Universiti Brunei Darussalam

{{Short description|National university in Brunei}}

{{Italic title}}

{{EngvarB|date=December 2024}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}}

{{Infobox university

| name = University of Brunei Darussalam

| native_name = {{nobold|{{native name|ms|Universiti Brunei Darussalam}}
يونيبرسيتي بروني دارالسلام (Jawi)}}

| native_name_lang = Malay

| image = Universiti Brunei Darussalam logo.svg

| image_size = 200px

| image_alt = UBD Emblem

| caption = Crest of Universiti Brunei Darussalam

| motto = Ke Arah Kesempurnaan Insan (Malay)

| motto_lang = ms

| mottoeng = Towards Human Perfection

| established = {{start date|1985|10|28|df=yes}}

| type = Public national research university

| accreditation = {{flatlist|

| academic_affiliation = {{flatlist|

| chairperson = Romaizah Mohd Salleh

| chancellor = Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah

| vice_chancellor = Hazri Kifle

| head_label = Pro-Chancellor

| head = Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah

| students = 4,368 (2018)

| undergrad = 84% (2015)

| postgrad = 16% (2015)

| address = Jalan Tungku Link

| postalcode = BE1410

| country = Brunei Darussalam

| coordinates = {{coord|4.97646|N|114.895|E|source:kolossus-dewiki|display=inline, title}}

| campus = Regional

| website = {{URL|www.ubd.edu.bn}}

| founder = Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah

| colours = {{color box|blue}}{{color box|green}}{{color box|red}}{{color box|yellow}} Blue, green, red, yellow

}}

The Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD or University of Brunei Darussalam) is a public national research university situated in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, was founded in 1985 and is the oldest institution in the country. Nine research institutes, six academic service centres, and eight academic faculties make up the institution.{{Cite web |title=UNIVERSITI BRUNEI DARUSSALAM |url=https://io.binus.ac.id/2017/03/09/universiti-brunei-darussalam/ |access-date=4 August 2024 |website=BINUS International Office}}

History

The institution, which officially opened on 28 October 1985,{{Cite web |last=Mohamad |first=Lyna |date=15 January 2006 |title=Crown Prince at 20th UBD anniversary |url=http://sultanate.com/news_server/2006/15_jan_3.html |access-date=4 August 2024 |website=sultanate.com}} was an example of the government's efforts to provide higher education to as many members of the populace as possible. With the two faculties that have been established, close to 200 students have enrolled. A combination of foreign and Bruneian lecturers work at the university.{{Cite news |date=November 1985 |title=National university born |url=https://www.information.gov.bn/English%20Publication%20PDF/BDN%20NOVEMBER%201985.pdf |access-date=4 August 2024 |work=Brunei Darussalam |publisher=Information Department, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports |pages=1–2 |volume=2}} The Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education and the university were merged in 1988.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KipJAAAAYAAJ&q=Sultan+Hassanal+Bolkiah+Institute+of+Education+1988 |title=Commonwealth Universities Yearbook |date=1996 |publisher=Association of Commonwealth Universities. |isbn=978-0-85143-178-9 |pages=286 |language=en}}

In its inaugural class, the institution took in 176 students when it was created. At UBD, since then, there has been a growth in graduate studies, a rise in the number of graduates, the addition of new academic programs, and an improvement in infrastructure. The university relocated to Tungku Link, a location that was favourable for research and learning, in 1995.{{Cite web |title=History |url=https://ubd.edu.bn/about/organisation/history/ |access-date=4 August 2024 |website=Universiti Brunei Darussalam|date=10 December 2021 }} The Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Centre for Islamic Studies was formed in 1999 by the merger of the Institute of Islamic Studies and the Faculty of Islamic Studies.

The GenNEXT Program, an educational framework created to help students succeed based on their unique learning styles, was launched by UBD in 2009. As part of the GenNEXT Program, UBD launched the Discovery Year program in 2011. Under this program, all students must take a year off from school.

In 2015, UBD underwent significant redevelopment, with several new developments either completed or planned under 9th National Development Plan (RKN9) and RKN10. These projects included the Finance and Islamic Bank Management Centre, Information Communication Technology Building, Medical Institute Building, and expansions to various facilities such as the Administration Block, Health and Science Building, Student Affairs Building, and Library. Other developments included a new Science Faculty Building, Phase 1 of a Lecture Theatre Complex, Phase 2 of the Sports Complex, and the establishment of the Institute for Leadership, Innovation and Advancement.{{Cite book |title=BRUNEI MUARA DISTRICT PLAN |date=January 2015 |publisher=Department of Town and Country Planning, Ministry of Development |location=Bandar Seri Begawan |pages=3–35}}

Organisation and administration

Undergraduate full-time programs at UBD have particular admission criteria. Candidates need to have completed at least one of the following English proficiency requirements: grades B in IGCSE English (as a Second Language), grades C6 in English language at the GCE 'O' Level Examination, grades 6.0 in IELTS, a minimum overall score of 550 on the TOEFL, or Band B2 on the UBD English Proficiency Test. For these programs, the length of study is eight semesters, or four years of full-time study.{{Cite web |date=3 July 2023 |title=UNIVERSITI BRUNEI DARUSSALAM |url=https://hecas.moe.gov.bn/upload/2308/requirements/ubd.pdf |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=HECAS Ministry of Education}}

