19th Issue : May - Aug 2019 CONTENTS
FEATURES 52 PUJA-UTB Student Chapter Working to Keep Berakas Beach Clean 5 UTB Climbs 63 Places in The QS World University Rankings 53 BSP Lectures on Slickline Wireline Operations 6 UTB Certified with ISO 9001:2015 54 Japanese Students Gain Exposure on Sustainable Energy 8 UTB Sixth Convocation Festival 55 PUJA-UTB SC Gains Aircraft Insight at RBA 12 UTB Staff Excellence Awards 2019 & Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebration RESEARCH NEWS 15 The Second UTB Graduate Colloquium 2019 56 Cyber Security: New Applications - Old Problem? 16 National Youth Day 2019 OTHER NEWS 18 Regatta 2019 57 Shifting the Balance for Women in STEM UNIVERSITY EVENTS 58 UTB Signs Letter of Intent with UMS 19 UTB Project Showcase 2019 59 CIPTA 2019 Winners Celebrated in Home Country 22 UTB Signs With Ecquaria Technologies to Produce 60 Calm Your Brain Industry-Ready Graduates 61 UTB Signs Note of Understanding with KV Miri 23 UTB Welcomes New Intake with Orientation 62 Nuzul Al-Quran 1440H 24 Vice-Chancellor’s Address 63 Khatam Al-Quran Ceremony 26 Students Gain Insight from Briefing Sessions 64 High Commission of India Donates Resources to UTB 27 Voluntary Work Helps Build Self-Esteem Among the 65 Financial Awareness Roadshow Students 66 RBAF Career & Health Promotion Roadshow 28 Orientation Week Ends with Fun-Filled Activities 67 Secondary Students Experiences University Life 30 UTB and KI Provide Undergraduate Degree Entry Pathway 68 The American Shelf Launched 31 UTB Signs with KIGS to Provide Undergraduate Degree 69 Cloud-Based Evolutionary Optimisation of Cyber-Physical Entry Pathway Systems 32 Nurturing the Spirit of Aidiladha 70 Courtesy Visits 33 Continuous Partnership with UNSW 71 International Visits 34 UTB Signs with DST for Smart Agriculture & Farming 73 Roadshows Intiatives Contact
International and Public Relations Office STAFF NEWS [email protected]
35 Dr. Wida Appointed as Fellow in 2019/20 ASEAN S&T Editorial Board Fellowship Siti Asmahlati Bolkini A. Hj Ahmad, 36 Library Staff Development Programme 2019 Siti Noorfatimah Hj Awang Safar, 37 Effective Minute Taking Workshop Muhammad Fakhri bin Hj Badar, Hjh Siti Khadijah binti DPS Hj Abdul Rahman Report Writing Explored by Admin Staff Nurhidayati binti Ghador
38 UTB Farewell Sessions and Welcomes New Staff Photo Credits
Information Department Student news UTB Photography Club 41 Experience Nanjing MPPUTB Mohammad Nadzri bin Hj Tuneh 42 Shell Eco-Marathon Asia 2019 Amy Zhou 44 5th AFMAM 2019 45 Seeds For The Future 46 ADSE Enablement Training 47 SASM Student Leaves for Research Placement in Osaka 48 Digging into Deep Water Sediment with BSP 49 Spreading Joy to the Needy 50 Single Mothers Honoured at Iftar 51 Mass Iftar 2019
2 FOREWORD
Alhamdulillah, UTB climbed 63 places to number 379 in the QS World University Ranking 2020 published in June. Congratulations and thank you to all staff and students for your hardwork and support in realising this achievement. This is a testament to the immense potential of the University in providing quality higher education which is at par with other world-renowned universities.
I am also pleased to share the news of our success in acquiring the IS09001:2015 Quality Management System Certification in July. This certification is a strategic effort to ensure that our management system is robust and efficient enough to support us in fulfilling our mission.
On August 31, His Royal Highness Prince (Dr.) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, the Pro-Chancellor of UTB, officiated the Sixth Convocation Festival themed ‘VI5ION’. The festival celebrates the successful completion of studies for 451 graduands in the run up to the Convocation Ceremony which will be held on September 12. The theme was chosen to socialise UTB’s new five-year Strategic Plan 2019-2023 and highlight some of the achievements of the graduating cohort.
We also congratulate staff who received their respective accolades at the UTB Staff Excellence Awards 2019. UTB will continue to recognise individual staff members who have shown exemplary professionalism, contribution and dedication in their respective domains, either in Teaching, Research or Administration.
In July, the University also welcome 514 new students pursuing their studies at the University starting in the 2019/2020 Academic Year, including 36% who were postgraduates. I hope that students will have a rewarding academic experience in UTB whilst at the same time, taking an active part in co-curricular pursuits for personal development.
I hope that you will find the 19th issue of UTBPulse informative and useful.
Thank you. Awg Hj Ady Syarmin bin Hj Md Taib Acting Vice-Chancellor Universiti Teknologi Brunei
MAY - AUGUST 2019 3
UTB CLIMBS 63 PLACES IN THE QS WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKINGS
UTB has clinched Top 400 and it is now at the UTB this year include Academic Reputation, and 379th place in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Citations per Faculty ratio where both reported World University Rankings (QSWUR). It has risen by significant increase in terms of volume. an astounding 63 places from its first appearance in the QSWUR last year at 442. In Asia, UTB is among the top 200 universities. In the 2019 edition of QS Asia University Rankings, Other Universities which also in the Top 400 UTB ranked at 181, the top 36% among over 500 include University of Kent, University of Essex institutions evaluated across the continent. UTB is and Oxford Brookes University in the United also the only university in the country rated Five Kingdom; University of Kansas, and University Star by the QS. of Massachusetts Amherst in the United States; Lincoln University in New Zealand; Hiroshima Even though UTB has proven its mettle, UTB will University in Japan; Mahidol University in Thailand; continue to maintain the momentum and strive and others. towards accomplishing its vision to become ‘A Global University Impacting Society’. With UTB’s The QSWUR assessments are based on the noteworthy performance in the latest edition of participating institutions’ Academic Reputation, the QS World University Rankings, UTB is on track Employer Reputation, Faculty-Student Ratio, in positioning itself as a university of global caliber Citations per Faculty, International Faculty Ratio, to attract talented students and scholars from the and International Students Ratio. country and internationally.
F o r t h e Q S W U R 2020 E d i t i o n , U T B w a s s c re e n e d a n d In its five-year Strategic Plan 2019-2023, UTB is evaluated against other prestigious international putting its focus on four strategic areas: Quality institutions worldwide. A total of 1, 620 institutions Education, Independent Learners, Translational from 82 countries met the criteria and qualified to Research and Quadruple Helix Engagement. be in the ranking, however, only 1001 institutions Successful implementation of initiatives under are published in the QSWUR 2020 this year. these focus areas within the five-year period will see the University improving its global prominence From the overall results, it shows that UTB while making a strong impact and contribution performed among the top 36% in the QSWUR. The to the country’s human resource and industrial results indicator also shows that UTB performed capabilities. particularly well in the Faculty-Student Ratio which shows an improvement by 50 places at 108. At QS World Ranking is an annual publication of 77 globally, the International Faculty remains university rankings by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) the strongest indicator for UTB. These show the and viewed as one of the three most widely-read University’s continuous commitment towards university rankings in the world along with the providing high-quality teaching with international Academic Ranking of World Universities and Times dimension. Other major improved indicators for Higher Education World University Rankings.
MAY - AUGUST 2019 5 FEATURES UTB CERTIFIED WITH ISO 9001:2015
UTB has successfully acquired the ISO 9001:2015 to ensure its management system is robust enough Quality Management System Certification after and capable to support the University in delivering completing a two-stage mandatory certification its mission ‘to nurture socially-responsible talents audit by Bureau Veritas in July 2019. This makes deeply-rooted in MIB values, and committed to UTB the first university in the country to receive building a global and entrepreneurial society in the certification. pursuit of innovation, industry-related capabilities, towards the fulfillment of Brunei Vision 2035’. International Organisation for Standardisation The ISO 9001:2015 certification also demonstrates (ISO) 9001:2015 is the most updated standard UTB’s commitment to provide the highest level of its kind and focuses on Quality Management of services with added value in order to satisfy System and performance. It assists in developing the needs of its stakeholders both internally and a management system that aligns Quality externally. Management System and performance by focusing on risk-based thinking and accountability in all UTB began preparations for the certification organisational processes, resulting in continual process in August 2018 by organizing a series improvement in the organisation with enhanced of seminars for key UTB personnel who then communication and efficiency. evaluated, assessed and reviewed existing procedures and processes to align them with the In UTB, the scope of the certification covers its ISO requirements. core business areas which include the provision of higher education programmes and advanced In addition, as part of the requirement for ISO continuing education in the field of Engineering, 9001:2015, a total of 23 UTB staff attended a special Business, Computing and Informatics, Applied training to become Internal Quality Management Sciences and Mathematics and Design; provision System Auditors. These auditors then performed of research programmes in the field of Transport, an internal Quality Management System audit of Innovative Engineering and Agri-Food Science and all academic and administrative and departments Technology; and provision of construction material and sections within the University. testing ser vices. In order to meet the requirements of the Standard, UTB continuously reviews and In July 2019, Bureau Veritas performed the improves its system and processes, documents mandatory certification audit in two stages. After key operational procedures, ensures conformance successfully completing the audit process and to statutory and regulatory requirements, and demonstrating that requirements of the Standards applies the Quality Management System to were met, UTB received the certification from enhance customer satisfaction in these key areas. Bureau Veritas on July 31, 2019. The certification is a strategic effort by the University
6 MAY - AUGUST 2019 7 UTB SIXTH CONVOCATION FESTIVAL 31 August 2019 - His Royal Highness Prince (Dr.) The ceremony then proceeded with His Royal Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Highness consenting to tour the ‘VI5ION’ exhibition. Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, This year’s convocation festival carries the theme the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime ‘VI5ION’ which symbolises the University’s clear Minister’s Office, Pro-Chancellor of UTB consented and focused aspiration that inspires the students to officiate UTB’s Sixth Convocation Festival 2019. of the University to take an active role in realising Upon arrival at the Multipurpose Hall of UTB, His UTB’s vision to be ‘A Global University Impacting Royal Highness the Crown Prince was greeted Society’ by 2023. The number ‘5’ in the theme by, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji VI5ION signifies the University’s five-year Strategic Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman, Minister of Education Plan 2019-2023. This year is the University’s first and Chairman of UTB Council; Yang Berhormat year of the five-year journey. The vision revolves Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mat Suny bin Haji around the four strategic pillars or focused Md Hussein, Minister of Energy, Manpower and areas: Quality Education, Independent Learners, Industry and the Deputy Chair of UTB Council; Translational Research and Quadruple Helix and Awang Haji Ady Syarmin bin Haji Md Taib, the Engagement. Acting Vice-Chancellor of UTB. This year’s convocation festival exhibition His Royal Highness the Crown Prince then showcased a number of selected programmes, consented to deliver a Sabda launching UTB’s Sixth projects and activities undertaken by the Convocation Festival 2019, followed by the call of graduating student cohort during their study that Takbir and a multimedia show. has the potential to impact society positively. The exhibition was divided into three sections.
