Since gaining independence 40 years ago, Brunei Darussalam has achieved significant milestones across various sectors.
Retired public servant Haji Jaafar bin Haji Ibrahim said in those four decades, the country has experienced rapid development including improvement in the standard of living, education and with top priority to health.
“The transportation and communication field also continues to grow rapidly in line with the latest technological developments. Social development such as housing is given serious attention and priority.
“Various efforts to modernise agricultural technology are incorporated to achieve a level of self-sufficiency in the field of national rice production.
“The field of digital technology continues to be given priority in the National Development Plan (RKN) to enable the country to compete to increase the country’s economy and income from continuing to depend on the oil and gas revenue.”
Haji Jaafar added the country will celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the 50th National Day celebration in 10 years, a year ahead before the country will realise Brunei Vision 2035.
“Therefore, let us go through it. We fill it with perfect development, with a sense of commitment and patriotism and not with empty words and slogans that have little meaning,” he said.
Meanwhile, veteran journalist Malai Hassan Othman said reflecting on the journey of progress and development in Brunei would demonstrate how far the country has come in the past 40 years in pursuit of its goals.
“The firm commitment towards Brunei Vision 2035 is depicted through significant development in diversification of the economy, enhancement of educational systems, and overall improvement in quality of life.
“Economically, Brunei has transferred its income base from the traditional core of oil and gas to build a resilient and shock-proof economy that can withstand the storms of international markets. This, coupled with improved infrastructure and healthcare facilities, should translate to direct enhanced living standards. But more should be done yet, since one should rest neither on one’s laurels nor rest if much still remains undone.”
Malai Hassan added focused efforts towards sustaining diversification of the economic landscape, initiatives in fostering innovation, and attraction of investments from abroad can lead to a lasting perspective on prosperity.
Meanwhile, Secretary General of National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCIBD) Haji Halim bin Saim said, “Currently, local production of eggs and chicken/poultry and shrimp are sufficient for local consumption and we have started to export some of these commodities.
“Moving forward, we need to work as a team to produce more premium halal food and beverage, be creative and innovative as well as looking into digitalisation and artificial intelligence,” he added. – Azlan Othman
