Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah yesterday outlined several global trends and opportunities for Brunei startups, including artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, green technologies, healthtech and others, in his keynote address at the Brunei Startup Summit (BSS) 2025, themed ‘Rise and Thrive: Building Scalable, Resilient Startups and Fostering Collaboration’.
One of the most prominent trends, he highlighted, is AI and automation, which is changing the game across industries by enhancing efficiency, improving customer engagement and enabling intelligent decision-making.
The minister, who is also Chairman of the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB), mentioned, “We cannot ignore the growing emphasis on sustainability. Around the world, businesses are stepping up to address environmental challenges. Startups developing green technologies will be well-positioned to thrive in this growing market.”
The pandemic, he said, “has highlighted the value of HealthTech and accelerated the adoption of telemedicine and other digital health solutions. This area remains vital for innovation that benefits communities and the economy.”
The minister explained that the way people work has also transformed after the pandemic. “As hybrid work models become the norm, the demand for remote work solutions that enhance collaboration, productivity and connectivity remains high.”
Meanwhile, he shared, “Blockchain and decentralised finance (DeFi) continue to redefine financial systems, introducing new models of transparency, security and accessibility. This presents an exciting opportunity for startups to innovate in the financial space.”
He also pointed out the growth of e-commerce innovations, underscoring the importance of digital platforms. From personalised online shopping experiences to efficient delivery systems, this sector is full of opportunities for startups to push boundaries and redefine consumer behaviour.
He said that by tapping into these areas and building a collaborative ecosystem, it is an opportunity for Brunei startups to innovate and lead within their respective industries.
The minister also emphasised that the government recognises that fostering a robust startup ecosystem requires more than financial support. “Under Brunei Vision 2035, Brunei is committed to diversifying our economy by prioritising knowledge, technology and entrepreneurship.”
He added, “Initiatives led by BEDB and other agencies reflect this commitment. Programmes such as hackathons, mentorship, incubation opportunities and funding support have helped to create a strong foundation for our local startups.”
However, he pointed out that public sector efforts must be complemented by private investment and collaboration. Public-private partnerships are essential to build a sustainable and thriving ecosystem.
The minister then proceeded to officially launch the BSS 2025.
BSS featured over 20 sessions split between keynotes and plenary sessions on the main stage, alongside concurrent workshops. The event also included an exhibition and pitching showcases to highlight promising startups from Brunei to regional attendees, including venture builders and capitalists. – James Kon
