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Second Issue • July - December 2013
Institut Teknologi Brunei
Partnerships
&
with PIPER AIRCRAFT INC.
Florida Institute of Technology
Improving Safety ITB Wins Prestigious Robotics ITB Teams win Top
on Brunei Roads Competition 2013 Prizes at BICTA
Page 8 Page 20 Page 23
Welcoming Message CONTENTS
Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi
Wabarakatuh, 20
Robots designed
Alhamdulillah, with the blessings from Allah by the ITB-
SWT, we are able to publish the second issue ROBOCON
of , a half yearly magazine which shall students
serve as the flagship of our University that will
explore, engage, exchange and stimulate healthy
discussions.
Institute Teknologi Brunei has achieved another milestone by
signing a separate Memoranda of Understanding with Piper
Aircraft, Inc (Piper) and Florida Institute Techonolgy (FIT) on 4
24
September 2013. Under the MOU with Piper, our undergraduate ITSYBYTES’ games
students will be able to undergo interships in Florida (USA), an
initiative which we hope to implement in January 2014.
As a follow-up to our Crown Prince CIPTA competition, the Crown
Prince CIPTA Executive Seminar and Workshop took place on
26 September 2013. The aim of the Seminar and Workshop was
to encourage CIPTA alumni to become entrepreneurs and to
contribute to the nation’s economy. We are grateful to BEDB,
BruIPO, AITI and the iCentre for helping us to tailor the 2 day 3-7 Features
programme. Insya’ Allah, we will be launching the Crown Prince
CIPTA Competition 2015 next year.
8-10 Research
On the research front, ITB was granted almost $300K from the
Brunei Research Council for a study involving road safety. The
Centre for Road Safety Studies will be collaborating with the 11-12 Religious Events
Ministry of Communication. It is a great start for ITB on the
national research agenda and I expect more research projects to
be submitted and approved by the Brunei Research Council. 13-19 Staff News
I am always proud of our students as they never fail us in national
competitions. They swept up all the top prizes in BICTA. The 20-24 Student Achievement
winning BICTA project, Autisay, will compete at the international
level before the end of the year. Good luck to Dk Siti Nor Bazilah,
Halina Jumaat and Abdullah Maidin. 25-34 Student Experience
Alhamdulillah, it has been a great year for ITB. We will be having our
Convocation on 28 November 2013 which will be presided over for 35 Sport
the first time by His Majesty the Sultan as the Chancellor of ITB.
The inaugural event will be reported in the next issue. Last but not
least, I would also like to thank the contributors and congratulate
the editorial team for their commitment and hardwork.
Wassalam.
Editorial
With best wishes,
Zohrah Sulaiman Contact
International and
Associate Professor Dr Hjh Zohrah Hj Sulaiman Public Relations Office
Acting Vice-Chancellor ipro.office@itb.edu.bn
Institut Teknologi Brunei
Editorial Board
The rationale behind Dr Christine Jothy Raju, Awg Hj Ady Syarmin bin
To be the ‘heartbeat’ of ITB by adding visibility, value, and impact Hj Md Taib, Mike Cross, Siti Asmahlati Bolkini Hj
to ITB’s vision and mission. A. Ahmad, Sanda Kumari Chandran, Thulasimani
Munohsamy, Asmaal Muizz Sallehhin H M Sultan, Lim
Chui Hua
Features
Partnerships with Piper Aircraft Inc. and
Florida Institute of Technology
O n 4 September 2013, a
ceremony for the signing
of separate Memoranda of
Understanding between Institut
Teknologi Brunei (ITB), Piper
Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) and Florida
Institute of Technology (FIT) was
held at Lecture Theatre 2 in ITB.
The Guest of Honour at the
ceremony was The Honourable
Minister of Education, Pehin Orang
Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia
(Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji
Apong. Also present were: Dato
Paduka Haji Bahrin bin Abdullah,
Acting Minister of Finance II; His
Excellency Mr Daniel Shields, the The Honourable Minister of Education witnessing the exchange of the MOUs
between the Acting VC of ITB and Simon Caldecott (R)
United States Ambassador to
Brunei Darussalam; Dato Paduka
Haji Hisham bin Haji Mohd Hanifah, Permanent Secretary (Policy and Investment) at the Ministry of Finance;
Dato Paduka Dr Haji Zulkarnain bin Haji Hanafi, Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the Ministry of
Education; Awang Haji Abu Bakar bin Haji Ibrahim, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Investment) at the Ministry
of Finance; and Senior Officials from ITB and the Ministries of Education and Finance.
During the ceremony, the opening remarks were delivered by Associate Professor Dr Hjh Zohrah binti Hj
Sulaiman, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of ITB. This was then followed by remarks from Mr Simon Caldecott,
President of Piper Aircraft, Inc. and Dr Razvan Rusovici, Associate Professor in Biomedical and Aerospace
Engineering of Florida Institute of Technology.
The MOU between ITB and Piper was signed by Associate Professor Dr Hjh Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman for ITB,
and Mr Simon Caldecott for Piper, in the presence of the Minister of Education. Under the MOU with Piper,
selected students from ITB will undergo internships with Piper in Florida. This will provide industrial exposure
to ITB students and enhance their practical and industrial experience as part of their undergraduate degree
studies.
Signing of the Institut Teknologi Brunei (ITB)-Piper MOU in the presence of the Honourable Minister of Education.
3
Features
The MOU between ITB and
FIT was signed by Associate
Professor Dr Hjh Zohrah
binti Hj Sulaiman for ITB
and AP Dr Razvan Rusovici
for FIT, in the presence of
the Honourable Minister of
Education. The MOU with
FIT provides a platform
for academic and research
collaborations between
both universities including
student and staff exchange,
joint research activities and
academic programmes.
Piper Aircraft, Inc. is
headquartered in Vero
Beach, Florida. A global
force in aviation, Piper is an The Honourable Minister of Education witnessing the exchange of the
MOUs between the Acting VC of ITB and AP Dr Razvan Rusovici (R)
investment of the Ministry
of Finance of the Government of Brunei. The company offers efficient single-engine and twin-engine trainers
and personal and business aircraft. With economical acquisition and operating costs, Piper airplanes delivers
the best value available today and for the foreseeable future. Piper is a member of the General Aviation
Manufacturers Association.
Florida Institute of Technology is an established technological university with a long distinguished history in
producing engineers, scientists, and business professionals with a full array of specialities. It is well known for
its attraction to international students and its proximity to the NASA Kennedy Space Center and local high
tech industries.
