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128 Borneo Bulletin Yearbook 2021
In recent years, Brunei Darussalam has launched
several initiatives focussed on the creative
industry to diversify the country’s economy.
The creative industry is one of the most dynamic
sectors in the world economy. Among the sectors
linked to the industry are architecture, visual and
performing arts, film and television, computer
animation, web design and music.
Two industrial parks have been earmarked to
develop the technology and creative industry: the
Digital Junction and Anggerek Desa Technology
Park.
A working committee to oversee the
development of the creative industry in Brunei
is also being tabled by the government. The
committee is responsible for how the industry
can generate economic opportunities for young
people, especially to leverage on technology. It
will also help establish policies for a conducive
ecosystem for local enterprises to make them
competitive on the international stage.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major
General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin
Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato
Seri Paduka Haji Abidin has said that the local
creative industry has shown promise in terms of
marketability, recalling recent events related to
arts and creativity.
The culture and arts sector in the ASEAN region
– including the creative industry – has not been
spared from the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the 9th Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers
Responsible for Culture and Arts (AMCA) on
October 23, 2020, Brunei’s Minister of Culture,
Youth and Sports highlighted adapting to the
situation and adopting new norms, leveraging
technology with a strong determination to be
more cohesive in its responses.
The meeting, with the theme ‘Impact of COVID-19
and Way Forward for the Culture and Arts Sector’,
agreed on the importance of continuing ASEAN’s
efforts in combating the effects of COVID-19,
particularly towards cultural practices, cultural
industries and creative arenas. The AMCA
ministers agreed to continue to work together in
the culture and arts sectors.
The ability of the creative sector in adapting to
the new norms of virtual service delivery was
also highlighted. This includes the optimisation of
technology to ensure business continuity through
e-library and e-exhibition platforms. Also noted
was the rise in e-commerce, e-performances and
online trainings; digital entrepreneurs; and new
media.
The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports
believes the way forward for ASEAN in the
culture and arts sector is through leveraging
on technology to bridge ASEAN people, artists,
artisans and cultural practitioners.
The minister believes that technology should be
used to foster relationships towards a stronger
ASEAN Community. AMCA should also nurture
innovation and creativity through virtual means,
and increase the diversity of multi-media content
to promote traditional and contemporary ASEAN
artistic expressions.
CREATIVE INDUSTRY