BY Izah Azahari
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 Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) officiated the 10th UTB Convocation Ceremony at the Plenary Hall, International Convention Centre in Berakas on Monday.
His Royal Highness Prince (Dr) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, the Pro-Chancellor of UTB was also present.
On arrival, His Majesty and His Royal Highness were greeted by Minister of Education and Chairperson of the UTB Council Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh; Vice-Chancellor of UTB Datin Paduka Professor Dr Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman; and Registrar and Secretary of UTB Lim Chui Hua.
The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah by State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.
The procession of the Chancellor into the Plenary Hall was led by the mace-bearer holding aloft the Mushaf Al-Quran.
Verses 76-80 of Surah Al-Qasas, were recited by Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Food Science and Technology graduate Hajah Wafiqah binti Haji Daim, while Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Food Science and Technology graduate Siti Nadia binti Saifullzan read the lessons from the verses.
The vice-chancellor then delivered welcoming remarks.
“For the first time, graduates from four Bachelor’s Degree programmes (Hons) in Business Information Management (full time and part time), Computer Networking, Computer and Information Security, Product Design and a Master’s Degree programme in Civil Engineering, will receive their certificates,” said the vice-chancellor.
She said that for the past 10 years of the convocation, it has seen 2,955 graduates from 46 UTB degree programmes, and the direct impact of the programmes on employment can be measured with marketability after graduation.
“On average, 72 per cent of UTB graduates from 2019-2021 have been employed by industries and related agencies six months after graduation, while in 2022, 69 per cent already secured a job three months after graduation,” she said.
The vice-chancellor added that UTB’s close relationship with industries and related agencies and recognition from accreditation bodies serve as attractions for potential students.
“Exposure to potential employers starts as early as the ExperiencePLUS programme,” she said.
In reference to the shortening of Bachelor of Science programmes to three years in 2021, the vice-chancellor noted its positive impact, such as an increase in the number of enrolments in the School of Applied Science and Mathematics.
She also noted His Majesty’s titah during the 9th UTB Convocation Ceremony on publications, patents and commercialisation to generate the country’s economic growth by adding that UTB has identified a number of products that can be patented and commercialised, and will work with the Brunei Innovation Lab on products geared towards the digital economy.
Another notable achievement of UTB is the first short-term scholarship to higher education institutes in the Sultanate by the Canadian Government through the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) programme to a number of UTB students, she said.
Also noted during her speech was His Majesty’s consent to the use of ‘Chancellor’ for competitions between public and private higher education institutions in sports, cultural and artistic events, intellectual challenges, games, religion and leadership, which kicked off on September 1.
His Majesty then delivered a titah conferring the Doctor of Philosophy, Master’s Degree and Bachelor’s Degree to recipients listed in the Convocation Book. The event proceeded with the call of Allahu Akbar, Wa Lillahil Hamd by the graduates and attendees.
His Majesty also presented certificates to the 381 graduates including Doctor of Philosophy to two graduates, Master’s Degree to 66 graduates and Bachelor’s Degree to 274 graduates.
To date, UTB has produced over 5,141 BDTVEC Higher National Diploma (HND); 295 HND Level Five; 2,513 undergraduates, 432 Master’s Degree and 10 Doctor of Philosophy graduates.
-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin