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- Staff
Research Centres
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About IBER
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- BRC
Research
Education
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IBER Newsletter: Volume 2, Issue 1

IBER Newsletter: Volume 2, Issue 1

Post author:iber
Post published:05/08/2019
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

We are excited to announce the publication of our

We are excited to announce the publication of our latest paper ‘Practice and perceptions of postpartum care in Brunei Darussalam indigenous communities: a cross sectional study’ in Anthropological Science.

This paper is coauthored by UBD graduate student Ms Aziyah Muhamad and Professor Dato Haji Mohamed Abd Majid from Faculty of Science UBD, Dr May Goh Poh Yik from Herbal Research Group UBD, Associate Professor Dr Rahayu Sukmaria Hj Sukri and Dr Norhayati Ahmad from IBER UBD.

This cross-sectional study delves into the indigenous postpartum care practices such as confinement, 'mother roasting,' 'stomach binding', and specific herbal plants used among the Lun Bawang, Kedayan, and Brunei Malay communities across Brunei Darussalam. The paper also reports on the taboos and observations key to postpartum recovery within these groups.

This research is critical for preserving the unique traditional knowledge for future generations and these deeply rooted practices remain vital despite access to modern healthcare.

Hands-on training and capacity-building session on

Hands-on training and capacity-building session on microscopy, covering basic optics, fluorescence principles, and various applications. The training aimed to equip researchers with the essential skills to examine a wide range of samples and produce high-quality imaging outputs.

On 19 November 2025, we were delighted to welcome

On 19 November 2025, we were delighted to welcome our collaborators from Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) to the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre (KBFSC) which is one of the research centres under the UBD's Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER).

Their visit began with presentations by IBER researchers on the research, education and outreach initiatives conducted at KBFSC, followed by a tour of our facilities and a short guided walk along the Ashton Trail, where they experienced the centre’s unique biodiversity first-hand.

We are also grateful to BIBD for sponsoring the production of two books from the IBER Field Guide Series — Mammals of Ulu Temburong and Flora of Ulu Temburong, which were launched on 13 November 2025.

We look forward to our continued collaboration.

@bibdbrunei

We are excited to share a new publication in the J

We are excited to share a new publication in the Journal of Tropical Biodiversity and Biotechnology on the medicinal plant, Merremia borneensis locally known as akar bilaran.

The paper was an outcome of a research project conducted by our local researchers: Ms Nurhazirah Nurazmy, Ms Nurul Ashifah Shafie and Dr H. Taha from Faculty of Science, UBD, Dr May Goh Poh Yik and Ms Farazimah Yakop from Herbal Research Group, UBD, and Dr Norhayati Ahmad from IBER, UBD as the Principal Investigator.

The paper reports the antioxidant, antibacterial and in-vivo wound healing activities of M. borneensis methanol extract and its chloroform, ethyl acetate and hexane partitioned extracts. The methanol and ethyl acetate extracts demonstrated substantial antibacterial and antioxidant activities. The findings from the wound healing studies showed that topical treatment with the methanol extract showed improved wound recovery.

Based on our findings, M. borneensis shows potential to be explored further for pharmaceutical applications as a natural combined antioxidant, antibacterial and wound healing agent.

The Symposium on Borneo Biodiversity hosted by the

The Symposium on Borneo Biodiversity hosted by the Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER), Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) in collaboration with the Faculty of Tropical Forestry, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) was held on the 18th November 2025 at the Institute for Leadership, Innovation and Advancement (ILIA) Conference Room, UBD.

Speakers from UBD were Associate Professor Dr Rahayu Sukmaria binti Haji Sukri, Abdul Zul’Adly bin Haji Mohaimin, and Raudhatun Na’emah binti Haji Samsul, while from UMS were Dr Muhammad Aizat bin Abdul Ghani, Ts Dr Rosmalina binti Abdul Rashid and Musri bin Haji Ismenyah.

This symposium represented a landmark occasion in advancing tropical forestry and biodiversity research, not only between the two institutions but also for strengthening academic and research networking between UBD and its partner universities under the Borneo Studies Network (BSN) consortium.

Following the Symposium, UMS staff and students were then given a guided tour of the UBD Botanical Research Centre. Such exchange of knowledge and resources is fundamental to building lasting institutional partnerships and facilitating future student and staff mobility programmes among partners within Borneo.

@umsofficial

Dr Salwa Khalid from the UBD's Institute for Biodi

Dr Salwa Khalid from the UBD's Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER) attended the 12th Meeting of Partners (MOP12) of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) from 8 to 10 November 2025 in Cebu, Philippines, hosted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of the Philippines, in collaboration with the EAAFP Secretariat.

