His Majesty’s Vision for Brunei-China Ties: A Defining Moment for Wawasan 2035

Brunei’s strengthened strategic partnership with China opens doors for investment, trade, and economic growth—how will the nation capitalize on this historic opportunity?

 

By Malai Hassan Othman

 

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM, FEBRUARY 2025 – His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah’s state visit to China has ushered in a new era of Brunei-China relations, reinforcing mutual economic cooperation, investment, and trade partnerships.

 

At a crucial juncture in Brunei’s economic diversification efforts, the visit laid the groundwork for key developments that could help drive the nation closer to achieving Wawasan 2035. 

 

During his discussions with President Xi Jinping, His Majesty reaffirmed Brunei’s commitment to strengthening its long-standing partnership with China, underscoring the importance of strategic cooperation in economic and regional development. 

 

“Brunei and China have enjoyed a strong and enduring relationship built on mutual respect and trust. This partnership has provided valuable opportunities in trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges, which we look forward to expanding further,” His Majesty stated during his meeting with President Xi. 

 

President Xi echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of aligning China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with Brunei’s Wawasan 2035. 

 

“The two countries should enhance the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Brunei's Wawasan 2035 and advance the two flagship projects of the Guangxi-Brunei Economic Corridor and the Hengyi Petrochemical project,” President Xi said. 

 

The key question now is: How can Brunei translate these agreements into tangible benefits that contribute to long-term economic stability and growth?

 

Major Developments: Strengthening Brunei’s Economic Foundations 

The visit saw significant agreements signed across multiple sectors, reflecting China’s strong confidence in Brunei’s economic trajectory. Among the most notable:

• Hengyi Industries Expansion (Pulau Muara Besar, Phase 2) – A major step in Brunei’s downstream oil and gas industry, reinforcing its position as a key player in the region. With China’s continued support, the expansion will enhance industrial capacity and drive economic growth. The focus now will be on ensuring Bruneian workforce participation and fostering local expertise.

• Brunei-Guangxi Economic Corridor & Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) – A push to integrate Brunei’s economy into China’s global trade network, aiming to expand infrastructure development, increase foreign direct investment (FDI), and strengthen trade relations.

• Agriculture and Food Security – The signing of an MoU on Agricultural Cooperation signals new opportunities for Brunei’s agri-food sector, particularly in rice planting, fisheries, and livestock production. President Xi emphasized that China supports hybrid rice research cooperation to boost Brunei’s food security efforts and agricultural trade.

• Muara Port Expansion & Regional Logistics Growth – China acknowledged Brunei’s strategic importance in regional trade and expressed support for expanding the Muara Container Terminal (MCT). This is expected to enhance Brunei’s role in the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) and strengthen logistics and shipping capacity.

• Tourism & Connectivity – The extension of visa-free travel agreements will encourage greater tourism, business exchanges, and cultural cooperation, reinforcing Brunei’s ambition to attract more Chinese tourists and investors. 

China’s Support: A Strong Endorsement for Brunei’s Future

President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s commitment to expanding economic cooperation with Brunei, particularly in the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and new energy industries - key areas aligned with Brunei’s economic modernisation strategy. 

 

“China is willing to encourage more Chinese businesses to invest in Brunei, support the country's development of the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and new energy industries, and help the country achieve economic diversification,” President Xi stated. 

 

Additionally, he emphasised the need for Brunei to maximise platforms such as the China International Import Expo and the China-ASEAN Expo to expand exports of high-quality Bruneian agricultural and fishery products. His Majesty expressed appreciation for China’s long-standing support in Brunei’s economic journey, particularly in helping the Sultanate navigate global economic uncertainties. 

 

"We greatly value China's support and its confidence in our economic progress. These partnerships are essential in helping us realize our national vision and strengthen Brunei's long-term economic resilience," His Majesty said.

 

The Reality Check: What Comes Next?

 

While the state visit marks a major milestone, the real challenge lies in translating these agreements into real economic benefits.

• Investment Readiness – Foreign investment alone will not be enough; Brunei must ensure that local businesses are prepared to take advantage of new opportunities. This requires developing a skilled workforce, supporting entrepreneurship, and strengthening business-friendly policies.

• Sustainability & Long-Term Growth - Expanding energy, agriculture, and logistics sectors are promising, but Brunei must balance economic expansion with sustainability, ensuring long-term economic stability without over-reliance on any one sector.

• Local Participation & Inclusive Growth - A key priority will be ensuring that Bruneians directly benefit from these agreements - whether through job creation, technology transfer, or local business opportunities. Strong local engagement and strategic implementation will be critical to success. 

 

A Defining Moment for Brunei-China Relations

 

His Majesty’s visit has strengthened Brunei-China ties and set a clear direction for economic cooperation. 

 

With Wawasan 2035 just a decade away, the agreements signed during this visit represent a crucial window of opportunity to accelerate Brunei’s transition into a more diversified and resilient economy. 

 

However, the responsibility now shifts to Brunei’s policymakers, business leaders, and workforce to ensure that these partnerships translate into real economic impact. 

 

As President Xi aptly put it: “China and Brunei should jointly advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation, safeguard international fairness and justice, and play a positive role in promoting global and regional peace and stability.” 

