SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

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1 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM ZOHRAH HAJI SULAIMAN 1 AND HAZRI HAJI KIFLE 2 1 Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Tungku BE 1410, Brunei Darussalam Tel: ext. 1373/1390; Fax: ; E.mail: zohrah@fos.ubd.edu.bn 2 Department of Public Policy and Administration, Faculty of Business, Economics and Policy Studies, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Tungku BE 1410, Brunei Darussalam Tel: ext.1691; Fax: ; E.mail:hazri@fbeps.ubd.edu.bn ABSTRACT In recognising the importance of science and technology, the Government of Brunei Darussalam established the National Committee of Science and Technology within the Ministry of Development. Science and technology programmes have been supported by the National Development Plan (NDP) funds. There is no existing national research and development (R & D) programme management at present. It is managed by individual government agency for example, Universiti Brunei Darussalam manages its R & D programme through Faculty and University Research Committees. In realising the importance of key technology areas, the Brunei Government allocates US$74 million for communications, broadcasting and information technology in the financial year 2004/2005. The Brunei Government through the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources has introduced industrial development plans to attract foreign multinationals to invest in high technology industries. Education plays an important role in development strategy of key technologies and human resource capacity building. Universiti Brunei Darussalam has either introduced or in the process of introducing programmes in B.Sc Computer Science with specialisation in information technology, 1

2 B.Sc. Biotechnology, M.Sc. Environmental Management, B.Biomedical Science and B.Sc. Biological Science (pre-med). Both biomedical science and biological science allow students to articulate into medical schools in Australia and Canada, respectively. Research exchanges and cooperation in science and technology are mostly done through the Association of South-East Asian Nations-Committee on Science and Technology (ASEAN-COST). Educational institutions have formed partnerships with industries through sponsorships in science project and academic programmes. INTRODUCTION Brunei Darussalam has a total area of 5,765 square kilometres with 160 km coastline. It is divided into 4 administrative districts: Brunei-Muara, Tutong, Belait and Temburong. Most of the population live in Brunei-Muara district which is also the administrative district and Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital city is also located in this district. The official religion is Islam and the official language is Malay, but English is widely understood. The estimated population is 0.36 million and Brunei Malays make up most of the population (73.8%) followed by Chinese (14.8%) and other indigenous races (11.4%). Annual population growth rate is estimated at 2.7%. Brunei Government provides the population with one of Asia s finest health care systems. Malaria has been eradicated, and cholera is virtually nonexistent. There are three general hospitals and numerous health clinics throughout the country. The life expectancy is 74 years and infant mortality rate is low at 0.73%. The gross income relies heavily on oil and natural gas, GDP in 2002 is estimated at US$4.6 billion and GDP growth was 3%. Brunei Darusssalam is the third-largest oil producer in Southeast Asia and is the fourth-largest producer of liquefied natural gas in the world. Brunei s non-petroleum industries include agriculture, forestry, fishing and 2

3 banking. The Brunei Government reported a total work force of 158,000 in 2002, with an official unemployment rate of 4.6%. Foreigners still make up a significant portion of the work force. The Sultan is the head of state with full executive authority. Brunei Darussalam is a member of the United Nations, Associations of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and Organization of Islamic Conference. NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY National Committee on Science and Technology In realising the importance of science and technology, National Committee on Science and Technology was formed in The Chair was the Minister of Development The overall objective of the committee is to ensure that Science and Technology (S & T) can effectively contribute to economy, environment, social and culture. The term of reference of the committee is as follows: Regulating the development of S & T in Brunei Darussalam; Formulating policy towards expansion of S & T in Brunei Darussalam; Developing physical infrastructure for expansion of S & T in Brunei Darussalam. The Government of Brunei Darussalam invested over US$2 million in the Seventh National Plan (NDP) ( ) to promote awareness in S & T, develop human resources for S & T, build infrastructure for development and expansion of S & T and foster collaboration with overseas organizations. Under the 8 th National Development Plan ( ), the Government invested 0.08% of the total NDP budget in the development of Science and Technology which covers the following areas: 3

