Bandar Seri Begawan witnessed a historic moment as Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) celebrated its 37th Convocation Ceremony, setting a new record with 55 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduates—the highest in the university’s history. The event, graced by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, and Chancellor of UBD, also marked the institution’s 40th anniversary, highlighting its growing role in shaping education and innovation in the region.
The ceremony, held at the Chancellor Hall, saw a total of 1,177 graduates, including 263 Master’s degree recipients, 823 Bachelor’s degree holders, and 36 Graduate Diploma recipients from the 13th batch of UBD’s distinctive GenNEXT programme. Among the highlights was the graduation of the inaugural cohort from the Bachelor of Digital Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence programme, as well as the first Master of Digital Public Health graduate, showcasing UBD’s commitment to cutting-edge fields.
A Royal Presence and Historic Milestone
The event was elevated by the presence of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, who also serves as UBD’s Chancellor. Accompanying him was His Royal Highness Prince (Dr) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, as well as Pro-Chancellor of UBD. Their attendance underscored the national significance of the occasion, reflecting Brunei’s deep investment in higher education as a pillar of development. 
Upon arrival, His Majesty and His Royal Highness were warmly welcomed by the Minister of Education, Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh, and UBD Vice-Chancellor Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle. The ceremony opened with a recitation of verses from Surah Az-Zumar, setting a solemn tone for the proceedings. His Majesty delivered a titah following the Vice-Chancellor’s speech, emphasizing the importance of education in Brunei’s vision for the future, before presenting certificates to graduates across various disciplines during the morning session.
The afternoon session continued with His Royal Highness presenting certificates to additional graduates, including those from Master’s and Bachelor’s programmes in Health Science, Business, and Digital Economy, as well as Graduate Diploma recipients. The day concluded with a Doa Selamat, a prayer for blessings, read by the State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.
Celebrating Innovation and Achievement
Beyond the record-breaking number of PhD graduates—comprising 23 local and 32 international students—the convocation spotlighted UBD’s strides in pioneering academic programmes. The inaugural cohort of the Bachelor of Digital Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence, offered by the School of Digital Science (SDS), graduated with skills in high-demand areas such as machine learning, chatbot development, data analytics, automation, deep learning, and entrepreneurship. This group of six local and international students represents a new wave of talent equipped to meet the needs of technology and business leaders in an increasingly digital world.
Equally noteworthy was the graduation of UBD’s first Master of Digital Public Health, a programme developed by the Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences (PAPRSB IHS) in collaboration with SDS. This postgraduate course integrates Public Health with Digital Science, covering critical topics like machine learning, predictive analytics, and big data handling in public health contexts, alongside modules in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. The Digital Science component, delivered in partnership with the University of Michigan in the United States through online learning content, also awards candidates a certification from the prestigious institution upon completion.
Following the certificate presentations, His Majesty and His Royal Highness signed plaques commemorating UBD’s 40th anniversary, a symbolic gesture marking four decades of academic excellence. They also viewed a special exhibition showcasing the university’s latest research findings, innovations, and student achievements, further highlighting UBD’s role as a hub of knowledge and progress in Brunei.
A Legacy of Learning and Future Prospects
The 37th Convocation Ceremony not only celebrated the accomplishments of the class of 2024 but also reflected Brunei’s broader commitment to education as a cornerstone of national development. UBD, established in 1985, has grown into a leading institution in the region, fostering talent across diverse fields and adapting to global trends through innovative programmes like Applied Artificial Intelligence and Digital Public Health.
For the graduates, the ceremony marked the culmination of years of dedication and the beginning of new journeys. Whether entering the workforce, pursuing further studies, or driving innovation, the class of 2024 carries forward UBD’s legacy of excellence. As the university looks ahead to its next chapter, events like this convocation serve as a reminder of the transformative power of education in shaping individuals and nations alike.
With its 40th anniversary coinciding with a record-breaking graduation, UBD stands at a pivotal moment, poised to continue its mission of nurturing talent and addressing the challenges of tomorrow. For Brunei, the achievements of these graduates signal a bright future, one built on knowledge, innovation, and a shared vision for progress.