8 The first section introduced the University’s five- Subjected to Settlement; Bad Driver Behaviour: year Strategic Plan which begun this year. The Impatient (Virtual Reality (VR) Interactive Film; showcase also displayed the students’ role in helping Production of Styrene Butadiene Rubber with the University achieve its current Quacquarelli Production Rate of 120,000 tonnes per year; Road Symonds (QS) World University Rankings and QS Accident Data Development and Enhancement Star Rating in terms of Internationalisation and (RADED); Indoor Positioning: Tracking and Locate; Employee reputation. Under Internationalisation, Assessing the Effectiveness of Technopreneurship the graduands shared some of their experiences Course in Creating Entrepreneurial Motivation; undergoing industrial internship with Piper Aircraft Spending Patterns of Youths in Brunei; Public- Inc. in the United States under UTB ExperiencePLUS Private Partnership in Supporting the Economy and attending a community-based programme in of Brunei Darussalam; Autonomous Foraging Japan. These experiences are intended to enhance Robot; and Mechanical Strength of Foam-Filled students’ practical industrial skills and develop Honeycomb Structure. students’ soft-skills and global awareness. These are important attributes in helping to enhance The final part of the exhibition explains one of the students’ marketability. University’s initiatives in equipping students with an appreciation of issues affecting communities Section two of the exhibition displayed ten selected such as the Environment and their ability to solve student projects from various Schools and Faculty problems and lead community-based projects that have direct relevance and potential impact through the introduction of the compulsory to the country’s socio-economy society. These Environment, Leadership, Technopreneurship and projects also contain elements of interaction Social Innovation (ELTS) undergraduate module. between academia, the government, industry as His Royal Highness also consented to view the well as the community. The projects are namely performance of guling tangan, tausyeh, traditional Finite Element Modelling of the Behavior of Houses dance, karate and archery by UTB students. The
MAY - AUGUST 2019 9 University currently has more than 40 co-curricular The Convocation Festival is held annually to clubs and encourages its students to take an celebrate students who have successfully active part in running the clubs and participates completed their studies and will be graduating in in its activities, as an avenue for them to pursue the upcoming UTB Convocation that will be held on their interests and at the same time developing Thursday, 12 September 2019 at the Plenary Hall, important skills such as teamwork, leadership and International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas. A communication. series of events have been lined up in conjunction with the Festival which include Majlis Khatam At the end of the event, His Royal Highness Al-Quran, UTB Sports Fiesta, UTB Library Book consented to receive a Pesambah from UTB Bazaar (ULBB), EKK Open Week 2019 Tarbiyah, students in the form of a digital art of the Prime Inter IPT Debate Competition, Dream Drama “A Minister’s Office Complex and also consented to Cinder in The Dark”, Cultural Week, Health and have a photograph session with members of the Safety Awareness Campaign, Youth Islamic Week UTB Student Representative Council 2019-2020. Celebration, #KampongAyerKu Project and UTB Virtual Run and Cycle.
10 MAY - AUGUST 2019 11 FEATURES
UTB STAFF EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2019 & HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI CELEBRATION 29 June 2019 - UTB Staff Excellence Awards Awang Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal; and Rav’es of 2019 presentation ceremony was held at the Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan Multipurpose Hall, UTB. The Guest of Honour, Yang (KUPUSB), Dr. Awang Haji Adanan bin Haji Basar. Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman, Minister of Education presented the Staff Excellence Awards was introduced in 2015 awards to the recipients and held annually to honour and reward the . outstanding and meritorious contribution staff Also in attendance were the Deputy Minister of to the success of the University in achieving its Education, Datin Seri Paduka Dr. Hajah Romaizah strategic goals. binti Haji Mohd Salleh; Permanent Secretary (Higher Education), Dr. Haji Azman bin Ahmad; UTB awarded a total of eight academicians and staff Permanent Secretary (Core Education), Dr. for excellent work throughout their ser vice with the Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati binti Haji Tajuddin; University. The recipients were each awarded with Acting Vice-Chancellor of UTB, Haji Ady Syarmin bin a plaque, certificate of recognition and cash prize Haji Md Taib; Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Brunei of BND$1,000.00. While for recipients for Special Darussalam (UBD), Datin Dr. Dayang Hajah Anita Mention received a certificate. Binurul Zahrina binti Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Aziz; Rector of The recipients of the Staff Excellence Awards and Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), Dr. Special Mention are as follows:
12 Teaching Excellence Award The ceremony concluded with a festive Hari Raya Aidilfitri gathering with the Guest of Honour Dr. Awang Mohamad Saiful bin Haji Omar School of Computing and Informatics visiting Hari Raya booths set up by the different programmes and departments of the University. Research Excellence Award Research Excellence Award for Early Career Academic No Recipients
Research Excellence Award for Mid-Career Academic Associate Professor Dr. Mohammad Rakib Uddin Faculty of Engineering Research Excellence Award for Senior Career Academic No Recipients
Administrative Excellence Award Administrative Excellence Award for Management and Professional (Division I & II) No Recipients
Administrative Excellence Award for Technician (Division III, IV & V) Awang Muhammad Sia bin Abdullah Information Communication Technology Centre Administrative Excellence Award for Administrative Support Staff (Division III, IV & V) Awang Muhammad Zaiddin bin Abdul Qayyum Sirul Registrar and Secretary Office Teaching Excellence Award (Special Mention) Dr. Dayang Hajah Roslynna binti Haji Rosli Faculty of Engineering
Dr. Rama Rao Karri Faculty of Engineering
Dayang Jennifer Voon Nyuk Hiong School of Computing and Informatics
Dr. Safi Ullah Khan UTB School of Business Research Excellence Award (Special Mention) No Recipients for all categorires
Administrative Excellence Award (Special Mention) No Recipients for all categorires
MAY - AUGUST 2019 13 FEATURES
14 THE SECOND UTB The Guest of Honour also added that ‘Collaboration’ is the keyword in this Education 4.0 era where it is GRADUATE COLLOQUIUM envisaged that academic research is an ‘enormous 2019 interconnected web of students, faculty, independent researchers and industry’ pooling 04 May 2019 - The UTB School of Business together knowledge and expertise, open-source (UTB-SB) organised the Second UTB Graduate data, funding, computing power, technologies, Colloquium 2019 at the Lecture Theatre 2, Library and other resources towards achieving research Complex, UTB. excellence.
The colloquium aimed to encourage graduate The event proceeded with a talk by Associate students across faculty and schools to push Professor Dr. Larry Su from UTB-SB that focused the frontier of knowledge; forge new research on the Guide to Starting Good Research followed collaborations, and network with their peers and by presentations from 16 graduate students. The established scholars from their field of study. It students also showcased their work in the form of was also held to act as a platform for the graduates posters at a mini-exhibition just outside the venue. to engage and interact with fellow colleagues as At the afternoon session, Professor Zuruzi bin well as the panel of experienced researchers so Abu Samah, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Research) as to encourage participation and generation of concluded the colloquium with prize presentations research ideas for impactful research. to the winners.
