The Brunei Digital Economy Forum 2024, co-hosted by the ASEAN and APEC Business Advisory Councils of Brunei, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Economy, took place on Wednesday at J Hotel in Kiulap.
The forum aims to explore the future of digital trade in Brunei, with a focus on the National Digital Payment Hub and the opportunities it will present for the local economy.
The event follows a titah delivered by 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 on July 15, where His Majesty shared plans for the development of a digital payment hub spearheaded by National Digital Payments Network Sendirian Berhad.
The hub, expected to launch soon, forms a key part of Brunei’s Digital Economy Master Plan 2025, which envisions transforming Brunei into a “Smart Nation” by 2025.
Discussions at the forum also aligned with Brunei’s long-term vision, Wawasan 2035, which identifies the digital economy as a critical driver for economic growth, aiming to create a dynamic and sustainable economy by 2035.
The forum featured opening remarks from Chair of ASEAN Business Advisory Council Brunei and CEO of Cnnolog Haslina Taib, as well as Chair of APEC Business Brunei and CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Pengiran Aki Ismasufian bin Pengiran Haji Ibrahim.
Key presentations included insights on the ASEAN QR Code by ASEAN QR Code Legacy Lead Hans Lukiman, which aims to facilitate cross-border payments, reducing transaction costs and enabling businesses to expand regionally.
Additionally, Project Manager of ndpx (National Digital Payments Network Sdn Bhd) Rahim Harun, highlighted the capabilities of the National Digital Payment Hub, which will allow instant digital payments within and beyond Brunei, further enhancing fintech development and benefiting content creators.
A panel discussion on the implications of the National Digital Payment Hub for businesses featured insights from CEO of ndpx Hafiz Haslen, Deputy CEO of Baiduri Bank Manuel Bulens, and Head of Wealth and Retail Banking at Standard Chartered Bank Brenda Low.
The session was moderated by Dayang Nik Hafimi binti Abdul Haadii, a member of the Brunei Digital Economy Council.
Ministry of Transport and Infocommunication Permanent Secretary Ir Haji Mohammad Nazri bin Haji Mohammad Yusof gave his keynote speech.
The forum concluded with a discussion on building a thriving content creator ecosystem, featuring prominent local and regional digital influencers including founder of @ranoadidas Rano Iskandar, and founder of @ninjatutul Pengiran Salimatul Sa’ada binti Pengiran Mohd Saleh.
The session, moderated by General Manager of Kristal Media Sdn Bhd Jenny Malai Ali, highlighted strategies for exporting digital services and achieving global reach.
The forum provided a valuable platform for businesses, government officials, and stakeholders to engage in discussions on how to harness the potential of Brunei’s digital economy and prepare for a digital future. – FADLEY FAISAL
