The Big Day
Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) held its 37th Convocation Ceremony to celebrate the graduating students from the class of 2024 at UBD’s Chancellor Hall on 13th August 2025. His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Chancellor of UBD and His Royal Highness Prince (Dr) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, Pro-Chancellor of UBD consented to attend the ceremony and present the certificates.
This year saw a total of 1,177 graduates, consisting of 55 PhD graduates, 263 Master graduates, 823 Bachelor graduates as well as 36 Graduate Diploma recipients from the 13th batch of UBD’s distinctive GenNEXT programme. Receiving their certificates from His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam during the morning session were: PhD, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Engineering, and Bachelor of Digital Science graduates. Receiving their certificates in the afternoon from His Royal Highness the Crown Prince were: Master, Bachelor of Health Science, Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Science in Digital Economy graduates, and Graduate Diploma recipients.
Receiving His Majesty and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince at the Chancellor Hall, UBD during the respective sessions were Minister of Education Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah Haji Mohd Salleh and UBD Vice-Chancellor Dr Hazri Haji Kifle.
Highlights of the Year
This year marked the graduation of the inaugural cohort from the Bachelor of Digital Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence programme at the School of Digital Science (SDS). Comprised of six local and international graduates, the cohort developed high-demand Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills that technology and business leaders seek in machine learning, chatbot development, data analytics, automation, deep learning, and entrepreneurship. In addition to a hybrid touch from UBD and Coursera, the programme allows students to acquire certifications and specialisations from top global industries such as Google and International Business Machines (IBM).
The Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences (PAPRSB IHS), in collaboration with SDS, also produced UBD’s first Master of Digital Public Health graduate. Comprising of two components, Public Health and Digital Science, the postgraduate programme covers machine learning, predictive analytics, big data handling in the Public Health field, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics. The core Digital Science modules are delivered in collaboration with University of Michigan, United States of America (USA) using their online learning content. Upon completion of this component, candidates receive a certification from the university.
UBD’s 40th Anniversary
After the presentation of graduation certificates in the Main Hall, His Majesty and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince consented to sign separate plaques commemorating UBD’s 40th anniversary before proceeding to view a special exhibition which featured the latest research findings, innovations and student achievements.
Special Exhibition
Themed ‘Ideas That Shift’, the exhibition traced a purposeful journey—from policy innovation, to scientific discovery, to real-world solutions—reflecting UBD’s role as a university that leads with ideas, evidence, and action.
It began with policy foresight. The Institute for Policy Studies (IPS) introduced ‘Policy Development and Decision-Making Through Data-Driven Systems: A Pathway to AI Policy Innovation Lab’, a pioneering framework that integrates AI into every stage of the policy cycle. This approach enhances clarity, adaptability, and long-term impact—empowering decision-makers to respond to evolving challenges with informed precision. Moving beyond traditional, manual approaches that rely on static documents and limited data, this AI-enabled model utilises machine learning and natural language processing to deliver dynamic, data-driven insights—from agenda setting to policy evaluation. By enhancing the accuracy, foresight, and adaptability of policy decisions, this innovation aims to empower governments to respond more effectively to complex and rapidly changing societal needs.
From vision to science, the narrative moved to research for resilience. The Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER) showcased ‘Research, Restoration, and the Future of Brunei’s Peat Swamp Forests’, underscoring Brunei Darussalam’s leadership in conserving one of Southeast Asia’s most intact and carbon-rich ecosystems. Through restoration projects in Badas, Lumut, and Ulu Mendaram, supported by long-term ecological studies, IBER provides the knowledge base to guide sustainable land use and biodiversity protection. The research conducted includes studies on peat dynamics, forest regeneration, and biodiversity recovery, providing essential insights into the resilience of peat ecosystems. Through long-term monitoring and active rehabilitation, Brunei Darussalam is advancing science-based conservation while positioning itself as a regional leader in climate and biodiversity efforts. This integrated approach supports national priorities on sustainable land use and contributes to global knowledge on peatland restoration and management.
The journey concluded with application in the field. The Faculty of Military Studies (FMS) presented ‘Drone Technology for Sustainable Decisions and Development to Redress Illegal Logging’, exploring the use of drones to strengthen forest monitoring and protection. Real-time surveillance, rapid response, and better coordination translate policy and research into decisive action against illegal logging and resource loss. This research investigates how drones can enhance surveillance and enforcement efforts. Through qualitative research involving key public agencies, the study identifies operational challenges and highlights the potential of drones as a cost-effective, scalable tool for real-time forest monitoring, faster response, and better inter-agency coordination. By bridging enforcement gaps, drones play a critical role in protecting natural resources and advancing Brunei Darussalam’s sustainability goals.
Together, these exhibits demonstrated how UBD advances from idea to impact—grounded in national priorities, progressive in approach, and pioneering in solutions that serve both Brunei Darussalam and the wider world.
The Next Day
On 14th August, UBD invites graduates to ‘The Next Day’, a continuation of the convocation celebrations which is held at the Central Lecture Theatre (CLT) Foyer. During this time, graduates are welcome to return to campus with friends and families to take photos and videos in their graduation gowns, revisit their faculties as well as their beloved lecturers.
To further enliven the convocation festivities, live performances will be held in the morning and student clubs will be showcasing their own performances in the afternoon.
A variety of vendors offering souvenirs and refreshments will be available. In addition to established local vendors, UBD startups will be present at The Next Day. Other exciting activities include photo booths for graduates and alumni to take photos with their family and friends. Visitors to ‘The Next Day’ also get the opportunity to win café vouchers at the UBD Quiz Booth by answering questions relating to UBD in conjunction with UBD’s 40th anniversary.
As part of UBD’s efforts to promote a sustainable lifestyle and a green campus in line with the Healthy University Roadmap which was recently launched during Pesta Konvo, vendors are encouraged to be sustainable in their packaging and delivery of services. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own containers and tumblers to support this endeavour.
Also in conjunction with ‘The Next Day’, Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) is collaborating with UBD to host the Youth Opportunities Unlocked (YOU) 2025 event. Held at the Pro-Chancellor Arts Centre on 14th August from 9am to 4pm, attendees can connect with youth entrepreneurs during the ‘TEDx Anggerek Desa Youth’ segment; participate in an insight-sharing session by Nicholas Lim Pinn Yang, Co-Founder and CEO of Good Foodies Media, Malaysia; and support local youth vendors through Brunei Darussalam’s first TikTok live selling marketplace. Experience real stories of innovation, creativity and the force of influence. For more information and to register, visit @YOU2025 on Instagram.