Meaningful transformation should be reflected in how institutions operate, how decisions are made, and how public officers discharge their responsibilities, said Permanent Secretary (Civil Service Governance) at the Prime Minister’s Office Ajman bin Haji Meludin during the Civil Service Forum 2026 at Musyawarah Hall, International Convention Centre, Berakas, in conjunction with the 33rd Civil Service Day 2026.
He explained, “This year’s forum, themed ‘Transformasi Perkhidmatan Awam, Inspirasi Raja Dijulang’, complements the overarching theme of the 33rd Civil Service Day Celebration, ‘Menjulang Kepimpinan dan Kedaulatan Raja: Memacu Perkhidmatan Awam yang Transformatif’.”
In the context of this forum, he said, “‘Inspirasi Raja Dijulang’ reflects the responsibility of the Civil Service, to uphold and realise His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s vision, guidance and aspirations. His Majesty’s leadership continues to provide the direction, and guiding principles for public administration, while the civil service plays a pivotal role in translating these into policies, programmes and actions, that serve the interests of the nation and its people.”
He also recalled, “In His Majesty’s titah on Thursday, in conjunction with the 33rd Civil Service Day Celebration, His Majesty reminded us that as times change, so do the challenges we face, and so too must the way we serve. Such change, His Majesty noted, is not a sign of weakness in existing systems, but evidence of a nation’s maturity, in adapting without compromising its fundamental principles.”
The permanent secretary added, “This message sets the context for today’s forum. Civil Service transformation calls for continuous efforts to improve the effectiveness of public administration. These efforts must remain firmly grounded in the values and principles that underpin Brunei Darussalam’s system of governance.”
The demands on our institutions are increasingly complex, he shared, “evolving public expectations and rapid technological developments, call for institutions that are capable of responding effectively, working collaboratively, and continuously improving how they serve the public.” He also stressed that effective leadership, sound governance and a strong work culture are the foundations of meaningful transformation. Technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), can strengthen capabilities, improve decision-making and enhance service delivery, but only when supported by clear leadership, appropriate safeguards and sound judgement.
“These three elements are inseparable. Technology without leadership can accelerate confusion, while governance without the right culture will not deliver meaningful results. And AI, however capable, can never replace the judgement, responsibility and amanah of a civil servant.”
President of the Singapore Chapter and Global AI Ambassador Singapore Looi Teck Kheong presented the keynote address ‘Beyond Automation: AI as the Catalyst for a Trusted and Transformed Public Service’.
The forum continued with a panel discussion moderated by Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle, featuring Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Looi Teck Kheong, and Professor Emeritus Dato’ Seri Dr Ir Zaini bin Ujang of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia.
The discussion highlighted approaches, best practices and strategies to strengthen governance and leadership, advancing digitalisation and innovation, as well as fostering a high-performance organisational culture. The forum also emphasised the importance of continuous learning, competency development and cross-agency collaboration in improving government service delivery.
The event drew a wide audience of stakeholders, including senior government officials and representatives from non-governmental organisations, government-linked companies, and higher education institutions.
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (Civil Service Governance) Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Awang Haji Mohamad was the guest of honour.
The forum emphasised a transformation rooted in the national philosophy of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) and the strategic goals of Brunei Vision 2035. The forum served as a platform for high-level dialogue, focusing on the crucial roles of strategic leadership, good governance, innovation, and capability development in forging an agile, future-ready civil service.
SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN/James Kon
Venues
Audience Ceremony with Coordinating Minister for Public Affairs and Minister for Defence, Republic of Singapore
His Royal Highness receives in Audience Coordinating Minister for Public Affairs and Minister for Defence, Republic of Singapore
Congratulatory Messages on Occasion of Malaysia's 68th Anniversary of Independence Day
Congratulatory Messages on the Occasion of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam's National Day 80th Anniversary
Registration for National Level Musabaqah Al-Qur'an Memorisation and Its Understanding 1447 Hijrah
Course Closing Ceremony, Pengiran Anak Puteri Muta-Wakkilah Hayatul Bolkiah Religious School
Tahlil Ceremony in conjunction with 50th Anniversary of Brunei Arts and Handicrafts Training Centre
Congratulatory Messages on the occasion of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's 95th National Day
Inauguration Of Establishment of Johor Islamic Religious Council & Multaqa Ulama' Darul Ta'zim
Congratulatory Message on the Occasion of Republic of Korea's National Foundation Day
Doa Kesyukuran Ceremony in conjunction with Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri's Birthday Celebration
Audience Ceremony with The Secretary of National Defence of the Republic of the Philippines
Khatam Al-Qur'an Ceremony in conjunction with Birthday Celebration of Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri
Audience Ceremony with Spouse of the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
Doa Kesyukuran Ceremony in conjunction with the Birthday Celebration of Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri
Khatam Al-Qur'an Ceremony in conjunction with the Ruby Jubilee of the Islamic Da'wah Centre
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Audience Ceremony
Prizes Presentation, National Preliminary Musabaqah Al-Qur'an Reading Competition for Adults
Khatam Al-Qur'am Ceremony in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Television Services, RTB
Congratulatory Message on the occasion of the Republic of Turkiye's 102nd Republic Day
Sales Festival in conjunction with the Farmers, Livestock Breeders and Fishermen Day Celebration
Message of Condolences following the Tragic Incident of a Turkish Military Cargo Plane Crash
RB awarded 2026 APEX Four Star Major Airline & 2026 APEX Best in Seat Comfort Award for East Asia
Meeting of the Steering Committee with the Sectoral Committees for the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations
Silver Jubilee Celebration, 25th Anniversary of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah watches Fencing Event of Islamic Solidarity Games 2025
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah presents the Gold Medals, Islamic Solidarity Games 2025
Certification Application for Religious Teaching, Al-Qur'an, and Lectures 1st Session of 2026
Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs Republic of Singapore Audience Ceremony
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China Audience Ceremony
Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs Republic of Singapore Audience Ceremony
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China Audience Ceremony
Launching of Guideline Book on Addressing Harassment at the Workplace in the Public Service
Messages of Condolences following the recent fire at Wang Fuk Court Residential Complex
Congratulatory Messages on the occasion of the National Day of the Kingdom of Thailand
Nine To Four Run in conjunction with 'Ke Temburong Bisai Programme: Borneo Bike Gathering Edition'
Message of Condolences following the Terrorist Attack at Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
Their Majesties will attend a Get-Together Ceremony with Citizens and Residents in United Kingdom and Ireland
Get-Together Ceremony with Citizens and Residents of Brunei in United Kingdom and Ireland
Doa Kesyukuran Ceremony in conjunction with the 42nd Anniversary of Kampung Sungai Besar Mosque
Message of Congratulations on the occasion of Republic of the Union of Myanmar's 78th Independence Day
Working Visit by Ministry of Religious Affairs Delegation for the Admission of Sanah 5 Students
Exhibition Match in conjunction with Peak x UNIKLEARN Pickleball Charity Championship 2026
His Majesty will be Taking Rest, Limited Presence at National and Official Ceremonies
Sovereign's Parade Ceremony of the 24th Intake of the Officer Cadet School, Defence Academy, RBAF
Discipline and Self-Resilience are the Core of the Success of 24th Intake of Officer Cadets
Sunat Hajat Prayer, Reading of Surah Yasin and Special Doa, Brunei Darussalam Students Overseas
Official Academic Visit by Muslim Scholars Association of Malaysia at Islamic Da'wah Centre
Commemorative Products Press Conference in conjunction with Diamond Jubilee Wedding Anniversary
Brunei-Cambridge G.C.E. 'O' Level and IGCSE Examination Results for October/November 2025 Session
Agreement Signing between Warisan Shipping Line and DP World Logistics Malaysia Sendirian Berhad
Message of Congratulations on Occasion of the Islamic Republic of Iran's National Day
Tahlil Ceremony and Appointment Letter Presentation, Jubli Perak Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque
Presentation of Appreciation Certificates and Apointment Letters, Selangan Mosque Takmir Committee
Distribution of His Majesty's Personal Gift of Dates, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism
Urgent Treated Water Pump Valve Replacement Works at Bukit Barun Water Treatment Plant Stage 4 & 5
Enforcement of Control of the Capture, Importation of Small-sized and Egg-Bearing Lobsters and Crabs
Congratulatory Message on occasion of Appointment as the New Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh
