The Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences (PAPRSB IHS) at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) recently concluded its two-day graduate research symposium, ‘IHS GradCONNECT 2026’, highlighting the growing importance of interdisciplinary research and innovation in addressing evolving healthcare crises
Held under the theme ‘Igniting Innovation: Research for a Better Future’, the symposium formerly known as Graduate Research Day sought to bridge the gap between academic inquiry and global health challenges.
In his remark, Guest of Honour, Professor Dr Kenneth Kok Yuh Yen, Dean of IHS, opened the proceedings by emphasizing that cross-disciplinary partnerships are essential for improving community health outcomes. He highlighted, “In an era marked by rapid technological advancement and complex global challenges, the role of research particularly interdisciplinary collaboration has never been more vital”.
The programme featured high-level academic exchange, including a keynote address by Dr Erkin Erdal from the University of Oxford on the intersection of medicine and machine learning. Additionally, Dr Hajah Asmah Husaini led a “Coffee Talk” session on unconventional thinking in graduate careers. Another highlight was the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, which challenged doctoral and master’s students to condense complex research into compelling three-minute presentations for non-specialist audiences.
Student co-chairs Nor Amal Hazirah Hassan and Amal Ummi Naqibah Md. Zain highlighted the event as a rare opportunity for researchers to gain a meaningful perspective on their work. This was best seen during the question-and-answer sessions, where presenters received constructive feedback. These conversations carried over into networking sessions, allowing participants from different disciplines to connect and share ideas for future collaboration. The Student Co-Chairs said that “In an increasingly interdisciplinary world, IHS GradCONNECT 2026 is more than just an event; it is a space for networking and mentorship. I encourage every student here to use the opportunity to receive constructive criticism, asks burning questions and explore potential collaborations.”
The first place winners were Catherine Abu Jahal (3MT competition), Amira Asyiqin Wahab (Poster Presentation) and Rinoa Vun Hui Jun (Oral Presentation). The event’s success was the result of months of preparation by the organizing committee, supported by the invaluable contributions of local sponsors and the IHS Student Council volunteer team. Their collective efforts ensured a professional platform for academic exchange and further strengthened the research community within Brunei Darussalam.
Through initiatives such as IHS GradCONNECT 2026, UBD continues to strengthen a research environment that encourages innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the development of future researchers capable of contributing towards healthcare advancement and societal wellbeing in Brunei Darussalam