Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) demonstrates its unwavering commitment to research excellence and innovation through a multifaceted approach. This strategy is designed to nurture groundbreaking discoveries and drive societal progress across various disciplines. UTB’s research landscape is built on a foundation of three Research Centres and four Research Thrusts; creating a comprehensive ecosystem for research.
At the core of UTB's research infrastructure are the Centre for Transport Research (CfTR), the Centre for Green Technology and Sustainability Research (GreenTeXS), and the Centre for Research on Agri-Food Science and Technology (CrAFT). These centres are complemented by four specialised Research Thrusts: Digital and Creativity Research Thrust (DCRT), Energy Research Thrust (ERT), Society and Enterprise Research Thrust (SERT), and Wellness Research Thrust (WRT). Collectively, these units form a robust framework for interdisciplinary research and innovation.
UTB offers a vibrant research ecosystem with specialised centres and along with the four research thrusts, create opportunities for both industry collaborations and academic advancements. Postgraduate and undergraduate students benefit from UTB's strong research support through the Graduate Studies and Research Office, fostering innovation and real-world impact. With strategic partnerships and international outreach, UTB is committed to driving groundbreaking research that addresses global challenges and contributes to societal progress.
UTB’s strategic research initiatives act as catalysts for innovation. They create an atmosphere that encourages exploration, pushing the boundaries of knowledge, and generating impactful solutions that address contemporary challenges. Through this comprehensive framework, UTB positions itself as a driving force in advancing scientific and technological progress. As a result, the university plays a key role in improving society; making a difference both in Brunei and globally.
"UTB’s Research Centres and Research Thrusts underscore the university's dedication to drive innovation and conduct impactful research that is relevant to the community, supports Wawasan Brunei 2035, and addresses Sustainable Development Goals." asserts Professor Dr Mohamed Hasnain Isa, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) at UTB.
Regarded as Brunei's premier university for transport-related research, the Centre for Transport Research (CfTR) concentrates its efforts on enhancing transport systems through interdisciplinary approaches aligned with national strategies. Leveraging its expertise in areas such as road safety engineering, highway & traffic engineering, and geotechnical engineering, CfTR spearheads several transformative projects. These include applying Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for road safety and developing intelligent transport systems. The Centre empowers researchers to collaborate across disciplines, fostering synergies that yield novel solutions to complex transportation problems. This comprehensive approach positions CfTR as a driving force behind the advancement of sustainable, efficient, and safe transport systems, aligned with the nation's overarching strategies for progress.
Meanwhile, the Centre for Green Technology and Sustainability Research (GreenTeXS) champions eco-friendly innovations and sustainable solutions to address environmental challenges and build a greener, more resilient future. The Centre assembles expertise from different Schools and Faculty to provide innovative and practical solutions to a wide variety of problems. GreenTeXS pioneers sustainable research through projects such as vertical rice farming, aquaculture, renewable energy management, mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions from landfills, and digital education.
Embodying UTB's commitment to excellence in agri-food research, the Centre for Research on Agri-Food Science and Technology (CrAFT) integrates technology with sustainable agricultural practices to address societal needs and works towards attaining food security. The Smart Greenhouse Project, a hallmark of CrAFT's innovative approach, shapes the future of agriculture while nurturing the next generation of research leaders.
UTB's research impact is further amplified through collaborations with other educational institutions, industries, stakeholders, and governmental agencies, ensuring alignment with community needs and national priorities. These strategic partnerships enable UTB to leverage collective expertise, resources, and insights, fostering an environment conducive to groundbreaking discoveries and solutions. By working closely with diverse stakeholders, the university remains attuned to the evolving challenges faced by communities and the nation, allowing it to effectively direct its research efforts toward addressing pressing concerns.
Hosting international conferences facilitates the exchange of knowledge and ideas on a global scale and positions UTB as a hub for scholarly discourse and cross-fertilisation of perspectives. UTB hosts the largest group of academic conferences in Brunei Darussalam under the umbrella of the UTB Science, Technology and Engineering Connect (UTB-STE Connect) Congress. The prestigious Crown Prince Creative, Innovative Product and Technological Advancement (CIPTA) award is UTB’s flagship international competition that brings out the best in scientists, engineers, technologists, innovators, and inventors.
Through various collaborative efforts and multidisciplinary approaches, UTB reinforces its position as a driving force for research excellence. It fosters a dynamic ecosystem transcending traditional boundaries and propels societal progress through impactful discoveries and transformative innovations.
In the last two years, UTB garnered significant internal and external grants, reflecting its unwavering dedication to impactful research. Collaborations with industry leaders like Grand Motors Sendirian Berhad and Mitsubishi Corporation have yielded solutions such as the Solar Powered Electric Vehicle Charging Station. Partnerships with entities like Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP), Network Integrity Assurance Technologies (NiAT) Sendirian Berhad and governmental bodies like the National Road Safety Council and the Ministry of Transport and Info-communications (MTIC) underscore UTB's commitment to conducting research that drives tangible impacts.
On the international front, UTB's research alliances with organisations like the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) and UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya highlight its global research footprint, which focuses on areas such as road safety, multilingual learning, and environmental innovations.
The Graduate Studies and Research Office (GSRO) is pivotal in nurturing UTB's research and innovation efforts. GSRO offers tailored support to empower students and staff, facilitates research exchanges, organises workshops for skill development, and disseminates information about funding opportunities; enhancing the university's research capabilities.
Meanwhile, the Enterprise Office (EO) bridges the gap between research and commercialisation, translating UTB's research outputs into tangible solutions that drive economic growth and societal development. As the university continues to spearhead pioneering research endeavours, it remains committed to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence, addressing pressing societal challenges.
UTB's dedication to research excellence and innovation underscores its commitment to create positive societal impact and shape a brighter future through groundbreaking discoveries and transformative innovations.
We extend our deepest gratitude to His Majesty’s Government of Brunei Darussalam for the generous research funding provided through the Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Research and Education in Advanced Technology and Environmental Sustainability (CREATES). This invaluable support underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge, fostering innovation, and empowering researchers to address pressing global challenges. Such initiatives not only drive impactful discoveries but also enhance the nation’s standing as a hub for academic and technological excellence. We are truly honored to contribute to this vision and remain dedicated to achieving meaningful outcomes through this opportunity.