A group photo with the Honourable Minister of Education
4
Features
Partnership with AITI
I TB and the Authority for Info-communications
Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI)
signed a Memorandum of Understanding in a
ceremony held on 16 July 2013 at Dewan Seri Kerna,
AITI. Signing for ITB was the Acting Vice-Chancellor,
Associate Professor Dr Hjh Zohrah binti Hj Sulaiman,
and AITI was represented by its Acting Chief Executive
Officer, Awg Hj Osman bin Hj Ladis. The MOU was
signed in the presence of the Honourable Minister
of Communications, Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah
Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdullah bin
Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar. A separate
MOU was also signed between AITI and UBD.
Signing of the MOU in the presence of the Honourable
Minister of Communications
Also present at the event were the Singapore High
Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, His Excellency for Human Capacity Development Programme.
Jaya Ratnam; the Deputy Permanent Secretary (IT &
e-Government) the Acting Permanent Secretary at Four ITB students were selected for INSPIRE: Ak
Ministry of Communications, Awg Haji Idris bin Haji Md Hardine bin Pg Hj Marali, Md Naqiuddin Ihsan
Ali and Awg Adi Shamsul bin Haji Sabli, at the Prime bin Awg Mat Japar, Dk Siti Rasyidah bte Pg Abd Azis
Minister’s Office and Acting Chairman of AITI. and Abdul Rasyid bin Hj Osman. The students will
be involved in various ICT projects throughout their
One of the immediate projects executed under internship programme such as software engineering,
the MOU is the students’ internship programme, programming using Javascript, SQL, C++, biometric
INSPIRE. This programme provides an opportunity software development and social media applications
for selected students to undergo their industrial development.
attachment with Singapore’s ICT companies for a
period of six months. The programme will enable The students left Brunei for Singapore on 18 July
students to apply and enhance their knowledge 2013. Present to bid farewell to the students at
and skills through meaningful work experience and the Brunei International Airport were Awang Adi
interaction with relevant professionals and experts Shamsul bin Haji Sabli, Acting Chairman of AITI and
in an actual working environment. The INSPIRE Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s
Programme is also supported by the Department of Office, Pg Dr Hj Md Esa Al-Islam bin Pg Hj Md Yunus,
Economic, Planning and Development (JPKE) and Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of ITB and
funded under the 10th National Development Plan AITI’s senior management.
INSPIRE interns with the Acting VC and ITB officials
5
Features
THE CROWN PRINCE CIPTA
EXECUTIVE SEMINAR AND
WORKSHOP
A group photo with the Guest of Honour
T he Crown Prince CIPTA Executive Seminar and
Workshop commenced on 26 September 2013
with two keynote presentations. The two day seminar
Also present were: Awang Haji Mohammad ‘Abdoh
bin Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Salam, Permanent
Secretary (Corporate and Governance) at the Prime
themed ‘Invention to Commercialisation’ was held at Minister’s Office; Awang Mohamad bin Haji Awang
the Bahtera Hall of Badi’ah Hotel. Damit, Managing Director and CEO of Brunei LNG
Sdn Bhd; Awang Yusof bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Deputy
During the Crown Prince CIPTA 2013 Award Permanent Secretary (International, Economic,
Ceremony held on 25 March this year, the Acting
Vice-Chancellor of ITB, Associate Professor Dr Hjh
Zohrah binti Hj Sulaiman, announced the Executive
Seminar initiative in her welcoming speech. This
demonstrated the commitment of ITB and its partner
Brunei LNG in supporting local talent after the CIPTA
competition by providing them with the necessary
guidance for them to embark on their journey of
innovation.
Present as the Guest of Honour during the keynote
session of the Executive Seminar was Yang Mulia
Dato Paduka Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, the
Dr Dong Ho Cho of KAIST delivering his keynote
Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office.
presentation
6
Features
Finance, Research and Development) at the Prime
Minister’s Office; Awang Adi Shamsul bin Haji Sabli,
Deputy Permanent Secretary (IT and E-Government)
at the Prime Minister’s Office; and Dr Hajah Romaizah
binti Haji Mohd Salleh, Deputy Permanent Secretary
(Higher Education) at the Ministry of Education and
Mr Vincent Cheong, CEO of BEDB.
In her welcoming address Associate Professor Dr Hjh
Zohrah stated that the aim of the Executive Seminar
was to provide guidance on the processes involved
in protecting inventions/innovations, on writing
a business plan, on starting up a business and on
how to get funding. One spin-off of the seminar and Mr Daniel Leong of BEDB delivering the second keynote
workshop would be to turn inventors or innovators presentation
into entrepreneurs, thus helping the growth of small 4. BEDB’s Assistance Schemes and Grants
and medium enterprises in the country. 5. AITI Grant for Development of Local ICT & Digital
Media Industries
The first keynote presentation entitled ‘R&D 6. Crowd Funding
Strategy and Achievements for IT Industry in Korea 7. Presenting a Business Plan
with focus on Online Electric Vehicle System’ was
given by Professor Dr Dong Ho Cho from the Korean The seminar participants comprised of CIPTA alumni
Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and representatives from higher learning institutions
(KAIST). Professor Dr Dong Ho Cho is currently the in Brunei.
KT Chair Professor of the Department of Electrical
Engineering at the Korean Advanced Institute of CIPTA is an acronym for ‘Creative, Innovative
Science and Technology (KAIST), the Director of Product and Technological Advancement’ and it is a
Wireless Power Transfer Technology Research biennial competition to encourage innovation and
Centre of KAIST and the Head of The Cho Chun Sik creativity for national development. CIPTA 2013
Graduate School for Green Transportation. was the fifth edition of the competition since its
inauguration in 2005. CIPTA 2013 was organised by
The second keynote presentation was delivered Institut Teknologi Brunei with Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd
by Mr. Daniel Leong Nyuk Ming, Assistant Chief as a partner and sponsor.
Executive Officer, Innovation and New Initiatives
Division of the Brunei Economic Development There are 3 categories in CIPTA 2013: Category
Board (BEDB). Mr Daniel Leong spoke about BEDB’s 1, “Creating new product, process or technology”;
mission to expand and diversify Brunei Darussalam’s Category 2, “Modifying existing product, process
economy by attracting investment and strengthening or technology”; and Category 3, “Creating New or
local businesses through research and innovation. Modifying Existing Product, Process or Technology
by Young Inventors”.
ITB through its Intellectual Property and
Commercialisation Unit collaborated with the
Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB), the
Brunei Darussalam Intellectual Property Office
(BruIPO), the iCentre and the Authority for Info-
communications Technology Industry of Brunei
Darussalam (AITI) to tailor the seminar programme
for the target participants.
