(Bandar Seri Begawan, 10th)—Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) recently held the third UBD-ASEAN University Network (AUN) Summer Camp 2026 with resounding success. This 10-day summer camp took place from July 1 to 10, 2026, and brought together 141 undergraduate students from 36 universities across the ASEAN and East Asian region. Under the theme "Tides of Tomorrow: Reimagining Coastal Cities," participants jointly explored key challenges facing the environment and urban development.
The closing ceremony was officiated by UBD Vice-Chancellor Azan as the guest of honor.
In his closing speech, Azan praised all participants for successfully completing this enriching and meaningful learning journey. He pointed out that the learning experience from this summer camp has gone beyond the scope of traditional classrooms. He emphasized that the complex socio-ecological challenges faced by the region require all parties to respond with mutual respect, collective cooperation, and forward-looking thinking.
He stated that what the participating students did was not just learning about marine biodiversity or sustainable urban planning, but also actively safeguarding shared cultural heritage, promoting scientific innovation, and transforming regional dialogue into cross-border friendships. These friendships will continue to promote inclusive, resilient development and a united ASEAN identity.
A major highlight of this year's summer camp was the "Future Ocean Youth Changemakers Forum" and the student achievement showcase. Students from different countries formed multinational teams to engage in dialogue and discussion around regional challenges, and proposed youth-led innovative solutions aimed at advancing sustainable coastal city development.
In addition to academic activities, the summer camp also arranged a wealth of cultural experience programs to promote deeper understanding and harmony across the region. Participants visited important historical landmarks in Brunei and experienced the vibrant atmosphere of "Bandarku Ceria," gaining deeper insights into Brunei. They also took the opportunity to share their own cultural traditions, and personally experienced Brunei's treasured values of mutual respect, harmonious coexistence, and community spirit.
UBD Assistant Vice Chancellor (Global Engagement) and Chair of UBD-AUN 2026 Summer Camp Dr Joyce Teo Siew Yean remarked that this platform is of great significance for young changemakers to establish connections and develop partnerships. She pointed out that students can launch academic collaborative projects around topics such as blue urbanism through the summer camp, and propose solutions to help reduce environmental costs.
The successful hosting of the UBD-AUN Summer Camp further demonstrates UBD's commitment to educational tourism, and has effectively enhanced both the university's and Brunei's status as a preferred destination for international higher education.
This development also echoes UBD's recent historic achievements in the global academic arena, including securing the 345th spot in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and ranking 67th in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026. This further solidifies its position as one of the top 19 universities in ASEAN.
As a founding member of the ASEAN University Network since 1995, UBD will continue to expand global partnerships, provide impactful learning experiences, and cultivate future leaders with international vision and social responsibility.
The closing ceremony was officiated by UBD Vice-Chancellor Azan as the guest of honor.
In his closing speech, Azan praised all participants for successfully completing this enriching and meaningful learning journey. He pointed out that the learning experience from this summer camp has gone beyond the scope of traditional classrooms. He emphasized that the complex socio-ecological challenges faced by the region require all parties to respond with mutual respect, collective cooperation, and forward-looking thinking.
A major highlight of this year's summer camp was the "Future Ocean Youth Changemakers Forum" and the student achievement showcase. Students from different countries formed multinational teams to engage in dialogue and discussion around regional challenges, and proposed youth-led innovative solutions aimed at advancing sustainable coastal city development.
In addition to academic activities, the summer camp also arranged a wealth of cultural experience programs to promote deeper understanding and harmony across the region. Participants visited important historical landmarks in Brunei and experienced the vibrant atmosphere of "Bandarku Ceria," gaining deeper insights into Brunei. They also took the opportunity to share their own cultural traditions, and personally experienced Brunei's treasured values of mutual respect, harmonious coexistence, and community spirit.
UBD Assistant Vice Chancellor (Global Engagement) and Chair of UBD-AUN 2026 Summer Camp Dr Joyce Teo Siew Yean remarked that this platform is of great significance for young changemakers to establish connections and develop partnerships. She pointed out that students can launch academic collaborative projects around topics such as blue urbanism through the summer camp, and propose solutions to help reduce environmental costs.
The successful hosting of the UBD-AUN Summer Camp further demonstrates UBD's commitment to educational tourism, and has effectively enhanced both the university's and Brunei's status as a preferred destination for international higher education.
This development also echoes UBD's recent historic achievements in the global academic arena, including securing the 345th spot in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and ranking 67th in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026. This further solidifies its position as one of the top 19 universities in ASEAN.
As a founding member of the ASEAN University Network since 1995, UBD will continue to expand global partnerships, provide impactful learning experiences, and cultivate future leaders with international vision and social responsibility.