(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 High Commissioners, Ambassadors, and Members of the Diplomatic Corp; 

Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Permanent Secretaries, Senior Officials; 

Industry leaders, innovators and business communities; 

Esteemed Panel of Speakers and Moderators; 

Conference Participants; 

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 

1. It is with great pleasure that I have the opportunity to address you this morning to officiate the Brunei Digital Future Conference and Exhibition 2025 (DFCE 2025). Let me begin by expressing my heartfelt thank you - to our esteemed guests, distinguished speakers, participants and exhibitors - for your presence and shared commitment to advancing our nation’s digital aspirations. I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) and its partners for their tireless efforts in bringing together this annual distinguished gathering of thought leaders, industry experts, policymakers, and innovators from across the region and beyond. 

2. The theme of this year’s event, “Building Trust and Enabling Innovation for a Sustainable Digital Future” speaks directly to the path we must take. It is increasingly clear that the digital future we are building must be trusted, ethical, inclusive, and sustainable. Trust is not a byproduct of technology—it is the foundation upon which lasting progress is built.

3. Trust is what allows citizens to adopt digital services. Trust is what encourages investment and entrepreneurship. And trust is what ensures that digital progress uplifts society rather than divides it. 

4. Therefore, in an increasingly digital world, trust is not a luxury—it is a foundational currency. Without it, no app, no algorithm, and no policy can thrive for long. But trust must be built. And earned. Not just through promises—but through systems that are transparent, secure, inclusive, and fair.

5. In this digital age, innovation is rapid. From artificial intelligence to fintech, smart agriculture to e-government. Artificial Intelligence is rewriting the rules of knowledge work. Blockchain is reshaping how we think about ownership and value. IoT is connecting the physical and digital worlds, and quantum computing is on the horizon, promising to redefine computing power itself. 

6. The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) brings game-changing possibilities. More than a technological breakthrough, AI has become a vital economic and strategic catalyst. Across the globe, its adoption is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, transforming industries, driving economic growth, and reshaping societies. 

7. Here in Brunei Darussalam, we recognise AI as a transformative enabler across key sectors, including healthcare, education, environment, sustainability and climate resilience, public governance, and economic diversification. Earlier this year we published the Guide on AI Governance and Ethics for Brunei Darussalam, developed by AITI in collaboration with the AI Governance and Ethics Working Group. 

8. The Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications is also currently formulating a Brunei Darussalam's National AI Strategy. This strategy will provide a forward-looking roadmap for the nation's AI journey, strengthening innovation capacity, adoption, enhancing governance mechanisms, and ensuring that AI adoption aligns with national priorities and global best practices. 

9. At the same time, what are we seeing globally? There is a growing demand for responsible AI—where algorithms are explainable, accountable, and biasfree. The rise of data sovereignty—as nations and citizens seek control over how their information is stored and used. And the evolution of cybersecurity from a back-office function to a matter of national resilience. 

10. We are also see growing concern over the environmental costs of our digital infrastructure. Our digital infrastructure must be energy-efficient, ideally powered by renewables in line with climate goals and our e-waste must be managed responsibly. Also importantly, our digital culture must promote harmony, kindness, and responsibility—not misinformation, division, or harmful content. 

Ladies and gentlemen, 

11. In the Brunei context, this Conference is also timely. This year marks the final year for many of our current strategic plans such as the MTIC Strategic Plan (Refresh) 2025, AITI Strategic Plan 2025 and the Brunei Darussalam Digital Economy Masterplan 2025. Apart from taking stock of what has been achieved and what more can be done, I’m made to understand that work has been initiated by various parties to ensure the continuation of these strategic plans. 

12. It is imperative that the succession of these five-year plans has the foresight of emerging trends and technological developments. The discussions over the two days can serve as valuable insights, stimulate thoughts and debate on matters that need to be addressed and actioned in these plans. A sustainable digital future for Brunei will not emerge by accident. It must be built—intentionally, ethically, and  collaboratively. Innovation doesn’t happen in silos. Government, business, and academia must collaborate—cocreating solutions, sharing data, and building local capacity. 

13. On this note, the Digital Economy Council has been instrumental in guiding and shaping the nation’s digital transformation agenda to date. As the digital economy becomes increasingly integral to Brunei Darussalam’s growth and development, it is both timely and necessary to reinforce this mandate and embrace a more holistic approach to digital transformation. 

14. In line with this, I am pleased to share that His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni AlMarhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, has graciously consented to the renaming of the Digital Economy Council to the Digital Brunei Council, along with a strategic restructuring of its membership to better reflect the crucial involvement of diverse stakeholders in our digital transformation journey. 

15. This move further underscores our national commitment towards digitalization. Digitalization and innovation are not just about adopting and inventing new technologies—it’s about improving our ways of working and solving real problems in new ways built through leadership, ethical values, and people-centered design. 

16. To this end, more data and information will be shared across users and service providers. As more of our transactions move digitally, the use of personal data becomes paramount for businesses to deliver customer-centric online services. This use of personal data enables businesses to identify their customers, provide personalized experiences, and helps companies create new and innovative services. 

17. Ensuring protection in the digital space requires more than just technical safeguards and user awareness. It also demands legal and regulatory foundation to ensure our governance frameworks evolve in tandem with the protection of individual personal data. In this regard, the enactment of the Personal Data Protection Order (PDPO) 2025 in January this year marks another significant milestone in our digital transformation journey. 

18. The PDPO comes with a one-year sunrise period before full implementation begins on 1st January 2026. This is to give organisations time to ensure their business practices meet the new legal requirements. 

