Bold goals, unfulfilled promises, and an urgent call for change—Brunei's Vision 2035 hangs in the balance. As the nation faces a pivotal decade, systemic inefficiencies and bureaucratic barriers threaten to derail progress. Can Brunei overcome these challenges and turn aspirations into reality, or will Vision 2035 remain an elusive dream? Discover the real story behind the struggle and what must be done to reignite hope for a prosperous future.
By Malai Hassan Othman
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, DECEMBER 2024: The ambitious goals of Vision 2035 paint an inspiring picture of a prosperous, educated, and sustainable Brunei. However, as the years pass, the reality on the ground tells a different story—one marked by ambitions stifled by systemic inefficiencies, unfulfilled promises, and a pressing need for reform.
Brunei stands at a crossroads: will it bravely confront the underlying challenges that have hindered progress, or will Vision 2035 remain a dream deferred?
The answer lies in our willingness to confront these issues directly, implement meaningful reforms, and reignite our passion for building a brighter future.
What Needs to Change?
To achieve its ambitious goals, Brunei requires bold reforms that address systemic inefficiencies, incentivise private sector growth, and foster entrepreneurship.
It is time for decisive action to implement the necessary changes for truly realising Wawasan 2035. However, these changes must extend beyond the economic realm and encompass significant improvements in non-economic sectors as well.
The following are key areas for non-economic reform that are vital for Brunei's progress:
1. Governance and Integrity: Establishing a transparent and accountable governance structure is crucial. Strengthening institutions like the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and enforcing ethical standards for public officials can foster public trust and enhance the overall effectiveness of governance. Additionally, addressing cultural and systemic barriers that promote patronage politics is essential for creating a meritocratic society that values competence and fairness.
2. Public Participation and Civic Engagement: Enhancing public participation in governance is a critical reform. Establishing platforms for public dialogue, civic education, and mechanisms that enable community involvement in decision-making processes can promote a more inclusive society. This includes empowering citizens with knowledge about their rights and responsibilities, encouraging active engagement in governance, and ensuring that policies reflect the needs and aspirations of the population.
3. Education Reform: Reforming the education system to incorporate civic education centred on MIB values and promoting critical thinking is vital for nurturing informed citizens. The education system must align more closely with market needs, ensuring that graduates possess the skills required by the private sector. This alignment can help reduce unemployment and underemployment among graduates, equipping the nation’s youth to contribute meaningfully to Brunei’s progress.
4. Cultural Shift Toward Accountability: Reform must also address cultural attitudes toward leadership and accountability. Leaders at all levels must adhere to principles of justice and compassion (Adil dan Beradab), ensuring observable consequences for ethical breaches. This cultural shift is essential to dismantle entrenched patronage systems and foster an environment that values transparency, integrity, and ethical governance.
5. Leveraging Technology for Governance: Utilizing digital platforms can enhance transparency and improve communication between the government and its citizens. Implementing online forums and social media channels to collect public input on policies can create a more connected and informed citizenry. This approach will not only help rebuild trust but also ensure that policies reflect the diverse perspectives within society.
The government must be willing to streamline bureaucratic processes and create a genuinely business-friendly environment that attracts foreign investors while nurturing local talent.
The next decade will be crucial. The choices made today will determine whether Wawasan 2035 becomes a reality or remains an unfulfilled vision.
Progress is evident but hindered, struggling to escape stagnation. Brunei cannot afford for its youth - its greatest asset - to seek better opportunities elsewhere.
It is time to reignite the passion and promises that Vision 2035 was inspired with renewed vigour, tangible reforms, and a clear commitment to harnessing the full potential of its people.
The Reality on the Ground: A Growing Sense of Frustration
On the streets of Bandar Seri Begawan, frustration is mounting. Graduates, once filled with hope and aspirations, are confronting a harsh reality.
"We were told that Vision 2035 would bring prosperity and opportunities," says one disillusioned young professional. "But here I am, unemployed, struggling to find a job that values my skills. It feels like the country is standing still while the rest of the world moves forward."
For many, the vision of a dynamic and sustainable economy seems more like a distant dream than a forthcoming reality.
