The Hassanal Bolkiah Boys Arabic Secondary School (SMALHB) on Monday welcomed 350 new Pre-University 1 (Pre U1) students for the 2025/2026 academic session. The cohort comprises 134 male and 216 female students, embarking on their journey towards advanced studies.
The students hail from prominent religious schools, including Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Girls Religious Arabic Secondary School, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Arabic School, Ma’had Islam Brunei, and Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Tahfiz Al-Quran Institute. They qualified for admission after passing the Brunei Religious Education Certificate (SPUB) 2024 and meeting the school’s entry requirements.
The new intake includes 167 students enrolling in the Syariah stream, 79 in Usuluddin, 13 in Lughah, and 91 in General Studies.
The registration day began with religious activities held at the school’s At-Taqwa Surau. Students participated in Ad-Dhuha prayers, Selawat Tafrijiyyah, the recitation of Surah Yassin, and a doa session. 
Principal Dayang Hajah Azizah binti Haji Mohammad (pic left) delivered a welcoming address to the students.
The session continued with a familiarisation and briefing programme at Al-Azkiyaa Hall, providing new students with an overview of the institution’s structure and expectations. The event was also attended by Head of Arabic School Pengiran Mohamad Aminuddin bin Pengiran Haji Hussin.
SMALHB remains the only pre-university institution in Brunei dedicated to preparing students for university-level education, continuing its commitment to fostering academic and religious excellence. – Lyna Mohamad
