MIRP, UBD Sign Memorandum Of Understanding

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR) and Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), adding a new dimension to the working relationship between both institutions through a framework of collaboration and cooperation in support of a sustainable knowledge-based economy for the present and future generations of Brunei.

The ceremony was held at the Empire Hotel and Country Club.

Signing on behalf of MIPR was its Permanent Secretary Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Hamid bin Hj Mohd Jaafar, while representing on behalf of the university was the Vice Chancellor Dato Paduka Dr Hj Ismail bin Hj Duraman.

Attending the event as the guest of honour was Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Hj Ahmad bin Hj Jumat, Minister of Industry and Primary Resources.

One of the main objectives of the MoU is to create opportunities to develop and implement programmes of cooperation in training, research, education and other knowledge-based activities in the fields of economics, business development and science and technology, relevant to economic diversification and industry development.

These areas of cooperation involve information and knowledge exchange, an attachment/secondment programme, study visits, research and consultancy relevant to improving industrial policy, the management of businesses and developing entrepreneurship.

It is also to conduct joint academic research programmes and activities for the purpose of facilitating cultural, academic, scientific and technological exchange and cooperation.

A joint programme is also currently underway in the field of science and technology research and development relevant to the country`s `halal` industry, which hopes to provide scientific evidence in certifying the halalness of products.

During the signing ceremony, Professor Dr Abd-ElAziem Farouk Gad, Professor of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at UBD, presented some of their scientific findings on the development of DNA based innovative detection systems indicating that they have opened numerous possibilities for identifying halal slaughtered meat and developing halal detection kits.

This technology has strengthened Brunei`s capability to detect any traces of DNA in food available in the market using enhanced highly specific bio-markers invented by the professor. Such advances in halal research and development will place Brunei as one of the major players in the global halal industry. The research is part of the Department of Agriculture`s project on Brunei Halal Brand and was initiated by the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources in close cooperation with Brunei Islamic Religious Council, Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Health.

The creation of the Brunei Halal Brand is in line with the country`s effort as an Islamic nation in moving towards developing a diversified, competitive and sustainable economy.

Through this research and creation of the Brunei Halal Brand, Brunei aims to be a major global player in the halal brand in terms of production and certification, providing high quality halal products worldwide.

Among other objectives of the Brunei Halal Brand is to commit to the obligation of `Fardhu Kifayah` with an effort to increase the number of halal food that can be consumed by Muslims.

Credit Photo: www.brudirect.com (14 Maret 2008)
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