Speakers and facilitators from BEDB, BruIPO,
iCentre, AITI and ITB covered the following
topics:
1. Patent and Industrial Protection in Brunei
Darussalam
2. Filing an International Application – the PCT
Pg Dr Hj Md Esa presenting a certificate of appreciation
Route to Dyg Diana Ramli, an invited speaker from BEDB
3. Starting up a Business
7
Research Improving Safety on Brunei Roads Research Grant C ongratulations to the researchers in the CRoSS Centre whose proposed Road Infrastructure Safety Study has been awarded funding amounting to $284,400 by the Brunei Research Council. The study will undoubtedly contribute towards road safety in Brunei Darussalam and also improve ITB’s research standing. In Brunei Darussalam, the majority of the population travel by private car. The road accident rate involving private cars in recent years has remained relatively high compared to other developed countries such as the UK and Singapore. With approximately two in one thousand people injured and one in ten thousand people killed on the road every year (Brunei Darussalam Statistical Year Book), the need to improve road safety is now greater than ever before. The Brunei National Road Safety Council (BNRSC), with its members comprising the Royal Brunei Police Force, Public Works Department, Road Safety Unit and other agencies, has been actively leading the drive to improve the road safety record in our country. In 2011, an important milestone was reached when Her Royal Highness Princess Hjh Masna, launched the “Blueprint Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011-2020) Brunei Darussalam”. The blueprint would adopt a psychological-technological and integrated approach to improve road safety, and be based on the five pillars of road safety management: safer roads, mobility, safer vehicles, safer road users and post-crash response. It also outlined the importance of conducting research to support the road safety policies and strategies in the country. ITB has been active in road safety research ever since Dr Hj Supry bin Hj Ladi completed his PhD in road safety and re-joined ITB in 2007. The research efforts by Dr Hj Supry and his team eventually culminated into the establishment of the Centre for Road Safety Studies (CRoSS) in 2011. Dr Hj Supry remained as the director of (CRoSS) until 2012 when he was promoted to another position at the Ministry of Communications. He has remained an active researcher at the centre in his capacity as a research fellow. The Centre was established to contribute to the growth of research activities at the University and to support road safety policy and strategy development through research-generated evidence, data and recommendations. To summarise, the role of the Centre is to carry out interdisciplinary research in the related fields of road safety and transport, and to complement the National Road Safety Action Plans and strategic directions. Since its establishment, CRoSS has completed several applied studies on road accident hotspots, road safety inspection, public transportation, school vicinity road safety, safer mobility zones in residential areas and mid- block U-turn safety. The outcomes from these studies are regularly shared with and disseminated to the key stakeholders of BNRSC including the Department of Investigation and Traffic Control, the Department of Roads, and the Road Safety Unit, so that timely interventions can be taken. At present, the team at CRoSS consists of academic staff from across the disciplines of Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Computer Information Systems. The Centre consists of five virtual units, each focusing on a major strategic area of the Centre. The units are the Road Engineering and 8
Research
Environment Unit (REE), the In-car Device and Roadside Technology Unit (TECH), the Public Land Transport
Unit (TRANS), the Vulnerable Road Users Unit (USER), and the Emerging Areas and Support Services Unit
(EASE). To date, most of the research activities have been conducted by the academic staff and students at ITB
with limited funding support. The Centre has recently started to explore international research collaborations
with researchers from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia and the Malaysian
Institute of Road Safety Research.
The Centre has achieved three major milestones in 2013. Earlier this year, the Centre Director was appointed
as the Chairperson of the Environment Focus Group under BNRSC in recognition of the potential of CRoSS
to contribute towards the continuous and long-term effort of the Council to improve road safety. In June
2013, the Ministry of Communications officially appointed the Centre as the research agency to conduct
two projects entitled, ‘Road Accident Data Enhancement and Development’ and ‘Average Speed Monitoring
System’. In September 2013, the Centre successfully secured a competitive research grant of $284,400 from
the Brunei Research Council to conduct a research project entitled, ‘Road Infrastructure Safety Study’.
With these external sources of research funding and the continued support from the University and BNRSC,
the team at the Centre hopes to develop and strengthen the University’s road safety research capability and
reputation, while at the same time contributing to the very important road safety agenda in the country.
Projects at CRoSS
1. Road Accident Data Enhancement And Development (RADED)
Number of accidents by type
Sample automated output from the proposed analysis system
A prerequisite to improving road safety is to have a comprehensive road accident database and analysis system.
Accurate and reliable data over a period of time are needed to strategise road safety initiatives, to understand
road accident contributory factors and to evaluate the effectiveness of road safety intervention programmes.
A previous study on Road Traffic Accident (RTA) data in Brunei Darussalam identified several areas where
the RTA on-site and off-site recording could be enhanced. The study highlighted the importance of using a
computerised system to replace the current manual methods of recording, storing, retrieval, presenting and
analysing these important data. This research project aims to study and enhance the RTA data collection
process, and to design a prototype, computerised RTA system for Brunei Darussalam. It is envisioned that the
outcomes will help to improve the RTA record in Brunei Darussalam so that more focused and evidence-based
interventions can be undertaken to improve road safety in the country.
Team members:
Dr Tan Soon Jiann, Dr Hj Supry Hj Ag Ladi, Ak Hj Azhan bin Pg Hj Ahmad, Ibrahim Idris, Dr Ena Kartina bte Hj
Abd Rahman
9
Research
2. Development Of Average Speed Monitoring System (ASMoS)
Sample automated output from the proposed analysis
system
This research focuses on a system known as Electronic Vehicle Identification, and will use passive RFID
transponders (Ultra-High Frequency) that will be embedded inside the windshields of the vehicle. Radio
Frequency Identification (RFID) readers and antennas will be placed in key locations on the roads, such as
intersections and accident prone areas and will automatically read the vehicle information though their unique
IDs. The Electronic Vehicle Identification system will be used to identify ownership of the car, average speed
of the car over a certain distance, road tax and vehicle registration details. The main output from ASMoS is
expected to consist of a prototype speed monitoring device interconnected with the bespoke software
running on a computer system. The project will also generate a report that contains a detailed account on the
design, implementation and testing stages of the prototype and recommendations for further research and
development.
Team members:
Syed Bilal Hassan, Hj Mohd. Adi Mukmin, Pg Muhd Nazri bin Pg Hj Ahmad, Dk. Hjh Nooralam bte Hj Tuah, Ak
Hj Azhan bin Pg Hj Ahmad, Ibrahim Idris, Dr Tan Soon Jiann, Dr Hj Supry Hj Ag Ladi
3. Road Infrastructure Safety Study (RISaS)
This research project aims to improve the safety
of the road environment in Brunei Darussalam
through the introduction and implementation
of a systematic five-stage approach to
Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) i.e. hotspot
identification, prioritisation, diagnosis, remedial
and evaluation.