= Governance =

UBD is constituted by the Universiti Brunei Darussalam Act as a body corporate with a continuous succession made up of the Senate, Council, and members of the Chancellor, Pro Chancellor, and Vice-Chancellor. This entity is authorised to have a common seal, to use it, and to alter or establish new seals as needed. In compliance with laws and regulations, it has the authority to acquire, accept, and keep property—whether mobile or immovable—by acquisition, exchange, gift, donation, lease, testamentary disposal, or other methods. Furthermore, the university may dispose of any such property by sale, mortgage, lease, exchange, or other means. In addition, it is in charge of carrying out all tasks and responsibilities mandated or granted by laws, rules, and the Act.{{Cite web |date=1999 |title=CHAPTER 157 UNIVERSITI BRUNEI DARUSSALAM |url=https://www.agc.gov.bn/AGC%20Images/LOB/pdf/Chp.157.pdf |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=Attorney General's Chambers |pages=8–9}}

The following are the chancellery roles at UBD:{{Cite web |date=10 December 2021 |title=Chancellory |url=https://ubd.edu.bn/about/organisation/chancellory/ |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=Universiti Brunei Darussalam |language=en-US}}

{{colbegin}}

  • Chancellor
  • Pro Chancellor
  • Vice-Chancellor
  • Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement)
  • Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Education)
  • Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Sustainability)
  • Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Industry Engagement and Enterprise Development)
  • Assistant Vice-Chancellor (University Life and Governance)

{{colend}}

= Academic faculties =

UBD encompasses several academic and research faculties. These include the Academy of Brunei Studies (APB), the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), the Faculty of Integrated Technologies (FIT), the Faculty of Science (FOS), the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education (SHBIE), the School of Digital Science (SDS), the Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences (PAPRSB IHS), and the UBD School of Business and Economics (UBDSBE).{{Cite web |date=30 May 2022 |title=Research at Faculties & Institutions |url=https://ubd.edu.bn/research/research-at-faculties-institutions/ |access-date=4 August 2024 |website=Universiti Brunei Darussalam |language=en-US}}

Research institutions at UBD include the Centre for Advanced Material and Energy Sciences (CAMES), the Centre for Advance Research (CARe), and the Institute of Asian Studies (IAS), the Institute of Applied Data Analytics (IADA), the Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER), the Institute for Leadership, Innovation and Advancement (ILIA), the Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Centre for Islamic Studies (SOASCIS).

File:Science faculty of University of Brunei Darussalam.jpg|Faculty of Science

File:UBD 9 March 2024 01.jpg|Institute for Leadership, Innovation and Advancement

File:PAPRSB IHS Lecture Theater.jpg|Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences

File:University of Brunei Darussalam (2023) 19.jpg|Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Centre for Islamic Studies

File:Universiti Brunei Darussalam 2 October 2024 04.jpg|Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education

File:Universiti Brunei Darussalam 2 October 2024 13.jpg|UBD School of Business and Economics

= Programmes =

At UBD, undergraduate studies include the University Bridging Programme (Unibridge) offered by the Centre for Lifelong Learning. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Digital Science at the SDS. The PAPRSB IHS offers various Bachelor of Health Science programs, with majors in Nursing, Midwifery, Pharmacy, Biomedical Science, Dentistry, and Medicine. The FIT provides a Bachelor of Engineering, while the UBDSBE offers a Bachelor of Business. Additionally, the FOS offers a Bachelor of Science.{{Cite web |title=Undergraduate |url=https://ubd.edu.bn/level/undergraduate/ |access-date=4 August 2024 |website=Universiti Brunei Darussalam |language=en-US}}

Graduate-level courses at UBD comprise a range of programs offered by many faculties. Both a Master of Philosophy and a Doctor of Research are available from the SOASCIS. The SHBIE offers a PhD in philosophy in addition to a Master by Research and a Master by Coursework. A Master of Philosophy and a Doctor of Research are available from the SDS. The UBDSBE also offers a Doctor of Philosophy, a Master of Coursework, and a Master by Research.{{Cite web |title=Graduate |url=https://ubd.edu.bn/level/graduate/ |access-date=4 August 2024 |website=Universiti Brunei Darussalam |language=en-US}}

In the UK, the postgraduate Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP) qualification is a leading global standard of assessment for primary care physicians. It was created to guarantee a high degree of competency in patient care, as demonstrated by scientific knowledge, clinical skills, attitudes, values, and leadership abilities. The Ministry of Health (MoH) and PAPRSB IHS work together to organise the MRCGP International Examinations in Brunei. The Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA), also known as the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), and the Applied Knowledge Test (AKT) are the two sections of the MRCGP test.{{Cite web |date=7 December 2016 |title=MRCGP Int Exams in Brunei 2016 |url=https://ihs.ubd.edu.bn/mrcgp-international-exams-brunei-2016/ |access-date=4 August 2024 |website=UBD Institute of Health Sciences |language=en-US}} As in previous years, physicians from the Ministry of Defence (MinDef), the MoH, and private practices from Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia were among the participants in 2007.{{Cite web |date=14 August 2007 |title=2007 MRCGP [INT] |url=https://ihs.ubd.edu.bn/2007-mrcgp-int/ |access-date=4 August 2024 |website=UBD Institute of Health Sciences |language=en-US}}

Academic profile

= Rankings =

{{Infobox university rankings

| USNWR_W = 832

| USNWR_W_year = 2025

| USNWR_W_ref = {{Cite web |title=Universiti Brunei Darussalam |url=https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/universiti-brunei-darussalam-530207 |access-date=4 August 2024 |website=www.usnews.com}}

| USNWR_Asia = 255

| USNWR_Asia_year = 2025

| USNWR_Asia_ref =

| QS_W = 385

| QS_W_year = 2025

| QS_W_ref = {{Cite web |title=Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) |url=https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/universiti-brunei-darussalam-ubd |access-date=4 August 2024 |website=Top Universities |language=en}}

| QS_Asia = 17

| QS_Asia_year = 2025

| QS_Asia_ref =

| THE_W = 401–500

| THE_W_year = 2024

| THE_W_ref = {{Cite web |date=3 February 2024 |title=Universiti Brunei Darussalam |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/universiti-brunei-darussalam |access-date=4 August 2024 |website=Times Higher Education (THE) |language=en}}

| THE_Asia = 125

| THE_Asia_year = 2024

| THE_Asia_ref = {{Cite web |date=13 June 2023 |title=Asia University Rankings |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2023/regional-ranking |access-date=4 August 2024 |website=Times Higher Education (THE) |language=en}}}}

