Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) Women’s Leadership Forum 2023, a featured event of UTB-STE Connect 2023, commenced with an opening ceremony, marking the beginning of an empowering journey for women leaders, held at the Press Conference Room, International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas. This significant event highlights the commitment of the university to promote gender equality within the Science, Technology, and Engineering (STE) industries.
UTB Women’s Leadership Forum 2023 set the stage for inspiring discussion, insightful panels and engaging sessions to empower women leaders and foster connections. This demonstrates UTB’s commitment to providing a platform for women leaders to share their experiences, learn from experts and inspire future generations.
The opening ceremony of UTB Women’s Leadership Forum 2023 commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat. This was followed by a welcoming remark by Yang Mulia Dr Syazana binti Abdullah Lim, the UTB Women’s Leadership Forum 2023 Chairperson.
The highlight of the event was the keynote addresses by two distinguished speakers, Yang Mulia Datin Paduka Professor Dr Dayang Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman, UTB Vice-Chancellor entitled Accidental Leadership: A Personal Journey and Yang Mulia Professor Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr Siti Hamisah binti Tapsir, the Vice-Chancellor of UCSI University, Malaysia entitled Women Thought Leaders – Creating Impact and Increasing Influence. The session was moderated by Yang Mulia Dr Fadzliwati binti Mohiddin, Dean of UTB School of Business.
The event consisted of three engaging panel discussions. The first one focused on ‘The Women Professionals of Today’ moderated by Yang Mulia Dr Awang Mohamad Saiful bin Haji Omar, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (External and Industry Relations), UTB. Three panelists were featured, including Yang Mulia Dr Joyce Teo Siew Yean, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Global Affairs), Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD); Yang Mulia Melissa Zainal Abidin, Acting Finance Manager of Brunei LNG Sendirian Berhad; and Yang Mulia Hjh Nurul Akmar binti Md Jaafar, Chief Marketing Officer and Chair of the Sustainability, Transformation Group, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD).
The second session delved into the theme of ‘Women Leaders in STEM – Addressing the Gap’, featuring three panelists namely Yang Berhormat Hajah Rosmawatty binti Haji Abdul Mumin, the Legislative Council Members of Brunei Darussalam; Yang Mulia Professor Datin Dr Norizan binti Abdul Razak, a Professor in Digital Literacy and E-Learning, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia; and Yang Mulia Dr Nur Karnina binti Karim, Head of Seria Energy Lab, Brunei Darussalam. This session was moderated by Yang Mulia Dr Aida Maryam binti Haji Basri, Deputy Director of Planning and Development Office, UTB.
The final session explored the ‘Work-Life Balance’, moderated by Yang Mulia Dr Wida Susanty binti Haji Suhaili, Director of Centre of Transport Research, UTB. The panelists were Yang Mulia Malai Surya Ayla binti Malai Abdullah, Head of External Relations, Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd; Yang Mulia Associate Professor Dr Siti Sara binti Haji Ahmad, Assistant Rector (Academic), Universiti Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), Brunei Darussalam; and Yang Mulia Hjh Nurul Haniah binti Hj Md Jaafar, Chief Executive Officer of Progresif Sendirian Berhad.
The event concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session with the panelists. The panelists’ presentation set the tone for the forum, emphasising the importance of gender equality, empowerment, and the need to break barriers that hinder women’s progress in leadership roles.
The UTB Women’s Leadership Forum workshop will be held on 25 October 2023 at the Press Conference Room, ICC, Berakas.
