 (highest average, actual maximum salary
is higher). This average salary encompasses various benefits such as housing, transportation, etc. Salaries
exhibit substantial variation across different occupations. Nearly everyone working as a Teacher earns less
than USD 7,800. Approximately 75% of Teachers in Brunei Darussalam earn USD 2,500 or less. Half of the
employees in Brunei Darussalam who work as Teachers earn less than USD 1,700, while the remaining 25% of
Teachers in Brunei Darussalam earn less than USD 1,300.
 CAMBODIA
Education System in Cambodia

Cambodia’s education system is overseen by the state through the Ministry of Education at the national level
and the Department of Education at the provincial level. Here are some key points about the Cambodian
education system:

Structure:
 The formal educational structure in Cambodia follows a 6+3+3 model.
 This translates to 12 years of general education:
 6 years for primary education (grades 1 to 6).
 6 years for secondary general education (grades 7 to 12).

Components:
 The system includes pre-school, primary, secondary, higher education, and non-formal education.
 It emphasizes not only academic subjects but also sport, information technology education, research
development, and technical education.

Enrollment:
 Primary enrollment reached 96% of the child population in 2011.
 Lower secondary school enrollment was 34%, and upper secondary enrollment was 21%.

Challenges:
 Despite progress, Cambodia fulfills only 68.2% of its right to education based on income levels.
 While primary education achieves 86.2%, secondary education reaches only 50.4% of what should be
possible.

Constitutional Rights:
 The Constitution of Cambodia guarantees citizens’ rights to quality education at all levels.
 The state controls both public and private schools and classrooms.

Teachers’ Salaries in Cambodia

 The salary of teachers in Cambodia varies based on factors such as geographical location, industry, and
specific job roles.
 Entry-level teachers are set to receive an increase in salary by $100, bringing it to $320 by January 2023.
 Among teachers, nursery school assistants currently earn the least, with an average monthly salary of
KHR 872,979 or approximately $212.
 Average salary for Teacher / Cambodia is 78,518,864 KHR per year. The most typical earning
is 69,681,597 KHR. All data are based on 6 salary surveys. Salaries are different between men and
women. Men receive an average salary of 88,126,726 KHR. Women receive a salary of 29,512,206
KHR.

INDONESIA
The Indonesian education system consists of four levels of education:
 Primary (grades 1–6): 6 years in primary school are compulsory.
 Junior secondary (grades 7–9): 3 years in junior high school are compulsory.
 Senior secondary (grades 10–12): 3 years in senior high school are compulsory.
 Higher education: This includes universities and vocational schools.
 Schools in Indonesia are run by either the government (negeri) or private (swasta). The public education
system in Indonesia is ranked below average compared to other OECD countries

Formal Education Levels:

 Elementary School (SD): A six-year program.
 Junior High School (SMP): A three-year program.
 Senior High School (SMA): Another three-year program.
 Tertiary Education: Grades 10–12.

Responsibility and Oversight:

 The Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemdikbudristek) oversees general
education.
 The Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) manages Islamic, Christian, and Buddhist schools.

Literacy and Enrollment:

As of 2018:
 Total Literacy: 95.66%.
 Male Literacy: 97.33%.
 Female Literacy: 93.99%.
 Primary Enrollment: 93.5%.
 Secondary Enrollment: 78.73%.
 Post-Secondary Enrollment: 36.31%

Teachers’ Salaries in Indonesia:

 The average monthly salary for a teacher in Indonesia is approximately 9,400,000 IDR (Indonesian
Rupiah) .
 This translates to a range from 4,890,000 IDR (lowest) to 14,400,000 IDR (highest) per month .
 Factors such as years of experience and educational qualifications influence teachers’ salaries.
 It’s essential to consider the cost of living in each country when comparing salaries.

LAOS
In the current structure of Lao education, primary education is for five years (compulsory), followed by three
years of lower secondary, three years of upper secondary, and then three to seven years of postsecondary
education, dependent upon the field of study.

