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 afternoon to all.

Yang Mulia Awang Zakaria bin Pehin Dato Haji Abd Aziz, Chairman of Warisan Shipping Lind Sdn Bhd,

Mr. Xavier Marc Michel Elgller, Executive Vice President (EVP), DP World South East Asia,

Your Excellency Marian Jocelyn R. Tirol-Ignacio, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Brunei Darussalam,

Mr. Daniel Leong, Chief Executive Officer of the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB),

Permanent Secretary, Deputy Permanent Secretaries, Senior Officials;

Distinguished Guests, ladies and gentlemen,

1. I am delighted to be here this afternoon and wish to express my sincere gratitude to Warisan Shipping Line Sendirian Berhad management for the kind invitation to this significant event. My warmest congratulations also goes to everyone involved in reaching this milestone today.

2. Today’s gathering marks more than the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. It marks a moment where intent is translated into action, and where partnership become a deliberate instrument that spurns progress. 

3. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Warisan Shipping Line and DP World Logistics Malaysia reflects a shared confidence in collaboration and a shared commitment to building a stronger and more connected maritime future for Brunei Darussalam and the wider region. It is a quite but decisive step forward, grounded in trust, clarity of purpose, and a long-term vision.

4. Brunei Darussalam’s strategic location places us at the crossroads of regional and international shipping routes. In an era where global supply chains are increasingly dynamic and complex, the importance of resilient, efficient, and well-connected maritime and logistics networks cannot be overstated. The partnership we witness today reflects a clear understanding of these realities and a collective determination to respond with foresight, responsibility, and practical solutions.

5. I’m made to understand that the Memorandum of Understanding signed today establishes a structured and purposeful framework for cooperation between the two parties. It brings together a growing Bruneian maritime operator with a globally recognised logistics and port operator, combining local insight with international expertise.

6. This balance is essential to ensuring that the development of our maritime and logistics sector remains sustainable, competitive, and aligned with Brunei Darussalam’s national priorities.

7. The collaboration, among others, focuses on the development, management, and operation of container freight services serving Brunei Darussalam and Southern Philippines, as well as efforts to increase container volumes and expand shipping routes across the BIMP-EAGA region. 

8. Further expanding Warisan Shipping Line’s operations beyond the current two corridors which are: - 

• Singapore-Sabah-Brunei, and

• Sarawak-Brunei-Sabah

9. Importantly, the partnership also enables for future initiatives and supporting facilities to evolve dynamically, ensuring cooperative efforts are flexible, market-driven, and responsive to new demands.

10. This partnership also supports the broader objectives of the BIMP-EAGA initiative, which seeks to promote inclusive economic growth, strengthen cross-border connectivity, and enhance trade flows across Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Improved maritime and logistics connectivity will play a vital role in unlocking untapped markets for businesses, supporting small and medium enterprises, and facilitating the efficient movement to goods across the sub-region.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

​11. From the perspective of the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications, and also in my capacity as Chairman of the Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam, this collaboration is closely aligned with Navigating 2030, MPABD’s Strategic Plan that supports our national development agenda.

12. To develop a thriving maritime sector, the plan sets a clear direction to enhance port competitiveness, strengthen maritime connectivity, and position Brunei Darussalam as a trusted and efficient maritime gateway. To date, we are beginning to see a steady growth in conventional cargo and cruise passenger numbers. 

13. Towards this end, the role of our maritime businesses is essential for the growth of our national maritime sector. Partnerships such as this give life to strategy by translating vision into tangible outcomes that strengthen supply chains, expand regional linkages, and deliver real economic value.

14. Therefore, I strongly welcome the initiative, vision, and commitment shown by Warisan Shipping Line in advancing Brunei Darussalam’s maritime capabilities, and I also welcome DP World’s confidence in Brunei Darussalam as a partner and as a platform for regional growth. I am confident that this collaboration will deliver tangible benefits, not only in commercial terms, but also in strengthening supply chain resilience, trade diversification, and long-term economic sustainability.

15. I would also like to acknowledge the continued support and contributions of the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB), as well as the relevant ministries, agencies, and stakeholders, whose collective efforts have made this initiative possible.

16. This is the progress we seek: anchored in collaboration, guided by strategy, and sustained by shared responsibility. Such partnerships transform strategic objectives into real capability, strengthen regional cooperation, and clear headway is made not only for the present but for future generations.

17. With that hope and confidence, and with the blessings of Allah Subhanahu Wataala, I wish both parties every success as they translate this commitment into lasting outcomes and benefits.

Thank you.

Wabillahi Taufik Walhidayah, Wassalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.