Lyna Mohamad
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB), has urged for Islamic ethics and local cultural values to be prioritised in the provision of human resources.
In a titah delivered during the 8th UTB Convocation Ceremony at the Plenary Hall of the International Convention Centre in Berakas, His Majesty said, “With regard to UTB’s efforts to provide human resources, I wish to remind that Islamic ethics which conform to local cultural values should always be prioritised. It is important that our national identity not be compromised by foreign influences.”
Earlier, His Majesty alluded to the launch of the Writing for the Mushaf Universiti Teknologi Brunei. “Insya Allah, this Mushaf will be at the forefront of every procession for UTB’s Convocation Ceremony. This also means that UTB has not been excluded in honouring the Mushaf as an unparalleled symbol of knowledge.
“I was also informed that UTB will be conferring a doctorate or PhD for the first time. This means that UTB is continuing to make full progress in the fields of research and post-graduate studies,” His Majesty said.
The monarch said, “I once referred to the role of UTB as a contributor to the development of knowledge, as well as capable of solving contemporary issues through research efforts. In this regard, I welcome UTB’s world-class engineering research cooperation with Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (BSP), Imperial College in the United Kingdom and University of New South Wales in Australia.
“This project is expected to solve one of the most expensive technical challenges in Brunei Darussalam, namely the sand issue in the production of hydrocarbon. It will also offer scholarships to students and provide local employment to UTB graduates.
“I was also made to understand that UTB’s research activities have been extended to the community, such as the village consultative councils, as a live project for UTB staff and students, which is in line with its vision to become a global university with an impact on society.
“I wish to extend my congratulations on UTB’s ranking as a global university. This year, UTB successfully reached 350th place in the QS World University Rankings. It has also appeared for the first time, in 40th place, on the list of 50 Young Global Universities under the age of 50 years.”
His Majesty concluded the titah by saying: “I wish to acknowledge and express my thanks to the workforce at Universiti Teknologi Brunei, including the council and senate members, the Vice-Chancellor, executive officers, academic personnel, officers and staff members. May Allah the Almighty bless our efforts and bestow multiple rewards.”