By Azrol Azmi & Yazdi Yahya
His Royal Highness Prince (Dr) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince, Deputy Sultan and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office in his capacity as the Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam, yesterday consented to launch the Convocation Festival 2007, held in conjunction with the Universiti Brunei Darussalam 19th Convocation Ceremony.
HRH the Crown Prince's arrival was greeted by Dato Paduka Dr Haji Ismail bin Haji Duraman, the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam. The national anthem was played before the start of the ceremony, which was followed by a recital of the Surah al-Fatihah.
After the recital, Dato Paduka Dr Haji Ismail bin Haji Duraman delivered his welcoming remarks. The vice-chancellor expressed his utmost appreciation and gratitude towards HRH the Crown Prince for gracing the ceremony, as it reflected HRH's concern towards the students of UBD, who will be graduating on September 11.
"Although the Convocation Festival is held every year, those who celebrate it each time are different and therefore it should be celebrated by all those associated with UBD. During this year's festival, the public, parents, as well as the academic staff, will also join the celebration in the next few days," he said.
The vice-chancellor continued, "The university campus will be opened to the public and they will be able to enjoy the range of exhibition booths, small stalls, lectures, and various other academic and cultural activities held especially for this event. At the same time, I would also like to express my appreciation to those involved in the organising of this festival, especially the Student Affairs Section, UBD Student Representative Council and sponsors."
The ceremony continued with HRH the Crown Prince graciously launching the Convocation Festival 2007, which will run until September 11. HRH also consented to view the exhibition booths located at Chancellor Hall, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, and took the opportunity to mingle with some of the UBD students and lecturers.
The exhibition booths, which were set up mainly by the university's faculty representatives, aimed to create awareness among the public on the activities and facilities available in UBD. Also among those who are participating in the exhibition are the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei, HSBC and BAG Networks.
- Borneo Bulletin
(2nd September 2007)
