Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and Kensana Health Inc. announced a strategic partnership to position Brunei Darussalam as a global leader in plant-based drug development, also known as phytopharmaceuticals. The collaboration aims to unlock the potential of the Borneo rainforest while ensuring the protection and preservation of one of the world’s most pristine biological ecosystems.
The collaboration was formalised by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) held at UBD. The event was held in the presence of the Guest of Honour, Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications. The MoU was officially signed by Dr Hazri Haji Kifle, Vice-Chancellor of UBD, and Ken Clement, Chairman and CEO of Kensana Health.
In his welcoming remarks, Dr Hazri described the agreement as a pivotal milestone to harness Brunei’s unique biodiversity for transformative scientific innovation. The Vice-Chancellor highlighted UBD’s decades of rigorous investigation into ethnobotanical treasures, establishing the university as a regional hub for biodiversity-driven pharmacognosy. He highlighted the role of the Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER) in ensuring that bioprospecting remains both scientifically sound and environmentally sustainable.
Under the agreement, the two organisations will collaborate on a research initiative to identify and evaluate promising phytopharmaceutical candidates. UBD brings extensive experience in studying natural products from local flora and fauna. Building on this foundation, Kensana Health brings the expertise required to identify lead compounds and produce standardised plant-based pharmaceuticals ready for the international market.
“UBD stands ready to bridge the gap between academia and industry with unparalleled depth and credibility,” said Dr Hazri. “By tapping into Brunei’s biological assets, we are placing our local flora and fauna at the center of international innovation. This partnership will catalyse the growth of a robust bio-industry workforce, equipping the next generation of researchers with the skills needed to thrive in a global industry”.
In his remarks, Ken Clement, further highlighted the strategic alignment between the two organisations: “UBD is a forward-thinking institution with deep expertise in botanical and plant-based medicinal research. Our discussions have shown how Kensana’s EMOB™ platform—leveraging AI-enhanced bioreactors to produce standardized plant-based pharmaceuticals—can be seamlessly integrated into UBD’s ongoing work. This collaboration has the potential to accelerate the development of viable therapeutic candidates while reducing risk and supporting the commercialization of treatments derived from local plant species of the Borneo Rainforest.”
Brunei is poised to emerge as a global leader in phytopharmaceutical drug development by harnessing the rich biodiversity found within the Borneo rainforest. By bridging local academic expertise with global industrial application, UBD and Kensana Health are laying the groundwork for a thriving bio-economy in Brunei.
About Kensana Health
Kensana Health is a biotechnology company focused on the research and development of phytopharmaceuticals—standardized plant-based drugs—using proprietary AI-controlled bioreactor technology. The company has demonstrated its capabilities through multiple patent families targeting the $300 billion chronic wound care market. Its lead product a 100% plant-based formula KV23a, is currently in advanced development and has been approved for entry into a Phase 3 U.S. FDA orphan disease clinical trial, supported by real-world data and peer-reviewed research. Kensana aims to further expand its pipeline through strategic partnerships and continued innovation using its EMOB™ platform.
About Universiti Brunei Darussalam
Established in 1985, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) is Brunei Darussalam’s oldest higher education institution, committed to nurturing globally-minded graduates through innovative, technology-enabled education and research, guided by the principles of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB).
UBD has evolved into a research-intensive university with strengths in biodiversity and environmental research, energy transition, health and bio-innovation, and digital technologies. Sustainability is embedded across its research, education, and operations, alongside established expertise in Islamic history and civilisation. The University continues to strengthen its international standing among leading institutions in the Southeast Asia region.
UBD’s main campus at Tungku Link serves as its academic and residential hub, supporting research, learning, and community engagement. Through initiatives such as the GenBESTARI curriculum and the Discovery Year programme, UBD equips students with real-world experience and future-ready skills.