Graduated with a PhD in Digital Science (Computer Science) from the School of Digital Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam

I am humbled and proud to share that I have officially graduated with my PhD in Digital Science (Computer Science) from the School of Digital Science (SDS), Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD).

Receiving the UBD Graduate Scholarship in December 2021 was truly a life-changing opportunity. Although the COVID-19 pandemic delayed my arrival, I was finally able to set foot in Brunei in April 2022. Just a week after quarantine, I began my PhD journey at SDS. My initial focus on cyber incident detection in commercial networks, guided by my supervisor, evolved into an entirely new and exciting area: AI-powered environmental monitoring using remote sensing images. It was uncharted territory, but UBD provided the academic freedom, mentorship, and resources necessary for adaptation and thriving. With perseverance, I mastered new tools, transitioned research directions, and published impactful work within two years.

I sincerely appreciate my supervisor, Dr. Owais Ahmed Malik, and my co-supervisor, Dr. Daphne Teck Ching Lai. Your unwavering guidance, insightful feedback, and constant encouragement have been the cornerstone of my research journey. Your expertise and mentorship have shaped this thesis and my approach to scientific inquiry. Your enthusiasm for my successes and your ability to challenge me intellectually have been invaluable. The countless hours you dedicated to reviewing my work and helping me navigate the complexities of academic research have been instrumental in bringing this thesis to fruition.

I would be remiss not to acknowledge the camaraderie and intellectual stimulation provided by my fellow colleagues in the lab at SDS and the Institute of Applied Data Analytics (IADA): Gusti, Silviu, Usman, Parham, Fathan, Shafik, Rufai, Haji, Muzamil, Hassaan, Saddam, Amirah, Nazrul, and Hafiq. The vibrant discussions, mutual support, and shared experiences made this journey both intellectually rewarding and personally enriching. Your friendship and collaboration created an environment conducive to innovation and perseverance.

To the University, faculty, and staff at SDS and IADA, I extend my sincere gratitude for providing the resources, facilities, and administrative support that made the successful completion of this research possible. Your commitment to fostering a robust academic ecosystem has been invaluable.

To His Majesty the Sultan and the Government of Brunei Darussalam, I extend my heartfelt appreciation for the generous scholarship and for welcoming me into UBD’s vibrant academic community.

Lastly, I owe my family an immeasurable debt of gratitude. Your unconditional love and sacrifices have paved the way for this achievement. To my brothers, sisters, and cousins, your unwavering belief in my abilities has been a constant source of strength. And to all my well-wishers, your encouragement lifted me during the most challenging times.

This journey has been one of collective effort and shared vision. While the words on this page are mine, they echo the contributions of everyone mentioned here and many more. As I step into the next phase of my academic and professional life, I carry with me the lessons, experiences, and relationships that I have forged during this doctoral journey.

I will always remain a proud alumnus of UBD.