Tech4Horizon, a student innovation team from Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB), achieved a regional milestone by winning the Merit Award for Technology Solutions (Tertiary Student Category) at the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance Awards (APICTA) 2025, held at the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center from 4–8 December 2025.
Representing Brunei Darussalam, the team comprises Awg Muhd Mahran bin Dr Hj Awg Makarim, Awg Md Sallehudin bin Awg Md Salishaknizam, Muhamad Arif Hisyamuddin bin Zaidi, and Mutawali bin Matali.
Upon their return, the team were warmly welcomed by Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications, and the Chief Executive of the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) YM Awang Haji Jailani bin Haji Buntar. Also present to welcome the team were Yang Mulia Dr Au Thein Wan, Acting Vice-Chancellor of UTB, together with staff members of the university.
The award recognises the team's integrated EdTech innovations, Psychoboard and Tech4All leanring App was developed to empower schools with hands-on, curriculum-aligned STEAM learning. Psychoboard, Brunei's first locally developed IoT and AI educational kit invented by Assistant Professor Ir. Dr Ahmad Azlan bin Ab Aziz, enables experiential learning in microcontrollers, sensors, IoT systems, and introductory AI. Tech4All, a one-stop STEAM learning app, complements this with structured lessons, assessments, project guides, and video-based support for teachers and students. Together, they create a scalable STEAM ecosystem designed for classroom and nationwide rollout.
Both solutions were developed under UTB's Enterprise Office Startup Initiative, guided by mentors Yang Mulia Assistant Professor Ir. Dr Ahmad Azlan bin Ab Aziz and Yang Mulia Assistant Professor Dr Sharina Yunus, Director of the Enterprise Office. The initiative strengthens UTB's pipeline of student-driven innovations and encouraging impactful EdTech ventures for Brunei and the region.
APICTA remains one of the Asia-Pacific's most prestigious ICT awards. Tech4Horizon's success signals Brunei's rising capability in the EdTech sector as the nation advances towards compulsory STEAM education beginning in 2026.
UTB extends its sincere congratulations to the Tech4Horizon team for demonstrating outstanding commitment and contributing to Brunei Darussalam’s growing presence in the regional EdTech landscape.
