BBYB 2021

Borneo Bulletin Yearbook 2021

PREFACE

2020 will be remembered as a challenging year for many, with the impact

of the COVID-19 pandemic felt around the world, including in Brunei

Darussalam. However, it will also be remembered as a year where the

nation united, working together to curb the spread of the virus.

His Majesty’s government, through the Ministry of Health in collaboration

with other ministries and agencies, has conducted a whole-of-nation

approach in combating COVID-19 in the country. People on the frontline have

worked sel essly, with many also volunteering to contribute. The pandemic

has also led to a surge in charitable donations.

While the pandemic has had a signi cant economic impact, Brunei

Darussalam’s economy is still forecast to be strong and able to record a

respectable growth rate in 2020, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF)

World Economic Outlook report in April predicting Brunei Darussalam’s

gross domestic product (GDP) growth for the year to be 1.3 per cent.

The Borneo Bulletin Yearbook (BBYB) 2021 will provide in-depth insights

into the initiatives implemented by the government to mitigate the

impact of the pandemic. These measures cover three broad focus areas,

namely: maintaining the well-being of the public; protecting jobs and

providing support for individuals; as well as supporting and assisting

businesses.

2021 also marks a momentous year for Brunei Darussalam as it takes over the

ASEAN chairmanship, providing an opportunity to further foster cooperation

and unity around the region. The theme for Brunei’s chairmanship this year

is ‘We Care, We Prepare, We Prosper’.

BBYB 2021 features key information about Brunei, with a focus on

signi cant milestones achieved by the oil and gas industry, information and

communications technology industry, innovative technology and creative

industry, agriculture and aquaculture industry, banking industry, business

services and tourism.

This comprehensive guide includes interviews with key government of cials

who have shared insights into the country’s economic outlook. Captains of

industry from business associations and regulatory bodies have also been

sought for their views on the progress Brunei has made.

The yearbook also highlights successful local businesses with special

emphasis on resilience and adaptability in these challenging times.

Success stories of foreign direct investments (FDIs) that have established

themselves in Brunei are also featured, providing information regarding

incentives on offer for other prospective investors to consider.

LOOKING AHEAD – A NATION UNITED

BORNEO BULLETIN YEARBOOK 2021