10th Issue : 31 August 2016

Contents

Foreword by the Vice-Chancellor

FEATURESUTB Staff Excellence Awards 2016

International Finance and Banking Society (IFABS)

Asia 2016 Brunei Conference

UTB joins ATU-Net and renews link with UTM

Congratulations to the newly appointed Principal

Officers, Deputies, Programme Leaders and

Coordinators (01 July 2016 – 30 June 2017)

Civil Engineering undergraduates complete research

internship in Hong Kong

UNIVERSITY EVENTS CIPTA Launching & Roadshow

UTB marks completion of 30-times Quran Reading

with Khatam Ceremony

UTB welcomes over 300 new students

STAFF NEWSTwelve staff receive State Decoration and Medal

SPTA documentation workshop

UTB academics highlight opportunities and dangers

of the cyber world in Knowledge Convention 2016

UTB welcomes...

UTB bids farewell to...

STUDENT NEWSMechanical Engineering students showcase projects

Multinational company hosts UTB students

Global company hosts UTB students

SPE-UTB Student Chapter launched

Ramadhan Community Engagement

Nurhazirah Johari represents Brunei in 7th Model

ASEM

Learning from Singapore’s experience in

entrepreneurship development

UTB student athletes represent Brunei in the ASEAN

University Games

Total Energy Summer School in France

UTB compete in UiTM International Sports Fiesta

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RESEARCH NEWS19 projects receive internal research fund

OTHER NEWSSwansea University and UTB discuss energy

research

Isra’ Mi’raj talk encourages steadfastness

Seminar on Seismic Strengthening of RC

Building Structure

Visits from overseas universities

UTB School of Business students visit BIBD

Securities

CIE’s I-Talk Series Opens

ContactInternational and Public Relations Officeipro.office@utb.edu.bn

Editorial BoardHj Ady Syarmin Hj Taib,Siti Asmahlati Bolkini A Hj Ahmad, Mohammad Fakhri bin Hj Badar,Siti Noorfatimah Hj Awg Safar

Foreword

Alhamdulillah, praise to Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala, we are able to publish the Tenth issue of Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) Pulse.

This issue features, amongst others, UTB Staff Excellence Award 2016, International Finance and Banking Society (IFABS) Asia 2016 Brunei Conference and UTB joining Asia Technological University Network or ATU-Net.

UTB realises the importance of providing a conducive working environment for its employees, for them to have the opportunity to excel and develop a successful career. UTB prides itself on the calibre of its people, from internationally recognised academic leaders

in their fields to talented professionals and admin staff providing technical expertise. Staff Excellence Award recognises and rewards the outstanding and valuable contribution of staff to the success of UTB in achieving its strategic goals. It does not only aim to celebrate and honour the recipients, but most importantly is to gather and boost staff’s morale at UTB. This year, we include ‘Special Mention’ category for Academic, Research and Administration Excellence Awards. It aims to give recognition to recipients who have been shortlisted in the finals.

On internationalisation front, I am proud for UTB to host IFABS Asia 2016 and become a founding member of ATU-Net. Other news include research, CIPTA launching and roadshow, 30-times Quran reading with khatam ceremony, orientation event, students’ activities, visits and UTB staff receiving state decoration and medal.

I hope you will enjoy reading the 10th issue of UTB Pulse.

Wabillahi Taufik Walhidayah Wassalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.

Zohrah Sulaiman

Associate Professor Dr Hjh Zohrah Hj SulaimanVice-ChancellorUniversiti Teknologi Brunei

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Features

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14 July 2016 – A total of ten staff received the Excellence Awards and nine received the Special Mention in the respective categories for Teaching, Research and Administration. The Awards and Special Mention certificates were presented by the Honourable Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, Minister of Education. Each recipient of the Excellence Awards received a plaque, certificate of recognition and cash prize of $1,000.00. Those awarded the Special Mention received a certificate.

The Staff Excellence Awards were first introduced last year with the aim to recognise and reward the outstanding and valuable contribution of staff to the success of the University in achieving its strategic goals.

Associate Professor Dr. Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman highlighted in her welcoming address that UTB prides itself on the calibre of its people, from internationally-recognised academic leaders in their fields to talented professionals and administrative staff providing technical expertise. The Vice-Chancellor also announced the introduction of the ‘Special Mention’ category under the Teaching, Research and Administration Excellence Awards which was aimed at giving recognition to recipients who had been shortlisted in the finals.

The Awards ceremony was held in a festive Hari Raya spirit with departments within UTB decorating their booths in style and showcasing a diverse selection of delicacies. The best Hari Raya booth

this year went to the Administration/Library/ Estates with their nautical-themed decoration.

The recipients of the Excellence Awards and Special Mention were:

TEACHING EXCELLENCE AWARD

Dr. Hj Afzaal H Seyal Senior Lecturer, School of Computing & Informatics

Associate Professor Dr. David Geraint Hassell Associate Professor, Petroleum & Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering

Dr. Ulaganathan Subramanian Principal Lecturer, UTB School of Business TEACHING EXCELLENCE AWARD SPECIAL MENTION Professor Zuruzi Abu Samah Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering

Dr. Wida Susanty bin Haji Suhaili Senior Lecturer, Computer Network Security, School of Computing & Informatics

Dr. Shahriar Shams Senior Lecturer, Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Awang Soh Seng Hu Senior Lecturer, Accounting Programme Area, UTB School of Business

UTB Staff Excellence Awards 2016

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Dr. Lee Kok Yueh Lecturer, Centre for Communication, Teaching & Learning RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AWARD EARLY CAREER ACADEMIC

Associate Professor Dr. Jaya Narayana Sahu Associate Professor, Petroleum & Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Dr Mohamed Saleem Haja Nazmudeen Senior Lecturer, UTB School of Business RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AWARD SENIOR CAREER ACADEMIC Professor Dr. Fushuan Wen Professor, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Associate Professor Dr. Somnuk Phon-Amnuaisuk Associate Professor, School of Computing & Informatics RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AWARD SENIOR CAREER ACADEMIC SPECIAL MENTION

Dr. Md Abdus Salam Senior Lecturer, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Awang Haji Mohd Noah bin Haji Abd Rahman Senior Lecturer, Computing & Information Systems,School of Computing & Informatics

ADMINISTRATIVE EXCELLENCE FOR MANAGEMENT & PROFESSIONAL Awang Lim Chui Hua Deputy Registrar Administration, Registrar’s Office ADMINISTRATIVE EXCELLENCE FOR TECHNICIANS Awang Mohamad Kamarulzaman bin Haji Abdullah Chief Laboratory Technician, Estates Office ADMINISTRATIVE EXCELLENCE FOR TECHNICIANS SPECIAL MENTION

