Ahmad Jumat

Ahmad's education background includes a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from the University of Malaya in Malaysia, Master of Education (MEd) from the University of Alberta in Canada, and Doctor of Education (D.Ed.) from the University of Southern California in the United States.[5]

An overview of his career is as follows; a Brunei administrative officer in Menteri Besar Office from 1965 to 1969, an educational administrator and senior administrator with the Department of Education from 1969 to 1971, the head of planning unit with the Department of Education from 1973 to 1975, the deputy director of education from 1975 to 1977, the director of education from 1977 to 1982, the director of establishment in the head of State Civil Service from 1982 to 1983, the director of diplomatic services from 1983 to 1984, the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 1984 to 1986, the Deputy Minister of Education from 1986 to 2001,[6] Acting Minister of Development in 2001, Minister of Development from 2002 to 2005, Minister of Industry and Primary Resources from 2005 to 2008,[7] Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports from 2008 to 2010, and currently the Representative of Brunei Darussalam to the AICHR since November 2011.[5][1]

By bolstering the research and development (R&D) infrastructure and human resource base in science, technology, and engineering in the ASEAN member states, the ASEAN Ministers (including Ahmad) responsible for science and technology, seek to contribute to the realization of these goals. This is done in support of the overall regional goals of enhancing economic integration and building competitiveness. Announcing the creation and operation of the Asean Virtual Institute of Science and Technology (AVIST), the ministerial declaration on 27 November 2004.[8]

Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) organized the international conference Contemporary Issues in Economic Development of Small States, which took place from 5 to 6 January 2005, at UBD's Chancellor's Hall. The event was officiated by Pehin Mohammad Daud, while Pehin Ahmad gave the Keynote Address.[9]

Government and business organizations should collaborate to change young people's perspectives away from heavily favoring careers in the public sector and toward ones that are entrepreneurial and business-savvy. During the Legislative Council meeting on 5 March 2008, Pehin Ahmad, made the appeal. Out of a total population of 391,000, the minister pointed out that 71,000 people, including those who are paid on a daily basis, are employed by the government in Brunei. He also believed that a number of government organizations and even some private businesses ought to contribute to encouraging locals to start their own businesses.[10]

The three countries of Borneo, Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia, signed a historic proclamation in February 2007 to show their dedication to ensuring a healthy future for Borneo's highland rainforest.[11] The Heart of Borneo Initiative aims to promote conservation and sustainable development that enhances the welfare of island residents while minimizing deforestation, forest degradation, and the resulting loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Ministers Pehin Ahmad, M. S. Kaban, and Dato' Azmi bin Khalid sign the Heart of Borneo Declaration on behalf of the three Bornean governments.[12]

The Islamic Religious Council and the MCYS' Community Development Department provided financial assistance to 21,608 people, or 5.54 percent of Brunei's total population, in 2007. The fund, which has a total annual budget allocation of $22.6 million, is designated for the population considered to be below the relative poverty threshold. At the opening ceremony of the two-day regional seminar with the theme "History in the country's development," co-organized by the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation and Brunei History Association (Pesebar), at UBD, Pehin Ahmad made this point.[13]

For us to reap the benefits, we have to start appreciating history... History is the best teacher in life for its major role in determining the greatness of a civilisation, race and nation. We need to accept the fact that we are now in an environment filled with challenges, problems and competitions that must be conquered, managed and handled... The future is impossible to predict. Change is the only thing that is constant.

— Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Dr. Haji Ahmad Haji Jumat, The Brunei Times, 11 January 2009

The Community Development Officer of the Probation and Community Service Unit of the Department of Community Development has been named the Chief Probation Officer for the purposes of that Order by the Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports in accordance with the authority granted by section 3(1) of the Offenders (Probation and Community Service) Order, 2006, with the approval of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan on 25 February 2010.[14]

Ahmad holds the title of Yang Berhormat (The Honourable) Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Pahlawan, making him a member of manteri.[16]

Ahmad has earned the following honours;[16]

• Order of Setia Negara Brunei First Class (PSNB) – Dato Seri Setia
• Order of Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei First Class (SPMB) – Dato Seri Paduka
• Order of Paduka Seri Laila Jasa Second Class (DSLJ) – Dato Seri Laila Jasa
• Meritorious Service Medal (PJK)
• Long Service Medal (PKL)