Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) has achieved yet another international accolade with its School of Digital Science (SDS) receiving the prestigious Coursera 2024 AI Innovation Award for the Asia-Pacific Region. This award recognises UBD’s Applied Artificial Intelligence (AAI) programmne as a leader in AI-driven education and innovation, reaffirming its commitment to shaping the future of digital transformation.
The AAI programme, offered through SDS, has rapidly become a key player in developing highly competitive AI professionals equipped with the skills to not only leverage AI technologies but also to drive technological innovations across industries. Launched in collaboration with Coursera, a global leader in online learning, the AAI programme ensures students receive a world-class education in the field of AI, making them industry-ready graduates in line with Brunei’s Vision 2035. In addition to AAI, SDS offers other cutting-edge majors such as Artificial Intelligence & Robotics, Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Computer Science, solidifying its position as a hub for digital innovation and future-forward education.
The AAI programme has distinguished itself by focusing on real-world applications of AI utilising coursers from industry leaders like IBM and Google with certification. This recognition by Coursera places UBD among the top universities worldwide for its innovative approach to AI education, which is in sync with the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0).
Without compromising the quality, UBD managed to reduce the duration of its Bachelor of Digital Science (BDSc) degree from four years to three years for the AAI programme to meet the rising demand for digital science experts. This rapid change was supported by the availability of Coursera’s rich selection of AI modules, which were seamlessly integrated into the new AAI programme. With this programme, SDS supports the capacity building and manpower requirements towards meeting the vision of a smart nation according to the Brunei’s Digital Economy Masterplan 2025.
Speaking about the achievement, Professor Liyanage C De Silva, Dean of the School of Digital Science, said, “This award is evidence to the outstanding efforts of UBD’s Senior Management team and the faculty, who have worked tirelessly to push the boundaries of AI education and research by helping our school to collaborate with globally renowned partners. The Applied Artificial Intelligence programme not only provides students with the latest tools and knowledge but also cultivates innovators and entrepreneurs who will shape the future of technology.”
“GenAI won’t take over jobs, but those who don’t use it may be replaced by those who do. Every graduating student must know how to leverage GenAI to be employable and productive from day one,” said Raghav Gupta, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Coursera. “Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) is at the forefront of this shift, integrating Coursera into its Applied Artificial Intelligence (AAI) programme. By integrating industry-aligned content and Professional Certificates from global experts like IBM and Google, UBD is equipping its students with the skills and credentials needed for the evolving job market. Congratulations to UBD on winning the AI Innovation Award. We are honoured to support their mission in preparing the next generation of AI professionals.”
Associate Professor Pg Dr Mohd Iskandar Pg Haji Petra, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Education), added, “This award reflects UBD’s unwavering dedication to empowering students with future-ready skills. The AAI programme is designed not only to educate but to inspire innovation. By integrating AI into the curriculum and fostering a hands-on approach, we are equipping students with the expertise to navigate and excel in the ever-evolving digital landscape.”
Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement) Dr Joyce Teo shared that, “UBD’s strong research commitment to digital technologies has been a key contributor to this achievement. By partnering with renowned international educational service providers like Coursera, the School of Digital Science has established a solid foundation for applied AI research and curriculum. These collaborations led to high quality teaching and impactful research publications, significantly enhancing the programme’s global reputation.”
UBD’s recognition through the Coursera 2024 AI Innovation Award aligns perfectly with Brunei Vision 2035, which emphasises the development of a highly skilled workforce and economic diversification. The AAI programme is interdisciplinary, focusing on sectors central to the country’s growth.
Dr Hazri Haji Kifle, Vice-Chancellor of UBD, praised the achievement, stating, “This award underscores UBD’s commitment to excellence in education and its mission to produce future-ready graduates. The Applied Artificial Intelligence programme has proven to be a crucial driver of innovation in the region, helping Brunei take significant strides toward becoming a leader in the global digital economy. I commend the entire team at the School of Digital Science for their dedication and the tangible impact they have made through this program.”
With this AI Innovation Award, UBD’s School of Digital Science stands as a beacon of AI education excellence in the region. This award highlights UBD’s growing reputation as a leader in AI education within the region, offering students a vibrant and well-rounded learning experience that equips them to lead the way in AI innovation.