The Official Launch of
Navigating 2030:
MPABD FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN
Date:
Thursday, 11 December 2025
Venue:
Indera Kayangan Ballroom, The Empire Brunei
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.
Alhamdulillahi 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 to all.
Yang Mulia Pengiran Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Zety Sufina binti Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Sani, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Fiscal) and Deputy Chairman of MPABD.
Yang Mulia Captain (Ret.) Zil Husam bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD);
Distinguished Members of the MPABD Board, Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Permanent Secretaries; Senior Officials, captains of industry, maritime community partners, ladies and gentlemen.
1. For Brunei Darussalam, our maritime heritage has always been part of our identity. Our waters carried our history, nourished our people, supported our trade and connected us with distant shores long before any modern port or technology existed.
2. Now standing here this morning, as we gather for the launch of Navigating 2030, MPABD’s five-year strategic plan, we are reminded that every organisation faces moments where it must decide not only its direction, but its destiny.
3. Today, in an interconnected world that relies heavily on maritime transport, the same waters now invite us to imagine a new future. One where Brunei Darussalam’s maritime sector becomes a source of sustained prosperity, resilience and opportunity for generations to come.
4. It is in this spirt of vision and renewal that the Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD) has taken the initiative to produce their Five-Year Strategic Plan 2026 – 2030, aptly called Navigating 2030, and embark on the journey of implementation. As I mentioned in my address at this year’s Brunei Darussalam Maritime Week “action defines the legacy we will leave. We also need to move beyond conversation towards bold, measurable change that will shape the future of the maritime sector and secure our oceans for generations to come”.
5. In this regard, Navigating 2030 has set the path. Not only for growth of the maritime sector in Brunei Darussalam but to also ensure its safety, security, and environmental sustainability.
6. On behalf of the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC), and in my capacity as Chairman of the MPABD Board, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to MPABD for reaching this significant milestone.
7. Today represents more than the introduction of a document. It challenges us to answer a fundamental question: How do we transform our seas, our ports and our maritime talent into a powerful engine of national progress, one that supports the aspirations of Wawasan Brunei 2035? Navigating 2030 provides part of that answer.
8. This strategic plan is firmly aligned with Wawasan Brunei 2035, its associated Brunei Darussalam Economic Blueprint, RKN12 and the upcoming MTIC Strategic Plan 2030. It reflects our national priorities in economic diversification, global connectivity, digital transformation, environmental stewardship and workforce development.
9. It is also guided by the principles of Maqasid Syariah, which MPABD has adopted as its ethical compass in shaping a safe, prosperous and sustainable maritime future.
10. For many years, our maritime and ports sector has quietly supported the nation by ensuring the flow of foods, essential good and exports and upholding safety at sea and maintaining our connection to the world.
11. Yet the world around us is changing. Supply chains are being reshaped. Digital and green technologies are transforming ports and shipping operations. Development among regional ports is intensifying. At the same time, Brunei Darussalam is accelerating economic diversification, strengthening international connectivity and investing significantly in our people and digital foundations.
12. Therefore, in this rapidly evolving environment, the maritime and ports sector can no longer afford to remain a supporting actor. It must rise to become a central pillar of national competitiveness, a driver of trade, investment, innovation and sustainable growth.
13. Navigating 2030 recognises this new reality. It refreshes MPABD’s vision to be: “The trusted leader driving Brunei’s maritime connectivity, economic prosperity and sustainability”.
14. Before we look further forward, allow me to acknowledge MPABD’s progress in recent years. Through strengthened safety enforcement, digital pilot projects, growing collaboration with international partners and the expansion of maritime talent development programmes, MPABD has already laid strong foundations for this next chapter. These achievements give us confidence that MPABD can build the capability and the momentum to deliver Navigating 2030.
Ladies and gentleman,
15. As Chairman of MPABD, allow me to outline four key commitments that I expect this plan to deliver. These commitments will require cooperation, discipline and collective ownership.
Commitment One: Uncompromising Safety, Security and Environmental Stewardship
16. By 2030, we aim for a modern regulatory framework aligned fully with IMO conventions, supported by ISO standards and enforced with rigour.
17. This includes full compliance with safety requirements, improved readiness for maritime incidents and full adherence to environmental obligations including MARPOL. A safe and well governed maritime sector safeguards lives, protects our environment and strengthens Brunei Darussalam’s international reputation.
Commitment Two: A maritime sector that drives economic diversification
18. MPABD are to expand maritime services, grow non-traditional revenue streams and establish a Maritime Development Master Plan to enable sustainable growth.
19. By 2030, we want to see diversified port activities, more opportunities for local companies in logistics, marine services and marine-tech and stronger financial resilience that enables reinvestment in infrastructure, innovation and capability.
Commitment Three: Investing In Brunei’s Maritime Talent
20. Navigating 2030 envisions Brunei Darussalam as a centre of maritime expertise. To achieve this, MPABD must strengthen competency development, expand scholarships and cadetship programmes and grow high quality jobs for Bruneians in maritime and logistics.
Commitment Four: Accelerating Digital, Green and Regional Leadership
21. By 2030, we expect full digitalisation of MPABD core processes, full implementation of the Maritime Single Window, Port Community System and Smart Port Management Services, as well as increased adoption of clean energy and green technologies.
22. We also envision Brunei Darussalam taking a more active leadership role in ASEAN and BIMP-EAGA maritime cooperation.
23. As shared earlier by the Chief Executive of MPABD, this Strategic Plan was developed through wide consultation with 23 organisations across the public and private sectors, and is benchmarked against regional best practices and IMO requirements.
24. I wish to reiterate my appreciation to all ministries and agencies, to our industry partners and associations, and to the officers of MPABD for their contributions.
25. The real test, however, begins now. Progress will depend on MPABD’s disciplined execution, on government agencies aligning policies and sharing data, on industry investing and innovating and, on our institutions producing the necessary talent.
Distinguished guest, ladies and gentlemen,
26. Although Navigating 2030 spans only five years, its aspirations look far beyond the horizon. It guides is us toward a future where our maritime sector moves from maintaining compliance to achieving intelligent maritime stewardship, from a stable maritime economy to a dynamic and future ready one. From being a respected authority to becoming a forerunner in the region.
27. If we remain committed to this vision, Insya Allah, we will witness safer and cleaner waters, a stronger and more competitive blue economy, with Bruneians thriving in high quality maritime and logistics careers and our nation recognised regionally for excellence, responsibility and innovation.
28. As we launch Navigating 2030 today, let this be our shared pledge. This plan will only be as strong as our collective resolve to implement it.
29. With the blessings of Allah Subhanahu Wataala, with principled leadership, with collaboration and with unwavering dedication, I am confident that MPABD will fulfil its mission in driving maritime connectivity, economic prosperity and sustainability for the future of Brunei Darussalam.
Wabillahi Taufik Walhidayah, Wassalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.
