The 3rd Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) University Presidents’ Forum (UPF) was held as one of the featured events of UTB Science, Technology and Engineering (UTB-STE) Connect 2025.
Under the theme “Reimagining Higher Education: Navigating Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities in a Geopolitical, Digital and Sustainable Era,” the forum brought together leaders from higher learning institutions and industry to engage in forward-looking discussions on the future of higher education in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Structured around three main discussion tracks and concluding with a roundtable session, the forum addressed critical topics including the rise of AI and digital learning, the evolving role of universities in polarised world, strategies for integrating sustainability into institutional missions, and approaches to balance global collaboration with regional relevance.
The first session, “Innovative Models for Future-Proofing Graduates – Skills for 2030,” featured a keynote by Yang Mulia Datin Paduka Professor Dr Dayang Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman, Vice-Chancellor of UTB. The panel discussion that followed included Yang Mulia Professor Vishna Nadarajah from Newcastle University Medicine in Malaysia; Yang Mulia Dr Chin Wei Keh, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Higher Education), Ministry of Education, Brunei Darussalam; and Yang Mulia Professor Vincent Lee from the Curtin University, Miri Sarawak.
The second session, “Digital Transformation in Higher Education for Sustainability and Green Campuses" was delivered by Yang Mulia Professor Dr Sibrandes Poppema, the President of Sunway University, Malaysia. Panelists included Yang Mulia Dr Hazri bin Hj Kifle, the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD); Yang Mulia Professor Datuk Dr Khairuddin bin Abdul Hamid, Vice-Chancellor University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), Malaysia; and Yang Mulia Professor Liu Qian, Vice President of the Hainan University in China.
The third session, “Funding, Internationalisation Challenges and Geopolitical Influence” featured a keynote by Yang Mulia Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Noor Azuan Abu Osman, the Vice Chancellor of Universiti Malaya in Malaysia. The subsequent panel discussion comprised Yang Mulia Professor Dato’ Indera Ir. Dr. Lee Sze Wei, President of Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology Malaysia, followed by a panel discussion with Yang Mulia Assistant Professor Dr Santi Charoenpornpattana, Vice President of the King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi in Thailand; and Yang Mulia Dr Haji Arman bin Haji Asmad, Assistant Rector of Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), Brunei Darussalam.
The forum concluded with a roundtable session entitled “Moving Forward – Collaboration that Bridges the Future,” which brought together all keynote speakers and panellists for reflective dialogue. The session provided an opportunity to exchange best practices, reaffirm shared commitments, and chart actionable pathways for collaboration aimed at strengthening regional higher education ecosystems. As the discussions drew to a close, university leaders highlighted the importance of transforming dialogue into impact through collaboration — building a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable higher education future across the ASEAN region.
The 3rd UTB-UPF 2025 highlighted UTB’s ongoing commitment to advancing innovation, sustainability, and resilience in higher education. Beyond serving as a platform for dialogue, the forum strengthened regional connections, encouraged policy-focused discussions, and laid the foundation for collaborative initiatives. Among its key outcomes were international partnerships, policy recommendations, ASEAN-focused alliances, and joint initiatives that reinforce academia’s role as collaborative partner in the global higher education landscape.
Following the forum, Byte-N-Go, Brunei’s first AI-powered convenience store, was launched and officiated by Yang Mulia Dr Haji Azman bin Ahmad, Permanent Secretary (Higher Education). Developed by Han S.L Sdn Bhd in partnership with UTB. The store leverages cutting edge retail technology to deliver a seamless, cashier-less shopping experience for students, faculty members and staff.
The day also featured an exchange of Memorandum of Understanding UTB and the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), signifying both institutions’ commitment to advancing academic collaboration, research initiatives, and knowledge exchange.
