The forum brought together policymakers, regulators, investors, and industry leaders to discuss financial innovation, regional integration, and sustainable growth.

The 4th ASEAN Forum: The Future of Finance was held at The Rizqun International Hotel in Gadong, Brunei Darussalam, on 28 July. Organised by Asia Asset Management (AAM) in collaboration with the Brunei Institute of Leadership & Islamic Finance (BILIF), and supported by the Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB), the forum was held under the theme “Innovation, Integration and Growth in an Age of Transition”.

The forum aimed to foster dialogue among policymakers, regulators, institutional investors, and industry leaders on innovative investment strategies, emerging opportunities in Islamic and digital finance, and strengthening ASEAN’s financial ecosystem through greater regional collaboration.

Delivering the keynote address, Brunei’s Minister of Finance II, H.E. Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mohd. Amin Liew bin Abdullah said the true measure of the financial sector lies not only in the prosperity it creates today, but also in the prosperity it sustains for future generations. He also highlighted Brunei’s commitment to building a trusted and future-ready financial system through initiatives such as the Sustainable Finance Roadmap 2025–2030, the FinTech Regulatory Sandbox, and TARUS.

The forum featured presentations and panel discussions by financial leaders from across the region, including representatives from Baiduri Bank, Affin Bank, Bank of Singapore, Nomura Asset Management, and Hijra Group.

Source: Pelita Brunei

The visit highlighted 50 years of defence relations and cooperation in sustainable aquaculture between Singapore and Brunei.

As part of the 50th anniversary of defence relations between Singapore and Brunei, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong visited Brunei and met Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel stationed there. He said the longstanding partnership had provided valuable learning opportunities for soldiers from both countries while building lasting friendships.

During the visit, Senior Minister Lee also toured Barramundi Group’s aquaculture farm. He noted that the company worked closely with partners in Singapore to supply fish to supermarkets, hotels and businesses, while collaborating with research partners, including A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs (A*STAR IDL), to strengthen fish health and improve the aquaculture ecosystem.

Senior Minister Lee added that sustainable fish farming supported the food security partnership between Singapore and Brunei. He also thanked SAF personnel for their service, recognising their contribution to strengthening Singapore’s defence capabilities and supporting peace and stability in the region.

Source: Facebook/SM Lee Hsien Loong

A COMMEMORATIVE EVENT IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM HIGHLIGHTED FIVE DECADES OF CLOSE DEFENCE COOPERATION BETWEEN SINGAPORE AND BRUNEI.

SINGAPORE, 12 January 2026 — The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) commemorated the 50th anniversary of defence relations between Singapore and Brunei Darussalam.

To mark the milestone, Singapore’s Chief of Defence Force, Vice-Admiral (VADM) Aaron Beng, was in Brunei Darussalam to host a commemorative dinner attended by current and former defence leaders from Brunei. The Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II of Brunei Darussalam, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Retired) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, attended the dinner as the Guest of Honour.

In his remarks, VADM Beng highlighted the strong and enduring bilateral defence relationship between the two countries, noting that the partnership has enabled both armed forces to work closely together over the past five decades. He reaffirmed confidence that Singapore and Brunei Darussalam would continue to deepen their defence partnership, adapt to emerging challenges, and contribute to regional peace and stability.

As part of the commemorations, VADM Beng and the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan, jointly launched the 50th Anniversary (SG–BRU 50) logo. The logo symbolises the close ties founded on mutual trust, recognition and loyalty, and will be worn by SAF and RBAF personnel during bilateral interactions throughout the year.

Bilateral defence cooperation has expanded in scope and complexity over the years. The Singapore Army and the Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF) are conducting the 28th edition of Exercise Maju Bersama and the 25th edition of Exercise Rintis Bersama in Brunei Darussalam. Both armed forces also continue to engage through exercises such as Exercise Pelican and Exercise Airguard, as well as regular visits, cross-attendance of courses and professional exchanges.

SOURCE : MINDEF

THE VISIT REAFFIRMED LONGSTANDING DEFENCE TIES BETWEEN SINGAPORE AND BRUNEI, AS BOTH SIDES EXPLORED AVENUES TO DEEPEN AIR FORCE COOPERATION AHEAD OF A KEY MILESTONE YEAR.

