As a vibrant community of over 4,000 students and 800 staff, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) is committed to becoming a leading model of a health-promoting campus—setting the standard for institutions across Brunei Darussalam and the region.
Launched during the 37th UBD Pesta Konvo on 5th August 2025, the Healthy University Roadmap outlines UBD’s three-year strategic plan to cultivate a dynamic environment where lifelong habits, attitudes, and values around health and well-being are formed.
Global trends reveal a surge in mental health issues, chronic illnesses linked to sedentary lifestyles, and widening health disparities. Locally, student surveys and counselling data indicate rising levels of stress, anxiety, and digital fatigue. These challenges are compounded by stigma and uncertainty, significantly impacting overall well-being.
The Healthy University Roadmap envisions a campus where physical and psychological safety, health education, inclusive policies, and access to resources are foundational. This nurturing environment will foster a sense of belonging, build resilience, and support students and staff throughout their academic and personal journeys.
A healthy campus enables the UBD community to thrive physically, mentally, and socially. Achieving this requires integrated, evidence-based, and sustainable actions that embed health into every aspect of university life—from governance and infrastructure to academic practices and student support services.
Mainstreaming health considerations into decision-making at all levels ensures that health promotion becomes embedded in UBD’s policies, operations, and culture. Health is treated as a core institutional priority, aligning with national and regional goals such as Wawasan Brunei 2035, Ministry of Education’s Greening Plan, ASEAN University Network Health Promotion Network (AUN-HPN), and Healthy University Rating System (HURS).
Providing accurate information and practical skills enhances individuals’ ability to manage their health confidently. Awareness campaigns, peer-led initiatives, and leadership engagement help normalise help-seeking behaviours. This paves the way for more effective mental health screenings, academic advising, peer support networks, and inclusive physical spaces designed with universal accessibility in mind.
A key pillar of the Healthy University Roadmap is UBD’s zero-tolerance policy against harassment, bullying, gender-based violence, discrimination, drug abuse, and smoking. The goal is to ensure a safe, respectful, and substance-free campus for all.
Ultimately, UBD believes that lasting change comes from within. Students and staff are empowered to take ownership of initiatives, serve as ambassadors, and co-create a supportive environment they actively participate in. UBD Alumni are also welcome to give back to their alma matter this way.
UBD has long supported well-being through initiatives such as its Wednesday Wellness sessions and various student-led awareness campaigns. The Healthy University Roadmap formalises this commitment, expanding the university’s role beyond academic excellence to become a hub for holistic growth.
The Centre for University Life and Wellness (UniHEALTH) is the main centre for all health-related services at UBD, supporting both students and staff. It brings together physical health, mental well-being, and preventive care under one coordinated system, reflecting UBD’s commitment to a holistic approach to wellness. As part of this system, Psychological First Aiders (PFAs) — trained staff and student volunteers — offer immediate, non-clinical support to anyone experiencing emotional distress. They provide a first line of help and guide individuals to professional services when needed.
UBD Counsellors offer professional therapy and mental health support, playing a key role in early intervention and long-term care for mental well-being. This service has always been readily available for students but will soon be expanded to ensure that staff also receive the same level of care as stress, anxiety and even burnout are not issues experienced by students exclusively.
Together, PFAs and counsellors create a smooth and supportive care network that helps build a healthier and more resilient university community.
Over the next three years, UBD will be committed to ensuring upgrades to support physical, mental and environmental well-being — through improved waste management systems, the introduction of new recycling processes across campus, designated quiet zones and wellness corners as well as universal design in new and retrofitted infrastructure. Further reinforcing physical and mental health, UBD will be strengthening on-campus health services with the introduction of its on-site clinic. Located in the Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences (PAPRSB HIS) Extension Building, the UBD branch of Rayyan Baharin Clinic aims to improve health literacy and accessibility to staff and students. The clinic will even include a full-time clinical psychologist. In addition, scheduled wellness classes, stress management workshops as well as first aid and emergency preparedness trainings ensure that wellness support is integrated and inclusive.
The UBD Alya Playhouse opened in May this year expands on that wellness support further by providing on-campus childcare for UBD staff and students who are working parents. Conveniently located beside the Core Residential College, the recently added service ensures healthier work-life balance while leaving parents with a sense of security that there is a safe, stimulating, and developmentally appropriate space for their children on campus.
“The health and well-being of our university community is central to UBD’s vision of nurturing human excellence,” said UBD Vice-Chancellor Dr Hazri Haji Kifle. “The Roadmap is a structured commitment to building a campus that supports, inspires, and empowers healthy living—physically, mentally, socially, and environmentally. It reflects our values of honesty, practicality, and service to community.”
“UBD is not just adopting best practices; we are pioneering a new vision of what a healthy university can be,” he added. “This initiative is driven by purpose, by people, and by the belief that well-being is foundational to learning, creativity, and human flourishing.”
UBD Assistant Vice-Chancellor (University Life and Governance) Hajah Maudena Haji Abdul Hamid emphasised, “Together, we are creating a campus where well-being is not only supported but celebrated. The journey ahead requires collective effort, continuous learning, and institutional courage — but it is one we embrace fully.”