The Guest of Honour, Awang Hj Ady Syarmin bin Hj Oral Presentation Winners Md Taib, Acting Vice-Chancellor of UTB highlighted in his speech about Industry Revolution 4.0, how Dayang Hartini binti Haji Mashod technologies are changing the employment and PH.D. in Management industry landscape where Education 4.0 is the UTB School of Business response of the education community, particularly Dayang Norzahidah Buhasri Universities, to the transformations brought about Masters by Research in Management by the fourth industrial revolution. UTB School of Business
Poster Presentation Winners Dayang Hartini binti Haji Mashod PH.D. in Management UTB School of Business
Dayang Norzahidah Buhasri Masters by Research in Management UTB School of Business
MAY - AUGUST 2019 15 NATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2019 3 August 2019 - His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal At the showcase, UTB was affiliated with a start- Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum up called Pixelated, which is an indie mobile Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi gaming development studio that creates mobile Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei application games and 3D animation projects Darussalam along with other members of the founded by a UTB graduate, Mohamad Izzuddin royal family consented to grace the National Youth bin Haji Md Hussin who graduated in Higher Day 2019 celebration which took place at the National Diploma (HND) in Internet and Multimedia International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas. Development back in 2011. Other than creating and releasing games on iOS AppStore and Google Amongst others, His Majesty consented to tour PlayStore, Pixelated also has worked with other the booths of the youth entrepreneurs at the organisations and institutions such as Authority Main Conference Hall of ICC for the Youth Get- for Info-Communications Technology Industry Together and Assembly. With the theme ‘Future (AITI), Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) and Ready Youth’ which centred on the concept of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) in developing Entrepreneurship and Technology, the Youth applications and training. Get-Together and Assembly showcased four main clusters at the event, Creative Economy; Another three students who will be graduating Social Enterprise; Volunteerism; and Sustainable this year from Computer Network and Security Development where UTB students exhibited their programme, Awang Dhiya Ul Mahzhuzh bin Haji projects. Ahmad; Muhammad Yusri bin Md. Yusop; and Dayang Hafizah Diyana binti Awang Haji Anuar also showcased their projects entitled Automated
16 Paddy Watergate and Water Distribution; Peatland and Awang Muhammad Nur Al-Hafiz bin Haji Water Level Management; and Alternate Wetting Hamidi from Computing with the project named and Drying respectively in partnership with Stroke Recovery Tool using Arduino for Stroke Authority for Info-Communications Technology Rehabilitation that involves the development of Industry (AITI). a cost-effective game prototype for upper limb rehabilitation of stroke patient which involves As for the Young Scientist category, two graduating maneuvering an in game plane across obstacles. students from UTB were being selected. Awang Abdul Hafiz bin Abdul Wahab from Mechatronic Engineering programme with a project called SPOTGENIC (Plant Disease Detection System) that is capable of detecting early symptoms of disease in a plant by observing the decolourisation of the plant’s leaves via an image processing algorithm;
MAY - AUGUST 2019 17 FEATURES
REGATTA 2019
26 August 2019 - Annual Regatta Competition won third place. UTB competed in the 15-Rower was held in conjunction with the 73rd Birthday Fiberglass Boat Higher Institution category with celebration of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal five other higher institutions; Universiti Brunei Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Darussalam (UBD), Politeknik Brunei (PB), Institut Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Pendidikan Teknikal Brunei (IBTE), Universiti Islam Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) and Kolej Universiti Brunei Darussalam at Dermaga Diraja in the Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan (KUPU SB). The capital. winner of the race was UBD followed by PB as the runner-up and UTB at the third place. The event His Majesty graced the all-day water-sport event featured 12 boat race categories, with six held in and also participated in the 15-Rower Fiberglass the morning and another six in the afternoon. Special Boat Race category in the afternoon session in which His Majesty led the team to victory. The UTB team comprised of 24 officers, staff and students from UTB that was led by Dr Haji Sharul UTB successfully completed the 1km race along Tazrajiman bin Haji Tajuddin. The UTB team was the Brunei river starting from the Brunei Arts and sponsored by two companies, Suhaidah Sdn Bhd Handicraft Centre towards Dermaga Diraja and and Shiha Sdn Bhd.
18 UNIVERSITY EVENTS
UTB PROJECT students to showcase and present their ideas and creativity to the audience attending the event. SHOWCASE 2019 18 April 2019 - 322 projects were displayed at the At the Engineering Blocks, there were a total of 196 UTB Project Showcase 2019 held at the Engineering projects showcased by the Faculty of Engineering Blocks and Multipurpose Hall, Phase 3 of UTB. The and School of Design. showcase featured final year students’ projects from the Faculty of Engineering (FEng), School of From the Faculty of Engineering, 24 Final Year Computing and Informatics (SCI), UTB School of projects were showcased by the Civil Engineering Business (UTB-SB) and first year students’ projects Programme area these projects include road from School of Design (SDe). safety, traffic impact, slope stability, pavement, building integrated photovoltaics, constructed The showcase was officiated by the Acting Vice- wetland, concrete materials, environment, retrofits Chancellor of UTB, Awang Haji Ady Syarmin bin and modelling of structures; 28 Final Year projects Hj Md Taib, as the Guest of Honour. Also present were from the Electrical and Electronic Engineering were UTB Principal Officers; invited guests from Programme area dealing with fertigation, the government, higher education institutions, microcontroller based smart technologies, schools and industry partners; staff and students embedded systems and their applications, of the University. automation in agriculture, solar power, robotics and computer programming; 97 Final Year The one-day event consisted of exhibitions of the projects were from the Mechanical Engineering projects by the final year students and selected Programme area consisted of design, development third year and first year students who are currently and improvement of products, investigation of undertaking Undergraduate Degree programmes mechanical systems, investigation of material at UTB. This event provides a platform for the behaviour and properties, and manufacturing
MAY - AUGUST 2019 19 UNIVERSITY EVENTS
processes, modelling and analysis of solids and fluid flows, renewable and alternative energies; and 15 Final Year projects from Petroleum and Chemical Engineering programmes which include projects on production/extraction of various chemicals, process design in manufacturing liquefied nitrogen and modelling biodiesel production. Also showcased were 17 selected projects by the Third Year students from Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Mechanical Engineering programme area.
As for the School of Design, 15 projects were featured. Projects under Architecture programme area on Abstract Form; Design and Styles – Front Door; Abstract ordinary shape – Utilitarian Objects, and Shelter; and UTB Security Guard House. The remaining projects were featured by the Product Design programme area on Ergonomic Automatic Door, Sustainable Drink Flask, Prayers Ring, Office Table Organiser and Cinema seat popcorn holder.
Meanwhile, at the Multipurpose Hall a total of 126 Final Year Projects were showcased by students from the UTB School of Business and School of Computing and Informatics.
From the UTB School of Business, there were 75 Final Year Projects showcased of which 29 projects were from the Accounting Programme area consisting on areas like block chain in accounting, financial literacy, audit workload and audit quality, entrepreneurship, implementation of Whistleblowing system, Islamic ethics in accounting practices, risk management in government road safety strategic component, internal and external house auditors, accounting practice in SMEs and access to bank credit. The Economics Programme area featured 14 projects about crypto currency and online transactions, diversification for growth, promoting agribusiness, electricity consumption and conservation of star hotels, spending and borrowing behavior, consumer behavior towards local products, marketing strategies
20 for e-commerce and ecotourism in Brunei. As for Management, there were 32 projects on developing human capital towards innovation hub nation, TQM and Supply Chain Management on organization performance, cloud computing in SMEs, implementation of information technologies, private-public partnership, factors affecting SME performance, mobile phones and youth’s behavior, walk-in vs online shopping, drug abuse and emotional labour in workplace featured.
Also sharing the venue were School of Computing and Informatics where a total of 51 Final Year projects were displayed. 14 projects were from the Computing and Information System programme area focusing on the formulation of database system for various organisations, applications cover from sign language, fitness coach, home raya to gadget expansion that address the main issue of stress and food quality. 20 projects were from the Computer Network and Security programme area highlighting on three aspects of Core Network issues, IOT and Security. Last but not least were the Final Year Projects from Students undertaking Creative Computing programmes where their projects were mainly on 3D short animation films, augmented reality edutainment, 2D games, educational games, virtual reality interacted video and simulation, 2D educational games, emotion analysis and machine learning through face detection, 360degree virtual reality awareness video, artificial intelligence mood visualization through human heart beat, virtual reality interactive games and educational augmented reality games.
MAY - AUGUST 2019 21 UTB SIGNS WITH ECQUARIA TECHNOLOGIES TO PRODUCE INDUSTRY-READY GRADUATES
25 June 2019 - UTB and Ecquaria Technologies of ECQ’s contribution, ECQ will provide software Pte Ltd (ECQ), Singapore signed a Memorandum products and consultation service at a total value of Understanding (MoU) at the Lecture Theatre 2 , of about half a million Brunei dollars. The software Library Complex, UTB. will be installed for training purposes for the students at UTB. “Through the series of hands-on Present as the Guest of Honour during the signing lab sessions, students will be able to create and ceremony was Awang Haji Mohammad Nazri bin deploy cloud-native digital government services Haji Mohammad Yusof, Permanent Secretary, that suit the needs of the Brunei government Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications and citizens” said Dr. Foong Wai Keong. Training (MTIC). of staff will also be arranged in order for them to be prepared in using licensed software products Signing on behalf of UTB was Awang Hj Ady Syarmin effectively. UTB will be incorporating ECQ’s suite bin Hj Md Taib, Acting Vice-Chancellor of UTB while of products, particularly the Ecquaria Government Dr. Foong Wai Keong, CEO, signed on behalf of Platform (EGP) into its curriculum for programmes ECQ in the presence of the Guest of Honour. The under UTB. signing was witnessed by Dr. Au Thien Wan and Lee Sea Lin, Director of Innovation of ECQ. According to CEO of ECQ, the Digital Government Strategy by Wawasan 2035 has identified The MoU is aimed to demonstrate the desire of ECQ Information Technology as an enabler to drive and UTB in establishing a framework for mutual the dynamic, sustainable economy of Brunei and cooperation, in the delivery and development one of the main focus areas is capacity building of Digital Government curriculum, by providing programmes to enhance public sector ICT relevant software and services. expertise. It is the desire of ECQ to contribute to Brunei by helping build local IT capabilities as part Under the MoU, both parties agreed that as part of Brunei’s Digital Government Strategy.
22 UTB WELCOMES NEW INTAKE WITH ORIENTATION 22 July 2019 - Orientation week marked a new Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) booths were also beginning for more than 400 new Undergraduate showcased at the University where students get to and Postgraduate Students at UTB as they settled explore a wide range of activities such as student into University life before the start of the academic organisations and various clubs. The students also year. took part in information sessions, series of talks and activities to ease their way into University life. The five-day orientation programme organised by Students Affairs Office and the Student Representative Council of UTB (MPPUTB) was designed to help the students familiarise with the campus and the services available at the university.
The 2019/2020 intake is made up of Undergraduate Degree programmes, Taught Masters and Graduate Research students. During the orientation, the students gained further insight on the academic programme and they also had the opportunity to meet their programme lecturers from respective faculty and schools. The students were then given a tour around the campus and were introduced to the services and facilities that UTB has to offer.
MAY - AUGUST 2019 23 UNIVERSITY EVENTS
describes students as having a range of attributes and skills for life and work. He said that 360o plus graduates are excellent in their subjects, they self- develop, they lead and they do collaborative work and activities. Besides these, they are analytical and critical thinkers, creative, innovative, globally- aware and intellectually courageous.
Students are also encouraged to hone their leadership and teamwork by participating in the Student Representative Council (Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar UTB), student clubs, student chapters and choose to do ExperiencePLUS, internship abroad or exchange programme with a University outside Brunei, as well as collaborate with others and set up a small business or learn to use one or two additional softwares. He urged students to grab the opportunity to learn and acquire new knowledge, develop soft skills and enhance personal attributes that will equip them for life after University and into the workplace.
