Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) strengthened its commitment to institutional excellence and forward-looking governance through a knowledge-sharing session with two distinguished experts in public administration, higher education leadership and responsible artificial intelligence (AI) governance on 31 October 2026.
The session featured Yang Mulia Profesor Emeritus Dato’ Seri Dr Ir Zaini bin Ujang of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Yang Mulia Mr Looi Teck Kheong, Global AI Ambassador and President of the Singapore Chapter of the Global Council for Responsible AI. The exchange covered public service excellence, institutional leadership, organisational development and the responsible adoption of emerging technologies.
Held at UTB’s Main Conference Room, the session provided a platform for professional dialogue and knowledge exchange, enabling the University’s academic and administrative leadership to draw on the guests’ extensive experience in public administration, public policy, institutional transformation and technological advancement.
The engagement followed their participation as speakers at the Forum Khas Perkhidmatan Awam, held in conjunction with the 33rd Public Service Day and organised by the Institut Perkhidmatan Awam (IPA) earlier that day.
Profesor Emeritus Dato’ Seri Dr Ir Zaini bin Ujang brought extensive experience in public administration and higher education leadership. He was appointed Vice-Chancellor of UTM in 2008, before serving as Deputy Secretary-General II at Malaysia’s Ministry of Education in 2013 and subsequently as Secretary-General of the Ministry of Higher Education in 2024. His work and publications have focused on organisational excellence, institutional culture and strategies for strengthening public service delivery.
Meanwhile, Mr Looi Teck Kheong, an expert in AI governance, public policy, digital trade and technology law, contributed perspectives drawn from more than 35 years of professional experience. He has delivered keynote addresses and facilitated leadership development programmes and executive workshops for senior public-sector officials and corporate leaders across the Asia-Pacific region. He also serves as Principal Consultant at Public Policy Asia Advisors.
The session was attended by Yang Mulia Dr Mohamad Saiful bin Haji Omar, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (External and International Relations); Yang Mulia Professor Hasnain Isa, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation); Yang Mulia Dr Au Thien Wan, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Student, Alumni and Services); Yang Mulia Dr Yap Yok Hoe, Acting Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs); Yang Mulia Mr Lim Chui Hua, Registrar and Secretary; and Yang Mulia Siti Noor Hidayah Rosli, Acting Bursar, together with other principal officers of the University.
The engagement underscored the importance of continuous professional learning and dialogue with experienced practitioners in strengthening institutional capabilities. It also highlighted the growing significance of responsible AI governance, effective leadership and adaptive organisational approaches in supporting public service transformation and enabling institutions to navigate an increasingly technology-driven environment.
For UTB, such exchanges contribute to a culture of informed leadership and institutional learning, supporting its continued efforts to strengthen governance, embrace responsible innovation and advance its role as a forward-looking higher education institution.