In the most recent Times Higher Education (THE) Best Small Universities in the World 2023 ranking, UBD came in at 16th. To be qualified for this category, listed colleges need to have fewer than 5,000 students and offer more than four courses. In the meantime, it ranked second in the area and 68th globally among institutions under 50, according to the THE Young University Rankings 2023. In the THE World University 2023 Rankings, it moved up from the 351–400 place to the 301–350 rank. It also improved in the 2023 THE Asia University Rankings, moving up from 62 to 60.{{Cite web |date=12 August 2023 |title=UBD continues to climb rankings ladder |url=https://borneobulletin.com.bn/ubd-continues-to-climb-rankings-ladder/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240805033118/https://borneobulletin.com.bn/ubd-continues-to-climb-rankings-ladder/#selection-1179.8-1187.0 |archive-date=5 August 2024 |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=Borneo Bulletin Online |language=en-US}}

According to the QS World University Rankings as of 3 January 2024, UBD is placed 387th in the world and the 71st in the QS Asia University Rankings.{{cite web |title=QS World University Rankings Results 2024 |url=https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings |access-date=6 June 2020 |work=QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited}}{{cite web |title=QS Asia University Rankings Results 2023 |url=https://www.topuniversities.com/asia-university-rankings/2023 |access-date=6 June 2020 |work=QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited}} UBD is ranked among the top 401–500 universities worldwide by THE. THE also placed UBD topics in the top 301–400 worldwide in the social sciences, engineering and technology, and education, in the top 401–500 worldwide in business and economics, and in the top 501–600 worldwide in the physical sciences.{{Cite web |date=3 January 2024 |title=Universiti Brunei Darussalam among top 400 in QS ranking |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/01/03/universiti-brunei-darussalam-among-top-400-in-qs-ranking |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=The Star |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Kon |first=James |date=3 January 2024 |title=UBD among top 400 in QS ranking |url=https://borneobulletin.com.bn/ubd-among-top-400-in-qs-ranking/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240805032037/https://borneobulletin.com.bn/ubd-among-top-400-in-qs-ranking/#selection-1387.96-1387.105 |archive-date=5 August 2024 |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=Borneo Bulletin Online |language=en-US}} Out of more than 1,200 institutions, UBD came in at 629th place in the QS Sustainability rating, which places it first in the country and 162nd in Asia.

In the 2023–2024 academic year, there are 236 students registered; of them, 28 are studying PhDs, 123 are seeking Master's degrees, 68 are pursuing degrees, and 28 are enrolled in the UniBridge program.

= International partnerships =

UBD is involved in multilateral collaborations in addition to bilateral ones. As a result, over time, a number of regional and global networks, including as ASEAN University Network (AUN), Borneo Studies Network (BSN), Brunei–US English Language Enrichment Project for ASEAN (Brunei–U.S. ELEP), Erasmus Mundus (EM), International Consortium of Universities for the Study of Biodiversity and the Environment (iCUBE), Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning (ASAIHL), and University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP), have been created and maintained.{{Cite web |date=13 December 2021 |title=Global Consortium |url=https://ubd.edu.bn/about/ubd-global/ubd-global-consort/ |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=Universiti Brunei Darussalam |language=en-US}}

UBD is a partner of several organisations consisting of Go Rush Express,{{Cite web |date=23 April 2024 |title=MoU Signing for Internationalisation of Higher Education |url=https://www.rtbnews.rtb.gov.bn/Lists/News%202018/NewDispForm.aspx?ID=41420 |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=Radio Television Brunei}} Elsevier,{{Cite web |date=29 November 2023 |title=UBD-Elsevier Partnership: Nurturing Research Excellence and Collaboration |url=https://research.ubd.edu.bn/?p=6534 |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=Office of Assistant Vice-Chancellor Research (OAVCR) |language=en-US}} Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK),{{Cite web |date=17 May 2024 |title=UBD, EdUHK Forge New Academic Partnership in Early Childhood, Inclusive and Special Needs Education |url=https://ubd.edu.bn/2024/05/17/ubd-eduhk-forge-new-academic-partnership-in-early-childhood-inclusive-and-special-needs-education/ |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=Universiti Brunei Darussalam |language=en-US}} Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA),{{Cite web |date=29 May 2024 |title=UBD, ERIA Sign Landmark MoU to Foster Digital Innovation and Sustainable Economy |url=https://ubd.edu.bn/2024/05/29/ubd-eria-sign-landmark-mou-to-foster-digital-innovation-and-sustainable-economy/ |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=Universiti Brunei Darussalam |language=en-US}} City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK),{{Cite web |date=10 July 2024 |title=CityUHK further enhances academic collaboration with UBD |url=https://www.cityu.edu.hk/media/news/2024/07/10/cityuhk-further-enhances-academic-collaboration-ubd |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=City University of Hong Kong |language=en}} Zhejiang University (ZJU),{{Cite web |date=6 July 2012 |title=Zhejiang University signed MoU with UBD |url=http://bn.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/sgxws/201207/t20120706_10117647.htm |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=bn.china-embassy.gov.cn}} Federation of Islamic World Universities (FUIW),{{Cite web |last=Y. H. |first=Sim |date=21 July 2022 |title=ISESCO, UTB teroka peluang kerjasama |url=https://mediapermata.com.bn/isesco-utb-teroka-peluang-kerjasama/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721044541/https://mediapermata.com.bn/isesco-utb-teroka-peluang-kerjasama/ |archive-date=21 July 2022 |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=Media Permata Online |language=ms}} International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance (INCEIF), Peking University HSBC Business School (PHBS), Nijmegen School of Management (NSM), Silpakorn University Faculty of Management (MSSU), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB),{{Cite web |date=20 November 2023 |title=UBD School of Business and Economics Achieves Prestigious AACSB Accreditation |url=https://ubd.edu.bn/2023/11/20/achieves-prestigious-aacsb-accreditation/ |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=Universiti Brunei Darussalam |language=en-US}} Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET){{Cite web |date=29 January 2024 |title=Walk the Path of Success with UBD |url=https://ubd.edu.bn/2024/01/29/walk-the-path-of-success-with-ubd/ |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=Universiti Brunei Darussalam |language=en-US}} and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).{{Cite web |title=UBD SBE |url=http://sbe.ubd.edu.bn/internationalizations.aspx?Val=Internationalizations&Val2=%3E%3EInternationalizations |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=UBD School of Business and Economics}}

