Window to the Region

Advancing ASEAN conservation and restoration efforts

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:17:00 +0700

Brunei Darussalam, through its Forestry Department, is hosting a three-day Experiential Learning Exchange (ELE) programme under the Enhancing Conservation and Restoration of Wetlands and Peatlands in ASEAN as Effective Sinks and Reservoirs of Greenhouse Gases (EnCORE Wetlands Project), organised by the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity.
The programme brings together around 40 participants from ASEAN Member States, regional organisations, and local agencies to share knowledge and best practices in managing and restoring peatlands and mangrove ecosystems.
Key activities include field visits to Tasek Merimbun, Badas Peat Swamp Forest, and Pulau Selirong to observe Brunei’s conservation and restoration efforts firsthand, as well as training on ecosystem restoration monitoring tools.
The initiative aims to strengthen regional cooperation, enhance technical capacity, and support climate change mitigation, while showcasing Brunei’s expertise in sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation.
Supported by the UK Mission to ASEAN, the programme reinforces Brunei’s role in advancing regional environmental sustainability and collaboration.

MoU on infrastructure and AI advancement

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:13:00 +0700

Unified National Network Sdn Bhd (UNN) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Watercloud International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. to collaborate on advancing AI infrastructure and meeting the growing demand for AI-driven services.
UNN was represented by Christopher Phan, Acting Chief Executive Officer and Heiko Trost, Chief Digital Officer while Watercloud International is represented by Leonard Melvin Fernando, Chief Executive Officer and Dr. Farzin Karma, President.
The partnership will leverage UNN’s AI-ready data centre and strong subsea connectivity to deliver high-performance, low-latency AI solutions across the region.
As part of the collaboration, both parties will work on deploying advanced technologies, including AI cloud services, data infrastructure, off-grid power systems, and high-density computing, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and sustainability.
The MoU strengthens Brunei’s position as a regional hub for digital innovation, while enabling Watercloud International to utilise UNN’s secure and robust infrastructure to provide reliable, scalable AI solutions.
Overall, the agreement lays the groundwork for future cooperation in AI infrastructure, research, and service delivery.

ASCC meeting highlights ASEAN’s inclusive, resilient vision

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:06:00 +0700

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi Mohamad, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports represented Brunei Darussalam at the 35th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Meeting, where ministers reaffirmed their commitment to building a people-centred, inclusive, and resilient ASEAN under the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. Timor-Leste participated for the first time as an ASEAN member.
The meeting emphasised the strengthening of coordination, monitoring systems, and initiatives that deliver meaningful impact to communities. Brunei supported key priorities including resilient families, youth empowerment, social inclusion, innovation, and sustainability.
The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports highlighted the importance of family institutions, youth empowerment—particularly in climate and disaster resilience—and ongoing national efforts such as reviewing the Family Institution Action Plan and introducing disaster management modules in the National Service Programme.
At the ASCC High-Level Forum 2026, the Minister stressed the importance of empowering youth as active contributors to policymaking through education, innovation, and leadership opportunities. The Minister also shared initiatives like the Youth Town Hall and BIMP-EAGA Youth Bus to promote engagement and regional collaboration.
The forum concluded with a ministerial statement reaffirming ASEAN’s commitment to empowering people and communities as drivers of regional development.

His Majesty sends congratulatory message to Thai PM

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:03:00 +0700

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu‘izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to a send congratulatory message to His Excellency Anutin Charnvirakul on the occasion of his re-appointment as the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand on 19th March.

Public-Private Cooperation boosts investment, trade, sustainability

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:49:00 +0700

Senior policy makers and business leaders gathered at the Baiduri Community Space for the 2026 Brunei Economy Roundtable (BER), a closed-door discussion on Brunei Darussalam’s economic prospects. Organised by the ASEAN and APEC Business Advisory Council (BAC) Brunei, the Roundtable provided a platform for candid dialogue on Brunei’s economic direction, resilience, diversification, and growth opportunities.
Key discussions focused on investment competitiveness, foreign direct investment (FDI), trade expansion, regional integration, sustainability, and digital adoption to boost productivity. Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohd. Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Finance and Economy, delivered a keynote address outlining government economic policies and priorities for 2026, emphasising public-private collaboration to advance Brunei Vision 2035.
Ti Eng Hui, Chief Executive Officer of Baiduri Bank highlighted the need for actionable outcomes, private sector engagement, and regional cooperation to strengthen competitiveness, investment, and trade. Representatives from Brunei Shell Petroleum, Darussalam Assets Sdn. Bhd., Datastream Digital (DST) Sdn. Bhd., Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB), and other organisations participated, sharing insights on business risks, opportunities, and strategies to drive economic growth over the next three to five years.
Now in its fifth year, the Brunei Economic Programme, led by the private sector and ASEAN and APEC BAC Brunei, continues to connect Brunei’s economy with regional and global developments, supporting economic diversification and contributing to the nation’s long-term goals under Brunei Vision 2035

ASEAN judges unite against human trafficking

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:45:00 +0700

The ASEAN Multilateral Judicial Knowledge Exchange (JKE) on Victim-Sensitive Adjudication of Trafficking in Persons Cases was officially opened today at the Radisson Hotel. The programme, running until 5th February, brings together judges from ASEAN Member States, judicial training institutions and the Secretariat of the Council of ASEAN Chief Justices (CACJ).

