1. In a significant step towards
advancing collaboration in digital transformation, the Government of His
Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the
Government of the Republic of Korea have reaffirmed their shared vision
through the signing and renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
on Cooperation in the field of Smart City Development.
2.
The signing ceremony took place during the 2025 Suwon Asia-Pacific
Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Forum, held from 28 to 30 May 2025
in Suwon, Republic of Korea. The event underscores the strengthening
bilateral ties between Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Korea, as
well as their mutual aspiration to foster inclusive, technology-driven
urban development across the region.
3.
Yang Berhormat Minister attended the Opening Ceremony of the 2025 Suwon
Asia-Pacific Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Forum and also
participated in the High-Level Roundtable, which convened ministers,
vice ministers, and senior official representatives from around 20
countries to share their national ITS developments and engage in
strategic dialogue. During the session, Yang Berhormat Minister shared
insights into how Brunei Darussalam’s is proceeding to leverage the use
of digital technology in the transportation sector. This includes
ongoing developments whereby the Ministry of Transport and
Infocommunications (MTIC), through the Land Transport Department, will
soon issue a Request for Information (RFI) for DriveBN which is the
digital transformation initiative under the Land Transport Department,
and a tender for the provision of a Smart Transport System, a project
under the current Twelve National Development Plan, which aspires to the
revamp public transport in Brunei Darussalam. This tender is expected
to work hand-in-hand with the recent Land Transport Department Request
for Proposal (RFP) for Provision, Operation, Management and Maintenance
of Public Transport Services in Brunei Darussalam. The latter project is
currently in the award evaluation stage.
4.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Yang Berhormat
Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji
Mustapha, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications, on behalf of the
Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei
Darussalam, and by His Excellency Park Sangwoo, Minister of Land,
Infrastructure and Transport, on behalf of the Government of the
Republic of Korea.
5.
The renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reaffirms both nations’
commitment to strengthening cooperation in smart city development,
particularly through the sharing of knowledge, technologies, and
expertise. It supports the implementation of impactful initiatives that
will enhance the quality of life for the citizens and foster sustainable
economic growth. The collaboration is aligned with the strategic
framework of the ASEAN–Republic of Korea Comprehensive Strategic
Partnership and reflects the national development priorities of both
countries.
6.
This strategic partnership marks a renewed chapter of cooperation
between Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Korea, laying a strong
foundation for both countries to explore innovation and accelerate their
digital transformation agendas through purposeful and results-oriented
engagement.
7.
Accompanying Yang Berhormat Minister at the signing ceremony were Her
Excellency Pengiran Hajah Nooriyah binti Pengiran Lela Wijaya Pengiran
Haji Yussof, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Brunei
Darussalam to the Republic of Korea, Yang Mulia Awang Ir Haji Mohammad
Nazri bin Haji Mohammad Yusof, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of
Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) as well as senior officers from
the Ministry and the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam in Seoul.
Prepared by:
Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications,
Brunei Darussalam
Email: erc@mtic.gov.bn