Awang Kamarudjaman bin Abu Bakar Senior Laboratory Technician, Faculty of Engineering ADMINISTRATIVE EXCELLENCE FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT STAFF Dayang Hajah Siti Mariam binti Haji Amit Office Assistant, Registrar’s Office ADMINISTRATIVE EXCELLENCE FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT STAFF SPECIAL MENTION

Dayang Hajah Noraidah Binti Haji Madin Assistant Library Officer Grade 1, UTB Library

UTB Staff Excellence Awards 2016

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TEACHING EXCELLENCE UTBPulse : What subjects do you teach ? Dr Afzaal : I teach various subjects throughout the academic year such as Emerging Technologies, Research Methods, Information Systems Management, Ethics, Legal and Privacy (ELP) Issues in Information Systems, Internet & Society, E-Business Technologies and E-Government to BSc (Hons) in Internet Computing and BSc (Hons) in Computing undergraduates and Taught Masters. I am also currently supervising one Masters by Research student.

Dr Ulaganathan : I am teaching Governance and Risks, Structured Financial Derivatives, Advanced Performance Management and Accounting Information Systems to undergraduates in the BBus (Hons) in Accounting and Information Systems and BBus (Hons) in Finance and eBusiness programmes. UTBPulse : What has been your teaching ethos ? Dr Afzaal : My teaching philosophy is based on student-centered and not the teacher-centered. I promote problem solving and

Up close with UTB Staff Excellence Awardees

Dr. Hj Afzaal H Seyal

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regularly give case studies to my students to improve critical thinking. I always go to my class with a lesson plan, a template that allows me as a facilitator to plan my lesson well in advance and to deal with anticipatory classroom dialogue management. This has also improved time management. Dr Ulaganathan : Fostering ‘critical thinking and critical reading’ has been my teaching ethos. Knowledge is not certain, it is contextual and it has multi-perspectives. UTBPulse : In your opinion, how would an ideal teaching & learning in the higher education sector look like ? Dr Afzaal : In my opinion, the ideal teaching and learning could be further enhanced by investing and applying new methodologies such as problem-based teaching/learning and developing constructivism approach especially for subjects that are comparatively more logical such as mathematics, statistical modelling and programming. I have done extensive research and published four papers on improving teaching/learning pedagogy at the institutions of higher learning. Dr Ulaganathan : Interactive classes are important for quality teaching and learning. Usage of appropriate technology is differentiating higher education institutions in attracting the students.

Up close with UTB Staff Excellence Awardees

Dr. Ulaganathan Subramanian

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RESEARCH EXCELLENCE

UTBPulse : What are the goals of your current research?

Dr Saleem : In broader terms , my research goals are to have an impact on society by improving their quality of life and to help Brunei Darussalam achieve self-sufficiency in its economy. As a technologist, I started my research career focusing on core computer networking especially in the area of Application Oriented Networking (AON). As I am currently associated with UTB, a technological university, I shifted my focus to applied research such as smart grids, smart farming, and business data analytics so as to align with the research goals of UTB. In particular, I am currently working on Internet of Things (IoT)-based smart farming to help Brunei Darussalam achieve self-sufficiency in its food production.

Dr Jaya Narayan : My long term research goal is to file patents and commercialise the research outcomes and to generate funding to the host institute in the process.

Associate Professor Dr Somnuk : My current research goal can be categorised under the ‘Smart Spaces’ (SmS) area. SmS is about putting computational intelligence in all objects. This will be possible as soon as the cost of computing is goes down. Computing will be just a service as the electricity is now.

Professor Dr Fushuan : I always make great efforts to carry out leading theoretical research work in selected research areas in modern power systems around the globe, and to implement some developed methods and algorithms into power industry for improving the security and economics of actual power system operation.My major research interests include power

Dr Mohamed Saleem Haja Nazmudeen

Associate Professor Dr. Jaya Narayana Sahu

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economics and electricity markets; power system investment, planning and operation optimization; smart grids and electricity markets; power system alarm processing, fault diagnosis and system restoration. He has already achieved some world-level research outcomes. I have published more than 400 journal papers, more than 100 conference papers, and more than 470 papers are Scopus-indexed. The number of my Google academic citation is more than 6900 while that of Scopus academic citation is more than 4600. I was listed in ‘Most Cited Chinese Researchers’ in 2015, released by Elsevier on January 26, 2016. UTBPulse : What do you think is the highlight of your research works so far?

Dr Saleem : The highlight of my work so far is that most of it can be applied to the industry with little fine tuning. Such contributions include:• Improved throughput for Power Line Communication (PLC) for Smart Meters using Fog Computing based Data

aggregation approach• A Cross-Layer Framework for Sensor Data Aggregation for IoT Applications in Smart Cities• Underlay-Aware Distributed Service Discovery Architecture with Intelligent Message Routing• Performance comparison of packet transmission over IPv6 network on different platforms Dr Jaya Narayan : During the course of my research, I have received prestigious international awards, scholarships, honors, patents and wrote books, book chapters and also published papers in reputed high impact journals.

Associate Professor Dr. Somnuk Phon-Amnuaisuk

Professor Dr. Fushuan Wen

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Associate Professor Dr Somnuk : I was trained as an electrical engineer and started my career as a field engineer with Schlumberger. I later decided to join the world of academia and was fortunate enough to be accepted into the PhD programme of the Artificial Intelligence Department, Edinburgh University. Most of my research works revolve around intelligent computing and applications of intelligent computing, SmS is one of such applications.SmS aims to provide a working environment that seamlessly connects all resources through a state-of-the-art connectivity. SmS provides intuitive ways to perform tasks through ergonomically-designed space and advanced interactive technology such as gesture recognition and virtual environment. In short, SmS provides a cognitive efficient working platform by integrating advanced design, ICT, Engineering and AI technology. Professor Dr Fushuan : My most significant academic contributions are in power system fault diagnosis and electricity markets. I developed several analytical models for power system fault diagnosis, and has published more than 60 journal papers in this area with extensive citations. The analytical fault diagnosis models have been implemented in commercial software packages, and used by several power companies in China.

My publications in electricity markets have been cited for more than 3800 times. Some methods have been implemented in commercial software packages, and used by several power companies in China. UTBPulse : What skills do you think are most important for a successful career in research?

Dr Saleem : Independence, critical thinking, effective collaboration with peers in other disciplines are the key skills one need to

have for building a successful career in research. On top of those, as an academic, balancing research with teaching and other academic administration responsibilities is also an equally important skill one needs to possess so as to be successful in research. Dr Jaya Narayan : Hard work, good environment, active team, good research scholars, and research facilities, all integrate for a successful career in research.

