As an engineering and technology university, Universiti Technologi Brunei (UTB) plays an important role in realising Brunei Vision 2035 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
This was said by His Royal Highness Prince (Dr) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, theCrown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Pro-Chancellor of UTB in his sabda at the inauguration of UTB Congress on Science, Technology and Engineering Connect (UTB – STE Connect 2023), themed ‘Research and Applications for a Better World’.
His Royal Highness applauded the congress for holding conferences that attract support from local and international experts.
UTB has achieved significant milestones, since its establishment as a full-fledge university 15 years ago, including expanding beyond engineering, business and computing to applied sciences and mathematics, design and communication.
As UTB continues to mature, the university prepares to make its way to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, said His Royal Highness.
In a titah of 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 during UTB’s convocation ceremony earlier this year, the monarch encouraged the adoption of best practices, including increasing research publications as well as “the importance of filing for intellectual property rights towards commercialisation which can support and nurture an innovation ecosystem and foster economic growth”, said His Royal Highness His Royal Highness also noted UTB’s efforts in advancing research and promoting innovation through collaboration with renowned universities and key industry players.
“I hope UTB continues to build on its achievements and efforts, specifically in supporting national priority areas, including the needs of the local labour market.”
His Royal Highness believes the UTB-STE Connect 2023 provides an important platform for intellectual discourse, shared ideas, and generating solutions to contemporary challenges.
His Royal Highness said, “The breadth and complexity of these challenges require a comprehensive and inter-disciplinary approach, where rapid advances in technology and innovation continue to offer unique opportunities, hence the theme ‘Research and Applications for a Better World’ is both timely and pertinent.”
The bienniel congress provides the platform, thus His Royal Highness looks forward to seeing the development of local expertise and homegrown innovations.
His Royal Highness said, “I encourage researchers and scientists, as well as government and industry partners, to leverage on each other’s strengths and resources to work together in advancing science and technology.”
“More importantly, I hope these efforts can be translated into tangible and practical real-world solutions that can improve lives and support sustainable development,” said His Royal Highness. – Lyna Mohamad