UBDSBE and a number of other universities have formed worldwide research and teaching partnerships. UBDSBE and Osaka University cooperated in Japan from April to September 2021. The Guilin University of Electronic Technology partnership took conducted in China between 21 and 26 August 2021. Furthermore, from September to December 2021, UBDSBE collaborated with the Faculty of Economics and Business at Universitas Padjadjaran in Indonesia.

Student life

The counselling section of the Student Affairs section (HEP) division of UBD offers counselling services. Students who willingly seek help as well as those who are referred to them for a variety of academic and personal reasons can get counselling services from two licensed counsellors.{{Cite book |last=Baker |first=David B. |title=The Oxford Handbook of the History of Psychology: Global Perspectives |date=2012 |publisher=Oxford University Press, USA |isbn=978-0-19-536655-6 |pages=56 |language=en}}

= International students =

UBD opened its doors to international students from its inception.{{cite web |date=21 December 2021 |title=International Students of Universiti Brunei Darussalam |url=http://www.ubd.edu.bn/study-ubd/international-students/}} Over the years, there has been an increase in diversity, with many students coming from East Asia (China and Japan), Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Today, UBD offers a range of programmes to enhance international relations, such as the Brunei-US Enrichment Programme for ASEAN{{cite web |title=Brunei-US enrichment programme for ASEAN |url=http://bruneiusprogramme.org/}} and the Discovery Year programme, which encourages students to go abroad during the third year of their undergraduate programme.{{cite web |title=Discovery Year programme |url=http://www.ubd.edu.bn/study-ubd/undergraduate-study/discovery-year-undergraduate/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629133752/http://www.ubd.edu.bn/study-ubd/undergraduate-study/discovery-year-undergraduate/ |archive-date=29 June 2015}}

= Residential colleges =

The more contemporary apartment-style dormitory, The Core Residential College (also known as The Core), is located on campus. Five separate study/bedrooms with air conditioning and a communal living room, kitchen, bathroom, and laundry area make up one apartment unit. The only housing option available to international students on the university campus is the Core, whether they are exchange or undergraduate students.{{Cite web |title=Accommodation |url=https://ubdcorp.com/room-applications/ |access-date=4 August 2024 |website=UBDCorp. |language=en-GB}} The Core is accessible for students with special needs thanks to wheelchair ramps and Braille plates. These students get first choice for accommodations on the lowest floor. The Core has an ATM that serves Baiduri, TAIB, and BIBD users. Apart from that, the Core has two discussion rooms that can hold up to fifty people each and may be rented. The public is welcome to utilise a surau located on the first floor of the Core.{{Cite web |title=Services & Facilities |url=https://ubdcorp.com/services-facilities/ |access-date=4 August 2024 |website=UBDCorp. |language=en-GB}}

When Deluxe Hostel opened its doors in 1985, it brought the renovated Hostel Residential College Blocks, which featured a contemporary blend of the past, present, and future. The "Deluxe Hostel" has a common room, dining area, kitchen, balcony, surau, and public restrooms. There were a total of three blocks for male students and a total of 6 blocks for female students in the male/female residential college. College residents share a multipurpose hall, exercise room, laundry room, canteen, and prayer room. The M4 residential flat has its own dining table, kitchen, living area, and bathrooms, all completely furnished with contemporary furnishings.

File:UBD 9 March 2024 03.jpg|The Core entrance sign

File:Core Dormitories.jpg|The Core buildings

File:Core Food court.jpg|The Core food court

File:University of Brunei Darussalam (2023) 10.jpg|Male residential college

File:University of Brunei Darussalam (2023) 02.jpg|Female residential college

File:UBD Library in 2024.jpg|University Library

= Chancellor's Trophy =

Since its founding in 2021, the Chancellor's Trophy aims to encourage the expansion of sports, rivalries, and friendships among Brunei's public and private higher education institutions. The Chancellor's Trophy also highlights the leaders of the separate student councils and the university working together.{{Cite web |date=18 March 2023 |title=CHANCELLOR'S TROPHY CLOSING CEREMONY 2022 |url=https://www.utb.edu.bn/news/chancellor-s-trophy-closing-ceremony-2022/ |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=Universiti Teknologi Brunei}} The winner of the Chancellor's Trophy 2022 was UBD, with Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) coming in second and Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) in third.{{Cite web |date=20 March 2023 |title=UBD crowned Chancellor's Trophy 2022 champion |url=https://borneobulletin.com.bn/ubd-crowned-chancellors-trophy-2022-champion/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240805043848/https://borneobulletin.com.bn/ubd-crowned-chancellors-trophy-2022-champion/ |archive-date=5 August 2024 |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=Borneo Bulletin Online |language=en-US}}

