1. Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications, represented Brunei Darussalam at the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) Ministerial Meeting 2025, held from 30 to 31 May 2025 in Tokyo, Japan.
2. The APT Ministerial Meeting, which is usually held every five years, provides a premier platform for Ministers from the Asia-Pacific region to address emerging policy challenges and opportunities, discuss shared visions, and foster regional and international collaboration. Negara Brunei Darussalam have benefited from APT's technical assistance and expert mission, covering (i) Development of Code of Practice and Standard of Performance on Quality of Service; (ii) Development of Regulatory Framework for Conformity Assessment; (iii) Development of Satellite Coordination Guidelines; and (iv) Licensing Framework Review.
3. The APT Ministerial Meeting 2025 commenced with welcoming remarks by Mr Kondo Masanori, Secretary General of the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT), followed by opening remarks by His Excellency Murakami Seiichiro, Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications, Japan, who also served as the Chairman. The meeting brought together 31 Members and 2 Associate Members of the APT, which were also briefed on the progress and achievements in implementing the “Singapore Statement" which was adopted at the previous APT Ministerial Meeting held back in 2019.
4. The APT Ministerial Meeting 2025 culminated in the adoption of the “Tokyo Statement", which sets the direction for strengthening regional digital cooperation over the next five years, shaping the vision amongst the Member States on “Harnessing Emerging Technologies for Sustainable, Inclusive and Equitable Digital Transformation in the Asia-Pacific. The “Tokyo Statement" outlines six strategic pillars for regional digital development, namely (i) Digital Connectivity, (ii) Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, (iii) Trust and Safety, (iv) Digital Inclusion and Capacity Building, (v) Environmental Sustainability, and (iv) Regional and International Cooperation.
5. At the meeting, Yang Berhormat reaffirmed Brunei Darussalam's support for the development of sustainable digital infrastructure, responsible digital practices, and efforts to bridge the digital divide—guided by the principle of “no one is left behind" as well as the importance of integrating climate resilience into digital development strategies. He shared that in 2024, Brunei (through UNN Sdn. Bhd.) further expanded its fixed and mobile network coverage to six underserved rural areas, advancing efforts toward digital inclusion. This also include the deployment of solar-powered communication systems in off-grid areas to ensure reliable, low-carbon network access while minimizing environmental impact. A community programme (UNNity for the Community), was also introduced to foster active engagement and employment of local communities, promoting shared ownership and sustainability of the infrastructure.
6. At the same time, with cyber threats evolving alongside technological advancements, Yang Berhormat stressed on the need for continuous improvements in cybersecurity practices. Recognising this, he called for greater international and regional collaboration in this field, stating “by collectively strengthening digital capabilities, investing in our human capital, and reinforcing trust in our digital systems, only than we are laying the groundwork for a future-ready world, one where technology serves all, and no one is left behind.
7. On the sidelines of the meeting, Yang Berhormat Minister held a bilateral meeting with His Excellency Adachi Masashi, the State Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan. The discussion focused on strengthening cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and Japan in key areas including digital connectivity, cybersecurity, capacity building, and the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), with a shared commitment to fostering an inclusive and secure digital transformation across the region.
8. Prior to the Ministerial Meeting, the Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) was held on 29 May 2025 at the same venue to finalize preparations. The Brunei Darussalam delegation was led by Yang Mulia Awang Haji Hairul Mohd Daud bin Haji Abdul Karim, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Infocommunications) at Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC), in his capacity as SOM leader for Brunei Darussalam. Also present were Yang Mulia Haji Jailani bin Haji Buntar, Chief Executive of the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI), along with senior officials from MTIC and AITI.
Prepared
by:
Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications, Brunei Darussalam Email:
erc@mtic.gov.bn
