The Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences (PAPRSB IHS), formerly known as the Institute of Medicine was inaugurated in September 2000. The Institute was established with the aim of providing medical training to Bruneian students and other students from this region. In 2010 planning and construction began for the expansion of the IHS. In a few months Universiti Brunei Darussalam will welcome its first eco-friendly building equipped with architectural features and innovation.

The green building adjacent to the Language Centre is not only green in colour but green its functional features. The corrugated aluminium lined on the outside of the building acts as sunscreen and reduces the cost of air-conditioning. Another eco-friendly feature is the use of rainwater harvesting which provides recycled water for the flushing system of restrooms. A spectacular waterfall utilises the cool condensate water from the air conditioning system which is located in the main circulation space - this feature allows natural cooling of non-air conditioned spaces providing a cool ambiance for everyone that sues the building. As one explores the upper levels of the building, they will meet a beautifully crafted ceiling reflector that bounces natural light on 6 different levels, saving more energy in the long run.

The expanded IHS will have a new medical clinic and 6 new laboratories which will host exciting practical classes for future students. The laboratories include a life science lab, three cell culture laboratories, a physiology and a histopathology laboratory. Premium offices will accommodate staff and postgraduates will also have an exclusive office with occupancy of 50 persons.

Teaching and learning will both be highly interactive and stimulating. Two Harvard-style lecture theatres, 14 seminar rooms and 12 problem based learning (PBL) rooms will provide students and lecturers with a conducive learning environment offering teaching of the highest quality.  For ease of teaching, the walls of each teaching rooms are coated with an innovative writeable paint in lieu of a whiteboard but flexible in arrangement.  With 5 different medical simulation units, the students will get hands-on experience in medical training and the opportunity to observe and practice health sciences in a clinical setting.

2014 opens a new chapter in UBD’s health sciences and the new IHS building will be a centre for the advancement of health sciences being the forefront of medical research in Brunei Darussalam.