4 Human Resource Development in S&T Develop R&D infrastructure Promote S&T Awareness Enhance International Linkages Research institutes are key players in terms of providing the enabling resources of manpower, skills, technology, knowledge and products and processes for the private sector. At present research works in Brunei Darussalam are being carried out by the following establishments:- Universiti Brunei Darussalam Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre Institut Teknologi Brunei Darussalam Brunei Agricultural Research Centre Medical Laboratories Department of Scientific Services Laboratories, Ministry of Health Public Works Department Construction Materials Research Testing Laboratory A characteristic of economic development in Brunei Darussalam is the acute shortage of Bruneian scientific and technical manpower and this results in critical dependence on expatriates. Hence the Government of Brunei Darussalam is fully committed to improving the quality and effectiveness of S&T education, particularly at the secondary level as it has a vital link to human resource development within the country. It is also necessary if the country is to keep in step with global developments where science plays a major role. 4

5 Brunei will continue to draw on the successful experiences elsewhere and establish a national scientific system that could play a meaningful and determinant role in national development planning to enable the country to cope with future economic challenges in an increasingly competitive world. Science and Technology Programmes in Brunei Darussalam Several important issues relevant to the development of S & T in Brunei Darussalam are: Creating an informed and learned culture that support both the contribution and role played by S & T; Providing an updated knowledge on S & T; Ensuring that research on S & T is consistent and complementary to other important policies; Enhancing basic skills on S & T; Creating an atmosphere that supports technical innovation in industries; Enhancing the role played by private sectors in research and expansion of S & T. Some of the issues listed above had been implemented in the Seventh NDP ( ). Science and technology education including information communication technology and engineering, among others, were emphasized in the Seventh NDP and considered to be vital in nation building. A number of institutes and research laboratories during the Seventh NDP were built. Promotion and enhancement of learned society, from consumer to inventor, was done through programmes that aim at bringing out talents (discoverer, inventor, innovator and creator). Science and technology were also promoted through exhibition on interactive science and participation in APEC Youth Science Festival. Brunei Darussalam has fostered linkages with research and development institutes and laboratories, scientists from ASEAN and APEC member countries. ASEAN-COST 5

6 (Committee on Science and Technology) plays an important role in developing human resources in science and technology through training and technology transfer. There are eight sub-committes under ASEAN-COST: Biotechnology, Food Science and Technology, Meteorology and Geophysics, Microelectonics and Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Conventional Energy, Marine Science and Science Infrastucture and Resource Development. Brunei Darussalam continues to collaborate and communicate with other international organizations such as APEC- ISTWG, and COMSTEC on issues pertaining to Science and Technology. It is stated clearly in the Eighth National Development Plan ( ) that the country needs to develop rapidly its human resource in science and technology. It is the wish of Brunei Darussalam to produce a society which is creative, inventive, innovative, capable and efficient in utilizing and applying high technology. A separate budget (over US$200 millions, which is 2.7% of the total NDP budget from ) for ICT, Science and Technology is allocated for the first time in the Eighth NDP. The Eighth NDP also states that networking between local and overseas research institutes should be encouraged and so is networking between local research institutes and private sectors. The effort to strengthen infrastructure for science and technology activities will be further enhanced as the Government of Brunei Darussalam is keen to develop high technology industry. High technology includes biotechnology and microelectronics. The World s market from biotechnology industry alone ranges from US$250 milllion to US$1 billion per year. The Brunei Darussalam Research Council was established on 1 October 1987, it is a body responsible for formulating and determining national policies on research and guidelines for promoting, facilitating, coordinating and regulating the conduct of research activities in Brunei Darussalam. 6

7 Other non-government organizations (NGOs) such as Brunei Association for Science Education (BASE), Persatuan Biologi Brunei Darussalam, Institute of Chemistry and Physics Society play an important role in promoting Science and Technology among students and professionals. These societies also work closely with Science, Technology and Environmental Partnership (STEP) under the Ministry of Education. It was formed in Recently, the opening of Oil and Gas Discovery Centre at Brunei Shell helps to raise awareness in Science and Technology. Brunei Darussalam also promotes scientists among school students by introducing Princess Rashidah Young Nature Scientist Award (PRYNSA) through Forestry Department. Brunei Scientists can also compete for ASEAN Young Scientist Award and ASEAN Outstanding Scientist Award. Institut Teknologi Brunei Darussalam has recently introduced Cipta Award, the objective is to encourage invention among students, scientists and public. The Government of Brunei Darussalam is also in the process of modernising public sector using the Treasury Accounting and Financial Information System (TAFIS) project. Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and Brunei Agricultural Research Centre in Kilanas are the two leading Government s institutions involved in scientific research activities. Brunei Agricultural Research Centre (BARC) is a research and development division under the Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources. The center was formelrly known as Kilanas Agricultural Research Centre. In 1993, Kilanas Agricultural Research Centre was named as Brunei Agricultural Research Centre. In recognizing the importance of k-based economy and national needs, Faculty of Science, UBD will be introducing degree programmes in applied sciences (Biotechnology, 7

