BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), in collaboration with The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK), took a significant step towards strengthening regional cooperation in education by convening educational leaders, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners from across the region at the International Symposium on Educational Development (ISED 2026).
The symposium aims to achieve this through developing new strategic partnerships, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building initiatives that support innovation, inclusion, and sustainable educational development.
Minister of Education Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah Haji Mohd Salleh officiated the symposium as the guest of honour. Also in attendance were Ambassador-Designate of the People’s Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam His Excellency Chen Shaochun and Deputy Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Norarfan Haji Zainal.
Held at The Empire Brunei and UBD from 9th to 10th June 2026, ISED 2026 is themed ‘Transforming Education for a New Era: Innovation, Inclusion, and Sustainability across the Maritime Silk Road.’ The theme reflects the growing importance of educational collaboration across interconnected regions linked by shared aspirations for social and economic development. Drawing inspiration from the spirit of the Maritime Silk Road as a bridge for exchange and cooperation, the symposium seeks to foster partnerships that enable institutions to share expertise, address common educational challenges, and develop future-ready education systems.
UBD Vice-Chancellor Dr Hazri Haji Kifle highlighted in his welcoming remarks that societies worldwide are grappling with rapid technological advancement, changing workforce demands, environmental uncertainties, and evolving expectations of learning. “Universities have a responsibility not only to respond to these changes but also to help shape them by generating new knowledge, preparing future leaders, and contributing solutions to complex societal challenges.”
“We must do this together, across disciplines, sectors, and national boundaries,” he added. “To ensure that education remains relevant, inclusive, and transformative.”
A major highlight of ISED 2026 was the official launch of the UBD–EdUHK Joint Centre for Education Development and Advancement in Curriculum, Pedagogy, and Assessment. Established through a strategic partnership between UBD and EdUHK, the Joint Centre will serve as a platform for collaborative research, professional learning, curriculum innovation, educational leadership development, and evidence-informed educational practice. The centre is expected to support capacity-building initiatives, strengthen educational research and innovation, and facilitate closer collaboration between universities, government agencies, and education practitioners in Brunei and beyond.
In her speech during the opening ceremony, Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah expressed Brunei Darussalam’s commitment to raising national education standards in line with Wawasan Brunei 2035. She also pointed out how the Joint Centre directly supports the Ministry of Education. “By positioning Brunei Darussalam as a dynamic hub for education and development, we are not only strengthening the bond between Brunei Darussalam and Hong Kong but also contributing to the prosperity of the entire ASEAN region,” she said.
The symposium also witnessed the signing of a University Strategic Alliance Memorandum of Understanding involving UBD, EduHK, Philippine Normal University, the National University of Laos, and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City. The alliance aims to strengthen regional cooperation in educational research, academic exchange, professional development, and collaborative projects that contribute to educational advancement across Southeast Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
The symposium featured keynote addresses by President of EduHK Professor Chi Kin John Lee, JP; UBD Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Dr Haji Noor Azam Orang Kaya Maha Biyaja (OKMB) Haji Othman; EduHK Vice President Academic Professor May Hung May Cheng, Vice President (Academic). These distinguished speakers explored issues relating to curriculum transformation, future-ready universities, innovation, inclusion, and the evolving landscape of teacher education.
In addition, the symposium featured high-level forums and professional workshops addressing educational technology, leadership, inclusion, sustainability, behaviour management, research publication, and the pedagogical use of generative artificial intelligence. The programme is designed to bridge research, policy, and practice while encouraging collaboration among stakeholders from higher education institutions, schools, government agencies, and international organisations
For more information on the symposium, please visit www.ised2026.com.
