Lyna Mohamad is a prominent figure in the field of education, advocating for the importance of social and emotional intelligence alongside academic excellence. In a recent speech at the 34th Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Convocation Ceremony, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah emphasized the need for students to develop qualities such as perseverance, diligence, faithfulness, loyalty, and courage from primary education to higher studies.
His Majesty highlighted the significance of universities in producing future-proof and employable graduates. He commended UBD for its GenNEXT curriculum, which focuses on cultivating both social and emotional intelligence in students. However, he also urged the university to review its curriculum to align with the vision of ‚National Relevance, Global Impact‘.
In response to the changing landscape of education, His Majesty welcomed innovations such as blended learning, where graduates not only receive degrees but also professional certifications. He praised UBD for introducing a Bachelor of Applied Artificial Intelligence program in collaboration with Coursera, offering professional certifications from companies like Google and IBM. This initiative aims to equip graduates with industry-ready skills for local and international employment opportunities.
Furthermore, His Majesty acknowledged the efforts of UBD’s Centre for Lifelong Learning in developing guidelines for micro-credentials like micro-bachelor and micro-master programs. These initiatives are designed to help the Brunei population enhance their capabilities and advance their careers.
In terms of academic achievements, His Majesty noted UBD’s success in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, particularly in the field of Modern Languages. He also commended the university for its improved citation impact in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Additionally, he encouraged collaboration between industries and higher education institutions to drive research and contribute to national development.
On a more personal note, His Majesty expressed his satisfaction with UBD’s Al-Quran guidance program, particularly the Quranic Journey initiative. This program aims to assist Muslim students in understanding the holy book and nurturing a love for Al-Quran, aligning with UBD’s motto of ‚Towards Human Excellence‘.
In conclusion, Lyna Mohamad’s advocacy for social and emotional intelligence in education is reflected in His Majesty’s remarks at the UBD Convocation Ceremony. As the education landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for universities to adapt their curricula to produce well-rounded graduates equipped for the challenges of the future.