His Royal Highness Prince (Dr.) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, and Pro- Chancellor of UTB, graciously consented to officiate the ninth UTB Convocation Festival 2024. The event took place at the Faculty of Engineering Building, UTB.
Upon arrival, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Pro-Chancellor of UTB was received by the Minister of Development acting as the Minister of Education in addition to his role as the Acting Chairperson of the UTB Council, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid, and UTB Vice-Chancellor, Yang Mulia Datin Paduka Professor Dr Dayang Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman.
Also in attendance at the ceremony were special guests from embassies and high commissions of all ASEAN countries and Timor Leste; UTB Council members; senior government officials; invited guests as well as staff and students at the university.
The ceremony commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat led by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar.
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince then consented to officiate the ninth UTB Convocation Festival 2024, followed by the call of Takbir and a multimedia presentation before inaugurating the exhibition themed “Towards a Green and Sustainable Future: A Confluence of Creativity and Innovation”.
The theme highlighted UTB’s commitment to environmental responsibility through innovative academic practices. The theme underscores how UTB graduates are poised to mak significant impacts in their careers by applying and advancing the eco-friendly technologies and sustainable methods they’ve mastered during their studies. This approach reinforces UTB’s position as a pioneer in cultivating an ethos of sustainability and innovation, encouraging alumni to stretch the limits of possibility in building a more environmentally conscious and sustainable future.
The exhibition showcased five student projects that integrate creativity with sustainable solutions:
• Sustainable Refurbishment of Existing Buildings: Water Conservation, by Dayang Nadiya Binti Rozman Azmi, MSc in Water Resource and Environmental Engineering, which emphasised water conservation in building refurbishments.
• Smart Sustainable, Low-Cost IOT Based Waste Segregator Dustbin System by Dayang Syaza Aina Binti Hamdani, Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Networking, which addressed waste management challenges in alignment with Brunei’s Sustainable Development Goals.
• Fashion Sensitivity and Water Influence in the Sustainability of Brunei Fashion Industry by Dayang Hajah Safiyyah Aisyah Kamilah Haji Mohamad Jaafar, Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Fashion Design & Technology, highlighted the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
• Utilising Roselle’s Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties to Enhance Meat Storage Quality by Dayang Nur Adila Puteri binti Irwan, Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Food Science and Technology, explored natural preservatives for meat storage.
• Tanah Maju by a group of students from Bachelor of Business (Honours) Major in Marketing Information Systems which includes Awang Abdul Qur’ainal Haji Abdul Mutalip, Awang Lim Liang Hong, Awang Mohammad Aizat Bin Haji Mohammad Anas, Awang Muhammad Anaz Adhlizam bin Adanan, and Dayang Najiya Binti Roslan, which offered portable soil analysis for improving agricultural yields.
His Royal Highness also viewed the Numerical Sand Screen Modelling and Facilities Lab exhibition booth, a collaborative project with Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP), showcasing advances simulation technologies in environmental engineering.
Additionally, His Royal Highness also viewed the ASEAN Traditional Textile Exhibition featuring contributions from ASEAN Member States and Timor Leste.
The Convocation Festival further featured cultural performances by the university student clubs, including a traditional Bruneian Dance, martial arts, and global cultural showcases, reflecting the university’s vibrant community life. UTB’s commitment to holistic student development was also highlighted through its 45 active co-curricular clubs that foster skills in leadership, teamwork, and communication.
Prior to leaving the festival, His Royal Highness consented to receive a Pesambah from UTB Student Representative Council with the theme ‘Map of Brunei’ and consented for a photography session with members of the UTB Student Representative Council 2024/2025.
A series of associated events will continue to celebrate UTB’s graduates, including the International Culture Day 2024; UTB Inno-Fatih; UTB- Bersamamu!; UTBerjaya; Be Kind, Be Happy Series; Health Check Series; UTB On Wheels; International E-Waste Week; Into the Spotlight, among others. These initiatives are aligned with UTB’s intention of promoting environmental responsibility and social impact through education.
The UTB Convocation Festival 2024 not only celebrates academic achievements but also reaffirms the university’s role in shaping a sustainable and innovative future. The festival will culminate the Convocation Ceremony on 07 September 2024, where graduates will receive their degrees at the Plenary Hall of the International Convention Centre in Berakas.
