His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, in his capacity as the Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), yesterday consented to grace the university's 24th Convocation ceremony at UBD's Chancellor Hall.

Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince (Dr) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, in his capacity as the Pro-Chancellor of UBD.

Upon their arrival, His Majesty was greeted by the Minister of Education, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Abu Bakar bin Hj Apong; Dato Paduka Dr Hj Zulkarnain bin Hj Hanafi the Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) and Vice Chancellor of UBD as well as other senior UBD staff.

Prior to the ceremony's commencement, verses of al-Quran were recited by a student, Norhafshah Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Hj Mustafa.

The convocation ceremony had 1,017 graduates receive their certificates from His Majesty, including the awarding of a PhD in Education to Dyg Norhijrah Hj Ahmad. In addition, 248 graduates received their Masters qualifications - an increase of 52 per cent from 2011.

Among the Masters qualifications presented, some were presented for the very first time, including a Master of Health, Master of Logistics, Master of Science in Energy Studies, Master of Science in Computing New Media, Master of Counselling, Master of Arts in Southeast Asian Studies and a Master of Arts in New Media.

UBD will continue to work closely with stakeholders in planning its programmes and curriculum to ensure its graduates possess knowledge relevant to Brunei's development.

Some of UBD's recent initiatives also include the introduction of a 'Global Classroom', which allows students to learn in cooperation with other universities abroad via multi-site video-conferencing.

The Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Science successfully implemented the Global Classroom earlier this month, which was carried out through the introduction of a global health study module that involved real-time video conferencing with Seoul National University, Korea; University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan; National Taiwan University; National University of Singapore; and the International Institute of Global Health, Malaysia.

UBD has also introduced a Bursary Award scholarship that makes locals eligible to pursue a PhD qualification at the university.

Yesterday's Convocation ceremony continued in the afternoon with the awarding of diplomas to 148 graduates, where the Diploma GenNext in a Diploma of Nursing and Diploma of Midwifery, were presented for the first time. - Borneo Bulletin (16 September 2012)