• Today: October 6, 2026

His Majesty calls for responsible AI use, digital leadership

Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) must go beyond producing graduates proficient in artificial intelligence (AI) by ensuring they are able to use technology wisely and responsibly while upholding values, proper conduct and sound judgement.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), highlighted this in a titah at UBD’s 38th Convocation Ceremony at the UBD Chancellor Hall on Tuesday.

His Majesty noted that the rapid development of AI has transformed the way people learn, work and make decisions, presenting new considerations for higher education.

“In my view, it is not enough for universities merely to produce graduates who are proficient in AI,” the monarch said. More importantly, graduates should possess the ability to use technology responsibly while prioritising values, proper conduct and mature judgement.

In this regard, His Majesty welcomed the launch of the UBD Digital Transformation Blueprint as a roadmap for transforming teaching, research and governance through digital technology.

The monarch, however, called on UBD to truly establish itself as a leader in the transformation and ensure digital platforms serve as enablers towards the university’s fundamental goal of producing outstanding and highly skilled graduates.

His Majesty also emphasised that technological and academic capabilities must be accompanied by strong character, noting that academic excellence alone would be meaningless if an individual lacked good morals.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), delivers the titah at UBD’s 38th Convocation Ceremony. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI

Citing an authentic hadith narrated by Al-Bukhari, the monarch highlighted the words of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “Indeed, the best among you are those who have the best character.”

Against this backdrop, His Majesty welcomed UBD’s implementation of the GenBESTARI Curriculum beginning in September this year.

The monarch said GenBESTARI should not merely be regarded as a curriculum reform, but as an approach towards producing well-rounded graduates who are knowledgeable, of noble character, resilient, digitally literate and prepared to pursue lifelong learning.

His Majesty added that the success of GenBESTARI should not be measured solely by the number of programmes implemented, but also by the development of graduates’ mind-sets and the strengthening of their human values.

The monarch also acknowledged UBD’s efforts to enhance graduate employability through comprehensive career guidance and industrial training as proactive measures to reduce unemployment among graduates.

His Majesty called on higher education institutions in the country to continue strengthening strategic collaboration with industry and remain responsive in adapting academic programmes to labour market requirements.

Turning to innovation, the monarch welcomed the UBD Innovation Hub project under the 12th National Development Plan, expressing hope that it would further strengthen the national innovation culture and ecosystem while facilitating the transition of research outcomes into marketable products.

His Majesty expressed hope that the initiative would also contribute towards producing digitally skilled and competitive graduates.

The monarch further highlighted Brunei Darussalam’s peaceful and stable environment and its strong Islamic values as distinctive qualities capable of attracting students from around the world.

“This is the Brunei brand that we need to showcase to the world,” His Majesty said, adding that UBD is at the heart of this identity and that the presence of international students further strengthens the university’s reputation.

Earlier in the titah, His Majesty congratulated the graduates on successfully completing their studies, noting that their achievements were the result of their efforts as well as the continuous prayers of their parents.

The monarch also reflected on UBD’s long-standing aspiration, “Towards Human Excellence”, stressing that the true purpose of higher education is not merely to produce academically outstanding graduates but also individuals of noble character, thoughtfulness and integrity.

 

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN/Izah Azahari

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