The Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC), together with the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI), conducted the Brunei Darussalam Readiness Survey Workshop of ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) at Dewan Amar Pahlawan, Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications, from 23–24 June 2026.
The survey on Brunei Darussalam's readiness for the ASEAN DEFA is jointly supported by the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) and facilitated by Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD). The primary objective of the survey is to provide a comprehensive assessment of Brunei Darussalam's level of preparedness in terms of policy readiness, regulatory frameworks, and initiatives related to the digital economy.
The two-day workshop aimed to engage relevant agencies in Brunei Darussalam to validate and contextualise the preliminary findings of the DEFA Readiness Index Study (DEFARIS). The workshop also sought to identify implementation challenges and issues, while gathering insights and perspectives from relevant stakeholders. The feedback obtained will assist in formulating more practical, evidence-based policy recommendations that are aligned with the needs and priorities of Brunei Darussalam, particularly in the key areas covered under the Agreement.
The workshop featured presentations on the preliminary findings of the study, followed by group discussion sessions focusing on the validation and contextualisation of the Strengths–Challenges–Needs–Priorities framework. The outcomes of these discussions will contribute to the validation process and synthesis of stakeholder perspectives, thereby supporting the development of practical policy recommendations to strengthen Brunei Darussalam's readiness for the implementation of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).
Through this workshop, participants gained a clearer understanding of the study process, including the extent of stakeholder engagement and the expected outcomes to support national policy planning and strategic development for the implementation of ASEAN DEFA.
The workshop concluded with a networking session, providing participants with the opportunity to exchange views, foster collaboration, and share ideas relating to the implementation of DEFA and the readiness survey initiative.
