• Today: September 30, 2026

Blueprint sets financial sector direction

Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) on Tuesday officially launched the Brunei Darussalam Financial Sector Blueprint (FSBP) 2026–2035, the second blueprint setting out the strategic direction for the development of Brunei Darussalam’s financial sector over the next decade.

The FSBP 2026–2035 provides a comprehensive strategic framework that aligns BDCB’s priorities with those of the financial industry, public and private sector stakeholders, and international partners.

Anchored by the core principle of upholding monetary and financial stability, the FSBP focuses on three developmental strategic thrusts namely Strategic Thrust 1: An progressive and innovative financial sector; Strategic Thrust 2: Sustainability through finance; and Strategic Thrust 3: Modern and technology-driven financial infrastructure.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin in his capacity as Chairman of the BDCB Board of Directors was the guest of honour.                

The ceremony commenced with welcoming remarks by Hajah Rashidah binti Haji Sabtu who highlighted that the FSBP 2026–2035 builds on the financial sector’s strong collective aspirations and the significant progress achieved to date. She emphasised that financial sector development is a continuous journey, requiring sustained efforts to remain competitive, responsive to emerging developments, and aligned with national priorities.

This was followed by a keynote address by Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf where he highlighted that, building on the achievements of the first Blueprint, the launch of the FSBP 2026–2035 marks the next strategic step towards building a resilient, inclusive and innovative financial sector over the next decade. He also underscored that the successful implementation of the Blueprint will require collective efforts from stakeholders across the public and private sectors and the wider community, contributing to a more prosperous future for the Sultanate.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin in his capacity as Chairman of the BDCB Board of Directors at the launch event. PHOTOS: RAFI ROSLI

The launch programme also featured a Special Dialogue on ‘ASEAN in a Shifting Global Economy: What It Means for Brunei Darussalam’s Growth and Financial Future’.

Moderated by Managing Director of Confer Sdn Bhd Allen Lai, the dialogue brought together Deputy Managing Director (Monetary Operations, Development and International) of BDCB Mardini bin Haji Eddie; Deputy Secretary General of the Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) Abdullah Haron; and Senior Officer at the Finance Integration Division, ASEAN Secretariat Renz Calub. The session explored the evolving global and regional economic landscape and its implications for Brunei’s growth and financial future.

A panel session themed ‘Future-Proofing Brunei’s Financial Sector: Building Resilience, Innovation and Sustainable Growth’ was also held, moderated by Executive Director of BDCB Dayangku Sri Joedianna binti Pengiran Haji Mohammed.                           

The session featured five panelists: Acting Director of Planning, Department of Economic Planning and Statistics at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Dk Norhanidah binti Pg Hj Mashor; Chair of the APEC Business Advisory Council Brunei and Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Brunei Pg Aki Ismasufian bin Pg Haji Ibrahim; Managing Director cum Chief Executive Officer of Takaful Brunei Haji Shahrildin bin POKLU DP Haji Jaya; Managing Director of BIBD Securities Jason Wong; and General Manager of National Insurance Bhd Klaus Tomalla.

The discussion focused on how Brunei can build on the financial sector’s strong foundation of trust and resilience to further strengthen its role as an enabler of investment, innovation, enterprise and economic diversification.

Managing Director of BDCB Hajah Rashidah binti Haji Sabtu, members of the BDCB Board of Directors and Syariah Financial Supervisory Board, senior officials and representatives from the government, BDCB and the financial industry were also present.

 

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN/JAMES KON

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