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After ending years of rigorous studies, navigating challenges and facing the pressures of final examinations, graduates finally breathed a sigh of relief, holding up their well-deserved certificates, surrounded by their proud parents, guardians and family members sharing in on their joy and heartfelt gratitude. The recent 11th Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) Convocation Ceremony marked the achievement of nearly 400 graduates who have excelled and achieved commendable results. Conversing with several graduates immediately following the convocation ceremony, these hopeful individuals reflected their academic journey by sharing their thoughts and experiences. **DR HARTINI BINTI HAJI MASHOD, 28, PHD IN MANAGEMENT** Dr Hartini had several compelling reasons for choosing to pursue her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at UTB. One of the primary factors was the seamless transition offered by UTB from her bachelor’s degree to the doctoral programme. This continuity proved advantageous as it not only saved her valuable time but also eliminated the need to apply to multiple institutions. Furthermore, the academic staff at UTB played a pivotal role in influencing her decision. They were not only highly qualified but also helpful and supportive, which proved instrumental in her research journey. Their unwavering support ensured she had access to the necessary resources and expertise, setting her on the path to success in her PhD pursuit. ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/SPMu0zaK2LVke98Sd8Cuh-Wj9ZF7es8bqY-jffjYu8e.jpeg) ABOVE & BELOW: Dr Hartini binti Haji Mashod; and Mohamed Shameer with their family members. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/QGdA1yaIpzvUbn7H9KAg4-msJm5pYQ7SVoA1lGgUHav.jpeg) PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/FqlNRLZZG0ZxG5Bh_SCfK-M0VZijVZSR541ga7SNbBG.jpeg) Khoo Soon Ming with his family members at the event. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/CBfDpHz5nE_F-1EDGY-Ip-tvoWaYjCN3tLr6F_pj4Bc.jpeg) Nurin Hidayah binti Haji Julshahril with her family. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD Dr Hartini’s decision to pursue her PhD in Management aligns perfectly with her educational background in Human Resource Management at the bachelor’s level. Her undergraduate studies exposed her to various facets of managing human resources within organisations, sparking her curiosity about the broader challenges and solutions related to employment in the country. This alignment of interests made UTB an ideal choice for her doctoral studies. “One of the major challenges I faced was battling with myself to stay disciplined and committed to my research. “The steps involved in research, such as reading numerous academic articles, collecting and analysing data and writing thesis can sometimes become routine and monotonous. It’s easy to lose motivation along the way,” said Dr Hartini. Another demanding aspect of Dr Hartini’s academic journey was navigating the intricate landscape of this dynamic field. Given that graduate employability encompasses a wide array of factors, comprehending and addressing these complexities presented significant challenges. Additionally, Dr Hartini considers herself fortunate to have received a UTB Scholarship to support her PhD pursuit. Being an in-service student while concurrently working as a research officer at Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation for Vocational and Technical Education and Training (SEAMEO Voctech) for approximately a year has been a valuable opportunity. It has allowed her to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during her doctoral studies to contribute actively to the organisation’s research initiatives and overarching goals. She harbours aspirations of making a substantial impact in her career by leveraging the knowledge and expertise she has gained through her studies. Her goal is to apply these newfound insights to create meaningful contributions in her chosen field. “One of my main goals is to contribute to the development of effective policies and strategies to address unemployment and related workforce challenges in Brunei. “I intend to engage proactively and make valuable contributions to research initiatives conducted by my organisation by providing valuable insights and data-driven solutions.” **MOHAMED SHAMEER, 24, MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTING AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS** After earning his Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Computer Science from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) in 2022, Mohammad Shameer continued his education with a Master of Science in Computing and Information Systems (Coursework) at UTB, where he achieved distinction. As an international student, he found UTB’s learning experience enjoyable and rewarding, especially during the orientation week when activities were organised to help international students acclimate to the environment. “Having lived in Brunei since birth, I have always appreciated and honoured the great values and traditions of the country. There are a lot of good lessons to learn from the culture, traditions and values that guide the Sultanate,” said Shameer. UTB prides itself on the accreditation that it has gained for most of its degree programmes and Shameer believes what he had gained will be a value-added for him to apply in his job. For his Master’s programme in Computing and Information Systems, UTB made an effort to get it accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) and this effort is reflected in the structure and the way the lecturers teach the curriculum. Each module’s syllabus is designed to give students in-demand skills that are needed in the job market at the moment, which allows students who graduate from UTB to have ready skills to face the real world with ease. Shameer hopes to land a job in artificial intelligence (AI) or data analytics after the convocation as these areas are currently valuable and high in demand. It is also in line with the final thesis that he had to do for his master’s degree where he had to develop a facial recognition system for surveillance applications using a lot of aspects of machine learning and AI. AI and machine learning, he emphasised, are his areas of profound passion, making a career in this field incredibly fulfilling for him. “In a nutshell, the whole course is well suited for the current needs and demands of the job market and the trends in research in the respective areas. For this, I have to commend UTB for their efforts in this regard.” **KHOO SOON MING, 23, BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (HONS) IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING** In the next few years, Khoo envisions himself thriving in a top-tier company within the oil and gas sector. “My goal is not only to excel in my role but also to work towards obtaining my chartered status with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). I’m eager to contribute my skills and expertise to this dynamic industry while continuing to grow through chartership.” When asked on what he thinks is his greatest achievement, Khoo said it is earning a First-Class Degree in Mechanical Engineering from UTB. In four challenging years, he encountered numerous obstacles, but his determination and relentless work ethic propelled him to this achievement. Not only this accomplishment reflect his commitment to academic excellence, but also showcases his ability to overcome adversity and stay focused on his goals. “I firmly believe in the importance of strong leadership skills in the workplace. I’ve had the opportunity to put these skills into practice during my time as the Chairperson of the IMechE UTB student chapter and as the Campus Leader for Mechanical Engineering.” **NURIN HIDAYAH BINTI HAJI JULSHAHRIL, 22, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONS) IN FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY** Nurin Hidayah said she has plans to further her studies in her current field. While she is presently employed, she aspires to embark on a Master’s in Science by Research to enhance her skills. “My goal is to become an invaluable resource for future generations,” shared the 22-year-old. During her final year, Nurin said she had completed an internship at the Health Promotion Centre, engaging in various projects within the Research, Development and Monitoring Unit. “This experience notably improved my communication and documentation abilities, allowing me to work effectively in a new environment alongside experienced professionals,” added Nurin. Drawing from her work experience, Nurin is confident and prepared to commence her career post-graduation. However, she aims to equip herself further to provide valuable insights to her future organisation. Given her background, she recognises the broad coverage of the Food Science and Technology programme, making her skills relevant to areas such as agriculture, fisheries, food supply chain, food and beverage industry, including research and development, nutrition, food safety and regulations, and processing. – Lyna Mohammad

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