Crown Prince launches UBD Pesta Konvo 2025
By: Lyna Mohammad
On: 05 August 2025
In: Borneo Bulletin > National
His Royal Highness Prince (Dr) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, and Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), on Tuesday officiated the launch of Pesta Konvo 2025 at the Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences (PAPRSB IHS).
Upon arrival, His Royal Highness was welcomed by Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah Haji Mohd Salleh and UBD Vice-Chancellor Dr Hazri Haji Kifle.
The launch marked the commencement of UBD’s convocation celebrations, themed ‘Ideas That Move’, highlighting impactful research, community engagement, and student innovation.
Following the launch, His Royal Highness planted a Gymnostoma nobile (Bornean Rhu) tree, a native species known for its ecological value, particularly its ability to enrich poor soil through nitrogen fixation. The gesture underscores the university’s commitment to sustainability and biodiversity conservation.
His Royal Highness Prince (Dr) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah planting a Gymnostoma nobile (Bornean Rhu) tree.
His Royal Highness also launched the UBD Healthy University Roadmap, a strategic initiative to embed health, safety, and well-being into all aspects of university life. The initiative is aligned with the ASEAN University Network-Health Promotion Network (AUN-HPN), Wawasan Brunei 2035, the Greening Education Partnership by the Ministry of Education, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Structured in three phases from 2025 to 2028, the roadmap aims to transform UBD into a health-promoting institution by fostering a campus culture that supports physical, mental, social, and environmental well-being.
(ABOVE & BELOW) His Royal Highness Prince (Dr) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah is visiting the exhibition and being greeted by UBD students.
‘Ideas That Move’ exhibition
His Royal Highness then toured the Pesta Konvo 2025 exhibition at the PAPRSB IHS Extension Building. The exhibition was divided into three zones — Community Innovation, Culture and Identity, and Health and Well-being — each showcasing how UBD’s students and alumni translate academic knowledge into real-world solutions.
In the Community Innovation zone, projects included initiatives by the Academy of Brunei Studies (APB) and UBD School of Business and Economics (UBDSBE). One featured alumnus, Mohamad Bahiyuddin Aji, an APB graduate, showcased his agro-entrepreneurship venture Kianjong.co, focusing on sustainable agriculture and Brunei’s food security.
Also highlighted was the UBD Alya Playhouse, which provides childcare services to support working parents and foster work-life balance.
From UBDSBE, Dr Nurul Afiqah Haji Nor Amin and Hajah Saerah Haji Petra shared their research and outreach in Kampung Bolkiah, Kampong Ayer, a community “Living Lab” for sustainable development and local empowerment.
In the Culture and Identity zone, self-taught game developer Dayangku Nur Iman Shahidah Pengiran Md Tani presented ‘Katok Tales’, a digital platformer celebrating Brunei’s iconic Nasi Katok through interactive storytelling and cultural heritage.
The Health and Well-being zone included student-led initiatives such as ‘Spikeout’, a campaign by third-year PAPRSB IHS medical students raising awareness on diabetes prevention and management. Meanwhile, the ‘UBD TENANG Mindfulness Programme’ blended evidence-based mindfulness techniques with Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) values to enhance mental wellness.
His Royal Highness also visited the Dental Simulation Laboratory and UBD Clinic, part of the Bachelor of Health Science (BHSc) in Dentistry programme, where students practise clinical simulation using the Phantom Head system.
Honouring achievement
During the event, His Royal Highness received a pesambah titled ‘UBD 40 GEM’, designed by Muhammad Hilmi Suhaimi, a Bachelor of Science in Digital Economy student. The gift symbolised UBD’s 40th anniversary and reflected four core elements: Islamic values, lifelong learning aligned with the SDGs, innovation in the digital age, and excellence in education supporting Wawasan Brunei 2035.
His Royal Highness Prince (Dr) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah viewing a performance.
A Khatam Al-Quran and thanksgiving prayer ceremony will be held August 6 to bless graduating students. The 37th Convocation Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, August 13, at the Chancellor Hall.
Pesta Konvo is held annually ahead of UBD’s convocation to celebrate academic success and showcase student-led research and creative projects.