PRODUCT AND SERVICE INVENTION COMPETITION SEES THE POTENTIAL IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WHILE MAINTANING HALALAN THAYYIBAN

Wednesday, 24 April 2024 –  Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) through the Halalan Thayyiban Research Centre (HTRC) held a Product and Service Invention Competition emphasising on science and technology while maintaining the aspect of halalan thayyiban. The event took place at Al-Ghazali 1 Room, Sinaut Campus UNISSA, Tutong.

Best presenter award was won by Aina Khairunnisa binti Abdullah Hassanal. Lilin emerged the first-place winner, offering body oil candles with various scents including bunga rampai, lime and strawberry. Second place was awarded to Naturally Vibrant, presenting natural colourings from fruits and vegetables, while Smart Bees were in third place receiving with their invention of date strips candy. Also present to enliven this event was the Director of the Halalan Thayyiban Research Centre, Pengiran Dr Hajah Norkhairiah binti Pengiran Haji Hashim, academic staff, and students of UNISSA.

The competition was judged by the academic staff of the centre Profesor Dr. Hamzah bin Mohd Salleh and Associate Professor Dr. Moohamad Ropaning Sulong, and conducted by Dr. Siti Nur Idayu binti Haji Matusin and Dr. Aklimah binti Haji Mustapa. A total of 21 groups of HTRC students took part in the competition which started in January 2024.

The main purpose of this competition is to develop and exploit the knowledge of science and technology among the students to invent products and services. Additionally, the competition encourages best practices to think critically and improve technical skills.

This competition is also a good effort in supporting the efforts of the University and Brunei Darussalam towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) which focus on SDG3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG4: Quality Education, SDG8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG12: Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG13: Climate Change dan SDG15: Life On Land. It is hoped that the competition will contribute to the development of halal industry in Negara Brunei Darussalam.