After the resounding success of its inaugural edition in 2021, Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) University Presidents' Forum (UPF) returns for its second edition this year. This forum was held at the Main Conference Hall, International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas and as a featured event of UTB Science, Technology and Engineering (UTB-STE) Connect 2023, that brought leaders from Higher Learning Institutions and industries together to engage in insightful discussions with the theme ‘Rethinking Education Amidst Global Uncertainties’.
The event, comprising three sessions, commenced with a keynote address by Yang Mulia Dr Awang Haji Azman bin Ahmad, the Permanent Secretary (Higher Education), Ministry of Education Brunei Darussalam, who spoke about the Higher Education Landscape of Brunei Darussalam.
This was followed by the first keynote session, delivered by Yang Mulia Datin Paduka Professor Dr Dayang Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman, the Vice-Chancellor of UTB entitled ‘Zero to hero: A Case for UTB’. The second keynote speaker was presented by Yang Mulia Professor Datuk Ir. Ts Dr. Siti Hamisah binti Tapsir, the Vice-Chancellor of UCSI University, Malaysia on ‘Higher Education Milestones: Redesigning Higher Education. The session was moderated by Yang Mulia Dr Mohamad Saiful bin Haji Omar, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (External and Industry Relations), UTB.
The second session delved into ‘Rethinking Higher Education Initiatives’ and was moderated by Yang Mulia Professor Dr. Mohamed Hasnain Isa, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation, UTB). This session featured two enlightening keynote speakers by Yang Mulia Professor Dr. Marilyn Cardoso, President of Samar State University, Philippines entitled ‘Shaping Tomorrow’s Academia: The Nexus of Higher Education in Industry 4.0, SDGs, and the VUCA World; and Yang Mulia Professor Widodo, Rector of Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia on ‘The Future of AI and Challenge for Higher Education’.
The event also included a panel session featuring distinguished speakers, including Yang Mulia Professor Dr. Akito Takasaki Vice-President, Shibaura Institute of Technology, Japan entitled ‘Ten Years of Shibaura Institute of Technology’; Yang Mulia Dr. Awang Hazri bin Haji Kifle Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) on ‘Futuring Together: UBD’s Progressive Approach to Education and Technology Modalities’; and Yang Mulia Professor Atty. Alizedney M. Ditucalan Chancellor, Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, Philippines on ‘Future-Proofing Universities: The Role of the University in the Age of Industry 5.0 and Society 5.0’.
The forum concluded with the final session titled ‘Higher Education Way Forward / Future Directions’, moderated by Yang Mulia Dr. Awang Au Thien Wan, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Student, Alumni and Services), UTB and Dr. Nena Padilla-Valdez, Senior Assistant Professor of Centre for Communication, Teaching and Learning (CCTL), UTB. This session showcased a UTB-UPF 2023 Roundtable, bringing together all keynote speakers and panelists. The forum culminated in a dynamic town hall session, allowing attendees to actively engage with the speakers and address the challenges posed by the evolving global landscape.
This forum provided attendees with a platform for interaction with the speakers to tackle the challenges of the new environmental, technological, societal, economic, and geopolitical global landscape described in World Economic Forum (WEF) 2023 which reports the major risks and challenges posing threats to the global future. It reflects on the milestones, examine the initiatives, and illuminates the way forward in Higher Education as advocates and key players envision advancing human interest, accomplishing societal goals, and making communities better places to live and work.
