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About IBER
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Belalongensis: Volume 2, Issue 2

Belalongensis: Volume 2, Issue 2

Post author:iber
Post published:11/12/2019
Post category:Newsletter

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Contact Info

Address:Institute For Biodiversity and Environmental Research, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Jalan Universiti, BE1410, Brunei Darussalam
Email:office.iber@ubd.edu.bnOpens in your application

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🌳 Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research, UBD
🌱 Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre
🌱 UBD Botanical Research Centre
#iber #kbfsc #brc

Mr David van der Zwang (Deputy High Commissioner)

Mr David van der Zwang (Deputy High Commissioner) and Ms Amanina Shofry (Officer) from the Australian High Commission visited our Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre (KBFSC) on 2 February 2026, during an ongoing field course by staff and students from the University of the Sunshine Coast. The guests were welcomed by our IBER staff member, Ms Hazimah Mohd Din.

Thank you for visiting KBFSC!

@duta.oz.bn
@ubdglobaloffice

Our UBD researchers, Prof. Takaomi Arai and Dr. Mu

Our UBD researchers, Prof. Takaomi Arai and Dr. Muhammad Amin, conducting fieldwork in Kalimantan with colleagues from Universitas Mulawarman as part of an ongoing collaborative initiative between our two universities.

@unmul

We are pleased to share the latest publication in

We are pleased to share the latest publication in Archives of Pharmacal Research on the plant, Tinospora crispa or locally known as ratnawali, a climber that is widely distributed in Asia with vines that have characteristic protuberances.

The paper co-authored by Dr Norhayati Ahmad (IBER UBD) and Nurul Hazlina Zaini (UBD BRC) in collaboration with Prof Ki Hyun Kim and his team at Sungkyunkwan University, Republic of Korea together with researchers from Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Republic of Korea, looks into the isolation and elucidation of the metabolites in Tinospora crispa and their anti-cancer activity.

The study reports the discovery of new cis-clerodant-type diterpenoids which exhibit notable anticancer effects in both liver and lung cancer models providing promising lead candidates for future research in anticancer therapeutics.

Tinospora crispa photo credit: Norafiqah Yusof

Our UBD staff and students participated in the Wor

Our UBD staff and students participated in the Workshop on Assessment of Non Native and Harmful Species in Brunei Darussalam Marine Water, co-organised by Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD) @mpa.brunei and Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) @ubd.oavcris

Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) continues at Kandol r

Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) continues at Kandol rice fields, Labi, Brunei Darussalam.

Rice fields are very important habitats for migratory waterbirds. Millions of birds travel along a major migratory route called the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, between North-East Asia and Australasia, stopping along the way, including in Brunei Darussalam.

Thank you to the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood, and Wasan Milling Company, for their support in this important international conservation initiative.

@agriculture.gov.bn

Huge congratulations to Muhamad Nukman bin Hj M Ma

Huge congratulations to Muhamad Nukman bin Hj M Marali on the successful completion of his MSc thesis titled An Evaluation of Wound Healing Activity of Asplenium nidus in a Diabetic Animal Model.

Muhamad Nukman’s thesis looked into the wound healing capabilities of this epiphytic fern using different wound models in both a normal and diabetic animal.

Traditionally used as a pain reliever, A.nidus also known as bird's nest fern or locally as Lukut, or Paku Langsuir has also been reported to possess antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
The study sheds light on the unique properties of our local medicinal plants and bridges the gap between traditional herbal wisdom with science.

Not all leaves are green, and that’s the beauty of

Not all leaves are green, and that’s the beauty of the tropical rainforests!

Recognising the dedication and achievements of our

Recognising the dedication and achievements of our Chemistry students from the UBD's Faculty of Science. Keep up the excellent work!

Fungi of Brunei Darussalam ❤️

Fungi of Brunei Darussalam ❤️

IBER joined an engaging discussion with Prof Wei Z

IBER joined an engaging discussion with Prof Wei Zhang, a leading expert in marine biotechnology from Flinders University (Australia), alongside Mr Mohd Tahsin Wong Abdullah, CEO of ASTARI & Poni Group, and his team.

The meeting was hosted by UBD’s Office of AVC RIS.