Awang Haji Ady Syarmin stated that the students have become the unofficial ambassadors therefore VICE-CHANCELLOR’S the students need to portray their best and carry themselves responsibly and internalize the Malay ADDRESS Islamic Monarchy (MIB). “His Majesty the Sultan 23 July 2019 - As part of the UTB Orientation Week and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, our 2019, a ‘Vice-Chancellor’s Address’ was held at Chancellor, reminded us every year to not lose the Multipurpose Hall, UTB, to welcome the new touch of our national philosophy of Melayu Islam students intake 2019/2020. Present as the Guest Beraja (MIB).” of Honour was the Acting Vice-Chancellor of UTB, Awang Haji Ady Syarmin bin Hj Md Taib. He ended his address by thanking the Dean of Student Affairs, Staff of Student Affairs, President The Acting Vice-Chancellor began with welcoming and Members of Student Representative Council and congratulating the new students on becoming and volunteers of their hard work to ensure the a member of UTB. “I am delighted to be here success of the Orientation week. amongst the 514 new students, 327 of which are Undergraduates and 187 Postgraduates. As you all The event proceeded with the oath taking of know, UTB is ranked 379 in the world according to the new intake and a multimedia presentation. the QS World University Rankings 2020 and more Briefing sessions with Registrar’s Office, Quality significantly for you at a personal level, UTB will be Assurance Unit, Student Affairs Office and your second home for the next few years for most respective programmes were also held after the of you”, said Awang Haji Ady Syarmin. Vice-Chancellor’s Address’ event. The new intake also toured the campus before ending the day with He also highlighted one of the University’s the UTB Student Representative Council (MPPUTB) aspirations which is 360° plus graduates, which session.
24 MAY - AUGUST 2019 25 STUDENTS GAIN INSIGHT FROM BRIEFING SESSIONS 24 July 2019 - As part of the Orientation Continuing the talk was from the Entrepreneurship Week, briefing sessions and talks from various Innovation Community & Outreach (EICO) departments of the University and invited organisation, where Awang Mohammed Afiq bin organisations were conducted at the Multipurpose Mohammed, Founder of EICO who presented a Hall of the University. brief introduction of their organisation and also explaining the importance of youth taking steps The event began with sessions from the Finance in building a startup at early age in the youth Office, The Information & Communication entrepreneur talk segment. Technology Centre (ICTC), Library and Estate Office. The students were briefed on the The briefing sessions ended with an interactive respective departments, the services offered and workshop from EPIPEOPLE Consultant which was the resources provide to the students. conducted by Mr. Allen Ang. The workshop was called The People Manual, which is a practical tool The event proceeded with a talk on Brunei Vision for effective collaboration and team productivity 2035 from the Sekretariat Tetap Wawasan Brunei based on the personality profiling test named DISC 2035, Prime Minister’s Office. The briefing aimed stands for Dominance, Influence, Compliance and to create awareness among the students in Steadiness. understanding their role in realising the Brunei Vision 2035.
26 VOLUNTARY WORK HELPS BUILD SELF-ESTEEM AMONG THE STUDENTS 25 July 2019 - In order to further instill the spirit of volunteerism into the new intake, UTB held several briefing sessions and a voluntary programme on day four of the Orientation Week.
The morning session consists of talks from UTB; Universiti Islam Sultan Sha-rif Ali (UNISSA); and Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) with Progresif Cel-lular at the Multipurpose Hall of UTB. The event began with a talk on Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) by the University followed by a Religious talk on Life in University by UNISSA lecturer, Dr. Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Dayang Hajah Ummi Fa’ezah binti Abdul Rahman. Resources) Brunei; Persatuan KACA (Kanak-Kanak The session concluded with a talk on Cashless Cacat) Brunei; Pediatric Ward at Raja Isteri Pengiran Campus from BIBD and Progresif Cellular. The Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital; one selected house representatives explained the benefits of having by De-partment of Community Development cashless payments via the telco’s mobile wallet (JAPEM), Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports; called Progresif PAY, which allows students to make three selected houses by Projek Bina Ukhwah; Kg. payments by using their smartphone as also how Batu Marang Mosque; Kg. Mentiri Mosque; and well to keep track of their spending and also how to also Surau at various malls mainly Citis Square, manage their finances. Times Square and Airport Mall. The day continued with the voluntary programme where the new intake were exposed to different community services and volunteering activities. It aimed to create awareness among the students on the importance of vol-unteerism and to continue to volunteer beyond their studies. The students were given several choices of community services to choose from that was held at various places such as the University; Brunei Darussalam National Association of the Blind which was held at the campus; SMARTER (Society for Management of
The activities comprised of cleaning campaign at the campus, mosques, su-rau, houses and Persatuan KACA Brunei; assisting with household of the less fortunate; recital of Tahlil at the mosques and learning how to read and make braille. Meanwhile, the children at SMARTER, Persatuan KACA Brunei and RIPAS Hospital were entertained with fun activities that were facilitated by the students, including storytelling, colouring and singing.
MAY - AUGUST 2019 27 ORIENTATION WEEK ENDS WITH FUN-FILLED ACTIVITIES
27 July 2019 - The Orientation Week was concluded with Amazing Race and Cheer Battle for the Activity Team day that was held at the campus.
The event started with a warm-up session followed by the Amazing Race. The teams were divided into their designated house colour which comprised of Team Excel (Yellow), Team Xlr8 (Blue), Team Proxtiv (Purple) and Team Crtiv (Grey). The goal was for the teams to foster teamwork by competing in a series of mental and physical challenges. It was also an opportunity for them to familiarise their new surroundings by venturing around the University compound.
28 The next activity was the Cheer Battle, where four teams competed by creating the most creative cheers and chants. The battle took place at the Engineering Block of the University.
The event ended with a prize presentation to the winning teams of the Amazing Race and Cheer Battle. The winner of the Amazing Race was Team Proxtiv. Meanwhile Team Crtiv cheered their way to victory by receiving the highest points from the judges in Cheer Battle.
MAY - AUGUST 2019 29 UTB AND KI PROVIDE The agreement entails the UTB-Satellite Partners (SP) Bridging Programmes offered by the UTB and UNDERGRADUATE KI. The two UTB-SP Bridging Programmes under DEGREE ENTRY this agreement include the Bridging for Tomorrow ’s Engineering (BriTE) and Bridging for Computing PATHWAY (BriCOMP). 08 May 2019 - A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between UTB and Kemuda Institute (KI) was signed Under this agreement, KI will offer a 14 Weeks at the Kemuda Institute Campus at Kg. Beribi. This Undergraduate Degree Entry Pathway to was following the signing of the Memorandum students who meet the University’s minimum of Understanding (MoU) between UTB and KI on entry requirements but fall short of points for February, 7th last year. admission to specific Engineering and Computing undergraduate degree programmes at UTB. This Present at the event were Awang Haji Ady Syarmin programme also offers to anyone who have been bin Hj Md Taib, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of out of study for a period of time, the opportunity UTB and Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Razak bin Hj to upgrade their fundamental knowledge and skills Muhammad, the Executive Chairman of KI. Also required to further their study onto an engineering present at the event were Principal Officers, Staff and computing degree programme. and Students of UTB and KI. Upon successful completion of the programme, The MoA was signed by Dr. Dayang Hajah Noor the students will join UTB to undergo their Maya binti Haji Md. Salleh, the Assistant Vice- Undergraduate Degree Programme. Chancellor (Academic) of UTB and Ms. Loo Mei Tim, the Managing Director of KI.
30 UTB SIGNS WITH KIGS TO PROVIDE UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE ENTRY PATHWAY 13 July 2019 - A Memorandum of Agreement Undergraduate Degree Entry Pathway to students (MoA) was inked between Kolej International who fall short of A-Level or IB points to meet the Graduate Studies (KIGS) and UTB to provide University’s minimum entry requirement. This prospective students with Undergraduate Degree programme is designed to equip students with Entry Pathway – ‘UTB-SP Bridging Programme’. basic knowledge, skills and exposure of studying The signing ceremony was held at the Business the programme. Upon successful completion Marketing and Communication Centre (BMCC) of of the programme, the students will join UTB to KIGS, Kiulap. undergo their Undergraduate Degree Programme.
Signing on behalf of KIGS was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Azaharaini bin Haji Mohd Jamil, while UTB was represented by the Assistant Vice- Chancellor (Academics), Dr. Hajah Noor Maya binti Haji Md Salleh. The signing was witnessed by Pengiran Haji Mohd Yamin bin Pengiran Setia Jaya Pengiran Haji Abdul Momin, the Acting Chairman Board of Directors of KIGS.
The agreement entails the UTB-Satellite Partners (SP) Bridging Programme, which is the Bridging for Business (BriBUS) offered by the UTB and KIGS. Under this agreement, KIGS will offer a 14 Weeks
MAY - AUGUST 2019 31 NURTURING THE SPIRIT OF AIDILADHA 13 August 2019 - In commemoration of the Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration, a korban ceremony by UTB was held at the Concourse Hall. The annual event is jointly organised by the Religious Unit, Student Affairs Office and UTB Student Representative Council (MPPUTB).
Present as the Guest of Honour was the Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of UTB, Dr. Hajah Noor Maya binti Haji Md Salleh.
The ceremony began with recitation of Surah Al- Fatihah, followed by a mass takbir and a religious talk on Bersama Meniti Siratul Mustaqim from the guest speaker, Ustaz Azman bin Haji Kassim, Assistant Lecturer from Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan (KUPU SB). The event then proceeded with the distribution of portioned korban meat to the korban recipients, Asnaf Fakir Miskin recipients, orphans from UTB, and the invited guests by the Guest of Honour.
32 CONTINUOUS PARTNERSHIP WITH UNSW 21 August 2019 - The University of New South Wales (UNSW) and UTB inked Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) at the Main Conference Room of the University.
