​Opening REMARKS 

by the Guest of Honour 

Yang Mulia  

Ir. Awang Haji Mohammad Nazri bin Haji Mohammad Yusof 

Permanent Secretary 

Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications 

Opening Remarks  

ASEAN Sustainable Ready for Industry 5.0 Program 

29 Jun 2026M   |  13 Muharram 1448H 

Universiti Teknologi Brunei 

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh and a very good morning. 

A. Yang Mulia Datin Paduka Professor Dr. Dayang Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman, Vice-Chancellor, Universiti Teknologi Brunei 

B. His Excellency Mr. Chen Chuan, Minister Counselor, Representative of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam 

C. Yang Mulia, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Assistant Vice-Chancellors, UTB Principal Officers, Distinguished Guest, Ladies and Gentlemen 

1. It is a pleasure to be here today at the opening of the ASEAN Sustainable Ready for Industry 5.0 Program. As we enter the second year of this four year initiative, we recognize the significant progress achieved during its inaugural year. Through the successful implementation of the Industry 5.0 & ESG Forum and Green Audit Workshop, the program established a valuable platform for awareness, knowledge sharing, and stakeholder engagement. These accomplishments provide a strong foundation for deeper collaboration and capacity building as we work towards a more sustainable, resilient, and human-centric industrial future. The Global AI Transformation and Opportunities for Brunei 

2. We are living in a time of unprecedented transformation driven by Artificial Intelligence. New and advanced AI systems such as OpenAI’s GPT models, Google DeepMind’s Gemini, and Anthropic’s Claude are redefining how uknowledge is created, how research is conducted, and how innovation is translated into real-world impact. 

3. For Brunei, these developments present both significant opportunities and important responsibilities. Guided by Wawasan Brunei 2035, the nation is committed to building a dynamic and sustainable economy driven by knowledge, digital transformation, and innovation. At the regional level, under ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI) and its Sub-Committee on Deep and Emerging Technology (SC-DET), we continue to embrace AI as a key driver of economic growth, digital integration, and resilience across the region. Together with our ASEAN Dialogue Partner, we have a valuable opportunity to further strengthen regional collaboration and accelerate progress in research and innovation. Ethical, Responsible, and Inclusive AI Development 

4. As we move forward, we must recognize that the advancement of AI is not purely a technological journey. It is a complex and multidisciplinary effort that requires strong collaboration among governments, academia, industry, and society. 

5. One of the most important considerations is ensuring that AI is developed and applied in a manner that is ethical, responsible, and inclusive. In a region as diverse as ASEAN, with different cultures, languages, and systems of governance, it is essential that AI systems are designed with fairness, transparency, and accountability at their core. For Brunei, these values are closely aligned with our national principles and governance framework. 

6. As we strengthen cooperation with ASEAN and its dialogue partners, we must also invest in research and discussions that build trust in AI systems, supported by appropriate standards, policies, and safeguards that ensure AI is used safely and responsibly. 

Data, Digital Infrastructure, and Regional Collaboration 

7. At the same time, the success of AI innovation depends heavily on data and digital infrastructure. High-quality data forms the foundation of effective AI systems; however, in many parts of ASEAN, data ecosystems remain fragmented and unevenly developed. 

8. Brunei has the opportunity to position itself as a trusted and secure digital environment, supported by strong governance and emerging technological capabilities. 

9. Through closer regional cooperation, ASEAN can advance cross-border data frameworks, strengthen cybersecurity, and promote responsible data sharing for research and innovation. These efforts will not only accelerate technological progress but also foster the trust needed for sustainable collaboration.

Research as the Foundation of Innovation 

10. Equally important is the role of research as the foundation of innovation. Research enables us to explore new ideas, solve complex challenges, and develop solutions that are relevant to our local and regional needs. 

11. For Brunei, there is significant potential to focus research on priority sectors such as aquaculture, agriculture, healthcare, energy, and environmental sustainability, where AI can create meaningful and immediate impact. 

12. At the same time, we must also recognize that research achieves its true value when it is translated into tangible outcomes. Too often, valuable research remains within academic circles without progressing to real world implementation. Closing this gap requires us to rethink how we approach innovation, ensuring that research is closely aligned with industry needs and societal challenges. 

Startups, Commercialisation, and Innovation Ecosystems 

13. In this context, startups and innovation-driven enterprises play a critical role. Startups serve as a bridge between research and commercialisation, transforming ideas into practical solutions that generate economic and social value. 

14. In Brunei, there is growing potential to develop startups that leverage AI in key sectors such as aquaculture, food security, digital services, and smart technologies. Across ASEAN, the expanding startup ecosystem has demonstrated how innovation can scale regionally, provide valuable models for growth, investment, and commercial success. 

15. To enable this ecosystem, we must strengthen innovation through incubators, accelerators, and technology hubs that connect researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry partners. These platforms are essential in moving ideas from concept to prototype, and from prototype to market readiness. 

16. At the same time, funding remains a critical enabler. While traditional research grants continue to support foundational research, there is an increasing need for funding mechanisms that support the full innovation lifecycle, including commercialization stage. 

Talent Development and Human Capital 

17. We must also continue to invest in talent development, as people are at the centre of this transformation. Building a skilled workforce with expertise in AI, research, and entrepreneurship requires strong collaboration between universities, industry, and government. 18. Through education, capacity-building initiatives, and regional exchange programmes, we can equip our people with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the digital age. 

Industry 5.0: A Human-Centric and Sustainable Future 

Ladies and gentlemen, 

19. The title of this event, “Sustainable Ready for Industry 5.0”, serves as a reminder that the next phase of industrial transformation extends beyond technology, focusing instead on shaping a human-centric, sustainable, and inclusive future. It calls for a balance between innovation and responsibility as well as between economic growth and societal well-being. 

20. Moving forward, the journey ahead calls for greater collaboration across borders, disciplines, and sectors. Today, we will witness the signing of two Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs): one between UTB and Protasco Bhd from Malaysia, and the other between UTB and Beibu Gulf University of China. 

21. By strengthening cooperation between Brunei, ASEAN, and dialogue partners, we can create new opportunities, accelerate research and innovation, and ensure that AI delivers meaningful and lasting benefits for society. 

Closing Remarks 

22. Let us take this opportunity to share and exchange knowledge, build partnerships, and explore new ideas. Let us ensure that our research is translated into innovation, our innovation into enterprise, and our enterprise into meaningful contributions to sustainable development across our region and beyond. 

23. Before I conclude, I would like to place on record my sincere appreciation to Universiti Teknologi Brunei, as well as all speakers and organisers, for their dedication and close collaboration in supporting this programme towards building a more sustainable, resilient, and human-centric industrial future. This collaboration supports both Brunei’s national aspirations and ASEAN’s regional ambitions in science, technology and innovation. 

24. To all the participants, researchers, administrators, and coordinators, your role in the next decade is more significant than it may appear today. I encourage you to carry that responsibility forward with commitment and purpose. 

25. With that, it is my pleasure to officially declare open Year 2 of the ASEAN Sustainable Ready for Industry 5.0. 

Thank you. Wabillahi taufik walhidayah, Wassalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.