Universiti Brunei Darussalam’s latest graduates ready themselves for future studies or the challenges of the job market
Graduation symbolises the end of one chapter and the start of another. At Universiti Brunei Darussalam’s (UBD) 36th Convocation Ceremony, graduates reflected on years of hard work, feeling a mix of excitement, pride, and apprehension as they prepare to face the future, whether through further studies or entering the job market.
THRIVING AMID UNCERTAINTY
Siti Nursarah binti Julhijjal, a first-class honours graduate in Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical and Process Engineering), has shown remarkable resilience throughout her academic journey. Awarded a prestigious Hengyi Industry scholarship, she enrolled in a joint programme with Zhejiang University, China, completing a year of study online due to the global pandemic.
Reflecting on her experience, Siti Nursarah shared, “I was truly grateful when I received the scholarship after three semesters of study and passing the interview and exams at Zhejiang University. Although we couldn’t travel to China, I adapted to online learning, with the support of good friends and self-discipline.”
Despite the challenges of studying remotely, she and her course mates formed a strong bond, supporting each other through the difficulties. The absence of in-person interactions and lab sessions made the experience particularly tough, but Siti Nursarah took pride in their collective resilience.
“We each brought our strengths to the table, creating a good team dynamic that helped us succeed.”
Siti Nursarah also learned a valuable lesson about adaptability.
“There’s no master plan,” she said. “Circumstances change, and it’s essential to adjust our plans accordingly. Having a growth mind-set is crucial.”
Now, she’s focused on building her career at Hengyi Industry, gaining practical experience and honing her skills in communication and critical thinking. While a master’s degree is not in her immediate plans, she remains committed to her professional growth, ready to make the most of the opportunities ahead.
BALANCING PASSION AND PROGRESS
Damia Hazimah binti Muhammad Asnam, a first-class honours graduate in Bachelor of Health Science (Midwifery), is making strides in the midwifery field.
Her published research in the British Journal of Midwifery is a demonstration to her dedication. Damia believes that strong time management is essential to balancing personal and professional responsibilities, saying, “Achieving goals requires effective planning.”
Reflecting on her research journey, she shared, “The peer review process, with its tight deadlines and substantial revisions, was the most challenging part.
“Persistence is key, but balancing life’s demands requires careful management.”
Damia’s passion for midwifery research emerged during her Higher National Diploma (HND) studies at Politeknik Brunei.
Initially pursuing midwifery as her father’s choice, her interest deepened over six years of study. She recognised the gaps in midwifery standards in Brunei and believes that research is essential for improving patient outcomes, shaping policy and enhancing education and training.
“For example, as healthcare workers, their fundamental scope of practice is patient safety and patient outcomes.
“Research plays an important aspect in order to identify the best practices and address the gaps that lead to patient safety and better health outcomes.”
Currently pursuing a Master’s in Midwifery by research at UBD, Damia aims to continue her studies towards a PhD. She aspires to contribute to the standardisation of midwifery practices in Brunei with international standards, particularly the United Kingdom (UK).
“I believe there’s much to learn, and through further research, I hope to elevate midwifery in Brunei,” she added.
CHEMISTRY IN ACTION
Muhammad Wahiduddin bin Haji Abd Wahab, a Bachelor of Science graduate in Chemical Sciences, discovered his passion for chemistry during high school, drawn by the creativity of molecular interactions and practical lab work.
This passion led him to pursue chemistry at university, earning him the prestigious BLNG Excellence Award in 2024.
Among his notable achievements, Wahiduddin presented Brunei’s Educational System at the ASEAN Undergraduate Summit 2022 and served as team leader at the Future Leader Youth Academy 2023.
Despite COVID restrictions, the virtual summit allowed him to collaborate with international peers, providing valuable insights into global challenges.
“It was refreshing to see how people from different countries tackled world issues,” he said.
In his final year, Wahiduddin juggled a heavy workload of assignments, extra modules, and his final year project, but balanced it with social activities, which made the experience enjoyable. However, his journey wasn’t without challenges.
During his second year, despite consistent studying, his grades dipped. He realised he was spending too much time researching unrelated concepts, so he adjusted his study habits, reserving deep dives for his free time.
Wahiduddin credits his discipline for keeping him organised and stress-free, allowing him to break down complex topics into manageable pieces. Now, he’s eager to apply his chemistry knowledge in the real world, building on the skills he honed throughout his academic journey.
CRAFTING A CREATIVE FUTURE
Lim Sye Wen, a Bachelor of Arts graduate in Design and Creative Industries, has emerged as a passionate advocate for Brunei’s growing creative sector. During her years at UBD, she became immersed in the local art scene, gaining insight into the talents of her fellow artists.
“I’m optimistic about the future of Brunei’s creative industries,” she shared, inspired by the progress she’s witnessed and the talented individuals she’s met.
Sye Wen’s creative journey saw her involvement in two short films featured at the UBD Prism Film Festival.
One of these, I Grew Up Playing (2022), paid homage to traditional Bruneian board games. The other, When Life Gives You Lemon (2023), explored the challenges of adulthood through the lens of a young adult.
Both projects were pivotal in honing her collaborative skills and deepening her appreciation for the power of storytelling.
Her time at UBD was marked by numerous accolades, including three University Book Prizes, two Dean’s List nominations, and the University Silver Medal.
Yet, her most significant achievement was launching her brand, Myo Studio, during the Spectrum Graduation Exhibition. Through Myo Studio, she showcases her handmade clay products, houseware, and art prints, all while pursuing her dream of expanding her craft into a creative hub for others.
Sye Wen’s vision is to offer art workshops and classes in Brunei, helping people express themselves through crafting. She hopes to introduce more diverse art forms, such as pottery, glassblowing and metalworking, inspired by international workshops.
“I look forward to expanding my knowledge and expertise through participating in more diverse workshops overseas, gaining connections and exposure to more unique handmade crafts such as pottery wheel-throwing, glass blowing, and metal wielding in which I can bring back to Brunei and share these knowledge to the younger generations so they have a chance to experience these.”
FACING THE FUTURE
Muhammad Aiman Hafizee bin Rasidi and Muhd Azharuddin bin Muhd Farid, recent graduates from Universiti Brunei Darussalam, have their sights set on the future.
Aiman, 23, graduated in History and International Studies, while 24-year-old Azharuddin completed his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology. Both are contending with the realities of a competitive job market.
Aiman believes that landing a job today requires more than academic qualifications.
“People aren’t evaluated just on degrees anymore. You need a diverse skill set,” he shared.
To stay competitive, he’s been honing his communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills, as well as keeping his technical knowledge up to date. His immediate plan is to join the military, a career path he believes will help develop his leadership abilities while serving his country.
Azharuddin echoed similar concerns about the job market.
“It’s competitive, especially when you limit yourself to specific roles,” he noted.
He has focused on refining his CV and soft skills, yet he recognises that experience is crucial. His internship connections may help in securing a suitable position, but he is also open to pursuing a master’s in International Relations as an alternative if job prospects don’t materialise. – Lyna Mohamad