Under the theme “Weaving Connections: Celebrating Migration, Traditional Knowledge, and Innovation across our Flyway”, MOP12 aimed to gather Partners from across the region to reflect on the progress of the Partnership’s Strategic Plan and chart the future direction of cooperation across the Flyway to ensure lasting impact for migratory waterbirds and their habitats.

Dr Salwa Khalid also attended the MOP 12 side events, i.e., EAAFP Flyway Network Site Managers’ Workshop, ASEAN Flyway Network Meeting, and Capacity Needs for EAAF countries with a Focus on Bangladesh, Cambodia, Philippines, and Thailand by the Asian Development Bank.

We extend our sincere thanks to the organisers for the invitation and the excellent opportunity.

@eaafp

#MOP12 #WeavingConnectionsforEAAF

IBER SEMINAR SERIES 20 November 2025 SEMINAR 1: T

IBER SEMINAR SERIES
20 November 2025

SEMINAR 1: Tropical peatland science: research gaps and opportunities

Presented by:
Professor Angela Galego-Sala
University of Exeter, UK

SEMINAR 2: Western science and traditional knowledge to understand landscape-scale changes in the Inuvialult Settlement Region in the western Canadian Arctic

Presented by:
Assoc. Prof. Dr Oliver Sonnentag
Université de Montréal, Canada

On 14 November 2025, visiting delegates from the F

On 14 November 2025, visiting delegates from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Universitas Mulawarman (UNMUL) continued Day 2 of their visit to the UBD's Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER). The UNMUL delegates presented their research activities at a sharing session attended by members from IBER.

The programme continued with a guided tour of the UBD Botanical Research Centre (UBD BRC). The visitors were also given a tour of Bandar Seri Begawan and a taste of the local Bruneian delicacy.

We wish to thank our collaborators from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Universitas Mulawarman for the visit to Universiti Brunei Darussalam, and hope to further continue and expand our existing friendship and collaboration.

@unmul

We are pleased to welcome visitors from the Facult

We are pleased to welcome visitors from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Universitas Mulawarman (UNMUL). The delegation consists of academic staff and graduate students who were on a two-day study and research collaboration visit hosted by the Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (IBER) UBD.

The visit began with a field outing to the Tropical Biodiversity Centre (TBC) Sungai Liang to explore the rich biodiversity of Brunei's forest.
The delegates also attended the IBER Seminar Series in conjunction with the IBER Field Guide Series Book launch. A courtesy call and collaboration meeting were also held with Dr Joyce Teo Siew Yean, Assistant Vice Chancellor (Global Engagement) to further discuss collaborative exchanges between the two Institutions.

UNMUL is a member of the Borneo Studies Network (BSN) consortium of 12 member Universities across Borneo which provides a platform for knowledge exchange in research and education among its member Universities.

@unmul
@forestry.brunei

We are excited to announce the release of two book

We are excited to announce the release of two books from the IBER Field Guide Series – “Mammals of Ulu Temburong” and “Flora of Ulu Temburong”!

These guides showcase the incredible diversity of mammals and plants found in the pristine lowland forests of Ulu Temburong, home to Brunei’s only National Park and UBD’s Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre.

Developed from IBER’s biodiversity research, each book features:
* Scientifically accurate identification guides
* High-quality photographs
* Detailed natural history information
* Conservation assessments to support biodiversity management and sustainable development

Special Launch Offer: Get your copy for $36 (regular price: $40) – limited time only!

Available now. Don’t miss out - grab yours today and join us in protecting Brunei Darussalam’s biodiversity!

#UBD #IBER #Research #Biodiversity #Conservation #UluTemburong #FieldGuideSeries #UluTemburongNationalPark #KBFSC #FloraOfUluTemburong #MammalsOfUluTemburong

The Symposium on Borneo Biodiversity hosted by the

The Symposium on Borneo Biodiversity hosted by the Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) in collaboration with the Faculty of Tropical Forestry, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) will be held on the 18th November 2025 at the ILIA Conference Room, Universiti Brunei Darussalam. The Symposium will feature talks from both UBD and UMS on biodiversity, forest restoration and peat swamp ecosystem recovery, sustainable ecotourism and applied innovative research.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the Symposium!

@umsofficial

The IBER Seminar Series highlighted UBD’s continui

The IBER Seminar Series highlighted UBD’s continuing contributions to biodiversity research in Ulu Temburong.

Associate Professor Dr Rahayu Sukri shared milestones in biodiversity studies at KBFSC, where many species new to science were first recorded. Her talk underscored KBFSC’s importance in driving long-term research on forest ecology and biodiversity, and its contributions to national conservation and climate action.

Dr Salwa Khalid introduced the newly launched Mammals of Ulu Temburong guidebook, compiling findings from fieldwork and camera trap surveys. She discussed the ecological roles of mammals, their conservation status, and the importance of sustained research for Brunei’s wildlife management.

