Bandar Seri Begawan: By the consent of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the Ministry of Religious Affairs announced that the names of two prominent Arabic schools in Brunei have been officially changed. The 'Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit Girls Arabic Religious School' will now be known as 'Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit Arabic School,' and the 'Hassanal Bolkiah Boys Arabic Secondary School' has been renamed 'Sekolah Tinggi Arab Hassanal Bolkiah.'
According to Radio Television Brunei, this initiative aims to improve the governance of Arabic schools, adapting school names to reflect the level of learning and student population. The change also seeks to enhance the schools' historical and educational significance in Brunei, contributing to the nation's progress in producing educated and skilled individuals in religious and Arabic studies.
The Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit Arabic School currently serves as the Arabic Preparatory School in Bandar Seri Begawan, accommodating upper primary female students in Year 5 and Year 6. Meanwhile, 'Sekolah Tinggi Arab Hassanal Bolkiah,' previously the Hassanal Bolkiah Boys Arabic Secondary School, stands as the sole Pre-U level Arabic education center for both male and female students in the country.
The enforcement date for these name changes is set for Saturday, 28th Ramadhan 1446 Hijrah, corresponding to 29th March 2025.