Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) is dedicated to nurturing holistic, global citizens through innovative, technology-driven education and research, aligned with Brunei Darussalam’s aspirations and Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) principles, aiming to develop ethical leaders spearheading sustainable contributions.
Announced during the 37th Convocation Ceremony this year, the reformed curriculum ‘GenBESTARI’ is a synergy between the academic and co-curricular experience, guided by a holistic measurement of graduate outcomes. The GenBESTARI framework ensures that graduates are equipped with essential skills and qualities that prepare them for the complexities of the modern world while staying true to core Bruneian values.
GenBESTARI is designed to promote active, student-centric and technology-enabled learning to ensure that students are not only academically competent but also professionally adaptable and personally grounded.
Upon rolling out, GenBESTARI undergraduates will be able to complete their studies in just three years, with the respective programmes’ rigorous academic standards and quality fully preserved, with compulsory modules that include MIB, Islamic Civilisation, Academic Writing, Professional Communication, Digital Skills, and Sustainability. Students will also have access to the Multiple Electives Pathways where students can opt for Advanced Specialisation, Structured Electives or Open Electives as their programme structure pathways. This integration of academic and co-curricular experiences is considered in the holistic assessment of graduates, shaping their graduate learner profiles.
The Digital Learner Profile System is an innovative assessment system that incorporates balanced and holistic measures to reflect real-world skills at the university level. It tracks academic achievement and personal growth, including traversal skills and co-curricular activities.
Pamor and Citra
The new co-curricular system under GenBESTARI is divided into compulsory and non-compulsory activities, named ‘Pamor’ and ‘Citra’ respectively.
‘Pamor’ refers to a distinctive pattern found on a keris, created by the amalgamation of different metals – often iron and nickel – during the forging process. Aside from adding a decorative element to the blade, it is believed to contribute to its strength and is a key factor in the quality and value of a keris.
‘Pamor’ is the category of compulsory co-curricular activities that embody the goals of the curriculum, with a focus on strengthening learners from within by equipping them with solid values that will continue to serve them later in life.
Derived from the Malay word meaning ‘picture’, ‘Citra’ refers to the public image or identity of a brand or individual. Reflecting the essence of beauty and uniqueness, it leaves a lasting impression that shapes how one is seen, remembered and valued.
Non-compulsory activities under ‘Citra’ enable learners to develop a uniqueness that allows them to stand out as individuals. Through various skills in addition to their academic background, they will then be able to market themselves as well-rounded graduates with a lot more to offer potential employers as well as society.
Balanced and Holistic Individuals
GenBESTARI aims to produce graduates that embody strong mental, emotional, physical, and social well-being. The curriculum fosters a harmonious approach to both academic and social life with an emphasises on a balanced and holistic approach, prioritising mental well-being and personal growth, and integrating both academic knowledge and practical skills from co-curricular activities. It nurtures students intellectually, emotionally, ensuring well-rounded individuals who will thrive in modern society.
Ethical Leaders
The curriculum hopes that UBD students demonstrate integrity, rooted in MIB values, while upholding values of inclusivity, respect, empathy and social equity.
Their skills and co-curricular experiences promote ethical leadership, focusing on developing leaders who act with integrity, responsibility, and a commitment to the welfare of both local and global communities.
Sustainable Thinkers
Sustainability is central to the curriculum, encouraging students to contribute positively to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by applying critical thinking and make decisions based on the interconnectedness of social, economic and environmental systems. Students are expected to be able to apply sustainability concepts across diverse contexts to create forward-thinking solutions with long term benefits for current and future generations.
Transdisciplinary Practitioners
Integrating knowledge from various fields, GenBESTARI students should be versatile and resourceful in order to address real-world problems by drawing on multiple perspectives. The curriculum fosters transdisciplinary learning, providing students with the flexibility to integrate knowledge from various fields through technologically-driven initiatives. This encourages flexibility, transferable skills and innovative thinking.
Adaptable, Resilient and Lifelong Learners
The GenBESTARI curriculum aims to shape learners who possess resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset, allowing them to embrace challenges as opportunities for development. It prepares them for a rapidly changing world, with components that focus on adaptability, personal growth mindset and resilience with a commitment to lifelong learning. Graduates are then encouraged to continuously update their knowledge and skills to meet the demands of evolving careers and technologies.
Responsible Global Citizens
GenBESTARI graduates will be able to engage collaboratively with diverse cultures. Through experiential learning and a commitment to the community welfare, they will be equipped with the necessary skills to engage and work collaboratively and contribute meaningfully to international dialogue, combining national relevance with global impact.
Innovative Problem-Solvers
With an emphasis on creative and enterprising research and innovation, the curriculum aims to instill foresight and a proactive mindset. Through gateway modules that highlights research and innovation, it drives learners to explore new ideas and solutions, encouraging creative and enterprising research that addresses local and global challenges, while fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.
Discovery Year
Under GenBESTARI, the Discovery Year programme enables students to spend up to six months in each of four options: Incubation, Study Abroad, Internship, or Community Outreach Programme. This structure supports optimum experiential learning by engaging in innovative entrepreneurial ventures, immersing themselves in new cultures while studying overseas, acclimating to diverse working environments, or dedicating more time to causes they care about.
The Road Ahead
On top of a shortened three-year academic programme which starts in September, UBD will be seeing only one intake annually. Three-year degrees are already the standard and globally recognised, a significant advantage for those planning to further their postgraduate studies or even begin working. By starting their careers earlier, they can gain real-world experience and build professional networks sooner. This is particularly beneficial in fast-moving industries such as technology and business among others.
“The initiative supports the nation’s aspiration to produce morally grounded, knowledgeable graduates with a strong Islamic identity, in line with the Melayu Islam Beraja philosophy,” UBD Vice-Chancellor Dr Hazri Haji Kifle said. “It is also in response to a titah by 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, during the 34th UBD Convocation Ceremony where His Majesty noted vast digital advancements in the world and institutions of higher learning need to evolve with those changes. In line with UBD’s vision ‘National Relevance Global Impact’, the GenNEXT curriculum has since undergone a review.”
The Higher Education landscape is rapidly changing and the needs of our society are evolving. Global competencies and skills are now essential and in response, they are made part of the curriculum. The GenBESTARI curriculum is preparing graduates for a future where scholarly excellence and employability converge. It envisions learners who can thrive as knowledge creators and adaptable professionals, while also serving as responsible global citizens capable of navigating complexity, leading change, and sustaining lifelong growth.