His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, who serves as the Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB), has conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Technology Innovation upon His Royal Highness Prince (Dr) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah. The Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office is also the Pro-Chancellor of UTB. This significant recognition took place during the 11th UTB Convocation Ceremony held recently.
The honorary doctorate was bestowed in acknowledgment of His Royal Highness’ unwavering support for UTB’s development as a leading academic institution in the fields of engineering, business, science, and technology. His leadership role in nurturing the university, which was upgraded and accredited as a university, has been notable.
In 2013, His Royal Highness was appointed as the Pro-Chancellor of UTB, signifying the government’s trust in his commitment to the university’s advancement.
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah’s dedication aligns with his position as the royal patron of the annual Brunei Info-Communication Technology Awards (BICTA) and the biennial Creative, Innovative Product and Technological Advancement (CIPTA) Awards, held in collaboration with Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd since 2005.
As the Pro-Chancellor of UTB, His Royal Highness has played a pivotal role in the university’s convocation ceremonies, attending the first convocation festival in September 2014 and subsequent years. These annual events hold great significance for UTB and its graduates.
Beyond ceremonial roles, His Royal Highness serves as a source of motivation and support for UTB graduates. His presence at graduation ceremonies celebrates their accomplishments and inspires younger generations to pursue higher education in technology-related fields.
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah’s leadership extends to active engagement in technology and innovation events. Notable moments include officiating the launch of the 3G network in Brunei in 2000, witnessing the signing of agreements between IBM Brunei World Trade Corporation and Syabas Technologies in 2001, and inaugurating the second Annual Asia-Pacific e-Government Forum in 2009. Additionally, he inaugurated the Seria Energy Lab in 2021 and graced the CIPTA Awards in 2023.
His Royal Highness’ contributions as a forward-thinking and dynamic leader with a keen interest in innovation and technology within Brunei underscore the well-deserved honor of receiving the highest recognition for his dedication to UTB’s advancement.