In Focus ALUMNI: Zahar

Admin has received many requests to do In Focus on the alumni of IHS. Many people would like to know the whereabouts of IHS graduates. So here goes! Let us start with Zahar, who is actually one of the previous authors of this blog. He is not only famous in IHS, he is also known in other faculties, because he is an outgoing person and extremely active in sports. So what is he up to after IHS?

What is your full name?

Zaharuddin Hj Abd Rahman

When is your birthday?

25^th April 1989

Which course did you take in IHS, and which cohort?

Bachelor of Health Science in Biomedical Science Cohort 1

When did you graduate?

2012

Which module did you enjoy the most, and why?

Genetics, even though it’s a hard subject, but I enjoyed learning new things with regards to genetics and every single thing I learnt, the more eager I was to explore it in details.

What (or who) do you miss the most when it comes to IHS?

I miss the ‘IHS Environment’ basically the people and environment throughout my time in IHS. I miss the lecturers, colleague and the learning environment. I also miss the time when we used to study at the small old IHS building, although the infrastructure and facilities is not as great as the current one, but I really miss how we all crumpled together in one building and we had to drive to the Chancellor Hall and the Male Residential College, as most of our classes were there. I also missed doing my final year project, even though that time was really stressful, but I kinda miss those too, tying to finish the practical side of the project within a given deadline and I enjoyed doing virus research, extracting DNA and etc. And lastly the convocation day! For me that was the climax of our journey throughout the 4 years in UBD. I understand how my coursemates and I have to struggle in getting the journey towards the end, but all the hard work and commitment was really worth it after all.

From UBD Convocation Day until today, what have you achieved?

Just after the graduation, Alhamdulillah I got the scholarship to pursue my master study in United Kingdom. I took Master in Public & Environmental Health Science at University of Birmingham. It was something different from my degree, but my interest was really into those area. Alhamdulillah I managed to get distinction for my final year dissertation of my master and currently working at the government sector. Doing my master degree in United Kingdom was something that I really dreamt of especially after visiting my dream place, Stamford Bridge in London since Im a big fans of Chelsea Football Club, haha..

What are you doing right now (working/studying/etc), and where?

I'm currently working as health, safety, security and environment (HSSE) instructor at Mechanical Training Centre (Pusat Latihan Mekanik), Institute of Brunei Technical Education as well as holding the position of HSSE Officer at the training centre. Currently we are in the midst recruiting and producing local people under the programme of Energy Industry Competency Framework (EICF). I love the job, as teaching is really something that I fond of and the subject of my teaching area also something that I learnt during my postgraduate study and I am passionate of my work. I also had the opportunities to do training and placement in oil and gas companies in Brunei like Brunei Shell Petroleum and Brunei Methanol Company.

Lastly, please give few words of motivation and inspiration to your current and future juniors.

I know studying for a Bachelor's degree in UBD is something that is really challenging and you have to be committed and motivated in your study. You have to set your goal so that everything that you do is going to be fun for you. Don’t give up too early, and do not hesitate to ask your lecturers whenever you are in doubt and having trouble with your study. Make full use of the learning experience in your university life as you gonna miss them when you start working already. Especially to my Biomedical Science juniors, enjoy your laboratory experience at IHS, whatever you learn, Microbiology, Immunology, Genetics. Pharmacology and etc, make love with it and hope you will finish your degree with flying colours!