As one of ASEAN’s richest but smallest member states, Brunei Darussalam gained enormously from its decision to join the organisation just a week after gaining independence in 1984. “Joining ASEAN was a way to solidify statehood,” said Bangkok-based regional political analyst Chayut Setboonsarng. “As a small country being part of a regional grouping increases its leverage...
With one of the world’s largest endowments of hydrocarbons relative to the size of its population, Brunei Darussalam has naturally built its economy around the production and export of oil and gas. Energy exports have funded a high general standard of living and substantial outward foreign investment. However, like many of the world’s traditional oil and gas producers,...
One of the most important trends in Brunei Darussalam’s economy is the government’s push to develop small businesses. Although the government has long sought to encourage development of small businesses as part of its efforts to diversify the economy and increase employment opportunities for locals, the effort has intensified in recent years as a demographic bulge of...
Brunei Darussalam is a tolerant and accepting country, and Bruneians are well accustomed to interacting with foreigners in both business and informal settings. However, certain rules of cultural etiquette should be observed. The Sultanate is an Islamic state, so public displays of affection between sexes should be avoided and the consumption and...
Blessed with great hydrocarbons wealth and a population of 425,000 set in 5770 sq km, Brunei Darussalam has never had to exploit its natural biodiversity to sustain growth in its contemporary history. Logging and oil palm plantation, two of the greatest causes of deforestation in the region, have no real place in its economy, leaving an...
The Sultanate has created an extensive public sector that dominates Brunei Darussalam’s economy and, in many ways, forms an extension of the generous welfare system – providing jobs and security to the local population. According to figures provided by the Department of Economic Planning and Development at the Prime Minister’s Office (JPKE), the...
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