With Brunei Darussalam’s unemployment rate being a concern for jobseekers, fresh graduates looking to take their first step into joining the workforce are faced with the struggles and hurdles that come with landing a suitable job.
During the Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) 35th Convocation Ceremony on 21st August 2023, the newly established School of Digital Science (SDS) unveiled CareerBN to 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, Chancellor of UBD.
Since its launch in 2023, CareerBN has recorded significant progress in different aspects. The system initially started as a tool for job advertisements only with a special Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based feature for skills gap identification. “At the moment, it’s exciting to report that CareerBN has metamorphosed into an AI-based Career Guiding Tool,” Dr Abdullahi Abubakar Imam, a lecturer at SDS said. “This innovative tool, which integrates artificial intelligence, not only streamlines the job search process but also underscores UBD’s dedication to leveraging technology for the benefit of its future students, current students and alumni.”
CareerBN offers a user-friendly platform where job seekers can browse through a wide range of job listings, network with potential employers, and access career development resources such as resume building tips and interview preparation guidance. The AI integration helps match candidates with suitable job opportunities based on their skills and preferences, enhancing the efficiency of the recruitment process.
From the initial idea last year, CareerBN is now a platform where users don’t have to be a university graduate to use it. Current and future students can equally join and enjoy the benefits of the AI-based career path guidance. CareerBN offers the opportunity to choose the most suitable career path based on qualifications, skills, and interests, while identifying skills gaps at every stage of career development, starting from secondary school to undergraduate, to postgraduate, and even upskilling; leading to befitting job offers, and productive workforce.
CareerBN was a highlight at the recent UBD Career Fair 2024 that ran from 28th to 30th June where both employers and visiting job seekers responded positively. Dr Abdullahi Abubakar Imam shared that some companies registered immediately while others requested to register later as their Human Resource representatives were not on seat. “However, we are confident that many employers will register with CareerBN once they realise the benefits of the services offered,” he added.
“As we continue to develop the app and integrate numerous AI models, many additional features are expected to emerge. Therefore, we urge the public to stay tuned for more exciting updates.”
A product of the collective efforts of SDS researchers and developers, CareerBN can be downloaded free from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Go to careerbn.com to sign up and find out more about the app and its services.