His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) conferred on His Royal Highness Prince (Dr) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Pro-Chancellor of UTB with Honorary Doctorate in Technology Innovation during the 11th UTB Convocation Ceremony yesterday.
The doctorate is in recognition of His Royal Highness’ role in supporting the development of UTB as the academic leader in engineering, business as well as science and technology since its upgrade and accreditation as a university.
His Royal Highness’ leadership was manifested in 2013 with the declaration of His Royal Highness as Pro-Chancellor of UTB portraying the trust of the government that is always concerned with the development of the university.
The recognition also aligns with His Royal Highness’ role as the royal patron of the annual Brunei Info-Communication Technology Awards (BICTA) and biennial Creative, Innovative Product and Technological Advancement (CIPTA) Awards organised in collaboration with Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd since 2005.
As pro-chancellor of UTB, His Royal Highness graced the first convocation festival in September 30, 2014 and the following years. The annual event is important for all UTB members and graduates in particular.
His Royal Highness is also a source of motivation and support to UTB graduates by celebrating their achievements as well as inspiring the younger generation to pursue higher learning in technology.
His Royal Highness’ leadership includes significant engagement in technology and innovation events such as officiating the 3G network launch in the Sultanate in 2000, witnessing the signing of agreement between IBM Brunei World Trade Corporation and Syabas Technologies in 2001, officiating the launch of the second Annual Asia-Pacific e-Government Forum in 2009, officiating the Seria Energy Lab in 2021 and gracing the CIPTA Awards in 2023.
His Royal Highness’ contribution as a progressive and dynamic leader concerned with changes, especially in innovation and technology in the Sultanate, justifies His Royal Highness being given the highest praise and recognition. – Lyna Mohamad
