Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) in conjunction with the UBD Open Day, successfully hosted its much-anticipated Research Open Day on 3rd and 4th February 2024, bringing the community closer to the university’s research initiatives. With the theme “UBD Research and Sustainable Development Goals,” the event aimed to underline the pivotal role of research in addressing societal challenges and promoting sustainable development.
The two-day event saw a vibrant convergence of academia, researchers, students, and the local community, offering an insightful glimpse into UBD’s extensive and impactful research endeavors. Through a series of interactive exhibitions, engaging poster presentations, and hands-on activities, the Research Open Day aimed to achieve several key objectives:
- Showcasing UBD’s Research Impact: The primary goal was to highlight the importance and impact of UBD’s research on local and global communities. Visitors had the opportunity to explore various research projects, spanning diverse fields, that contribute significantly to addressing contemporary challenges and advancing knowledge.
- Creating Interest in Research among Youth: With a specific focus on science and engineering, the event aimed to inspire and ignite the curiosity of young minds. Through interactive displays, demonstrations, and engaging discussions, UBD sought to encourage the youth to pursue careers in research and innovation.
- Engaging the Local Community: The Research Open Day provided a dynamic platform for the local community to interact directly with researchers, fostering a better understanding of the research process and its implications. This direct engagement aimed to bridge the gap between the academic institution and the community, promoting a sense of shared responsibility for societal progress.
Dr Hazri Haji Kifle, Vice Chancellor of UBD, expressed his enthusiasm about the event, stating, “The Research Open Day serves as a testament to UBD’s commitment to advancing knowledge, addressing societal challenges, and contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. We believe that by opening our doors to the community, we can create a symbiotic relationship between the university and the public, fostering a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility.”
The 5Ps under Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) serve as a comprehensive framework for global development, addressing People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership. UBD exemplifies a strong alignment with these principles through its diverse research initiatives. The Research Open Day, a flagship event showcasing a diverse array of research projects, underscores UBD’s commitment to addressing pressing global challenges. From projects in smart farming to effective waste management strategies and solutions for healthy aging, inclusive education, and sustainable energy management, UBD’s research portfolio embodies its commitment to advancing each facet of the 5Ps. By actively addressing these critical areas, UBD not only contributes to sustainable development locally but also plays a significant role in addressing global challenges and fostering positive societal impact.
The Special National Coordination Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, represented by the Secretariat, also shared its perspective on the collective efforts towards sustainability. In a statement, they emphasised the need for different stakeholders to work together to achieve their respective ambitions. They aim to engage, educate, and enable various sectors through efforts such as localising sustainable development and creating a network of SDG advocates. These initiatives are crucial in meeting the increasing demand for concerted efforts to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“In the current momentum and level of dedication from our society in fostering sustainability, we remain optimistic about meaningful successes in the short- and long-term. These successes will contribute to the bigger picture towards realising the Wawasan Brunei 2035,” remarked the Head of Brunei SDG Secretariat, Awang Yusri Yahya.
The UBD Research Open Day not only showcased the university’s research excellence but also emphasised the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to achieve sustainable development goals. By opening dialogues and encouraging engagement, UBD is actively contributing to the broader sustainability narrative of Brunei Darussalam.
The event drew attention to the university’s dedication to research excellence and its role in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future. In line with its vision as a university of National Relevance with Global Impact, UBD remains at the forefront of research and innovation, actively contributing to the advancement of knowledge and the well-being of society