Associate Professor Dr Somnuk : I think there are three factors and one tool. The three factors are passion, knowledge and health. Passion keeps you stay focus on the problem, breadth and depth of knowledge allows you to not blindly search for a solution and health ensures that you have enough energy to keep on going. The one tool is the scientific method: scientific thinking and creativity will guide you there. I have to say that my definition of a successful career is measured by the understanding of the research domain which could be very subjective.

Professor Dr Fushuan : In my opinion, interest in research work is the most important driving force for a successful research career. If someone is interested in research, he/she will enjoy the research procedure and devote his/her time and efforts, no matter whether the outcome is a success or failure. If someone is not interested in research, he/she will feel that doing research is a very suffering procedure.

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ADMINISTRATIVE EXCELLENCE

UTBPulse : What does your job entail ?

Lim Chui Hua: In my capacity as a Deputy Registrar (Administration), I oversee the general administration of the university such as Human Resources, Administrative matters, Establishment Board matters and Disciplinary matters as well as managing the legislation and regulations of the University’s constitution, statutes and regulations and in managing projects/activities under the Registrar’s Office.

UTBPulse : What do you consider as the most important highlight in your career in UTB so far? Lim Chui Hua : I have joined the management team of UTB for about five years since 2011. In those years, I had some good opportunities to contribute to the development of UTB particularly in the service delivery of Human Resources, Administration and Establishment Board Matters as well as to increase the efficiency level.

Some of the contributions that I have made through my work at the university include (1) Production of the ITB Staff Handbook: Personnel Matters for Expatriate Staff published in July 2012 as a guide and reference for new contract staff and those currently in-service with UTB; (2) Initiating the transfer from the Public Service Department of all the work processes involved in the recruitment and selection of both academic and non-academic posts, appointments, coordination of contract staff coming to UTB and contract

agreement; (3) Production of Academic Promotions Policy and Guidelines for Promotion to Senior Lecturer, Principal Lecturer, Associate Professor and Professor in 2013; (4) Handling of graduation robes for graduates, Principal Officers, Council members for the inaugural convocation ceremony held in 2013. These include making robe for His Majesty the Chancellor and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince the Pro-Chancellor, and added on the local weaving trimmings for the robes; (5) Production of a digital presentation of artefacts such as robes, furniture and their descriptions and including some segments of the inaugural convocation ceremony held in 2013 for the first ITB Convocation Festival 2014 with the theme ‘Past.Present.Future’. This digital presentation involved team work with staff and students; (6) Development of the Matrix Criteria for both Academic Recruitment and Academic Migration based on the approved new scheme of service for academic staff in 2014; (7) Lead the Secretariat of the University Migration Committee since 2015 that involve processing recommendations of staff for migration to the new scheme of service; (8) Development of a guiding principle for the appointment of Adjunct Faculty as suggested by the Vice-Chancellor in March 2016; and (9) Production of the UTB Staff Handbook for UTB Staff Account Personnel in May 2016.

Besides that, I have also mentored and coached my colleagues from Assistant Registrars to Administrative Assistant, Confidential Clerks and Clerks by continuing to pass on my skills and knowledge.

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UTBPulse : In your opinion, what constitutes an efficient and effective administration?

Lim Chui Hua: I believe in working sincerely, respecting deadlines of work/projects assigned to, work hand in hand with relevant offices, always have in mind to deliver service at the utmost excellent level, and importantly to plan ahead as Benjamin Franklin once said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.”

Last but not least, we shall try our best to produce manuals/handbooks if there has not been any yet, update procedures and guidelines from time to time, always attempting to think ‘outside of the box’ and not to be complacent.

Lim Chui Hua

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SPECIAL MENTIONS

Dr Shahriar Shams

“I sincerely believe that teaching is a very rewarding and challenging job. A good and sincere teacher remains immortal and ever shining in the memories of the students. The success of a teacher lies on how easily he handles a topic, no matter how difficult it is, and make it transparent to his students. I seek the favour of Almighty Allah.”

Dr Wida Susanty Hj Suhaili

“The Mediocre Teacher Tells, The Good Teacher explains, The Superior Teacher Demonstrates and The Great Teacher inspires.” (William Arthur Ward). The goal of my teaching and learning philosophy is active learning and to inspire. As a lecturer, you have the opportunity to reap what you sow. One of the ways to make a difference is to pass values such as patience, encouragement and motivation. Students will leave UTB and become leaders of the future and we should instill all good values and inspire all these to them in the hope for a better future.

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Dr. Md Abdus Salam

“I have completed a project on grounding philosophy, transmission lines and substations for Department of Electrical Services (DES) and Berakas Power Management Company (BPMC) in Brunei Darussalam using Fluke 1625 equipment and CYME GRD software. Recently, I have investigated the availability of wind potential throughout the coastal belt of Brunei Darussalam and published in a journal. A research on installing suitable wind turbine to the motor bike for fuel efficiency has been recently completed through a project awarded by the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB). My most recent project involves the “Study and Design on Induced Voltage on the Pipeline at the Power Transmission Corridor” for Petrokon Utama Sdn Bhd.”

Professor Zuruzi Abu Samah

“It has been a joy to interact with UTB students. They are polite, friendly and accommodating. Teaching is a two-way process and I thank them for this opportunity.”

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International Finance and Banking Society (IFABS) Asia 2016 Brunei Conference

UTB School of Business and the Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD) co-organised the International Finance and Banking Society (IFABS) Asia 2016 Brunei Conference from 16-18 August 2016 with the theme ‘Corporate Finance Decisions in a Changing Global Environment’. It was organised in collaboration with the University of Oxford, University of Nottingham, University of Sheffield and University of Hull. The Honourable Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, Minister of Education and Deputy Chairman of AMBD officially opened the conference on 16 August 2016 at the Main Conference Hall of the International Convention Centre, Berakas. Also present at the opening ceremony were Associate Professor Dr. Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman, Vice-Chancellor of UTB, Professor Meryem Duygun, President of IFABS and Dr. Mark Rhodes, Co-chairperson of IFABS Asia Brunei Conference. Awang Yusof bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Managing Director of AMBD presented a keynote paper, entitled ‘Islamic Finance – Steps for a better tomorrow’. Other keynote presentations during the conference were from Professor William Megginson, Professor and Price Chair in Finance at the University of Oklahoma on ‘The New Global Privatization Wave’; Professor Naoyuki Yoshino, Dean, Asian Development Bank