8 Agriculture, Food Chemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Industrial Physics, Mathematic and IT). A degree programme in Biotechnology was already introduced in August It is a twinning programme with the University of Windsor, Canada. A few courses in the Faculty of Science has been designed in accordance to the current global development of science and technology. Some developments in science and technology are dynamic for examples, genetic engineering, techniques in molecular biology and developmental biology. Besides undergraduate programmes, it also offers M.Sc by research and PhD in various disciplines of sciences. It is also anticipated that the Faculty will offer MSc by coursework in environmental management and all sciences in the near future. When BARC first started, its function was more as a production station supplying planting materials and livestock breeds to farmers. Towards the 1970s, the station was reorganized into functional research disciplines with the establishment of Entomology, Pathology, Soil Science, Agronomy and Livestock Units. The Centre continued to be productive where new agronomic practices were added to crop production and knowledge on soils and water, pest management and disease control were developed to benefit farmers engaged on the production of agricultural commodities. Between 1989 and 1995, much progress and development has been achieved by BARC, among which includes the pursuant of initial work on medicinal plants, completion of mushroom laboratory, trials on protected cultivation, tissue culture, natural product, food technology and post harvest laboratories. Two volumes of Medicinal Plants were published in 1992 and Research activities of BARC concentrates on crops namely rice, fruits, vegetables and ornamentals. The development of cost effective technology for farmers to increase production and encompassed various disciplines including crop agronomy, crop 8

9 protection, plant nutrition and post-harvest technology are included in its research activities. In 2002, Department of Agriculture established Agrotechnology Division within BARC, Biotechnology Unit is under Agrotechnology. The Unit is responsible in tissue culture project and at present, it carries out tissue culture of mushrooms including production of mushroom spawns, tissue culture of banana and ornamentals (orchids, ferns, pitcher plants, Durian and anthurium). The scientific research laid out for Agriculture Department in the Eight NDP of Brunei Darussalam will include: Integrated pest management; Screening local flora having medicinal properties and commercialization of the products; Qualitative breeding of plants. BARC also continues to be involved with ASEAN-COST sub-committee on Biotechnology and, Food Science and Technology. BARC has Durian project under ASEAN Regional Centre of Biodiversity Research (ARCBC). Another project under ASEAN-COST (Sub- Committee on Biotechnology) on propagation of Durio species is still being discussed with India. NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM MANAGEMENT In this paper, we will only review research and development program management at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD). At UBD, research and development is under the 9

10 purview of the Deputy Vice Chancellor of UBD. Research application is submitted through Head of Department and Dean/Director of Faculty/Institute. The Dean will call a meeting (Faculty Research Committee) to discuss the merit of the application. Only then, it will be forwarded to University Research Committee chaired by the Dean of Postgraduate Studies and Research. The maximum amount of grant an individual can apply is US$10,000. A staff is also encouraged to seek sponsors from both the government and non-government agencies. A staff is also allowed to apply for research leave of not more than 4 weeks per academic year with 2 weeks per diem. The research titles should focus on the nation s needs. CURRENT SITUATION AND DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY OF KEY TECHNOLOGIES In realizing the importance of Information Communication Technology (ICT), the Brunei Government has budgeted US$74 million for communications, broadcasting and information technology for the financial year 2004/2005. Ministry of Communications is responsible in developing ICT for the country. Graduates in science and technology including information technology has increased from 28 in 1996 to 114 in The Brunei Government continues to encourage students to follow S & T degree programs including ICT at Universiti Brunei Darussalam and abroad. Effort towards building infrastructure for ICT will be continued. Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) has upgraded its Computer Services Centre to Information Communication Technology Centre or ICTC. UBD is also making ICT skills compulsory to undergraduate students by offering short ICT course through UBD s Student Learner Development Program. Pilot project on e-learning has been proposed by the Ministry of Education (MoE) and UBD. On a regional level (under CONSAL-Congress of South East Asian Libraries), university s 10

