Standard Chartered Bank Brunei hosted its signature Global Research Briefing H1 2025, titled ‘Reverberations’, at Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah recently.
The event brought together some 100 corporate clients and stakeholders to gain insights from Standard Chartered’s senior regional economists on the global and local economic outlook for the year ahead.
Chief Economist and Head of FX, ASEAN and South Asia, Standard Chartered Global Research Edward Lee and Economist and FX Analyst, Asia, Standard Chartered Global Research Jonathan Koh shared their perspectives on key economic trends shaping global markets and Brunei’s business landscape. Their discussions covered growth opportunities, economic headwinds, and strategies for navigating the evolving financial climate.
The event began with a welcoming address by Standard Chartered Brunei Chief Executive Officer Pengiran Aki Ismasufian bin Pengiran Haji Ibrahim.
“We may all know that the shadow of geopolitical tensions continues to remain uncertain as trade wars often dampen the overall economic growth. It may also lead to market volatility, slower economic growth, and shifts in trade alliances as countries seek to mitigate the effects of rising tariffs and economic uncertainty,” he said.
He added “As business leaders, investors, and policy makers, we operate in a world of accelerating change – where global macroeconomic trends, evolving regulatory landscapes, and transformative technologies continue to redefine how we trade, invest, and grow.”
This was followed by a keynote address from Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) Managing Director Hajah Rashidah binti Haji Sabtu, who highlighted the importance of economic resilience and strategic planning in today’s business environment.
She said, “Brunei’s economic performance will largely hinge on geopolitical developments, particularly those influencing global commodity prices and the economic stability of its key trading partners.
“Against this backdrop, policymakers need to urgently look into different pathways in reviving economic growth, while ensuring the resilience of the financial sector against any potential disruptions.”
The managing director also highlighted three key areas of focus, namely technological innovation, sustainable finance and crisis preparedness. She added that BDCB will be embarking on a new milestone this year on the development of the second Financial Sector Blueprint (2026 – 2035).
She said, “In supporting a vibrant financial sector, we will also be refining key strategies, namely, a renewed Digital Payment Roadmap. The success of these strategies, however, relies on effective collaboration and coordination among stakeholders. As such, my hope is that we can continue to deepen our engagement with the industry in realising a more dynamic, inclusive and sustainable development path ahead.”
A panel discussion and a question-and-answer session followed, moderated by Senior Investment Counsellor at Standard Chartered Securities Brunei Awangku Muhd Hazwan bin Pengiran Haji Kamarulzaman. He led a discussion with Edward Lee and Jonathan Koh, addressing key questions from attendees and providing deeper insights into economic trends and business strategies for 2025.
Through this briefing, Standard Chartered reaffirmed its commitment to supporting businesses in Brunei with expert insights and strategic guidance, ensuring they are well-positioned for success in 2025 and beyond.