Stage 1 will identify the accident-prone roads
through the digitisation of past RTA records and
identify the hotspots along those roads. Stage 2
will then prioritise the identified hotspots using
a suggested colour-coding system. Stage 3 will
Sample hotspot map developed using GIS
involve the diagnosis of those hotspots whereby
Road Safety Inspections (RSI) will be conducted
to identify the problems and issues pertaining to the selected hotspots. Stage 4 will propose and implement
remedial measures for the selected sites. Stage 5 will monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the remedial
measures. The outcomes will provide recommendations for road safety practitioners on a systematic approach
for deriving a road safety intervention and evaluation programme based on historical road safety data and a
road safety inspection programme.
Team members:
Dr Tan Soon Jiann, Dr Hj Supry Hj Ag Ladi, Dr Ena Kartina bte Hj Abd Rahman
10Religious Events
ITB observes Ramadhan with Khatam Al-Quran
I n conjunction with Ramadhan and Nuzul Al-
Quran 1434H, staff and students of ITB marked
the completion of tadarus Al-Quran with a Khatam
ceremony. The ceremony was held at the Concourse
Hall of the University. The Guest of Honour at the
ceremony was Pg Dr Hj Md Esa Al-Islam bin Pg Hj
Md Yunus, the Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
of ITB. Also in attendance were the University’s
Principal Officers, lecturers, staff and students.
The ceremony began with the mass recitation of Surah
The Guest of Honour with other guests at the ceremony
Al-Fatihah led by the Guest of Honour and followed
by the Ayat-ayat Lazim, Takhtim and concluded with and mass Maghrib prayer, led by Ustaz Md Nuzul
Doa Khatam. The congregants then performed Iftaar Asmadi bin Hj Abdullah.
Korban Ceremony in ITB
I TB commemorated Aidiladha with a Korban
ceremony on Saturday, 19 October 2013 held at
the University campus. The event was organised
jointly by the Ugama Unit, Student Affairs and the
Student Representative Council of the University.
The ceremony was officiated by the Acting Vice-
Chancellor of ITB, Associate Professor Dr Hjh Zohrah
binti Hj Sulaiman, who also presented the Korban
meat portions to the asnaf recipients.
In her welcoming remarks, Ustazah Hjh Kartini binti
Hj Bakar, the Co-Chairperson of the ceremony,
highlighted the virtues of the act of sacrifice including
as a means of seeking rewards and forgiveness from
Allah.
Committee members packing the meat for distribution
SYAWALKU di ITB
O n 31 August 2013, the Student Representative Council organised a Hari Raya celebration, with the
theme, ‘One Department, One Identity’. After the arrival of the Guest of Honour, Mrs Jennifer Hiew, the
Registrar & Secretary, the students commenced their performance and the audience were served traditional
Malay cuisine.
Festive Atmosphere Guest of Honour visiting an ‘open house’
11Religious Events
Ukhuwah Programme organised by Al-Quran Club
T he Al-Quran Club successfully organised a 4 day
Ukhuwah programme for 50 participants from
ITB and UBD. The activities included recreational
sessions, two ‘tajwid’ workshop sessions delivered
by Ustaz Muhammad and field visits to Institut Tahfiz
Al-Quran as well as the Syariah Court. Explorace
Islam was one of the activities organised during the
Ukhuwah Programme at night. The closing ceremony
was officiated by the Guest of Honour, Yang Mulia
Ustazah Hjh Kartini Haji Bakar, Head of the Ugama
Unit, ITB. Participants of the programme
Tadarus at ITB Surau Hadrah Workshop
Md Hadry Bukhary bin Hj Awg Yussof reciting the surah
O n 13 July 2013, the Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar
(MPP) and Exco Keugamaan dan Kerohanian
(EKK) held their Tadarus at ITB Surau. It was attended Participants at the Hadrah workshop
by officers from the Ugama Unit , ECA officers and
lecturers. Md Hadry Bukhary bin Hj Awg Yussof,
Deputy President of EKK, led the recital of the surah. T he Exco Keugamaan dan Kerohanian organised
a Hadrah workshop. A lecturer from UNISSA
facilitated the workshop.
Cleaning Campaign in Kg Terunjing Cemetery and Tahlil Arwah
Staff and
students at
the Kampung
Terunjing
Cemetry and
Tahlil Arwah
I n remembrance of a member of the ITB Ugama
staff, Allahyarham Ustaz Hj Ali Amat bin Haji
Ali Hassan, who passed away on 12 April 2011, a
Kerohanian. The event was attended by the Dean of
Student Affairs, Cikgu Joffry Haji Bungsu and The
Extra Curricular Activity Officer, Cikgu Haji Meraj
cemetery cleaning campaign was organised by Majlis Haji Suhaili.
Perwakilan Pelajar (MPP) and Exco Keugamaan dan
12Staff News
Farewell Message from Dr Hjh Naemah Hj Basir
(Assistant Vice-Chancellor 2009-2013)
I
joined
at the end
of 1989 as a
ITB sport at the time was “tug of war”. I joined the ladies
staff team and despite the age difference we managed
to beat the student team almost every tournament.
lecturer in the The other significant event was the Teacher’s Day
Department of Celebration, when staff had the opportunity to show
Business and their hidden talents especially in singing. Another
Management. activity that I miss was Quran reading every Saturday
On my first day, with some colleagues. The name of our teacher was
I was welcomed Ustaz Hasbollah. The participants varied in character
by two very and skill level, which made every session interesting.
friendly ladies We really had a great time.
from the
administration, In 1996, I went to UK to do my PhD under the in-
Hjh Hapipah service scheme. When I came back to Brunei in 2000,
Besar and Hjh ITB had moved to the present campus. Here, I have
Dr Hjh Naemah Hj Basir Mariam Amit. I had the pleasure to work with various committees,
was introduced such as CIPTA, Convocation, Orientation and many
to the Director, Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha Abu others. The group cohesiveness among ITB staff
Bakar, the Deputy Director, Cikgu Abu Hanifah, and remains strong till today. Members of staff, regardless
Haji Mohamad Hidup, the Registrar. of their positions, always work together as a team.
In the Department of Business and Management ,
where I was assigned, I was the only local and the only Looking back, ITB has developed from its humble
woman in the entire Department. I was a bit shocked beginnings and has now gained university status. I
at first but determined to do my best. believe that the success of ITB is due to the hard work
and commitment of all “ITBians” with the direction
The staff in Business and Management came from from the top management. ITB graduates are well
diverse backgrounds and nationalities such as USA, known for their employability. However, this did not
UK, Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka happen automatically. A lot of hard work was invested
and India. They were quite loud and argumentative, along the way. I remember in the old days having to
especially in meetings. When I tried to say something call companies to persuade them to take our students
in a meeting, no one seemed to listen. Everyone for placement and, after the final exams, to take them
wanted to get their views heard. Surprisingly the for employment. I believe that, to a great extent, it is
conflict disappeared once we left the meeting room. the dedication and commitment of ITB teaching staff
which plays an important role in shaping ITB students
After about two years I was appointed Head of to become who they are when they graduate from
Department. When the Director informed me about this institution.
the new appointment, I was a bit apprehensive.
