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, and Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB), officiated the 9th UTB Convocation Festival at the university’s Faculty of Engineering building yesterday.
Upon arrival, His Royal Highness was received by Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid, as Acting Minister of Education, who is also the acting chairperson of the UTB Council, and UTB Vice-Chancellor Datin Paduka Professor Dr Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman.
The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat, led by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar.
His Royal Highness then officiated the festival, followed by the call of takbir and a presentation before inaugurating the exhibition themed ‘Towards a Green and Sustainable Future: A Confluence of Creativity and Innovation’.
The theme highlights UTB’s commitment to environmental responsibility through innovative academic practices.
It also underscores how UTB graduates are poised to make significant impacts on their careers by applying and advancing eco-friendly technologies and sustainable methods mastered during their studies. The approach reinforces UTB’s position as a pioneer in cultivating an ethos of sustainability and innovation, encouraging alumni to stretch the limits of possibility in building a more environmentally conscious and sustainable future.
The exhibition showcased five student projects that integrated creativity with sustainable solutions.
They were ‘Sustainable Refurbishment of Existing Buildings: Water Conservation’ by Nadiya binti Rozman Azmi; ‘Smart Sustainable, Low-Cost IOT Based Waste Segregator Dustbin System’ by Syaza Aina binti Hamdani; ‘Fashion Sensitivity and Water Influence in the Sustainability of Brunei Fashion Industry’ by Hajah Safiyyah Aisyah Kamilah binti Haji Mohamad Jaafar; ‘Utilising Roselle’s Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties to Enhance Meat Storage Quality’ by Nur Adila Puteri binti Irwan; and ‘Tanah Maju’ by Abdul Qur’ainal bin Haji Abdul Mutalip, Lim Liang Hong, Mohammad Aizat bin Haji Mohammad Anas, Muhammad Anaz Adhlizam bin Adanan, and Najiya binti Roslan.
His Royal Highness also viewed the Numerical Sand Screen Modelling and Facilities Lab exhibition booth, a collaborative project with Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd; and the ASEAN Traditional Textile Exhibition featuring contributions from ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste.
The convocation festival also featured cultural performances by the university student clubs, including a traditional Bruneian dance, martial arts and global cultural showcases, reflecting the university’s community life. UTB’s commitment to holistic student development was also highlighted through its 45 active co-curricular clubs that foster skills in leadership, teamwork and communication.
Prior to leaving the festival, His Royal Highness received a pesambah from UTB Student Representative Council with the theme ‘Map of Brunei’ and consented to a photo session with members of the UTB Student Representative Council 2024/2025. Guests from embassies and high commissions of ASEAN member countries and Timor-Leste, UTB Council members, senior government officials, staff and students were also in attendance.
A series of associated events will continue to celebrate UTB’s graduates, including the International Culture Day 2024; UTB Inno-Fatih; UTB Bersamamu!; UTBerjaya; Be Kind, Be Happy Series; Health Check Series; UTB On Wheels; and International E-Waste Week: Into the Spotlight.
The festival will culminate the convocation ceremony at the Plenary Hall of the International Convention Centre in Berakas on September 7. – Azlan Othman