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Institute on ‘SME Finance and Infrastructure Finance for Asian Economic Development’; and Mr. Ashishkumar Chauhan, CEO, Bombay Stock Exchange on ‘Changing Contours of Global Capital Markets’. Over 50 papers were presented at the conference encompassing the conference theme. The IFABS Conferences aim to provide a forum for discussion and critical analysis of the major financial and banking challenges as well as networking amongst academics, policymakers, research students and practitioners. Founded in 2008 in the United Kingdom, IFABS, with over 3,500 members from over 60 countries, is one of the world’s leading organizations dedicated to the promotion of research in banking and finance. The Society is recognized for the top quality research meetings and conferences it organizes throughout the world. A Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony was also held at the Royal Berkshire Hall, Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club, Jerudong. At the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of UTB presented the ‘IFABS Best Paper Award’ to Mr. Peter Swan from the University of New South Wales, Australia with his paper entitled The Complementary Roles of Board Incentives and Market Monitoring: Theory and Evidence. Meanwhile, Mr. Yong Kil Ahn from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology received the ‘IFABS Best PhD Paper Award’ with his paper entitled Capital Heterogeneity, Volatility Risk, and the Value Premium.

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of the participating universities to create active and effective alliances in research and education through the UPF. The Forum was organised by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and co-hosted by Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, University of Southampton, and Netherlands Maritime Institute of Technology. UPF is a platform to discuss current issues relating

11 August 2016 - UTB has become one of the founding members of the Asia Technological University Network (ATU-Net) together with other universities from Malaysia, Thailand, Korea, Japan, Indonesia, India and China. The network was officially launched on 09 August 2016 at the 8th University Presidents Forum (UPF) 2016 held at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). ATU-Net aims to strengthen the efforts

UTB joins ATU-Net and renews link with UTM

University presidents of the ATU-Net at the launch of the new network

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UTB joins ATU-Net and renews link with UTM

to higher education and to outline strategy and action plan to improve collaboration and cooperation among the participating universities. Also in the same event, UTB renews its formal link with UTM by signing a Memorandum of Understanding that provides a platform for academic and research collaborations, including staff and student mobility between

the two universities. The MOU was signed by Associate Professor Dr. Hjh Zohrah binti Hj Sulaiman, the Vice-Chancellor of UTB and Professor Ir. Datuk Dr. Wahid Omar, the Vice-Chancellor of UTM. According to QS ranking in 2016, UTM is ranked 63rd and third in Asia and Malaysia respectively.

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Congratulations to the newly appointed Principal Officers, Deputies, Programme Leaders and Coordinators

(01 July 2016 – 30 June 2017)

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ASSISTANT VICE-CHANCELLORS Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Industry & Services)Pg Dr Hj Md Esa Al-Islam Bin Pg Hj Md Yunus Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Research)Professor Dr Nawaf Saeid Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Academic)Dr Hjh Noor Maya binti Haji Md Salleh DEANS - FACULTY/SCHOOL/CENTRE Dean of Faculty of EngineeringProfessor Dr Eric Dimla Dean UTB School of BusinessDr Haji Saleem bin Haji Nazmudeen Dean School of Computing & InformaticsDr Au Thein Wan Dean of Centre for Communication, Teaching and LearningDr Anil Laxman Pathak Dean of Graduate Studies and ResearchProfessor Dr Guo Zhen Ren

DIRECTORS - RESEARCH CENTRES Director of Centre for Transport ResearchDr Tan Soon Jiann Director of Centre for Innovative EngineeringAssociate Professor Dr Somnuk Phon-amnuaisuk DEANS/DIRECTORS - SERVICES Director of Industry Liaison OfficeDyg Jennifer Voon Nyuk Hiong Dean of Student AffairsAwg Joffry bin Hj Bungsu Director of International and Public Relations OfficeAwg Hj Ady Syarmin bin Hj Md Taib

Director of ICT CentreDyg Yeo Sy Mey

DEPUTY DEANS / DIRECTORS Deputy Dean (Academic) Faculty of EngineeringDr Hajah Ena Kartina binti Haji Abd Rahman Deputy Dean (Research) Faculty of EngineeringDr Md Motiar Rahman Deputy Dean UTB School of BusinessDr Fahmi Ibrahim Deputy Dean School of Computing & InformaticsDr Mohammad Saiful bin Haji Omar

Deputy Dean School of Applied Sciences & MathematicsDr Namasivayam Navaranjan

Deputy Dean of Graduate Studies and ResearchProfessor Dr Zuruzi bin Abu Samah

Deputy Dean Centre for Communication, Teaching and LearningMuhammad Al-Qusyairi bin Haji Abd Kahar

Deputy Dean of Student AffairsDayangku Ida Nurul Fitri binti Pengiran Haji Kahar

Deputy Director of International and Public Relations OfficeDyg Siti Asmahlati Bolkini binti Haji Ahmad

Deputy Director of ICT CentreDayangku Hajah Noralam binti Pengiran Haji Tuah

Deputy Director of Centre for Transport ResearchDr El-Said Mamdouh Mahmoud Zahran

Congratulations to the newly appointed Principal Officers, Deputies, Programme Leaders and Coordinators

(01 July 2016 – 30 June 2017)

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Deputy Director of Quality Assurance Unit,Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Academic) OfficeDr Haji Md Khairul Jaafar bin Haji Masri

Head of Planning & Development, Vice-Chancellor’s OfficeDr Lim Tiong Hoo

PROGRAMME LEADERS Programme Leader of Civil Engineering, Faculty of EngineeringDr Yap Yok Hoe Programme Leader of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Awg Zainidi bin Haji Abd. Hamid Programme Leader of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of EngineeringAwg Mohamed Hairol bin Haji Mohd. Ali

Programme Leader of Petroleum and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of EngineeringAssociate Professor Dr David Geraint Hassell

Programme Leader Economics, UTB School of BusinessDr Kamaruddin Abdul Somad

Programme Leader Accounting, UTB School of BusinessDr Ulaganathan Subramanian

Programme Leader Management, UTB School of BusinessDr Fadzliwati binti Mohiddin

Programme Leader Creative Computing, School of Computing & InformaticsAwg Haji Idham Mashadi bin Haji Mashud

Programme Leader Computer Information System,School of Computing & InformaticsDr Haji Afzaal bin Haji Seyal

Programme Leader computer Network Security,School of Computing & InformaticsDr Wida Susanty binti Haji Suhaili

