Brunei Showcases AI Innovations and Celebrates Academic Achievements

Innovations in AI, sustainability on display

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, the Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and His Royal Highness Prince (Dr) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, and the Pro-Chancellor of UBD, toured a special exhibition following the 36th UBD Convocation Ceremony yesterday. Academics from Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences (PAPRSB IHS) including Dr Anni @ Nik Ani Afiqah binti Haji Mohamad Tuah, Dr Haji Muhammad Assyafie Hanif Abdul Rahman and Professor Dr Mohd Ayub Sadiq, along with other UBD researchers, presented an artificial intelligence- (AI-) based nationwide health screening process using digital technology, the first of its kind in the world. It has already been set up in the BruHealth application, aimed at risk reduction and early detection of morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer, both top causes of death globally and in the Sultanate. It uses a risk predictive model more accurate than the current World Health Organization (WHO) calculator. To date, over 16,000 and 14,000 individuals have taken up the cardiovascular disease and the colorectal cancer health screening process respectively. Meanwhile, the Centre for Advanced Research (CARe) team, comprising Dr Siti Mazidah binti Haji Mohamad, Dr Shahrimawati binti Haji Sharbini and Dr Hajah Asmah binti Haji Husaini, showcased their efforts to ensure successful ageing in the Sultanate at the exhibition. The team collaborated with local healthcare organisations and community groups to develop and implement specific programmes that address unique healthcare and social needs of the elderly. Two artists from this year's UBD Spectrum: Unveil also presented their masterpieces at the exhibition. Afiq Rafiqin Faiz Al-warits integrated his background in photography with AI artistry, historical research and manual techniques to represent his philosophical approach where technology should enhance and not completely replace human creativity. "By fusing these techniques, I aim to reconnect audiences with the deeper narratives within the Bruneian landscape photos," he said. Nur Azreen Adauwiyah Muhammad Tony Razzaq presented her final project at the exhibition where she reinterpreted the Bruneian folktale Si Kuning into a coloured comic. "This project provides a solution to keeping and maintaining old Bruneian folklore that is gradually fading due to globalisation and technology. By remaking the tale through comics, the tale is revived through modern mediums that can be enjoyed by all ages," she said. This year's UBD Shell Eco-Marathon team 'Belia Tabah' also showcased the prototype electric vehicle Mekar, which broke the national record in the latest Shell Eco-Marathon Asia Pacific and the Middle East 2024 competition held in Lombok, Indonesia, with the vehicle achieving an extraordinary energy efficiency of 285.5km/KWh, surpassing the previous best-ever record by a Bruneian team by over 35km/KWh. In addition to being placed ninth out of over 78 teams from 12 countries, the team was awarded the top prize in a carbon footprint reduction competition with their efforts in sustainable engineering resulting in a total reduction of 2,013 kilogrammes of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions. Apart from showcasing their commitment to environmental stewardship, the achievement is a testament to the team's expertise developed through the general engineering programme at the Faculty of Integrated Technologies (FIT) and aligns with the UBD's dedication to promoting sustainability. - Lyna Mohamad

Royalty grace 36th UBD Convocation Ceremony

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, the Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), presented certificates to 1,158 graduates - 35 PhD, 302 Master's, 787 Bachelor's degree and 34 graduate diploma - at the university's 36th UBD Convocation Ceremony yesterday. His Royal Highness Prince (Dr) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, and the Pro-Chancellor of UBD also attended. Upon arrival, His Majesty and His Royal Highness were received by Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh and UBD Vice-Chancellor Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle. His Majesty presented certificates to PhD and Bachelor's degree graduates in the morning, while His Royal Highness presented certificates to Master's graduates and graduate diploma recipients in the afternoon. The ceremony commenced with State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned leading the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by an undergraduate Haji Muhammad Izzuddin bin Haji Nor Hisham reciting Surah Al-A'raf (Verses 54 to 58), while fellow student Mohd Faiz bin Haji Ariffin delivered its translation. His Majesty delivered a titah and the vice-chancellor delivered a welcoming address, followed by the monarch presenting certificates to the graduates. The ceremony concluded with the recitation of Doa. His Majesty and His Royal Highness also viewed a special exhibition featuring the latest research findings, innovations and student achievements. Yesterday's ceremony also saw the graduation of the first batch of students from the School of Digital Science (SDS). With an initial intake of only 17 students in 2020, the SDS intake has grown to over 40 students per year over the past four years, and since UBD offered the Bachelor of Digital Science programme in August 2020, 170 students have enrolled. Students enrolled in the Bachelor's degree programme can choose to major in computer science, data science, artificial intelligence and robotics, cybersecurity and forensics, and applied artificial intelligence. As a continuation of the convocation celebration, UBD invites graduates to 'The Next Day' from today to August 30, held simultaneously at the Chancellor Hall, Business Library and the Central Lecture Theatre (CLT), where graduates can return to campus with friends and family to take photos and videos in graduation gowns and revisit their favourite faculties and lecturers. There will also be two UBD alumni-run photography studios for graduates to take professional photos. - Lyna Mohamad