Religious Ceremony Awaiting the Results of the Sighting of the New Moon of Ramadhan 1447 Hijrah
Temporary Half Lane Road Closure at Jalan Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha and Tungku Highway
Doa Kesyukuran Ceremony in conjunction with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's 52nd Birthday
Doa Kesyukuran Ceremony in conjunction with the Crown Prince's 52nd Birthday Celebration
Prohibition of Offering Ramadhan Buffet for Premises that have not obtained Halal Certificate
Flag Handover Ceremony to the National Contingent competing at the 6th Asian Beach Games
Brunei's Commitment to Fostering Peace, Promoting Social Harmony & Advancing Sustainable Development
Book Launching Ceremony, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkiye
Audience Ceremony with the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, FAO and Delegation
38th Session of Food and Agriculture Organisation Regional Conference Launching Ceremony
Signing of Agreement between Kedai Kampung & Agrodynamics Antarabangsa Brunei Sendirian Berhad
27/04/2026 Opening of the Final of the National Musabaqah Al-Qur'an Reading for Adults 1447 Hijrah/2026
Mass Sunat Hajat Prayer in conjunction with the World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2026
Final of National Level Musabaqah Al-Qur'an Reading for Adults 1447H/2026M, Final Night
Audience Ceremony with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia
Conferment of State Honorary Medals in conjunction with His Majesty's 79th Birthday Celebration
Establishment of Tilawah Al-Qur'an Scheme for Children as Foundation for Noble Morals and Personalities
Reading, Deepening Understanding and Expressing Internalisation of Al-Qur'an in Shaping Morals and Behavior
Appointment & Confirmation of Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Management), Ministry of Health
Advance Party of Brunei Darussalam Haj Management Office meeting with Syarikat Holiday Inn Bakkah
Bilateral Meeting With His Excellency Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
Flowmeter and Valve Replacement Works at the Agis-Agis Water Treatment Plant, Belait District
Bilateral Meeting with the President and the Vice President of the People's Republic of China
Customs Case, An Indonesian Woman possessing Cigarettes of Various Brands without a Valid Permit
His Royal Highness left Shenzhen after concluding Official Visit to the People's Republic of China
Long Service Medal Presentation in conjunction with His Majesty's 79th Birthday Celebration
Religious Ceremony while Waiting For the Result of the Moon Sighting for Zulhijjah 1447 Hijrah
Ensuring every Citizen possesses Homes that are Comfortable, Safe and of Reasonably High Quality
Establishment of the National Committee on Addressing the Impact of the Middle East Conflict
Special Titah in conjunction with the Reshuffle and Appointment of New Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers 2026
His Majesty consents to Appoint and Promote the Deputy Director of Anti-Corruption Bureau as Director of Anti-Corruption Bureau
Swearing-In Ceremony for the Newly Appointed Judicial Commissioner of the Supreme Court for the Court of Appeal of Brunei Darussalam
Message of Condolences following the recent earthquake in Southern Mindanao, Republic of the Philippines
Courtesy Call by the Non-Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Brunei Darussalam
Talk Programme “Meneladani Tokoh Wanita Islam Zaman Rasulullah Shallallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam"
Congratulatory Message on the Occasion of the Republic of the Philippines' 128th Independence Day
1448 Hijrah New Year with the National Level Reading of End of Hijrah Year and Hijrah New Year Doa
His Majesty will attend the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan, Russian Federation
The Pillars to the Country's Stability, Prosperity and Resilience Must Always Be At a Strong and Secure Level
His Majesty Hope Goverment-Linked Companies Will Be Able to Contribute to a More Sustainable Economic Growth
Strengthening Religious Education and the Field of Da'wah or Propogation is Necessary
Gala Dinner in Honour of Heads of State and Government of ASEAN attending the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit
Congratulatory Messages on the occasion of His Majesty King Charles III's 77th Birthday Anniversary
In Audience with the Outgoing Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Brunei Darussalam
'Kampungku Cergas' Recreational Activity in conjunction with the National Family Day Celebration
'Quit2Win' Campaign becomes an Important Platform to Quit Smoking and Stop using Electronic Vape
BDFA Responsible for the Food Safety Services in the Tutong District and Temburong District
Maintenance Works of Mengkubau Water Treatment Plant & Cleaning Works of Bukit Ambok Water Tank
Doa Kesyukuran Ceremony in conjunction with His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik's 43rd Birthday
Giant-Sized Flag Hoisting Ceremony in conjunction with His Majesty's 80th Birthday Celebration
Kejohanan Bola Sepak His Majesty The Sultan's Cup : Memperkukuh hubungan persahabatan NBD, UK
Haj fare grant applications open; registration begins for National Maulidur Rasul celebration
Brunei Insurance & Takaful Represented in the 31st East Asia Insurance Congress (EAIC) Tokyo 2026
Maraburong Prison Phase 4 building handed overMaraburong Prison Phase 4 building handed over
Landmark Sukuk supports financial innovation and capital market development in Brunei Darussalam
Their Majesties attend funeral for late HRH Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah
Designation of Private and Confidential Secretary to His Majesty is a Deputy Ministerial level position
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