Campus

= UBD IBM Centre =

File:UBD-IBM Centre.jpg

International Business Machines (IBM) and UBD collaborate on research projects through the UBD IBM Centre (previously known as UBD-IBM Research Institute). On 15 October 2011, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah inaugurated the centre. In accordance with the agreement that the Sultan first made public in September 2010, scientists from IBM and UBD collaborated to create climate models based on local climate data. These models integrated hydrological models into weather models, enabling the prediction of floods and the effects of climate change on rainforests. As a result of this collaboration, Brunei is home to the first IBM Blue Gene supercomputer in Southeast Asia.{{Cite web |last=Hajar |first=Siti |date=16 October 2011 |title=His Majesty launches UBD-IBM Research Institute |url=http://www.sultanate.com/news_server/2011/16_oct_2.html |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=www.sultanate.com}}

= UBD Botanical Research Centre =

File:Universiti Brunei Darussalam 2 October 2024 01.jpg

Located on the UBD campus amid an area of undisturbed heath woodland, the Universiti Brunei Darussalam Botanical Research Centre (UBD BRC) was originally established in 2013. On 3 February 2018, the UBD BRC was opened by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, in commemoration of the UBD-organised First International Symposium on "Ethnobotany in the Qur'an and Hadith - An Exploration."{{Cite web |title=About |url=https://brc.iber.ubd.edu.bn/about/ |access-date=4 August 2024 |website=UBD Botanical Research Centre}} This made UBD BRC the nation's first botanical garden.{{Cite web |date=5 March 2024 |title=UBD Botanical Research Centre commemorates 6th Anniversary |url=https://ubd.edu.bn/2024/03/05/ubd-botanical-research-centre-commemorates-6th-anniversary/ |access-date=4 August 2024 |website=Universiti Brunei Darussalam |language=en-US}} The botanical garden focuses on study, teaching, and protection of the country's flora. It is home to more than five hundred varieties of tropical plants, many of which are indigenous to Borneo and Brunei. Under the direction of UBD's IBER, the UBD BRC conducts research, focuses on research, and is a member of Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI).{{Cite web |title=UBD Botanical Research Centre |url=https://brc.iber.ubd.edu.bn/ |access-date=4 August 2024 |website=UBD Botanical Research Centre}}

The UBD BRC is a {{Convert|6|ha}} site that is situated in a tropical lowland heath forest that the locals refer to as Kerangas forest. The Iban term "Kerangas" denotes territory where hill rice is unable to thrive, signifying the deficient nutritional content of the soil in heath forests. Less than 1% of Brunei's forests are Kerangas forests, which are extremely uncommon. Kerangas forests are more susceptible to forest fires due to their drier ecosystems. Additionally, invasive species like Acacia trees can invade damaged Kerangas forests.

High conservation significance native species found in Kerangas woods include Gymnostoma nobile and Agathis borneensis, which are regarded as indicators of pristine Kerangas forests.  More than 500 species of tropical plants, majority of which are indigenous to Brunei and Borneo, are now housed in the live collections at the UBD BRC. The UBD BRC, a research centre dedicated to native plant conservation, collaborates closely with regional partners and stakeholders to support Brunei's efforts to realise Wawasan Brunei 2035 and the Sustainable Development Goals 25 (Life on Land) and 23 (Climate Action).

= University Mosque =

File:UBD mosque.jpg

At a total cost of $7,600,000, construction on the University Mosque (Masjid Universiti) or Universiti Brunei Darussalam Mosque (Masjid Universiti Brunei Darussalam) began in 1992 and was finished in 1994. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah formally inaugurated the mosque in 1995. It can accommodate 1800 people.{{cite web |author=Ministry of Religious Affairs of Brunei Darussalam |title=Universiti Brunei Darussalam's Mosque |url=http://www.religious-affairs.gov.bn/index.php?ch=bm_info&pg=bm_masjid_list&ac=121 |access-date=16 February 2012}} In addition to hosting daily prayers for Muslim students and the community, the mosque is primarily utilised by the institution for religious events.{{Cite web |last=Ihsan Kumpulan Muslimah Masjid Universiti Brunei Darussalam |title=Muslimah Masjid UBD dekati PPB |url=https://www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn/Lists/Berita%202009/NewDisplayForm.aspx?ID=32599&ContentTypeId=0x01003909FAFC2C52C240BD1CCEDF92AC1BAE |access-date=4 August 2024 |website=Pelita Brunei |language=ms}}{{Cite web |date=5 April 2024 |title=Khatam Al-Qur'an Ceremony, Universiti Brunei Darussalam |url=https://www.rtbnews.rtb.gov.bn/Lists/News%202018/DispForm.aspx?ID=41202&ContentTypeId=0x010009BBE23B3840184D80AE8D8DEA617660 |access-date=4 August 2024 |website=Radio Television Brunei}}

= Other facilities =

There are several retail establishments on campus. A 6-seater vehicle is used for a shuttle service that runs Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 3:30 pm, first come, first served. Routes to Rimba Point and The Mall are covered by this service. The food court provides a range of meals and beverages to both students and the local community through three food stalls and one fast-food restaurant. Fully furnished with multimedia capabilities, the lecture hall can hold up to 208 people and may be rented for a full or half day. Arkitek Idris designed and the UBD Chancellor Hall was finished in 2002.{{Cite web |title=UBD Chancellor Hall |url=https://arkitekidris.com/ubd-chancellor-hall |access-date=22 August 2024 |website=Arkitek Idris |language=en-GB}}

