A keynote address by Chief Operating Officer of A2Tech Sdn Bhd, Muhamad Hazwan, headlined the UNISSA Innovation Day 2025 on Tuesday at Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA).
A2Tech, a spin-off company under Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), reflects the integration of innovation and entrepreneurship in academia. In his keynote, Muhamad Hazwan shared his research journey in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting how his PhD work has led to several high-impact international publications and contributed to the development of cutting-edge technologies.
His research has not only resulted in the creation of high-potential products but also in the establishment of spin-off companies under UTM. His efforts have secured numerous research grants from both government and private agencies to support advancements in AI and robotics.
Expanding beyond AI, the COO also discussed research applications in the Internet of Things (IoT) and biodiversity, emphasising how technology can support sustainable development and address environmental challenges.
His presence served as an inspiration to students, particularly those from the Faculty of Islamic Technology (FTI), as he demonstrated how academic research can be transformed into real-world solutions that benefit society and industry.
UNISSA Innovation Day 2025, held at the university’s auditorium, celebrates the intersection of creativity, technology and Islamic values. The event was graced by Chief Executive Officer of DST Radin Sufri Basiuni as the guest of honour.
Also present were UNISSA Rector Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal, Acting Deputy Rector and Assistant Rector, as well as senior university officials and academic staff.
The event began with welcoming remarks by Acting Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Technology Dr Dayang Hajah Tiawa binti Awang Haji Hamid.
Drawing from the Islamic Golden Age, Dr Tiawa paid tribute to Muslim scholars whose groundbreaking discoveries laid the groundwork for today’s technological advancements—particularly in artificial intelligence (AI).
She highlighted notable figures such as Al-Khawarizmi, the father of algorithms; Al-Jazari, a robotics pioneer; Ibn Sina, whose structured reasoning inspired modern decision-making systems; Al-Kindi, who advanced data analysis; and Al-Farabi, whose concept of ‘active intellect’ mirrors how machines learn today.
“These visionaries proved that science and faith can go hand in hand,” she said. “When guided by Islamic values, innovation becomes a force for good—benefitting humanity, not just progress.”
Students and lecturers also showcased innovative projects combining Islamic teachings with modern technological applications such as AI, robotics, and digital media. Exhibits also paid tribute to pioneering Muslim scholars like Al-Khawarizmi, Al-Jazari, Ibn Sina, Al-Kindi and Al-Farabi, whose works laid the foundation for modern science and technology.
The event also featured a session with representatives from the Brunei CyberSecurity Association (BCSA), Brunei Innovation Lab, and Entrepreneur Innovation Centre (EIC). BCSA President Mohammad Azad Zaki bin Haji Mohd Tahir delivered an industrial talk along with fellow representatives, offering insights into current cybersecurity and innovation trends.
UNISSA Innovation Day reflects the university’s commitment to nurturing graduates who are capable of addressing future challenges through ethical innovation grounded in Islamic principles. – Lyna Mohammad
