A total of 1,512 graduates from the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) received their certificates at the 32nd IBTE Convocation Ceremony on Tuesday, held at the Plenary Hall of the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.
The ceremony was conducted in two sessions. The morning session saw graduates receiving their certificates from Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, while Deputy Minister of Energy Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Mohammad Azmi bin Haji Mohd Hanifah, Chairman of the IBTE Governing Board, presented certificates in the afternoon.
The morning session began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat by Imam Grade I of Sufri Bolkiah Perpindahan Berakas Mosque, Abdul Razak bin Samat, followed by a recital of Quranic verses by Awang Wafri Ilmi Azezee bin Zainidi, a student from IBTE Agro-Technology & Applied Sciences. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Dr. Haji Mohd Zamri bin Haji Sabli, Director of Technical Education and IBTE CEO.
In his speech, Dr Haji Mohd Zamri highlighted IBTE’s commitment to holistic student development. He introduced the IBTE Student Activities Rewards System (STARS), a platform designed to support the overall growth of students, both professionally and personally. “This program aims to encourage students to engage in non-academic activities, fostering personal competencies and an awareness of social responsibility,” he said.
The IBTE STARS programme rewards students with points for participation in extracurricular activities, promoting a balanced focus on health, well-being, and professional growth as they prepare to enter the workforce.
Dr Haji Mohd Zamri also shared that IBTE has reinforced its dedication to enhancing student competence through the ASEAN-ROK Mobility Program, offering IBTE students training opportunities in ASEAN countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines. “This program provides valuable experience, equipping students to face global job market challenges and develop skills at an international level,” he added.
IBTE students have also achieved remarkable success in both local and international competitions. Notably, three IBTE students won gold and bronze medals, along with the ‘Best Newcomer’ award at the Belt & Road International Skills Competition in China. Additionally, an IBTE student won a gold medal in the E-Sport event at the 21st Malaysian Games (SUKMA) 2024 in Kuching, Sarawak. These achievements underscore the talents and skills of IBTE students, aligning with Brunei Vision 2035 to nurture knowledgeable and highly skilled citizens.
“Hopefully, these achievements will inspire school leavers to choose IBTE as their path to further education and quality skills acquisition,” said Dr Haji Mohd Zamri.
Following his address, the minister presented certificates to Diploma and HNTec graduates, alongside special awards such as the Best Trainee, Academic Excellence Award, IBTE STARS Excellence Award, and the Chinese Ambassador Award.
The Chinese Ambassador Award, a collaboration between the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Brunei Darussalam and the Ministry of Education, includes students from five higher education institutions, including IBTE. This award aims to motivate local students to engage in bilateral cooperation under the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ and to inspire young talents who contribute actively to national development.
In the afternoon session, Deputy Minister of Energy Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Mohammad Azmi bin Haji Mohd Hanifah awarded certificates to 613 NTec and ISQ graduates, including the Best Student Award for four outstanding students. – LYNA MOHAMMAD