COORDINATORS Planning and Development CoordinatorsVice-Chancellor’s OfficeDk Dr Noor Muneerah bte Pg Haji JeluddinDr Lee Kok YuehDyg Liana Artini binti Haji Mohd NoorAwg Lim Pang Jen Health, Safety and Environment CoordinatorAssistant Vice-Chancellor (Industry & Services) OfficeDyg Zuliana binti Haji Nayan Material Testing Centre CoordinatorAssistant Vice-Chancellor (Industry & Services) OfficeAwg Ahmad Syamaizar bin Haji Ahmad Professional Advancement Unit CoordinatorAssistant Vice-Chancellor (Industry & Services) OfficeDr Sharina binti Yunus IP and Commercialisation Unit Coordinator,Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Industry & Services) OfficeDyg Hajah Siti Eddyilahwati binti Haji Suhaili

Research CoordinatorAssistant Vice-Chancellor (Research) OfficeAssociate Professor Dr Mohammad Rakib Uddin

Mathematics CoordinatorSchool of Applied Sciences & MathematicsProfessor Dr Duraisamy Sambasivam Sankar

IT and Graphics CoordinatorInternational and Public Relations OfficeDyg Siti Noorfatimah binti Awg Safar @ Haji Safar

Civil Engineering undergraduates complete research internship in Hong Kong

Wong Kam Hrong

Syifaa with the research team

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towards a green-era of wastewater treatment systems, discouraging incineration of sludge and expanding opportunities to acquire resources in the most environmentally-friendly way possible. Another aspiring Civil Engineer, Wong Kam Hrong, worked under the supervision of Professor Zhang Limin, Director of Geotechnical Centrifuge Facility in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Kam Hrong studied rainfall-induced landslides in Hong Kong, a place which has always been experiencing landslides annually leading to numerous fatalities. In order to mitigate the occurrence of landslides, it is important to understand the causes of landslides such as rainfall, natural disasters and human activity. However, most of the landslides occured due to the high amount of rainfall in the country, which makes it important to understand the correlation between rainfall and landslides.

Two Civil Engineering undergraduates have recently completed their two-month research internship at prestigious universities in Hong Kong under the UTB ExperiencePLUS programme. Syifaa Syafiqah Syaza binti Suhaili was attached at the University of Hong Kong under the supervision of Professor Xiao-yan Li, along with doctorate students from China with Environmental and Biological Engineering backgrounds. The research team has spent the last three years doing the research which is set for a pilot experiment by the end of this year. The research is on a novel technology that uses iron-enhanced primary sedimentation and sludge acidogenesis for resources recovery during wastewater treatment. The technology has the potential to be installed as an add-on unit in any conventional wastewater treatment plant. The simple mechanism could be one of the ways

30 April 2016 - The Crown Prince CIPTA Award 2017 was officially launched by The Honourable Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, Minister of Education. CIPTA 2017 is the seventh installment of the biennial competition organized by Universiti Teknologi Brunei, in partnership with Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd, who is also the sponsor.

‘Innovation for Sustainable Economy’ has been chosen as the theme for CIPTA 2017 to highlight the importance of supporting the nation’s vision of cultivating an innovative society that will produce a diversified and sustainable economy based on a culture of knowledge and innovation.

The Crown Prince CIPTA Award Competition has the following objectives: to inspire the youth and public to develop creative products, processes or technology for national and ASEAN aspirations; to encourage inventions and innovations from the participants; to recognise and award creative talents in the country as well as at ASEAN level; to encourage

research and development in Brunei Darussalam; to promote industrial and manufacturing processes, technological products development, commercialisation and entrepreneurship in Brunei Darussalam; to motivate and instill the culture of science, engineering and technology to the youth and the public; and to foster collaborative linkages within Brunei Darussalam and the ASEAN region.

Further information on the competition can be obtained from ww.utb.edu.bn/cipta

To promote the competition to all levels of the community and stimulate interest to participate, roadshows were also conducted in Kuala Belait, Tutong, Temburong, the Mall and UTB.

University Events

The Crown Prince CIPTA Award 2017 launched

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Minister of Education at the CIPTA Showcase

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CIPTA roadshows

Dewan Kemasyarakatan

Kg Pandan Kuala Belait on

25 May 2016

UTB on

18 August 2016

Kompleks Utama

Bumiputera, Pekan

Bangar Temburong on

27 July 2016

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Dewan Seri

Kenangan Tutong on

07 September 2016

The Mall on

13 August 2016

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The Mall on

13 August 2016

UTB marks completion of 30-times Quran reading with Khatam ceremony

27 June 2016 - UTB held a Khatam Al-Quran ceremony to mark the completion of the ‘30-times Khatam Al-Quran Programme’ in conjunction with the 30-years establishment of the University. The event took place at the Multipurpose Hall. The Programme was initiated to encourage the reading and reflection of the holy Quran during Ramadhan amongst the University’s staff and students. The Programme attracted involvement from a total of 1683 participants consisting of 172 academic and non-academic staff and 1466 students. The collective reading of the holy Quran commenced at the start of Ramadhan. The event began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by the recitation of of Surah Ad-Dhuha until Surah An-Nas by the participants. Subsequently, Takhtim and Tahlil were read, and concluded with the Doa Khatam and Dikir Marhaban. The Guest of Honour at the ceremony was the Vice-Chancellor of UTB, Associate Professor Dr. Hajah Zohrah Binti Haji Sulaiman.

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UTB welcomes new students

13 August 2016 - UTB welcomes 353 new students for the 2016/2017 academic year comprising of 258 undergraduate students, 80 Master programme students, and 15 PhD students.

At the ‘Vice-Chancellor’s Address’ which was part of the Orientation Week for the new student intake, Associate Professor Dr. Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman welcome the new students as the first cohort to the renamed Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB). She also highlighted that UTB is determined

to give their best to nurture the students to be ‘360° graduates’: well-rounded individuals with social-economic responsibility, marketable and embedded in strong Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) values.

During the orientation which was held from 25-28 July 2016, the new students met with the programme lecturers, toured the campus, attended motivational talks, familiarized themselves with the support services and facilities available at the University and took part in interactive activities with the Student Representative Council.

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Twelve staff receive State Decoration and Medal

Staff News

In conjunction with His Majesty’s 69th birthday, Dr. Hajah Noor Maya binti Haji Mohd Salleh, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Academic) was bestowed with the Darjah Setia Negara Brunei Yang Amat Bahagia (PSB) or The Most Blessed Order of Setia Negara Brunei, 4th Class by 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 on 04 August 2016.

