The prestigious Crown Prince CIPTA Award 2027 (Malay translation: Anugerah CIPTA Duli Pengiran Muda Mahkota 2027) was officially launched today in a ceremony at Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. CIPTA 2027 is the eleventh edition of the biennial competition organised by Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) in partnership with the sole sponsor, Brunei LNG Sendirian Berhad (Brunei LNG).
The Guest of Honour at the ceremony was Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Setia Dr Dayang Hajah Romaizah binti Hj Md Salleh, Minister of Education and Chairperson of the UTB Council.
Receiving the Guest of Honour were Yang Mulia Datin Paduka Professor Dr Dayang Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman, Vice-Chancellor of UTB and Chairperson of the CIPTA 2027 Executive Committee; and Yang Mulia Puan Hjh Melissa Hj Zainal Abidin, Finance Manager of Brunei LNG representing the Co-Chairperson of the CIPTA 2027 Executive Committee.
The ceremony commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat, followed by a welcoming address by the UTB Vice-Chancellor and Chairperson of the CIPTA 2027 Executive Committee. This was proceeded by a speech delivered by the Guest of Honour who then officially launched of the Crown Prince CIPTA Award 2027.
Professor Dr Mohamed Hasnain Isa, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), UTB then delivered a keynote lecture, and the Guest of Honour proceeded visiting the showcases and exhibitions featuring previous CIPTA winners. During the ceremony, the Guest of Honour also presented the prize for the CIPTA Trophy Design Competition to the winning recipient.
Also in attendance were Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abd. Rashid, Minister of Development and Deputy Chairperson of the UTB Council; Yang Mulia Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal, Deputy Minister of Education; Ambassadors and High Commissioners of ASEAN Member States; members of the UTB Council; Permanent Secretaries and Deputy Permanent Secretaries from various ministries; UTB Principal Officers; senior government officials; and invited guests.
The acronym CIPTA stands for Creative, Innovative Product and Technological Advancement, and it is also a Malay word meaning to create or to invent that aims to encourage and to develop the culture for creation, invention and innovation in Brunei Darussalam and other ASEAN countries.
The CIPTA 2027 competition, themed ‘Bridge. Innovate. Beyond.’ reflects the importance of building meaningful connections that enable transformative solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. By bridging knowledge, industries, cultures, and technologies, innovation can move beyond conventional boundaries and create lasting impact.
At its core, this theme emphasizes collaboration as the foundation for progress. Bridging gaps between academia, industry, government, and society allows diverse perspectives to converge, fostering creative thinking and accelerating the development of impactful solutions. Through such partnerships, innovative ideas can evolve into practical applications that benefit communities and economies.
Innovation lies at the heart of this journey. By harnessing emerging technologies, creative thinking, and multidisciplinary approaches, innovators are empowered to develop solutions that respond to global and regional challenges. Whether in sustainability, digital transformation, healthcare, or advanced technologies, innovation continues to shape a future that is more inclusive, resilient, and forward-looking.
The call to move “Beyond” encourages participants to think beyond traditional limits-beyond existing frameworks, beyond geographical boundaries, and beyond conventional ways of problem-solving. It challenges innovators to explore new possibilities, scale impactful ideas, and reimagine the future through bold and visionary thinking.
Aligned with Brunei Darussalam’s aspirations for a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy, CIPTA 2027 provides a platform for innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and students to connect, collaborate, and showcase breakthrough ideas. By bridging expertise and inspiring innovation, CIPTA continues to foster solutions that go beyond expectations and contribute to sustainable progress.
CIPTA 2027 welcomes innovative minds from Brunei Darussalam and the ASEAN region to come together under the theme “Bridge. Innovate. Beyond.” Together, let us build connections, spark creativity, and push the boundaries of innovation towards a future filled with new opportunities and transformative possibilities.
There are three main categories: ‘Local Categories’, ‘Smart Junior Competition’ and ‘ASEAN Categories’. The Local Categories comprise two sub-categories: ‘New Invention & Innovation Category’ and the ‘Young Inventor Category’.
