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IBER Newsletter: Volume 1, Issue 1

IBER Newsletter: Volume 1, Issue 1

Post author:iber
Post published:25/05/2019
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

An engaging afternoon discussion with representati

An engaging afternoon discussion with representatives from the British High Commission Brunei and Environmental Resources Management (ERM) on opportunities surrounding REDD+, forest conservation, climate mitigation, and biodiversity collaboration in Brunei Darussalam.

The meeting brought together our Assistant Vice Chancellor (Global Engagement), Dr Joyce Teo, and our IBER researchers, Associate Prof Dr Rahayu Sukri, Dr Salwa Khalid, and Dr Salwana Jaafar, alongside Mr Andry Napitupulu (FCDO Regional Lead for Nature, Biodiversity and Marine Ecosystems), Mr Hari Piyadi (Principal Consultant for Biodiversity and Nature-based Solutions, ERM), as well as members of the ERM Brunei and British High Commission teams.

The session provided a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas on REDD+, global forest preservation, nature-based solutions, and potential future collaborations between UBD and international partners. The afternoon concluded with a short visit to the UBD Botanical Research Centre (UBD BRC) Garden to showcase some of UBD’s ongoing biodiversity, conservation, and native plant initiatives.

@ukinbrunei

The Giant Freshwater Prawn Restocking Programme by

The Giant Freshwater Prawn Restocking Programme by the Fisheries Department under the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism was officially launched at The Abode Resort & Spa by Guest of Honour, YB Dato Seri Setia Dr. Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin (Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism), and attended by YM Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle (Vice Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam).

The event was held in conjunction with the Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition (MYCE) 2026, and aimed to support biodiversity conservation and enrich Brunei’s local aquatic ecosystems.

@fisheries.brunei

🌏 International Day for Biological Diversity 2026

🌏 International Day for Biological Diversity 2026
22 May 2026 | #BiodiversityDay

This year’s theme, “Act locally for global impact,” reminds us that meaningful global change begins right where we are — in our forests, rivers, campuses, and communities.

At IBER, UBD, we believe that every local action — from biodiversity research and conservation to community engagement — contributes to a larger global effort to protect life on Earth.

🌱 Why it matters:
Healthy ecosystems are the foundation of our food, water, climate, and well-being. Yet biodiversity continues to face unprecedented threats worldwide.

🌿 What this theme calls for:
Local actions — whether restoring habitats, documenting species, or adopting sustainable practices — collectively drive progress toward global biodiversity goals under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

🔍 At IBER, we are committed to:
• Advancing biodiversity research in Brunei’s unique ecosystems
• Supporting evidence-based conservation and policy
• Engaging communities and students in environmental stewardship
• Promoting citizen science and local action for global impact

💡 How you can take part:
• Support local conservation initiatives
• Reduce your ecological footprint
• Participate in biodiversity monitoring (e.g. iNaturalist)
• Share knowledge and advocate for nature

Together, our local actions can shape a sustainable future for all.

🌍 Act locally. Impact globally.

#BiodiversityDay #ActForBiodiversity #IBER #UBD

The IBER Avian Research team conducted fieldwork a

The IBER Avian Research team conducted fieldwork at Pulau Selirong on 20 May 2026 with volunteers from our collaborator, Hibiscus EP (Brunei) B.V. (HEB) @hibiscuspetroleum_bn

This collaboration forms part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and Hibiscus Petroleum.

We thank Hibiscus EP (Brunei) B.V. (HEB) and the Forestry Department, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, for supporting our work.

@ubdbuzz

Mr Sufyaan Syed, U.S. Fulbright Visiting Scholar h

Mr Sufyaan Syed, U.S. Fulbright Visiting Scholar hosted by the UBD's Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER), presented a poster on his current research during the U.S. Higher Education Fair held at the Songket Hall, Rizqun International Hotel.

His poster, titled “The Antidiabetic Properties of Bruneian Stingless Bee (Geniotrigona thoracica) Propolis”, explores the medicinal potential of locally sourced stingless bee propolis in diabetes management and highlights the value of Brunei’s biodiversity in advancing health and sustainability research.

We thank the Embassy of the United States in Brunei Darussalam for the opportunity and continued support in fostering academic collaboration and research exchange.

