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About IBER
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IBER Newsletter: Volume 1, Issue 2

IBER Newsletter: Volume 1, Issue 2

Post author:iber
Post published:27/05/2019
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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ubd.iber.kbfsc

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

Fieldwork isn’t glamorous — but it’s worth it. Boo

Fieldwork isn’t glamorous — but it’s worth it.
Boots soaked, notebooks damp, humidity at 100% — and still, there’s nowhere else we’d rather be than out here learning from the forest.

Dr. Salwa Khalid participated as an advisor at the

Dr. Salwa Khalid participated as an advisor at the One Health Zoonotic Disease Prioritization Workshop hosted by the Ministry of Health from February 3 to 5, 2026. The event was organized in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

The workshop focuses on identifying and prioritizing nationally significant zoonotic diseases using a One Health approach, while also enhancing prevention, surveillance, preparedness, and response efforts for zoonotic disease threats in Brunei.

@mohbrunei

UBD Open Day - Please come and visit IBER booth at

UBD Open Day - Please come and visit IBER booth at UBD's Chancellor Hall from 9 to 10 February 2026!

We’re excited to share our latest poster, ‘Land Sn

We’re excited to share our latest poster, ‘Land Snails & Slugs of Kuala Belalong’, produced by IBER of Universiti Brunei Darussalam in collaboration with the Taxon Expeditions @taxon_expeditions

This poster features a selection of 10 of the 35 species of land molluscs recorded around the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre in Ulu Temburong.

From tiny snails to unique slugs, it’s a fun glimpse into the rich and often overlooked biodiversity of the rainforest. Perfect for nature lovers, students, and anyone curious about the small wonders of the forest floor!

Should any school in Brunei be interested in obtaining a hard copy poster, please contact us at office.iber@ubd.edu.bn

Poster credits:
Content: Menno Schilthuizen
Photos: Peter Koomen, René Krekels, Sotiris Kountouras & Yaco Joven
Design: Rafhiah Kahar & Izznie Adanan

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!

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