Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) marked another historic milestone in its institutional journey with the official launching of the UTB Mushaf at the 13th UTB Convocation Ceremony. The Mushaf will now become the ceremonial mace of UTB during the university’s convocation ceremonies.
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, Chancellor of UTB, consented to launch the UTB Mushaf. This was followed by the call of Allahu Akbar three times at the Plenary Hall, International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas.
His Royal Highness Prince (Dr.) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, the Pro-Chancellor of UTB, was also present at the launching.
The Mushaf’s journey is deeply rooted in His Majesty’s vision for UTB. On 18 October 2008, in conjunction with the 18th Teachers’ Day celebration, His Majesty consented to upgrade from the Institut Teknologi Brunei (ITB) to university status, thus establishing Universiti Teknologi Brunei. Subsequently, His Majesty graciously decreed for the UTB Mushaf to be used as the ceremonial mace (cokmar) during UTB’s Convocation Ceremony, symbolising the integration of faith and knowledge in the university’s academic tradition.
The journey continued at the 8th UTB Convocation Ceremony on 16 November 2020, when His Majesty consented to launch the Writing of the UTB Mushaf by inscribing the Basmalah in Arabic calligraphy on the Ummul Kitab. Its completion and launching today fulfil His Majesty’s vision and reflect the university’s deep commitment to upholding Islamic values and nurturing a love for the Al-Quran, in alignment with Brunei Darussalam’s aspiration as a Zikir Nation, and pursuant to His Majesty’s decree of the Mushaf as a timeless Lambang Keilmuan (Emblem of Knowledge) of UTB.
The UTB Mushaf was both written and designed by local talents: calligrapher Yang Mulia Awang Haji Sabtu bin Surat, and designer Yang Mulia Dayang Izzati binti Haji Mohd Alinoor, a recipient of the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation Scholarship. Its front cover features a distinguished black-and-gold palette, with the calligraphy of Al-Qur’an Al-Karim set within a gear motif, reflecting both the artistry of its creators and UTB’s identity as a centre of engineering and technological excellence.
The launching of the UTB Mushaf not only signifies UTB’s commitment to preserving Islamic heritage and cultural artistry but also highlights its role in promoting Islamic culture and local craftsmanship. The UTB Mushaf now stands as both a spiritual and intellectual emblem, leading each convocation procession and symbolising the harmonious integration of faith, knowledge, and academic excellence at UTB.
