Rohadatul’ Aisy Nabilah Irwan was feted on Thursday for being the first recipient of Universiti Teknologi Brunei’s (UTB) Scholar Scheme.
The celebration took place during the scheme’s signing ceremony at UTB’s Pearl Building, phase 2.
The agreement was signed between Rohadatul’ Aisy Nabilah, witnessed by her father Irwan Haji Lois with Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Dr Hajah Ena Kartina Haji Abdul Rahman,
witnessed by UTB Registrar and Secretary, Lim Chui Hua.
In a welcoming speech, Lim Chui Hua praised Rohadatul’s excellent accomplishments and academic achievements.
“On behalf of UTB, I feel very privileged and honoured to acknowledge the achievement of our brilliant graduate in Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Technology Management, who has made both UTB School of Business and her parents proud.”
“UTB’s Scholar Scheme is awarded to students who have excellent academic achievements, exhibit good character and personality, show potential as a leader, have passion for making
changes, and be able to commit to serving as future leaders, among others. It is a scheme to
pursue a PhD study.”
He shared that two candidates were successfully selected for the scheme, adding that they went through a rigorous selection process.
“(This is) to ensure that the candidates selected are the best and most suitable to participate in the Scholarship Scheme as the recipients will replace the outgoing academic staff.”
Throughout her PhD studies, Rohadatul’ Aisy Nabilah will be mentored by a Professor from UTB’s School of Business, Professor Dr Kamariah Ismail and given access to use the university’s facilities.
She will also be recruited as a lecturer for UTB School of Business upon completion and conferred a PhD.
“We would like to wish you all the best in your studies abroad. It is hoped that more of our graduates will pursue this path in the future,” Lim concluded.
Last year, Rohadatul’ Aisy Nabilah was the first student awarded the prestigious Chancellor’s award – the first in the Sultanate, given to graduates of higher education institutions for excellence in scholarly conduct, accomplishments, leadership and contributions during their time at UTB.
Rohadatul’ Aisy Nabilah graduated with a First Class Honours in Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Technology Management.
She will begin a three-year PhD study from 7 October 2022, in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Loughborough University in United Kingdom.
Speaking to The Bruneian, Rohadatul’ Aisy Nabilah said she was beyond grateful for the award and never expected to be selected.
“The UTB Scholar Scheme was advertised through social media and the UTB website last year. I was just trying my luck and most of my lecturers also encouraged me to pursue a PhD abroad.”
“I was also applying for a PhD in UTB itself, and alhamdulillah after applying to a number of universities abroad and going through interviews with potential supervisors, I received an offer from Loughborough University.”
The scholar added that the process was not an easy journey particularly as she did not have a Masters degree.
“Without that and having to apply to the top 250 universities in the world, it was a long process but alhamdulillah it was my rezeki this time.”
“It was a dream since I was a little girl, to further my studies, to be accomplished academically. And it is also for my beloved parents,” she added.
Rohadatul’ Aisy Nabilah chose to pursue a course in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, related to her bachelor’s degree, at the same time, she believes it is a field that today’s youth needs to learn more about.
She advises future aspiring candidates to work hard and seize every opportunity.
“Never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Always seek advice from seniors, experts and experienced individuals. Don’t forget to also pray to be guided by Allah in anything we do.”
The second candidate is currently waiting for approval of the scholar scheme from the Ministry of Education and offer from the top 250 QS World University Ranking or Times Higher Education World University Ranking or Academic Ranking of World Universities.
Present as the guest of honour was UTB’s Vice-Chancellor Datin Paduka Professor Dr Hajah Zohrah Haji Sulaiman.
Also in attendance were UTB Principal Officers, staff, and invited guests.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