The Smart Junior Competition is open to Bruneian school students from lower secondary school or equivalent to Year 7 to Year 9. Participants can deliver their innovative idea for a new technological product or process or a modification(s) of an existing product, process or technology that can improve or enhance its function or quality in a report and presentation. The objective of this competition is to encourage and promote creativity and innovation among the younger generation.
The ASEAN Categories are comprised of the ‘New Invention & Innovation Category’ and the ‘Young Inventor Category’.
Each entry will be judged based on its novelty and creativity, relevance to the theme, end-product deployment at par with the specified technological readiness level, and social, economic and sustainable design considerations. Assessment of submitted projects will be conducted in two stages, starting with the Preliminary Assessment. Only qualified entries will advance to the Final Assessment. The assessment will be evaluated based on the report, presentation and demonstration of the products.
Entries with the top 3 marks will be awarded the best invention cash prize accordingly. This is followed by the 4th and 5th top marks for special mention.
LOCAL AND ASEAN CATEGORIES
The winners for New Invention & Innovation Category will receive:
1st Place Prize - B$ 7000.00 Cash, a trophy, a medal & certificate
2nd Place Prize - B$ 5000.00 Cash, a trophy, a medal & certificate
3rd Place Prize - B$ 3000.00 Cash, a trophy, a medal & certificate
Two Special Mention Prizes – B$ 700.00 Cash & certificates.
The winners for Young Inventor Category will receive:
1st Place Prize - B$ 3500.00 Cash, a trophy, a medal & certificate
2nd Place Prize - B$ 2000.00 Cash, a trophy, a medal & certificate
3rd Place Prize - B$ 1000.00 Cash, a trophy, a medal & certificate
Two Special Prizes – B$ 500.00 Cash & certificates.
SMART JUNIOR COMPETITION
Winners in the Smart Junior Competition will receive:
1st Place Prize - B$ 1500.00 Cash, a trophy, a medal & certificate
2nd Place Prize - B$ 1000.00 Cash, a trophy, a medal & certificate
3rd Place Prize - B$ 500.00 Cash, a trophy, a medal & certificate
Two Special Mention Prizes – B$ 300.00 Cash & certificates.
SPECIAL AWARD FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
The Special Award for Sustainable Energy recognises and promotes innovations in sustainable energy related projects, and it is to be awarded to the highest mark project relevant to sustainable energy in each category:
Local New Invention & Innovation Category - B$ 1500.00 Cash & certificate
Local Young Inventor Category - B$ 1000.00 Cash & certificate
Smart Junior Category - B$ 1000.00 Cash & certificate
ASEAN New Invention & Innovation Category - B$ 1500.00 Cash & certificate
ASEAN Young Inventor Category - B$ 1000.00 Cash & certificate
SPECIAL AWARD - THE CROWN PRINCE CIPTA AWARD
Winners of the New Invention & Innovation Category in Local Category and the ASEAN Category are eligible to compete for the Crown Prince Special CIPTA Award, an additional B$8000 cash prize and a trophy.
The competition encompasses all areas of Science, Technology and Engineering. It is open to all schools, technical and tertiary academic institutions, government and private organisations and the general public.
With the launch of CIPTA 2027, interested participants may now access the competition guidelines, entry forms, and other related information through the official CIPTA website at cipta.utb.edu.bn. Registration is open from 25 June 2026 until 25 January 2027, inviting innovators, researchers, students, and entrepreneurs from Brunei Darussalam and across the ASEAN region to submit their entries.
The Crown Prince CIPTA Award 2027 represents a significant collaboration between UTB and Brunei LNG, fostering a culture of innovation and technological advancement in the country.
CIPTA 2027 welcomes innovative minds from Brunei Darussalam and ASEAN nations to showcase their ideas for a sustainable future. CIPTA remains steadfast in inspiring and empowering individuals to create a greener, more sustainable world.
