Universiti Brunei Darussalam

Universiti Brunei Darussalam

17 September 2025

Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), established in 1985, is Brunei’s flagship national research university and a leading institution for higher education and innovation. Guided by its GenNEXT curriculum, UBD places strong emphasis on holistic, student-centred learning designed to cultivate academic excellence, leadership, innovation, and life-long engagement with society.

A key testament to UBD’s commitment to University Social Responsibility (USR) is the Discovery Year (DY)—a mandatory experiential learning phase embedded in the third year of undergraduate study, typically spanning two semesters and comprising 32 modular credits. The inaugural cohort of UBD students undertook DY in 2011. The programme seeks to develop students personally, academically, and professionally through meaningful engagement beyond the campus environment.

UBD students may choose from four DY pathways, each offering real-world experience and fostering societal impact:

  • Study Abroad Programme – immersive academic exposure at partner universities internationally.
  • Internship Programme – hands-on professional training in local or global organisations.
  • Incubation Programme – innovation and entrepreneurship through the development of viable business ideas.
  • Community Outreach Programme (COP) – one semester dedicated to working on non‑profit community projects catering to needy communities.

The Community Outreach Programme encapsulates the essence of UBD’s USR values. Through COP, students are immersed in social contexts where they engage directly with community needs—applying knowledge, empathy, and leadership in authentic settings to promote social well-being and civic responsibility. Such engagement instils a strong ethic of service, strengthens community ties, and enriches students’ personal growth.

Since its inception, DY has nurtured experiential and design-led learning that extends beyond academic boundaries, cultivating both community-based and international experiences. The inclusion of COP within the range of DY options reflects UBD’s balanced emphasis on contributing to local societal development while fostering global perspectives. The university has actively showcased the programme’s impact through forums and presentations, where students share their experiences across all DY tracks, including COP—highlighting inspiring accounts of empowerment, service, and positive social change in action.