Since its establishment in 1985, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) has grown not only in terms of infrastructure, student numbers, and graduates, but also through its expanding programmes that remain aligned with current national and global needs.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, UBD has made significant strides in incorporating technology into teaching and learning. Today, advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have taken centre stage, equipping both students and graduates with skills to thrive in the digital future.
As Brunei Darussalam accelerates its transformation into a Smart Nation, UBD plays a pivotal role in nurturing talent and driving research that aligns with national priorities, cultivating a digitally empowered generation and fostering innovation through strategic academic and industry partnerships. In particular, the university fully supports Brunei Darussalam’s Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 through cutting-edge programmes.
Applied Artificial Intelligence
At the 37th Convocation Ceremony on 13 August 2025, UBD celebrated the inaugural cohort of the Bachelor of Digital Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence. The first group of six graduates from the School of Digital Sciences (SDS) are poised to lead Brunei Darussalam’s digital transformation. They completed a rigorous blend of theoretical study, hands-on systems development, and professional certifications. The curriculum included core and specialist modules such as AI Applications, Advanced AI, Deep Learning Specialisation, Advanced Applied Data Analytics, and Blockchain, alongside broader campus learning in Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB).
Beyond coursework, the cohort gained practical lab experience. The Intelligent Systems Lab ran projects involving Large Language Models (LLMs) and integrated LLMs into a demonstration with the NAO robot — an exhibit showcased to 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, during the National Teachers’ Day Celebrations in 2024.
Students also completed modules in entrepreneurship for digital scientists and emerging intelligent systems technologies, enabling them to transform prototypes into products or startups. Their hands-on projects included intelligent Human Resource (HR) systems and continual-learning pipelines, directly addressing national priorities such as workforce automation, public service efficiency, and smart-industry readiness.
UBD’s modern blended model combines campus-based mentorship and laboratory practice with high-quality online offerings from industry leaders. SDS integrated Coursera into the programme, allowing students to earn professional certifications from IBM, Google, Imperial College London, and others while pursuing their three-year degree — providing graduates with industry-recognised credentials alongside their academic qualifications. This integration offers a dual advantage in a competitive job market, enhancing both learning breadth and employability.
UBD’s strategy has already gained international recognition, receiving the Coursera 2024 AI Innovation Award for the Asia-Pacific region — an accolade celebrating innovative curriculum design and effective blended learning execution aligned with industry needs.
With a comprehensive AI ecosystem to enhance experiential learning, upskill faculty, and integrate AI across its educational framework, UBD strategically aims to produce future-ready graduates who are equipped to lead in AI development, deployment, and ethical governance. By aligning its academic innovation with national priorities, UBD is not only supporting Brunei Darussalam’s digital transformation but also positioning itself as a regional leader in AI education—driving research, talent development, and industry collaboration across ASEAN and beyond.
These graduates are not merely holders of a new degree; they represent the first wave of locally trained, globally connected talent for Brunei Darussalam. The SDS Applied Artificial Intelligence major was designed to align closely with the nation’s economic diversification and digitalisation goals, producing talent capable of deploying AI and data analytics to improve public services (health, education, administrative efficiency), support local businesses in adopting automation and intelligent workflows, and contribute research and engineering capacity to national institutes and industry partnerships.
Senior Professor Dr Chandratilak De Silva Liyanage, Dean of the School of Digital Science, reflected on the achievement: “This first cohort of Applied AI graduates marks an important milestone, not only for SDS but for Brunei Darussalam’s journey towards a digitally empowered future. These students represent the next generation of innovators, equipped with the technical knowledge, critical thinking skills, and adaptability to drive transformation in industry and society. Their success reflects our vision to produce graduates who are not just consumers of technology, but also its creators and leaders.”
These six graduates symbolise a broader national shift: Brunei Darussalam is building homegrown digital capacity, blending world-class online learning with local mentorship and impact-driven projects. If the first cohort is any indicator, Brunei Darussalam’s next decade will be shaped by talent who know how to build the intelligent systems that can serve and grow the nation.
Digital Public Health
The first Master of Digital Public Health graduate also crossed the stage at the Chancellor Hall to receive his certificate from His Royal Highness Prince (Dr) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, and Pro-Chancellor of UBD, during the afternoon session of this year’s convocation ceremony.
Offered by the Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences (PAPRSB IHS) in collaboration with SDS, the Master of Digital Public Health is the first programme of its kind in Asia to combine digital science and public health at the graduate level.
It is a flexible programme, available in full-time, part-time, and lifelong learning modes to accommodate candidates from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility. The lifelong learning mode is delivered online, enabling regional students across ASEAN and beyond to participate, fostering cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange in digital public health.
This programme is uniquely positioned to address Brunei Darussalam’s evolving health and development needs. With rising rates of chronic diseases, an ageing population, and the challenge of delivering equitable healthcare across districts, there is an urgent need for professionals who can bridge public health expertise with digital innovation — the driving force behind the next revolution in public health services.
The programme directly supports Brunei’s Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 and the Ministry of Health’s vision for accessible, high-quality care through technology. It prepares graduates to design, implement, and evaluate digital health solutions that are culturally attuned and locally relevant.
