News & Events | Universiti Teknologi Brunei

February 1, 2024

UTB Team Clinches Third Place in ICESCO Competition with Innovative Bio-Waste Sourced Food Bar Project

Yang Mulia Dr Masmunira binti Hj Rambli and her team Fatin Nur Aqilah Natasha Binti Abdullah Azamain and Nurin Hidayah Binti Haji Jul Shahril, both from FST programme area, has secured third place in the inaugural edition of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO) competition held in Rabat, Morocco. Their project, "Bio-Waste Sourced Food Bar Production," has garnered international recognition and applause.

Amidst stiff competition from 31 participants representing various countries including Egypt, Malaysia, Pakistan, Lebanon, the Kingdom of Oman, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and Brunei, Dr Masmunira and her team's project stood out for its innovative approach and significant contribution to addressing global challenges.

Special acknowledgment is due to Fatin Nur Aqilah Natasha Binti Abdullah Azamain, who contributed during the first half of the competition, and Nurin Hidayah Binti Haji Jul Shahril, who played a crucial role in steering the project towards the finishing line during the second half. Their collaborative efforts exemplify the spirit of teamwork and dedication to excellence that UTB fosters among its students.

Representing UTB and Brunei, Dr Masmunira presented her project before the esteemed international jury at the ICESCO event in Rabat. Her presentation not only showcased her leadership but also highlighted the ingenuity and dedication of her team in tackling critical issues such as sustainability and food security.

On the day of the award ceremony, Dr Masmunira was honored by the Director-General of ICESCO, Dr Salim M. AlMalik, who commended her leadership and presented her with the third prize. This recognition not only underscores Dr Masmunira’ s individual excellence but also reflects UTB's commitment to nurturing talent and promoting impactful research.

November 4-11, 2023

UTB SASM CONDUCTED COMPREHENSIVE FOOD SAFETY TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR BRUNEI DARUSSALAM FOOD AUTHORITY (BDFA)

The School of Applied Sciences and Mathematics (SASM), Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) conducted a food safety training for Brunei Darussalam Food Authority (BDFA). The five-day training was geared towards providing BDFA participants with vital knowledge and practical skills essential to uphold the highest standards of food safety within Brunei’s food supply chain.

This training aimed to familiarise BDFA participants with essential practices and regulatory guidelines focused on the inspection and sampling of raw imported meats. These practices adhere to ISO 22000 standards and are aimed at ensuring that products meet the highest levels of food safety and quality throughout the food supply chain.

Led by experts from SASM, the training covered a diverse range of important topics and activities including food safety management and the legislation within the food industry, employing effective sampling techniques, assessing the quality of imported foods, and utilising statistical analysis for informed decision-making.

The program also involved conducting visits to Muara Port Company and observe Royal Customs and Excise Department declaration procedure, as well as, visits to cold storage facilities including Wei Tat Enterprise in Jerudong and Ben Foods Sdn. Bhd. located in Lugu Industrial Park.

Welcoming session with the presence of Acting Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) on Saturday, 4^th November 2023

Case Study Activities at Universiti Teknologi Brunei on Monday, 6^th November 2023

Visit to Muara Port Company on Wednesday, 8^th November 2023

Visit to Ben Foods Sdn Bhd at Lugu Industrial Park on Thursday, 9^th November 2023

Certificate presentation to BDFA on Saturday, 11^th November 2023

September 18, 2023

Nutritional Assessment Program at the Multi-purpose Hall, UTB

The Food Science and Technology Programme Area held a Nutritional Assessment Program at the Multi-purpose Hall, UTB, as a component of the SF2218 Food and Nutrition and SF4201 Nutrition and Food Choice modules.

The programme was led by Dr Masmunira Rambli and Dr Aida Maryam Basri, the module lecturers of SF2218 and SF4201, and attended by 39 undergraduate students enrolled in the respective modules. The aim of the programme is to raise students' awareness about the importance of maintaining a balanced diet, attaining a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI), and participating in regular physical activity to enhance their overall health.

The program kicked off with student registration, after which BMI evaluations and blood pressure measurements were conducted. This was followed by a warm-up session and a badminton activity. Throughout the session, students diligently tracked their time and heart rates, as this data was essential for calculating the calories burned during the activity.

As part of their assessment, the students are to report and discuss the results of their nutritional assessment and performance during the session. This initiative was designed to not just enhance students' theoretical understanding but also to equip them with practical experience to make informed, health-oriented choices beyond the classroom setting.

