Brunei’s Islamic finance sector has shown remarkable growth, reflecting global trends despite economic challenges. Over the last five years, Islamic financial assets worldwide surged by 69 per cent, with projections indicating the global industry will reach USD5.9 trillion by 2026.
In line with this global expansion, more than half of Brunei’s financial assets were held by Islamic financial institutions in 2023, amounting to BND13.3 billion.
Banks and financial institutions accounted for over 95 per cent of these assets, while Takaful entities represented just under five per cent.
The significant growth of Brunei’s Islamic finance sector was highlighted by 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 during the opening ceremony of IsDB Group Day, held at Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah yesterday.
Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman also attended the event as a guest of honour.
Other notable attendees included Director and Resident Representative of the Regional Hub Indonesia, Datuk Amer Bukvić, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Economy) Dato Seri Paduka Haji Khairuddin bin Haji Abdul Hamid, and Managing Director and Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) Chief Executive Officer Junaidi bin Haji Masri.
In his speech, Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew stressed that Islamic finance has become a crucial driver of the Sultanate’s economic progress, significantly shaping the country’s financial sector and supporting its broader development goals.
He noted that Brunei Darussalam Central Bank’s Financial Sector Blueprint aims to foster a dynamic and resilient financial ecosystem, aligning with Brunei Vision 2035.
He believes that with a growing asset base and active participation from institutions like BIBD, Brunei is well-positioned to capitalise on the global growth of Islamic finance and realise its economic aspirations.
The minister also shared that the country has made strides in moving beyond its traditional reliance on oil and gas, through strategic partnerships with foreign investors and support from local financial institutions. These efforts have led to the development of new sectors such as petrochemicals, fertiliser, tourism, ICT and halal food, contributing to economic growth and a more diversified economy.
In addition to diversification, Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew emphasised the importance of sustainability. “We have set ambitious goals to achieve net zero emissions and increase renewable energy usage, demonstrating our commitment to a greener future,” he said.
He highlighted that by investing in sustainable practices and exploring innovative financing mechanisms, Brunei is paving the way for a more resilient and environmentally-friendly economy. – James Kon
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 delivers a speech. PHOTO: JAMES KON
The Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) held a Maulidur Rasul celebration ceremony at Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah Mosque Tutong District on Wednesday evening.
The event was led by Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan.
The gathering aimed to seek blessings from Allah the Almighty and reflect on the Prophet’s (pbuh) sacrifices in spreading Islam.
Permanent Secretary at the MoRA Haji Mohammad Rosli bin Haji Ibrahim, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary (Administration and Finance) at the MoRA Misle bin Haji Abdul Karim and Acting Tutong District Officer Mohd Sofian bin Haji Basri were also present. – Azlan Othman
Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Tashim bin Pengiran Haji Hassan at the event. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
Ministry of Home Affairs
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) held a dikir ceremony in celebration of Maulidur Rasul for 1446 Hijrah at RPN Kampong Rataie Mosque in Temburong District on Wednesday.
Permanent Secretary (Municipal and District) at the MoHA Abdul Walid bin Haji Matassan attended as guest of honour.
Among the attendees were Legislative Council member and Acting Village Head of Mukim Zone 1, Temburong Yang Berhormat Haji Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir.
The event aimed to enliven the Islamic religious celebration and promote the recitation of selawat for the Prophet (pbuh). It also encouraged the ministry’s employees to participate actively in religious observances. – Fadley Faisal
Permanent Secretary (Municipal and District) at the Ministry of Home Affairs Abdul Walid bin Haji Matassan and Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Haji Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir at the event. PHOTO: MOHA
Prime Minister’s Office
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) continues the Dikir Maulud ceremony at Utama Mohammad Salleh Mosque in the Temburong District. Acting Permanent Secretary (Civil Service Governance) at the PMO Pengiran Haji Raffizanna bin Pengiran Haji Razali was present as the guest of honour.
The event began with mass Maghrib prayer led by Norezam bin Haji Zaini from Utama Mohammad Salleh Mosque, followed by the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, DikirAssalamualaika and Dikir Syarafil Anam.
It continued with the Isyak prayer followed by a Dikir Marhaban and a recitation of Doa for blessings and protection from Allah the Almighty.
The event concluded with the Doa Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam and a presentation of waqaf to Utama Mohammad Salleh Mosque by the guest of honour.