The MoA is a continuous partnership between the two universities in providing articulation pathways for UTB students from Petroleum Engineering programme area in providing advanced standing in UNSW’s Petroleum Engineering Degree programme.
Signing on behalf of UNSW, was Professor Ismet Canbulat, Head of Schools of Minerals and Energy, Resources Engineering and on behalf of UTB, the MoA was signed by Awang Haji Ady Syarmin bin Hj Md Taib, Acting Vice-Chancellor.
MAY - AUGUST 2019 33 UTB SIGNS WITH DST FOR SMART AGRICULTURE & FARMING INTIATIVES 27 August 2019 - An exciting collaboration is another idea that embeds modern Information between Datastream Technology (DST) and and Communication Technology (ICT) into UTB was established through the signing of a agriculture. As both of these ideas has similarities Memorandom of Understanding, in line with the and are interrelated to each other, this will result University’s aim to develop and cultivate in the in an exhilarating prospect for Brunei, in hopes fields of Smart Environment and Smart Farming. of improving one of its sources of economical revenue in the primary sector, which is agriculture. Signing the Memorandom of Understanding on behalf of DST was Radin bin Sufri Radin Basiuni, This includes the “Peatland Project”, which is Acting Chief Executive Officer of DST, while UTB the monitoring of Peat swamp at Badas for was represented by Awang Haji Ady Syarmin bin the Networked ASEAN Peat Swamp Forest Haji Md Taib, Acting Vice-Chancellor of UTB. Also Communities as well as the “Paddy Project”, in attendance signing as witnesses was Hjh Safrina which is the mesh-topological low-power wireless binti PD Hj Abd Rahman, Senior Manager of Group network platform for a smart watering system Corporate Communications of DST and Jennifer for paddy plantation at Wasan. Both projects are Voon Nyuk Hiong, the Director of Industry and funded by ASEAN ICT Virtual Organisation projects Liaison Officer, UTB. of 2018 from National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, NICT JAPAN. Results Smart Environment is an idea to build an and analysis from the project will be used to environment with technologies such as sensors improve greatly the means of farming in Brunei. and displays, to better understand and control the environment. On the other hand, Smart Farming
34 DR. WIDA APPOINTED AS FELLOW IN 2019/2020 ASEAN S&T FELLOWSHIP Increasing paddy production and gearing towards selected for their track record of achievements self-sufficiency in rice production are important and potential to advance evidence-based policy- goals for the agriculture and Agrifood sector in the making in ASEAN. She has been active in SMART Sultanate. research projects under ASEAN-IVO with the theme SMART Environment, Smart Agriculture and Climate change and soil acidity in the country Smart Disaster Management. She is also a thrust remain hurdles. Development and deploying leader for the Digital and Creativity research thrust technology can be used to overcome hurdles at UTB. and move the nation towards these goals. These are the fervent belief of Dr. Wida Susanty binti According to Dr. Wida, she would like to assist Haji Suhaili, Assistant Professor of the School of Department of Agriculture and Agrifood (DAA) Computing and Informatics (SCI) at UTB as she to formulate guidelines and understanding seeks to leverage her expertise in computing on how rice/paddy plantation will work better and internet of things, honed from her studies in a controlled water irrigation system and to at the universities of Strathclyde and Edinburgh, collaborate with the DAA in creating awareness for to develop solutions to improve the irrigational the communities if the country decides to embark aspects in paddy plantation. on such solution especially on the use of Science, Technology and Innovation in the improvement of Dr. Wida Susanty has been named as one of the 17 irrigation in paddy plantation in Brunei. ASEAN Scientists and the only representative from Brunei to be selected for the prestigious 2019/20 The ASEAN S&T Fellowship is a partnership ASEAN Science and Technology Fellowship by the programme between the ASEAN Foundation, ASEAN Foundation with support from ASEAN, ASEAN and USAID that provides opportunities the U.S. Government through the United States for early- and mid-career scientists from ASEAN Agency for International Development (USAID) Member States to apply their knowledge and and the U.S. Mission to ASEAN. These fellows were analytical skills to solving public policy challenges.
MAY - AUGUST 2019 35 LIBRARY STAFF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 2019 7 August 2019 - About 41 participants from 17 government organisations, schools and institutions registered for the Library Staff Development Programme (LSDP) 2019 held at the Training Room, Library Complex, UTB which took place from 7 until 25 September 2019. The programme include workshops on Presentation Skill, Critical Thinking, Customer Service Workshop, Stress Management, Telephone Etiquette, Team Building and Report Writing facilitated by Madam Thulasimani Munohsamy, a former UTB lecturer who has 20 years of experience in developmental training in both Malaysia and Brunei.
The programme aims to enhance the organisational and communication skills, work effectively in a team and explore self-management techniques among librarians and information workers in the country.
36 STAFF NEWS
EFFECTIVE MINUTE REPORT WRITING TAKING WORKSHOP EXPLORED BY ADMIN STAFF 11 May 2019 - UTB Administrative Staff attended 16 May 2019 - FOURTEEN staff from various Minute Taker’s Workshop at the Training Room departments attended the ‘Report Writing of the University. The workshop was organised Workshop’ at Training Room of the University. by the Centre for Communication, Teaching & The workshop was organised by the Centre for Learning (CCTL) as part of the Administrative Communication, Teaching & Learning (CCTL) as part Staff Development Programme and was of the Administrative Staff Development Programme facilitated by Ms. Thulasimani Munohsamy. and was facilitated by Ms. Thulasimani Munohsamy.
The objectives of the workshop were to understand The workshop looks at how to prepare and plan the role of the minute-takers before, during and reports that meet their intended purpose; to after a meeting; appreciate the importance of structure and organize clearly written report; clear and accurate minutes; to take effective to proof read and edit their report effectively notes in meetings; to write clear, accurate, and before submitting to their intended readers; and useful minutes; and to increase the confidence to professionally present their written report. of drafting accurate minutes and reports. This workshop was designed to guide participants on the different types of reports to draft Taking minutes of meetings involves listening skills particularly for administrative staff for different and the ability to absorb information and summarize purposes. The facilitator explained the various it simultaneously. Therefore, this workshop was types of reports and explained the standard designed to enhance the necessary skills needed format for short and long report. In the second for minute taking. The facilitator explained the part of the workshop, the participants get to write necessary information needed for minute taking short reports and presented to the whole team. and in the second part of the workshop, the participants conducted meeting simulation and wrote minutes based on the meetings conducted.
MAY - AUGUST 2019 37 UTB BIDS FAREWELL AND WELCOMES NEW STAFF 13 June 2019 - UTB welcomes a new staff and bids farewell to three staff in a function held at the Main Conference Room. The event was attended by the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Awang Hj Ady Syarmin bin Hj Md Taib, Principal Officers and Staff.
UTB Bids Farewell to: UTB Welcomes: • Dr. Zulkefle Ismail, • Associate Professor Dr. Judha Purbolaksono, Assistant Professor, School of Design, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, (Joined 12 April 2019) Faculty of Engineering (16 July 2016 – 15 July 2019)
• Dr. Kabiru Jinjiri Ringim, Lecturer, Management Programme Area, UTB School of Business (1 August 2016 – 31 July 2019)
• Dayang Siti Nordidiareawati binti Jali, Clerk, Finance Office (18 September 2002 – 15 December 2018)
38 STAFF NEWS
24 July 2019 - UTB bids farewell to one staff and welcomes six new staff in a function held at the Main Conference Room of the University. The event was attended by the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Awang Haji Ady Syarmin bin Haji Md Taib, Principal Officers and Staff.
UTB Bids Farewell to: • Dr. Shaikh Junaid Mohammed Hanif, Senior Assistant Professor, Accounting, • Dr. Zuruzi Abu Samah, UTB School of Business (joined 5 July 2019) Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering • Dr. Mohammad Yeakub Ali, (5 February 2015 – 5 Septmber 2019) Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering (joined 11 July 2019) UTB Welcomes: • Dr. Amer Demirovic, • Dr. Ibrahim Venkat, Assistant Professor, School of Applied Sciences Associate Professor, Computing and Information and Mathematics (joined 17 July 2019) System, School of Computing and Informatics (joined 30 April 2019)
• Dr. Mohamed Fathy Elshahat Ali, Senior Assistant Professor, Accounting, UTB School of Business (joined 28 June 2019)
• Dr. Abdur-Rasheed Alao, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering (joined 4 July 2019)
MAY - AUGUST 2019 39 31 July 2019 - UTB bids farewell to Professor Dr. Guo Zhenren, from Civil Engineering Programme Area, The Faculty of Engineering. Professor Dr. Guo Zhenren joined UTB in 2013 (7 February 2013 – 6 August 2019). The farewell was held at the Emerald Meeting Room of the University. The event was at-tended by the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Awang Haji Ady Syarmin bin Hj Md Taib and UTB Principal Officers.
40 EXPERIENCE NANJING 3 July 2019 – Three students from Civil Engineering programme area, Faculty of Engineering left the country to participate in the Nanjing International Youth Exchange Programme 2019 (NIYEP 2019). The programme took place from 4-22 July 2019 in Nanjing, China.
The programme was organised by the Nanjing Foreign Affairs Office in which the participants started a short internship in local companies while experiencing Chinese culture and historical relics in Nanjing.
MAY - AUGUST 2019 41 STUDENT NEWS
Shell-Eco Marathon Asia 2019 11 May 2019 – Brunei Darussalam was represented Following a very intensive and detailed safety by three teams comprising 23 students from UTB inspection, all eco cars from Brunei made it through and Politeknik Brunei (PB) who had competed in with flying colours and were allowed onto the the Shell Eco-Marathon Asia 2019 from 29 April to Sepang International Circuit’s track to race. 2 May 2019.
In its 10th year running, the Shell Eco-Marathon Asia had brought together over 100 teams comprising students from 18 countries to compete in the prestigious eco-marathon that challenges the students to design, build and drive the world’s most energy-efficient vehicles.