The potential of Brunei’s youth remains largely untapped, with many falling into either underemployment or emigration. This loss of talent hampers Brunei’s aspirations, as those who could propel the economy forward are left without meaningful opportunities to contribute.
Strengths: Education and Stability.
Brunei has made notable progress in education and overall quality of life. The education system has improved, as evidenced by Brunei’s participation in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), where the country ranked 53rd out of 77 countries in 2018.
Furthermore, literacy and numeracy levels among students have improved through targeted initiatives such as the Brunei Teachers’ Standards and Literacy and Numeracy Coaching Programme (LNCP).
The quality of higher education institutions in Brunei has improved, as evidenced by rising rankings in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings.
Regarding quality of life, Brunei has made significant strides, achieving a rank of 51st out of 191 countries in the Human Development Index (HDI) by 2021. This reflects advancements in living standards and public services.
However, despite these strengths, a pressing question arises: Why is Brunei struggling to meet its Vision 2035 goals?
Weaknesses: Unemployment, Brain Drain, and Economic Dependence
A closer examination of the nation’s employment statistics reveals its weaknesses. As of 2023, youth unemployment is alarmingly high at 16.8%, with a notable portion of this group being recent graduates.
Despite initiatives such as the i-Ready program and skills training courses provided by JobCentre Brunei and the Youth Development Centre, many graduates face underemployment or unemployment.
The private sector's inability to absorb the increasing number of educated individuals drives many to compete for limited public sector positions.
Furthermore, Brunei's economic reliance on oil and gas remains a significant challenge. Although the Brunei Darussalam Economic Blueprint aims to diversify the economy, growth in the non-oil and gas sectors, including downstream industries and fisheries, has been modest, leaving the economy vulnerable to external shocks.
The issue of brain drain is another concern, as talented and educated Bruneians are leaving the country for better opportunities abroad. Frustration over limited career prospects and a lack of dynamic private sector opportunities have exacerbated this exodus, jeopardising the aspirations of Vision 2035.
Opportunities: Diversification, Innovation, and Regional Integration
Nevertheless, opportunities are available if decisive action is taken. Brunei has launched various initiatives aimed at diversifying its economy into sectors such as tourism, the digital economy, and green technology.
Programs like the Industry Roadmap and Digital Economy Master Plan 2025 are designed to broaden Brunei's economic base beyond hydrocarbons.
To fully realise these opportunities, however, Brunei must enhance policy support, improve infrastructure, and streamline business processes.
Moreover, the country’s integration into the ASEAN community presents potential for regional cooperation and trade.
While Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) remains limited, ongoing efforts to streamline bureaucratic processes and enhance regulatory transparency are vital for building investor confidence.
Additionally, embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0) and the Internet of Things (IoT) could unlock new avenues for growth, fostering innovation and boosting productivity within Brunei's economy.
Reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and providing incentives for startups and innovation are essential for boosting Brunei's competitiveness and attracting the necessary foreign direct investment (FDI) to diversify its economy.
Despite these efforts, FDI inflows have remained low, and slow bureaucratic processes continue to deter potential investors.
Challenges: Brain Drain, Capital Leakage, and Bureaucratic Barriers
One of the most significant threats to Brunei's economic progress is capital leakage caused by cross-border shopping, which has a considerable impact on the retail industry.
Residents frequently travel across borders in search of better prices and a wider selection of goods, resulting in millions of dollars in lost revenue—funds that could have supported local businesses and stimulated economic activity.
To address this challenge, it is vital to enhance local market competitiveness, diversify product offerings, and refine pricing strategies to retain consumer spending.
Bureaucratic inefficiencies pose another substantial obstacle. Even with efforts to improve governance, regulations designed to protect local interests often discourage investment.
While neighbouring countries are benefiting from globalisation and open economies, Brunei's relatively insular approach hampers its ability to attract new investment and retain its talent pool.
This issue is exacerbated by a slow reform process, which has limited Brunei's capacity to adapt and innovate in a rapidly changing economic landscape. (MHO/12/2024)
