Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and Inner Mongolia Jiu Ke Kangrui Enviro-Tech Co Ltd have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), formalising a strategic partnership to promote collaboration in academic research, talent development, and technological innovation.
A key objective of the MOU is to facilitate discussions on the joint establishment of a seawater desalination experimental facility at UBD, where Jiu Ke’s cutting-edge technologies and research achievements can be showcased, tested, and further developed. The agreement also opens up opportunities for collaboration in wastewater management, reinforcing both parties’ commitment to sustainable environmental solutions.
The MOU was signed by Dr Hazri Haji Kifle, Vice-Chancellor of UBD, and Li Zhan Sheng, Chairman of Inner Mongolia Jiu Ke Kangrui Enviro-Tech Co Ltd, represented by Ms Zhangna, Chief Technology Officer. The event was also witnessed by Dr Haji Masairol Haji Masri, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Industry Engagement and Enterprise Development) of UBD and Dr Li Feng, President of the Chinese Enterprises Association in Brunei. His Excellency Xiao Jianguo, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam, was also in attendance, highlighting the importance of this partnership in strengthening Brunei–China academic and industrial ties.
This agreement reflects a shared vision for cooperation based on principles of equity and reciprocity, laying the foundation for future initiatives in research, industrial training, academic exchange, and student supervision. It also signals a broader commitment to fostering cross-border academic – industry linkages that support innovation, sustainability, and mutual growth.
Dr Hazri expressed his enthusiasm: “Our collaboration with Jiu Ke opens the door to exciting, applied research opportunities, especially in seawater desalination and wastewater management. These are critical areas for Brunei and the region. By combining our academic expertise with Jiu Ke’s industrial experience, we look forward to building innovative systems that address environmental challenges while equipping our graduates with industry-relevant competencies”
Ms Zhangna, Chief Technology Officer of Inner Mongolia Jiu Ke Kangrui Enviro-Tech Co Ltd, highlighted the partnership’s strategic significance: “The signing of this agreement marks a landmark milestone in deepening cross-border collaboration between the two parties. By integrating Universiti Brunei Darussalam’s world-class educational and research resources with Jiu Ke Environmental Protection’s cutting-edge engineering and technological expertise, the partnership will establish an industry-academia-research collaborative innovation platform. This initiative is closely aligned with China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Brunei’s Vision 2035 strategic blueprint. The collaboration will further solidify Brunei’s role as a hub for environmental technology in Southeast Asia, injecting new momentum into the region’s green and low-carbon transformation. ”
The MoU marks a significant step in enhancing ties between Brunei Darussalam and China, and reflects a shared commitment to solving real-world environmental challenges through science, innovation, and knowledge exchange. With this agreement, UBD and Inner Mongolia Jiu Ke Kangrui Enviro-Tech Co Ltd are set to embark on a dynamic and lasting collaboration that promises long-term impact for both institutions and the broader region.