PROJEK UPSKILLING 1.0
Photo of participants and volunteers from Projek Upskilling Tutong 1.0.
“Why Tutong? Why not Brunei,
Temburong or Belait?
”
Projek Upskilling Tutong 1.0 was our inaugural initiative, made possible through the BIBD Youth Sustainability Leadership Award 2023, where we emerged as winners under the Jobs Cluster. This recognition came with a BND 3,000 grant from BIBD, which enabled us to conduct our first capacity-building workshop in the rural areas of Tutong district.
The project aligned with our objective to empower communities and the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) motto, “Leave No One Behind.” The workshop offered tailored syllabuses for local entrepreneurs the programme’s success. A highlight of the workshop was the involvement of Eco Ponies Garden as a featured community champion. Eyon, the founder, shared an inspiring story of how she built her business from the ground up, motivating participants to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions.
PROJEK UPSKILLING 2.0
Snippet during one of the sessions from Projek Upskilling Tutong 2.0.
"A second Projek Upskilling Tutong?"
The success and positive feedback from Projek Upskilling Tutong 1.0. - gathered through post-event surveys and word-of-mouth - led to the launch of Projek Upskilling Tutong 2.0. The high demand for capacity-building workshops motivated us to continue empowering the community.
Overall, the programme exceeded its key performance indicators (KPIs), achieving an impressive attendance rate of nearly 100% across the 2-day workshop, with a total of 43 participants. Among them, 5 participants successfully ventured into entrepreneurship, either by starting new businesses or enhancing their existing ones
Due to the success of both Projek Upskilling Tutong editions, we were nominated in the Anugerah Hari Belia Kebangsaan 2025 under the category 'Projek Cemerlang Untuk Belia' and emerged as the top 8 finalists - huge appreciation to our stakeholders, partners, mentor, and volunteers in making this happen!
KOPI TALK WITH MHO
Vil-Laju co-founder, Khaizuran with Malai Hassan Othman.
“Why MHO?"
Kopi Talk with MHO is an independent project by Vil-Laju! Brunei, launched without ties to our initial stakeholders. This initiative reflects our commitment to creating a platform where youths and communities can voice their opinions and discuss meaningful issues.
Featuring the well-known speaker and writer behind the pen name MHO, this roundtable discussion serves as a space to highlight challenges, share ideas, and inspire change. Participants can engage with thought-provoking conversations, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and explore actionable solutions to community.
community and youth-related issues. By fostering an open dialogue, Kopi Talk with MHO amplifies the voices of Bruneians and encourages collaboration with higher-ups to address pressing matters and create a lasting impact.
IKON ANAK BRUNEI
Behind-the-scenes of our team from a previous podcast
"What is Ikon Anak Brunei?"
Ikon Anak Brunei (IAB) is an initiative in the form of a live podcast series by Vil-Laju! Brunei that highlights and celebrates stories of Bruneian youth who have made meaningful contributions in their fields and communities. The podcast provides a platform for these youths to showcase their journeys, challenges, and inspirations, which also gives recognition to diverse backgrounds and encouraging others to take part in nation-building.
Aligning with Wawasan Brunei 2035, IAB is all about empowerment and visibility: empowering youths to pursue their passion and making their voices visible in shaping Brunei’s future.
To watch the full episodes of IAB Season 1, click here.
TEMPO KITANI
Tempo Kitani participants with Yang Berhormat Queenie Chong.
"A rebrand of Kopi Talk with MHO"
Tempo Kitani is a community dialogue series, inspired by the conversations first started in Kopi Talk with MHO. While Kopi Talk with MHO provided a platform for youths to openly discuss issues affecting Brunei especially the youths, Tempo Kitani carries the same spirit forward while expanding its reach and depth.
The first Tempo Kitani series kicked off with Yang Berhormat Queenie Chong Chin Yee as our speaker. In this first edition, we talked about how youth could be innovative in today’s digital era, where especially Artificial Intelligence (AI) is starting to evolve.
Through the roundtable discussions and world café, Tempo Kitani has brought together diverse voices to share perspectives at a safe place, tackle challenges together, inspire collective solutions with like-minded individuals, and even network with each other. At its core, it remains rooted in the belief that meaningful change begins with dialogue, ensuring Bruneian youth and communities have a space to be heard, to connect, and to ensure we achieve our goals towards Wawasan Brunei 2035.
IKON ANAK BRUNEI: IT'S A CROSSOVER!
Group photo with participants, speakers, moderator and the committee.
"Ikons...ASSEMBLE!"
When inspiring young voices come together, powerful conversations are bound to happen. Ikon Anak Brunei: It’s A Crossover! unites different journeys, passions, and challenges into one stage - where stories of perseverance, creativity, and impact are shared openly.