Notable people

= Vice-Chancellors =

{{colbegin}}

  • 1985–1986: Pehin Dato Abdul Aziz Umar{{cite web |date=2016 |title=UBD People |url=http://www.ubd.edu.bn/about/organisation/ubd-people.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161217154421/http://www.ubd.edu.bn/about/organisation/ubd-people.html |archive-date=17 December 2016 |access-date=4 August 2024 |website=Universiti Brunei Darussalam}}
  • 1986–1988: Pehin Dato Abdul Rahman Taib{{Cite web |title=H.E. PEHIN DATO ABDUL RAHMAN TAIB |url=https://www.asean.or.id/cv/aem_bru.htm |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=ASEAN}}
  • 1989–1990: Pehin Dato Abdul Aziz Umar
  • 1991–1999: Pehin Dato Abu Bakar Apong
  • 1999–2002: Dato Mahmud Saedon{{Cite book|author=Nordin, Ismail and Mail, Asbol|year=2005 |title=Dato Paduka Seri Setia Professor Dr. Haji Awang Mahmud Saedon bin Awang Othman Dalam Kenangan: Essays in Memory of Vice-Chancellor, UBD, 1999-2002 |location=Bandar Seri Begawan |publisher=Universiti Brunei Darussalam |page=6 |isbn=99917-1-170-8}}
  • 2003–2008: Dato Ismail Duraman{{Cite journal |date=2006 |title=WELCOME MESSAGE FROM VICE-CHANCELLOR UNIVERSITI BRUNEI DARUSSALAM |url=https://ihs.ubd.edu.bn/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/2006-v1-00-p03.pdf |journal=Brunei Darussalam Journal of Health |volume=1 |via=UBD Institute of Health Sciences}}
  • 2008–2015: Dato Zulkarnain Hanafi{{Cite web |last=Mohamad |first=Lyna |date=1 November 2009 |title=Day to remember for 1,241 graduates |url=http://www.sultanate.com/news_server/2009/1_nov_2.html |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=www.sultanate.com}}
  • 2015–2022: Datin Anita Binurul Zahrina{{Cite web |date=27 May 2016 |title=Courtesy Call on the Vice Chancellor of UBD |url=https://bsb.thaiembassy.org/en/content/67164-courtesy-call-on-the-vice-chancellor-of-ubd?page=5d830eec15e39c31b4002641&menu=5d830eed15e39c31b400268d |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=Royal Thai Embassy, Bandar Seri Begawan |language=en}}
  • 2022–present: Hazri Kifle{{Cite web |date=12 June 2023 |title=UBD and Xiamen University reaffirm academic collaboration via MOU Renewal Signing |url=https://ubd.edu.bn/2023/06/12/ubd-and-xiamen-university-reaffirm-academic-collaboration-via-mou-renewal-signing/ |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=Universiti Brunei Darussalam |language=en-US}}

{{colend}}

= Notable staff =

{{colbegin}}

  • Osman Bakar, chair professor and director of SOASCIS at UBD{{Cite web |last=H. A. B. |first=Rasidah |date=9 November 2013 |title=Islam, science not in conflict with each other |url=https://btarchive.org/news/national/2013/11/09/islam-sciencenot-conflict-each-other |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602090159/https://btarchive.org/news/national/2013/11/09/islam-sciencenot-conflict-each-other |archive-date=2 June 2019 |access-date=4 August 2024 |website=The Bruneian Times}}
  • Gibril Haddad, senior assistant professor of SOASCIS at UBD{{cite web |title=Shaykh Dr. Gibril Fouad Haddad - Biography |url=http://seekershub.org/home/teachers/gibril-fouad-haddad |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151202054019/http://seekershub.org/home/teachers/gibril-fouad-haddad |archive-date=2 December 2015 |access-date=9 December 2015 |website=SeekersHub.org }}{{Cite web |title=Dr Gibril Fouad Haddad {{!}} Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Centre for Islamic Studies |url=http://soascis.ubd.edu.bn/dr-gibril-fouad-haddad/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422213059/http://soascis.ubd.edu.bn/dr-gibril-fouad-haddad/ |archive-date=22 April 2017 |access-date=22 April 2017 |website=soascis.ubd.edu.bn |language=en-US}}
  • Reginald Hugh Hickling, lecturer in the English Language Department at UBD{{Cite web |title=Negara Brunei Darussalam: obituary 2007. - Free Online Library |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Negara+Brunei+Darussalam:+obituary+2007.-a0179660408 |access-date=29 January 2024 |website=www.thefreelibrary.com}}
  • Qaiser Mushtaq, associate professor at UBD{{Cite web |last=Professor Dr Qaiser Mushtaq |year=2005 |title=A MANUSCRIPT UNPUBLISHED |url=https://pakms.org.pk/newsletter/Newsletter%2012.pdf |website=Pakistan Mathematical Society |page=5 |issn=1816-2215}}
  • Keat Gin Ooi, professor in the APB at UBD{{Cite web |title=Professor Dr OOI Keat Gin |url=http://apb.ubd.edu.bn/team/professor-dr-ooi-keat-gin/ |access-date=19 September 2024 |website=Universiti Brunei Darussalam}}
  • Tariq Ramadan, eminent visiting professor at UBD
  • Zohrah Sulaiman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UBD{{Cite web |title=Biodata |url=https://www.utb.edu.bn/the-university/vice-chancellor/biodata/ |access-date=3 October 2024 |website=Universiti Teknologi Brunei}}
  • Rozan Yunos, adjunct professor in the Centre for Lifelong Learning at UBD{{Cite web |title=Rozan Yunos |url=https://ips.ubd.edu.bn/students/rozan-yunos/ |access-date=7 August 2023 |website=Institute of Public Policy, Universiti Brunei Darussalam}}
  • Maung Zarni, associate professor of Institute of Asian Studies at UBD
  • Victor Terence King, distinguished professor of Borneo Studies, Institute of Asian Studies