Meanwhile, eleven staff from UTB received the Pingat Indah Kerja Baik or Excellent Service Medal on 7 and 26 May 2016:

1. Hajah Mariam binti Haji Abdul Rahman

2. Dyg Salinawati binti Haji Awg Damit

3. Dk Hajah Faridah binti Pg Haji Md Tahir

4. Haji Muhammad Asri bin Haji Mohammad

5. Dr Haji Khairul Ja’afar bin Haji Awang Masri

6. Hj Ady Syarmin bin Hj Md Taib

7. Hajah Suzaimah binti Haji Abdullah

8. Pg Siti Awa binti Pg Haji Mahmud

9. Dk Ida Nurul Fitri binti Pg Haji Kahar

10.Hajah Siti Eddyilahwati binti Haji Suhaili

11. Dk Susidzaimah binti Pg Haji Sulaiman

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SPTA documentation workshop

18 June 2016 - The first round of the workshop on ‘Developing Documentation for SPTA’ was held to provide tips and guidelines for new applicants in developing the precise documentation required by SPTA (Skim Perkhidmatan Tenaga Akademik). The two and a half hour workshop was organised by the Registrar’s Office. It was facilitated by a team from the Centre for Communication, Teaching and Learning headed by the Dean, Dr Anil

Laxman Pathak and assisted by Dr Lee Kok Yueh and Dayang Hajah Shanafizahwatty binti Mat Salleh. A total of 21 academic staff and Assistant Registrars attended the workshop.

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UTB academics highlight opportunities and dangers of the cyber world in Knowledge Convention 2016

Dr Hajah Nor Zainah binti Haji Siau and Dr Wida Susanty Hj Suhaili, both Senior Lecturers in the School of Computing and Informatics, presented their working papers at the Knowledge Convention 2016 Symposium, held from August 23-25.

In a presentation entitled ‘Effective Communication Through Social Media’ on the first day of the symposium, Dr Nor Zainah said social media has revolutionised the way businesses operate today and provides a quick platform to gain feedback from customers and help boost marketing and improve their products.

Social media platforms like Twitter, allowed people to speak freely about their opinions and thoughts and it fulfils the need for a faster mode of communication. She said organisations can also analyse customer satisfaction of a

newly introduced product through customers’ feedback.

On the second day of the Symposium, Dr Wida Susanty in her presentation entitled ‘Cabaran Keselamatan Siber Bagi Kesejahteraan Ummah’, explained that the media has reported several cases involving cybercrime and many of these were detected and the perpetrators convicted accordingly. The reported cases included hacking, data stealing, misuse of information, cyber bullying and terrorism threats. She added that advancement in technology has opened access for people to communicate mostly via social media.

Dr Wida also explained that cybersecurity will be a major and serious issue if an organisation or user has sensitive and valuable information and protecting such data from cyber attacks is quite expensive. She shared that Forbes expect $170 billion will be spent on cyber security and recovery protection by 2020.

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Awg Muhammad Fakhri bin Haji BadarAssistant Public Relations Officer, IPRO (Joined: 01 June 2016)

Dr Fadzliwati binti MohiddinSenior Lecturer, UTB School of Business (Joined: 02 July 2016)

Awg Hj. Haji bin OthmanCounselling Officer, Office of Student Affairs (Joined: 19 May 2016)

Awg Mohamad Hirman bin Dollah Assistant Registrar, UTB School of Business (Joined: 01 June 2016)

Ms Diane Chan Moi Ping Accountant, Finance Office (Joined: 01 June 2016)

UTB welcomes…

Dr Judha PurbolaksonoAssociate Professor in Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering (Joined: 16 July 2016)

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Dr Anas Mohammad Hassan Al QudahAssistant Professor in Accounting, UTB School of Business (Joined: 08 August 2016)

Dr Lars Ingvar BergkvistProfessor in Economics, UTB School of Business (Joined: 27 August 2016)

Dr Asem KasemAssistant Professor in Computer Information System, School of Computing and Informatics (Joined: 16 July 2016)

Dr Kabiru Jinjiri RingimLecturer in Management, UTB School of Business (Joined: 01 August 2016)

UTB welcomes…

Dr SH Shah NewazLecturer in Computer Network Security, School of Computing and Informatics (Joined: 24 July 2016)

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Dyg Bibah binti Haji MaidinCleaner, Estate Office(Service: 11 /03/1986 – 31/12/2015)

Professor Dr Fawaz AnnazProfessor, Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Service: 29 /05/2013 – 28/05/2016)

Dr Tarik MahmoodSenior Lecturer, Mechanical Engineering(Service: 02 /07/1997 – 01/07/2016)

UTB bids farewell to…

Awang Haji Mail bin Haji OhsaliStorekeeper Grade Special (Service: 20/01/2014 – 26/08/2016)

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07 May 2016 - A total of 107 final year projects by 201 Mechanical Engineering students were displayed at the Civil and Mechanical Engineering Laboratory of Universiti Teknologi Brunei. Final year projects are an important component in the Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering, Foundation Degree in Mechanical Engineering and Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering programmes.

The students took two semesters to complete the projects. Projects were based on different areas of specialization within the Mechanical Engineering discipline such as Thermo-fluids, Manufacturing, Design, Energy and Farm Mechanization. The projects gave opportunity for students to demonstrate independent learning, creativity, teamwork, practical skills and also understanding of a particular topic.

Student News

Mechanical Engineering students showcase projects

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16 - 28 May 2016 - Six university students including Ak Md Zulfakhri Pg Awang, Ak Yura Md Iqbal Pg Hj Yura Md Abai and Naasiruddeen Abdul Wahab from UTB, were shortlisted for Huawei’s ‘Seeds for the Future’ programme. The two-week educational programme in Shenzhen, China was organised and funded by Huawei Technologies (B) Sdn Bhd.

In the programme, students were exposed to the global business operation and cross-cultural

Multinational company hosts UTB students

A group photo of the 2016/2017 Student Representative Council with special guests

work practices of the multinational company. The students also learned the Chinese culture and explored historical landmarks in China.

Initiated in 2008, the ‘Seeds for the Future’ programme aims to develop local ICT talent, enhance knowledge transfer, promote a greater understanding of, and interest in the ICT sector, and improve and encourage regional building as well as participation in the digital community.

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04 June 2016 - The SPE-UTB Student Chapter (SPE-UTB SC) was launched by Awang Haji Kamaludin bin Haji Bungsu, Deputy Managing Director / Human Resources Director of Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd. The launching ceremony took place at Lecture Theatre 2, UTB. At the launch, Awang Haji Aidiradiman bin Johan, Chairman of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Brunei delivered the opening remarks and gave an introduction on SPE Brunei. Mohammad Amir Najmi bin Haji Moksin, President of SPE-UTB SC 2015/2016 also delivered an overview presentation on the Chapter and its past achievements. This was followed by another presentation on the Chapter’s future plans and goals by Nur Amirah

SPE-UTB Student Chapter launched

Hamizah binti Roslan, President of SPE-UTB SC 2016/2017.

