Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) held its 36th Convocation Ceremony to celebrate the graduating students from the class of 2024 at UBD’s Chancellor Hall on Monday, 12th August 2024. 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 and His Royal Highness Prince (Dr) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, Pro-Chancellor of UBD consented to attend the ceremony.
This year saw a total of 1,158 graduates, consisting of 35 PhD graduates, 302 Master graduates, 787 Bachelor graduates from the 12th batch of UBD’s distinctive GenNEXT programme, as well as 34 Graduate Diploma recipients. PhD and Bachelor Degree graduates received their certificates from His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam during the morning session, while Master and Graduate Diploma recipients received their certificates in the afternoon from His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.
Receiving His Majesty and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince at the Chancellor Hall, UBD during the respective sessions were Minister of Education Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Paduka Dr Hajah Romaizah Haji Md Salleh and UBD Vice-Chancellor Dr Hazri Haji Kifle.
One of the recipients in the afternoon session was Her Highness Pengiran Anak Hajah Ameenah Bushral Bulqiah, who received her Master of Government. Attending the convocation ceremony as a guest was Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna binti Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddin Sa’adul Khairi Waddien.
This year saw the first batch of graduates from the School of Digital Science (SDS). Since UBD offered the Bachelor of Digital Science programme in August 2020, 170 students have enrolled where 14 received their certificates at this year’s convocation ceremony after completing their four years of studies. Students enrolled in the Bachelor degree programme can choose to major in one of the following specialisations: Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence & Robotics, Cybersecurity & Forensics, and Applied Artificial Intelligence. With an initial intake of only 17 students in 2020, SDS intake has rapidly grown to more than 40 students per year over the past four years.
After the presentation of graduation certificates, His Majesty and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince then consented to view a special exhibition which featured the latest research findings, innovations and student achievements.
Academics from Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences (PAPRSB IHS) presented a revolutionary Artificial Intelligence (AI) based nation-wide health screening process using digital technology, which is the first of its kind in the world. The digital platform has already been set up in the Bruhealth application and aims to manage health screening for risk reduction and early detection of morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer, both being top causes of death globally and in Brunei Darussalam. It uses a risk predictive model that is much more accurate than the current World Health Organisation (WHO) calculator. With data collected seamlessly through the digital platform, the screening process is faster and more efficient. Meanwhile it is also continuously improving, highly adaptable and acceptable by healthcare providers and the community. To date, over 16,000 individuals have taken up the cardiovascular disease health screening process and over 14,000 have taken up the colorectal cancer health screening process. A collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Evyd Technologies, the team from PAPRSB IHS consisting of Dr Anni @ Nik Ani Afiqah Haji Mohamad Tuah, Dr Hj Muhammad Assyafie Hanif Abd Rahman and Professor Dr Mohd Ayub Sadiq along with other UBD researcher provided the conceptual idea and AI application expertise to develop the digital platform.
The Centre for Advanced Research (CARe) featured their efforts contributing to successful ageing in Brunei Darussalam. The team made up of Dr Siti Mazidah Haji Mohamad, Dr Shahrimawati Haji Sharbini and Dr Hajah Asmah Haji Husaini have been collaborating with local healthcare organisations and community groups to develop and implement specific programmes that address the unique healthcare and social needs of the elderly. Declining birth rates and increased life expectancy has shifted Brunei Darusslam’s demographic towards an ageing population. This shift has implications for the nation’s socio-economic fabric, healthcare system, and workforce dynamics. Navigating this shift requires adequate support and care for Brunei’s ageing population while maintaining economic growth and social cohesion.
Two artists from this year’s UBD Spectrum: Unveil had the opportunity to present their masterpieces to His Majesty and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince at the special exhibition. Afiq Rafiqin Faiz Al-warits integrated his background in photography with AI artistry, historical research and manual techniques to represent his philosophical approach where technology should enhance and not completely replace huma creativity. “By fusing these techniques, I aim to reconnect audiences with the deeper narratives within the Bruneian landscape photos,” he said. “while showing the potential of leveraging AI technology ethically.”
Nur Azreen Adauwiyah Muhammad Tony Razzaq also presented her final project at the exhibition. She reinterpreted the Bruneian folktale “Si Kuning” into a coloured comic. “This project provides a solution to keeping and maintaining old Bruneian folklore that is gradually fading due to globalisation and technology,” she said. “By remaking the tale through comics, the tale is revived through modern mediums that can be enjoyed by all ages.”
Lastly, this year’s UBD Shell Eco-marathon team “Belia Tabah” showcased the prototype electric vehicle “Mekar” which broke the national record in the latest Shell Eco-marathon Asia Pacific and the Middle East 2024 competition held in Lombok, Indonesia. The vehicle achieved an extraordinary energy efficiency of 285.5km/KWh, surpassing the previous best-ever record by a Bruneian team by over 35km/KWh.
In addition to placing 9th out of over 78 teams from 12 countries, the team was even awarded the top prize in the Carbon Footprint Reduction competition. Innovative efforts in sustainable engineering resulted in a total reduction of 2,013kg carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions. In addition to showcasing their commitment to environmental stewardship, this achievement is a testament to the team’s expertise developed through the General Engineering programme at the Faculty of Integrated Technologies (FIT) and aligns with the UBD’s dedication to promoting sustainability. While participation in the Shell Eco-marathon is open to other faculties and backgrounds to encourage multidisciplinary experiential learning as part of the Discovery Year (DY) Incubation programme, this year’s Shell Eco-Marathon eight-member team are all graduate students from FIT, with four currently undergoing Masters and one PhD.
From 13th to 30th August, UBD invites graduates to “The Next Day”, a continuation of the convocation celebrations which is held simultaneously at Chancellor Hall, Business Library and the Central Lecture Theatre (CLT). During this time, graduates are welcome to return to campus with friends and families to take photos and videos in their graduation gowns, revisit their faculties as well as their beloved lecturers. A variety of vendors offering souvenirs and refreshments will be available. In addition to established local vendors, UBD startups have been invited to enliven The Next Day. As part of UBD’s efforts to promote a sustainable lifestyle and a green campus, vendors are encouraged to be sustainable in their packaging and delivery of services. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own containers and tumblers to support this endeavor. There will also be two photography studios: UNI Ultra New Image Photo Studio and Wedding Still Film, which is UBD alumni-run, for graduates to take professional photos.