On 13th and 27th September 2025, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) jointly hosted the Sustainability Collective E-Exchange Programme 2025 with Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore and HKU SPACE Po Leung Kuk Stanley Ho Community College, Hong Kong.
Connecting 30 students from the three institutions to collaborate on real-world sustainability challenges, the two-day virtual exchange was designed to encourage cross-border learning and innovation.
On the first day, students attended keynote sessions featuring Dr Van Dao Truong, Assistant Professor of Tourism at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), UBD, and Tan Shi Zhou, Founder of ACCESS Sustainability from Singapore. Both speakers shared perspectives from their respective fields, providing academic and industry insights that guided students as they broke into international teams to begin their research. Each team focused on one of five themes: Circular Economy, Sustainability Education and Community Engagement, Sustainable Fashion, Sustainable Tourism, and Urban Sustainability.
Over the two weeks between sessions, students deepened their research by exploring local success stories, interviewing stakeholders, and exchanging insights through online collaboration. The programme concluded on 27th September with a showcase of 10-minute group presentations, where teams shared their findings and proposed solutions. Presentations were peer-reviewed, with awards given for Excellence in Research and Insights, Most Innovative Idea, and Best Storytelling and Presentation.
Beyond presentations, the initiative aimed to develop students’ skills in project management, critical thinking, and intercultural teamwork, while fostering awareness of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants also gained valuable exposure to diverse perspectives on how sustainability solutions can be applied across different countries and communities.
By the end of the exchange, students were able to expand their knowledge as well as build international networks with peers committed to advancing sustainability. The programme further highlighted UBD’s leadership in promoting sustainability education and regional collaboration, reinforcing its role as a hub for innovative research and cross-border initiatives that contribute to sustainable development.