 

With China’s continued support and Brunei’s strategic vision, the path ahead is filled with opportunity—but only if the nation actively engages in realising its full potential.

 

Will Brunei rise to the occasion and turn these agreements into lasting economic prosperity? The answer will shape the nation’s future for decades to come. (MHO/02/2025)

“Mata Lalat or Mata Rakyat? The Role of Investigative Journalism in Nation-Building”

By Malai Hassan Othman

 

This is not the first time I have been labelled "mata lalat" (fly eyes) or "mata langau" (blowfly eyes) for my journalism. 

 

Throughout my career as a reporter, I have encountered officials and individuals in power who prefer to dismiss rather than address the issues I highlight. 

 

I was told that I “focus too much on the negative” and that I should “find the good stories instead of exposing weaknesses.” 

 

The latest bee eyes vs. fly eyes video, which appeared soon after my article on Brunei’s tourism issues, is just another example of this age-old tactic - implying that those who highlight flaws are simply looking for filth rather than contributing to the nation’s progress.

 

But let’s set the record straight:

 

Fly Eyes Journalism Is Not the Enemy - It Is a  Necessity

 

The truth is not always pretty. Sometimes, it reveals incompetence, inefficiency, or mismanagement. 

 

But should journalists ignore these realities for the sake of being polite? 

 

A good journalist is not here to please the authorities; a good journalist is here to serve the public.

 

When I report on:

 

o   Brunei’s tourism struggles, I am not being negative - I am pointing out what needs improvement so the sector can thrive.

 

o   Employment challenges and economic issues, I am not attacking the government - I am advocating for a better future for our youth and workforce.

 

o   Flaws in public policies, I am not being disruptive - I am encouraging solutions based on facts and public sentiment.

 

So, if that makes me “mata-lalat” in the eyes of those who want to avoid accountability, be it. But let me ask:

 

o   Is a doctor "negative" for diagnosing a patient’s illness?

 

o   Is a mechanic "destructive" for pointing out a car’s engine failure?

 

o   Is a leader "weak" for admitting flaws and working to fix them?

 

Of course not. Likewise, a journalist who investigates problems, asks tough questions, and exposes the truth is not a nuisance - he is doing his job.

 

The Real Threat to Brunei: Press Release Journalism and Management by  Deceit

 

Brunei does not suffer from too much critical - journalism - it suffers from too much press release journalism. We have enough articles filled with:

 

o   Flowery language about "successes"

 

o   Quotes from officials repeating the same talking points

 

o   Speeches filled with promises that are never followed up

 

What we lack are journalists who:

 

o   Ask difficult but necessary questions.

 

o   Follow up on past promises and hold leaders accountable.

 

o   Write not just for those in power but for the people who are affected by decisions.

 

This is why fly-eye journalism is important. Because someone has to look into the corners where others refuse to see. 

 

Someone has to uncover what is being hidden. Someone has to push for better governance, not just glorify the status quo.

 

Management by Deceit (MBD): A Culture of  Concealment

 

A more dangerous trend than mere press release journalism is Management by Deceit  - (MBD) - where problems are not solved but are instead covered up with superficial policies and empty statements. 

 

Instead of fixing broken systems, those in power manufacture success stories that exist only on paper.

 

o   Public funds are misallocated, but reports claim "efficient  spending."

 

o   Economic struggles persist, but officials cite "steady  progress."

 

o   Policies fail to deliver real impact, but leaders boast about their  "achievements."

 

MBD allows inefficiencies and corruption to fester unchecked. It enables those in power to suppress reality while maintaining an illusion of progress. And when journalists expose these deceptions, they are labelled as "negative" - as if identifying a problem is worse than allowing it to continue.

 

Moving Forward: A Stronger Media for a Stronger  Brunei

 

If Brunei wants to progress, it does not need a media that only —praises—it needs a media that educates, informs, and questions.

 

1.     More Space for Constructive Criticism

 

Journalists should not be treated as enemies for reporting inconvenient truths. The government and institutions must recognise that accountability is not an attack - it is a tool for improvement.

 

2.     A Culture of Public  Engagement

 

Rather than dismissing criticism, authorities should engage with journalists and the public in open discussions. If there are misunderstandings, clarify them. If there are mistakes, correct them. If there are valid concerns, act on them.

 

3.     Encouraging Ethical  Journalism

 

Journalists, too, have a duty - to ensure that their reporting is fair, factual, and constructive. Investigative journalism should be about truth, not personal agendas. Brunei’s media does not need to be all "bee eyes" or all "fly-eyes" - it needs both. 

 

We need the optimism of bees but also the scrutiny of flies. Because progress is not built on just seeing the good but on fixing what is broken.

 

To Those Who Call Journalists  “Flies”

 

I ask: Are you uncomfortable with the journalist, or are you uncomfortable with the truth they reveal? 

 

The more those in power resist critical journalism, the more they show that they fear accountability. But accountability is not a threat to good governance - it is a pillar of it.

 

For the past three decades, I have been called mata lalat and mata langau, but it has never demotivated me. 

 

Because in journalism, the ultimate loyalty is not to power but to the truth. You may call me ‘mata-langau,’ but I will always be ‘mata-rakyat’ - because Brunei deserves the truth. (MHO/02/2025)