Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) took center stage at a major regional research gathering this July, demonstrating its commitment to cross-border collaboration and sustainable development. Moreover, the university’s participation in the Elsevier Borneo Higher Education Research Summit 2025 signals a strategic push toward achieving Brunei’s ambitious national vision through academic excellence.
UBD Strengthens Regional Research Ties at Elsevier Borneo Higher Education Summit 2025
The prestigious summit, held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah on July 12th, 2025, brought together an impressive array of stakeholders from across the Borneo region. Leading universities, researchers, industries, and policy makers converged to explore regional research priorities and foster meaningful collaboration across the higher education landscape.
Connecting Research to National Vision
UBD’s participation went beyond mere attendance. Dr Haji Abdul Hanif Dato Paduka Haji Mahadi, the university’s Assistant Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Sustainability, delivered a compelling session titled “Towards Brunei Wawasan 2035 with Research and Innovation.” His presentation highlighted how research plays a central role in achieving Brunei Darussalam’s long-term national development goals.
Furthermore, the session emphasized Brunei Darussalam’s unique natural landscape, which presents remarkable opportunities for research that can contribute meaningfully to the country’s development priorities and regional sustainability efforts. This approach demonstrates how sustainable research initiatives can drive both local and regional progress.
Showcasing Innovation Through Exhibition
In addition to contributing to the summit’s programme, UBD showcased its institutional initiatives and research capabilities through a dedicated exhibition booth. The display highlighted the university’s core strengths across several key areas:
- Innovation and technological advancement
- Sustainability and environmental research
- Community-focused research initiatives
This exhibition underscored UBD’s role as a regional leader in higher education and knowledge exchange, positioning the institution as a hub for collaborative research efforts.
Fostering Interdisciplinary Dialogue
The Elsevier summit served as more than just a conference—it functioned as a vital platform for interdisciplinary dialogue. Unlike traditional academic gatherings that focus on single disciplines, this event connected stakeholders from academia, government, and industry to address shared challenges spanning multiple sectors.
The summit addressed critical areas including education reform, environmental stewardship, health innovations, and socio-economic development across the Borneo region.
Such comprehensive collaboration reflects the evolving nature of research partnerships in Southeast Asia, where complex challenges require multifaceted solutions.
Building Sustainable Futures Through Partnership
UBD’s commitment extends well beyond single events or conferences. The university remains dedicated to strengthening its research partnerships and contributing to a sustainable and resilient future through three core pillars: innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence.
This approach positions UBD not merely as an educational institution, but as a catalyst for regional development and environmental stewardship. On the flip side, such partnerships also provide invaluable opportunities for knowledge transfer and capacity building across borders.
The Elsevier Borneo Higher Education Research Summit 2025 represents a significant milestone in regional academic collaboration. UBD’s active participation and leadership demonstrate how universities can serve as bridges between national aspirations and international cooperation. As Brunei moves toward its Wawasan 2035 goals, such research partnerships will prove instrumental in addressing both local challenges and regional sustainability objectives. The summit’s success suggests a bright future for cross-border academic collaboration in Southeast Asia.
