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