Acting Permanent Secretary (Civil Service Governance) at the Prime Minister’s Office Pengiran Haji Raffizanna bin Pengiran Haji Razali. PHOTO: INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
Kampong Lambak Youth Association
The Kampong Lambak Youth Association (PERBEKAL) held a Dikir Maulud ceremony at Kampong Lambak Mosque and Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Mosque recently.
The delegation was led by PERBEKAL president Pengiran Haji Nordin bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud and Chairman Pengiran Jofri bin Pengiran Haji Zaidi.
The gathering aimed to glorify Maulidur Rasul celebration and seek blessings from Allah the Almighty. – Azlan Othman
Kampong Lambak Youth Association members in a group photo. PHOTO: PERBEKAL
The marine police foiled an attempted smuggling of contraband during a routine patrol early yesterday morning along the Brunei River. The contraband was believed to have originated from a neighbouring country.
According to the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), marine police officers spotted a suspicious boat speeding from the border into Brunei waters.
A chase ensued, but the suspect managed to flee after abandoning the boat in the mangrove area near Kampong Sungai Bunga.
Upon searching the abandoned boat, police personnel discovered 1,899 cartons of cigarettes and a bottle of alcohol.
The seized items, along with the boat, have been handed over to the Royal Customs and Excise Department for further investigation.
The RBPF in a statement urged the public to report any suspicious or illegal activities by contacting the nearest police station or call the hotline at 993. – James Kon
The High Court on September 11 reversed the acquittal of a 55-year-old Bruneian permanent resident, Chin Chee Vun following an appeal by the public prosecutor.
Chin, who was previously acquitted of corruption charges, was found guilty and convicted under Section 6(b), Chapter 131 of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The judgment handed down by Judicial Commissioner Haji Abdullah Soefri bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin ruled that the findings of the Senior Magistrate in the initial trial were against the weight of the evidence.
Chin, the general manager of a local company at the time, was convicted of instigating his subordinate to bribe a female customs inspection officer with the Royal Customs and Excise Department, Ministry of Finance and Economy, in October 2021. The bribe was intended as an inducement for the officer to overlook violations related to customs declarations.
Deputy public prosecutor Hajah Rozaimah binti Haji Abdul Rahman argued that the Senior Magistrate had erred in law and fact by misinterpreting the charge’s ingredients and failing to weigh the prosecution’s evidence adequately. She also highlighted that the subordinate had already pleaded guilty in July 2022 to corruptly giving BND20 to the customs officer at Muara Port’s customs guardhouse.
The subordinate was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment, reduced from a starting point of 12 months, for his involvement.
The High Court emphasised the credibility of the prosecution’s case, noting that Chin’s defence of a “bare denial” lacked merit when compared to the evidence presented.
Sentencing for Chin has been reserved to a later date. Chin faces a potential fine of BND30,000 and imprisonment for up to seven years. – Fadley Faisal
A 43-year-old Indian woman, Vijaya Bollu, yesterday faced charges under Chapter 68 of Road Traffic Act, for causing a fatal accident at a road junction last year.
The charge framed by Prosecutor Nazurah Amani Abidin stems from an incident on the night of October 14, 2023, between 9pm and 9.40pm, when Bollu, driving her vehicle, allegedly failed to stop at a red traffic light at the junction of Jalan Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha and Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Highway. It in turn resulted in a collision with another vehicle travelling from her left to right with the green light in its favour.
The accident tragically caused the death of the 62-year-old victim, who was a front passenger in the other vehicle.
Bollu is charged with driving in a manner dangerous to the public, causing the death.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of a BND20,000 fine and imprisonment for up to seven years.
Additionally, under Section 27(3) of the Road Traffic Act, upon conviction, the court is required to disqualify the defendant from holding or obtaining a driving licence for life, unless special reasons are provided.
Magistrate Nur Eleana binti Dato Seri Paduka Haji Hairol Arni adjourned the case to October 24, for trial dates to be fixed. – Fadley Faisal
A pandemic is an epidemic of an infectious disease spreading through the human population across different geographical regions and occurs when the general population has no or little immunity against an emerging or re-emerging pathogen.
Infectious diseases have spread with different modes of transmission including influenza (respiratory spread), cholera (water and food borne) and bubonic plague (vector borne), said Brunei Association of Hotels (BAH) president Mohamad Iswandi Maaruf.
