FAQs
The Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to advancing public awareness and understanding of astronomy and falak syarie in Brunei Darussalam. Established in 2003, PABD serves as a distinguished community for astronomy education and engagement, astrophotography, and other related scientific disciplines.
Membership
PABD Membership is applied only to residents of Negara Brunei Darussalam. Membership of PABD is divided into four categories:
1. Ordinary Member (18 years old and above)
2. Student Member (Below 18 years old)
3. Corporate Member (Business or Organisation members)
4. Honorary Member (Astronomy professionals)
Registration Fees and Other Fees
Registration Fees and Annual Fees are as follows and payable to General Treasurer of PABD:
| Membership | Registration Fees (One Time) | Annual Fees (Every year) | |
| (a) | Ordinary | B$15.00 | B$15.00 |
| (b) | Student (below 18 years old) | B$5.00 | B$5.00 |
| (c) | Corporate | To be determined by the PABD Executive Committee Members | To be determined by the PABD Executive Committee Members |
| (d) | Honorary | B$50.00 | Exempted |
If you apply for the first time as an Ordinary member, hence a sum of $30 payment for the first year & registration fees are required, and $15 annually on the subsequent years to keep your membership active. For more information regarding PABD financial matters, please contact PABD Treasurer-General
My child is really into astronomy
PABD offers student member. The recommended age for student membership is 11 years old and above as PABD activities are primarily focused on observational astronomy designed to nurture analytical and abstract reasoning abilities. As such age they can handle more complex astronomy concepts of planetary motion, tracking celestial events and project-based learning.
However, children below the age of 11 are warmly welcomed, provided they are constantly accompanied by a parent or guardian. Their participation offers a valuable early exposure to stargazing and the wonders of the night sky.
PABD Membership Registration Process:
For a new registration of membership, the typical enrollment process:
- Complete the Online Registration Form: Prospective members are invited to submit their registration via the official PABD website before the deadline.
- Receive E-mail Acknowledgement: Upon registration, you’ll receive a confirmation email with details of orientation sessions.
- Orientation 1: Briefing Session – Introduction to PABD & Amateur Astronomy: Join us for an ice-breaking session that introduces PABD’s mission, core activities, membership guidelines, and the wonders of stargazing.
- Orientation 2: Hands-On Telescope Session & Stargazing Night: Learn basic telescope handling and enjoy a guided stargazing session under Brunei’s celestial canopy.
- Membership Fee Payment & Confirmation: After completing orientation, new members will receive an official offer letter. To confirm your membership status, complete the registration and annual fee payment by 31 December. Payment details will be provided during orientation.
- Official Announcement of New Member (January): Welcome aboard! New members will be officially announced and celebrated as part of Brunei’s growing astronomy community.
If you have not received any follow-up after registration, please contact the PABD executive via email at executive@bruneiastronomy.org
I am new in astronomy and no telescope
One need NOT own a telescope to join. If you are still a newbie in this realm, PABD offers a guiding hand to help you navigate the essential equipment and foundational knowledge needed to begin your journey and to practice this hobby. You can find a lot of valuable information by joining PABD and hear from others in our community who share your interest and passion for astronomy.
What are PABD activities?
The Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) cultivates public interest in astronomy through a diverse range of educational and observational programmes. For newcomers, PABD offers mentoring programme, personalized telescope training and introductory stargazing sessions, including visual observation of the Milky Way and visits to members’ private mini-observatories.
Advanced members may participate in more specialized activities such as new moon observations, astronomical research, astrophotography techniques, and comet tracking. Highlights of past programmes and events are available on our social media platforms (@bruneiastronomy).
Through strong teamwork and the unwavering dedication of its members, PABD has achieved numerous milestones over the years. A summary of these accomplishments can be found on our official website: https://bruneiastronomy.org/web/about-pabd/pabd-achievement/
PABD welcomes contributions and volunteer services in support of its mission to enhance science literacy and expand educational opportunities in astronomy across Brunei Darussalam.
Upcoming public outreach activities are regularly updated on our website (www.bruneiastronomy.org) and social media channels (@bruneiastronomy). Exclusive programmes for registered members – including special astronomical observations, research projects, and community initiatives – are shared via the PABD Community platform, private WhatsApp groups, and email communications.
Benefits
Active members of the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) are eligible to represent the society in national and international engagements, including meetings, courses, conferences, astronomy expeditions (such as solar eclipse observations), excursions to dark sky parks for Milky Way observation, and media interviews.
In addition, active members enjoy exclusive privileges during PABD activities, such as complimentary or discounted entry fees.