11 library is in the process of digitizing street names and medicinal plants of Brunei Darussalam and eventually, to national database. The UBD library also wishes to digitize exam papers for UBD s archives. UBD is now making plans to introduce B.Sc Computer Science program with specialization in Information Technology. In its effort to attract foreign investors to set up business in the country, the Brunei Government through the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources has prepared Industrial Development Plan to cater for niche industries. These include services, export and high technology industries. High technology industries would also include Industrial biotechnology, advanced materials and nanotechnologies. The Brunei Government will provide the necessary infrastructure and incentives for foreign multinationals to set up business in the country. As mentioned earlier in the previous section, UBD is also playing a role in supporting the country s initiative towards developing key technologies for example, biotechnology. Biotechnology is a twinning program with University of Windsor, Canada and it was introduced at UBD in August The two major limitations to biotechnology capabilities in Brunei Darussalam have always been skilled manpower and infrastructure. Despite the two major limitations, Brunei Darussalam is capable of developing its biotechnology research albeit in small scale, and in some cases, the work mainly involves documentation. This will undoubtedly help in preparing Brunei Darussalam towards developing its biotechnology capability. The three government agencies which contribute towards the development of biotechnology research (and therefore S & T) are Brunei Agricultural Research Centre, Forestry Department and Universiti Brunei Darussalam. 11

12 CURRENT SITUATION OF HUMAN RESOURCE CAPACITY BUILDING In recognising the importance of human resource capacity building, Ministry of Education through Universiti Brunei Darussalam has and in the process of introducing degree programs in industrial S & T, environment and health. Faculty of Science will be introducing B.Sc Computer Science with specialization in information technology. The program will be industry oriented. A few suitable students will be selected to pursue their studies at York University in Canada and they will be sponsored by industrial sector, Datastream Technology (DST). The Faculty of Science and Faculty of Business, Economics and Policy Studies will introduce postgraduate study in Environmental Management. Institute of Medicine has been offering twinning program in Biomedical Science since 2001, it is a twinning program with University of Queensland, Australia, which allows articulation into medical degree (MBBS). The B.Sc. Biological Science (Premed) is also offering articulation program into medicine at University of Calgary. The Institute also offers postgraduate diploma and M.Sc. in primary health care for medical doctors in Brunei Darussalam. Researcher exchanges and cooperation in S & T are mostly done through ASEAN-COST. Technology transfer among member countries have been long established. The exchanges are specific for biotechnology, food Science and technology, meteorology and geophysics, microelectonics and information and communication technology, materials science, conventional energy, marine science and technology, science infrastructure and resource development. ASEAN-COST is fostering collaboration with non-asean countries such as Australia, China, Korea, India and New Zealand. Recently, British Aerospace System has supported design technology project in Schools. Universiti Brunei Darussalam has fostered partnership with a few industries such as 12

13 Brunei Shell Petroleum, ELF Petroleum, South East Asia Exploration (SEAPEX) and Datastream Technology (DST). Brunei Shell Petroleum sponsors operating budget of the Petroleum Geoscience Department, this department offers M.Sc. in Petroleum Geoscience. The students do not only come from within Brunei but from ASEAN and European countries. ELF and SEAPEX sponsor PhD and MSc students, respectively. DST will be sponsoring students following program in information technology. CONCLUSION In conclusion, initiatives to develop science and technology programmes in Brunei Darussalam usually comes from ministries namely the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Communications, Ministry of Industries and Primary Resources. The programmes are supported by funds from the National Development Plans. Brunei Darussalam finds it difficult to attract foreign multinationals to invest in the country because of its small market. Human resource capacity building is also a limiting factor in developing science and technology programmes in Brunei Darussalam. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We would like to thank Hajah Rosita Abdullah, Ministry of development for her help. REFERENCES Brunei Darussalam (1999). Perjalanan Negara Brunei Darussalam Memasuki Alaf Baru. 13

14 Brunei Press Sendirian Berhad, Brunei Darussalam. Brunei Darussalam. Negara Brunei Darussalam: Rancangan Kemajuan Negara Kelapan Jabatan Percetakan Kerajaan, Negara Brunei Darussalam Universiti Brunei Darussalam (2001) Universiti Brunei Darussalam Ten Year Plan Educational Technological Centre, Universiti Brunei Darussalam. Zohrah Haji Sulaiman (2001). Networking various government agencies for developing biotechnology industry in Brunei Darussalam. Bruneiana: Anthology of Science Articles 2, l 14