Compulsory Education:
 Education is compulsory, free, and universal up to the fifth grade.
 However, high fees for books and supplies, along with a general shortage of teachers in rural areas, have
hindered many children from attending school.
 There are significant differences in educational opportunities among ethnic groups, affecting both boys
and girls.
 Gender parity has been increasing, but literacy rates for girls remain approximately 10% lower than for
boys.

Financial Constraints:
 The Laos government allocates limited funds to education (around 3.3% of GDP).
 Despite efforts to improve schools, financial constraints perpetuate a cycle of poverty, hindering
educational advancement.
 Foreign aid, including grants and loans, has supported education initiatives.

Teacher Salaries:
 Teachers in Laos face challenges due to limited resources and a lack of trained educators.
 The average salary for an Elementary School Teacher is approximately 3,060,000 LAK per month.
 In the broader category of Teaching / Education, the average monthly salary is around 4,770,000 LAK.
 These figures represent gross salaries before tax deductions.

Gender Disparities:
 Laos struggles with educational gaps between boys and girls, as well as disparities between urban and
rural areas.
 Remote areas, often inhabited by ethnic groups, face the greatest disadvantage, with many children out of
school.
 Literacy rates for women are lower than for men, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to promote
education for all.

MALAYSIA
Levels of Education
 Similar to many developed countries in the world, Malaysia adopts a system of 6+5+2 years of formal
education. The following section provides details of the various levels of the national education system.

Early Childhood Education (ECE):

 ECE includes nursery, kindergarten, and preschool.
 Challenges exist in providing quality ECE, especially for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
 Language barriers may affect effective instruction.

Primary Education:
 Primary education spans 6 years (ages 7-12).
 Subjects include Mathematics, Science, and English.
 Teachers play a crucial role in shaping students’ foundational knowledge.

Lower Secondary Education:

 Lower secondary education covers 3 years (ages 13-15).
 Students receive more advanced knowledge in various subjects.
 Teachers face challenges in maintaining high-quality education.
Upper Secondary Education:
 Upper secondary education (ages 16-17) focuses on specialized subjects.
 Teachers handle subjects like Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Accounting.
 Co-curricular activities and non-teaching duties are also part of their responsibilities.

Teacher Salaries in Malaysia:

 Public school teachers in Malaysia are appointed based on qualifications:
 Grade DG29: Diploma holders with salaries ranging from RM1,698 to RM5,717 (annual increment of
RM145).
 Grade DG41: Degree holders with salaries from RM2,188 to RM9,552.
 The average salary for a teacher in Malaysia is approximately RM 2,374 per month.
 International school teachers in Malaysia earn an average of RM 3,000 to RM 4,000 per month

MYANMAR
Education Levels

 Education levels in Myanmar consists of primary, middle and secondary school levels before moving on
to tertiary education. Primary school is made up of Grades 1 to 5 and lasts five years. Primary school
education is compulsory for all children in Myanmar. Grades 6 to 9 fall under middle school and last four
years. Secondary school is made up of Grades 10 and 11 and lasts two years.

Structure:
1. Preschools: Open to children aged between two and five years old.
2. Primary School: Compulsory education from Grade 1 to Grade 5.
3. Secondary School:
 Middle School: Grades 6 to 9.
 High School: Grades 10 and 11.
 To receive diplomas, students must sit for the Education Standard 10 Examination, granting them
either Diploma A (eligible for university admission) or Diploma B.

4. University Entrance Examinations: Administered by the Myanmar Board of Examinations in mid-March

annually.
 Traditionally, boys were taught Burmese and basic arithmetic skills in monastery schools. However, the
education system shifted toward a more Western approach during British colonial rule, with Christian
missionary schools opening in major cities like Yangon and Mandalay. Unfortunately, the nationalization
of schools after the 1962 coup d'état led to a decline in education quality.

Average Teacher Salaries in Myanmar

1. High School Teachers:
 The average base salary for a High School Teacher in Myanmar is approximately K40,494 per year
(as of 2024). This translates to around $600 to $1,000 per month1.
 Due to the relatively low cost of living, many teachers can save up to $200 or more monthly after
expenses2.
2. University Teachers:
 University teachers in Myanmar receive an average salary of $250 per month3.
 College teachers earn around $230 per month3.
3. Teachers:
 School teachers (presumably referring to primary and middle school teachers) earn an average of
$200 per month3.