PABD maintains strong partnerships with local government agencies and esteemed international organizations, including the Southeast Asia Astronomy Network (SEAAN), the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the International Meteor Organization (IMO), and the International Astronomical Center (IAC). The society also collaborates with regional observatories and astronomy clubs in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. These partnerships provide members with valuable opportunities to participate in astronomy-related events and initiatives at the international level.
To support members in their observational pursuits, PABD offers a Telescope Loan Scheme and the Astronomical Telescope Ownership Programme (AstroTOP)—initiatives designed to assist especially active members in acquiring and using astronomical instruments.
As a token of appreciation and formal recognition, members who have actively participated for at least one year will receive an official PABD Membership Card, which serves both as a symbol of dedication and as identification during society events.
Prerequisites
PABD membership comprises people of all ages and in many types of professions. One need NOT own a telescope to join. Our knowledge sharing via regular new moon hunting, routine stargazings, small group discussion, space talks and other activities by local amateur astronomers.
Some members offer all-night observation and photography of the planets, comets nebula & deep sky objects at their personal observatories. These experiences will help you to response your curiosities and guide you to own the best telescope and other basic needs based on your interests.
You can join the Persatuan Astronomi Negara Brunei Darussalam. The annual fees payment for Active Member are BND15 per year for ordinary, and BND5 per year for students. The membership application is considered complete once the registration and annual fees are paid in full to the Treasurer-General.
Further information about membership PABD and regulations of the association may be referred to the Constitution of Brunei Darussalam Astronomical Society.
Code of Ethics
The Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD) comprises members from diverse professions, abilities, backgrounds, and perspectives, united by a shared commitment to promoting and advancing astronomy and falak syarie in Brunei Darussalam.
In its commitment to the pursuit of excellence in astronomy, PABD upholds the highest code of ethics – anchored in integrity, respect, and professionalism across all endeavors and community engagements. Members and affiliates are expected to uphold ethical conduct in accordance with the principles outlined in the PABD Constitution, which includes adherence to the association’s rules, policies, and meeting etiquette.
These guidelines serve to foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment – where knowledge is shared generously, contributions are valued equally, and teamwork is embraced as a foundation for scientific inquiry, public education, and the responsible advancement of astronomy in the Sultanate.
Further information about regulations of the PABD (membership, finance, meeting, project proposal, termination) may be referred to the Constitution of the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam.
Membership Duration
New members can join at any moment during the year. The membership term is from 1st of January until 31st of December. Membership is required to be renewed annually and payable as annual fee in order to maintain your active membership to enjoy PABD benefits and privileges. There is no administration charge for annual renewal of your membership.
What’s the process for renewing my membership?
To renew membership for active members:
- Confirm Your Membership Status: Ensure your current membership is active or nearing expiry. Renewal is typically done annually, based on the calendar year (from October to December).
- Update your personal details: If there are any changes of your contact information (such as phone number and email address) and home address, please immediately inform Secretary-General by writing an e-mail (pabd@bruneiastronomy.org).
- Settle the Annual Membership Fee: Payment instructions will be provided by Treasurer of PABD. Ensure payment (and all dues, if any) is completed before the stated deadline (usually 31 December each year).
- Receive Confirmation & Receipt: Once payment is verified, you’ll receive an official receipt and confirmation of renewal. Continued access to member-exclusive events and benefits will be granted for that year.
Further information
For more info contact Secretary-General PABD (pabd@bruneiastronomy.org)
or visit our official channel:
◽ Website www.bruneiastronomy.org
◽ PABD Community (for registered PABD members access only) www.bruneiastronomy.org/community/
◽ WhatsApp Channel www.bruneiastronomy.org/channel/
◽ Facebook www.facebook.com/bruneiastronomy
◽ Instagram www.instagram.com/bruneiastronomy
◽ WhatsApp Groups for Public www.bruneiastronomy.org/whatsapp/
◽ Telegram t.me/bruneiastronomy
How many members are there?
PABD has more than 100 active members and in fact PABD community is growing annually, see here for the full list.
How do I join PABD?
You have to apply and register as a member via our online form. Once submitted, you will undergo a special orientation session to familiarize you with roles of PABD, core activities and mission. At the end of the orientation period, you will receive an official offer letter via WhatsApp or e-mail (please also check your spam folder) to proceed on the payment matters. You may need to contact the General-Treasurer to request for payment details. The membership application is considered complete once the registration and annual fees are paid fully. You will receive your official membership information and orientation details via e-mail and WhatsApp.
Ready to join PABD?
Register now via our online form: www.bruneiastronomy.org/daftar