Collaboration between new and established writers is crucial in fostering a dynamic and vibrant writing ecosystem, and helps maintain tradition, encourage innovation as well as develop new talents who can benefit from experienced and influential writers.
UBD Vice-Chancellor Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle said this on Wednesday during the Academy of Brunei Studies, Universiti Brunei Darussalam’s (UBD) launch of 19 academic books published from 2019 to 2023 at the Senate Room of the UBD Chancellor Hall.
The books are the result of collaborative research by local academic staff at UBD’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education. Four former Master’s Degree and PhD students also contributed to the books.
Dr Hazri, who officiated the launch, added, ”In the increasingly digital world, it is crucial for writers to stay updated with the latest developments in technology and writing as well as publishing trends.
“Enhancing skills and competencies through upskilling and reskilling pertaining to the latest technology is essential to ensure that the writing remain relevant and at the forefront of developments.
“The research and writing community is now on the brink of significant changes. Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, like ChatGPT, have opened doors to opportunities but also bring challenges.”
He added that although ChatGPT can assist writers with fact-finding and generating new ideas, it is important to remember that it is merely an enabler.
“Creativity, originality and the writer’s vision remain essential and irreplaceable elements. AI technology is just a tool to make the writing and publishing process more efficient,” he said.
Dr Hazri added, “Therefore, the aspects of integrity, authenticity and ethics are highly important to uphold.
“On this matter, UBD has recently formulated the policy and guidelines on generative AI for reference by the university’s community members.”
Of the books launched, 15 were released by local publishers, while four were by Routledge London and Indonesian publishers.
The local publishers were Brunei History Association, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali, Curriculum Development Department of the Ministry of Education, and Brunei History Centre.
The launch aimed to showcase UBD’s achievements in academic publications, especially in the fields of history, Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB), education, social sciences, economics and administration, while also motivating local academic staff to aim for publishing books resulting from their research projects. – Rokiah Mahmud
