BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, 3rd JUNE 2026 – Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) continues to advance its commitment to sustainability and the development of future-ready youth leaders through the Sustainability Youth Ambassador Programme (SYAP) Training 2026, a university-wide initiative designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills and leadership capabilities to drive positive change within their communities and beyond.
Organised by the Office of Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Sustainability) (OAVCRIS), the three-day programme was held from 3rd to 5th June 2026 at UBD and brought together 35 university students, including Sustainability Youth Ambassadors, SDG Leaders, and representatives from various student organisations across the university.
The training forms part of UBD’s ongoing efforts to cultivate socially responsible graduates equipped with the knowledge, leadership skills, and practical experience needed to address global and local challenges. The programme also supports the goals outlined under UBD’s Sustainability Masterplan 2025–2030, which integrates sustainability across education, research, campus operations, governance, and community engagement.
Throughout the programme, participants took part in seven interactive sessions focused on sustainability leadership, advocacy, project development, and community engagement. The sessions provided insights into UBD’s sustainability agenda, Brunei Darussalam’s national sustainability priorities, and the role of youth in advancing sustainable development. Students were also encouraged to strengthen their critical thinking, communication, and collaborative problem-solving skills through a series of practical activities and discussions.
The programme featured contributions from experts and practitioners representing UBD, the Sustainable Development Goal Unit, Hibiscus Petroleum, Majlis Belia Brunei, and Poni Group, offering participants diverse perspectives. Participants also took part in an educational visit to RAB Global Green Sdn Bhd, providing first-hand exposure to practical environmental solutions and industry practices.
The training concluded with a panel discussion featuring representatives from JASTRe, Vil-Laju!, and Kytar, moderated by Dr Sarah Hanaa Haji Ahmad Ghazali, Deputy Director of Sustainability, UBD, where students explored the importance of youth participation, cross-sector collaboration, and innovation in shaping a more resilient future.
Reflecting on the significance of the initiative, Dr Wardah Hakimah Haji Sumardi, Director of Sustainability, UBD, shared that programmes such as SYAP play an important role in cultivating students who are not only academically capable, but also socially conscious and action-oriented. She highlighted that meaningful learning experiences beyond the classroom help students develop the confidence, perspective, and sense of responsibility needed to drive positive change within the university and wider community.
The programme concluded with a closing ceremony officiated by Dr Haji Abdul Hanif Dato Paduka Haji Mahadi, UBD Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Sustainability). During the ceremony, participants were recognised for successfully completing the training and officially welcomed into UBD’s growing network of Sustainability Youth Ambassadors.
Through initiatives such as SYAP, UBD continues to invest in youth leadership development and experiential learning opportunities that empower students to become active contributors towards a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for Brunei Darussalam and the wider region.