Data collection must adapt to changing circumstances. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the data collected leads to better decision-making, supports national development, informs more effective policies, and enhances the country’s resilience, said Department of Economic Planning and Statistics (DEPS) Acting Director General Heidi Farah Sia binti Abdul Rahman.
She said this during a workshop to mark Brunei Darussalam’s inaugural National Statistics Day workshop at the Ministry of Finance and Economy building on Saturday.
“Data collection is not solely the responsibility of statisticians at the Department of Statistics. It involves a collective effort, including frontline staff and data-processing teams, to ensure that the information gathered is timely, relevant, and useful.
“Far from being just numbers or bureaucratic tasks, the data generated from everyday activities is a powerful tool. When utilised effectively, it contributes to policies that are more responsive to citizens’ needs and forms the backbone of the nation’s statistical infrastructure,” she added.
The workshop, themed ‘Enhancing Administrative Data in Building Sound Policies’ was attended by over 60 participants from key public sector agencies to underscore the importance of cultivating a strong data culture within government institutions, vital for effective policymaking and the nation’s progress toward a resilient future, aligned with Brunei Vision 2035.
Heidi Farah Sia officiating the workshop, highlighted that the theme reflects the Department of Statistics’ dedication to fostering a robust data-driven culture across all levels of government.
She also noted on the critical role of timely and reliable data in driving national progress, noting that administrative agencies serve as the frontline in generating the essential data.
The workshop featured a series of presentations by officials from DEPS, who shared insights on the introduction and role of administrative data in producing national socio-economic statistics, as well as on statistics from a user’s perspective.
The highlight of the workshop was an interactive discussion among participants to exchange ideas on challenges faced and potential actionable recommendations to enhance the role of administrative data through, capacity building, enhancing data literacy, leveraging technology and strengthening collaboration among key agencies to work on standardising data definitions.
The National Statistics Day is celebrated to highlight the crucial role of statistics in national development. The event is aligned with the United Nations Statistical Commission’s recommendation to promote the importance of statistics at the national level.