Dr Roshanizah Rosli presented highlights from the Flora of Ulu Temburong, featuring diverse plant forms from towering dipterocarps to rare endemics. Her talk emphasized long-term botanical research, IUCN Red List assessments, and threats to the park’s unique flora.

Held in conjunction with the launch of the IBER Field Guide Series, the seminar celebrated science, collaboration, and conservation at Ulu Temburong, Brunei’s green jewel.

#UBD #IBER #Research #Biodiversity #Conservation #UluTemburong #FieldGuideSeries #UluTemburongNationalPark #KBFSC #FloraOfUluTemburong #mammalsofulutemburong

On 13 November 2025, Universiti Brunei Darussalam’

On 13 November 2025, Universiti Brunei Darussalam’s Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER) successfully launched two books and posters from the IBER Field Guide Series – “Mammals of Ulu Temburong” and “Flora of Ulu Temburong”. The event was held in conjunction with UBD’s 40th Anniversary celebrations, and officiated by UBD’s Vice Chancellor, Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle. In attendance at the event were the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BIBD, the Acting Director of the Forestry Department, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, senior officials from UBD, and invited guests.

The event featured a keynote presentation by Associate Professor Dr Rahayu Sukri, Project Lead for the IBER Field Guide Series and Principal Investigator of the Kuala Belalong Biodiversity Conservation Research Project, which serves as the scientific foundation for the field guides.

Through long-term studies conducted at the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre and within the Ulu Temburong National Park by IBER researchers, the “Mammals of Ulu Temburong” and “Flora of Ulu Temburong” books and posters highlight the rich flora and fauna of Ulu Temburong, one of Brunei’s most pristine and ecologically significant rainforest areas. Designed to provide accessible references for a wide audience, the books and posters feature selected species of importance and provide information on their ecology and conservation status.

Thank you to UBD (@ubdbuzz) and Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (@bibdbrunei) for funding the production of the books, and to the Forestry Department (@forestry.brunei ) for supporting IBER’s research activities in the Ulu Temburong National Park.

#UBD #IBER #Research #Biodiversity #Conservation #UluTemburong #FieldGuideSeries #UluTemburongNationalPark #KBFSC #FloraOfUluTemburong #MammalsOfUluTemburong

IBER SEMINAR SERIES - In Conjunction with the IBER

IBER SEMINAR SERIES
- In Conjunction with the IBER Field Guide Series Book Launching Event.

SEMINAR 1: Biodiversity research achievements at Ulu Temburong, Brunei's green jewel
Presented by:
Associate Professor Dr Rahayu Sukri (IBER)

SEMINAR 2: The diversity of mammals at the Ulu Temburong National Park
Presented by:
Dr Salwa Khalid (IBER)

SEMINAR 3: Flora diversity of Ulu Temburong
Presented by:
Dr Roshanizah Rosli (IBER)

#UBD #IBER #KBFSC #Research #Biodiversity #Conservation #UluTemburong #FieldGuideSeries #UluTemburongNationalPark

UBD Night Walk in conjunction with UBD’s 40th Anni

UBD Night Walk in conjunction with UBD’s 40th Anniversary. An enjoyable evening promoting health, wellness, and togetherness across our UBD community.

Hands-on training and capacity building for our lo

Hands-on training and capacity building for our local research assistants, conducted by our Singaporean collaborator at the Institute for Biodiversity and Environmental Research (IBER). This initiative supports our ongoing efforts to unravel the genomic blueprint of Brunei’s flora and fauna to guide conservation priorities.

We thank our collaborator, Mr Cedric Ng for the local capacity building.

We are proud to share that our IBER academic staff

We are proud to share that our IBER academic staff, Associate Professor Dr. Rahayu Sukmaria Sukri, has received the UBD Research Excellence Award 2024 (Senior Career Academic)! This award recognises her exceptional research achievements and invaluable contributions to UBD and Brunei Darussalam.

Congratulations, Associate Professor Dr. Rahayu!

IBER and friends at the UBD Ruby Run 2025! Held in

IBER and friends at the UBD Ruby Run 2025!
Held in conjunction with UBD’s 40th Anniversary at Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas. It's a vibrant day of unity and fun!

We’re gearing up for an exciting IBER book launch

We’re gearing up for an exciting IBER book launch event. Join our event management team to organize this event and gain valuable experience while growing your network.

SIGN UP TODAY!

For further information, please email us at: office.iber@ubd.edu.bn

Taxon Expeditions (@taxon_expeditions) at the Kual

Taxon Expeditions (@taxon_expeditions) at the Kuala Belalong Field Studies Centre (KBFSC)

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