SPE-UTB SC is established under the renowned Society of Petroleum Engineers organisation. The student chapter is the very first SPE Student Chapter in Brunei and is supported by the SPE Brunei Section. The student chapter aims to expose student members to real life experiences of Petroleum Engineers worldwide. It also acts as a networking platform for student members to share experiences with other Student Chapters and professionals in the industry, both locally and internationally. Members of the SPE-UTB SC currently comprises of Petroleum Engineering students in UTB.

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On 09 June 2016, the Student Representative EXCO of Universiti Teknologi Brunei organised a cleaning campaign at the Kampung Masin Mosque in conjunction with the holy month of Ramadhan. A total of 17 students took part in the activity. The objectives of the activity were to instill the spirit of volunteerism within UTB students and to encourage participation in charitable activities during the fasting month.

Ramadhan Community Engagement

In another initiative, donations of $1,154 along with food items and clothings collected from UTB staff and students were handed over to an underprivileged family in Kg Kilanas by the Dean of Student Affairs, Awang Joffry bin Hj Bungsu on 18 June 2016. The charitable project was organised by the Office of Student Affairs with assistance from the Community Service and Project EXCO of MPPUTB.

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Nurhazirah binti Johari from the Mechanical Engineering programme represented Brunei Darussalam in the 7th Model ASEM from 6 - 10 July 2016 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The 7th Model ASEM was a youth conference and political simulation of the actual Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit and participated by 150 youths from the 51 Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) countries.

In the first phase of the programme, participants completed online pre-conference research and training modules which included individual tasks, exercise, case studies and team work. The second phase of the programme

Nurhazirah Johari represents Brunei in 7th Model ASEM

was the conference in which participants developed the Chair’s Statement of the 7th Model ASEM. In the third and final phase, four student participants presented the Chair’s Statement of the 7th Model ASEM to the ASEM Leaders and officials attending the ASEM11. A number of participating students also had the chance to meet their Heads of States on the sidelines of the ASEM11. The programme provided a wide opportunity for the students to enhance their diplomacy, negotiation, consensus-building and public-speaking skills through role-play, research, case-studies and practical trainings.

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YAM Pengiran Anak Muhammad Abdul Qayyum bin Pengiran Sura Negara Pengiran Anak Hj Muhammad Bey Muntassir (BBus in Technology Management) and Melvin Tan Sze Chee (HND in Mechanical Engineering) attended the ‘NUS Summer Programme on Economic and Enterprise Development in Singapore’ from 10 to 23 July 2016.

The Programme provided a platform for the delegates to learn about Singapore’s

Learning from Singapore’s experience in entrepreneurship

development

progression to become a destination for international commerce and investment. Delegates attended lectures, dialogue sessions with entrepreneurs, delivered project presentations and visited business, government organizations, and cultural heritage sites. They were also exposed to the process of public policies formulation, business practices and entrepreneurship development in Singapore.

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Two student athletes and two officials from UTB participated in the 18th ASEAN University Games hosted by Singapore from 09 - 20 July 2016. The athletes and officials were part of the Brunei Darussalam contingent that also comprised of athletes and officials from Universiti Brunei Darussalam and Laksamana College of Business. Brunei Darussalam took part in the athletics, fencing, pencak silat and

UTB student athletes represent Brunei in the ASEAN University Games

swimming events.The officials and students from UTB were Muhammad Sia bin Abdullah (Acting ECA Officer), Hj Asrul Bakhtiar bin Dato Paduka Hj Abu Bakar (Student - International Technical Officer for Pencak Silat), Abdul Wafi bin Haji Zaidin (Student - Athletics) and Amirul ‘Azmi bin Haji Ali Amzah (Student - Pencak Silat).

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Noorul Zatul Amali Serbini, a final-year Mechanical Engineering undergraduate, completed the Total Energy Summer School (TESS) which was held from 10 - 13 July 2016 . The prestigious programme was organised by the French energy company, Total and hosted at the European Center for Executive Development on the INSEAD campus, Fontainebleau, France.

The Total Energy Summer School (TESS) is a highly engaging and interactive programme where students, leading academics and industry experts from all over the world explore future challenges and solutions for the energy industry.

It is a highly competitive programme that received 6761 applications from all over the world this year and only 80 applicants were selected. The programme also hosted 40 professors and around 30 experts / managers from Total.

In the programme, students went through a stimulating mix of lectures, and group activities alongside academics, and industry thought leaders to explore the energy of the future. The innovative programme focused on new global energy challenges and their impact on the sector and the world of education.

Total Energy Summer School in France

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A group of eight student athletes represented Universiti Teknologi Brunei at the 11th UiTM International Sports Fiesta 2016. The Fiesta was hosted by Universiti Teknologi Mara at their Shah Alam Campus from 24-29 August 2016. All the students are participating in the Table Tennis events. The students are Awangku Muhammad Abdul Quddus bin Pengiran Hj Zainal (Electrical & Electronic Engineering),Farrah Izzati binti Hj Awang

Zaini (UTB School of Business), Widaad Gukhool (Mechanical Engineering), Abdul Hafiz bin Said (Mechanical Engineering), Nabiihah binti Abd. Salam (Chemical Engineering), Muhammad Fathi Ihsan bin Awang Mohd Hanafi (Mechanical Engineering), Mohammad Ghazali bin Zulkiflie (UTB School of Business), Muhd Daniel bin Haji Abdullah (Electrical & Electronic Engineering).

UTB compete in UiTM International Sports Fiesta

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19 projects receive internal research fund

A total of 19 projects have been approved under the University’s internal research fund. The one-year projects are expected to start in October 2016. The projects are as follows:

Research News

No. Project title Principal ResearcherFunding

(BND)

1

Si Photonic Nano Technology: On-chip Digital Photonic Logic Device Development for Ultra-High Speed Computation and Communication Applications - Phase II

Dr M. Rakib Uddin 8,000.00

2Fixed Bed Pyrolysis of Biomass Solid Wastes for Bio-oil and Bio-char

Dr M. Nurul Islam 8,000.00

3Storm Surge Modelling of Brunei Coastal Waters

Dr Rama Rao Karri 4,700.00

4A Study of the Tsunami and Storm Surge Propagation and Inland Inundation

Dr Fazlul Karim 3,500.00

5Shape Optimization of Arch Dam Using Mine Blast and Water Cycle Algorithms

Prof Ardeshir Bahreininejad 3,500.00

6Novel Plastic Honeycomb Core and Fibre Reinforced Plastic Sandwich Composites

Dr N. Navaranjan 8,000.00

7Improving Farm-Yield using IoT-Based Smart Farming - A Vegetable Farm Case Study in Brunei Darussalam

