Brunei's Local News - Brudirect.com

Bandar Seri Begawan - Alumni forms the natural bridge between university and society with a role in contributing their knowledge and services to their alma mater, said Hj Mohd Daud Hj Mahmud, permanent secretary (higher education) of the Ministry of Education.

Speaking at the "Dialogue Session with Universiti Brunei Darussalam's (UBD) Alumni" held at the university yesterday, Hj Mohd Daud said that there are components and influences an alumni can bring that are important to their alma mater, such as advice, service, money, new students and ambassadorial representation.

The permanent secretary further said that the UBD alumni together with the Graduates' Guild should strive on promoting a lifelong relationship between current and future alumni to help them connect with the university.

"The alumni through the Graduates' Guild can be an important strategic partner of the university

and a greater involvement of the alumni in the university's development will enable the premier institution to fulfil its vision and mission," he added.

The principal objectives of the event was to provide a platform for UBD alumni to share their experiences of studying in UBD and offer advice to existing students as well as graduating students on how to maximise their education at UBD and how to utilise them once they leave the university and to give feedback to UBD lecturers and administrators on how to improve teaching and learning.

The event marked a new dimension in the alumni now can contribute to the country's benefit. One advantage is certainly the economic benefits that arise from an increase in business and cooperation between the alumni and existing students.

Held in conjunction with this year's UBD convocation, the dialogue session was chaired by one of this year's UBD graduate, Ak Syahmi Pg Shadan, who obtained a first-class honours degree in Economics.

The panel members consisted of selected UBD alumni who have successful careers in the public and private sectors. Among them were Hj Mohd Zulazrin Hj Mohidin of Brunei Shell Petroleum, Hjh Nurliati Hj Mohd Idris of the Ministry of Finance, Chieko Tokuyama of the Japanese Embassy and Albert Tan of Vincci.

Some 60 attendees comprising of students from UBD, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (Unissa), Institut Teknologi Brunei (ITB), Seri Begawan Religious Teachers' University College (KUPUSB), Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College, Pengiran Muda AlMuhtadee Billah College (Maktab Duli), Berakas Sixth Form Centre, International School Brunei (ISB) and Jerudong International School (JIS), attended the dialogue session.

The dialogue ended with a question-and-answer session, which gave the audience an opportunity to interact with the panel. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times