SINGAPORE — The Commander of the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF), Brigadier General (U) Haji Haszahaidi bin Haji Ahmad Daud, made an introductory visit to Singapore from 5 to 7 January 2026.

Brigadier General Haji Haszahaidi called on Singapore’s Minister for Defence, Mr Chan Chun Sing, at the Ministry of Defence in Singapore. During the meeting, both leaders reaffirmed the close and long-standing bilateral defence relationship between Singapore and Brunei, noting that 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of defence relations between the two countries. They also discussed ways to further strengthen defence cooperation between the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the RBAirF.

As part of his visit, Brigadier General Haji Haszahaidi also met Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Aaron Beng and Chief of Air Force Major-General Kelvin Fan. Major-General Fan presented him with the RSAF Honorary Wings award in recognition of his contributions to enhancing bilateral relations between the two Air Forces. During his stay, Brigadier General Haji Haszahaidi is scheduled to visit the Counter-Terrorism Information Facility and the RSAF’s Participation Command.

The visit underscored the strong and enduring defence partnership between Singapore and Brunei. The RSAF and RBAirF maintain regular engagement through high-level visits, professional exchanges, cross-attendance of courses and the bilateral Exercise AIRGUARD, which have contributed to deeper mutual understanding and cooperation between the two Air Forces.

SOURCE : MINDEF

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong travelled to Brunei for the 11th Young Leaders’ Programme to further strengthen longstanding ties and explore new areas of collaboration.

Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong conducted an official visit to Negara Brunei Darussalam from 3 to 4 November 2025 to participate in the 11th Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme (YLP). The visit was made at the invitation of His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei.

The YLP, launched in 2013, has served as a key platform for fostering close relations and deepening mutual understanding between the next generation of leaders from Singapore and Brunei. The programme reflects the enduring friendship and special bilateral relationship between both countries and supports ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation across strategic sectors. This year’s discussions also took place in the context of significant upcoming milestones, including the 50th anniversary of bilateral defence relations in 2026 and the 60th anniversary of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement in 2027.

Image by: MDDI

During the visit, Prime Minister Wong had audiences with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Billah. The Sultan hosted Prime Minister Wong to lunch, while the Crown Prince hosted a welcome dinner. Prime Minister Wong also visited a range of health-related facilities in Jerudong to observe developments in Brunei’s healthcare ecosystem.

Prime Minister Wong was accompanied by Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State for Health and Manpower Dr Koh Poh Koon, Minister of State for Digital Development and Information and Education Jasmin Lau, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth and for Sustainability and the Environment Goh Hanyan, and Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education and National Development Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi, along with officials from the Prime Minister’s Office and relevant agencies.

Image by: MDDI

The visit reaffirmed Singapore and Brunei’s deep-rooted friendship, underpinned by regular high-level exchanges, strong defence cooperation, and extensive economic and people-to-people ties. In Prime Minister Wong’s absence, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong served as Acting Prime Minister.

Source: Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Republic of Singapore Navy and the Royal Brunei Navy concluded the 43rd edition of Exercise Pelican, strengthening defence cooperation and professional ties.

On 26 September 2025, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) concluded the 43rd edition of Exercise Pelican. The bilateral exercise, first established in 1979, took place from 23 to 26 September at Muara Naval Base in Brunei.

This year’s exercise involved personnel from the RSN’s Naval Diving Unit and Sentinel-class Maritime Security and Response Vessels Guardian and Protector. The RBN participated with its Naval Surface Action Group and AS-SIDDIQ-class Patrol Vessels KDB AS-SIDDIQ and KDB AL-FARUQ.

Throughout the exercise, participants conducted professional exchanges covering conventional naval warfare, seamanship, and engineering. Demonstrations also included firefighting and damage control procedures, reinforcing operational readiness and joint learning.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Senior Lieutenant Colonel Neville Nah, Commander of the RSN’s Maritime Security and Response Flotilla, emphasised the value of the exercise in deepening professional expertise and collaboration. He highlighted that the partnership between Singapore and Brunei reflected mutual respect and a shared commitment to regional peace and stability.