Dr Mohamed Saleem 3,250.00

8A Genre Analysis and Corpus Based Study of Lectures in Universiti Teknologi Brunei

Dr Lee Kok Yueh 4,700.00

9Auditing the Energy in Selected Small and Medium Manufacturing Industries of Brunei Darussalam

Dr. Hj. Md. Gholam Yazdani 3,880.00

No. Project title Principal ResarcherFunding

(BND)

10

HealthyClassroom: Discovering Students’ Daily Mood and Classroom Emotions to Enhance a Learning-Teaching Process using Smartphones, Wearable Sensors, and Cloud Computing

Dr. Minh-Son Dao 5,000.00

11 Smart Spaces: Activity Recognition Dr Somnuk Phon-Amnuaisuk 6,000.00

12INVESTCOOL - Investigation of the Effectiveness of Conformal Cooling Channels in Injection Moulding Tool Design

Prof Dr Eric Dimla 6,000.00

13Knowledge Management and Higher Education: A Brunei Case Study

Dr Fahmi Ibrahim 3,720.00

14Sustainability of Small and Medium Enterprises in Brunei Darussalam

Dr Saiful Islam 7,575.00

15Enhanced Oil Recovery Using Camphor Derived Carbon Nanomaterial

Reddy Prasad, D.M. 8,000.00

16Influence of Turbulent Jet’s Inflow Conditions on the Heat Transfer at the Target Wall

Dr. Naseem Uddin 3,500.00

17Optimisation of Land Use in Rice Cultivation Area of Wasan Rice Farm of Brunei

Dr. Mohammad Ali Basunia 7,000.00

18Unnecessary Fuel Loss Due to Installation of Road Humps

Pg Abd Mutalib Pg Hj Kamaluddin

2,740.00

19A Comparative Study on Financial Gap in Small and Medium Enterprises Among ASEAN Countries

Dr Ulaganathan Subramanian 1,000.00

Swansea University and UTB discuss energy research

Other News

Isra’ Mi’raj talk encourages steadfastness

03 May 2016 - A four-member delegation from Swansea University, UK was in UTB for discussion with the Vice-Chancellor on potential collaboration in energy-related research. The Swansea delegation comprised of Professor Iwan Davies, Senior Pro Vice Chancellor; Professor Andrew Barron, Ser Cymru Chair of Low Carbon Energy and Environment; Dr Mahaboob Basha, Development Officer for Middle & Far East Region; and Shelley Matthews, Regional Manager for South and Southeast Asia.

14 May 2016 - UTB commemorated the event of Isra’ Mi’raj with a religious lecture by Ustaz Muhammad Yusuf bin Haji Abdul Majid, an invited speaker from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and an alumnus of UTB. In his talk, Ustaz Muhammad Yusuf reflected on the valuable lessons from the miraculous event. One of them is the importance of rising above the trials and challenges faced in life as a way of strengthening one’s faith and general resolve. The daily prayers which were prescribed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) during the Mi’raj also train the mind to be focused and this can help in improving productivity. The Guest of Honour at the lecture was the Vice-Chancellor of UTB.

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Seminar on Seismic Strengthening of RC building Structure

18 May 2016 - A seminar on ‘Seismic Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete Building Structure’ by Dr Basem Abdullah was organised by the Civil Engineering Programme, and Industry Liaison Office of UTB, together with Fyfe Borneo Sdn Bhd. In the talk, he gave a general introduction on the development of the Seismic Design Codes for buildings in Japan. Japan is a seismically active country and has some of the most rigorous earthquake building standards in the world.

The seminar gave an opportunity to the local engineers to be updated with the world’s leading seismic design codes given the spate of seismic activity in Sabah in recent years. The concepts

for enhancing the seismic capacity of buildings with a list of approved methods and systems by the Japanese authorities was also discussed in the seminar.

Dr Basem Abdullah is a developer and inventor of the first Japanese nationwide approved method for seismic strengthening of Japanese traditional houses with fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP). Dr Basem Abdullah was the Associate Professor of Structural Engineering at Hiroshima Institute of Technology, Hiroshima, Japan from the year 2001 to 2007 and a pioneer in the development of new materials and techniques to repair and strengthen aging infrastructures.

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30 May 2016 - Professor David

Richardson, the Vice-Chancellor

and President; Andrew

Stronach, Head of Corporate

Communications; and Pete

Ryan, Regional Office Manager

(Malaysia), University of East

Anglia, UK.

Visits from overseas universities

12 July 2016 - Dr. Alex D. Niez,

Dean of Graduate School and

Vice-President of Academic

Affairs; Dr. Kirt Anthony R.

Diaz, Principal and the Director

of Institutional Affairs; and

Rtn. Teodoricon N. Dofiles II,

Consultant for External Affairs,

Cor Jesu College, Phillipines.

20 July 2016 - Professor

Dr. Bambang Setiaji, Rector;

Vice Rectors, Deans, and

other Senate members,

Universitas Muhammadiyah

Surakarta , Indonesia

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UTB School of Business students visit BIBD Securities

25 August 2016 - A group of final year students from the Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Applied Economics & Finance programme visited BIBD Securities in Kiulap. Acompanying them were lecturers, Mr. Haji Aidil Salleh and Dr Shahid Anjum.

The objectives of the visit were to allow the students to gain a better and more in-depth understanding on BIBD operations in the Islamic securities space, Syariah compliant stocks and methodologies in the stock screening process, regulatory compliance as well as the challenges and opportunities on the formation of a stock

exchange in Brunei Darussalam. These are relevant to the Finance & Investment and Financial Organisation & Risk Management modules taken by the students.

Mr Jeffri Ahmad Said, Head of Transaction and Support Services from BIBD’s Corporate Banking Group delivered a presentation. Also present was Haji Minorhadi Haji Mirhassan, Head of BIBD’s Government Relations & Special Projects cum Managing Director of BIBD.

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CIE’s I-Talk Series opens

27 August 2016 – Nurulhidayati Haji Mohd Sani, a PhD student in the School of Computing and Informatics gave a talk on ‘Learning Adaptive Behaviours’ at the inaugural I-Talk Series organized by UTB’s Centre for Innovative Engineering (CIE).

In her presentation, Nurulhidayati explained on knowledge acquisition modelling and learning abilities of a rational agent. An example was given of a situation where users required an agent to find its way to a certain destination in a new environment. The agent would gather information and perceive the environment through its sensors, and analyse its own actions using Data Mining (DM) technique. This knowledge would then be used to control agents’ behaviours without intervention from the user.

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