BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, 13th OCTOBER 2026 – Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) is reaffirming its commitment to promoting mental health and wellbeing across the university community through a two-day programme commemorating World Mental Health Day 2026. Held on 13th and 14th October 2026 at the Extension Building of the Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences (PAPRSB IHS), the programme brings together staff, students and mental health professionals to encourage open conversations, share lived experiences and strengthen awareness of available support.
Carrying the theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.” the programme is organised by the Centre for University Life and Wellness (UniHEALTH) in collaboration with the MA Counselling Programme, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education (SHBIE) and the Office of University Alumni (UniALUMNI). The commemoration addresses mental health challenges affecting university life, including work-related stress, burnout, emotional fatigue and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
The programme opened on 13th October with a series of workshops sessions including “Untangling the Rope for Better Hopes,” “Understand How to Support Individual with Mental Health Issues,” “Stress and Burn-Out Management,” and “Mindfulness.” These activities aim to help participants recognise mental health concerns, develop strategies to manage their wellbeing and better support those around them.
The main ceremony commencing on 14th October will be officiated by Hjh Maudena Hj Abdul Hamid, UBD Assistant Vice-Chancellor (University Life & Governance), as the guest of honour. The second day will also feature Mental Health First Aid sessions, offering further opportunities for participants to develop practical awareness and approaches to supporting mental wellbeing.
A key highlight of the second day will be the Open Dialogue Forum, “BREWing Conversation: Creating Connection, Enriching Belongingness and Wellbeing.” Designed to move away from a conventional seminar format, the forum will create an informal and interactive space for conversations on the everyday experiences that shape wellbeing in the workplace. Discussions will explore building meaningful connections, strengthening relationships and respect, fostering a sense of belonging, supporting colleagues, and maintaining sustainable work habits and healthy boundaries.
The forum will feature Hjh Zainab M.A. Omar, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Z-MAO Management Services and former Human Resource Director of Brunei Shell Petroleum Co. Sdn. Bhd., together with Professor Dr Mansor Abu Talib, Guidance and Counselling Lecturer at SHBIE and Chairperson of the ASEAN Counseling Network (ASCON). The discussion will be moderated by Dr Hjh Salwa Dato Seri Setia Haji Mahalle, Senior Assistant Professor at SHBIE.
The commemoration also provides a platform for staff and students to share their perspectives through a poster competition themed “Psychological Safety in the Workplace and Study Environment.” Open to the UBD community, the competition invites participants to explore how positive, inclusive and supportive environments can be fostered across workplaces and study settings. The winners will be announced on 14th October.
Complementing the workshops and discussions, are exhibitions and information booths involving organisations and groups working in mental health, counselling, wellbeing and related areas. These provide participants with opportunities to learn more about available resources, services and initiatives that can support them and others in the university community.
Dr Deeni Idris, Director of UniHEALTH and Co-Chair of UBD Mental Health Day 2026, highlighted the importance of translating awareness into practical support and fostering a university culture where mental health can be discussed openly.
“Beyond raising awareness, we want to strengthen mental health literacy, encourage early help-seeking and reduce stigma. Mental health is a shared responsibility, and we hope to build a university environment where staff and students feel comfortable seeking support and supporting one another,” said Dr Deeni.
Through this commemoration, UBD continues to recognise mental health as an essential part of university life. By combining lived experiences, professional perspectives and practical learning, the programme aims to encourage a more informed and supportive approach to mental wellbeing among staff and students.