An initiative of the CACJ Working Group on Judicial Education and Training, jointly chaired by the judiciaries of Republic of Indonesia and the Republic of the Philippines, the JKE reflects ASEAN’s commitment to strengthening judicial responses to trafficking in persons through victim-centred and human rights-based approaches. The programme is supported by ASEAN-Australia Counter Trafficking (ASEAN-ACT) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The opening ceremony featured senior judicial and international representatives, who emphasised that trafficking in persons is a serious transnational crime requiring a strong, coordinated and victim-sensitive judicial response. They highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, knowledge-sharing and harmonised adjudication.

The JKE provides a platform for sharing practical experience and best practices, and for developing a regional Compendium on Victim-Sensitive Adjudication for trafficking in persons cases, covering court procedures, victim protection, the best interests of the child, compensation, and judicial capacity-building.

Driving national development towards inclusive, sustainable growth

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:27:00 +0700

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam emphasised that Brunei Darussalam continues to strengthen economic diversification through key priorities under the Economic Blueprint, including the development of a maritime ecosystem to support transshipment activities and reduce logistics costs, while enhancing regional competitiveness and creating new economic opportunities.
In a titah (royal speech) in conjunction with the 42nd Brunei Darussalam National Day Celebration broadcasted nationwide, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam highlighted initiatives to develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centres through collaboration with Government-Linked Companies to strengthen technological capabilities, ensure data security and drive digital innovation.
His Majesty also underscored the importance of food security through regional cooperation, including the Brunei-Singapore Agri-Tech Food Zone, as well as expanding eco-tourism in preparation for Visit Brunei 2027. These initiatives, aligned with the 12th National Development Plan and Brunei Vision 2035, reflect the Government’s commitment to achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
His Majesty further called on local entrepreneurs, youths and all citizens to seize emerging opportunities, to strengthen patriotism, and to work together to support national development and economic progress.

BDCB issues 4 commemorative products

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:45:00 +0700

Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) is launching four commemorative products to mark the Diamond Jubilee Wedding Anniversary of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu‘izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam.

The commemorative collection includes a gold coin, silver coin, cupronickel coin, and—for the first time—a commemorative gold foil. All items feature a portrait of Their Majesties taken during the 2017 Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration at the International Convention Centre. The design incorporates the traditional woven motif Kain Si Lubang Bangsi, symbolising cultural heritage and refinement, as well as the number ‘60’ in Roman and Jawi numerals to represent six decades of royal marriage. The reverse of the gold foil displays Their Majesties’ personal emblems, reflecting royal sovereignty and strength.

In terms of specifications and pricing: the gold coin (999.9 gold, 31.1g) carries a face value of $600 and is priced from $6,700, subject to market rates; the silver coin (999 silver, 31.1g) has a face value of $60 and is priced at $560; the cupronickel coin (28g) carries a face value of $6 and is sold at $360, and the gold foil (999.9 gold, 1g) is priced from $450, subject to prevailing gold prices.
The public may purchase the commemorative products starting Monday, 2 February 2026 at the BDCB Gift Shop, Level 1, BCMB Building, Ministry of Finance and Economy Complex, Commonwealth Drive.

Among the commemorative products to be issued by Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB)

Strengthening regional digital ecosystems

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:41:00 +0700

Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications led Brunei Darussalam’s delegation to the 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting (ADGMIN) and Related Meetings in Ha Noi, Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, held on 15th to 16th January.
The meeting, chaired by His Excellency Nguyen Manh Hung, Minister of Science and Technology of Viet Nam with Brunei as Vice-Chair, focused on the theme ‘Adaptive ASEAN: From Connectivity to Connected Intelligence’, emphasising stronger regional digital ecosystems, digital trust, and inclusive, sustainable development.
During the meeting, the Minister of Transport and Infocommunications highlighted the importance of advancing connected intelligence and digital public infrastructure. The ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2030 was officially launched to guide the region’s digital transformation over the next five years. The meeting also endorsed 17 digital projects for implementation in 2026, including several coordinated by Brunei, such as the ASEAN AI Skilling Framework and ASEAN Digital Trade Infrastructure (Phase 2).
The meeting included engagements with ASEAN’s dialogue partners and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). At the ASEAN Digital Awards 2026, Brunei’s WilKGames won a Silver Award in the Digital Content category for its 3D game, Tikus Tales.
Yang Berhormat Minister of Transport and Infocommunications leading Brunei Darussalam’s delegation to the 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ (ADGMIN) Meeting and Related Meetings.

Brunei recognised at the ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:38:00 +0700

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism presented the awards to the Brunei Darussalam recipients.

Under the ASEAN Green Hotel Award category, Radisson Hotel was recognised for its commitment to sustainable hospitality practices.

Several Bruneian venues were also honoured under the ASEAN MICE Venue Awards. Among them, the An-Naura Hall at the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex; the Mutiara Ballroom at Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam; and the Indera Samudra Grand Hall at The Empire Brunei received awards in the Meeting Room category. Meanwhile, the Indera Samudra Grand Hall at The Empire Brunei, and the BRIDEX International Conference Centre were recognised under the Exhibition Venue category.

Brunei also stood out in sustainable tourism. The Mangrove River Safari by Freme Travel Services won the ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Award under the Eco-Tourism Destination Theme and Packages for the Urban Product category. Meanwhile, Discover Temburong and the Canopy Walk Tower were also commended under the Eco-Tourism Destination Theme for the Rural Product category.