Achieving academic excellence is more than just a measure of intelligence – it’s a testament to dedication, perseverance, and a passion for learning. From the quiet determination found in late-night study sessions to the unrelenting pursuit of knowledge, these achievements are celebrated not just by individuals, but by entire institutions that recognise the profound impact education can have.
Whether it’s a ground-breaking research paper or excelling in a degree, academic recognition serves as a powerful reminder that hard work and commitment can transform potential into remarkable success.
Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) recently honoured its students’ academic achievements and recognised the professional excellence of its staff at the prestigious Excellence Award Ceremony 2024. Several award recipients shared their stories of triumph with the Bulletin, offering advice to inspire future graduates.
PASSION AND PERSEVERANCE
Elza Batrisyia binti Zainolhizad, who graduated with First Class Honours in Bachelor of Business (Major in Marketing Information Systems), was the proud recipient of the University Student Excellence Award and the UTB SB Best Incubation Project Award.
Reflecting on her achievement, she expressed her gratitude, saying, “Alhamdulillah, I am honoured to receive these awards. It has been an incredible journey, and I feel truly fortunate.”
When asked about her secret to success, Elza was quick to credit her support system.
“My family and friends played a huge role, but I must also thank my incubation supervisor, Dr Stephen Singaraju. He guided us through every challenge, and because of him, our group won the Best Incubation Award.
“I’m also deeply grateful to my team – Nur Ameera Syafina binti Haji Ariffin, Hajah Sarah Syafiqah binti Haji Sallehuddin, and others – for their unwavering support.”
Elza recalled how challenging her time at UTB had been, especially given the global pandemic.
“It was tough adapting to online learning, but we pulled through. It was a difficult three years, but looking back, it’s been worth every moment,” she reflected.
On choosing her course of study, Elza shared, “I was always drawn to both marketing and IT. When I saw that UTB offered a course combining these two passions, I knew it was the right path for me.”
Her advice to future graduates is simple yet profound: “Stop comparing yourself to others. It’s not about competing with the world; it’s about bettering yourself. The key to success is doing what you love – because when you do, you’ll give it everything you’ve got.”
A PASSION FOR LEARNING
Syahnur Farhana binti Haji Shahlehi, who earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Economics, was another shining star at the ceremony, receiving both the Outstanding Research Paper Award and the Publication Award.
Reflecting on her achievements, she shared, “I’m truly humbled. I didn’t expect to be recognised like this, especially after the delays I faced with my exams and certification.”
Her journey from graduate coursework to research in a PhD was no easy feat.
“The transition was difficult. I honestly didn’t expect to excel in this area, which makes these awards even more meaningful,” she admitted.
For Syahnur, the key to success lies in continuous learning.
“Never stop reading, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. There’s always someone who can help, whether it’s a lecturer or a peer. My journey has been shaped by the people around me – my family, especially my sister, and my closest friends.” What many may not know about Syahnur’s journey is her decision to leap straight from a degree to a PhD, bypassing a master’s programme altogether.
“Pursuing a PhD has always been my passion. I skipped a master’s because I wanted to push myself further and inspire others. My goal is to become a lecturer at one of Brunei’s higher education institutions and give back by sharing my knowledge.”
LEADERSHIP AND LIFE SKILLS
Graduating with First Class Honours in Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computing (Major in Software Development), Ummi Salmah binti Haji Mohammad Firdaus took home both the Vice-Chancellor’s Award and the Outstanding Life Skills Achiever Award.
“Alhamdulillah, I feel incredibly honoured to receive these awards. They recognise not just my academic efforts but also my involvement in life skills activities, especially as the president of UTB’s student council in 2022.” For Ummi, balancing her academic commitments with leadership roles came naturally.
“It’s never about dividing time; everything is intertwined. My life is my academic journey. My experiences in the student council, for instance, taught me valuable lessons in working with diverse people, which I could apply to my studies.
“When I faced academic challenges, I sought advice from seniors who had been through similar struggles.”
Her humility shines through as she attributes her success to those around her.
“My achievements aren’t mine alone. They belong to my family, friends, mentors and peers. Every success I’ve had is thanks to their guidance and support.”
Ummi’s advice for future graduates is both thoughtful and inspiring: “Instead of targeting what you want, focus on the impact you want to make. This mindset will help you deal with setbacks and pressure.
“From my experience with Persatuan Kesan, I’ve learned that everything we do should contribute to a greater cause. Even small acts of impact matter.”
She added, “I may not have been the smartest or most creative in the class, but I’ve always worked hard. That dedication opened doors for me. Alhamdulillah, I’ve been fortunate to be in the right place at the right time.”
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE AND INSPIRING FUTURE LEADERS
UTB’s Excellence Award Ceremony was more than just a celebration of academic achievements; it was a reflection of the university’s commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals who excel both in and out of the classroom.
The stories of Elza, Syahnur and Ummi are a testament to the power of perseverance, passion and the support of loved ones.
Their journeys serve as a reminder that success is not defined by competing with others but by continuously striving to be better versions of ourselves.
Whether it’s overcoming the challenges of a pandemic, embracing a passion for research, or balancing academics with leadership roles, these graduates have demonstrated that with determination and the right mindset, anything is possible.
For future UTB students, the message is clear: find your passion, work hard and never underestimate the impact you can make – no matter how small.
The path to success may be challenging, but as these inspiring individuals have shown, it’s a journey well worth taking. – James Kon
