Some 35 graduates and nine staff from Class of 2024 were feted in recognition for their outstanding achievements during an Excellence Award ceremony, in conjunction with Politeknik Brunei (PB) 10th Convocation at the Grand Cesar Hall, Mulia Hotel yesterday.
Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Fiscal) Pengiran Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Zety Sufina binti Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Sani, in her capacity as the Chairman of Politeknik Brunei Board of Governors, was the guest of honour.
Ambassador of China to Brunei Darussalam Xiao Jianguo was also present.
The recipients are graduates and students from various programmes across five schools under PB namely: School of Business; School of Information and Communication Technology; School of Science and Engineering; School of Health Sciences; and School of Petrochemical.
The award ceremony witnessed the presentation of six categories namely: the Best Student Award; Academic Excellence Award; Enrichment Excellence Award; Innovation Award; Chinese Ambassador Award; and the Staff Excellence Award.
These awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students who have consistently demonstrated excellence throughout their journey at PB.
There are four award categories with different sets of criteria.
The Academic Excellence Award recognises students who have excelled in their academic pursuit evaluated based on the following criteria: academic performance achievement, attendance as well as attitude and discipline.
Each of the 25 recipients of the Academic Excellence Award received a trophy, certificate, gifts and vouchers from various sponsors.
The Enrichment Excellence Award celebrates students who have demonstrated exceptional performance in co-curricular activities. The criteria is based on individual performance achievement, leadership, excellence and contribution in co-curricular activities.
The Innovation Award is given to students who have developed outstanding projects judged on the following criteria such as uniqueness, expected benefits, feasibility and quality of presentation.
Two groups of recipients for the Innovation Award were presented a trophy, medal, certificate, gifts as well as vouchers from sponsors.
Meanwhile, the Best Student Award recognises the most outstanding graduate based on overall achievement in academic performance, internship performance and enrichment performance.
The Best Student Award went to Mohammad Rayyan bin Haji Mohd Sufian, who graduated with a Level 5 Diploma in Business Studies (Marketing) from School of Business.
Mohammad Rayyan is also one of the 25 students who received the Academic Excellence Award.
Another category, the Chinese Ambassador Award, sponsored by the Embassy of China to Brunei Darussalam was presented to 23 students from 23 different programmes by the Chinese ambassador. There has been an increasing number of Chinese companies investing in Brunei with Brunei companies exploring opportunities in the Chinese market.
Chinese companies have been collaborating with local higher education institutions to train young Bruneian talents aligning with the demands of a diversified economy.
There is a growing interest among Bruneian students in Chinese culture as well as the development of China‘s economy and technology. The enthusiasm aims to foster bilateral cooperation, friendship and collaboration particularly under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.
The Chinese Ambassador Awards aim to recognise and encourage young Bruneian talents who excelled academically and poised to contribute the development of Brunei while promoting Brunei-China ties.
The awards ceremony also witnessed the official introduction of a new category award, the Staff Excellence Award, where nine staff were selected as recipients.
The guest of honour was also invited to the Students’ Showcase, where selected students’ projects and works from different schools were exhibited. – Fadhil Yunus
