More options for UBD students

THE new Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Genext programme which will begin enrolling its first batch this August, will be offering exciting new programmes that will give more flexibility for students to choose from a variety of majors and electives.

During a press conference held at UBD's Administration Building yesterday, faculty deans and directors were present to elaborate on the new programmes.

Dean of Faculty of Business, Economics and Policy Studies Roger Lawry said that students will undergo core subjects in the first year with breadth modules, where students will be able to choose what majors they wish to pursue.

Stating that the business faculty offers three majors, he said that students can decide to do a double major in the faculty or a separate major in another faculty. He also said that they are offering breadth courses to other students, such as leadership basics, introduction to entrepreneurship and contemporary issues in the Brunei economy.

"We are aware that not everyone studying economics would specialise in economics. That's why we want to give them a broad-based education that allows them to go out and operate multi and interdisciplinary environments," he said.

Dean of Faculty of Science Dr Lim Chee Ming said that through the Genext programme, students will be encouraged to take the semester abroad, either to study, perform community services or participate in incubation programmes.

"We (at the Faculty of Science) like the idea of incubation project because the students are currently very eager in designing systems and robots and this will give them a chance to try it out," she said.

Dean of Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Dr Mohd Gary Jones stated that their faculty has been receiving the largest number of students. He said that there will be new courses such as Professional Communication and Media.

"This is an important point because we are not only preparing students to work in Brunei but also to work outside," he said, adding that other subjects like Geography and Development and Environmental Studies will be introduced.

The art module will also be introduced this year. "To be part of this programme a student needs to have an A level Art and a good portfolio. There are many good artists in the country. We see this particular programme expanding rapidly and serves as a potential growth area."

The Academy of Brunei Studies will also be offering new modules such as Brunei History and Sultanate, NGOs in Brunei, Brunei's Politics, Brunei Foreign Policy and the Geography of Brunei, said Dr Siti Norkhalbi Hj Wahsalfelah, director of Academy of Brunei Studies.

The Institute of Medicine will be offering new subjects open to other students in other faculties such as First Aid and Basic Life Support and Health Lifestyle.

There were also discussions on collaborating with other foreign universities such as University of Illinois in USA and other countries such as Australia, Singapore have been made by the university to accommodate the students.

Students sent overseas for the study abroad programmes will also be able to graduate from the foreign universities, earning them double degrees. Assistant Vice Chancellor (Education and Internationalisation) Dr Azman Ahmad hoped that the new programmes would result in producing graduates who have the necessary skills and qualifications to face challenges of the 21st century.The Brunei Times