By combining interdisciplinary training with a focus on Brunei’s strategic priorities, the Master of Digital Public Health empowers graduates to contribute immediately to government agencies, healthcare institutions, and the private sector. Students engage in applied research on national health priorities — from e-health records and telemedicine to AI-driven disease surveillance — generating evidence that can shape policy and improve community outcomes. In doing so, the programme empowers Brunei’s future health leaders with the digital skills to transform public health and drive national innovation.
Beyond the scope of its own students and staff, UBD’s offers short courses and training sessions to help participants integrate AI tools such as ChatGPT in their daily practices. Teachers, government officers, and entrepreneurs have benefited greatly from digitalising their everyday tasks.
Through the university’s Centre for Lifelong Learning (C3L) and the Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC), UBD provides flexible micro-credential modules and lifelong learning programmes tailored for professionals in various sectors. These include the Bachelor of Science in Digital Economy, Micro-Master in Occupational Health and Safety, and Master of Government.
A major achievement in the field of Artificial Intelligence is the comprehensive ‘Policy and Guidelines on Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)’ book which was launched in 2023. Upholding ethical and responsible standards to ensure transparency and data privacy, this policy equips both educators and students with clear guidelines on harnessing AI for teaching and learning.
Defence and Security Studies
UBD also celebrated the success of another innovative initiative, led by the newly established Faculty of Military Studies (FMS). The Master of Defence and Security Studies marks a significant advancement in UBD’s academic offerings and its commitment to excellence in defence and security education.
Building on the success of its Graduate Diploma in Defence and Security Studies, launched in 2019, the new programme elevates the diploma to a Master’s level. Designed specifically for military and defence professionals, particularly those serving in the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) and the Ministry of Defence, the programme represents a strategic upgrade to broaden and deepen the existing curriculum.
In an era where national security and stability are paramount, there is a pressing need for advanced education tailored to the unique challenges faced by military leaders. This programme addresses the demand for high-calibre leaders capable of navigating complex security environments and making informed decisions that uphold national interests.
Equivalent to the Command and Staff Course (CSC), the Master of Defence and Security Studies is a 45-week residential military education course for local and international mid-level officers. It prepares them for advanced command and staff positions, broadening their perspectives and professional knowledge through operational and academic approaches to study the contemporary strategic environment and its implications for defence and security practice.
The programme incorporates advanced theoretical and practical elements essential for modern defence and security studies, aligning with the Professional Military Education (PME) standards of the RBAF and integrating the latest research and best practices.
It utilises CANVAS, a learning management system, along with other AI-integrated tools, enabling both virtual and in-person learning through a blended teaching approach that includes simulations and research activities. This technological integration enriches the learning experience and equips candidates with practical skills applicable to real-world scenarios.
The programme addresses a critical need for advanced education in defence and security within the region, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It contributes directly to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by enhancing the professional development of military officers and security professionals, and to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by ensuring that graduates are equipped with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to address contemporary and future challenges.
Graduates benefit from substantial career advancement opportunities, gaining the expertise required for leadership roles in the defence and security sector. By aligning with sector needs, the programme enhances career mobility and promotion prospects, benefiting both individuals and the broader defence community.
At the same time, it strengthens UBD’s position as a leading institution in defence and security education, fostering collaboration with military institutions, government agencies, international organisations, reputable industry communities, and higher education institutions.
Stakeholders
Furthermore, UBD strengthens ties between academia and industry through exchange programmes for both students and staff, internships, and collaborations with established academicians from renowned institutions. One of the more recent collaborations is with Shenzhen New Industries Biomedical Engineering Co Ltd (Snibe), China which aims to run specialised training programmes in advanced biomedical diagnostics, and develop joint research projects in biomedical innovation. UBD’s formalised partnership with the Brunei Methanol Company Sdn Bhd (BMC) this year sees the fostering of impactful industry-academia collaborations. BMC is a key collaborator in supporting the mission of Centre for Advanced Materials and Energy Sciences (CAMES) to advance research in materials science and energy studies, aligning with Brunei’s economic diversification efforts. Both parties will look into opportunities in areas such as hydrogen production and storage, carbon capture and utilisation, water remediation and treatment, corrosion protection and inhibition, and AI-assisted advanced material design to promote technological innovation and develop local human capital. This partnership also contributes to achieving the first pillar of Wawasan 2035: cultivating a well-educated and highly skilled workforce that meets international standards.
“The future is always a lot closer than we think,” UBD Vice-Chancellor Dr Hazri Haji Kifle said. “So it’s imperative that we, as Brunei Darussalam’s premier higher education institute, remain two steps ahead to anticipate how the world moves towards further digitalisation and especially in the ethical use of AI in various aspects of study and work.”
“UBD remains steadfast in its mission to offer programmes that are relevant, forward-looking, and responsive to the needs of its diverse stakeholders in order to produce future-ready graduates,” he added. “Through continuous innovation and strategic alignment with national and global priorities, the university empowers students, supports industry, and contributes meaningfully to societal advancement.”