The Borneo Studies Network (BSN) Secretariat and iCUBE Secretariat under the Office Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement) at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) hosted The Young Researchers Workshop from 5th to 6th June 2025 at the Inspiring Hall, UBD.
Themed ‘2030 and Beyond: Energy Transition and Sustainability in Borneo’, two-day workshop aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of the sustainable development and energy transition policies through interactive learning and realworld applications.
The workshop was officiated on 5th June at Inspiring Hall, UBD by Dr Joyce Teo Siew Yean, UBD Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement). The engaging workshop involved participants in an immersive experience that highlighted the opportunities and challenges of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Activities illustrated the balance between environment and economy, emphasising the interconnectedness of economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
Through collaborative exercises, students explored strategies to build the future they envision while maintaining equilibrium among the three pillars of sustainability: Environmental, Social and Economic. Dr Rosnah Abdullah, Deputy Director of BSN and iCUBE, delivered welcoming remarks underscoring the importance of policy skills in advancing sustainable development and energy transition initiatives.
Starting off the workshop, participants delved into ‘Energy Transition in Borneo’ delivered by Dr Lim Ren Chong, Assistant Professor and Deputy Director of the Centre for Advanced Materials and Energy Sciences (CAMES) at UBD. An expert-led discussion on key drivers shaping the energy sector was facilitated by Dr Thida Chaiyapa Assistant Professor, Assistant Director/Head of Degree Programme at Chiang Mai University’s School of Public Policy (CCMU-SPP), Thailand.
Workshop participants were young researchers from BSN and iCUBE member universities, which included UBD students. Through small group activities, they identified driving forces influencing energy transition and collaboratively developed future scenarios for Borneo’s energy landscape. Using foresight techniques, they analysed economic, technological, and policy factors that shape sustainable energy pathways.
The workshop also featured a study tour to Berakas Power Station (BPS) where they engaged in discussions on technological advancements, policy frameworks, and the role of renewable energy in achieving SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The visit greatly enriched the young researchers, providing insights into the opportunities of energy transition.
The Young Researchers Workshop was part of the Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition (MYCE), a series of conferences and exhibitions planned for the month of June that brings together experts and key players in selected fields. It aims to promote knowledge-sharing, brainstorming, sharing of new discoveries in various fields and increasing networking and business activities among experts and entrepreneurs from within and outside the country, which is hoped to contribute significantly to economic growth.
For more information on Borneo Studies Network (BSN) and iCUBE, visit http://borneostudies.org/ or email bsn@ubd.edu.bn and icubesecretariat@ubd.edu.bn.