Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof highlighted the need to review proposals related to Brunei Vision 2035 in light of global developments, to ensure relevant stakeholders can respond effectively. He emphasised this during the Second Meeting of the 21st Legislative Council Session yesterday.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi explained that the strategic implementations to achieve Brunei Vision 2035’s three main goals are guided by: the Manpower Blueprint (Goal 1), led by the Ministry of Education and the Manpower Planning and Employment Council; the Social Blueprint (Goal 2), led by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and the National Council on Social Issues; and the Economic Blueprint (Goal 3), led by the Ministry of Finance and Economy.
The council proposes a unified, nationwide coordinated approach to support the objectives of Brunei Vision 2035, especially in light of global uncertainties, from geopolitical conflicts to economic volatility, that pose significant challenges to achieving the vision’s goals.
Since its launch in 2007, Brunei Vision 2035 has guided national policy-making and long-term planning with its three core goals, a highly educated, skilled and successful citizen; a high quality of life for all residents and a dynamic and resilient economy.
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’s concern and unwavering commitment to nation-building is reflected through His Majesty’s titah, guidance and continuous support, particularly in strengthening policies aligned with the core pillars of Brunei Vision 2035 – demonstrating His Majesty’s steadfast dedication to ensuring the country progresses in line with global developments.
With Brunei facing emerging global challenges: climate change, new technologies, workforce transformation, and geopolitical instability, it needs policy approaches that are more strategic, fast and far sighted.
In addressing these challenges, the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) stays the main foundation of nation building and not merely the nation’s identity but also as a guidance in forming a direction of a holistic and balanced development between physical advancement and spiritual development.
The minister shared the progress towards vision goals where on Goal 1- Educated, Highly Skilled and Successful Citizens – based on the report of Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the nation’s score for PISA 2022 shows an improvement since 2018.
The report recorded a score of 442 in mathematics (12 score rise), 492 in reading (21 score rise) and science 446 (15 score rise) and these place Brunei among the top three countries in ASEAN, reflecting sustained education reform efforts.
For Goal 2 – High Quality of Life – United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the 2025 report stated Brunei ranks 60 out of 193 countries, classified as ‘Very High Human Development’. As for Goal 3 – Dynamic and Resilient Economy – World Economic Outlook (April) report issued by International Monetary Fund (IMF), Brunei ranked top seventh out of 194 countries, reflecting the nation’s capability in maintaining a stable economy despite facing global challenges.
Meanwhile, the Sultanate’s strategic planning is guided by three blueprints, each aligned with a core vision goal to ensure planning and implementation of policy through whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach.
The Manpower Blueprint focuses on dynamic education and training systems; future-ready citizens; holistic human capital development and supportive structures/infrastructure and the Social Blueprint focuses on resilient, self-reliant people and future ready people; empowering strong, loving and resilient families; building a caring, fair and inclusive community and empower social development through whole-of-nation approach.
Meanwhile, the Economic Blueprint focuses on six aspirations of productive and fast-growing businesses; skilled, adaptive, innovative workforce; globally connected economy; environmental sustainability; high-quality economic infrastructure and good governance and public service excellence
The PMO fully support efforts in realising the nation’s objectives through whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach among all, strengthening strategic governance through formulation of long-term development policy based on evidence-based policy; upgrading efficiency of public services through modernisation plan and institution transformation; taking a whole and proactive approach in preserving the nation’s security and stability for the well-being of the people; prioritising success that focuses on nation’s interest and well-being of the citizens; uphold a sustainable energy transformation; empower cooperation across sector and building a whole national data capability.
Brunei Darussalam has also maintained a high electrification rate of 99.99 per cent this year through the connecting of power networks to Mukim Sukang and rural areas in the Belait District to meet the residents’ daily needs.
The PMO also facilitated conducive policy for strategic investment, human capital building including implementation of Employment Order (Minimum Wage) (Amendment) 2025 and private sector innovation.
(News & pic source: Borneo Bulletin)
