Canada has been actively supporting ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook for the Indo-Pacific since launching its ASEAN Strategic Partnership last year. This includes increased contributions to the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action Trust Fund, negotiating an ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement with Brunei’s support, and funding various projects.
Canadian High Commissioner to Brunei, Ambra Dickie, highlighted these efforts during the Canada Day celebration held at Radisson Hotel in the capital Monday evening.
In Brunei, Canada has funded 19 students under the ASEAN-Canada Scholarships for Educational Exchanges and Development (SEED) program since 2022, with more students set to travel this year.
Canada has provided nearly half a million dollars through the ASEAN Mitigation of Biological Threats Program to support Brunei’s biosafety and biosecurity framework, including establishing a National One Health Coordination Centre. Additionally, Canada has contributed USD2 million to the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre), where Brunei plays an integral role.
High Commissioner Dickie emphasised the strengthening of bilateral relations through various initiatives, including visits and meetings between Brunei and Canadian officials. Canada continues to collaborate with Brunei in international organizations such as the United Nations, APEC, the Commonwealth, and the World Health Organization.
Canada is focused on expanding trade, investment, and supply chain resilience with Brunei. The trade relationship has grown nearly 35 per cent in the past year, with increasing interest from Canadian companies in sectors like ICT, energy transition, and education.
In education, delegations from UBD and UTB have attended Canada’s Bureau of International Education conference to advance partnerships in STEM and sustainability.
High Commissioner Dickie expressed gratitude for His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s consent to extend the visa waiver for Canadian citizens traveling to Brunei from 14 days to 90 days, effective July 19. She hopes this will encourage more Canadians to explore Brunei.
Plans are also underway to create a Canada-Brunei Chamber of Commerce and Networking Association to enhance commercial, cultural, and educational projects between the two countries. – LYNA MOHAMMAD