PHILIPPINES
Formal Education in the Philippines
 The Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 established one year of Kindergarten and introduced
Grades 11 and 12 to high school education (RA 10533, May 15, 2013).

 The program covers Kindergarten and 12 years of basic education (six years of primary education,
four years of Junior High School [JHS], and two years of Senior High School [SHS]). During which
students should have sufficient time for the mastery of concepts and skills, develop as lifelong
learners, and prepare for tertiary education, middle-level skills development, employment, and
entrepreneurship.
  The K to 12 is grouped into three levels: elementary school (Kindergarten-Grade 6), Junior High
School (Grades 7-10), and Senior High School (Grades 11-12).
 They may also be grouped into four key stages: first key stage (Lower Primary: Kindergarten –
Grade 3), second key stage (Upper Primary: Grades 4-6), third key stage (Junior High School:
Grades 7-10) and fourth key stage (Senior High School: Grades 11-12).
 Since SY 2012-2013, the K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum has been implemented, starting with
the roll-out of Grades 1 and 7 for public and private schools.

1. Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD):

- Early childhood programs, including daycare centers, fall under the ECCD Council, an agency attached to
the Department of Education (DepEd).
- The ECCD Council focuses on health, nutrition, early education, and social services for children aged 0-4
years.
- Most daycare centers are local government unit (LGU) projects in coordination with the Department of
Social Work and Development (DSWD).

2. Basic Education:
- The DepEd governs basic education schools, covering the following levels:
- Kindergarten to Grade 3 (Primary School): The foundational years.
- Grades 4 to 6 (Middle School): Building on basic skills.
- Grades 7 to 10 (Junior High School): Preparing for specialization.
- Grades 11 to 12 (Senior High School): Specialized tracks (academic, technical-vocational, or arts and
design).
- The K to 12 reform extended basic education to 12 years, enhancing the curriculum and emphasizing
mother tongue-based multilingual education.

3. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET):

- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) oversees post-secondary, technical,
and vocational education.
- TESDA offers certification programs for various skills and trades.

4. Higher Education:
- University and college courses are governed by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
- CHED, DepEd, and TESDA are co-equal agencies, represented in the Philippine Qualifications Framework
(PQF) Task Force.

5. Private Education:
- Private schools operate alongside public schools, contributing to the diverse educational landscape.

Teacher’s Salary
 In the Philippines, the annual average salary for teachers varies based on their level of experience
and position. The government has implemented a salary scale to ensure fair compensation.The
average salary for a teacher is ₱21,229 per month in Philippines. 495 salaries reported, updated at
March 25, 2024.

SINGAPORE
Singapore’s educational system consists of six years of primary school, four to five years of secondary school,
and one to three years of post-secondary education.

Preschool, often known as nursery school or kindergarten, is a non-mandatory service provided by the Ministry
of Education Singapore and private operators.
1. Primary Education:
- School Education: Primary education in Singapore follows the core Western model. Students attend
primary schools from ages 6 to 12, where they receive a well-regulated education.
- Curriculum: The curriculum emphasizes literacy, numeracy, and character development. Students study
subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, and Mother Tongue languages (such as Mandarin, Malay, or
Tamil).
- Assessment: At the end of primary education, students take the Primary School Leaving Examination
(PSLE), which determines their secondary school placement.

2. Secondary Education:
- Streaming: Secondary education continues from ages 13 to 16. Students are streamed based on their PSLE
results. The streams include Express, Normal (Academic), and Normal (Technical).
- Curriculum: Students study a broad range of subjects, including languages, mathematics, sciences,
humanities, and arts.
- Vocational Education: Vocational training is provided by the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) for
students who choose a technical or vocational path.

