Izah Azahari
Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) and Radio Television Brunei (RTB) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop mutual collaboration in the field of creative media at the Lecture Theatre 2, Library Complex, UTB yesterday.
Deputy Permanent Secretary (Civil Service, Welfare, International and Media) at the Prime Minister’s Office Haji Muhammad Suffian bin Haji Bungsu signed on behalf of RTB, witnessed by Acting Deputy Director (Development) of RTB Cheong Chee Keong.
Signing on behalf of UTB was its Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman, and witnessed by Dean of School of Computing and Informatics (SCI) Dr Mohammad Saiful bin Haji Omar.
Dr Mohammad Saiful, in a welcoming speech, highlighted that the SCI has been committed to enhancing the quality of its programmes to produce skilled graduates for the media industry through innovative teaching and research, specifically in fulfilling UTB’s vision of becoming a globally impactful university.
The dean said one of the school’s important achievements is obtaining accreditation from the British Computer Society for its programmes. It marked an important benchmark for higher education programmes and contributions to the field of Info-communication Technology (IT).
“In line with the needs of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 impacting employment and the industry, SCI aims to align teaching and learning methodologies with the advancement of smart technology, according to the Education 4.0 approach, to make students future ready,” Dr Mohammad Saiful said.
The deputy permanent secretary said the MoU is also a testament that RTB is stepping beyond traditional digital broadcasting, by cooperating with a higher education institution.
Haji Muhammad Suffian added that the broadcasting landscape is rapidly changing due to technological advancement. More attractive visual and audio experience, along with innovative and creative contents lead to interactive show formats, reality, on demand and the likes.
“The MoU hopes to develop the cooperation scope further through exploring new opportunities encompassing capacity building, media technology optimisation, information and idea sharing in the field of broadcast, as well as research in media technology, broadcasting and audience,” he said.
The main objective of the collaboration is to produce a series of innovative ideas that serves as a platform for the students to enhance their creativity in producing programmes for television, radio and new media.
The students will be exposed to invaluable skills, knowledge, and expertise within the field of broadcasting particularly in obtaining the cutting-edge technical and production skills in both television and radio.
Both parties will harness their capabilities and resources to improve the content and explore creative ideas on publishing television, radio and new media programmes.
Under the MoU, two areas have been identified in which to share knowledge, experience and skills: Student Industrial Attachment Programme and project-based activity.
Several proposed projects, particularly with programmes under the SCI that are closely linked with the core business of RTB have also been identified.
The collaboration aligns with Brunei Vision 2035 in recognising the accomplishment of its educated and highly skilled people.
“The MoU also hopes to become a platform in the efforts to prioritise the youth generation as the basis of driving the development of the country into the future,” added the deputy permanent secretary.