ASEANEWS HEADLINE: Bandar Seri Begawan – His Majesty calls for closer ties between education, industry

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, and Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) underscored the importance of close relations between higher learning institutions and the industrial sector in the country.

In a titah delivered during the 30th Convocation Ceremony of UBD yesterday, His Majesty said, “In relation to the rapidly changing job market, we are currently witnessing the fourth industrial revolution where digital technology changes the way we live and work. The response to this revolution certainly needs involvement of all stakeholders in the public sector, private sector and the whole society, including academicians and graduates, for knowledge-based development of the nation.”

On this note, His Majesty stated that it is proper for UBD and other higher learning institutions to focus their efforts on education and research on sophisticated “21st Century skills” and forge close working relations with the industrial sector to share practical knowledge on trends in the industries and the job markets.

“Other than that, the education system also needs to focus on life-long learning,” the monarch said.

In the titah, His Majesty also expressed delight to learn about UBD’s effort in developing study programmes that are flexible in terms of duration, location and learning process.

His Majesty expressed hope that the establishment of sophisticated education and research will effectively contribute towards national development.

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 and Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) delivers a titah during UBD’s 30th Convocation Ceremony yesterday. Also in the photo is His Royal Highness Prince (Dr) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Pro-Chancellor of UBD. – AZROL AZMI

His Majesty noted that research is a seed for economic development. “I am made to understand that one of the focusses of UBD is in the field of data analytics which is a positive step towards innovation and economic development.

“In this regard, I am certain that UBD also feels obliged to do research in such fields as cybersecurity which are still filled with many questions,” the monarch added.

In this context, His Majesty lauded the first commercialisation of UBD’s patented technologies this year.

“I understand that the “Smart Coating” technology products, created by several Master’s and PhD students, now have sales agents in Brunei Darussalam, Japan, Thailand and Myanmar. I hope this success will spur many more students to do research works and pursue commercial activities,” His Majesty said.

The monarch congratulated all the successful graduates and hoped that they will continue to strive for greater success with determination towards the development of the nation.

Earlier in the titah, His Majesty congratulated parents for the success of their children.

“This is not the end for the graduates to stop gaining knowledge. They still have vast opportunities to upgrade themselves, in line with the rapidly changing job market,” the monarch said.

His Majesty ended the titah by reminding the graduates not to forget to strongly uphold the national philosophy of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) which has been bringing good for all for the last 600 years.

August 30, 2018     |     Azaraimy HH     |