Lyna Mohamad
Micro-credentials offer flexible and inclusive learning that hones skills relevant to the Sultanate’s job market, said 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 Brunei Darussalam (UBD).
It is undeniable that research and innovation are catalysts of the digital economy. Higher learning institutions in the Sultanate must pay attention to micro-credentials that are changing the education landscape due to the shift to digitalisation in the sector, the Sultan said during the 33rd UBD convocation ceremony yesterday.
His Majesty said despite the world continuing to struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sultanate has been able to curb the spread of infection, thus enabling the convocation to take place.
The monarch also congratulated UBD members for receiving the Clarivate South and Southeast Asia Innovation Award 2020.
The award is based on invention, number of patents and globalisation based on patent investments, and UBD were among the six universities in the region to be recognised for innovation.
His Majesty voiced his confidence that UBD will gain a stronger footing on the world stage once it has strengthened its programmes and research.
UBD completed its five-year strategic plan in 2020 and among its achievements are entry into two world university rankings – QS and Times Higher Education. UBD also expanded internationally with the first overseas campus in Da Nang, Vietnam.
His Majesty was informed that UBD’s plan from 2021 to 2025 is themed ‘National Relevance, Global Impact’. The monarch expressed hopes that the university will focus on the nation’s needs, such as digital technology and social welfare.
His Majesty also urged the university to prioritise research on health, medicine, education, environment and sustainable development while offering input on the Sultanate’s social economic development and progress.
His Majesty highlighted the need for knowledge, skills and efficiency in the economy.
The monarch said he is encouraged by UBD’s pledge to continue developing and emphasising lifelong learning to develop skills to face the rapid technological advancement in the global economy.
His Majesty congratulated the graduates and called on them to work hard, be resilient and be adaptable to changing times while a maintaining integrity based on Islamic teachings to gain blessings and mercy from Allah the Almighty.
