Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) launched its Centre for Lifelong Learning (C3L) Open Day and Lifelong Learning Festival 2024 yesterday. Themed ‘Pathways to Progress: Lifelong Learning and the Sustainable Development Goals’, the event highlighted UBD’s commitment to fostering lifelong education in line with Brunei Vision 2035 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In partnership with UBD’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education, Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Institute of Policy Studies and Institute for Leadership, Innovation and Advancement, the festival underscored the transformative potential of lifelong learning for societal progress, sustainability and inclusivity.
The event featured international speakers from institutions like Universiti Tenaga Nasional in Malaysia, Kagawa University in Japan as well as Mahidol University and Burapha University in Thailand. It also introduced new micro-credentials and micro-master programmes, along with the C3L’s new digital learning platforms, designed to expand UBD’s educational reach both domestically and globally.
UBD Vice-Chancellor Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle in a speech emphasised the institution’s role in aligning education with national development goals. He said, “Our commitment to lifelong learning is intricately woven with Brunei Vision 2035’s goal of cultivating a skilled populace and aligns seamlessly with SDG 4, which champions inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.”
The event’s programme included lectures, workshops and exhibitions, focusing on practical applications like micro-credentials to enhance skills for the modern job market. Interactive sessions covered topics such as lifelong learning, sustainable projects and public lectures.
The C3L’s new website and Open Learning platform aim to expand access to lifelong learning. C3L Director Associate Professor Dr Jose Santos highlighted UBD’s ongoing digital transformation to create a more personalised and inclusive educational experience.
The festival recognised the importance of lifelong learning in the face of rapid technological advancements.
With the global online education market projected to reach USD375 billion by 2026 and 85 per cent of organisations adopting new technologies, continuous skill development is essential.
The event features some 200 participants with booths from participating organisations. – Fadley Faisal