3. Tertiary Education:
- Junior Colleges and Polytechnics: After secondary education, students can attend junior colleges (JC) or
polytechnics. JCs prepare students for university, while polytechnics offer diploma programs.
- Universities: Singapore has several universities, including the National University of Singapore (NUS),
Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and Singapore Management University (SMU).

4. Average Teacher Salary in 2024:

Base Salary: The average base salary for a teacher in Singapore is S$44,919 per year.
Experience Levels:
- Early Career (1-4 years): S$51,773 per year (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay).
- Mid-Career (5-9 years): S$42,700 per year.
- Experienced (10-19 years): Varies based on specialization (e.g., kindergarten, special education).

Kindergarten Teachers:
- Starting monthly salary: S$2,500 to S$4,106.
- Average monthly salary across career:
- 1 to 4 years: S$2,250
- 5 to 9 years: S$2,250
- 10 to 19 years: S$2,30.

Special Education Teachers:

- Starting monthly salary: S$5,330 to S$9,740.
- Average monthly salary across career:
- 1 to 4 years: S$5,330
- 5 to 9 years: S$7,460
- 10 to 19 years: S$9,740

THAILAND

The Thai education system

 Education in Thailand mandates nine years of "basic education" (six years of elementary school and three
years of lower secondary school). Public education is free until grade 9. In addition, the government
provides three years of pre-school and three years of upper-secondary education for free.

Basic Education:
 Nine years of basic education are mandated, comprising six years of elementary school (known as
“prathom”) and three years of lower secondary school (known as “matthayom”).
 Public education is free until grade 9.
 Additionally, the government offers three years of pre-school and three years of upper-secondary
education for free, although neither is mandatory.

School Levels:
 Pre-primary Education: Introduced in 2004 and made free in 2009, pre-primary education is offered to
children aged three to five years.
 Primary Education (Prathom Suksa): Compulsory schooling begins at age six and lasts for six years.
 Secondary Education (Mathayom Suksa): After primary school, students move on to secondary
education, which is split into a lower level (grades M1-M3) and a higher level.

Curriculum:
 The national curriculum includes eight core subjects: Thai language, mathematics, science, social studies,
religion and culture, health and physical education, arts, careers and technology, and foreign languages.
Homeschooling:
 Homeschooling is legal in Thailand.
 Families must submit an application to homeschool, and students are assessed annually.
 The constitution and education law recognize alternative education and consider the family to be an
educational institution.

The average salary for teaching in Thailand

 In Thailand you can teach at government schools, private schools or language schools. At government
schools – where you can teach any age from kindergarten to high school – you can expect to earn THB 30
000 – 35 000 ($1 000 – $1 100) a month. This is an entry-level salary for teaching approximately 20 to 25
hours a week. On top of the teaching you may be expected to participate in parent-teacher meetings, staff
meetings and cultural events. The longer you teach at one school, the more your salary may increase.

 The teaching situation at a private or international school will be similar but the pay will be slightly
higher – approximately THB 40 000 – 45 000 ($1 100 – $1 200) a month.

 Language schools are a very different scenario. At a language school you are likely to work about 30
hours a week but be required to be at work for 40 hours a week. This is for staff meetings, lesson
preparation and marking. You won’t have the paid school holidays that school teachers have, but you
should have two weeks of paid leave a year. On top of that you can expect to earn THB 40 000 – 60 000
($1 100 – $2 000) a month.

VIETNAM
The education system in Vietnam is a state-run system of public and private education run by the Ministry of
Education and Training1. It consists of five levels: preschool (optional), primary school (five years), secondary
school (four years), high school (three years), and higher education12345. Formal education is compulsory
from the age of six to fifteen3. Students can also choose to enroll in vocational training or continuing education
programs.

Preschool (Optional):
 Children can attend preschool from the age of three.
 It is not compulsory but serves as an early foundation for learning.

Primary School:
 Primary education lasts for five years.
 Students start at the age of six.
 The curriculum includes subjects like mathematics, Vietnamese language, science, and social studies.

Secondary School:
 Secondary education spans four years.
 Students typically enter secondary school at the age of eleven.
 The curriculum broadens to include additional subjects such as literature, history, geography, and foreign
languages.

