Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) hosted the UBD Career Forum 2024 on Thursday at Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences (PAPRSB IHS), UBD.
The event, themed “Become Beyond,” served as a prelude to the upcoming UBD Career Fair 2024, aiming to provide insights into the evolving global job market and emphasising the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone to achieve higher career aspirations.
This second instalment of the Career Forum featured UBD alumni speakers who have made significant strides in their careers overseas.
Speakers included Hiro Tien, UBD Alumni Class of 2014 with a Bachelor of Business in Accounting & Finance, a Silicon Valley-based founder and investor currently in California, United States; Gary Goh, UBD Alumni Class of 2014 with a Bachelor of Business in Accounting & Finance, a seasoned supply chain and logistics professional at SCTSB Sdn Bhd, a Sumitomo subsidiary in Qatar; Aishah Helena Shariff, UBD Alumni Class of 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Geology and UBD Alumni Class of 2018 with a Master of Science in Geoscience, an accomplished Algorithm Developer at White Space Solutions in the Netherlands; and Rafidah Rambli, UBD Alumni Class of 2020 with a Master of Business Administration, a seasoned Human Resource professional at the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The forum was moderated by Dr Aida Syahirah Awang Haji Aji, UBD Alumni Class of 2019 with a Bachelor of Health Science in Medicine, a medical doctor at the Ministry of Health, who actively assists youths and the Bruneian community in achieving an aspiring and purposeful living.
The event was conducted in a hybrid format, with two alumni speakers participating via tele-conferencing from their respective countries, while the remaining speakers and the audience were physically present at UBD. The forum attracted students from UBD and other higher education institutions, UBD alumni, and members of the general public. Acting Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Corporate & Administration) Universiti Brunei Darussalam Hjh Maudena binti Hj Abd Hamid attended as the Guest of Honour.
In her welcoming remarks, Hajah Hartini binti Haji Md Yussof, Co-Chair of the UBD Career Forum 2024 said that the event underscores UBD’s commitment to nurturing talent and preparing students for a dynamic and competitive workforce. She further highlighted UBD’s vision of ‘Futuring Together’ with its students and alumni by continuing to host impactful events that contribute to their professional growth and development.
Despite the challenges posed by different time zones for the international speakers, the forum successfully conveyed a significant message of inspiring participants to aspire beyond their comfort zones through the shared experiences and career journeys of the alumni. Attendees had the opportunity to interact with the speakers, fostering meaningful connections and expanding their networks. Participants praised the forum for its inspiring content and practical relevance, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to hear from successful alumni and gain new perspectives on their future careers. – FADLEY FAISAL