With the outbreak of monkeypox (mpox), BAH has developed a precautionary measures guidelines for its members, which were presented to its members during a briefing session at Universiti Brunei Darussalam yesterday.
The president said the guidelines are similar to the ones issued for COVID-19 on February 17, 2020, adding that the 2021 version of business continuity plan (BCP) can also be used as a guide.
The briefing focused on ensuring that accommodation premises are always clean and tidy, and human resources management, logistics, communications and quarantine measures are in place.
The president noted that the BCP is guided by a recognised methodology, the Disease Outbreak Response System Condition, to assess disease outbreak risk as well as the Ministry of Health’s advisories and public health response measures, such as contact tracing and social distancing. – Lyna Mohamad
ABOVE & BELOW: Attendees at the Brunei Association of Hotels (BAH) briefing; and BAH president Mohamad Iswandi Maaruf giving a presentation. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMADPHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD
A Doa Kesyukuran ceremony was held in conjunction with Institut Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah’s 12th Haflut Takharruj at International Convention Centre in Berakas yesterday.
Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman was guest of honour as chairman of the institute’s board.
Acting Principal Mohammad Ali Sabri bin Haji Yussof said 20 students graduated at the recent convocation, bringing the number of ‘Aliyah Qiraat diploma graduates to 245 students.
Eleven students scored Mumtaz grade and six of them received government scholarship through the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Five will study at Al-Azhar University in Egypt and one at Universiti Malaya in Malaysia.
The ceremony also saw the presentation of award to top students as well as certificates of appreciation to sponsors and members of the Haflut Takharruj organising committee. – Azlan Othman
ABOVE & BELOW: Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman presents awards to students. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLIPHOTO: RAFI ROSLIPHOTO: RAFI ROSLI
With major examinations such as Brunei-Cambridge GCE ‘A’, GCE ‘O’ levels, Students Progress Examination (SPE) and Primary School Assessment (PSR) just around the corner, preparations are in full gear, including extra classes, parent-teacher consultations and religious rituals to seek blessings from Allah the Almighty.
A Sunnat Hajat prayer and Surah Yaasiin recitation was held at Kampong Pulaie Mosque yesterday for Stella’s School students.
Hundreds of parents and students turned up for the annual event. – Azlan Othman
An 18-member delegation from Brunei Malay Kedayan Association (PEMEDAYAN) visited their Kedayan counterparts in Kuching, Sarawak recently.
Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Haji Daud bin Jihan and spouse were among the delegation led by PEMEDAYAN President Haji Zainal bin Tinggal.
The delegation visited the Sarawak Cultural Village in Santubong with houses of the ethnic groups in Sarawak. They also visited Sarawak State Legislative Assembly and was hosted to lunch by the Malaysian state’s Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dr Ripin Lamat.
Kuching Kedayan Association (PAANAK) President Dr Julaihi Bujang and several PAANAK members were also present. – Azlan Othman
Studying abroad offers an unparalleled opportunity for personal, academic, and cultural growth, allowing students to immerse themselves in a new environment that challenges their perspectives.
It is often a life-changing experience that not only broadens academic horizons but also fosters self-discovery, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for global diversity.
For many, the chance to live and learn in a foreign country serves as a stepping stone toward both professional and personal development.
Recently, the Bulletin spoke with four international students to gain deeper insights into their unique experiences and perspectives while pursuing higher education at Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) in the Sultanate.
From academic challenges to cultural adaptation, each student’s journey highlights the enriching impact of studying in Brunei and how this experience has shaped their future aspirations.
Palestinian Jehad Saleh Mohammed Mhanna arrived in Brunei in 2018 on a scholarship to pursue his Master’s degree, which he completed in 2020.
He is currently a self-funded PhD student majoring in Syariah at UNISSA.
“Brunei is an Islamic country that supports Islamic studies. The academic community here has been incredibly supportive, particularly in helping me focus on my major,” said the 30-year-old, adding that his research centres on investment of zakat funds.
PHOTO: ENVATOJehad Saleh Mohammed Mhanna. PHOTO: ROKIAH MAHMUDABOVE & BELOW: Jufriadi bin Ramli Amin; Arif Deuraseh; and Mardhiah binti Rozalan. PHOTO: ROKIAH MAHMUDPHOTO: ROKIAH MAHMUDPHOTO: ROKIAH MAHMUD
“We are working towards submitting proposals to enhance and apply investment strategies for zakat funds, aiming to make the system more efficient and sustainable.”