Exercise Pelican has remained a flagship platform for defence cooperation between the two nations, enhancing mutual understanding and interoperability. Beyond the exercise, both navies continue to strengthen their relationship through visits, professional exchanges, and regular interactions.

Source : MINDEF

Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing met Brunei’s Sultan and Crown Prince to reaffirm the special bilateral defence relationship and people-to-people ties.

Singapore’s Minister for Defence, Mr Chan Chun Sing, who is on a two-day introductory visit to Brunei, was granted an audience with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan of Brunei Darussalam.

During their meeting, both leaders reaffirmed the importance of the special relationship between Brunei and Singapore, highlighting the strength of their longstanding bilateral defence cooperation. Mr Chan also conveyed his appreciation to His Majesty for attending Singapore’s 60th National Day Parade earlier this month. The Sultan and Mr Chan emphasised the enduring people-to-people ties between the two nations and agreed on the importance of continuing close collaboration.

Mr Chan had an audience with His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office. Both reaffirmed the strong partnership between Singapore and Brunei and expressed their anticipation for the upcoming Young Leaders’ Programme (YLP) later this year, which will further strengthen exchanges between the younger generation of leaders.

Mr Chan’s visit reflects Singapore’s commitment to deepening defence cooperation and fostering strong diplomatic relations with Brunei, a longstanding and trusted partner.

Source:

As Singapore marks 60 years of independence, Brunei reflects on four decades of strong bilateral relations rooted in history, trust, and regional cooperation.

Singapore, August 2025 – As part of IN Diplomacy’s Singapore National Day Edition Feature, Her Excellency Hajah Noor Qamar Haji Sulaiman, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to the Republic of Singapore, has extended warm congratulations to Singapore on its 60th year of independence. The message also commemorates a key milestone in bilateral ties—40 years of diplomatic relations between Brunei and Singapore, established in January 1984 following Brunei’s independence.

Brunei Darussalam and Singapore marked an important milestone in 2024, celebrating forty years of diplomatic relations, established in January 1984 after Brunei Darussalam gained independence. This occasion not only celebrates our shared journey but also reaffirms a partnership grounded in a common vision and strong, lasting ties.

The history of our relationship predates formal diplomatic ties, rooted in the enduring friendship between the late Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien III and Singapore’s founding father, the late Prime Minister Mr. Lee Kuan Yew. As two small Southeast Asian nations with a shared vision and aspirations, we have continued to collaborate closely in multifaceted areas of cooperation, bringing mutual benefit to our people and countries. The unique and special ties have led to the Currency Interchangeability Agreement and robust defence ties enjoyed today.

The exchanges of visits at all levels have also laid a solid foundation for our bilateral relations. Upon assuming office in 2024, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong made Brunei Darussalam their first official overseas engagement. The Young Leaders Programme, which reached its 10th milestone iteration in 2024, was celebrated when His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam, visited Singapore.

Over the past four decades, our bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, education, defence, and people-to-people exchanges has expanded in depth and scope. Amid an increasingly complex global landscape marked by geopolitical tensions and geo-economic uncertainties, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore have continued to cooperate closely, identifying new key areas such as the green economy and food security to ensure the mutual resilience of our people.

These forward-looking initiatives reflect our mutual commitment to ensuring our enduring partnership remains relevant. Over the years, our collaboration has yielded meaningful results across various sectors, benefiting our people and countries. The partnership cultivated over many generations exemplifies the strong bonds of friendship, mutual respect and understanding shared between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore.

As Singapore celebrates its 60th year of independence on 9 August 2025, I would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations and very warm wishes to the people and Government of Singapore. We share the pride of your nation’s remarkable journey, and we look forward to many more years of meaningful cooperation. Guided by a shared vision for peace, resilience, and sustainable growth in ASEAN and beyond, I am confident that the Brunei Darussalam–Singapore relations will continue to flourish, fostering greater prosperity and cooperation for future generations.

Singapore and Brunei reaffirm longstanding bilateral ties through festive Hari Raya celebrations and warm personal exchanges.

From 1 to 4 April 2025, Dr Maliki Osman, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Education, and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore, undertook his annual Hari Raya visit to Brunei Darussalam. The visit reflects the enduring tradition and close personal connections that underpin the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations.

