The Centre for Research on Agrifood Science and Technology (CrAFT), Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB), collaborated with Campus L.E.A.D SASM, Majlis Perwakilan Pelajar UTB (MPPUTB) Session 2026/2027, to organise Healthy Habits: How Nutrition Affects Mental Health in conjunction with World Mental Health Day.
The programme welcomed members of the UTB community, participants from other higher education institutions and the public to explore the connection between nutrition, lifestyle habits and mental well-being.
The event was attended by the Guest of Honour, Yang Mulia Dk. Dr. Syahirah Amanina binti Pg. Haji Suhaili, Deputy Dean of the Student Affairs Office, UTB. Following the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, welcoming remarks were delivered by Yang Mulia Awang Lim Yau Jun @ Victor Lim, Head of Campus L.E.A.D SASM, MPPUTB Session 2026/2027.
In her address, Yang Mulia Dr. Mas Munira binti Haji Rambli, Director of CrAFT, emphasised that personal well-being is fundamental to academic success. With examinations approaching, she encouraged students to care for their health alongside their studies, reminding them that, “Your health is what helps you get there.”
The morning featured a panel discussion moderated by Yang Mulia Nurul Nur Syakirah binti Shahbudin, a PhD student at SASM, UTB. The panellists were Yang Mulia Dr. Reena Kumari Vijayakumaran, Registered Nutritionist and Assistant Professor at SASM, UTB; Yang Mulia Puan Siti Nadhirah binti Hj Mohd Rawi, Health Education Officer at the Health Promotion Centre (HPC), Ministry of Health; and Yang Mulia Mohammad Ainul Faizin bin Haji Misli, a Master’s student by research.
Drawing on their respective perspectives, the panellists discussed practical approaches to supporting mental well-being, including balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, physical activity, stress management and seeking support when needed. The discussion also addressed the challenges of balancing academic and research commitments with personal health.
CrAFT extended the programme beyond the panel discussion through its afternoon booth activities at the SASM lobby. The interactive showcase connected food science and nutrition research with everyday food choices, helping participants understand how research can inform healthier habits. This initiative reflects CrAFT’s commitment to translating agrifood research into accessible knowledge and meaningful community engagement.
The programme concluded with the presentation of tokens of appreciation to the contributors, followed by a group photograph and a tour of the programme activities by the Guest of Honour.
Through this collaboration, CrAFT and Campus L.E.A.D SASM brought together research, professional expertise and student engagement to highlight the importance of nurturing both physical and mental well-being.
