Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) organised International Culture Day 2026 in conjunction with Pesta Konvo 2026 at the UTB Multipurpose Hall. Held under the theme “Innovation Shaped in Culture”, the event brought together the university community and representatives of diplomatic missions in Brunei Darussalam to celebrate cultural diversity and strengthen international engagement.
The event was attended by eight ambassadors and high commissioners, including ambassadors-designate, as well as a deputy high commissioner and other diplomatic representatives. Their presence reflected the diplomatic community’s engagement with UTB’s efforts to promote cultural appreciation, broaden international perspectives and foster mutual understanding within the university community.
Also in attendance was Yang Mulia Associate Professor Pengiran Dr Mohamad Iskandar bin Pengiran Haji Petra, Vice-Chancellor of UTB, whose presence underscored the university’s commitment to fostering an inclusive campus environment and strengthening engagement with the international community.
Among the distinguished diplomatic guests were His Excellency Professor Dr Hamit Ersoy, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Türkiye; His Excellency Mohammad Taghi Rajabi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran; His Excellency Chey Ratha, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Cambodia; His Excellency Heuankeo Sangsomsak, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic; His Excellency Ramu Abbagani, High Commissioner of the Republic of India; His Excellency Akrapong Chalermnon, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Thailand; His Excellency Chen Shaochun, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary-designate of the People’s Republic of China; and Her Excellency Do Thuy Duong, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary-designate of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.
Other diplomatic representatives in attendance included Yang Mulia Ms Sadia Malik, Deputy High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan; Yang Mulia Mr Ramil’ Agletdinov, Attaché of the Embassy of the Russian Federation; and Yang Mulia Ms Saito Keiko, First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan. The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines was represented by Yang Mulia Ms Jacqueline Ong, Second Secretary and Consul; Yang Mulia Ms Mayla Perez, Cultural Officer; and Yang Mulia Mr Philip Adrian Fernandez, Public Diplomacy Officer.
As a university-led celebration, International Culture Day provided a platform for UTB to showcase the richness of cultural diversity through exhibition booths featuring the heritage, traditions and cultural identities of participating countries. The exhibition offered students and staff opportunities to broaden their global outlook and gain a deeper appreciation of different cultures. Musical and traditional dance performances further enlivened the programme, culminating in a tour of the exhibition booths.
Guided by the theme “Innovation Shaped in Culture”, the event highlighted cultural heritage as a source of creativity, collaboration and new perspectives. It also demonstrated UTB’s commitment to internationalisation and to developing culturally aware, globally minded graduates who can contribute meaningfully in an increasingly interconnected world.
UTB expressed its sincere appreciation to the ambassadors, high commissioner, deputy high commissioner and all diplomatic representatives for their presence. Their participation added distinction to International Culture Day 2026 and reinforced the importance of mutual respect, cultural appreciation and international friendship within the university community.