However, I tried to be positive and to do my best. Time flies and it is hard to believe that I have been
It was not easy at the beginning, but with strong with ITB for 23 years holding various posts, namely
determination and hard work I survived and Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Head of Department,
eventually gained the full support of the team. In fact, Principal Lecturer, Head of School, Deputy Director,
we became a very strong team. Acting Director and Assistant Vice-Chancellor. I
wish to take this opportunity to thank the former
In the old days, at the original site in Jalan Muara, we Directors, Deputy Directors, Registrars and the
had to multi-task. All staff, especially locals, took part former Vice-Chancellor who were also my mentors
in all sorts of extra-curricular activities, such as sports, for putting their trust in me. I also wish to thank all ITB
religious functions and cultural events. My favourite staff. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
13Staff News
The Most Blessed Order of Setia Negara Brunei 4th
Class Awards at the Palace
I n conjunction with the 67th Birthday Anniversary
of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah
Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji
Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, the
Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam,
three of ITB staff were conferred the Most Blessed
Order of Setia Negara Brunei 4th Class (Darjah Setia
Negara Brunei Yang Amat Bahagia Darjah Keempat)
on 5 October 2013. The recipients were Pengiran
Dr Haji Md Esa Al-Islam bin Pengiran Haji Md Yunus,
Dayang Hajah Pusparaini binti Haji Thani and Awang
Haji Morsidi bin Haji Kassim @ Haji Kasim.
Pengiran Dr Haji Md Esa Dayang Hajah
Al-Islam bin Pengiran Pusparaini binti Haji
Haji Md Yunus Thani
Strategic Planning Retreat
T he Management Team and
Senior Staff of ITB attended
a retreat at the Empire Hotel
& Country Club from 14 to 15
August 2013. The goals of the
retreat were to finalise the vision
and mission statements of the
University as well as to identify
its core values and strategic
objectives.
ITB Management Team and
Senior Staff
ITB Expats attend Malay Classes
T he Centre for Communication,
Teaching & Learning (CCTL) has been
conducting language classes – Arabic,
Mandarin and Japanese, Levels I, II and III
for students since 2011. The instructors
are hired from other institutions on a part-
time basis. CCTL lecturers conducted
Malay and MIB classes for expatriates and
international students too. A volunteer,
Jin Lang, sent by the Chinese government
conducts Level 1 and II Mandarin classes
for students and lecturers. She arrived in
January 2013 and will be with CCTL until
December 2013.
The students are trained to conduct choral
Malay class participants with lecturers Hjh Mariam and Hjh Mas Ayu
speaking in Mandarin and Japanese.
Workshops are also organised for Origami (Japanese ancient art of paper folding), preparation of Japanese
food, “Sushi Making” and others.
14Staff News
Acting VC holds Dialogue with Academic Staff
O n 3 August 2013, the Acting Vice-Chancellor,
Associate Professor Dr Hjh Zohrah binti
Hj Sulaiman, addressed all the academic staff of
ITB at a dialogue session. She emphasised the
importance of the change process that ITB is
currently undergoing. She added that the change
process was essential, following ITB’s upgrading
to a full-fledged university in 2008.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor reminded everyone Acting Vice-Chancellor addressing the academic staff
that change is inevitable and that it should be viewed take into consideration research output and other
as an opportunity for ITB to move forward. ITB wants contributions. Regarding recruitment, she mentioned
to be recognised locally, regionally and internationally. that, in order to ensure that only high calibre staff
are appointed, the University now requires that
She encouraged non-PhD holders to pursue their applicants have an acceptable H-index and citations
PhDs as soon as possible, and informed those present record.
that the process of renewal of contract would
Acting VC holds Dialogue with Non-Academic Staff
Senior Management Team in the dialogue session Non academic staff in the dialogue session
O n 3 October 2013 Associate Professor Dr
Hjh Zohrah binti Hj Sulaiman, Acting Vice-
Chancellor, had a dialogue session with the non-
The Acting Vice-Chancellor explained the need for
the recent changes at ITB and welcomed questions
from the audience.
academic staff of ITB. The Acting Vice-Chancellor
thanked all present for their continuous and tireless A few members sought clarification on a number
support. of issues, such as training, additional support staff,
conferences, accommodation for students and
promotion.
First Issue • January - June 2013
Soft Launching of inaugural ITBpulse
Institut Teknologi Brunei
T he Acting Vice-Chancellor, Associate Professor Dr Hjh
Zohrah binti Hj Sulaiman officially launched our inaugural ITB
magazine the on 23 July 2013. will be a half yearly
magazine showcasing ITB’s development and achievements. The
inaugural issue featured the Crown Prince Cipta Awards 2013
and the BIBD At-Tamwil Uni Cup 2013 amongst others.
Crown Prince
graces CIPTA
AWARDS
2 0 13
BIBD At-Tamwil & ENGAGE 2013
ITB Uni Cup 2013 at ITB
Page 5 Page 7
15Staff News
Working Visits to Singapore
Meeting with Mr Yue-Wen Lim, Director of International Meeting with Professor Er Wong Hwa, Nanyang
Relations, NUS Business School Technological University
F rom 24 to 26 July 2013, The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Associate Professor Dr Hjh Zohrah binti Hj Sulaiman,
the Dean of the Faculty of Business and Computing, Dr Hjh Noor Maya binti Hj Md Salleh, and the Deputy
Dean of Faculty of Engineering, Dr Ang Swee Peng, visited the National University of Singapore, the Nanyang
Technological University, the Singapore Management University and the Singapore University of Technology
and Design. Their discussions centred on research, student mobility and academic programmes as well as the
possibility of engaging their academic staff as visiting lecturers, and also engaging high-calibre professionals/
professors on advisory panels and as moderators.
Fire Marshal Training and Drill
C omprehensive safety regulations for the
University have been prepared by the
Health, Safety and Environmental Unit of
ITB. Zuliana Hj Nayan, the Coordinator of the
unit explained that the guidelines will ensure
that everyone is engaged and encouraged to
observe a culture of safety that will prevent
injuries, illness and disabilities on campus.
On 12 September 2013, twenty ITB staff
successfully completed Fire Marshal training, The Fire Marshal Team with Fire & Rescue Dept Officer and the
certified by the Fire and Rescue Department. Registrar and Secretary, Madam Jenifer-Hiew
The fire marshal team members are committed
to fulfilling their duties for a better and safer
ITB.
Hands-on training Using a fire blanket
An in-house fire drill was held on 31 October 2013. Fire and evacuation drills were conducted to prepare staff
and students for an emergency situation. The event was organised by ITB and the Fire Rescue Department.
