(Bandar Seri Begawan, 12th) Since its establishment, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) has always upheld the philosophy of "pursuing human perfection." This vision is the true purpose of higher education, not only to produce graduates with academic excellence, but also to shape individuals of noble character, profound thought, and integrity. Even as the world changes rapidly, this goal has never wavered.
His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei delivered a royal address yesterday morning at the 38th Convocation Ceremony held at UBD Chancellor Hall.
His Majesty pointed out that today, education also faces the challenge of the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Artificial intelligence is changing the way we learn, work, and make decisions.
In his view, it is not enough for universities to simply produce graduates proficient in AI. More importantly, universities should nurture graduates who can use technology prudently and responsibly, and who value ethics, good manners, and mature thinking.
"However, on the technology front, I welcome UBD's launch of its Digital Transformation Blueprint, which signifies that the university is moving towards innovating teaching, research, and governance through digital technology. But I hope that UBD will truly become a leader in this transformation."
"Let this digital platform become a support for achieving the real goal of nurturing highly skilled outstanding graduates."
At the same time, His Majesty added that it is important to remember that if there is moral decay or corruption, outstanding academic achievements alone are meaningless.
His Majesty said that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah grant him peace and blessings) said in a reliable hadith recorded in Sahih Bukhari: "The best among you are those of the best character."
With this in mind, His Majesty welcomes UBD’s introduction of the "GenBESTARI" course starting this September.
"GenBESTARI is not just a curriculum reform, but also a philosophy for nurturing graduates who are well-rounded, knowledgeable, of good character, resilient, digitally literate, and lifelong learners."
"I hope that the success of GenBESTARI will be measured not just by the number of courses implemented, but more importantly, by how it cultivates each graduate’s mindset and enhances their human values."
His Majesty praised UBD for its continuous commitment to enhancing graduates’ employability through career guidance and comprehensive industrial training, as a proactive effort to reduce graduate unemployment rates.
His Majesty further pointed out that our national higher education institutions should continue to strengthen strategic cooperation with industries and adjust academic programs in a timely manner to meet the needs of the job market.
His Majesty stated that Brunei possesses a peaceful and stable environment, upholds Islamic values, and its unique appeal attracts students from all over the world.
"This is the Brunei brand we need to showcase to the world. UBD is at the heart of this brand. The presence of international students also enhances UBD’s reputation."
To promote economic growth, His Majesty welcomes the UBD Innovation Centre project under the Twelfth National Development Plan.
His Majesty hopes that this project will strengthen the national culture of innovation and the ecosystem, and promote the transformation of research results into marketable products. He further stated that this initiative will nurture graduates equipped with digital skills and competitiveness.
His Majesty was very pleased to extend his sincerest congratulations to all graduates for successfully completing their studies. His Majesty stated that such success is undoubtedly inseparable from the relentless efforts and devoted prayers of parents.
"Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all at UBD, including members of the Board, the University Council, the Vice-Chancellor, key officials, scholars, faculty and staff, and everyone who has contributed to UBD’s development."
At the event, His Majesty conferred degrees and presented certificates to 1,181 graduates, covering a wide range of disciplines, including Doctorate, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Health Sciences, and Bachelor of Science in Digital Economy.
His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei delivered a royal address yesterday morning at the 38th Convocation Ceremony held at UBD Chancellor Hall.
His Majesty pointed out that today, education also faces the challenge of the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Artificial intelligence is changing the way we learn, work, and make decisions.
"However, on the technology front, I welcome UBD's launch of its Digital Transformation Blueprint, which signifies that the university is moving towards innovating teaching, research, and governance through digital technology. But I hope that UBD will truly become a leader in this transformation."
"Let this digital platform become a support for achieving the real goal of nurturing highly skilled outstanding graduates."
At the same time, His Majesty added that it is important to remember that if there is moral decay or corruption, outstanding academic achievements alone are meaningless.
His Majesty said that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah grant him peace and blessings) said in a reliable hadith recorded in Sahih Bukhari: "The best among you are those of the best character."
With this in mind, His Majesty welcomes UBD’s introduction of the "GenBESTARI" course starting this September.
"GenBESTARI is not just a curriculum reform, but also a philosophy for nurturing graduates who are well-rounded, knowledgeable, of good character, resilient, digitally literate, and lifelong learners."
"I hope that the success of GenBESTARI will be measured not just by the number of courses implemented, but more importantly, by how it cultivates each graduate’s mindset and enhances their human values."
His Majesty praised UBD for its continuous commitment to enhancing graduates’ employability through career guidance and comprehensive industrial training, as a proactive effort to reduce graduate unemployment rates.
His Majesty further pointed out that our national higher education institutions should continue to strengthen strategic cooperation with industries and adjust academic programs in a timely manner to meet the needs of the job market.
His Majesty stated that Brunei possesses a peaceful and stable environment, upholds Islamic values, and its unique appeal attracts students from all over the world.
"This is the Brunei brand we need to showcase to the world. UBD is at the heart of this brand. The presence of international students also enhances UBD’s reputation."
To promote economic growth, His Majesty welcomes the UBD Innovation Centre project under the Twelfth National Development Plan.
His Majesty hopes that this project will strengthen the national culture of innovation and the ecosystem, and promote the transformation of research results into marketable products. He further stated that this initiative will nurture graduates equipped with digital skills and competitiveness.
His Majesty was very pleased to extend his sincerest congratulations to all graduates for successfully completing their studies. His Majesty stated that such success is undoubtedly inseparable from the relentless efforts and devoted prayers of parents.
"Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all at UBD, including members of the Board, the University Council, the Vice-Chancellor, key officials, scholars, faculty and staff, and everyone who has contributed to UBD’s development."
At the event, His Majesty conferred degrees and presented certificates to 1,181 graduates, covering a wide range of disciplines, including Doctorate, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Health Sciences, and Bachelor of Science in Digital Economy.