Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Dr Abdul Fattaah, Chairman of Baiduri Bank, yesterday underlined the importance of sustainability in shaping the future.
He also highlighted decarbonisation as a key focus, emphasising the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Speaking at a one-day forum titled ‘Mission Possible: Game Changing Ideas for a Sustainable Future’ at The Rizqun International Hotel, Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Dr Abdul Fattaah noted the global shift towards renewable energy and the increased investment in the sector.
The forum brought together 350 corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, students and international guest speakers to discuss strategies to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The chairman also underscored the growing importance of sustainable agriculture and fisheries in protecting biodiversity and ensuring food security, adding that sustainability is not merely an environmental concern, as he cited 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’s recent remarks at the United Nations General Assembly, where the monarch stated that SDGs are not only benchmarks but also beacons of hope for a better tomorrow.
Meanwhile, a keynote address 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, read by Permanent Secretary (Wawasan) at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Pengiran Hajah Siti Nirmala binti Pengiran Haji Mohammad, said the Sultanate, like the rest of the world, faces pressing challenges such as climate change, resource depletion and development gaps. Innovative solutions are crucial to addressing these issues and achieving the SDGs.
The minister said innovation was the lifeblood of progress and that the PMO, serving as the Secretariat to the Special National Coordination Committee on SDGs, has placed a strong emphasis on sustainable consumption and production. While progress has been made, the recent Second Voluntary National Review (VNR) identified areas where Brunei is falling behind, particularly in responsible consumption and production.
The Sultanate is already witnessing the power of innovation through initiatives that empower youth to develop and commercialise solutions to pressing challenges. These programmes, supported by grants and stakeholders, enable young leaders to create inspiring and sustainable ideas.
The minister highlighted that exciting developments in the circular economy are also emerging in Brunei. Businesses are capitalising on opportunities that were once considered out of reach. For example, companies are transforming waste into valuable resources such as composting organic waste into fertiliser or bottling rainwater for consumption. Low-waste stores are also on the rise, reducing the need for single-use plastics. These initiatives represent the kind of bold, forward-thinking action that the Sultanate needs to embrace.
The forum featured several sessions, including ‘Navigating Energy Transition’ by National University of Singapore’s Dr Maitreyee Mukherjee and Director of Energy Transition Division at Department of Energy, PMO Shirley Sikun which discussed policy issues, challenges and opportunities in the energy transition as well as ‘Game-Changing Ideas for a Sustainable Future’ by Australian author, corporate advisor and entrepreneur Paul Gilding, who explored global sustainability issues and innovative solutions for small nations and businesses.
The event continued with a discussion moderated by Asia Inc Forum’s Andrew Dy.
The forum continued with a session on ‘Moving the Needle: Strategies That Make a Big Difference’ where panellists – Brunei Fertilizer Industries Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Harri Kiiski, Baiduri Bank Deputy CEO for Consumer Banking Manuel Bulens and Atoll Technical Director Rajendrasinh Jadav – discussed corporate strategies for sustainability and business opportunities in a sustainable economy.
Other sessions included ‘Connecting Innovation and Investment’ by Indonesia’s Ecoxyztem co-founder Andreas Pandu Wirawan highlighting the importance of collaboration among key players to address sustainability challenges as well as a panel discussion with Tebalik Plastik founder Mims Sidi and Harvest Moon founder Zulfadhli Ibnu Huzaimi.
There was also a look at ‘A Local Project: Brunei Home Grown Sustainable Agri-Farm’ by Springhill Development Enterprise co-founder and manager Chern Loo.
The last session was on ‘Staying Committed: How to Stay on Track and Optimistic’ by Acting Head of SDG Unit at the PMO Nur Sadiqin bin Haji Misir and United Kingdom-based Baiduri Bank board member and The Sustainable Business Handbook co-author Professor David Grayson, in which they discussed staying committed to sustainability goals. – Azlan Othman
