The future looks promising, but many Bruneians are still stuck waiting. Graduates with no jobs, vendors waiting on payments, and plans that feel slow to arrive — what happens when national vision doesn’t match everyday reality?
As Brunei advances its long-term economic plan, many citizens are still asking a difficult question: when will things start to improve for the rest of us?
The Ministry of Finance and Economy (MOFE) recently reaffirmed its commitment to fiscal discipline, stating that “every dollar must be used wisely to ensure long-term sustainability.”
Officials have assured the public that current budgetary policies are designed not just for today, but for the next generation.
“We are focusing on growth areas that matter — digital transformation, human capital, and food security,” a MOFE spokesperson told the Borneo Bulletin.
But while ministries plan for the future, the view from the ground is far less optimistic.
Across social media and online forums, many Bruneians have voiced concerns that fiscal discipline — while important — has yet to translate into real improvements in their daily lives.
One user commented that around 5,000 university graduates remain jobless, despite holding degrees. Others pointed to repeated delays in public projects and late payments to vendors as signs that things aren’t moving fast enough.
“We keep hearing about long-term planning, but what about now?” asked one commenter. “It’s been years of promises. Trust needs action.”
These concerns reflect a broader sense of unease — not a rejection of national goals, but growing frustration over slow execution and limited communication.
Some of the strongest reactions are coming from small business owners and unemployed youth.
One vendor said they had waited months to be paid after completing a government contract.
Others shared that they no longer expect major opportunities from government-linked programmes and are instead exploring options outside the country.
Infrastructure development is another common concern. While large-scale projects are underway, citizens say their own towns and districts have seen little change.
Roads are in need of repair. Basic services appear stalled. And job creation, they argue, hasn’t kept up with the needs of a growing youth population.
To be fair, the Ministry has been clear about the reasons for its caution.
With oil revenues no longer as dependable as before, the government is tightening its belt to secure Brunei’s financial future.
The 2024–2025 budget focuses on targeted investments rather than broad-based spending. In principle, this approach is sound — but it offers little comfort to those who feel they’ve been left behind.
MOFE has also indicated its support for public-private partnerships, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship.
But critics argue that without a clear framework for youth inclusion and transparent updates on progress, the gap between policy and people will only continue to grow.
Public sentiment snapshot:
🗣 “Too much talk, not enough action.”
🗣 “Still waiting for jobs. Still waiting for updates.”
🗣 “We believe in the vision, but we’re struggling to stay hopeful.”
The big picture matters — Brunei’s economy must transform if it is to thrive. But transformation must also be felt by the people who are living with the realities of the present.
As one young graduate quietly put it:
“We’re not against the plan. We just want to be part of it. For real.” (MHO/12/2025)
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