To realise Brunei Vision 2035 goals, several challenges and is- sues must be tackled to ensure the vision moves beyond pa- per, Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Amran bin Haji Maidin said during the second meeting of the 21st LegCo on Monday.

Brunei Vision 2035 emphasises the need to develop highly educated individuals with skills relevant to current and future demands.

Despite significant investments in education, including curriculum improvements, modern facilities, and technical training programmes, questions remain about whether the private sector and the government can effectively absorb these graduates.

He also raised the concern that if individuals are trained but suitable job opportunities are lacking, it could lead to skilled unemployment or the migration of workers.

Although the local workforce is becoming more skilled, sec- tors such as construction and services still rely heavily on foreign workers due to low interest from locals. This demonstrates that training alone is insufficient without relevant and attractive job opportunities to engage the modern agriculture, technology local population.

One of the main targets of Brunei Vision 2035 is to ensure that the people enjoy a comfortable, safe and healthy life, which involves improvements in the health system, housing, public transportation and social care.

The effort is important to ensure the country’s social harmony and stability. However, the public has yet to fully experience its benefits, raising questions such as whether the public transport system offers safe, affordable and easily accessible services for all.

Yang Berhormat Amran asked, “Housing programmes may be in place, but what about eligibility criteria, maintenance costs, and waiting periods? Is the selection process for government housing transparent and fair? And does welfare assistance provide only short-term relief or does it contribute to long-term freedom from poverty?”

He added this shows that the policy implementation needs to be inclusive, equitable and effective so that the goal of improving the quality of life of the people is truly achieved.

The vision also aims to reduce Brunei’s dependency on oil and gas revenues by diversifying the economic sector and tourism, and Islamic finance, steps that aim to increase job opportunities and ensure long-term economic stability.

The question, however, is whether these new sectors can replace the dominance of the oil and gas industry. Are the people ready, interested and trained to venture into new areas such as technology and modern agriculture? And is government support and infrastructure sufficient to make these sectors competitive on an international level?, the LegCo member asked.

He said this shows that efforts to diversify the economy need to be implemented comprehensively and supported by a long- term training and investment policy.
If everyone in the country fulfils their roles, Brunei Vision 2035 goals can not only be achieved but can also elevate Brunei’s standing as an excellent nation on international stage, Yang Berhormat Amran said.

“However, real success depends on fair, inclusive and intelligent implementation as well as solutions to the issues that have been raised.

“With knowledge, the spirit of cooperation and wise leadership, Brunei will definitely be able to move forward towards a brighter future.”

(News pic source: Borneo Bulletin)