| Wani Roslan |
TO FURTHER strengthen the partnership between Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) and the Ministry of Development (MoD), a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) addendum and variation signing was yesterday held at UTB.
Minister of Education Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman attended as the guest of honour.
Signing on behalf of UTB was its Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman with Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Dr Hajah Noor Maya binti Haji Md Salleh attending as witness.
The MoD was represented by Acting Permanent Secretary (Administration and Finance) at the MoD Dr Nor Imtihan binti Haji Abdul Razak, witnessed by Hajah Norshukorinah binti Haji Md Daud, the MoD’s Acting Head of Human Resource Management Division.
The addendum expands on the scope of selected programmes and cooperative work covered in the previously agreement. These include conducting joint research, capacity building programmes, information sharing, internship, sharing of laboratory or equipment, and other joint efforts to promote careers and education in the field of engineering and other related sectors.
The signing further strengthens the partnership between the two bodies with the introduction of a new Postgraduate Study programme (offered by UTB) to fresh graduates as well as engineers who are already working in the industry.
The programme is aimed at increasing students’ knowledge and capabilities to satisfy educational requirements and progress their careers towards becoming professionally qualified chartered engineers.
In her welcoming remarks, Professor Dr Hajah Zohrah highlighted that the first MoU was signed in 2015, with UTB’s strategic focus area then being Community Engagement – aiming to proactively engage stakeholders through mutually beneficially partnerships and constructive dialogues.
“We strengthen the MoU today by expanding the scope of work and cooperation in the principal MoU. This includes postgraduate education, joint research, capacity building, internship, sharing of information and resources,” she said.
“We realise the importance of providing a conducive working environment for our employees, for them to have the opportunity to excel and develop a successful career. UTB prides itself on the caliber of its people, from internationally recognised academic leaders in their fields to talented professionals and administrative staff providing technical expertise,” she added.
The Staff Excellence Award serves as a platform to recognise and reward the outstanding and valuable contribution of staff towards the success of the university in achieving its strategic goals, she said.
The signing also saw the annual ‘Staff Excellence Awards 2017’ presentation ceremony where awards were presented by the guest of honour.
Six staff members received the Excellence Awards, while five received the special mention in the teaching, research and administration categories. Each Excellence Awards recipient received a certificate of recognition, plaque and a $1,000 cash prize, while Special Mention recipients received certificates.
The event continued with the guest of honour visiting Hari Raya ‘open booths’ set up by different sections and department of the university.
Also in attendance at the signing were Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar, Acting Minister of Development; Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar, Deputy Minister of Education; the permanent secretary and deputy permanent secretaries at the Ministry of Education; senior officials; UTB’s principal officers; industry partners; and staff and students of the university.
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