The MIB Framework as a Catalyst for Youth Empowerment: Mediating the Gap Between Skill Training and Sustainable Employment

Abstract

Despite tremendous amount of investment towards Training, Vocational and Educational Training (TVET) and skills acquisition programmes aimed at fulfilling the Brunei Vision 2035, unemployment among youth remains a persistent challenge that has been evolving in Brunei Darussalam. While technical skills mismatches are frequently cited as a primary driver of labor market friction, less attention has been paid to socio-cultural and psychological dimensions of youth readiness and transition to sustainable employment. This paper explores the potential role of Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB or Malay Islamic Monarchy) framework as a values-based catalyst for youth empowerment in connecting skill training with sustainable employment. As this paper grounded in Human Capital Theory (HCT) and Psychological Empowerment Theory (PET), this conceptual study examines selected MIB-aligned Islamic values, particularly; Ihsan, Ikhtiar and Tawakkal, alongside psychological empowerment and youth employment readiness. Through Qualitative Document Analysis and Conceptual Framework Synthesis of national policy documents, institutional reports and existing literature, the study identifies a multidimensional gap between skills development and sustainable employment involving translation of acquired skills into employability behaviors as well as wider labor market conditions. The findings suggests that MIB-aligned values may complement psychological empowerment and employment readiness. The study also proposes an integrated framework connecting skills development, MIB-aligned values and psychological empowerment towards sustainable youth employment and Brunei Vision 2035, while recognizing the broader employment ecosystem.

Keywords: Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB), Youth Empowerment, Skills Development, Sustainable Employment, Brunei Vision 2035, Islamic Work Ethics