Following the discussion, Prof Zhang and the Poni Group visited IBER to learn more about our research in natural products led by Dr Norhayati Ahmad. They later toured the UBD Botanical Research Centre (UBD BRC).

Thank you for the insightful exchange and visit — we look forward to continued collaboration.

@theponigroup
@ubd.oavcris

Wetland + binoculars + birds = a great day out 🐤🔭

Wetland + binoculars + birds = a great day out 🐤🔭

Some of the feathered friends we recorded during IBER’s Asian Waterbird Census 2026!

On 13-15 January 2026, participants gathered at th

On 13-15 January 2026, participants gathered at the UBD's Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER), and Wasan Rice Fields for the citizen science programme, Asian Waterbird Census (AWC). IBER hosted the programme, providing training with lectures and hands-on practical sessions on standardised waterbird monitoring.

The AWC is part of the global International Waterbird Census (IWC), one of the world’s longest-running biodiversity monitoring programmes, bringing together volunteers and communities to count migratory waterbirds. This year marks IBER’s second year hosting the programme, and a very special milestone as AWC celebrates 40 years and IWC turns 60.

25 participants from government agencies, conservation organisations, research institutions, ecotour companies, bird enthusiasts, and even new birders, took part in the programme, reflecting a commitment to Brunei’s waterbird and wetland monitoring.

IBER engaged in a collaborative discussion with Ke

IBER engaged in a collaborative discussion with Kensana Health and the UBD's Office of AVC IEED on 14 January 2026.

@ubd.ieed

The music of nature, performed live by Bornean gib

The music of nature, performed live by Bornean gibbons—one of the most iconic sounds of Brunei Darussalam’s rainforests.

Too many legs, too little appreciation—but this cr

Too many legs, too little appreciation—but this creepy crawler is a vital recycler keeping the rainforest healthy 🌿

Heart-shaped leaves quietly climbing the rainfores

Heart-shaped leaves quietly climbing the rainforest trunk—proof that beauty often grows where we least expect it!

Wildlife of Brunei Darussalam: Bornean Yellow Munt

Wildlife of Brunei Darussalam: Bornean Yellow Muntjac (Muntiacus atherodes)

The Bornean Yellow Muntjac (Muntiacus atherodes) is a muntjac deer species, endemic to the rainforests of Borneo. Its most striking feature is its yellowish-brown coat, which provides camouflage in the dense undergrowth. Males are equipped with short, sharp antlers, while females lack antlers entirely. Primarily diurnal and often travel in pairs. These are herbivores, feeding on leaves, fruits, and vegetation. They are named for their characteristic "barking" vocalization, often heard when they are startled.

Photo credits: Salwa Khalid and Ulmar Grafe

Does our genes and the environment impact our heal

Does our genes and the environment impact our health?

Our latest collaborative publication in Discover Medicine dives deep into the connection between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and Cardiovascular disease (CVD). This expert review by Dr. Norhayati Ahmad (IBER UBD), Professor Dr. Mohammad Mansoob Khan (Faculty of Science, UBD) and Mohd Fezal Ur Rehman (Aligarh Muslim University, India) provides insights on the associations of the genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors that contribute towards the development of T2DM and CVD.

The paper gives an in-depth discussion on the common pathophysiological pathways linked with T2DM and CVD. Among these, the variations in HMGA1 gene and epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation act as switches that turn genes on or off, often triggered by our environment.

Understanding these genetic and environmental links also allows for better prediction of individuals at risk of complications.

Happy New Year from all of us at IBER including UB

Happy New Year from all of us at IBER including UBD BRC and KBFSC. Together, let’s continue conserving biodiversity and exploring nature in 2026—we couldn’t do it without you!

Photo: Fungi of Brunei Darussalam
Photo credit: Elizerberth Minggat

As we wrap up 2025, the Institute for Biodiversity

As we wrap up 2025, the Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER), including the UBD Botanical Research Centre (UBD BRC) and the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre (KBFSC), extends our heartfelt thanks to our collaborators, funders, stakeholders, students, volunteers, supporters, and friends.

Your unwavering support has been vital in building IBER and advancing our work in biodiversity research, conservation, and education. Here’s to the partnerships, achievements, and our shared commitment to biodiversity and the environment—onward to an even brighter year ahead!

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