STEAM Festival 2025: Connecting Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics with the Community at Universiti Brunei Darussalam
Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) hosted its first STEAM Festival from June 10 to June 13, 2025. The event aimed to celebrate innovation and promote interdisciplinary learning by linking Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) with the community through various activities and educational experiences.
Festival Overview
The festival was open to the public on June 10 and June 11. Attendees participated in guided campus tours and hands-on experiences at various faculties and institutes. Activities included demonstrations of eco-friendly vehicle technologies at the Faculty of Integrated Technologies (FIT), live medical demonstrations at the Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences (PAPRSB IHS), and showcases of student entrepreneurship at the Universiti Brunei Darussalam School of Business and Economics (UBDSBE). The Faculty of Science (FOS) offered physics and chemistry experiments, tours of its Herbarium, and interactive math sessions, while the Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER) led botanical garden tours focusing on native plant species and conservation efforts. All tours required onsite registration, which began at 8:30 a.m.
Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony took place on June 12 at Chancellor Hall and was officiated by Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications. The event was attended by officials from the Ministry of Education (MOE), industry partners, and university leadership.
Keynote Presentations
Keynote presentations were given in Chancellor Hall after the opening ceremony, featuring speakers such as Associate Professor Dr. Malai Haniti Sheikh Abdul Hamid, who discussed “Chemistry as a Climate Warrior,” and Associate Professor Dr. Hajah Sallimah Haji Mohd Salleh, who addressed the theme “Beyond the Curriculum: Influencing Innovative Learners through STEAM.” Dr. Muhammad Hazim Haji Abdul Ghani also presented on “Know Your Shots: Truths & Myths About Vaccines.”
Interactive Science Shows
Interactive science shows were conducted on the afternoons of June 12 and June 13 at the Chancellor Hall Lecture Theatre, led by Dr. Afroz Shah from the Faculty of Science, who aimed to make science enjoyable for audiences of all ages.
Exhibits and Interactive Booths
The Main Hall featured over a dozen interactive booths from June 12 to June 13. These showcased STEAM projects from SHBIE, cultural exhibits from the Academy of Brunei Studies (APB), medical displays from PAPRSB IHS, and cybersecurity and Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) experiences from the School of Digital Science (SDS). Additionally, innovations related to diabetes care, local entrepreneurship, and herbal research were highlighted.
Workshops
Workshops were held in the basement of Chancellor Hall covering topics such as science communication, artificial intelligence, robot programming, and first aid. Notable sessions included a presentation titled “Communicating Science to the Public” by Professor Dr. Stephen Ashworth from the University of East Anglia and a hands-on workshop by STEMmatics Enterprise focusing on problem-based learning techniques using pulley systems.
STEAM Games and Lectures
On June 13, the STEAM Games provided participants with opportunities to engage in Ethnoscience and Ethnomathematics through interactive learning. Throughout June 12 and June 13, short lectures and video screenings addressed various topics, including statistics in everyday life, Earth sciences, Brunei’s ancient history, and advancements in agricultural research.
Local Vendors
Local vendors such as Ardshin Express, Sound Sip Café, Matchaa Waffle, and Jreeze Coffee were present at Chancellor Hall during the event.
Co-Hosting and Sponsorship
The UBD STEAM Festival 2025 was co-hosted by UBD and the MOE as part of the Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition (MYCE) and in conjunction with UBD’s 40th anniversary celebration. The festival was organized by SHBIE, with support from multiple UBD faculties and institutes, as well as government ministries, including MTIC and the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MORA). Industry partners, such as Seria Energy Lab (SEL), were also involved, with substantial sponsorship from Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD), Cuckoo, and Aewon Brunei.
Attendance and Objectives
UBD anticipated high attendance, expecting thousands of visitors during the festival. Dr. Hajah Sallimah remarked on the objectives of the festival, aiming to inspire Bruneians of all ages to engage with STEAM disciplines through collaboration among research labs, student innovators, and community partners.
Admission and Updates
All events on June 10 and 11 and the afternoon sessions on June 12 and 13 were free of charge and open to the public. UBD has encouraged individuals to follow its official social media channels for further updates on campus events.
(Source: UBD)