During the visit, Dr Maliki and the Singapore delegation paid a courtesy call to the Istana Nurul Iman, where they extended festive Hari Raya greetings from Singapore’s leaders to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam, as well as to His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office.

In addition to the royal audience, the delegation visited the homes of current and former Bruneian Ministers and senior officials to exchange Hari Raya greetings, further deepening bonds of friendship and goodwill. The annual Hari Raya visit by Singapore Ministers has been a cherished tradition since 2012, embodying the warm and long-standing personal ties shared between leaders of both countries.

A highlight of the visit took place on 3 April 2025, when the Singapore High Commission in Brunei Darussalam hosted a Hari Raya Open House. The event welcomed Dr Maliki Osman as Guest-of-Honour and provided a lively and warm setting for engagement between the Singapore delegation and the local Singaporean community. Dr Maliki was joined by Mr Murali Pillai, Minister of State; Mayor Fahmi Aliman; and Ms Rachel Ong, Member of Parliament.

Members of the Singapore Association Executive Council (ExCo) were also in attendance, engaging in convivial conversation with Dr Maliki and his wife, Puan Saadiah. The gathering served as a meaningful platform for reaffirming community ties and celebrating shared traditions in a familiar setting abroad.

The Singapore delegation’s visit highlighted the continued commitment of both countries to maintaining strong people-to-people links and fostering mutual understanding through cultural and festive exchanges.

Source: MFA

Strengthening Bonds and Future Collaboration Between Brunei and Singapore

Singapore, 26 February 2025 – The High Commission of Brunei Darussalam in Singapore hosted a reception to celebrate the nation’s 41st National Day, highlighting its achievements under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. The event, attended by business leaders, dignitaries, and officials from both nations, reinforced the enduring bilateral relationship and outlined areas for future collaboration.

H.E. Hajah Noor Qamar Haji Sulaiman, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam, welcomed esteemed guests, including Minister Grace Fu, Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment as the Guest of Honour, and Members of Parliament Mr Henry Kwek and Mr Christopher de Souza. She expressed gratitude for their presence and underscored the theme of this year’s celebration, Bersatu Mencapai Cita Negara (United in Achieving the Nation’s Aspiration), which reflects Brunei’s commitment to unity, patriotism, and progress under its Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy.

“Our two nations share a unique and deeply rooted friendship built on trust, respect, and shared values,” said the High Commissioner. “As we commemorate Brunei’s 41st National Day, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening this partnership across various sectors, including trade, sustainability, and education.”

Brunei and Singapore share a longstanding relationship that predates the formal diplomatic ties established in 1984. This connection was first forged through the personal friendship between Brunei’s late Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien III and Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. Over the past four decades, the relationship has deepened through high-level exchanges, economic partnerships, and cultural collaborations.

Minister Grace Fu echoed these sentiments, highlighting the many milestones in the past year, including state visits by Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to Brunei, as well as Brunei’s Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah’s participation in the Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme. “Singapore and Brunei have a long history of cooperation, and we continue to find new opportunities to collaborate,” said Minister Foo. “From advancing sustainable development to strengthening our trade partnerships, our nations remain steadfast in supporting each other’s progress.”

Beyond diplomatic exchanges, Singapore and Brunei collaborate extensively across multiple sectors. Trade relations have expanded, with Brunei’s food exports—such as eggs and processed beef—growing significantly in Singapore. Joint initiatives in low-carbon energy, vaccine capacity, and environmental sustainability further demonstrate the strength of their cooperation. The annual Brunei-Singapore Environmental Exchange and the Brunei Darussalam-Singapore Work Placement Programme continue to enhance knowledge sharing and professional development between the two countries.

As both nations look towards the future, they remain committed to strengthening economic, educational, and environmental cooperation. The 60th anniversary of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement in 2027 will be another testament to their robust financial and economic ties. Through continued collaboration and mutual support, Brunei and Singapore aim to foster even closer relations for the benefit of their citizens.

To commemorate the occasion, guests at the reception were treated to a taste of Brunei, including the well-loved prawn crackers, generously provided by Brunei Halal Food and Royal Brunei Airlines.

Source: IN Diplomacy Reporters