August 24, 2023

SASM Triumphs at Halal Product Innovation Competition 3.0

A remarkable achievement has been secured by a dynamic team from the School of Applied Sciences and Mathematics (SASM) as they clinched the first-place title in the prestigious Halal Product Innovation Competition 3.0, held in conjunction with the 13th Mahrajan Hafl al-Takharruj (13th MHT). The event, hosted by Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) through the Halalalan Thayyiban Research Centre, aimed to amplify awareness and insight into halal-focused research and innovation. The award was presented by Pengiran Dr Hajah Norkhairiah binti Pengiran Haji Hashim, Director of the Halalan Thayyiban Research Centre.

The team, comprising the esteemed members Dayang Hasna Basirah Binti Mazalan and Professor Dr. Beston Nore, showcased exceptional dedication and expertise throughout the competition. Their pioneering project, titled 'Development of Halalan Thayyiban Plant-Based Cheese Formulations', clinched the first-place honor. The project focused on creating halal cheese-like products from coconut milk that cater to both Muslim and non-Muslim individuals, considering ethical concerns and dietary preferences. These cheese formulations were also assessed based on potential consumer acceptability and commercialization in Brunei.

UTB Little Einscience Team Secures Victory in ASEAN Data Science Explorers 2023 Nationals

UTB's Little Einscience team emerged as champions in the ASEAN Data Science Explorers National Finals 2023 – Brunei Darussalam, which took place virtually via Zoom this morning. The competition was organised by SAP and ASEAN Foundation in collaboration with ASEAN Indonesia 2023.

The team members, Muhamad Ilyas @ Muhamad Alli bin Haji Ismail, BSc (Hons) in Mathematical Finance, and Nur Adila Puteri binti Irwan, BSc (Hons) in Food Science & Technology, will now advance to the Regional level. The Regional competition is scheduled to take place on 24-26 October 2023 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

UTB Researchers Drive ASEAN-Japan Innovation for Bio-Circular-Green Economy

A team of UTB researchers from Food Science and Technology, School of Applied Sciences and Mathematics, Dr Aida Maryam binti Haji Basri and Dk Nurun Najeebah Az-Zahra binti Pg Dato Haji Mohammad Tashim participated in ASEAN-Japan Innovation Week on 23 August 2023. The event was held at Centara Grand at Centara Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, Thailand organised by ASEAN BCG Network, National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), Thailand.

The event serves as a platform to support workforce development and to develop ASEAN's capabilities in Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy for academic and industrial sectors. BCG model places emphasis on applying science, technology and innovation, focusing on four strategic sectors, namely agriculture and food; wellness and medicine; energy, materials and biochemicals; and tourism and creative economy.

March 22, 2023

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR UTB NEW EXTENSION BUILDING PHASE 4

Click to watch the SASM building (Phase 4) and Groundbreaking ceremony

Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new extension building of phase 4, School of Applied Sciences and Mathematics (SASM), officiated by the Guest of Honour, Yang Mulia Dr. Haji Azman bin Ahmad, Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) as personal representative of Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Setia Dr. Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Md Salleh, Minister of Education(MoE). The proposed building will house eight laboratories, modern classrooms, a lecture hall, and offices, and is expected to be completed by March 25, 2024, under the 11th National Development Plan.

The event was attended by various dignitaries, including UTB's Vice-Chancellor, Yang Mulia Datin Paduka Professor Dr. Dayang Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman, principal officers of UTB, senior officials from MoE, Ministry of Finance and Economy (MoFE), and Ministry of Development (MoD), appointed consultants, and staff of the university.

March 13, 2023

SPECIAL LECTURE ON CHRONONUTRITION AND ITS HEALTH IMPLICATIONS

Associate Professor Dr Satvinder Kaur from the Faculty of Applied Sciences of University College Sedaya International (UCSI), Malaysia gave a special lecture on the ‘Emerging Research - Unlocking your Body's Internal Clock - How chrononutrition can improve your health’. The event took place at the lecture theater 2 of the library complex. Lecturers and students from the Food Science and Technology program area, School of Applied Sciences and Mathematics attended this seminar. Dr Satvinder's talk focused on benefits of chrononutrition behaviours in managing obesity and body weight. Chrononutrition is a dietary strategy that connects the timing of meals, circadian rhythms, and health.

