• Today: July 23, 2026

Hibiscus Academy launched to nurture future-ready leaders

Hibiscus EP (Brunei) B.V. (HEB), in collaboration with Universiti Brunei Darussalam’s (UBD) School of Business and Economics (UBDSBE), has launched Hibiscus Academy, a leadership and capability-building programme aimed at equipping students with the skills, values and mindset needed for the future workplace.

The launch ceremony was held on Wednesday at the UBD Library in conjunction with the opening ceremony of the International Summer Leadership Programme (ISLP) 2026.

The ceremony was officiated by Guest of Honour Acting Vice-Chancellor and Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Industry Engagement and Enterprise Development) of UBD Dr Haji Masairol Haji Masri.

In her welcoming remarks, Dean of UBDSBE Dr Wardah Azimah Haji Sumardi reaffirmed the School’s commitment to developing future leaders through meaningful international engagement.

She said this year’s programme reflects that commitment through its focus on leadership, entrepreneurship and sustainability, which are increasingly important in addressing global challenges.

“Throughout the programme, we hope the participants will strengthen their leadership capabilities, cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, deepen their appreciation of sustainable development, and gain the confidence to lead positive change within their communities and organisations,” she said.

A highlight of the ceremony was the sharing session A Journey of Learning by Hibiscus EP (Brunei) B.V. Corporate Services Manager Harina Ramlee, who emphasised the importance of people as the foundation of sustainable organisational success.

The sharing session “A Journey of Learning” by Hibiscus EP (Brunei) B.V. Corporate Services Manager Harina Ramlee. PHOTOS: LYNA MOHAMMAD

“While technical competence may open doors, it is character, judgement and a commitment to continuous learning that determine how far a person can go. Hibiscus Academy was created with this understanding at its core,” she said.

The Hibiscus Academy was then officially launched through a joint ceremony by HEB and UBD.

ISLP 2026 brings together more than 40 students from local higher education institutions as well as international institutions from the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia, alongside members of the UBDSBE Student Council.

Acting Vice-Chancellor and Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Industry Engagement and Enterprise Development) of UBD Dr Haji Masairol Haji Masri and Harina Ramlee launches The Hibiscus Academy.

The week-long programme focuses on leadership development, cross-cultural exchange and experiential learning, covering areas including leadership, entrepreneurship, sustainability, ethics and cultural intelligence.

Aligned with UBDSBE’s mission to develop innovative and digitally competent leaders who contribute positively to society, the programme provides participants with opportunities to gain practical insights through sessions led by academics and industry professionals.

Contributors include HEB, the SDG Office at the Prime Minister’s Office, the Faculty of Military Studies at UBD, the Industry Engagement and Enterprise Development Office at UBD, PricewaterhouseCoopers Brunei, and the International Islamic University Malaysia.

The programme also receives sponsorship support from GoMamam and Treasure Cove.

Through interactive workshops, real-world challenges, team activities and community engagement initiatives, participants develop communication, creative problem-solving and intercultural collaboration skills while gaining exposure to responsible decision-making.

Beyond classroom sessions, participants take part in an Amazing Race team-building challenge aimed at strengthening teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills. They are also introduced to Brunei Darussalam’s cultural heritage through visits to Kampong Ayer Water Village, Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque, the Energy Hub and other local attractions.

As an institution accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), UBDSBE ensures that the programme reflects its commitment to societal impact and responsible leadership.

Participants also engage in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives with local communities, encouraging collaboration and appreciation of diverse perspectives in addressing real-world challenges.

The Hibiscus Academy is structured around four leadership pillars: Learn and Lead, focusing on education, skills and leadership development; Live and Thrive, emphasising wellbeing, resilience and personal balance; Care and Conserve, promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility; and Innovate and Grow, encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship and positive contributions.

Through expert-led sessions, mentoring, reflection activities and practical assignments, participants are encouraged to take ownership of their personal and professional development.

The launch marks a milestone in strengthening collaboration between industry and academia, with HEB and UBD working together to enhance students’ readiness for professional life by combining academic knowledge with real-world industry experience.

The event also saw the presentation of a scholarship award to UBD student Iffah Shahfrien for the Master of Digital Science (Cybersecurity and Forensics) by Research programme.

The presentation of a scholarship award to UBD student Iffah Shahfrien for the Master of Digital Science (Cybersecurity and Forensics) by Research programme. 

The scholarship was presented by Harina Ramlee and Dean of the School of Digital Science at UBD Professor Liyanage Chandratilak De Silva.

The award reflects HEB’s commitment to talent development and its continued partnership with UBD in nurturing future-ready professionals through industry-academia collaboration.

 

 

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN/Lyna Mohammad

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