As Bhutan undergoes major national reforms, the country’s largest university is taking a hard look at itself. The first-ever Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) Faculty Meet began yesterday at the College of Science and Technology in Phuentshogling. Nearly 500 faculty members are participating in rethinking the future of higher education.
The meet is seen as a unique platform to harness the creativity, experience and collective wisdom of RUB faculty members to shape the university’s future through innovative and actionable ideas.
Themed “A Hundred Ideas Summit,” the faculty meet aims to foster collaboration, encourage innovation and generate practical solutions to strengthen the university in key areas such as academic excellence, research, operational efficiency, global engagement and institutional branding.
RUB’s vice chancellor Chewang Rinzin said the meet is not merely a conference, but a call to action for leadership, excellence and ideas.
“With transformations in our country and in line with the new era, we too must transform, and through this summit, we will come up with 100 ideas to do so. Secondly, our colleges are scattered across the country, and this will serve as a platform where everyone can come together, exchange ideas and discuss innovations.”
The vice chancellor said RUB has to offer ideas, skills, leadership, innovations and integrity more than ever to the country at this critical moment.
The vice chancellor said, “With many transformations happening in the country under the farsighted leadership of His Majesty The King, we cannot remain idle. We are the largest and oldest university, and regardless of where our colleges are located, we are one university. We must collectively think, plan and discuss our way forward.”
He said national reforms demand knowledge, skills, ethical leadership and innovation, which cannot be imported but cultivated at home. This, he added, places a profound responsibility on the RUB.
As the university reflects and plans together, the outcomes of the meeting are expected to play a key role in shaping an institution that responds effectively to national reforms.
Kinley Dem, Phuentshogling