@usembassybsb

The Brunei seeds payload on the Dragon spacecraft

The Brunei seeds payload on the Dragon spacecraft from Space X Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to dock at the International Space Station (ISS) on Sunday 17th May at 5.30pm Brunei time.

Scan the QR code in the flyer for the livestream link or catch the live coverage at: https://plus.nasa.gov/scheduled-video/nasas-spacex-34th-commercial-resupply-services-rendezvous-and-docking/

@spacefacultyasia

Networking dinner with delegates from the Indian S

Networking dinner with delegates from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) hosted by His Excellency Mr Ramu Abbagani, High Commissioner of India & Spouse.

We are grateful to His Excellency for the opportunity to exchange ideas and explore avenues for collaboration.

Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) is sending its

Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) is sending its seed payload to the International Space Station (ISS)!

Catch the SpaceX CRS 34 launch LIVE on 14 May 2026 at 6:30 AM (Brunei Time)!

Scan the QR code in the flyer for the livestream link, or visit https://www.spacex.com/launches/crs-34.

Witness history being made!

(Note: Launch may be subject to weather changes).

@spacefacultyasia

Wawancara Rampai Pagi featuring Dr Haji Abdul Hani

Wawancara Rampai Pagi featuring Dr Haji Abdul Hanif bin Dato Paduka Haji Mahadi, Assistant Vice Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Sustainability) and Dr Norhayati Ahmad, IBER sharing on UBD's first seed mission to space.

UBD team, led by Assistant Vice Chancellor Dr Abdu

UBD team, led by Assistant Vice Chancellor Dr Abdul Hanif bin Dato Paduka Hj Mahadi, attended the flag-off ceremony for the Brunei Darussalam Expedition to Pelong Rocks, organised by the Fisheries Department under the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT). The event was officiated by the Guest of Honour, YM Puan Hajah Tutiaty binti Haji Abdul Wahab, Permanent Secretary of MPRT. The expedition is in conjunction with the Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition (MYCE) 2026.

We are proud to have our PhD student, Ms Nurul Syakirah Azmey from the Environmental and Life Sciences Programme, Faculty of Science, representing UBD in this exciting expedition.

@fisheries.brunei

Proud to celebrate our student, Mr Abdul Zul’Adly

Proud to celebrate our student, Mr Abdul Zul’Adly bin Haji Mohaimin from the Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, as he presents his PhD research at his Viva Seminar—marking an important milestone in his academic journey.

@els.fos.ubd

Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and Kensana Hea

Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and Kensana Health Inc. formed a strategic partnership to position Brunei as a global leader in plant-based phytopharmaceutical development. The collaboration was formalised by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) held at Universiti Brunei Darussalam.

The event was facilitated by the Office of AVC Industry Engagement and Enterprise Development (OAVC IEED), and was held in the presence of the Guest of Honour, Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications. The MoU was officially signed by Dr. Hazri bin Haji Kifle, Vice Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam, and Mr. Ken Clement, Chairman and CEO of Kensana Health.

Central to this collaboration is the UBD's Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER) that plays a role to ensure that bioprospecting remains both scientifically sound and environmentally sustainable.

We look forward to advancing natural products research with Kensana Health.

We are grateful to Hibiscus EP (Brunei) B.V. (HEB)

We are grateful to Hibiscus EP (Brunei) B.V. (HEB) for their gracious invitation to visit their LPC project site in Lumut on 24 April 2026.

The IBER-HEB collaboration forms part of the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and Hibiscus Petroleum, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing scientific research, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development in Brunei Darussalam.

We look forward to working closely with HEB on biodiversity conservation in Brunei Darussalam!

@ubdbuzz
@hibiscuspetroleum_bn

22nd April - Day 2 of the IIUM Regional Workshop o

22nd April - Day 2 of the IIUM Regional Workshop on Zebrafish as a Research Tool (IROZAS) 2026 continued with hands-on training and technical visits at the Institute of Planetary Survival for Sustainable Well Being (PlanetIIUM), International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM), Malaysia.

Participants visited the PlanetIIUM animal facility including the Frozen Zoo and Zebrafish laboratory, where they were introduced to key aspects of zebrafish husbandary, fish handling, and the different applications.

The session provided valuable practical exposure and further highlighted the importance of zebrafish as a vertebrate model in biological and translational research.

