Berakas: 568 graduates received their Doctor of Philosophy, Master’s, and Bachelor’s Degrees in various fields at the 13th Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) Convocation Ceremony this year. His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, who serves as the Chancellor of UTB, conferred the degrees to the graduates. The ceremony took place at the Plenary Hall, International Convention Centre in Berakas on the morning of September 3rd.
According to Radio Television Brunei, the reading of Surah Al-Fatihah was led by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Doctor Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti. Upon arrival, His Majesty was greeted by Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Setia Doctor Dayang Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd. Salleh, Minister of Education, and Datin Paduka Professor Doctor Dayang Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman, Vice Chancellor of UTB.
Also in attendance was His Royal Highness Prince Doctor Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, acting as Pro-Chancellor of UTB. For the first time, the UTB Mushaf was used during the convocation ceremony.
The reading of Surah Al-Baqarah, verses 30 to 33, was presented by Awang Mohammad Naqib Ahwazie bin Mohammad Ali, a Bachelor’s Degree graduate, while Awang Abdul Khaliq bin Saifullizan, a Master’s graduate, presented its interpretation. In her welcoming address, the Vice Chancellor of UTB highlighted the multi-discipline approaches that integrate academic programs with experience-based learning. Following this, His Majesty inaugurated the UTB Mushaf.
The Monarch then delivered the titah of consent to confer the degrees to the graduates. Of the 568 graduates, 13 were conferred PhDs, including the first cohort in the field of Communication. Additionally, 150 Master’s degrees were awarded, marking the first cohort of graduates in Cyber Security under the ‘ASEAN Shield Cyber Security’ scholarship and the first cohort for the Master’s Degree in Architecture. The remaining 405 graduates received Bachelor’s degrees in various fields.
Doa Selamat was read by the State Mufti. The mushaf writing project, among other things, reflects UTB’s commitment to instilling a love of Al-Qur’an among its citizens. For the first time, the UTB Mushaf replaced the Mace at this year’s convocation ceremony.