16Staff News
‘Road Safety Audit’ Workshop
Participants of the Road Safety Audit Workshop
T hree academic staff members (Dr Tan Soon Jiann, Noor Hadijah Haji Abdul Hadi and Rozeana Hj Md
Juani) from the Centre for Road Safety Studies (CRoSS) and Civil Engineering attended a four day training
workshop on “Road Safety Audit” from 31 August to 4 September 2013.
The workshop was organised by the Department of Roads at the Public Work Department, and facilitated by
two road safety specialists from New Zealand. The participants also included engineers from the Department
of Roads, members from the Royal Brunei Police Force, the Land Transport Department, and the Road Safety
Unit from the Ministry of Communications.
The main aims of the workshop were to introduce fundamental road safety audit knowledge and skills to the
participants and to enable them to eventually be part of a road safety audit team. This workshop is part of
the continuous efforts by the Engineering Core Group of the Brunei National Road Safety Council towards
improving the road safety engineering standards in the country. For the academic staff members from ITB, the
workshop also provided them with an opportunity to interact with members from the National Road Safety
Council and road engineers, and to enhance their knowledge and skills in this area for their future teaching and
research work.
Sustaining Change
A n open sharing session of the change initiatives
that are currently taking place in ITB was held on
Wednesday, 18 September 2013. The session was
part of a follow-through programme of the ‘Forward
to Change’ workshop held in April this year.
Four teams were formed for this workshop. The
teams had identified and embarked on change
initiatives that will fulfill the aspirations of the nation
and take ITB to a higher level. The teams are working
to address issues critical to the transformation of
ITB : Organisational Re-structuring, Curriculum
Review, Cultivating Research Culture and Enhancing
Professor Richard Badham facilitating the session
Visibility.
staff to keep abreast of developments that are taking
During the sharing session, the change teams place at the University.
presented the background and current status of
their projects, the Gap and Force Field Analyses of The half-day sharing session was attended by
the issues, and the on-going change process that Associate Professor Dr Hjh Zohrah binti Hj Sulaiman,
is taking place. The feedback session that followed the Acting Vice-Chancellor of ITB, the ‘change
each of the four presentations provided an avenue teams’ as well as the academic and support staff of
for all members of the University to contribute to the the University. Professor Richard J Badham from
discussion and share their thoughts on the change the Macquarie Graduate School of Management,
agendas. The session also enabled every member of Australia, facilitated the session.
17Staff News
Paper Presentations at Conferences
NAME COUNTRY CONFERENCE DATE TITLE OF PAPER
An Investigation of Perceived
International Conference on
19- Benefits and Perceived
Dr Haji Afzaal Syeal Singapore Innovation and Information
20/1/13 Barriers of E-Businesses among
Management (ICIM)
Bruneian SMEs
A Fundamental approach to
SEISMIC Geomechanics:
facilities location risk assessment
Mr Matthew How to build and Calibrate
Malaysia 21/1/13 and its’ relevance to supply chain
Harisson Smith Geomechanical Models Using
network design: Using the Thai
3D and 4D seismic data
floods of 2011 as an example
5th AUN/SEED-Net Regional
Associate Professor 07- Development of a Continuous
Thailand Conference on Chemical
Dr David Hassell 08/2/13 Microchannel Crystallizer
Engineering
Sustainable Water Use for Supplementary Irrigation to
Securing Food Production Rain-Fed Paddy Scemes in
Mr Haji KBM 10-
Morocco in the Mediterranean Region Brunei Darussalam: A Potential
Shafiuddin 15/3/13
Under Climate Change Contributor to Food Security and
(SWUPMED) Rural Uplift
Associate Professor Design of Microstrip UWB
IEEE 2013 Tencon-Spring 17-
Dr Mohammad Australia Antenna with Band Notch
Conference 19/4/13
Abdul Matin Characteristics
Associate Professor The Forth International
12- Transcribing Bach Chorales using
Dr Somnuk Phon- China Conference on Swarm
15/6/13 Particle Swarm Optimisations
Amnuaisuk Intellegence (ICSI’2013)
Understanding the CEO's
The 21th IBIMA Conference
Leadership Style Towards
Dr Haji Afzaal H. on Vision 2020: Innovation, 27-
Austria Enterprise Resource Planning
Syeal Development Sustainability and 28/6/13
Ssytems Implementation :
Economic Growth
Evidence of Bruneian SMEs
The 13th International Reducing CO2 Emissions from
Conference of Quality in Buildings and New Developments
Mr Felix 25-
Indonesia Research (QIR) Symposium by the Strict Enforcement of
Weerakkody 28/6/13
on Civil & Environmental Regulations Imposed by Local
Engineering 2013 Authorities
7th International Conference
Professor Nawaf CFD Simulation of a Vent Silencer :
Spain on Advanced Computation 1-4/7/13
Hazim Saied Diffuser Perforation effects
Engineering and Experimenting
Accessing the Construct and
Mr Namasivayam 2013 International Conference
Indonesia 7-9/7/13 Content Validity of variables that
Karuppiah on Business and Information
influence Brand Attitude
ICERI 2013: 3rd International A Problem-Based Learning
Dr Looi Hong 28-
Brunei Conference on Education, Approach to Teaching a Computer
Cheong 29/9/13
Research and Innovation Programming Language
2013 IEEE Conference on Measurement of Pollution Level
20-
Dr Md Abdus Salam China Electrical Insulation and of High Voltage Transmission Line
23/10/13
Sielectric Phenomena Components
Measurement of Harmonics
22 -
Dr Ang Swee Peng China IEEE TENCON 2013 in Different sectors on 11 Kv
25/10/13
Distribution Networks
Standalone PV Systems : A Case
Mr Syed Bilal 22 -
China IEEE TENCON 2013 Study of Rural Long Houses in
Hassan 25/10/13
Brunei Darussalam
18Staff News
Congratulations!
