Bandar Seri Begawan, 29th September 2026 – Rediscovering simple ways to move, connect and spend meaningful time together is at the heart of UBD Healthy Fest 2026, which opened today at Chancellor Hall, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD).
Organised by the Centre for University Life and Wellness (UniHEALTH) and CAMPUs, the two-day festival brings together the university community, government agencies and partners to explore how everyday movement, social interaction and healthier use of technology can contribute to overall wellbeing.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Aliuddin Haji Abdul Rahman officiated the event as the guest of honour. Also present were UBD senior officials, officers, staff and students of UBD.
The event that runs from 29th to 30th September aims to bring together the university community, government agencies and partners in a two-day celebration of health and wellbeing. Held under the theme “Reconnecting Through Movement, Memories and Wellbeing,” this year’s Healthy Fest highlights the connection between physical activity, social interaction, positive memories and overall wellbeing. The event also serves as the culmination of UBD Health and Wellbeing Month, which took place throughout September and featured health promotion activities covering physical and mental health, social wellbeing and financial preparation for retirement.
Co-Chairperson of Healthy Fest 2026 Dr Deeni Rudita Idris shared at the opening ceremony that “through Healthy Fest, we hope to reinforce the understanding that health and wellbeing are not merely individual responsibilities, but a collective effort towards building a healthier, more active, and thriving university community.”
A key focus of Healthy Fest 2026 is rediscovering movement through activities that were once a natural part of everyday childhood. Traditional games such as carah, simban, congkak and kaki tiga are used to remind participants that physical activity does not always need to take the form of structured exercise. Such activities encourage movement while also fostering friendship, teamwork, and social interaction. Healthy Fest also addresses the changing ways in which people learn, work, communicate, and spend their leisure time in an increasingly digital environment. While recognising the benefits of technology, the event promotes a balanced approach to its use and encourages individuals to create more opportunities for movement, rest, and face-to-face social interaction in their daily lives. Dr Deeni added that “the message of Healthy Fest is not about rejecting technology but rather encouraging its wise and balanced use. We want to remind ourselves that, despite technological advancements, movement, rest, and meaningful social connections remain essential components of our overall wellbeing.”
In line with Brunei Darussalam’s national physical activity guidelines, adults are encouraged to undertake at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week. Healthy Fest reinforces the message that staying active can be incorporated into everyday life through simple activities such as walking, taking the stairs, gardening, and playing with family members.
Throughout the two-day event, visiting members of the public will have the opportunity to participate in traditional games and interactive activities, as well as attend forums, talks and health exhibitions. The programme aims to improve health literacy, encourage active lifestyles, strengthen intergenerational connections, and introduce practical approaches to maintaining personal wellbeing.
Healthy Fest 2026 also highlights UBD’s commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive and respectful campus environment through the promotion of a Zero Tolerance culture. The initiative emphasises equitable opportunities for members of the university community, including persons with disabilities, to participate fully in campus life without discrimination, bullying, or harassment. Through Healthy Fest 2026, UBD hopes to encourage sustainable changes beyond the two-day event — inspiring its community to move more, use technology mindfully, and spend meaningful time connecting with others.
The event reflects UBD’s broader commitment to building a healthier, more active, connected, and inclusive university community. It also highlighted the importance of collaboration as Healthy fest 2026 was supported by government agencies and private sector such as the Ministry of Health, the Brunei History Centre, Al Islah Centre, Aftercare Support Association (AFSA), Vitaliv Clinic, Rayyan Baharin Clinic, and various local food and beverage entrepreneurs.