The competition was divided into three energy categories – internal combustion, battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell. There were two vehicle classes for each of the categories which included Prototype and the Urban Concept. As for UTB, the UTB Eco-Drive Team had participated in the Prototype Category with their “Pahlawan IV’ car.
42 MAY - AUGUST 2019 43 STUDENT NEWS
5TH AFMAM 2019 3 July 2019 – A total of 14 participants from the The 5th AFMAM is organised by the ASEAN higher education institutions left the Sultanate to Foundation and scheduled to take place at participate in the 5th ASEAN Foundation Model Chulalongkorn University from July 4 - 9. The ASEAN Meeting 2019 (AFMAM) at Bangkok, programme aims to allow the students to Thailand. understand diplomacy and how decision makers of ASEAN Member States address regional issues at The participants comprise of nine representatives, the various ASEAN meetings. The trip also involves eight students and one advisor from UTB; four on-site coaching workshops, simulations exercises representatives, three students and one advisor and institutional visit. from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD); and a student from Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA).
44 SEEDS FOR THE FUTURE 13 July 2019 – SIX students from Universiti Brunei education is planned and delivered. In keeping Darussalam (UBD) and UTB have successfully abreast with the 4IR and to realize Wawasan 2035, completed the ‘Seeds for the Future’ two-week the ministry has already taken steps to address programme by Huawei Technologies. these challenges such as looking into e-learning and capitalizing on big data analytics in education The graduation ceremony was held at the Huawei policy research and decision-making to ensure that Headquarters in Shenzhen, China. Present as the the Ministry of Education is creating an ecosystem Guest of Honour was the Minister of Education that brings the best out of every student in Brunei Brunei Darussalam, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Darussalam. Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman. Also present at the ceremony were the Acting Vice- The three students from UTB were Dk Nur Su’aidah Chancellor of UTB, Awang Haji Ady Syarmin bin binti Pg Hj Metussin (BSc in Creative Multimedia), Haji Md Taib; Chief Executive Officer of Huawei Nurul’Ain Mardhiyah binti Hj Md Sofri Khan (BSc Technologies in Brunei, Mr. Kevin Zhang Jianwei; in Computer Network and Security), and Melanie and officers from the Ministry of Education and Chua Jing Wenn (BSc in Creative Multimedia). The Huawei’s Brunei Office. students also presented a cultural performance titled Friends from Brunei: Sebarkan ke Seantero At the ceremony, the Guest of Honour highlighted Dunia. in his speech that one of the main issues that is trending globally and without exception, at the Seeds for the Future is Huawei’s global Corporate Ministry of Education in Brunei, is the implications Social Responsibility (CSR) flagship programme of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) towards which was held for two weeks in China, fully education. Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, big sponsored by Huawei. data and the Internet of Things (IoT) will combine to impact on jobs and industry and the way
MAY - AUGUST 2019 45 STUDENT NEWS
ADSE ENABLEMENT TRAINING 20 May 2019 – THIRTY Postgraduate and As part of the competition, the participants were Undergraduate students from the UTB School to submit a storyboard on 12 July 2019 and the of Business (UTB-SB), School of Computing and announcement of the National Finalists – Top 10 Informatics (SCI) and Faculty of Engineering (FEng) per country, was announced on 5 August 2019. The underwent a one day trainers training on Systems, shortlisted finalists will then compete regionally Applications and Products in Data Processing (SAP) where the winners will represent their respective Analytic Cloud at SCI Lab of the University. country on National level in Bangkok, Thailand in September 2019. The training was conducted by Mr. Gabriel Santos Lorenzo, Solutions Advisor – Platform and Analytics The ASEAN Data Science Explorers (ADSE) is jointly of SAP Asia Pte Ltd and Mr. Ilan Asqolani, Senior organised by SAP and ASEAN Foundation across all Project Officer of ASEAN Foundation. The aim of 10 ASEAN member states. It is a regional competition the training was to prepare the trainers to train the that encourages participants to deliver data-driven undergraduate students for the ADSE Competition insights which highlight issues in ASEAN across six 2019. United Nation Sustainable Development Goals. Youths leverage on SAP Analytics Cloud software to The training for the undergraduate students was derive data-driven insights and innovative solutions conducted on 22 May 2019. About 100 students for the region’s most pressing societal problems attended the training that was conducted at the such as youth unemployment, neonatal mortality SCI Labs. and waste generation.
46 SASM STUDENT LEAVES FOR RESEARCH PLACEMENT IN OSAKA
29 July 2019 – A postgraduate student from the The visit is part of collaboration between UTB and Food Science and Technology Programme Area, Osaka University ASEAN Campus SDGs (Sustainable School of Applied Sciences and Mathematics Development Goals) Co-Creation Programme (SASM) left the country for two months from 30 organised by the Centre for Global Initiatives July until 25 September 2019 to engage in research (GLOCOL) at Osaka University. This visit aims to activities at Osaka University, Japan. Dayang Afiqah strengthen the students’ scientific insights as well Nabihah @ Era Fezirah binti Ahmad carries out a as to produce research outputs by conducting an research on bio-based food packaging materials extensive research in a well-established lab. with the help of technological innovation at the Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, hosted by Professor Hiroshi Uyama.
MAY - AUGUST 2019 47 STUDENT NEWS
DIGGING INTO DEEP WATER SEDIMENT WITH BRUNEI SHELL PETROLEUM 31 July 2019 – About 60 students from UTB and According to Mr. David Alsop, who has thirty- Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) attended the three years of experience in the petroleum Geo Masterclass conducted by the Brunei Shell industry and has been working for Shell Group Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (BSP). The half-day since 1998, the petroleum resources in Brunei masterclass took place at UTB Lecture Theatre Darussalam have been produced largely from 3. shallow water reservoirs such as shoreface deposits. Although several discoveries have been The Masterclass was attended by UTB made in the deepwater offshore Brunei, it has a Undergraduates and Postgraduates from considerable potential as a source of new oil and Petroleum Engineering programme and also gas discoveries. students from UBD who are undertaking Geoscience. Speaking at the Masterclass was Mr. The presentation also focused on deep water David Alsop, Explorationist and SME Reservoir depositional process, source to sink relationships, Geology from BSP. In his presentation titled Deep- the stratigraphic framework and the influence of Water Depositional Concepts, the students were tectonic on reservoir distribution. introduced to gravity flows and their deposits.
48 SPREADING JOY TO THE NEEDY 25 May 2019 – During the spirit of the holy month This Ramadhan drive was aimed at alleviating the of Ramadhan, the Student Affairs Office and the burden of the less fortunate especially during the UTB Student Representative Council 2019/2020 holy month of blessings. (MPPUTB) organised a charity drive, UTB Ramadhan Drive 2.0.
Staff, students, volunteers and Estates Office from UTB as well as interns from Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) participated in the Ramadhan charity drive.
The donations were delivered to five underprivileged families such as senior citizens and orphans residing in the Brunei-Muara district.
The charity drive began its fundraising activities internally amongst Staff and Students of UTB since 15 April 2019. UTB Ramadhan Drive 2.0 managed to collect a total of BND$3,020.00 and countless donation in-kind items for the underprivileged. Amongst the items donated were basic food supplies, cleaning supplies, toiletries and Hari Raya biscuits/snacks.
MAY - AUGUST 2019 49 STUDENT NEWS
SINGLE MOTHERS HONOURED AT IFTAR 27 May 2019 – A Sungkai gathering organised for selected single mothers was held at the De Hayat Café, Kg Pintu Malim. The event was hosted by the Student Affairs Office, UTB Student Representative Council (MPPUTB) 2019/2020 and members of the Economy & Entrepreneurship, Culture, and Logistics Executive Committees (ExCo).
About 40 selected single mothers attended the event with some of their family members from Kg. Belimbing and Kg. Menunggol. Present as the Guest of Honour was Dk Ida Nurul-Fitri binti Pg Hj Kahar, Dean of Student Affairs of UTB. Also present at the event were officers of the Student Affairs Office and UTB International students.
Haadii Syairah binti Haidi, Head of ExCo of Economy & Entrepreneurship as the Co-Chairperson of the event mentioned that the purpose of the event is to appreciate and understand the struggles faced by single mothers as the sole financial contributor supporting the family.
50 MASS IFTAR 2019
22 May 2019 – The UTB Student Representative Council (MPPUTB) 2019/2020 and the Student Affairs Office hosted a mass Iftar, Sungkai Se-UTB at the White Canopy and Concourse, UTB.
The event was held to foster closer ties between staff and students of the University especially in the holy month of Ramadhan. Amongst those pre-sent were staff and students of UTB. The event started with the mass rec-itation of Surah Yassin and Tahlil followed by a light Iftar and mass Maghrib prayer then continued with dinner.
MAY - AUGUST 2019 51 STUDENT NEWS
PUJA-UTB STUDENT CHAPTER WORKING TO KEEP BERAKAS BEACH CLEAN 28 June 2019 – In conjunction with the PUJA (Brunei) Hub opening ceremony, PUJA-UTB Student Chapter organised a beach clean-up at the Berakas beach. 19 members from PUJA-UTB Student Chapter participated in the campaign.
Over 100kg of rubbish were collected in this effort. The campaign aimed to strengthen ties among the members as well as raising awareness on the importance of conserving the environment and maintain the cleanliness of the beaches.
52 BSP LECTURES ON SLICKLINE WIRELINE OPERATIONS 13 August 2019 – The Industrial Lecture BSP also donated laboratory equipment to UTB, conducted by Brunei Shell Petroleum Company which include a set of wireline intervention tools Sdn Bhd (BSP) saw about 40 students from the for the students’ practical learning. Petroleum Engineering programme of Faculty of Engineering (FEng) at the Engineering Block of the campus.
The lecture on Well Intervention was delivered by Mr. Raj Narayanasamy, Head of Wireline Service, a real veteran at BSP in using tools deep down inside oil and gas wells to prevent production loss, or to repair or maintain them.
Well Intervention is where specialists run special/ specific tools into the well to resolve the issue which is normally done with the well under pressure. The issue usually caused by down hole conditions that would affect its performance such as reduced production, change in well products and loss of production. This is when Well Intervention will be required.
