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) officiated the 11th UTB Convocation Ceremony at the International Convention Centre in Berakas yesterday.
Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince (Dr) Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and the Pro-Chancellor of UTB.
The royal entourage was greeted on arrival by Minister of Education and Chairperson of the UTB Council Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh, UTB Vice-Chancellor Datin Paduka Professor Dr Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman and UTB Registrar and Secretary Lim Chui Hua.
The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar.
It continued with the Chancellor’s procession into the Plenary Hall led by a mace-bearer holding aloft Mushaf Al-Quran.
Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Computer Networking graduate Mohammad Wafiy bin Haji Morsidi recited Verses 11-15 of Surah Al-Jatsiah while Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Finance and Risk Management graduate Awangku Ahmadi bin Pengiran Idrus read the interpretations of the verses.
The vice-chancellor then delivered a speech highlighting this year’s convocation milestones including His Royal Highness being conferred an honorary doctorate.
She said in her speech that UTB began in 2008 as teaching university with no research culture.
According to Scopus, she said, it is now a renowned research university with five-fold increase in research from 2017 to 2022.
The vice-chancellor said 77.89 per cent of 2022 graduates have found employment while the university is ranked 226th in employment outcomes according to Quacquarelli Symonds Global.
She also noted partnership and collaboration with other institutions of higher learning, companies and associations giving added value to learning, teaching and research experience for UTB staff and students.
The event continued with a titah by His Majesty and the conferring of honorary doctorate to His Royal Highness.
This was followed by His Majesty presenting certificates to 11 PhD, 82 Master’s degree and 304 Bachelor’s degree graduates. – Lyna Mohamad
