Since its establishment in 1986, the Faculty of Engineering at Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) has consistently produced high-calibre engineering graduates who contributed across various professional engineering disciplines, significantly impacting the country’s development. The faculty’s commitment to research and innovation is showcased through comprehensive postgraduate programmes, offering Master’s and PhD degrees in engineering disciplines.
The faculty comprises four programmes areas – civil engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, mechanical engineering and petroleum and chemical engineering, offering a broad spectrum of engineering programmes at the Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD levels.
“The accreditation of our engineering programmes will ensure that we continue to provide our students with a world-class education recognised nationally and internationally,” Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Dr Tan Soon Jiann said.
Accreditation of engineering programmes are designed to high global standards, updated curricula reflecting industry trends, equipping students with practical skills, fostering industry relationships, and incorporating effective teaching and learning strategies. The accreditation process is a cornerstone of UTB’s commitment to excellence, solidifying its position as a leading institution in engineering education.
One of the hallmarks of UTB’s engineering programmes is the emphasis on practical learning to ensure that students acquire industry-relevant skills. Dr Tan explained that the accreditation of programmes ensures the curriculum is designed to inculcate practical skills.
In addition to classroom-based learning, students are exposed to hands-on and practical sessions in the engineering laboratories on campus, supporting the delivery of industry-relevant skills.
“The skills are developed through the various, real-world design and research projects included in the undergraduate engineering programmes. Moreover, the undergraduate programmes also include a period of industrial placement in the local industry to provide the students with valuable workplace experience under the guidance of an industry mentor,” he added.
Dr Tan outlined the faculty’s proactive approach to fostering collaboration with industries, significantly contributing to students’ employability and hands-on learning experiences. The faculty has established longstanding and extensive links with several leading engineering organisations in Brunei.
Practitioners from the organisations regularly support the delivery of professional knowledge to students through avenues such as student placements, site visits, industrial lectures, and industry projects. Beyond this, they provide scholarships, support student excellence awards, and actively participate in industry advisory boards and student project evaluations.
The collaborative spirit extends to the faculty’s staff, who provide research and consultancy services to the local industry, contributing to solving real-world problems. These links not only provide opportunities for students to work on real-world engineering challenges but also enhance graduates’ employability, ensuring they are well-prepared for the demands of the professional world.
More information on the faculty can be obtained at the Higher Education Expo 2024 on February 3-4, and during UTB’s Open Day 2024 on February 6-7 at the university’s campus.