{{colend}}

= Notable alumni =

{{colbegin}}

  • Khairuddin Abdul Hamid, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy{{Cite web |title=Ministry of Finance and Economy - deputy-permanent-secretary-investment |url=https://www.mofe.gov.bn/SitePages/deputy-permanent-secretary-investment.aspx |access-date=1 February 2024 |website=www.mofe.gov.bn}}
  • Ahmaddin Abdul Rahman, Minister of Home Affairs
  • Abdul Mutalib, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications{{Cite book |last=Sidhu |first=Jatswan S. |title=Historical Dictionary of Brunei Darussalam |date=22 December 2009 |publisher=Scarecrow Press |isbn=978-0-8108-7078-9 |pages=9 |language=en}}
  • Iswandy Ahmad, advocate and member of Legislative Council of Brunei
  • Khairunnisa Ash'ari, former member of the Legislative Council of Brunei
  • Pengiran Bahrom, former Deputy Minister of Education and Religious Affairs{{Cite news |date=12 June 2010 |title=Keluaran Khas Sempena Pelantikan Menteri-Menteri Kabinet dan Timbalan-Timbalan Menteri |url=https://www.pelitabrunei.gov.bn/Arkib%20Dokumen/2010/Jun/EK120610.pdf |access-date=8 September 2024 |work=Pelita Brunei |pages=7 |language=ms}}
  • Queenie Chong, member of Legislative Council of Brunei{{Cite web |title=e27 - Connecting you to Asia's Startup and Tech Ecosystem |url=https://e27.co/user/queenie/ |access-date=11 November 2023 |website=e27.co |language=en}}
  • Janin Erih, permanent representative of Brunei to the United Nations in Geneva{{Cite web |date=23 May 2008 |title=NEW PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF BRUNEI DARUSSALAM PRESENTS CREDENTIALS TO DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF UNOG {{!}} UN GENEVA |url=https://www.ungeneva.org/en/news-media/presentation-of-credentials/2008/05/new-permanent-representative-brunei-darussalam |access-date=27 August 2023 |website=www.ungeneva.org |language=en}}
  • Zul F, singer-songwriter and actor{{Cite web |date=2021 |title=TDW 2021 Paper Presenter 2 |url=https://bdlta.moe.gov.bn/tdc/?page_id=611 |access-date=12 September 2024 |website=Ministry of Education}}
  • Norazlianah Ibrahim, ambassador of Brunei to East Timor{{Cite book |title=Commencement 2009 |publisher=Tufts University |date=17 May 2009 |location=Massachusetts |pages=77}}
  • Abdul Wahab Juned, former Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister's Office
  • Pengiran Krtini, ambassador of Brunei to Germany{{Cite web |title=Ambassadors in Germany |url=https://www.diplomatisches-magazin.de/en/ambassadors/hajah-krtini-pengiran-haji-tahir/ |access-date=3 December 2023 |website=diplomatisches-magazin.de |language=en}}
  • Lee Ying Shi, national wushu practitioner{{Cite news |date=9 May 2016 |title=国家武术选手 李莹诗获PJK勳章 |url=https://news.seehua.com/post/168039 |access-date=17 August 2024 |work=See Hua Daily News |language=zh}}
  • Masurai Masri, permanent representative of Brunei to the United Nations in Geneva{{Cite web |date=14 February 2019 |title=NEW PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF BRUNEI DARUSSALAM PRESENTS CREDENTIALS TO THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS OFFICE AT GENEVA {{!}} The United Nations Office at Geneva |url=https://www.ungeneva.org/en/news-media/presentation-of-credentials/2019/02/new-permanent-representative-brunei-darussalam |access-date=15 November 2023 |website=www.ungeneva.org |language=en}}
  • Nazmi Mohamad, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports{{Cite web |title=Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports |url=https://www.kkbs.gov.bn/Menteri%20dan%20Pegawai%20Kanan/Menteri.aspx |access-date=24 October 2022 |website=www.kkbs.gov.bn}}
  • Romaizah Mohd Salleh, Minister of Education{{Cite web |title=CURRICULUM VITAE |url=https://www.seameo.org/img/ministers/brunei1.pdf |access-date=8 March 2024 |website=www.seameo.org}}
  • Abdul Aziz Mohd Tamit, former Commander of Royal Brunei Navy
  • Marzuke Mohsin, Deputy Minister of Development{{Cite web |title=Timbalan Setiausaha Tetap |url=http://www.tanah.gov.bn/SitePages/Timbalan%20Setiausaha%20Tetap.aspx |access-date=6 September 2024 |website=Lands Department |language=ms}}
  • Adee Suhardee Muhidin, national football team player and club manager
  • Anisah Najihah, national pencak silat practitioner{{Cite web |date=17 April 2020 |title=Know Your Athlete: Anisah Najihah |url=https://www.brusports.com/2020/04/17/know-your-athlete-anisah-najihah/ |access-date=29 July 2024 |website=BruSports News |language=en-GB}}
  • Prince Abdul Malik
  • Princess Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah
  • Princess Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah
  • Princess Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah
  • Princess Muta-Wakkilah Hayatul Bolkiah
  • Princess Masna Bolkiah
  • Princess Sarah{{cite web |url=http://www.bt.com.bn/news-national/2010/10/01/princess-sarah-gets-first-class-honours |title=Princess Sarah gets First Class Honours |access-date=13 February 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110430101345/http://www.bt.com.bn/news-national/2010/10/01/princess-sarah-gets-first-class-honours |archive-date=30 April 2011 }}
  • Fakhrul Razi, singer-songwriter{{Cite news |last=Chua |first=Dennis |date=9 July 2015 |title=Bruneian singer Fakhrul Razi wants to make it big in Malaysia |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/09/bruneian-singer-fakhrul-razi-wants-make-it-big-malaysia |access-date=27 October 2023 |work=New Straits Times}}
  • Sufian Sabtu, Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister's Office{{Cite web |title=YANG MULIA DATO SERI PADUKA AWANG HAJI SUFIAN BIN HAJI SABTU |url=https://www.pmo.gov.bn/SitePages/minister-and-senior-officials/d-minister/Deputy-Minister-II.aspx |access-date=27 January 2024 |website=www.pmo.gov.bn}}
  • Hamzah Sulaiman, former Minister of Education{{Cite web |title=Dato Hamzah Sulaiman |url=https://www.seameo.org/img/ministers/brunei.pdf |website=Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization}}
  • Noor Qamar Sulaiman, diplomat{{Cite web |title=New Permanent Representative of Brunei Darussalam Presents Credentials {{!}} UN Press |url=https://press.un.org/en/2019/bio5181.doc.htm#:~:text=Noor%20Qamar%20Sulaiman,%20the%20new,the%20Ministry%20of%20Foreign%20Affairs. |access-date=15 November 2023 |website=press.un.org}}
  • Abdul Rahman Taib, Speaker of Legislative Council of Brunei{{Cite web |title=Yang Di-Pertua Majlis Mesyuarat Negara |url=https://www.majlis-mesyuarat.gov.bn/JMM%20Site%20Pages/Profil%20Yang%20Di-Pertua.aspx |access-date=28 January 2023}}
  • Nor Hashimah Taib, Attorney General of Brunei{{Cite web |date=17 October 2018 |title=H.E Datin Paduka Hajah Nor Hashimah Haji Mohammed Taib |url=https://aichr.org/portfolio-item/h-e-datin-paduka-hajah-nor-hashimah-haji-mohammed-taib/ |access-date=1 April 2024 |website=aichr.org |language=en-US}}
  • Jaspar Yu Woon Chai, Olympic badminton player{{Cite web |date=12 October 2016 |title=Cover Story – Brunei's Olympians |url=https://inspirebn.wordpress.com/cover-story-brunei-olympians/ |access-date=15 August 2023 |website=YES Inspire {{!}} Magazines |language=en}}
  • Riza Yunos, Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister's Office{{Cite web |title=YANG MULIA DATO SERI PADUKA AWANG MOHD RIZA BIN DATO PADUKA HAJI MOHD YUNOS |url=https://www.pmo.gov.bn/SitePages/minister-and-senior-officials/d-minister/Deputy-Minister-I.aspx |access-date=26 January 2024 |website=www.pmo.gov.bn}}

