05DISCOVER UBDto place an emphasis on sophisticated 21st Century skills for education and research.” His Majesty also called on industries to play an important role, by sharing practical knowledge of industrial trends and the job market.His Majesty lauded UBD’s efforts in further developing its lifelong learning programmes. With its flexibility in terms of pace, place and pathway, cutting-edge education and research will contribute to effective economic development. In addition, UBD’s added focus on Data Analytics and Cybersecurity are areas that are positive steps contributing towards innovation and economic development.Vice Chancellor of UBD Datin Dr Hajah Anita Binurul Zahrina Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Aziz, in her opening remarks, stated that the flexibility of these programmes have enabled students to improve their knowledge and skills without taking them away from their current occupations. Since the establishment of the Centre for Lifelong Learning (C3L) last year, a number of faculties in the university has also offered programmes based on the concept, offering more opportunities and choices to the community. “UBD intends to offer flexibility in all of its programmes in the future,” she announced.“UBD is unique on its own - a platform for various future careers,” Mohammad Abdul Azim Zainuddin said. “It is where I developed and harnessed my learning skills, not just academically but also practically, which came in handy most particularly during my final year project.” 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, Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam speaks to UBD alumni representing Solar Brunei at the Convocation Exhibition. Photo: Azhar IsmatThe First Class Honour Bachelor of Science in Biology graduate added. “Discovery Year gave me the rare opportunity to experience studying at international universities abroad. Four years of my odyssey and not a single minute I felt any sense of regret. Time went by really fast.”The struggle was real for Afizul Haken Karim who graduated with a PhD in Systems Engineering after nine years in UBD, starting with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Master of Science in Energy Studies. Despite his background being in Chemistry, his supervisor encouraged him to learn new things. “My research colleagues were from various backgrounds and we enjoyed learning from each other,” he said. “I had the opportunity to expose myself to international environments during my time in UBD. I was sent to Sejong University in Seoul, South Korea for field studies for a few months, joined the International Student Energy Summit (ICES 2015) in Bali as a delegate, and presented my research papers at a few conferences in malaysia. Nothing beats the adrenaline rush from presenting my findings to experts and researchers in the same field.”UBD leapt up the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings this year by a substantial 26 places, now placing at 323 in the world. In the QS Top 50 Under 50 world rankings, UBD rose up three places to 34. For young universities, UBD is now ranked 16th in Asia and 6th in ASEAN. Among small universities based on QS World University Rankings, UBD is ranked 16th in the world, 5th in Asia and number 1 in ASEAN.
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