HRH Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah yesterday received the award of a Book Prize for Bachelor of Arts (Public Policy and Administration Year II) during an award ceremony held at the Jerudong Polo and Country Club.

Seventeen Silver University Medals and 108 Book Prizes were handed out during the ceremony, which was held to recognise recipients of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD).

Deputy Minister of Education Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahman was the guest of honour at the award ceremony, which was held in conjunction with the 20th UBD convocation.

Among those present were YAM Pengiran Anak Hj Abdul Wadood Bolkiah, his spouse Pg Siti Aminah binti Pg Othman, who was also awarded the Universiti Book Prize for Diploma in Primary Education (Year II), Highest Committee Members of the convocation, UBD Council members and contributors.

The University Medal is awarded annually to UBD graduates who have shown academic excellence and exceptional qualities on the basis of leadership, active participation in student activities such as sports, welfare, religious and other activities, and participation in and promotion of community services.

Based on academic merit, the University Book Prizes are also awarded annually to the most outstanding final year student in each discipline, most outstanding student in each year of study of a degree programme (except final year) and the most outstanding student in the MIB (Melayu Islam Beraja) course.

Recipients of the University Medal received a token medal, while recipients of the Book Prize received B$500. All Book Prizes were contributed by individuals and companies from the public and private sectors.

Prior to the ceremony, a doa selamat was recited to bless the ceremony, following which UBD Vice Chancellor Dr Zulkarnain delivered his speech.

He said, "Universiti Brunei Darussalam has big responsibilities and it has an important role in academic development towards the nation's success. UBD will also play an important role towards becoming a 'Premier Education Centre.'

"UBD hopes that all levels will give their full support and assistance in facilitating the process of implementing that role and towards materialising this vision, which is in line with the Strategic Plan 2006-2015," he said. - Borneo Bulletin (18th Nov 2008)