UBD and Baiduri Bank to Advance AI Research and Talent Development
Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and Baiduri Bank have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic framework for collaboration in research, innovation, and talent development.
The signing ceremony took place at the Baiduri Community Space, located at the Bank’s headquarters, and was officiated by Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC), as the guest of honour. The MoU was signed by Dr Hazri Haji Kifle, UBD Vice-Chancellor and Ti Eng Hui, CEO of Baiduri Bank, and .
The partnership marks a significant milestone in aligning industry and academia to support Brunei Darussalam’s digital transformation. With artificial intelligence (AI) as a central focus, both institutions will explore joint research initiatives in AI applications relevant to financial services and beyond, including data analytics, automation, and digital risk management. These efforts directly support MTIC’s ‘Digital Brunei Transformation Plan’, which is set to supersede the Digital Economy Masterplan, envisioning a Smart Nation powered by inclusive innovation, ethical AI governance, and digitally skilled talent.
UBD’s School of Digital Science (SDS), recently recognised with the Coursera 2024 AI Innovation Award for Asia-Pacific, has emerged as a regional leader in AI education. Its Applied Artificial Intelligence programme blends academic rigour with hands-on systems development, producing graduates equipped to lead Brunei Darassalam’s digital future. Through this MoU, Baiduri Bank will collaborate with SDS to co-develop applied research projects, host academic exchanges, and explore the establishment of a joint laboratory facility at UBD, creating a shared platform for experimentation, training, and innovation.
The partnership also opens new pathways for student engagement. UBD students will gain practical experience through internships and apprenticeships across Baiduri Bank and its subsidiaries, building workforce readiness in areas such as intelligent systems, financial technology (fintech), and digital operations. Both parties will further explore mentorships, sponsorships, and research-based projects to strengthen the link between education and industry.
“Our collaboration with UBD reflects our shared commitment to nurturing future-ready talent and advancing Brunei Darussalam’s innovation ecosystem. As the banking industry evolves, we see increasing opportunities to apply digital technologies and data-driven insights. Our partnership with UBD complements Baiduri Bank’s wider digital transformation journey, from the modernisation of our core systems to the adoption of AI and data analytics, laying the groundwork for innovation that benefits our customers, our people, and our community,” said Ti Eng Hui.
“This is the ecosystem we are building together—an ecosystem that directly supports the vision of the Digital Brunei Transformation Plan, which is set to supersede the Digital Economy Masterplan. We are not just preparing for the future; we are actively shaping it, ensuring that Brunei is a Smart Nation powered by its own homegrown talent,” Dr Hazri said, “As UBD celebrates our 40th anniversary this year, we are not only reflecting on four decades of education and service to the nation, but also looking forward to the next forty years. This partnership with Baiduri Bank is a cornerstone of that future. This collaboration proves our commitment to staying relevant, forward-looking, and deeply connected to the needs of our community and industry.”
This initiative also aligns with Brunei Darussalam’s broader national agenda for responsible and inclusive AI development. The recent publication of the Guide on AI Governance and Ethics for Brunei Darussalam and the upcoming enforcement of the Personal Data Protection Order 2025 (PDPO 2025) reflect the country’s commitment to building a trusted digital ecosystem. These frameworks serve as guardrails for ethical innovation, ensuring that AI deployment is grounded in accountability, equity, and Bruneian values.
The collaboration between UBD and Baiduri Bank will be further strengthened by the formulation of Brunei Darussalam’s National AI Strategy and the National Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Framework, both currently under development by MTIC. These strategies aim to accelerate AI adoption across sectors, boost innovation capacity, and align Brunei Darussalam’s digital ambitions with international standards.It builds on Baiduri Capital’s recent collaboration with UBD to improve investment literacy and financial education, further embedding the Bank’s role in shaping a digitally empowered society.
(Source: UBD Website)