We would like extend our sincere appreciation to the organiser for the insightful programme, and look forward to further collaborations with PlanetIIUM in the near future.

@planetiium

The IIUM Regional workshop on Zebrafish as a Resea

The IIUM Regional workshop on Zebrafish as a Research Tool (IROZAS) 2026 was held at the Institute of Planetary Survival for Sustainable Well Being (PlanetIIUM), International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM), Malaysia from 21 & 22nd April 2026. The workshop introduced the research applications of using Zebrafish as a vertebrate model for various biological applications.

Presenting on behalf of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) was Dr Norhayati Ahmad with her talk titled “Building a Vertebrate Bridge to Bio-Industry Development: The Zebrafish (Danio rerio) model in ASEAN Natural Products Research”.

Also presenting was IBER Research Assistant, Dr Hjh Nur Atiqah binti Hj Suhaili on “Zebrafish Model Approach in Metabolic Disease Research: A Complementary In vivo Model”.

The workshop also featured a panel forum on collaborative zebrafish research initiatives across the ASEAN region.

We thank the organiser for kindly inviting UBD researchers to this collaborative workshop.

@planetiium

🌿 Hibiscus EP (Brunei) B.V. (HEB) supports IBER’s

🌿 Hibiscus EP (Brunei) B.V. (HEB) supports IBER’s Pulau Selirong research 🌱

The IBER research team returned to Pulau Selirong, Brunei’s largest mangrove island, on 13 and 15 April 2026 to continue our long-term mangrove research on the biodiversity and ecology of these blue carbon ecosystems.

Our April fieldwork also saw volunteers from our collaborator, Hibiscus EP (Brunei) B.V. (HEB) @hibiscuspetroleum_bn joining the research team, gaining hands-on experience and contributing directly to conservation efforts on the ground. Through this collaboration with HEB, we hope to strengthen research efforts and raise awareness, working towards the long-term protection and sustainable management of Pulau Selirong’s pristine mangrove ecosystems.

This collaboration forms part of the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and Hibiscus Petroleum, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing scientific research, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development in Brunei Darussalam.

IBER gratefully acknowledges the generous support from Hibiscus EP (Brunei) B.V. (HEB) of the IBER Pulau Selirong Blue Carbon and Biodiversity Project, and HEB’s commitment to environmental conservation in Brunei Darussalam!

@ubdbuzz

#IBER #ForestEcology #MangroveResearch #BruneiBiodiversity #MangroveConservation BlueCarbon

Thank you to UBD’s Faculty of Science (FOS) for th

Thank you to UBD’s Faculty of Science (FOS) for the kind invitation to IBER to celebrate Hari Raya together. It was a wonderful event, full of warmth and meaningful interactions with colleagues and friends.

@ubdfos

Engaging and insightful discussions with the SingH

Engaging and insightful discussions with the SingHealth Duke-NUS Institute of Biodiversity Medicine (BD-MED), hosted by UBD's Assistant Vice Chancellor (Industry Engagement and Enterprise Development), Dr Masairol bin Haji Masri. Strengthening connections and exploring opportunities at the intersection of biodiversity and innovation.

@ubd.ieed

Researchers from IBER together with our collaborat

Researchers from IBER together with our collaborators from the SingHealth Duke-NUS Institute of Biodiversity Medicine (BD-MED), led by Prof Teh Bin Tean, had the opportunity to visit a local agarwood company, owned by Haji Muhammad Nur Adli bin Haji Hanafi. Our team was immersed in the full value chain from the intricate biological resin formation to its sophisticated distillation and diverse industrial application.

This visit underscores our mission of bridging the gap between laboratory discovery and industrial application. By engaging directly with industry leaders, we ensure that our research in natural products is not only scientifically rigorous but strategically aligned with market needs. These collaborations are the catalyst for transforming raw biodiversity into high-value, sustainable outcomes that offer tangible benefits to the bio-economy.

@angkasaoudbrunei

Welcoming our valued collaborators from the SingHe

Welcoming our valued collaborators from the SingHealth Duke-NUS Institute of Biodiversity Medicine (BD-MED), led by Prof Teh Bin Tean. We look forward to strengthening partnerships and advancing impactful research together.

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