THE Malaysia Brunei Forum 2023 (MBF 2023) recently concluded with great success, marking a significant milestone in fostering stronger academic ties between Universiti Malaya and Universiti Brunei Darussalam.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Helena Muhamad Varkkey, the Chairperson and Organizer of the forum, expressed her optimism, stating, “The MBF 2023 has significantly contributed to strengthening academic cooperation and social ties between our two institutions.

The discussions and exchanges within the forum have expanded transformative and informative ideas, serving as a collaborative platform for both nations.”

Dr. Kathrina Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Daud, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Universiti Brunei Darussalam emphasized the continued importance of such forums, stating, “Forum sebegini harus diteruskan untuk membina hubungan baik di antara Universiti Malaya (UM) dan Universiti Brunei Darulsalam (UBD) terutamanya usaha sama dalam aktiviti pertukaran pelajar, pertukaran ahli akademik, penyelidikan dan seterusnya dapat memberikan impak yang besar bagi kedua dua buah negara.”

The Forum, targeted at professors and postgraduate students from both universities, was made possible with the generous sponsorship of Mamee Double Decker (M) Sdn. Bhd and Jantzen Mineral Water (Jant Marketing Sdn Bhd), enriching the experience for all participants.

The event included enriching sessions for postgraduate students to share and broaden their perspectives, complemented by evening activities featuring a dinner attended by distinguished guests and performances showcasing cultural richness.

Dr. Asbah Razali and Dr. Rosya Izyanie Shamshudeen, both from the secretariat and participants of the forum, expressed their hope for the continuity of academic forums like this in the future. They emphasized how such discussions and exchanges contribute to knowledge sharing, intellectual discourse, and fostering meaningful long-term cooperation between the institutions.

The success of the MBF 2023 underscores the commitment of both universities to enhance collaborative opportunities and further development between Malaysia and Brunei. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of academic cooperation and exchange.

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_{For further information, please contact Assoc. Prof. Dr. Helena Muhamad Varkkey at helenav@um.edu.my}