March 21, 2023

UTB FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS VISITED Marimin Sdn Bhd

UTB FST students dedicated a Group photo with field trip leader Prof Beston Nore

A group of 13 Food Science and Technology (FST) students from Semester eight (intake 3) recently had the opportunity to visit Marimin Sdn Bhd that specializes in manufacturing crackers as part of the FST module. During the visit, the company's experts demonstrated various processing techniques and technologies used to create high-quality food products. The visit allowed students to witness first-hand the various stages of food processing, from the initial production to packaging and distribution.

February 25, 2023

UTB AGROTECHNOLOGY STUDENTS VISITED BRUGOAT FARM

UTB Agrotechnology students dedicated a Group photo with field trip leader Dr Munira Rambli (FST lecturer)

A group of 23 Agrotechnology students from Semester four (intake 1) and Semester two (intake 2) recently had the opportunity to visit Brugoat farming, a local breeder farm rears Boer goats and Dorper sheep which were originally bought from Australia. During the field trip at Sg Liang, the students were firsthand given an opportunity to see the entire process of goat production, from slaughter to feeding the baby goats. It was important for them to understand the entire process of sustainable and ethical animal production. Besides, the students had the opportunity to tour the animal feeding store and learn about the feeding making process. The students observed the preparation and mixing of the feed and learned about the different ingredients used to create a balanced and nutritious diet for the goats.

UTB Agrotechnology students witnessed the slaughtering process.

UTB Agrotechnology students observed the animal feeding in the feeding store.

JANUARY 12, 2023

STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS WON THE PROVEG FOOD INNOVATION CHALLENGE FINALIST AWARD

Four students from the School of Applied Sciences and Mathematics (SASM), Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) won the finalist prize award of ProVeg Food Innovation Challenge Asia-Pacific (APAC) 2022. The team was led by Awang Muhammad ‘Atiq bin Juani @ Najrien bin Juani, a postgraduate student of Food Science and Technology, SASM. Other members include Dayang Siti Madihah binti Haji Mohd Don; Dayang Hasna Basirah binti Mazalan, and Dayang Jhoorhanah binti Abdul Halim. They are also currently pursuing graduate degree in Food Science and Technology. The students were the first to represent Brunei Darussalam, which was one of the top 11 percent of finalists for the ProVeg Food Innovation Challenge Asia from the APAC region. The team’s innovation proposal will soon be adopted by the Oatly Company, based in the APAC region. The objective of the competition is to generate innovation ideas that promote the plant-based food market in the region.

DECEMBER 3, 2022

WORLD ENGINEERING, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CONGRESS: INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE PROCESSES AND CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITION (ICSuPCET 2022)

Dr Aida Maryam Basri and Dr Syazana Abdullah Lim presented their research findings at the World Engineering, Science and Technology Congress (ESTCON 2022) that was held at Borneo Convention Center Kuching in Sarawak, Malaysia.

NOVEMBER 23, 2022

WEBINAR ON POLYMER CHEMISTRY: ADVANCEMENTS IN POLYMER TECHNOLOGY SHARING BY GLOBAL EXPERTS

Dr Syazana Abdullah Lim delivered a lecture entitles “Green Packaging and Coating for Food Application” for Webinar Polymer Chemistry: Advancements in Polymer Technology organised by Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). The joint webinar was delivered by UTM, Osaka University and Tokyo Metropolitan University, Japan and Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) and as part of UTM’s Online Global Classroom - Inbound and Outbound.

OCTOBER 6, 2022

ASEAN SYMPOSIUM: PANEL DISCUSSIONON PLANT-BASED REVOLUTION RECENT INSIGHT INTO PRODUCTS AND DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGIES AND THEIR FUTURE APPLICATION

Dr Aida Maryam Basri was one of the panellists for a panel discussion on Plant-based Revolution Recent Insight into Products and Development Technologies and Their Future Application at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) Bangkok, Thailand as a part of 'Food Ingredients Asia (FiAsia 2022) and Vitafood Asia'.

The objectives of the event were to share knowledge and experience on the development of plant-based foods and technologies that are powering the plant-based revolution from ASEAN Member States and to promote collaborative network among ASEAN experts/researchers on the development of plant-based foods through the application of appropriate technologies, to deliver sustainable and affordable plant-based proteins productions as well as healthy and nutritious plant-based foods in ASEAN.