{{colend}}

File:Khairuddin Abdul Hamid - 53691166688.jpg|Khairuddin Abdul Hamid, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy

File:Ahmaddin Abdul Rahman - 53889574747.jpg|Ahmaddin Abdul Rahman, Minister of Home Affairs

File:Riza Yunos - 53889580372.jpg|Riza Yunos, Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister's Office

File:Queenie Chong - 53652041452.jpg|Queenie Chong, member of Legislative Council of Brunei

File:Romaizah Mohd Salleh - 53890905379.jpg|Romaizah Mohd Salleh, Minister of Education

File:Khairunnisa Ash'ari (2021).jpg|Khairunnisa Ash'ari, member of Legislative Council of Brunei

Controversies

= Censorship =

Maung Zarni, co-founder of the Free Burma Coalition, was employed as an assistant professor of Asian studies at UBD. However in January 2013, he had to quit due to restrictions on his public comments against the Rohingya massacre in Myanmar.{{Cite web |last=FORSEA |date=16 April 2024 |title=Northern Irish Nobel Laureate Nominates Burmese Activist for 2024 Peace Prize |url=https://forsea.co/northern-irish-nobel-laureate-nominates-burmese-activist-for-2024-peace-prize/ |access-date=4 August 2024 |website=FORSEA |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Star Digital Report |date=16 April 2024 |title=Nobel Peace Prize winner Maguire nominates Burmese activist Zarni for 2024 prize |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news/world/news/nobel-peace-prize-winner-maguire-nominates-burmese-activist-zarni-2024-prize-3588306 |access-date=4 August 2024 |website=The Daily Star |language=en}}{{Cite web |last1=Ozturk |first1=Mehmet |last2=Gilani |first2=Iftikhar |last3=Alam |first3=Sorwar |last4=Gurhan Kartal |first4=Ahmet |date=27 June 2020 |title=EXCLUSIVE: 'Rohingya issue, not Muslims v/s Buddhist paradigm' |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/exclusive-rohingya-issue-not-muslims-v-s-buddhist-paradigm/1891919 |access-date=4 August 2024 |website=Anadolu Agency}} He attributed the situation to "extreme and unprofessional academic censorship" and stated it is "impossible to maintain his professionalism." He claims to have taken part in a London School of Economics (LSE) panel on human rights and the rule of law in June 2012. Aung San Suu Kyi attended the panel while travelling around Europe. He claims that as a kind of punishment, UBD withheld institutional and financial assistance from him 24 hours prior to his departure to London, forcing him to take personal leave and cover the US$3,000 airfare on his own.{{Cite web |last=The Myanmar Times |date=19 January 2013 |title=Top professor resigns over university 'censorship' |url=https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20130118143248468 |access-date=4 August 2024 |website=University World News |language=en}} The Human Rights Resource Centre for ASEAN has reported that as a result of this incident, scholars at Bruneian universities are expressly obliged to engage in self-censorship when discussing topics related to Islam and the monarchy.{{Cite book |url=http://hrrca.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/02.-FOR-Brunei.pdf |title=Keeping the Faith: A Study of Freedom of Thought, Conscience, and Religion in ASEAN |publisher=Human Rights Resource Centre, University of Indonesia, Depok Campus |year=2014 |isbn=978-602-17986-2-1 |pages=73}}

See also

Footnotes

{{notelist}}

References

{{reflist}}