Rokiah Mahmud
Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman visited Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) yesterday as part of a series of visit in conjunction with the re-opening of higher education institutions and technical education campuses during the Early Endemic Phase.
The visit aimed at having a closer observation of students at higher education institutions and monitoring facilities to curb COVID-19 transmission including areas for antigen rapid test (ART), isolation room; social distancing in lecture halls; witnessing hybrid learning and teaching session; and view practical works in laboratories.
At UBD, the minister was welcomed by Vice-Chancellor Datin Dr Hajah Anita Binurul Zahrina binti Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Aziz.
The minister then visited Institute of Health Sciences of the Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah (IHS PAPRSB) including its research laboratory, lecture rooms and seminar rooms. Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah also witnessed several teaching and practical work sessions, interacted with students and gave motivational talks.
The visit continued with a briefing about structured blended learning (SBL) and a teaching demonstration using the platform.
Meanwhile at UTB, the minister was welcomed by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman.
Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah then attended a briefing on students enrolment protocol as well as guidelines to manage COVID-19. It was followed by a visit to the isolation room to view equipment and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that would be followed in case of a COVID-19 infection.
The minister also observed hybrid learning and teaching session, physical teaching and also interacted with the students. The delegation also toured Food Science Laboratory’s facilities.