Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) welcomed 795 new students as part of the August 2025 intake, comprising 510 undergraduate, 124 Master, 19 PhD, 133 UniBridge, and nine non-graduating students.
To mark the beginning of their academic journey, UBD launched its annual Freshers Week, organised by the Student Affairs Section in collaboration with the Student Representative Council and dedicated student volunteers.
The programme began with a Special Address by the Vice-Chancellor. In his address, UBD Vice-Chancellor Dr Hazri Haji Kifle encouraged students to embrace the university’s core values, strive for academic excellence, and uphold the national philosophy of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB).
Dr Hazri advised the new students to craft their own stories and to be the architects of their own narratives by identifying the skills they want to develop and the impact they aim to achieve. “Embrace the unknown, for life is often about navigating uncertainties,” he said. “Trust that you have the capacity to adapt and thrive.”
“The best way to get something truly meaningful out of your university experience is to actively put something in,” he added. “This could mean starting a venture to find real-world solutions for our villagers, community, or industries. Or perhaps it’s volunteering your time for community work, mentoring a junior student, or simply being a supportive friend to your peers.” He emphasised that their contributions have the ability to enhance the lives of the community, helping the students become useful for the country and its people, all while deepening their own journey at UBD.
The Vice-Chancellor further touched on Artificial Intelligence (AI) which UBD embraces as a powerful tool to enhance learning and research. He warned against over-reliance on Large Language Models such as ChatGPT for tasks that require thought. He shared that studies from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University have shown that this can lead to significantly reduced brain activity and weaker neural connections, particularly in areas linked to critical thinking and memory. He advised students to always question AI’s output as fact-checking and challenging its assumptions will strengthen their critical thinking. “So be a co-pilot, not a passenger,” he said. “Let AI handle the repetitive, reserving your cognitive power for complex, creative, and critical tasks.”
“Don’t let AI be your only assistant,” he added. “Do the heavy lifting yourself to build the mental resilience and intellectual strength needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”
The event, steeped in tradition and national values, featured the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, Doa Selamat, and the singing of the Brunei Darussalam national anthem. To bless the event, a recital of the Al-Quran was performed by Mohammad Azhar Haji Mohammad Khir, an undergraduate of the Bachelor of Arts in Design and Creative Industries (DCI) programme from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS).
A key moment in the ceremony was the new students’ oath-taking, a symbolic commitment to uphold UBD’s values and academic integrity. The oath was led by Muhammad Abi Nubli Dzil Ikram Mohamad Subhi, an undergraduate of the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the Faculty of Science (FOS). The event concluded with a spirited rendition of UBDs official song, Mendepan Bersama, marking the start of Freshers Week.
Throughout the five-day orientation programme, students participate in a variety of informative and engaging activities designed to introduce them to university services, academic expectations, and student life. These include:
- Kenali UBDku – an interactive orientation session and campus tour aimed at familiarising students with key locations, offices, and services within UBD
- PMUBD Showcase, where students get the opportunity to engage with student-led organisations, creative societies, volunteer groups, and sports teams
The programme also highlighted UBD’s commitment to sustainability, student empowerment, and the goals outlined in the UBD Strategic Plan 2025. Students were introduced to vital services such as mental health and counselling support, academic advisories, and spiritual development sessions such as the weekly Quranic Journey.
Freshers Week offers a great opportunity for new students to engage with university life at UBD. For more details on upcoming events or student resources, visit UBD’s official website or Instagram at @ubdbuzz @studentaffairsubd
