19 July 2021 – Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) welcomed more than 600 commencing student’s intake of the academic year 2021/2022 with an orientation week as they settle into university life before the start of the academic year. The 2021/2022 intake is made up of Undergraduate Degree programmes, Taught Masters and Graduate Research students.
As part of welcoming new students, the first day of the orientation week commenced with the Vice-Chancellor’s Address by Yang Mulia Professor Dr. Dayang Hajah Zohrah binti Hj Sulaiman, Vice-Chancellor of UTB.
The event began with the recitation of Al-Qur’an verses by Yang Mulia Awang Md Nur Hazim Wafiuddin bin Haji Kamaruzaman and the translation was read by Yang Mulia Awangku Ahmadi bin Pengiran Idrus, both are undergraduate students from the Faculty of Engineering and UTB School of Business respectively. It was then followed by the Welcoming Address by the Vice-Chancellor.
The Vice-Chancellor of UTB began with welcoming and congratulating the new students on being accepted to further their study at the university. “This year, we also enrol for the first time students from the Centre For Communication, Teaching & Learning (CCTL) and other new programmes offered by School of Design and School of Applied Sciences and Mathematics (SASM).” She added that except for Engineering programmes, the new students will be studying for 3 years with the university.
Professor Dr. Dayang Hajah Zohrah shared the university’s vision – To become A Global University Impacting Society, which is also reflected in the mission statement, To nurture socially responsible talents deeply rooted in MIB values, and committed to building a global and entrepreneurial society in pursuit of innovation, industry-relevant capabilities, towards the fulfillment of Brunei Vision 2035. While aiming to be globally competent, she would like to emphasis on the importance of instilling MIB values, be it inside or outside the University.
Students are encouraged to strive to achieve their fullest potential, therefore it is important to plan and have enough time to study, make full use of the library and e-learning resources. “Always remember that you are not alone in this journey. We support your endeavour, especially your Faculty/School, Administration, the Student Affairs and Bodies,” she said.
“We will help student to achieve a work-life balance in the university, there are countless number of clubs and societies that you can join.” She added that employers are looking for students and graduates who have a range of skills, personal qualities and experience, which will help them to be productive in the workplace.
According to Professor Dr. Dayang Hajah Zohrah, it is crucial to expose students to the community early on in their studies – long before graduation. In fact, there are 13 community outreach activities that are incorporated in the orientation programme. “Students love being able to stand up for what they believe is right, and UTB can help foster this excitement by providing you with ample opportunities for involvement.”
The event that took place at Multi-purpose Hall, UTB was continued with an oath taking of the new intake in front of the university’s principal officers, lecturers and staff.
The UTB Orientation Week 2021 is organised by the Student Affairs Office and Student Representative Council of UTB (MPPUTB) starting today, 19 July until 25 July 2021. The one-week orientation programme is packed with wide variety of activities especially designed to assist the new students in adapting to university life.
Briefing sessions with various departments, faculty and schools are to be held to help the students familiarise with the facilities and services available at the university. The students are hoped to gain further insights on the academic programmes and will meet their programme lecturers who will be supporting them in their academic journey. The students will also be given a tour around the campus.
Other exciting activities include physical and mental health team activities and series of talks comprised of motivation, counseling, religious, entrepreneurial and Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB). The talks will be conducted by guest speakers from Jabatan Adat Istiadat Negara, Brunei Darussalam AIDS Council, Pusat Dakwah Islamiah, Curious Mind and Mavens’ Hives.
The orientation also includes Volunteer Programme as part of the free flow orientation programme from 23 – 24 July 2021. To conclude the orientation programme, the new students will be participating at the Varsity Run 2021 jointly organised by Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), UTB and Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan (KUPUSB).
Prior to the orientation week, Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) booths were set up at the campus to showcase the wide range of activities, organisations and clubs for the new intake to explore and register.
