Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) has recently made notable advancements in its educational programs focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation. Established in 1985, UBD is now in its 40th year and has expanded its infrastructure, student enrollment, and academic offerings to align with both national and global trends in higher education.
Strategic Positioning for a Smart Nation
The institution is strategically positioned to support Brunei’s transition toward becoming a Smart Nation, with an emphasis on nurturing talent and fostering research that aligns with national goals. This includes supporting Brunei’s Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 through a series of innovative academic programs.
Pioneering AI Education
A significant milestone was achieved with the graduation of the first cohort from the Bachelor of Digital Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence during UBD’s 37th Convocation Ceremony on August 13, 2025. This program is designed to cultivate leaders capable of navigating Brunei’s digital landscape, integrating theoretical studies with practical experiences and professional certifications. The curriculum encompasses a variety of subjects, including AI Applications, Deep Learning, and Advanced Data Analytics, while also incorporating elements reflective of Brunei’s cultural context.
Hands-On Learning Experience
Practical experiences in laboratory settings were a key component of the program, with students engaging in projects at the Intelligent Systems Lab. Noteworthy projects included the integration of large language models into demonstrations using the NAO robot, which were presented to the Sultan of Brunei during National Teachers’ Day celebrations, showcasing the real-world applications of the students’ studies.
Innovative Educational Model
UBD employs a distinctive educational model that blends traditional mentorship and laboratory practice with online coursework offered by industry leaders. This approach enables students to obtain certifications from recognized organizations such as IBM and Google, thereby improving the employability of graduates.
Acknowledging Educational Excellence
Furthermore, UBD has been recognized for its educational innovations, receiving the Coursera 2024 AI Innovation Award for the Asia-Pacific region, which underscores the effectiveness of its blended learning strategies.
Advancements in Digital Public Health
In addition to its AI initiatives, UBD is making strides in digital public health with the launch of the Master of Digital Public Health program, the first of its kind in Asia. Initiated by the Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, this flexible program is designed for individuals from various educational backgrounds and aims to address public health challenges in Brunei, leveraging digital technologies for sustainable health service delivery.
New Academic Offerings
UBD has also expanded its academic offerings with the introduction of the Master of Defence and Security Studies through the newly formed Faculty of Military Studies, responding to the increasing demand for advanced education in this sector.
Industry-Academia Collaborations
The university is also committed to fostering collaborations between industry and academia, having recently partnered with Shenzhen New Industries Biomedical Engineering Co and the Brunei Methanol Company. These partnerships focus on advanced biomedical diagnostics, energy sciences research, and the development of local talent.
Commitment to Graduates’ Future
Dr. Hazri Haji Kifle, Vice-Chancellor of UBD, has reiterated the institution’s dedication to producing graduates equipped for the digital future, aligning its mission with the evolving needs of various stakeholders while contributing to societal advancement and workforce development in Brunei Darussalam.
(Source: Universiti Brunei Darussalam)
