24–25 April 2025 | Balikpapan, Kalimantan
Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and Universitas Balikpapan (UNIBA) co-hosted the 7th Borneo Studies Network (BSN) Scientific Committee Meeting (SCM) in Balikpapan, Kalimantan on 24th April 2025.
The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Joyce Teo Siew Yean, Assistant Vice Chancellor (Global Engagement) of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and Dr. Ir. Isradi Zainal, Rector of Universitas Balikpapan (UNIBA), and participated by esteemed delegates from BSN member institutions, including Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Universitas Balikpapan (UNIBA), Universitas Islam Kalimantan (UNISKA), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Universitas Mulawarman (UNMUL), Universitas Palangkaraya (UPR), Universitas Lambung Mangkurat (UNLAM), STAKAT, and Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK). A warm acknowledgment was also extended to Dr. Rendi Susiswo Ismail, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at UNIBA, as well as to all participating representatives from the BSN member universities.
This year’s SCM placed a strong emphasis on deepening collaborative efforts in research, academic programmes and institutional visibility, reflecting a shared commitment to respond the evolving regional and global trends. UBD expressed strong interest in maximising the potential of emerging opportunities for BSN members.
Key outcomes from the meeting included the instigation of the BSN Collaborative Online International Learning (BSN COIL) initiative to expand access to transnational education efforts. The integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into BSN universities’ curricula was enhanced, and the creation of the BSN Sustainability Blueprint Task Force was endorsed to guide efforts in embedding sustainability into teaching and research.
In addition, the announcement of the BSN Climate Action Alliance (BCAA) marked a significant milestone in climate-related research collaboration among BSN Member Universities. A proposal to restructure the Borneo Economy and Business research cluster was also introduced, with the aim of better reflecting the region’s dynamic economic landscape.
The event continued on 25th April 2025 with the launch of the inaugural BSN Roadshow, designed to promote student exchange and academic mobility. The roadshow featured joint presentations by UBD, UNIMAS, UPR, UNISKA and UMS, drawing an enthusiastic audience of high school students in Balikpapan. Representing UBD was Dr. Rosnah Abdullah, Head of the BSN Secretariat, while Associate Professor Ts. Noraziah Abdul Wahab presented on behalf of UNIMAS. Both speakers encouraged students to consider BSN universities as excellent options for their future studies.
In parallel, the Biodiversity Research Thrust meeting was held, led by Dr. Norhayati Haji Ahmad, Principal Co-lead of the thrust from UBD. She presented recent updates and introduced three key focal areas: Biodiversity and Conservation of Tropical Forests, Ethnobotany and Ethno-pharmacology of Local Plants and Marine Biodiversity. A proposed project entitled “Diversity, Distribution, and Life History of Tropical Anguillid Eels of Genus Anguilla in Borneo Island” was shared, to be led by Prof. Takaomi Arai (UBD) and Dr. Komsanah Sukarti (UNMUL). Dr. Fiffy Hanisdah Saikim (UMS) also outlined upcoming collaborative activities with UBD, including the Mushroom Discovery Week, scheduled for June 2025 at UBD.
The series of events concluded with a visit to Ibu Kota Negara (IKN) Nusantara, where delegates explored future opportunities for collaboration and discussed first-hand sustainable urban development – an area that aligns closely with BSN’s ongoing research priorities.
The 7th BSN SCM reaffirmed the network’s commitment to advancing education and research collaboration throughout Borneo. Through continued joint efforts, BSN aspires to increase its regional impact and further establish Borneo as a leading hub for academic innovation and community advancement.