Date of
Name Masters University
Completion
Dyg Hajah Norazillah binti Master of Business Royal Melbourne Institute 12 Dec 2012
Haji Abdullah (Information Technology) of Technology, Australia
Dk Noralam binti Pengiran Master of Science in University of Birmingham, 06 Dec 2012
Tuah Embedded System UK
Dk Rafedah binti Pengiran Master of Science in University of 19 Nov 2012
Hj Petra Nanoelectronics and Southampton, UK
Nanotechnology
Awg Saiful Bahri bin Haji Md Master of Science in Electrical University of Leeds, UK 21 Nov 2012
Ja'afar Engineering and Renewable
Energy Systems
Dyg Hajah Mas Ayu Kartika Master of Creative Industries Queensland University 10 Dec 2013
Dewi bin Haji Momin (Professional Communication) Technology, Australia
Dk Susidzaimah binti Pg Master of Business Universiti Brunei 04 July 2013
Sulaiman Administration Darusalam
Awg Raden Jefri bin Radin Master of Management Universiti Brunei 04 July 2013
Basiuni Darusalam
Dr Ena Kartina binti Haji Master of Teaching Universiti Brunei 21 Aug 2013
Abdul Rahman Darusalam
Awg Haji Adi Mukmin bin Master of Teaching Universiti Brunei 21 Aug 2013
Haji Sarbini Darusalam
Pg Hj Alauddin bin Pg Haji Bachelor of Engineering in Loughborough University, 18 July 2012
Momin Manufacturing UK
Engineering and Management
New Staff
Dyg Siti Rahimah binti Rahmat Awg Hj Haji bin Othman Dyg Nurmultazimah Amalina binti Awg Osman bin Haji Suhaile
Lab Assistant Counselling Officer Haji Bakir@Bakri Librarian
Library Assistant Grade II
Dyg Nur Adiliah binti Ridzuan Dyg Nurnuranurul binti Jasne
Worker Grade II Worker Grade II
19Student Achievement
ITB wins Prestigious National Level Robotics Competition 2013
T he ROBOCON project was initiated in August 2012. The team comprised of engineering students from
Nuzul
Nuzul
tirelessly for five months,
Hakeem
Electrical and Electronic HjHjAwg
AwgAkup
Engineering
Hakeem
working
and Mechanical EngineeringLim
Akup
on various
LimTaiTai
Programme Tzin Areas. The team worked
Tzin
Course:
Course:HND
HNDElectrical
Electrical Power &aspects of robotics, including
Power Course:
Course: HNDelectronic
HND circuitry,
Electrical
Electrical Power & software
Power &
design, and robot Control Engineering
Control Engineering
modelling. (Intake 27)
(Intakerequired
The project Control
Control
careful planning, Engineering
Engineering
innovative (Intake
(Intake
design, 27) of all,
27) most
and
exceptional teamworkRole: Team
and
Role: TeamLeader/Manual
collaboration.
Leader/Manual Operator
With Role:
continuous dedication,Role:
Operator Main
commitment
Main team
team and (Electrical)
determination, the
(Electrical)
team successfully built two fully working robots. They worked under an extremely tight budget of US$1500.
The funding for the project came from the students and staff donations.
Sally Leong
Sally LeongYeeYeeWei
Wei Mohammad
Mohammad Suranizam
Suranizam Sulaiman
Sulaiman
Course:
Nuzul Hakeem BEng
Course: BEng Electrical
Electrical
Hj Awg Akup and
and Course:
Course:
Lim Tai BEngBEng Mechatronic
Tzin Mechatronic
Communication
CommunicationEngineering
Engineering (Intake 1)
(Intake 1) Engineering
Engineering (Intake
(Intake 1) 1)
Course: HND Electrical Power & Course: HND Electrical Power &
Role:
Control Main
Role: Mainteam
Engineeringteam (Programmer)
(Programmer)
(Intake 27) Role:
Role:
Control Pit Crew (Electronics)
(Electronics)
PitEngineering
Crew (Intake 27)
Role: Team Leader/Manual Operator Role: Main team (Electrical)
Martino Prait
Martino Prait
Hj Hj Mohammad
Mohammad Khairul
Khairul Azri Azri Hj Zaini
Hj Zaini
SallyCourse:
Leong
Course: Yee
HND
HNDWei
Communication
Communication and
and Mohammad Suranizam Sulaiman
Computer Course:
Course: BEngBEng Mechanical
Mechanical Engineering
Engineering
Course: BEng Systems
Computer SystemsEngineering
Electrical Engineering
and (Intake
(Intake Course: 1) BEng
(Intake
(Intake 1) Mechatronic
27)27)
Communication Engineering (Intake 1) Engineering (Intake 1)
Role:Role:
Main team (Programmer) Role:
Role:
Role: PitPit
Pit CrewCrew
Crew (Mechanics)
(Mechanics)
(Electronics)
Pit
Role: Crew
Pit Crew(Electronics)
(Electronics)
Martino Prait
Muhammad Syu'aibOthman
Muhammad Syu'aib Hj Mohammad Khairul Azri Hj Zaini
Othman
Course: HND Communication and
Computer Systems Engineering Course:
Course: BEng
(Intake Course: BEng Mechanical Engineering
BEngininMechanical
Mechanical
(Intake 1)
27) Engineering (Intake1)1)
Engineering (Intake
Role: Pit Crew (Mechanics)
Role: Pit Crew (Electronics) Role: PitCrew
Role: Pit (Mechanics)
Crew(Mechanics)
Muhammad Syu'aib Othman
Course: BEng in Mechanical
Engineering (Intake 1)
Role: Pit Crew (Mechanics)
ITB-ROBOCON Team
Manual and automatic robots designed by the ITB-ROBOCON students
What is ABU ROBOCON?
The Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) is a non-profit, non-government, professional association of
broadcasting organisations, formed in 1964 to facilitate the development of broadcasting in the Asia-Pacific
region and to organise co-operative activities amongst its members. It currently has 252 members in 62
countries, with its broadcaster members reaching a potential audience of about 3 billion people.
20Student Achievement
ROBOCON, which started in 2002, is an annual robotics contest for university, college and polytechnic
students in the Asia-Pacific region. Under a common set of rules, participants compete with their peers from
other countries to create a robot using their creative and technological abilities in an open competition. This
contest aims to create friendship among young people with similar interests, as well as to advance engineering
and broadcasting technologies in the region. This event was broadcast in the country through the ABU member
broadcaster and in the case of Brunei Darussalam, Radio Television Brunei.
This year’s theme was “The Green Planet” in which two robots had to pick up and place cylindrically shaped
“leaves” in specifically located “rings” throughout the game field, which represented the Earth. Then the
automatic robot had to pick up a rocket-shaped “bud” and place it onto the manual robot, which in turn
launched it to the “moon”. The team that successfully completed the tasks within 3 minutes would win the
match, achieving “The Green Planet”.
“Our aim was to win the national game. Now we want to do our best in Vietnam.”
– Nuzul Hakeem bin Haji Awang Akup, the ITB-ROBOCON Team Leader.
THE MOON
THE POSITION OF THE BUDS
THE NORTH POLE
THE NORTH POLE ZONE THE FIRST PARALLEL
THE COMMON ZONE
THE AUTOMATIC ROBOT AREA
LIMIT LINE 2
A PICTURE OF A GREEN TREE LIMIT LINE 1
AUTOMATIC ROBOT STARTING ZONE
MANUAL ROBOT STARTING ZONE
THE RINGS
THE MANUAL ROBOT AREA
(THE SPACE ZONE)
THE LEAVES STORE 12 BLUE LEAVES
ABU ROBOCON 2013 Game Field
It was a remarkable achievement for
the University since this was ITB’s
maiden entry into the competition.
