The Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FASS), Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) hosted a professorial lecture by Professor Ampuan Dr Haji Brahim Ampuan Haji Tengah.
Professor Ampuan Dr Haji Brahim is a prolific academic and scholar, who has significantly contributed to the field of Malay Literature over the course of his career. To date, Professor Ampuan Dr Haji Brahim has over a hundred publications including five academic books, and five creative works.
In his professorial lecture entitled Manuskrip Lama Brunei: Keberadaan dan Kehebatannya (Classical Manuscripts of Brunei: Existence and Significance), Professor Ampuan Dr Haji Brahim called attention to Brunei Darussalam as a sovereign nation with a rich historical legacy. The Sultanate boasts a treasure trove of classical literary manuscripts that possess unique and unparalleled attributes. According to Professor Ampuan Dr Haji Brahim, some of the published classics of Brunei such as Syair Awang Semaun, Hukum Kanun, Silsilah Raja Brunei, and Syair Rajang showcased the grandeur of Bruneian civilisation. These classical works serve as poignant testimonies to Brunei’s political prowess, unwavering stability, heroic Malay heritage, and the rich tapestry of its material and non-material culture.
Professor Ampuan Dr Haji Brahim concluded his lecture by inviting further exploration and appreciation of Brunei Darussalam’s literary treasures. The appreciation of these classical Bruneian manuscripts not only contributes to but further enriches the landscape of Malay literature as a whole.
Throughout his academic journey in UBD, Professor Ampuan Dr Haji Brahim has served as the Dean of FASS, Director of the Academy of Brunei Studies (APB), the Director of the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Centre for Islamic Studies (SOASCIS), and the Acting Assistant Vice Chancellor, and the Dean of Students. He has also served as a member of the editorial board for local and international academic journals.
His exemplary service has been recognised with state decorations including Pingat Jubli Perak Sempena 25 Tahun Menaiki Takhta, Darjah Setia Negara Brunei Yang Amat Bahagia, Darjah Ke-empat (PSB), Pingat Kerja Lama (PKL), Pingat Jasa Kebaktian (PJK), Darjah Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei, Yang Amat Mulia Darjah Ke-tiga (SMB), and Darjah Setia Negara Brunei Yang Amat Bahagia Darjah Ketiga (SNB). He was also bestowed the National Excellent Teacher Award by 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 Negara Brunei Darussalam in 2015. In 2005, he received the Southeast Asia Write Award, and he was named the Language Ambassador during the Malay Language Month Celebration 2023.