• Today: September 4, 2026

Financial literacy takes centre stage

Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) officially launched National Financial Literacy Day (NFLD) 2026 yesterday, marking the start of the three-day event aimed at strengthening financial knowledge, encouraging positive financial habits and promoting greater financial well-being in Brunei Darussalam.

The guest of honour was Minister of Education and Chairperson of the National Financial Literacy Council (NFLC) Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh, who launched NFLD 2026 together with Managing Director of BDCB Hajah Rashidah binti Haji Sabtu.

Also in attendance were Deputy Minister of Education Dato Seri Paduka Dr Awang Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal, NFLC members, senior officials and representatives from BDCB, government agencies, higher education institutions, financial institutions and strategic partners.

The ceremony commenced with welcoming remarks by Hajah Rashidah, who highlighted the importance of ensuring that greater access to financial services translates into improved financial well-being.

While more than 80 per cent of Brunei Darussalam’s population has access to formal financial services, she emphasised that financial inclusion must be complemented by strong financial literacy and responsible financial behaviours to support long-term financial well-being. She also highlighted digital financial literacy as an increasingly important area of focus, particularly as the use of digital financial services continues to grow.

The National Financial Literacy Survey 2026 recorded a Digital Financial Literacy score of 43 per cent, underscoring the need to further strengthen individuals’ ability to confidently and safely navigate an increasingly digital financial landscape.

This need is also being addressed at the regional level, with BDCB contributing to the development of the ASEAN Digital Financial Literacy Competency Framework to support stronger capabilities in this area.

The launching ceremony also featured a keynote address by Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Research for Impact, Singapore Dr Joanne Yoong titled ‘From Knowing to Doing: Behavioural Insights for Stronger Financial Well-Being and Resilience’.

The keynote examined the persistent gap between financial knowledge and actual behaviour, noting that understanding alone does not always lead to better financial decisions. It also explored how behavioural biases, digital financial services and AI-driven fraud are creating new challenges, highlighting the need for more effective policies, products and financial education.

NFLD 2026 continues until September 4, 2026 through a series of financial education activities.

The Financial Awareness Roadshow at The Mall, Gadong, is also open to the public. Financial Talks will also be held for invited participants from government agencies, government-linked companies and higher education institutions.

Minister of Education and Chairperson of the National Financial Literacy Council (NFLC) Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh, and Deputy Minister of Education Dato Seri Paduka Dr Awang Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal in a group photo. PHOTO: SIM Y H

 

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN

Venues

BSB

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!

Leave a Comment

Total visitors: 3,720,794 | Today's visitors: 20,408
Updated: 20:31:03