After this year’s national success, the
team hopes to successfully defend its
title in next year’s competition.
The national level competition was
held on 26 June 2013, in Brunei
Darussalam. It was organised by
RTB in collaboration with Science,
Technology and Environment
Partnership (STEP) Centre. ITB
emerged as the champion in the
national level competition, beating
Maktab Kejuruteraan Jefri Bolkiah.
ITB-ROBOCON team members with the winning trophy and robots
21Student Achievement
ITB represents Brunei Darussalam in International ROBOCON
Competition 2013 in Vietnam
O n 15 August 2013, the ITB-ROBOCON Team
travelled to Danang, Vietnam, to represent
Brunei in the ABU ROBOCON 2013 for the first time
as the national champion. The team was accompanied
by Haji Mohammad Adi Mukmin bin Haji Sarbini, an
academic staff from the Electrical and Electronic
Engineering Programme, and Haji Hairone bin Haji
Abdul Rahman, Senior Education Officer from STEP
Centre.
ITB, Brunei Darussalam competed with International
IT University from Kazakhstan and Kanazawa
Institute of Technology from Japan in the preliminary
round. In the first match, Brunei narrowly lost to
Kazakhstan with a score of 20-30. Finally Japan won
the championship and achieved “The Green Planet”.
The team leader, Nuzul Hakeem bin Hj Akup, said: ITB-ROBOCON Team before Departure
“It was an unforgettable experience, it was quite a
spectacle. Our robots may not have been the best,
but we were certainly up for the challenge.”
The team’s software designer Sally added, “Even
though we lost, we gained new experiences which
encouraged us to further improve our skills and
knowledge. All in all, it was an invaluable experience
for all of us and we look forward to the next
ROBOCON.”
The team instructor, Haji Mohammad Adi Mukmin
Hj Sarbini said, “Judging from what I have seen, I
believe Brunei has the potential to challenge the likes
of Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam. But at the end of
the day, it is not about winning or losing, it is about Hakeem, Lim, and Sally getting ready for first match
whether we can push ourselves to the next level, and
the key to that is to learn from each other”.
There were also interesting activities organised
by the host during the five day event. There was a
celebration dinner after the contest at Diamond
Palace restaurant. The following morning, the host
organised the Friendship Exchange Programme where
all participants exchanged knowledge, experience,
and gifts. In the afternoon, the participants travelled
to Hoi An Ancient City, which is listed as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site.
Friendship Exchange Programme, Hoi An City
Next year’s ROBOCON will be held at Pune, India
and the theme is ‘A Salute to Parenthood’.
22Student Achievement
iPad Application - Autism EducateMe
T he Autism EducateMe iPad application was initially
designed as a final year HND group project,
developed by Dk Siti Nor Bazilah Pg Zulkipli, Halina
Jumaat and Abdullah Maidin. It is an educational tool for
smartphones and tablets, which is specially designed for
individuals with autism.
This application will allow autistic students to convey
their messages more clearly and assist users in their daily
activities. The contents of the application were derived
from the manual method used in SMARTER. This manual
method was developed by the founder of SMARTER,
Malai Haji Abdullah, who is a psychologist specialising in
autism. The group collaborated with Malai Haji Abdullah Autism EducateMe developers
throughout the application development process.
This application was showcased from 27 to 29 April 2013 during the ASEAN Autism Conference, hosted
by SMARTER and also during the Yayasan Hari Raya Celebration with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-
Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam on 27 August 2013. The students submitted their application to BICTA where
they rename their application to Autisay.
ITB Teams win Top Prizes at BICTA
I TB student teams won several prizes
in the Tertiary Student Project
Category of the Brunei ICT Awards
(BICTA) 2013.
The Autisay project, with team members
Dk Siti Nor Bazilah Pg Zulkipli, Halina
Jumaat and Abdullah Maidin won
the 1st prize. The project was initially
supervised by Mr PK Wong, as an HND
final year project. The team was then
mentored by Ms Jennifer Voon for the
professional version entered into for
BICTA. Autisay is a communication tool
especially created for individuals with The winners with the Acting Vice-Chancellor
autism. It is an iPad application that
can be downloaded by iOS 6 onwards. This application can help individuals with autism to overcome speech
difficulties. Parents and guardians can upload photos and record their own voices in response to their autistic
children’s needs.
The Brunei History Adventure Game project, with team members Ikmalina Hakimah binti Hj Mohd Yunos,
Mohd Farhan bin Hj Ismail and Mohd Nur Huda Firdaus bin Jamil, won the 2nd prize. Their supervisor was Hj
Idham Maswadi bin Hj Mashud. The team created an e-learning game based on the history of the discovery of
oil which is covered in the Year 5 History syllabus.
The Wadihah Haji and Umrah Application project, with team members Nor Izyan binti Hj Hussin, Hj Md
Saufi bin Hj Jamahat, Md Adli bin Tebian and Nurakidah binti Aripin won the prize for 3rd place jointly with
Jefri Bolkiah College of Engineering. The supervisor was Hj Mohd Noah bin Hj Abd Rahman. The application
contains information that guides users on the correct practices for performing the Hajj. Hj Md Saufi bin Hj
Jamahat went on to form his own company, DotRoot Technologies, after he graduated.
Congratulations to all the students and their supervisors and thanks to all those who supported the teams in
any way.
23Student Achievement
The Journey of ITSYBYTES Company
S tudents of HND Intake 26, Computing and Information Systems
Programme Area, Faculty of Business and Computing, created
history when they won the Think Big Ignite 2 Business Plan earlier
this year. They went on to form ITSYBYTES Company, a gaming and
multimedia company. One of them, Ikmalina Hakimah Hj Md Yunos,
is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the company which was
officially incubated at the iCentre as a start-up company.
ITSYBYTES has seven staff including some graduates from the
CIS programme in ITB. Further collaboration between ITSYBYTES
Company and MOE is in progress. The company is also engaging
with the Oil & Gas Discovery Centre and the Brunei History Centre
very closely to write game content and to develop game software
applications.
With the supervision from iCentre and support from BEDB and Institut Teknologi Brunei, this company hopes
to go global. ITSYBYTES plans to represent Brunei as an exhibitor at the Tokyo Game Show 2013 in Chiba,
Japan. The company was a participant at the BICTA Awards 2013 and is applying for the BEDB Start-Up
Brunei Grant Scheme Application.
Ikmalina conversing with Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya
Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji
Ikmalina & Noraidah after the semi-final of IGNITE
Apong at the E@C Launching, 2013 regarding ‘Cochrane and
2012.
Marriot’s Discovery of Oil Adventure’ game.
ITSYBYTES’ Flyers – ITSYBYTES’ games ITSYBYTES’ Poster - World Travel Quest
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