| Lyna Mohamad |
THE Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) 28th Convocation Cere-mony over the weekend saw not only a rise in the overall number of graduates but also saw the highest number of doctorate recipients.
In an interview, one of the doctorate recipients Dr Ustaz Zulkifli bin Haji Zakaria, who received his PhD in Brunei studies, noted that the nation’s need for specialists in relevant fields motivated him to pursue his doctorate.
The lecturer and dean of the Faculty of Education at Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) noted that PhD holders comprised professionals who are very much needed in achieving the nation’s Vision 2035.
During the journey of pursuing his doctorate, there were challenges and obstacles he faced as part and parcel of gaining knowledge.
In his case, taking a four-year part-time course was a challenge as he had to balance his work and studies especially in doing research and meeting his supervisors. His strong self-motivation and the support from his family members and colleagues helped him pull through.
A doctorate recipient, Dr Ustaz Zulkifli bin Haji Zakaria, who received his PhD in Brunei studies.
Nur’Izzati binti Mataram, a graduate in Bachelor of Business majoring in Economics.
Meanwhile, a graduate in Bachelor of Business majoring in Economics, 24 year-old Nur’Izzati binti Mataram, shared that she had the privilege to do her 2014 Discovery Year at Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia.
“The idea of being away from home for the very first time and stepping outside my comfort zone was intimidating and it was indeed a memorable chapter of my undergraduate years,” she said.
She added that it was a rewarding experience to be given the opportunity to study in one of the top universities in Indonesia, being exposed to its rich culture and incorporating a little bit of travelling within the semester. Izzati, who is currently in her first semester of Master of Economics by Coursework in UBD added that being a UBD student again has given her time to expand her horizons as she recently participated in the Second Asean Foundation Model Asean Meeting in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic with seven others from Brunei.
“Joining such an event for the very first time was exciting as I met brilliant youths from Asean member countries, attended dialogues with Asean experts and played the minister role in AEC pillar to reach a consensus in ‘the Asean way’ with delegates from other countries,” she added.
Nur Fadhillah binti Haji Madli, a graduate with a First Class (Hons) in BSc Mathematics.
Fellow graduate Nur Fadhillah binti Haji Madli who graduated with a First Class (Hons) in BSc Mathematics is also currently pursuing MSc Mathematics by research at UBD focusing on Survival Analysis. She hopes the statistical techniques can be applied to the analysis of medical data in pursuit of improving the quality of life (in terms of health) in line with Brunei Vision 2035.
Asked about unemployment rate especially among graduates, she noted that it is inevitable, adding that young graduates should seize any opportunity to utilise their knowledge and skills to contribute to Brunei’s development.
“We should work together to understand the issues that Brunei is currently facing and do thorough research on what needs to be done. This is where our set of skills in different specialisations can be put to good use,” she added.
She also extended her gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the government for awarding her the scholarship to pursue her undergraduate studies at UBD. She urged youths to work hard and be more proactive towards realising their future goals as well as the nation’s visions and embrace the challenges and turn them to opportunities to grow and achieve great things.
Aqilah Nawwarah binti Haji Abdul Rajak, a graduate in BSc Mathematics (Statistics Stream). – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI
Twenty-three-year-old graduate in BSc Mathematics (Statistics Stream), Aqilah Nawwarah binti Haji Abdul Rajak shared that she went through a difficult phase in her final year of her course within the four years of studying in UBD but was thankful to the very helpful lecturers in guiding her.
“To succeed in my studies, career and life would definitely bring plenty of happiness,” she added.
Also pursuing her studies in UBD, she enrolled in the Master of Management programme and plans to specialise in Information and Knowledge Management when asked how she would contribute to the economic growth of the nation.
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