High School:
 High school education lasts for three years.
 Students usually start high school at the age of fifteen.
 They can choose between academic or vocational tracks.
 The academic track prepares students for university entrance exams.
 The vocational track focuses on practical skills and job readiness.

Higher Education:
 After completing high school, students can pursue higher education.
 Universities and colleges offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
 Popular fields of study include engineering, medicine, economics, and social sciences.

Compulsory Education:
 Formal education is compulsory from the age of six to fifteen.
 Students must attend school during this period.

Vocational Training and Continuing Education:

 Students can choose vocational training programs to acquire specific skills.
 Continuing education options are available for lifelong learning.

Teacher’s Average Salary

 The average salary for English teachers in Vietnam ranges from ₫23 million – ₫45 million ($1,000 –
$2000) a month.
 At a language school, you can expect to earn ₫28 million – ₫42 million ($1,200 – $1,800) a month.

 At a public school, you can earn up to ₫45 million ($2,000).

 For private lessons, teachers usually charge between ₫250,000 – ₫350,000 ($10 – $15) an hour.

 Salary is dependent on experience and qualifications (and luck). The higher your qualifications and the
more your experience, the higher the salary you can expect.
SINGAPORE
Named amongst the best countries to study abroad, Singapore has always been
an ideal study destination for those planning to pursue higher education in culturally
vibrant Asia. Multiple factors like high standards of teaching, top institutions and
affordable costs have made the country rank higher when it comes to attaining
overseas education and thus, more and more students are now opting to study in
Singapore.

Highly Regarded System: Singapore consistently ranks among the top countries
globally for its education system.

Reasons for Excellence:

 Quality Teachers: Singapore places great emphasis on teacher training and

development. Their educators undergo rigorous training and continuous
professional development.

 Curriculum and Assessment: The curriculum is well-structured, emphasizing

critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Regular assessments ensure
student progress.

 Equitable Access: Singapore ensures equal access to quality education for all
students, regardless of socio-economic backgrounds.

 Investment in Research and Innovation: The country invests in research and

innovation to enhance teaching methods and learning outcome.

PHILIPPINES
The Philippines boasts an educational system that uniquely blends Eastern
and Western traditions, reflecting its rich colonial history and recent reforms. The
education system in the Philippines ranks among the best in Asia. That said, you may
want to consider higher education in any of the other countries as they have certain
perks and opportunities that put them ahead of the pack.

Philippine education gets the biggest chunk of the national budget. The 1987
Constitution provides that “the State shall assign the highest budgetary priority to
education.” The 2018 budget allocation for government agencies handling education
amounts to P672.41 billion, excluding the automatic appropriations as listed in the
bicam report. DepEd received P553.31 billion, which is expected to be used in
establishing and maintaining facilities, hiring teaching and non-teaching personnel,
and in developing and providing learning materials to students.

K-12 Program: The Philippines has extended its basic education to 12 years,
aligning more closely with international standards. This move enhances the depth and
breadth of learning, preparing students for higher education and the global job market.
Bilingual Approach: The education system uses both English and Filipino as
mediums of instruction. This bilingual approach equips students with strong language
skills, facilitating communication on a global scale.

Technical and Vocational Focus: The Philippines emphasizes vocational training

through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
This ensures that students acquire practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge.

Religious Affiliations: Many schools in the Philippines have strong religious ties,
which can influence their curriculum. This blend of faith-based education and modern
practices contributes to a unique learning experience.

Diverse Higher Education: With over 2,000 universities and colleges, the
Philippines offers a wide range of courses and flexible pathways. Students can choose
from various disciplines, catering to their interests and career goals.

American Educational Influence: Historically shaped by American systems,

particularly in language and structure, the Philippines benefits from a familiar
educational framework. This influence enhances the quality of education and prepares
students for international opportunities.

Overseas Employment Orientation: The education system is geared towards

preparing students for international job markets. This focus on employability
ensures that graduates are competitive globally.