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 underscored the nation’s strong foundation in faith, emphasising that Brunei’s resilience in the face of global uncertainties is a result of its unwavering commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity.
In a New Year’s Day titah aired yesterday evening, the monarch began by affirming that Brunei’s strong religious principles would continue to safeguard the nation, ensuring it remains peaceful and secure for generations to come. His Majesty expressed belief that the nation’s future lies in the hands of its youth, who are key to the continued development of the country through the pursuit of knowledge and skills.
ECONOMIC RESILIENCE AND GROWTH
Despite the challenges presented by a volatile global environment, His Majesty highlighted Brunei’s impressive economic performance.
The monarch mentioned that according to predictions from institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO), the nation’s economy is set to grow between 2.5 per cent and 2.9 per cent in 2025. This positive outlook, the monarch noted, is a result of efforts to diversify the economy, especially beyond traditional sectors.
“The nation’s economy has shown resilience, with growth driven by increases in production in various sectors. Furthermore, government efforts to diversify the economy, particularly into non-oil sectors, have proven successful,” His Majesty said. His Majesty went on to state that the government will continue to focus on attracting high-quality Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to drive economic growth, as well as fostering small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which are expected to benefit from these investments.
His Majesty also emphasised the importance of enhancing local human resources through education and skills training aligned with industry demands. “We are committed to strengthening the development of human capital, ensuring that our workforce is equipped with the skills necessary to meet the needs of both local and international markets,” the monarch stated.
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AND DIPLOMACY
His Majesty also highlighted Brunei’s active role in regional and global affairs. As a member of organisations such as ASEAN and the United Nations (UN), Brunei has consistently demonstrated its commitment to fostering international cooperation, particularly in areas such as counterterrorism, international law, and regional development.
The monarch expressed confidence that Brunei will continue to build on its strong relationships with neighbouring countries and international partners. “We must take advantage of the many opportunities for growth and collaboration that exist in the global arena. The future of our country lies in maintaining our diplomatic relationships and working together for mutual benefit,” His Majesty said.
INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT AND THE WELL-BEING OF ALL CITIZENS
Another key theme of the His Majesty’s titah was the importance of inclusive development that benefits all sectors of society. His Majesty called for a collaborative approach across both the public and private sectors to ensure that progress is shared by all citizens, especially the vulnerable and less fortunate.
“We must ensure that no one is left behind in the nation’s progress. Our focus must remain on inclusive development, where all members of society can benefit from the growth and opportunities we create,” the monarch stressed. His Majesty further noted that ensuring the well-being of all citizens, particularly the elderly and those with less means, is a national responsibility.
GRATITUDE AND PRAYERS FOR THE FUTURE
In closing, His Majesty expressed deep appreciation to all those who have contributed to the nation’s progress, including public servants, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, the Royal Brunei Police Force, uniformed personnel, and members of the private sector and non-governmental organisations. “Your dedication and hard work are the foundation of Brunei’s continued success,” the monarch said.
His Majesty also extended heartfelt thanks to neighbouring countries and international partners for their ongoing cooperation in strengthening ties with Brunei. The monarch wished all citizens of Brunei Darussalam, including those living abroad, a prosperous New Year.
“May Allah the Almighty continue to bless us all, granting Brunei Darussalam lasting peace, prosperity, and security. Let us move forward together with faith and determination, working toward a brighter future for all,” His Majesty concluded. – Fadley Faisal
