Three local institutions Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), and Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) had their first virtual graduation yesterday in which 31 students from each respective institution had completed a 10-month special program called Osaka University International Programme: Halal Science, Technology and Innovation (OUICP-HaSTI) hosted by Osaka University (OU) Japan. A Welcoming Ceremony for the second batch of the program was also held at the event.
Attending the momentous event were Dr Haji Azman bin Ahmad, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education Brunei, Professor Dr Genta Kawahara, Executive Vice President of Global Engagement, Osaka University, and Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal, the Rector of Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali and the vice-chancellor representatives from UBD and UTB.
The Guest of Honour, Dr Hj Azman in his speech shared this program strengthens the collaboration between Osaka University and Higher Education Institutions in Brunei Darussalam (UBD, UNISSA and UTB) in their collaboration through the use of digital collaboration. The programme started in 2018 when Osaka University first expressed its interest to work with our local higher education institutions and in establishing Osaka University ASEAN Campus. Dr Hj Azman would like to express his sincere appreciation to Osaka University for their contribution to this initiative which is very much aligned with Ministry of Education Brunei strategic plan in particular to enhance development of teaching and learning by strengthening stakeholders’ support and engagement. Throughout the four years journey, the collaboration has achieved several achievements, initiatives, continued growth through the introduction of many programs such as joint research, student exchange, English language program and today the Osaka University International Certificate Program: Halal Science, Technology and Innovation.
The Osaka University International Certificate Programme: Halal Science, Technology and Innovation (OUICP-HaSTI) is an educational program initiated by Osaka University ASEAN Campus in collaboration with their counterparts in ASEAN countries.
Osaka University (OU) issues a certificate upon successful completion of the program in a specific field with 6 to 8 credits. In general, OUICP-HaSTI is offered to graduate students of Joint Campus counterpart universities and working people (non-students) who have received at least a bachelor’s degree.
The programme aims to contribute to the solution of issues in the ASEAN region while focusing on the individuality of each country's society and culture, and develop infrastructure to benefit those societies through international, innovative approaches such as co-creation with industry, government, academia, and the community by nurturing advanced global human resources in the fields of bioengineering, applied physics, infectious disease, environmental engineering, halal science, biodiversity and bioresources, and Japanese language and culture.
The 31 students studied a few courses under the program such as Halal Science, Sustainable Development Goals, Advanced Technology for Halalan-Toyyiban, Product and Service Innovation for Halalan- Toyyiban and at the end of the program, all students were required to undertake practical study abroad for 8 weeks which had been done virtually. Under this programme, students were taught by academicians from 4 universities (OU, UBD, UNISSA, and UTB) with two invited lecturers from the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism Brunei and NPO Japan Halal Association.
The event also welcomed a total of thirty-one students of the new OUICP-HaSTI 2021 intake. The participants are comprised of students from OU, UBD, UNISSA and UTB, as well as professionals from the industry.
“Representing UNISSA and coming from a non-science background, most of us find it rather challenging to comprehend some scientific information and terms. However, the lecturers have made it stress-free and easy to follow up. We truly appreciate what we learned and gained in this program both academically and for self-development. This program is intellectually motivating us to be at our best and at the same time, allow ourselves to discover and explore ideas with the other participants.” Nurhani Basirah binti Haji Chipli - Master of Halal Science, UNISSA
“In the beginning, I only have very little knowledge on halal despite halal being an important part of my everyday life. Coming from a science background, my interest is always in the science and technology aspect of halal but at the end of the program I was pleasantly surprised that I have learned more than just that. I also learned the relationship between sustainable development goals, halal science, and our own research” Nur Azyyati Haziqah Mohamad - Master in Biotechnology Research, UBD.
“One of the benefits of attending a program like this is listening to speakers from different universities who are willing to share their work and findings. OUICP is a platform, where students can think critically, improve their analytical skills, share valuable networks, interact with admirable lecturers and gain unforgettable memories, ”Siti Madihah binti Haji Mohd Don, PhD in Food Science and Technology UTB.
