Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) is committed to integrating cutting-edge research into its teaching methods, providing students with an innovative and forward-looking academic experience as well as addressing global challenges such as climate change, food security, and technological advancements in its research, it said in a statement yesterday.
This can be seen in applied research initiatives led by Director of Centre for Research on Agri-Food Science and Technology Dr Syazana Abdullah Lim; Director of Centre for Innovative Engineering Dr Heru Susanto; Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Engineering Dr Lim Tiong Hoo; and Director of Centre for Transport Research Dr Wida Susanty binti Haji Suhaili.
Dr Syazana’s research in smart packaging harnesses the transformative potential of unconventional materials such as sago starch, durian seeds, and sugarcane bagasse.
Employing methods like high-pressure homogenisation and ultra-fine grinding, her work not only pushes the boundaries of bio-packaging but significantly contributes to advancements in sustainable packaging. Recent breakthroughs include the development of underutilised sago starch nano- and microparticles for environmentally friendly innovative packaging.
Under the leadership of the Director of Centre for Innovative Engineering Dr Heru, UTB’s impactful research spans diverse fields, including digital education, vertical rice farming, AI, renewable energy, nanotechnology, blockchain and cryptocurrency.
Vertical rice farming, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood, utilises IoT-based solutions to monitor and regulate paddy plantations, improving seed production.
Dr Lim’s cutting-edge research initiatives span applied artificial intelligence (AI), edge AI optimisation, GPT-3 utilisation, reinforcement learning (RL) and robotics integration.
His multifaceted approach extends across industries, including agriculture, aquaculture, transportation, and healthcare, aiming to advance AI while addressing a number of sustainable development goals.
Recent breakthroughs include an AI predictive system for biomass in prawn aquaculture showcasing AI’s potential in optimising farming practices, contributing to sustainability and efficiency in the aquaculture industry. Under the guidance of Dr Wida Susanty, UTB’s research explores advanced technologies like the Internet of things (IoT), nano and remote aquaculture Systems (RAS), addressing pressing environmental issues.
The ongoing projects address diverse challenges, from mitigating peatland forest fires to developing innovative flood alert systems. Dr Wida Susanty’s recent breakthroughs include a flood alert system that tackles challenges posed by climate change and unpredictable weather forecasts.
Students are encouraged to actively engage in ongoing research projects and to take a collaborative approach as the university fosters collaboration between students from different academic backgrounds.
UTB also has collaborations with industries and external partners, providing students with valuable connections, internships and real-world exposure.
UTB is recognised as the top institution for research citations in the Quacquarelli Symonds Asia University Ranking 2024 (QSAUR) among the institutions of higher Learning in Brunei Darussalam.