19. The main goal of the PDPO is to set clear rules for how organisations – whether it's an online shop or a physical store, must handle personal data. It is important to understand that the PDPO is not intended to stop the use of personal data. Rather, its purpose is to foster greater public confidence, instilling a culture of accountability within organisations and cultivate trust amongst individuals on how their personal data are handled. It affirms our commitment to upholding the rights of individuals in an increasingly datadriven world, while also recognising personal data as a valuable asset that must be managed with the highest levels of accountability. This will contribute to the growth of a conducive and seamless environment across all industries for digital economy to flourish. 

20. I am pleased to learn that AITI has conducted various engagement activities, reaching out to around 300 representatives from companies, associations, and the public sector to socialize the PDPO. Outreach is crucial in ensuring that stakeholders are fully aware of the PDPO and understand their obligations and requirements. 

21. To complement this further, I have also been made to understand that AITI, as the authority for the PDPO, will continue to provide awareness and training for organisations with the practical - 18 - knowledge and skills needed to ensure compliance with the PDPO. 

22. Hence, I welcome AITI’s proactive approach in publishing key guidance documents that will assist organisations in navigating through the requirements under PDPO. As of today, two (2) guidance documents will be published, namely:-

i. Guide to Developing a Data Protection Management Programme; and 

ii. Guide for the Appointment of Data Protection Officers. 

23. ​These guidance documents will offer practical steps and clarity to help organisations effectively implement the PDPO and hold accountability in their data protection practices. 

Distinguish guest, Ladies and gentlemen, 

24. While emerging technologies enhance our capabilities, they also bring new and complex challenges, particularly in the realm of online safety. Online scams continue to threaten our users, where a total loss of $12.2m was recorded over the last 3 years1 due to online scams. These online scams are often just the visible part of a bigger web run by organised crime groups who use scams to fund other illegal activities. 

25. Online scams clearly indicate a grave area of concern, one that requires mutiagencies and even also cross-border coordination. In response to this growing threat, the National Cyber Security Committee, has been actively assessing various perspectives to address and mitigate cybersecurity threats, including online scams. 

26. Several specific steps are currently underway and will be subject to future announcements. However, what can be shared today is on the ongoing initiative by AITI with the support of UNN and the telecommunications service providers, who have embarked on the mandatory re-registration of prepaid mobile SIM cards, which commenced earlier this year. This represents a key measure toward preventing the misuse of telecommunications services, particularly SIM cards, for fraudulent activities. Individuals that have been arrested by the Royal Brunei Police Force for scam operations include those who acted as SIM Card mules, renting out SIM Cards that are being used for scams operations. 

27. From the implementation of the first phase of the re-registration exercise, 36% of the total prepaid subscriber base have re-registered with their respective service providers during the first quarter of this year. I would like to thank the service providers for their steadfast efforts, and also the public for their support of this national initiative. I hope we can sustain the momentum of the re-registration initiative that runs until the end of this year. 

28. Next, to further equip the public with knowledge and awareness, efforts are now being intensified to protect and educate our users against misinformation and fake news. With that note, I am pleased to launch Waspada.bn, a fact checking platform to verify information and news received through social media. 

29. Waspada.bn, an initiative under AITI, will commence for now with an Instagram page, making it easier for the public to follow and be updated via Instagram. Insha Allah by early 2026, Waspada.bn will be expanded as a website enabling a more comprehensive layout of information for the public to refer to against misinformation and fake news. 

30. Equally important is public awareness, which is a key pillar in our efforts to build a safe and trusted digital environment. I am pleased to see the efforts across both mass and social media platforms to continuously educate and generate public awareness. In July 2024, AITI has issued publications such as Social Responsibilities on Content Creator in June 2024, followed by the Guide to Staying Safe Online in July 2024. These publications are available online as well as in physical copies which will soon be distributed to schools, public libraries, government agencies and the public in general. 

31. Additionally, through initiatives under the Digital Brunei awareness campaign such as Digital Warga Emas and Digital Community programme, organised by AITI in partnership with the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Royal Brunei Police Force, Community Development Department, CSB, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD), and telecommunications service providers, digital literacy and safety education have been extended to wider segments of society. These include senior citizens, village heads, Village Consultative Councils, and youth, empowering all communities to engage confidently and responsibly online, laying a strong foundation for a resilient, inclusive, and digitally empowered nation. 

Ladies and gentlemen, 

32. As we chart our course through the complexities and opportunities of the digital age, let us remain guided by our shared values and aspirations. Technology should empower humanity, not overpower it. As we embrace the benefits of digital transformation, let us work together to shape a digital future that reflects the best of Brunei Darussalam - our enduring commitment to peace and prosperity, our deep respect for tradition balanced with openness to innovation, and our steadfast dedication to the well-being of all our citizens. 

33. A digital future without trust is fragile. Innovation without sustainability is short-lived. But when we combine trust, innovation, and sustainability—rooted in our national values and faith—we can build a digital Brunei that is resilient, respected, and ready for the future. 

34. As we move toward Wawasan 2035, let us ensure that our digital journey reflects not only the best of our technology—but the best of who we are. 

35. In closing, I would like to commend the organiser, AITI, and all partners involved for shaping this Conference into a dynamic platform for dialogue, collaboration, and exchange of ideas. Your dedication has brought together a diverse and distinguished group of thought leaders, experts, and innovators, enriching the conversation on our digital future. 

36. Thank you once again for the honour of addressing you today. I wish all participants a meaningful and productive Conference ahead. 

Thank you. 

Wabillahi Taufik Walhidayah, Wassalamu Alaikum Warrahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.