(Bandar Seri Begawan, 9th) Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) participated in the 2024 Global University Presidents and Leaders Summit (GUPLS) held in Hong Kong from December 2 to 3, 2024.
The summit is hosted by the Hong Kong Friendship Association and supported by the University Grants Committee and the nine universities in Hong Kong, gathering outstanding academic leaders from around the world to jointly explore the future of education and the globalization of knowledge.
The representative from UBD is Assistant Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation, and Sustainable Development) Dr. Haji Abdul Hanif.
UBD's participation in the summit highlights its commitment to ensure that students receive the best education, both now and in the future.
In a panel discussion themed “Demographic Changes and Future Education,” Dr. Haji Abdul Hanif discussed UBD's overall plan for sustainable development, which integrates sustainable practices across five key areas: research, education, green campus, good governance, and community outreach.
The panel discussion was moderated by Prof. Li Zi Jian, President of the Education University of Hong Kong, and co-moderated by Dr. Peter Q. Blair, Assistant Professor of Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
This approach ensures that UBD continues to set an example in addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, resource management, and social inequality while equipping students with the knowledge and skills to create meaningful change.
UBD also showcased its GenNEXT program, which aims to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and provide students with a holistic education. This program embodies UBD's belief in the power of interdisciplinary learning to solve complex problems in a rapidly changing world.
The summit also emphasized UBD's commitment to lifelong learning, especially through upskilling programs offered by the university to support individuals at different stages of their careers. This ensures that the Brunei workforce remains adaptable and competitive in the ever-evolving global job market.
Besides its efforts in sustainable development, UBD's participation also highlights the enduring friendship between Brunei and Hong Kong, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering international collaboration in education.
This strong bond is built on mutual respect and common goals, with universities from both countries working together to create opportunities for global dialogue, exchange, and progress. Through this collaboration, UBD will continue to advance its mission to promote the UN Sustainable Development Goals and engage in meaningful international cooperation.
By participating in this summit, UBD consolidates its leadership position in the fields of sustainable education and research, and underscores its contribution to the development of global education, especially in collaboration with Hong Kong and other regions.