| Danial Norjidi |
IT IS necessary for Brunei Darussalam to vigorously engage in scientific and technological research as it aims to diversify its economy beyond oil and gas.
As such, Brunei needs to plug itself into the global research networks in all science and technology fields so as to nurture its local talents and harness global talents, said Dato Paduka Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar, the Acting Minister of Development.
“It is therefore timely for Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) to enhance its research reputation by having a greater focus on cutting-edge research and provide high quality experiential education,” he said in his speech at the opening of the 6th Brunei International Conference on Engineering and Technology (BICET 2016) and the 9th Asean Civil Engineering Conference (9th ACEC) at UTB.
He noted that UTB is already offering a range of engineering degree programmes, providing a strong foundation at both undergraduate and advanced levels.
“The Ministry of Development (MoD) has been working with UTB on a Further Learning Programme (FLP),” he shared.
“The programme is aimed at preparing civil engineers not only for the Ministry of Development but also for other ministries to be professionally accredited by international bodies such as ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers), UK.”
The acting minister went on to applaud 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’s titah during the recent convocation of UTB on accreditation of programmes, which according to His Majesty can save the cost of training incurred by employers.
Dato Paduka Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar, the Acting Minister of Development speaking during the opening ceremony of BICET 2016. – AZROL AZMI
“I am pleased to note that accreditation of civil, mechanical electrical and electronic engineering programmes by international bodies are in progress at UTB,” he said. “Insy Allah, the MoD will give full support and cooperation and assistance wherever we can in these accreditation programmes.”
Moving on, the acting minister highlighted, “As Brunei Darussalam diversifies its economy beyond oil and gas, creating a strong scientific and technological manpower base is important. In this regard, I am heartened that UTB has established a new school of applied sciences and mathematics,” he continued.
“In order to produce high quality graduates, it is important that academics in Brunei Darussalam’s institute of higher learning are active researchers in their fields and, at the same time, excellent educators who can pass on new knowledge to students.”
The acting minister noted that the frontiers of scientific and technological knowledge are driven by universities, involving groups of researchers around the world.
“Events such as BICET 2016 and the 9th ACEC play a critical role by serving as fora for scientists and engineers, students and industry practitioners to interact, collaborate and raise the profile of scientific and technological innovations and education in Brunei Darussalam.”
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