MAY - AUGUST 2019 53 JAPANESE STUDENTS GAIN EXPOSURE ON SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
STUDENT NEWS
JAPANESE STUDENTS GAIN EXPOSURE ON SUSTAINABLE ENERGY 22 August 2019 – FOUR Japanese exchange students from Osaka University (OU) visited and hosted by UTB for two days to enhance collaboration and to strengthen international relationship between OU and UTB.
The students attended a lecture on sustainable energy and had the opportunity to visit Brunei LNG, Lumut and Tenaga Suria in Seria.
The visit is under the sponsorship of the Japanese Student Services Organisation (JASSO). The objectives of the visit were to give them first-hand experience on sustainable energy generation in Brunei Darussalam and expose the students to Sustainable Development Goals such as SDG:05 Gender Equality, SDG09: Sustainable Infrastructure and SDG07: Affordable and Clean Energy.
54 PUJA-UTB SC GAINS AIRCRAFT INSIGHT AT ROYAL BRUNEI AIRLINES
30 August 2019 – PUJA-UTB Student Chapter’s The visit began with a Health, Safety and (PUJA-UTB SC) pursuit of acquiring knowledge and Environment (HSE) briefing followed by technical experience continued with a technical visit to the presentations and tours led by the airline’s Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA), Berakas. Technical Training Instructors, Mr. Lim Chee Cheng and Awang Ali bin Bujang. The delegation visited About 25 people including students undertaking the workshops and was given demonstrations Civil Engineering programme and Mechanical concerning an airplane’s functionality such as its Engineering programme from Faculty of batteries, emergency systems and wheels. Engineering (FEng) as well as PUJA staff members joined the visit which was led by the student body’s The visit was aimed for the members and students president, Yang Ming Kian and a lecturer from to learn and observe first-hand experience on the FEng, Dr. Ismawi bin Haji Mohd Yusof. engineering works behind aircraft systems. It also served as a means to expose the students to their future work possibilities.
MAY - AUGUST 2019 55 RESEARCH NEWS
CYBER SECURITY: NEW APPLICATIONS - OLD PROBLEM? 27 May 2019 – The School of Computing and access versus privacy on how to allow access Informatics (SCI) hosted a research talk on ‘Cyber to the information while protecting privacy. The Security: New Applications - Old Problem?’ At SCI information of individuals is stored in databases. Lecture Theatre of the University. The database security/privacy problem is to allow users to obtain the statistical information, The talk was conducted by Professor Francis and at the same time to preserve the privacy of Y.L. Chin, Emeritus and Honorary Professor of individuals. the Department of Computer Science from The University of Hong Kong. The speaker also discussed on the various protection schemes such as data perturbation, The talk focused on how data are processed output perturbation and query restriction as well and generated in huge volumes that contains as conventional protection schemes that controls useful aggregates as well as individuals’ private the number of records satisfying the query. information. This would lead to a dilemma of
56 SHIFTING THE BALANCE FOR WOMEN IN STEM 3 May 2019 – In conjunction with the year- The panel speakers at the talk included Ms. Nasyhea long ‘Balance for Better’ theme for International and representatives from Dynamik Technologies, Women’s Day 2019, a talk on “Shifting the Balance Royal Brunei Airlines and Astronomical Society of for Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Brunei Darussalam. These women shared their Engineering and Mathematics)” hosted by eBunda views on opportunities for those considering and supported by Peak Performance Sdn Bhd was a career in STEM and how women need grit in held at Sejahtera Conference Room, Royal Brunei this male dominated world of STEM. They also Recreational Club. highlighted on the importance incorporating positive mindset into work to make that balance At the half-day event, four panel speakers shared possible. their insights on the challenges and development of women in STEM related industries, education and professions. Representing UTB as one of the panel speakers, was Ms. Nasyhea Abdullah, Clinical Psychologist and Counselling Officer.
MAY - AUGUST 2019 57 OTHER NEWS
UTB SIGNS LETTER OF INTENT WITH UMS 4 May 2019 – Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and UTB have signed the Letters of Intent (LOI) for Research Collaboration on STEM Education as well as other mu-tual cooperation and exchanges in various academic fields with the aim to encourage long-term development for both Universities. The signing was hosted by the Enterprise Office and held at the SBS Room, UTB.
Signing on behalf of UMS was Dr. Azali Saudi, Deputy Director of Research and Innovation Management Centre. Representing UTB were Dayang Siti Asmahlati Bolkini binti Haji A. Ahmad, Director of International and Public Relations Office as well as Dr. Sharina binti Hj Yunus, Deputy Director of Enterprise Office signing for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
58 CIPTA 2019 WINNERS CELEBRATED IN HOME COUNTRY 16 May 2019 – Terengganu, Malaysia welcomes the from 12-16 May 2019 at the Setia Spice Convention ‘Te Ractor’ inventors home after winning the ASEAN Centre in Penang, Malaysia. Present at the event Young Inventor Award at the Crown Prince CIPTA was the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Yang Amat Award 2019. The welcoming celebration took place Berhormat Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad and on 21 April 2019 at their school, Sekolah Menengah Education Minister of Malaysia, Yang Berhormat Kebangsaan Tengku Lela Segara (SMKTLS). Dr. Maszlee Malik.
The winners, Siti Nurhasya Dinie binti Abdul Mahdi; The winning project – Te Ractor is a seafood Che Ku Ahmad Habib bin Che Ku Ahmad Amir; and drying machine that is designed to help small- Adam Fitri bin Mohd Shariff Lei who are currently scale entrepreneurs in producing and maintaining in Secondary 5 at SMKTLS this year were welcomed the quality of dried seafood which took them by the Head of Academic Sector, Education three months to invent. After winning the Crown Department of Negeri Terengganu, Tuan Hj Azman Price CIPTA Award 2019, the inventors hope to bin Othman; the Deputy Education Officer of upgrade the product based on the demand of the Daerah Marang, SISC+ PPD Marang, along with the entrepreneurs to make it marketable and make it teachers and students of the school. as a platform and benchmark for future innovation projects/prospects. The winners also participated at the National Teacher’s Day Celebration 2019 representing Terengganu to showcase their project that was held
MAY - AUGUST 2019 59 OTHER NEWS
CALM YOUR BRAIN
18 May 2019 – The Counselling Unit hosted a The Calm Your Brain workshop was one of stress-releasing workshop, Calm Your Brain for the group sessions that was organised by the students who are feeling the pressure seating for Counselling Unit since February this year as part their exams. The sessions were held from 8-18 May of the mental health awareness initiative which 2019 at the Campus. aims to improve students’ mental well-being by increasing their knowledge and understanding of According to the facilitator, Clinical Psychologist the determinants, nature, impact, prevention and and Counselling Officer, Ms. Nasyhea Abdullah management of mental health issues within the that it is necessary to take a break from revision in university context. order to continue working efficiently therefore the workshop only lasts around thirty minutes which is the perfect time to help them feel rejuvenated when they go back to their revision.
60 UTB SIGNS NOTE OF UNDERSTANDING WITH KV MIRI 20 May 2019 – A Note of Understanding (NoU) was signed between Kolej Vokasional Miri (KV Miri) and UTB to foster close relationship and mutual cooperation in the areas of academic, research and technical skills that are benefiting to both parties. The signing was held at the Main Conference Room of the University.
The delegation was welcomed by Mr. Lim Chui Hua, Registrar and Secretary; Principal Officers; and staff of the University. Signing on behalf of KV Miri was Madam Sherene Choo Siak Lan, Director of KV Miri, while UTB was represented by Mr. Lim Chui Hua.
MAY - AUGUST 2019 61 OTHER NEWS
NUZUL AL-QURAN CEREMONY 1440H
28 May 2019 – In conjunction with the celebration of Nuzul Al-Quran, UTB hosted a religious talk at the Lecture Theatre 2, Library Complex.
The Guest of Honour was the Acting Vice-Chancellor of UTB, Awang Hj Ady Syarmin bin Hj Md Taib. Also present were the Principal Officers; lecturers; staff; and students of UTB.
The reading of the Al-Quran verses was delivered by Dayang Hajah Wafiqah bte Haji Daim and recitation of its translation was by Dayang Siti Nadia binti Saifulizan, students from School of Applied Sciences and Mathematics (SASM), UTB. The ceremony continued with a special religious talk entitled ‘Memperkasa Pembelajaran Al- Quran’ delivered by the invited speaker, Ustaz Muhammad Naqib bin Haji Awang, Officer from the Mosque Affairs Department, Ministry of Religious Affairs.
62 KHATAM AL-QURAN CEREMONY
28 May 2019 – A total of 248 participants attended The Guest of Honour then presented mementoes the Khatam Al-Quran ceremony which comprise to the male Khatam participants. For the female of 57 staff and 191 students from various Schools participants, it was presented by Dr. Dayang Hajah and Faculty at the Multipurpose Hall. Noor Maya binti Hj Md Salleh, Assistant Vice- Chancellor (Academic) of UTB. The ceremony commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by the Guest of Honour, The ceremony continued with presentation of Awang Hj Ady Syarmin bin Hj Md Taib, Acting donations to 38 orphaned students of UTB. The Vice-Chancellor of UTB followed by the recitation donation, contributed by UTB was hoped to help of Surah Ad Dhuha until Surah Al Masad by the ease the burden of the orphans in this holy month participants of Khatam Al-Quran. Doa Khatam of Ramadhan and in preparation for Hari Raya Al-Quran was read by Ustaz Mohd Fazalley bin celebration. Hj Hidup, Head of Religious Unit of UTB. Dzikir Marhaban was delivered by the UTB students to enliven the ceremony.
