| James Kon |
GRADUATES need to stay apace with the changing times and be adaptable, in order to stand out as invaluable assets to the country, said Rubiah binti Haji Yacub, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) yesterday, during a special address to a new intake of students on the commencement of Fresher’s Week at the university.
A total of 603 students have been admitted to the second semester for 2017-2018, who will be undergoing Masters, PhD, undergraduate degree programmes, diplomas and the UniBridge programme.
In her special address, Rubiah touched on certain skills which are in great demand in the current job market – including excellent communication, critical thinking and creativity – and said that UBD’s GenNext programme could assist students to acquire those skills.
She told the new intake of students, “There are also elements of leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship and environmental awareness in the GenNEXT programme. It also involves a balanced combination of breadth and depth modules, giving students more flexibility in choosing the content of their respective programmes, and making it more relevant towards their chosen careers.”
Another great feature of the GenNEXT curriculum, she said, “is the Discovery Year, where you get to experience real-world learning. You will spend a year outside the university doing either the Study Abroad programme, internship in private companies, initiating an innovation project or being involved in community outreach projects. Each choice will bring in different experiences and knowledge, but invaluable nonetheless.”
Also present was Saidai bin Haji Hitam, the Dean of Students and the Chairman of Fresher’s Week for the January 2017 intake.
Rubiah binti Haji Yacub, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam delivering her special address during the event.
Females students during the event.
Students looking at their schedule for the Fresher’s Week.
Students participating in the students’ oath taking. – PHOTOS: JAMES KON
During the annual event, new students are briefed on matters related to academic life at UBD and are introduced to the programme leaders of their respective faculties. They are also briefed on course registrations for their first semester, programmes for Discovery Year and the extra-curricular activities being offered at UBD.
On top of additional briefings by the Centre of Networking, Employment and Career Training (CoNECT) and the Entrepreneurship Village, as well as sharing sessions with UBD graduates, the new students are also given tours of the UBD campus and library.
The new intake will also participate in a fun run and a motivational religious talk by a guest speaker from Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali, for both Muslim and non-Muslim students alike.
Fresher’s Week will end on January 7, with mass Zohor prayer, a recitation of the Surah Yaasiin and a Doa Selamat held at the university’s mosque, to mark the start of the new semester.
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