Previously known as Institut Teknologi Brunei, Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) has undergone a number of major changes in recent years. Aside from its new logo and redesigned website, the university’s new name reflects the biggest change — going from a technical institute to a full-fledged, engineering and technology university offering college and post-graduate degrees.
The largest engineering university in Brunei, UTB is the only educational institution that provides comprehensive engineering modules. Gaining its standing as a university has
increased public interest and boosted the morale of its staff and students.
The change in status has also allowed UTB to create platforms to assist the country’s economy and provide students with a more comprehensive education. This objective coincides with the government’s efforts to improve the country’s talent pool, support young entrepreneurs and attract more foreign direct investment.
In addition, international industry experts are also invited to provide hands-on experiences to the students.
“We want to provide a more holistic education and form well rounded individuals with social and economic responsibilities. This makes the students more independent,” explained Vice Chancellor and associate professor Zohrah Sulaiman.
As the university is focused on gaining wider international recognition, UTB is strengthening the caliber of its faculty by employing professors from internationally recognized universities around the world. These partnerships with international universities will also provide students with more international contact.
“The university’s international awareness is still relatively low. We have to be more aggressive after being renamed a university,” Zohrah said.
To foster collaborative linkages within Brunei Darussalam and the ASEAN region, UTB will be hosting the Crown Prince CIPTA Award 2017. Under the theme of “Innovation for Sustainable Economy,” the competition serves as a platform for innovators to launch their creative ideas. It is open to all schools, government and private organizations and the general public.