MAY - AUGUST 2019 63 OTHER NEWS
HIGH COMMISSION OF INDIA DONATES RESOURCES TO UTB 8 July 2019 – UTB received book donation from the A brief meeting was also held whereby, both High Commission of India to Brunei Darussalam at parties discussed on opportunities for further the Library of the University collaboration between Brunei and India particularly in the field of education. Present to hand over the donation was the High Commissioner of India, His Excellency Anjaneesh Kumar. His Excellency was greeted by the Acting Vice-Chancellor of UTB, Awang Haji Ady Syarmin bin Haji Md Taib; Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of UTB, Dr. Hajah Noor Maya binti Haji Md Salleh; the Chief Librarian, Hajah Pusparaini binti Haji Thani, as well as officers from the International and Public Relations Office; and the Library.
Over 30 books relating to India was donated to UTB. The collection includes books of different topics such as arts and heritage, culture, politics, history and famous public figures.
64 FINANCIAL AWARENESS ROADSHOW 1 August 2019 – In conjunction with National The aim of the roadshow was to increase awareness Savings Day 2019, Authority Monetari Brunei among the students on financial management and Darussalam (AMBD) held their fourth Financial literacy. Various activities and interactive games Awareness Roadshow at the Multipurpose Hall of were also held during the roadshow. the University.
Present as the Guest of Honour was Yang Berhormat Awang Iswandy bin Ahmad, member of the Legislative Council. Also in attendance were Awang Haji Ady Syarmin bin Haji Md Taib, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of UTB, Principal Officers, officers from participating organisations, staff and students of UTB.
Other than AMBD, Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE), Ministry of Finance and Economy; Employees Trust Fund (TAP); Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD); Baiduri Bank; Junior Achievement; Financial Planning Association and Great Eastern also participated in the roadshow.
MAY - AUGUST 2019 65 OTHER NEWS
RBAF CAREER AND HEALTH PROMOTION ROADSHOW 3 August 2019 – In conjunction with Royal Brunei The roadshow featured an array of military and Armed Forces’ (RBAF) 58th Anniversary, the RBAF medical displays that provide students with in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and interactive experience, free health screening and Career Guidance Unit of UTB held a Career and career information. The students and visitors also Health Promotion Roadshow at White Canopy of had the chance to view the vehicles used by the the University, which attracted a big crowd. RBAF such as the helicopter and armoured fighting vehicles. The roadshow aimed to gain interest of The students from UTB and various sixth form the students and to provide exposure on multitude schools attended talks by the representatives of exciting careers that the students can venture from various RBAF units including Royal Brunei within the RBAF and create awareness on the Land Force, Royal Brunei Navy, Royal Brunei importance of public health and safety. Airforce, Officer Cadet School, Medical and Dental Services, RBAF Recruiting Office, Directorate of Administration and Manpower (JPTM) Scholarship scheme and RBAF Religious Department (JAMAAT). The representatives provide prospective students an in-depth information about the opportunities that RBAF has to offer.
66 SECONDARY STUDENTS EXPERIENCED UNIVERSITY LIFE 6 August 2019 – UTB received a delegation of The objective of the visit was to provide the students eighteen students and two teachers from Pengiran with information on university’s development, Anak Puteri Masna (PAP MASNA) Secondary School programmes offered at the University and its for an educational visit. The students are currently requirement to enter UTB. in Year 11, Science stream class.
The visit was hosted by, School of Design (SDe), Faculty of Engineering (FEng) the International and Public Relations Office (IPRO). The students were presented with an overview of the University and related information on the SDe and Chemical Engineering programme. The students were also given a campus tour around SDe and Chemical Engineering laboratories to observe what life in a university setting is like. The visits at SDe and Chemical Engineering block were hosted by the Deputy Dean of SDe, Awang Murhamdilah bin Morni and Programme Leader of Chemical Engineering, Dr. Mohammad Hazwan bin Azri respectively.
MAY - AUGUST 2019 67 OTHER NEWS
THE AMERICAN SHELF LAUNCHED 19 August 2019 - The United States (U.S.) Embassy in Brunei Darussalam launched the American Shelf at UTB Library. The American Shelf houses a collection of books donated by the U.S Embassy. Present to hand over the donation was the U.S. Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, His Excellency Mr. Matthew J. Matthews.
A total of 243 books relating to United States were donated to UTB. The book collection comprises of Business and Entrepreneurship, Education, Careers, Innovation and Technology, American History, and American-English language resources.
68 CLOUD-BASED EVOLUTIONARY OPTIMISATION OF CYBER-PHYSICAL SYSTEMS
19 August 2019 – The Electrical and Electronic problem that is known as Evolutionary optimisation. Engineering programme from Faculty of Engineering This type of algorithm is heuristic in nature, hosted a talk on ‘Cloud-based Evolutionary meaning that there is no guarantee that it will ever Optimisation of Cyber-Physical Systems’ at the find an optimal solution, or that it will identify the campus. solution as optimal if it is found. Nevertheless, this approach is commonly used in multiple About 20 attendees comprising of lecturers and optimisation problems in science and engineering, students from UTB were present at the talk which where a decent fit solution is acceptable despite was conducted by Dr. Leandro Soares Indrusiak, being sub-optimal. from Real Time System Group and a faculty member of Department of Computer Science, University of The speaker discussed how evolutionary York, United Kingdom. optimisation has been used to improve real- time performance and energy-efficiency of Dr. Leandro focused on the application of an different types of cyber-physical systems such as evolutionary algorithm which is to repeatedly autonomous vehicles and smart factories. uncover improved solutions to an optimisation
MAY - AUGUST 2019 69 OTHER NEWS COURTESY VISITS
14 May 2019 – TThe Acting Vice-Chancellor of UTB, Awang Haji Ady Syarmin bin Hj Md Taib received a courtesy visit from the Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman, His Excellency Ahmed bin Hashil Al-Maskari.
Also present were the Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Dr. Dayang Hajah Noor Maya binti Hj Md Salleh and the Deputy Registrar (Academic), and Dayang Elizah binti Radin Mas Ismail.
The courtesy visit discussed ways to enhance student mobility between Brunei and Oman amongst other areas of cooperation between both countries.
29 May 2019 – UTB received a courtesy visit from the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam, Her Excellency Madam Yu Hong and was welcomed by the Acting Vice-Chancellor of UTB.
The meeting discussed on potential collaboration opportunities between China and UTB. Both parties exchanged views on some of the priority areas particularly in the field of education and research.
22 July 2019 – The Acting Vice-Chancellor of UTB also received a courtesy call from the United States (U.S.) Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, His Excellency Mr. Matthew J. Matthews.
The visit was to discuss the possibility of further cooperation between U.S. and UTB in the areas of internship and exchange programmes. Both parties also exchanged views on some on the importance of further ties and collaborations particularly in the field of education.
70 INTERNATIONAL VISITS
18 May 2019 – UTB received a delegation from Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP), Perak, Malaysia held at the Conference Room of the University. Representing UTP was Professor Ir. Dr. Mohd Shahir Liew, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and Innovation.
The delegation met with Professor Zuruzi bin Abu Samah, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Research) and Principal Officers of the University. Both parties discussed on potential partnership primarily in exploring collaborative activities in terms of internship and student exchange programmes within the areas of Engineering, Science and Technology.
25 June 2019 – A visit from the Livicon Ltd. Co., Korea led by Professor Young Jae Jeon, the Chief Executive Officer was received along with representatives from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Action and Support Centre (FAST) from Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB).
During the visit, Livicon Ltd. Co. presented their polymer-dispersed liquid crystal display (PDLCD), a kind of liquid crystal display product that has an ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) screening function. UTB and Livicon Ltd. Co. also explored and discussed possible areas of collaboration in the areas of academic exchanges as well as research and development.
20 July 2019 – Delegates from Universitas Islam Malang (UNISMA), Indonesia also visited the University led by Dr. Hjh Rini Rahayu Kurniati, Dean of Faculty of Administrative Science along with the Vice Deans and students from UNISMA.
During the visit, an introductory presentation about UTB was delivered and the delegation showed keen interest in collaboration with UTB particularly in the area of Business and Entrepreneurship.
MAY - AUGUST 2019 71 OTHER NEWS
8 August 2019 – A representative from ASEAN Week programme, Ms. Mami Takimoto, Section Advisor of ASEAN Exchange Promotion Division from Sakai City Government was welcomed by the Acting Vice-Chancellor of UTB and Programme Leader of School of Computing and Informatics (SCI), Dr. Hajah Nor Zainah binti Haji Siau. The meeting focused on the feedbacks from past participant and preparations for the upcoming programme.
This would be the 4th time since 2016 that Sakai City Government has invited UTB students to be part of the programme. This year’s programme representing UTB will be Awang Abdul Hadi bin Haji Mohaimin who are currently undertaking MSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. The programme will take place for two weeks starting on 7 October 2019.
28 August 2019 – UUTB received a visit from China- ASEAN Research Istitute of Guangxi University, China led by Mr. Luo Chuanyu, Vice Dean of the institue. The delegates were welcomed by the Dean of School of Science and Applied Mathematics (SASM), Dr. Namasivayam Navaranjam. Research and educational activities were discussed to enhance further collaboration between the two universities.
29 August 2019 – Delegation from Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia led by Professor Win Darmanto, Dean of Faculty of Science and Technology also visited UTB to discuss ways of developing and deepen academic partnerships particularly student exchange programmes and internship. The delegates met with the Dean of SASM and lecturers from SASM and School of Computing and Informatics (SCI).
72 ROADSHOWS
22 June 2019 – UTB participated in the Career Exploration Day exhibition co-organised by the Department of Schools, Ministry of Education (MOE) and Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Ali (SMSA) at SMSA, Kuala Belait.
The exhibition was aimed to help students of the school to kick start their career planning early. Students from SMSA interacted with The International and Public Relations Office (IPRO) team, to explore more about the University, its admission criteria and the programmes offered as well as its career pathway.
1 July 2019 – UTB also joined the Career Exploration Day exhibition organised at the Pusat Tingkatan Enam Meragang (PTEM), Kg. Meragang along with other higher education institutions and invited private and public organisations. The students of PTEM had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the University to discuss about the requirements needed to enter the University and possible career prospects for the students.
18 July 2019 – UTB participated in the UBD Career Fair exhibition along with 44 other exhibitors from private and public organisations at the Chancellor Hall, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD).
MAY - AUGUST 2019 73
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