(Alhamdullilahi Rabbil `Alameen Wasaalatu Wassalaamu `Ala Asyrafil Ambiae Walmursaleen, Saidina Muhammadin Wa’alaa Aalihiee Wasahbihee Ajama’een)
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh, and a very good morning.
Your Excellencies Ministers and National Chairs of the 12th Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (IAMMSTI-12);
Your Excellencies High Commisioners, Ambassadors and Members of the Diplomatic Corp;
Deputy Secretary-General for ASEAN Economic Community;
Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen.
1. It is such an honour and privilege to welcome you all this morning to the combined opening of the 12th Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (IAMMSTI-12) and the Digital Future Conference and Exhibition.
2. Science, Technology and Innovation has always played a vital role in human development to drive economic growth, improving living standards and promoting sustainable development. At the same time, it has also been credited for fostering social and cultural well-being. For example, the use of digital technology can help connect people and promote cultural exchange through providing easier access to information and create more inclusive societies by improving accessibility and connectivity.
3. As a testament to this, today’s Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Environment or STI, as well as, the Digital Future Conference and Exhibition has brought all of us together physically, fostering the people-to- people connectivity – allowing us to deliberate, exchange ideas, spur new thinking and make new connections and build relationships.
4. For the ASEAN Ministers and delegates, this platform also allows us to pursue our shared commitment towards enhancing regional cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation.
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,
5. The current theme “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth” has set out the tone for ASEAN unity and centrality amid the various challenges that we continue to face. We have witnessed ASEAN growing from strength to strength where the region is expected to achieve economic growth of 4.7% in 2023 and 5.0% in 2024. Propelled by strong domestic consumption, net exports, and accelerated recovery in services, our ASEAN Leaders at the recent 42nd ASEAN Summit have “reaffirmed ASEAN’s concerted efforts to achieve fair, inclusive, and sustainable regional economic growth against the backdrop of multidimensional crises”.
6. Therefore, we stand collectively to ensure that ASEAN members are ready to address today’s challenges and at the same time be future ready. Over the years, ASEAN member states have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to harness the power of knowledge and innovation to drive sustainable development, economic growth, and improve the well-being of our people.
7. In the recent years, our region has witnessed significant advancements in the areas of science and technology where we have become a hub of innovation, with vibrant startup ecosystems, research institutions, and centers of excellence emerging across this region.
8. Collaboration and knowledge sharing have been fundamental to this progress. We have actively worked together to foster partnerships, exchange best practices and promote joint research projects to achieve greater advancements in science, technology and innovation. As such, our main task on developing the Science, Technology, and Innovation ecosystem in the region is a fundamental corner stone to supporting the objectives and goals of ASEAN.
9. Towards this end, we continue to be guided by the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology, and Innovation (APASTI) 2016–2025 with its four (4) main strategic thrusts on: (First) Public-Private Collaboration; (Second) Talent Mobility, People-to-People Connectivity, and Inclusiveness; (Third) Enterprise Support and (Fourth) Public Awareness and STI Enculturation.
10. At this juncture, I’m pleased to note that collectively, ASEAN spending on R&D has steadily grown over the years (and stands at 0.61% as a share of GDP – source fact check) which is a significant step forward although there remain several other areas which require our timely attention, particularly in the areas of Enterprise Support and Technology Transfer and Public Awareness and Enculturation.
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,
11. At the national level, we have the Council for Research and the Advancement of Technology and Science, also known as CREATES, under the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications plays a key role in funding and supporting research activities in the country. CREATES aims to enhance the research ecosystem, promote inter-disciplinary collaboration, and support capacity building in research and innovation. Our focus areas of priority have been on supporting the development of Research & Development related to several clusters like Health, ICT, Food Science and Technology, Environment and Sustainable Development, and Energy.
12. To date, we have provided funding to several projects that have largely leveraged on information technology and bio-technology aimed at improving the productivity of our industries, as well as supporting policy development. For instance, CREATES funded a COVID-19 vaccine immunogenicity study that helped in making policy decisions in our response to the COVID Pandemic. Moving forward, we are focused on developing a National STI Framework to enhance the alignment of all stakeholders including the public sector, private sector and research institutions.
13. However, we must acknowledge that there are still challenges to overcome. Investment in research and development, and strengthening intellectual property rights protection remain imperative. We need to further foster a culture of innovation, support the growth of startups and SMEs, and ensure that the benefits of science, technology, and innovation are inclusive and reach all levels of our society.
14. Our ASEAN region has also fully embraced the opportunities presented by the digital revolution. ASEAN has also witnessed exponential growth in internet connectivity, mobile technology adoption and e-commerce. This has led to the emergence of a vibrant digital economy, enabling startups and entrepreneurs to thrive, encouraging innovation to flourish, promoting digital inclusion within communities and creating new job opportunities.
15. Indeed, Brunei Darussalam has been actively aligning itself with the digital development in ASEAN, demonstrating its commitment to embracing and harnessing the power of innovation and digital transformation. We recognize the importance of staying at the forefront of technological advancements to drive economic growth, enhance public services, and improve the overall quality of life for its people.
16. Several initiatives to promote the adoption of emerging technologies and create an enabling environment for innovation to thrive, have been implemented by the government in collaboration with various stakeholders and private sectors through a whole of nation approach under the umbrella of our Digital Economy Masterplan. Some of these notable initiatives are as follows:
17. Digital Innovation and Startups Ecosystem: Through provision of incubator support, mentorship and co-working space for facilitating the growth of digital innovation and startups. The Brunei Innovation Lab, an industry driven initiative, that was established in 2022 also provides an avenue for growth of digital champions and technopreneurs.
18. Digital Payments: To encourage the adoption of digital payment solutions and promote a cashless society, local banks and fintech companies have been introducing innovative payment solutions, including mobile wallets allowing users to make transactions using their smartphones. We have also laid the groundwork for establishing a consortium of local banks to build a digital payment hub that will allow seamless connection to the international payment rails.
19. Digital Skills Development: Developing digital skills and nurturing local talent is key to support our digital development goals. Several initiatives to upskill the workforce and enhance digital literacy amongst the citizens have been launched in collaboration with educational institutions and industry partners.
20. Cybersecurity and Data Protection: In order to promote trust and confidence in the digital space as well as the transactions and sharing of data. Our government has recently enacted a Cyber Security Order which we will start to implement, while at the same time we are making positive progress in the formulation of a Personal Data Protection Order (PDPO).
21. Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity: The government has prioritized the development of improved internet connectivity, including the expansion of fiber-optic networks and deployment of latest mobile technology that provide extensive coverage across the country.
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,
22. To end let once again reiterate that Science, Technology and Innovation plays a key role in driving economic growth, improving living standards, promoting sustainable development, and fostering social and cultural well-being. These are all fundamentals that are aligned with both ASEAN the goals and our national priorities. As such we are happy to host everyone here today where we all have a role to shape the Science, Technology, and Innovation ecosystem in the region.
23. To the conference and exhibition organisers and partners, my immense thanks goes to you for your unwavering support. May all of us, the ASEAN Ministers, Senior Officials and conference participants a fruitful and engaging session.
Thank you.
Wabillahi Taufik Walhidayah, Wassalamu Alaikum Warrahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.
