The Universiti Brunei Darussalam School of Business and Economics Student Council (UBDSBEBC) supported advocacy for the young hearing-impaired community in Brunei Darussalam by collaborating with a local organisation, Jari-Jariku Global.
Dubbed ‘Hands of Hope’, the inaugural partnership was part of UBDSBESC’s annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. Carried out in two parts, the collaboration began with a donation drive held from 31st March to 3rd April 2026 at UBDSBESC Office in UBD, where money and in-kind items such as study materials, bottles, and educational toys were collected and later presented to 10 hearing-impaired children. This was followed by an engagement session and introductory sign language workshop conducted on 14th April, which was led by Jari-Jariku Global. A total of 12 participants, made up of undergraduates at Universiti Brunei Darussalam School of Business and Economics (UBDSBE), Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and Faculty of Science (FOS) spent time interacting with 10 children who are hearing-impaired, gaining first-hand insight into the importance of accessible communication from a young age.
The programme was designed to build a lasting impact on the community. By equipping students and participants with practical skills, it encourages small but meaningful support from learning basic signs, being more patient in conversations, and creating more inclusive environments in daily life. Through this collaboration, participants gain practical exposure to develop a deeper understanding of the experiences of those who are hearing-impaired.
UBDSBESC Senator Christabel Tan Wei Thian, a Second Year Bachelor of Business Undergraduate, shared that the inspiration for ‘Hands of Hope’ came from noticing how rare it is to see initiatives dedicated to supporting the hearing-impaired community. “That gap motivated us to take action and create something impactful,” she said.
The language barrier was one of the team’s biggest challenges especially with it being their first time interacting with hearing-impaired children. “Through patience and by applying what we had learned during the workshop, we gradually built trust, gained the children’s affection, and were able to engage them in several meaningful activities,” Christabel added.
In addition to staff and students generously contributing to donations, which highlighted the power behind the spirit of the campus community, UBDSBE provided essential support by covering workshop fees for the participants.
With the success of the first event, ‘Hands of Hope’ aims to make it an annual activity. “Moving forward, we hope to continue supporting the hearing‑impaired community while also expanding to reach other communities in need,” Christabel said. “Our vision is to gain wider exposure for these groups, raise public awareness, and foster inclusion. Ideally, the long‑term goal is to build a sustainable platform that consistently uplifts marginalised communities and ensures they receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve.”
Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), the initiative reflects UBDSBE’s commitment to nurturing socially responsible graduates who are equipped not only with business acumen but also with empathy, inclusivity, and community awareness.
The initiative also hopes to establish a long-term partnership between UBDSBE, Jari-JariKu Global and UBDSBESC to support future inclusive outreach programmes.