Held in conjunction with the 20th National Youth Day (Sambutan Hari Belia Kebangsaan ke-20) and the Next20 Movement, this event marks the final episode of Season 1 of Ikon Anak Brunei. More than just a panel discussion, it is a celebration of Bruneian youth who continue to push boundaries in their own fields, while echoing the spirit of Wawasan Brunei 2035 - to build a dynamic, inclusive, and empowered generation.More than a finale, this event is a reminder of what Ikon Anak Brunei stands for: creating a domino effect of inspiration. One story sparks another, and together, these voices show that change begins when youth step forward and lead.
Eco Ponies Garden Walkway Rehab
Volunteers working together to rehabilitate and strengthen the wooden walkways at Eco Ponies Garden, Kampung Lamunin.
"Restoring Safety, Strengthening Community"
On 4th and 11th May 2025, Vil-Laju! Brunei conducted a Walkway Rehabilitation and Cleaning Campaign at Eco Ponies Garden in Kampung Lamunin, Tutong. The programme was attended by the Village Head, who presented a certificate of appreciation to the organisation’s Chairperson during the closing session.
As part of the Community Outreach: Kampung Lamunin CSR initiative, the project addressed safety concerns caused by worn and slippery wooden walkways, especially during the rainy season.
Volunteers worked together to clean, repair, and reinforce the pathways, creating a safer and more accessible environment for visitors.
The initiative also strengthened collaboration between volunteers and local residents, reflecting Vil-Laju! Brunei’s commitment to community development, youth involvement, and supporting the SDGs and Wawasan Brunei 2035.
TEMPO KITANI @ BT FORWARDING
Group photo with participants, speakers, moderator and the committee.
"Building Sustainable Workplaces Together"
Tempo Kitani @ BT Forwarding is a continuation of Vil-Laju! Brunei’s community dialogue series, bringing together youths, professionals, and industry leaders to discuss sustainability in the workplace. This session focused on the theme “How Can We Build a Workplace That Lasts”, with an emphasis on environmental responsibility and practical solutions.
The programme featured presentations and a panel discussion by Vil-Laju! Brunei and Kytar Enterprise, where speakers shared insights on sustainability practices, operational challenges, and lessons from international exposure, including sustainability initiatives observed in Japan.
Participants engaged in interactive activities, including energisers and roundtable discussions, where they explored real-world workplace scenarios and proposed solutions to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and promote sustainable habits.
More than just a discussion, the session provided a safe and collaborative platform for like-minded individuals to exchange ideas, learn from industry mentors, and build meaningful connections.
Through initiatives like Tempo Kitani, Vil-Laju! Brunei continues to empower youth and organisations to take actionable steps towards sustainability, supporting the vision of Wawasan Brunei 2035.
CTRL + P
Transforming plastic waste into 3D printing filament through Ctrl+P initiative.
"Turning Waste into Innovation"
Ctrl+P is the latest initiative by Vil-Laju! Brunei, focused on tackling plastic waste through innovation and community engagement. Inspired by the keyboard shortcut for “Print,” the project symbolises the mission to take control of plastic waste and transform it into something meaningful.
In Brunei, a significant portion of waste at Sungai Paku Landfill consists of plastic materials such as bottles, bags, and containers. Much of this waste is buried, limiting opportunities for reuse and contributing to environmental harm.
Through Ctrl+P, plastic bottle waste is repurposed into 3D printing filament, which can then be used to create reusable products such as coasters and pouches. This process demonstrates how everyday waste can be given a second life through technology and creativity.
By integrating sustainability with innovation, the initiative encourages community participation and promotes environmentally responsible practices, contributing towards a greener and more sustainable Brunei.
Learn more about the project here.
PANTAI TANI
Participants and volunteers during the Pantai Tani beach cleanup activity at Pantai Perkelahan Lumut, Belait.
"Turning Waste Into Awareness"
Pantai Tani is a beach cleanup and environmental awareness initiative organised by Vil-Laju! Brunei in conjunction with Earth Day 2026 at Pantai Perkelahan Lumut, Belait. The programme reflects Vil-Laju’s commitment towards sustainability, community empowerment, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The programme was officiated by the Village Head of Kampung Lumut II, Yang Mulia Awang Haji Khairdon bin Haji Dahlan, and received support from the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe). Strategic partnerships with RAB Global Green and VFAST also strengthened the success of the initiative.
Pantai Tani featured two key activities: a Waste Collection Weight Competition, where participants competed to collect and separate waste — particularly PET plastic bottles — and “Tales of Trash”, an interactive storytelling session where participants shared stories behind unusual items found during the cleanup.
Through this initiative, collected plastic waste contributes towards Ctrl+P, Vil-Laju! Brunei’s circular economy project that transforms used plastic bottles into 3D printing filament. The programme highlighted how environmental action, innovation, and community collaboration can work together towards a cleaner and more sustainable Brunei.