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About IBER
- Message from Director
- Staff
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- BRC
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About IBER
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- BRC
Research
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https://iber.ubd.edu.bn/belalongensis-volume-8/

Belalongensis: Volume 8
Belalongensis: Volume 7, Issue 1
Belalongensis: Volume 6, Issue 2

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

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.

We thank UBD's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute o

We thank UBD's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education (SHBIE) for the kind invitation to IBER to join their Hari Raya celebration. It was a wonderful occasion filled with warmth, goodwill, and meaningful interactions with colleagues and friends.

@shbie.ubd

An intensive 2-day training on the NMR instrument

An intensive 2-day training on the NMR instrument was successfully held at the UBD's Faculty of Science, led by Associate Professor Dr. Malai Haniti Sheikh Hj Abd Hamid.

IBER representative participated in the training, gaining hands-on insights into the fundamentals of NMR, including its capabilities and key features for spectral generation. This initiative strengthens our capacity for advanced molecular analysis and reinforces our commitment to rigorous scientific research.

We thank the organisers for inviting IBER to be part of this valuable training opportunity.

IBER attended 'Muhibbah Raya di Global Engagement'

IBER attended 'Muhibbah Raya di Global Engagement', a Hari Raya celebration hosted by the Office of AVC Global Engagement. We are grateful for the kind invitation and the opportunity to celebrate this festive occasion together.

@ubdglobaloffice

We are proud to celebrate our UBD Faculty of Scien

We are proud to celebrate our UBD Faculty of Science's students — Harry Lik Hock Lau, Rusydi R. Sofian, Syahirah Nabilah Aedy Aewandy, Nur Diana Bazilah Awang Idris, Nur Aisyah Abdul Munir, and Nur Nabaahah Roslan — on their publication in RSC Advances. This work, led by Dr Anwar Usman, showcases their dedication to advancing environmental research.

Pharmaceutically active compounds — from antibiotics to NSAIDs and hormones — are emerging contaminants increasingly found in aquatic environments worldwide. These compounds enter water systems through human activities such as wastewater discharge, improper disposal, and pharmaceutical effluents, and even at low concentrations, they can pose risks to aquatic ecosystems and potentially human health.

One commonly detected pollutant is ibuprofen (IBU), widely used for pain, fever, and inflammation. With millions of doses consumed annually and incomplete removal in conventional wastewater treatment, IBU often persists in surface waters.

In this study, the students investigated the photocatalytic degradation of ibuprofen using UV-activated titanium dioxide nanoparticles, providing insights into its degradation kinetics, mechanisms, thermodynamic behaviour, pathways, and the environmental safety of its by-products. Advancing sustainable solutions for cleaner water and a healthier environment.

Congratulations!

Exploration of nature’s medicinal flora continues

Exploration of nature’s medicinal flora continues to reveal vast, untapped potential in addressing contemporary health challenges. Our UBD PhD candidate, Ms Raudhatun Na'emah conducted field observations and documentation of medicinal plants in their natural habitat as part of her ongoing research into bioactive compounds with prospective therapeutic applications.

We thank Brunei National Herbarium (BRUN) for their assistance.

IBER’s Hari Raya celebration bringing together col

IBER’s Hari Raya celebration bringing together colleagues, collaborators, students, volunteers, and friends 🌙✨
A meaningful gathering to celebrate unity and strengthen connections.

Grateful to the Australian High Commission for the

Grateful to the Australian High Commission for the kind invitation to their Hari Raya Open House 🌙✨ A wonderful time of celebration and connection with IBER representative.

@duta.oz.bn

A meaningful lunch meeting with our Singaporean co

A meaningful lunch meeting with our Singaporean collaborators, Space Faculty, hosted by Assistant Vice Chancellor, YM Dr Hj Abdul Hanif bin Dato Paduka Hj Mahadi—fostering collaboration and shared vision.

@spacefacultyasia

IBER is proud to be part of UBD Hari Raya Celebrat

IBER is proud to be part of UBD Hari Raya Celebration 2026 ✨—Riang Raya di Taman UBD. IBER teamed up with the Institute of Policy Studies, Faculty of Military Studies, and the Institute for Leadership, Innovation and Advancement, celebrating community, connection, and festive spirit 🌙

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