Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof emphasised the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the creative industry in Brunei. Speaking during the ongoing 21st Legislative (LegCo) Council meeting on Monday, he responded to queries from other members, acknowledging the critical role that initiatives from various stakeholders, including RTB (Radio Televisyen Brunei), play in driving this sector forward.
“The government continues to extend its efforts in empowering the creative industry, with a particular focus on expanding its reach to citizens and stakeholders. RTB, in particular, has been instrumental in uncovering new talents in the arts, creative, and broadcasting sectors, as we transition from traditional platforms like radio and television to digital mediums such as social media and music streaming services,” he said.
The creative industry, according to the minister, now encompasses diverse fields, including performing arts, visual arts, multimedia, advertising, and game development. He stressed that these areas require a holistic approach and collaboration between the government and relevant organisations to ensure their growth aligns with the country’s broader economic development and innovation goals.
RTB strengthens creative initiatives and talent development
RTB has been a central player in Brunei’s creative industry, actively fostering local talent through initiatives like talent competitions and creative programs. RTB’s strategic focus on talent development is evident in its success in carrying out nine breakpoints for competitions in the 2024-2025 period, meeting the eight Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) set for 2023-2025. This success demonstrates the effectiveness of RTB’s strategic planning to increase engagement with and support for the creative industry.
RTB continues to enhance its programming lineup by adding initiatives such as the Creative Media Festival, music video programs, and other events to create more opportunities for local artists. Additionally, RTB provides platforms for local talent to appear in TV and radio programs, including documentaries, reality shows, and live performances. This creates more opportunities for collaboration within the broadcasting industry, further strengthening the country’s creative sector. – Fadley Faisal
