Making Empire Brunei Great Again

By DMAO

 

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, DECEMBER 2024: Recent efforts to revive The Empire Hotel & Country Club—commonly known as Empire Brunei—are beginning to show promising results, instilling renewed hope among members and stakeholders.

 

After years of concerns regarding neglect and decline, a comprehensive renovation plan is finally underway, addressing many pressing issues raised by members.

 

These developments are setting the stage for Empire Brunei to once again shine as a symbol of luxury and prestige.

 

With visible improvements in progress and a clear commitment to maintaining international standards, the journey to restore Empire Brunei's former glory is gaining momentum.

A Legacy of Excellence

When The Empire Hotel & Country Club opened its doors in October 2000, it was a marvel.

 

Built for USD 1.1 billion, this palatial property epitomised grandeur, featuring sprawling botanical gardens, opulent suites, and its crown jewel—an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus.

 

The golf course put Brunei on the world map, hosting prestigious events like the Brunei Open and the Royal Trophy, where Asia’s top golfers faced off against Europe’s finest.

 

Awards and accolades soon followed, recognising Empire Brunei as Asia's Leading Resort, with its golf course consistently ranked among the best in the region.

 

Formula One driver Jenson Button even named it his favourite hotel in the world.

 

Today, however, those awards serve as mere reminders of a bygone era. Once a jewel of Brunei’s tourism, The Empire now faces a mountain of challenges. 

The Fall from Grace

The decline began around 2011, marked by management changes and a shift in operational priorities.

 

Key positions essential for maintaining world-class standards were filled without the necessary expertise.

 

Decisions intended to improve cost-effectiveness led to visible deterioration: neglected fairways, poorly maintained facilities, and declining service quality.

 

The Empire Golf Club, once a leader in Brunei's international offerings, fell into decline, struggling to maintain the quality for which it was once celebrated.

 

Member Frustrations and Calls for Governance

This decline has not gone unnoticed by the club’s loyal members. In recent years, they have become increasingly vocal about issues of governance and management.

 

The Empire's transformation has been marred by accusations of neglect and a disregard for member concerns, with some members even facing threats of legal action for speaking out.

 

There is a palpable demand for better governance—a commitment to transparency, accountability, and open communication.

 

Management must create an environment that encourages constructive feedback rather than stifling dissent.

 

Good governance is not just about maintaining a luxurious facade; it is essential to preserving the spirit and prestige of Empire Brunei.

 

Issues such as uneven pathways, unsanitary conditions, clogged drains, and overgrown flower beds reflect a deeper problem in the facility's commitment to maintaining the high standards expected by members and international visitors alike.

Restoring the Empire

Despite these setbacks, hope remains. Renovation work has begun in earnest, with a renewed focus on elevating the facility back to international standards.

 

Visible improvements are already underway, ranging from guest facility renovations to golf course updates.

 

However, these renovations need to go beyond surface-level fixes; they must address the core issues that led to the decline, including inadequate staffing, insufficient expertise, and a lack of proactive maintenance.

 

A comprehensive restoration plan for Empire Brunei should encompass not only physical improvements but also training programs for local talent in areas such as golf course management, hospitality, and landscape upkeep.

 

This emphasis aligns with Brunei's Wawasan 2035, the nation’s long-term vision for sustainable growth.

 

Collaborations with international golfing bodies, including the PGA and the R&A, could play a significant role in ensuring Empire's return to prominence. 

Making the Empire Great Again: A Call to Action

For Empire Brunei to reclaim its status, management must commit to a holistic revival strategy that transcends superficial renovations to ensure lasting change.

 

This involves prioritising infrastructure renewal and cultural shifts within the management structure.

 

To truly make The Empire great again, governance must be transparent, standards uncompromising, and the local workforce empowered to maintain the facility with the same passion that inspired its creation.

 

Additionally, stakeholders, from Darussalam Assets Sdn Bhd to government-linked entities involved in the tourism sector, must rally behind this iconic establishment.

 

Empire Brunei is not just a luxury resort; it is a national symbol. Restoring its glory goes beyond tourism—it is about reclaiming a part of Brunei’s identity and ensuring that this landmark continues to be a source of pride for generations to come.

 

Brunei faces a unique opportunity. The groundwork is being laid; the question remains whether there is enough will to follow through.

 

The decline was a slow process, but with genuine effort and investment, Empire Brunei can rise again—not merely as a luxury destination but as a beacon of Brunei’s potential on the global stage.

 

The time to act is now, and the message is clear: it is time to make Empire Brunei great again.