Jehad reflected on his cultural adjustment upon arriving in Brunei, admitting to facing challenges initially with the language and cultural differences. But with the support of the local community and friends, he adapted.
“Coming from Palestine, a war-torn country, arriving in Brunei was like entering a completely different world – peaceful, quiet, and kind.
“The food was different, and I didn’t understand the language. But, with the help of many people here, I managed to adjust and embrace the differences.”
When Jehad first arrived, he barely knew English, but now he can confidently read books in English and speak Malay. “For now, I’m focused on continuing my research and improving my skills, while also providing services in the Sultanate. Brunei has become my second home.”
For Jufriadi bin Ramli Amin, a 29-year-old graduate from Aceh, Indonesia, completing his Master’s degree at the Mazhab Shafi’i Research Centre at UNISSA was a rewarding journey that spanned three years.
Initially, Jufriadi faced challenges adapting to Brunei’s culture and lifestyle. However, being from Aceh, a region with cultural and religious similarities to Brunei, helped ease the transition.
“At first, it was difficult to adapt to a new environment, but the customs and culture in Aceh are quite similar to those in Brunei, which made the experience easier over time,” he explained.
One of the key lessons Jufriadi learnt during his time in the Sultanate was the importance of perseverance and openness to new experiences. “Keep up the spirit of learning,” he advised fellow international students.
He also hopes that his peers will not only gain knowledge at UNISSA but also become fluent in Malay, which will help them integrate into the local community.
Upon returning to their home countries, Jufriadi believes they can apply the insights gained from their studies to make a positive impact in their own communities.
Like Jufriadi, Arif Deuraseh found his time at UNISSA both academically enriching and personally fulfilling. Arif, a Thailand native now residing in Malaysia, pursued his Master’s degree in Halal Science by Coursework at the Halalan Thayyiban Research Centre.
His one-year programme provided him with the expertise he sought in a field that holds deep personal significance.
Despite being a self-funded student, Arif emphasised the support and compassion he experienced in Brunei.
“Brunei is one of the most compassionate countries, always ready to help others.
“The culture is not much different from Malaysia, which made my experience here even more pleasant,” shared the 28-year-old.
Arif’s passion for halal science stems from his desire to contribute to the broader understanding of halal principles, particularly in today’s evolving world.
“The country holds a strong religious belief system, and when it comes to studying halal science, shortcuts are not encouraged. This approach is essential in a world that can sometimes become too lenient,” he noted.
Looking ahead, Arif hopes to pursue a PhD, aiming to merge his background in chemistry with his halal science expertise.
His advice to prospective students is simple but impactful, “Come to Brunei and explore what it has to offer.
“You will find a peaceful country with a strong commitment to religious integrity and academic excellence.”
Following Arif’s enriching experience, Mardhiah binti Rozalan, a 23-year-old from Singapore, is also finding her academic journey at UNISSA transformative, and noting that one of the highlights of her academic journey was learning about Brunei’s 2013 Penal Code.
Enrolled in the Fiqh Usul and Syariah programme, she is set to complete her studies with a year abroad at the University of Jordan.
“It demonstrated how a country can uphold Allah the Almighty’s law while ensuring the safety and well-being of its people,” she said, inspiring her interest in the connection between Islamic principles and Malay culture.
Supported by the Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship (BDGS), Mardhiah has pursued her academic passions without financial concerns.
“These four years have made me more confident, and UNISSA has given me opportunities to think critically and explore my potential,” she shared.
Her academic journey also included representing UNISSA in the Arabic International Debate Competition, an experience that honed her communication skills.
“Debate taught me the power of dialogue and how to share knowledge effectively,” she remarked.
For her final year project, Mardhiah explored the dynamic nature of Usul Fiqh and the application of Maqasid Syariah in today’s world.
“Understanding how Islamic principles can contribute to a nation’s progress while preserving religious integrity has been eye-opening,” she explained.
Her advice to future students: “Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Embrace new experiences – they will shape you both as a student and an individual.”
The experiences of these international students reflect more than just academic achievement – they represent a journey of growth, adaptation, and self-discovery.
The knowledge they have gained and the challenges they have overcome are the branches of wisdom they will carry back to their homelands. – Rokiah Mahmud
