Brunei fortifies digital capacity, cyber defences

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei (MNTV) – In the race to stay ahead in a digitally driven world, Brunei Darussalam is proving that size is no barrier to ambition, reports Borneo Bulletin.

With a population of less than half a million, the Sultanate is harnessing information and communications technology (ICT) not just as a tool for convenience but as a catalyst for national growth, innovation and security.

From artificial intelligence (AI) governance to the establishment of a national digital identity system, Brunei’s digital transformation journey is being built on two firm pillars: capacity and trust.

In an age where connectivity is critical and cyber threats are evolving rapidly, the government is taking bold steps to ensure that Bruneians are both empowered and protected.

The ICT sector contributed $378 million to Brunei’s gross domestic product in 2023, a five-per-cent increase from the previous year.

According to the ICT Development Index 2024 released by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Brunei scored 95.1 – well above the global average and among the highest in ASEAN.

This progress is underpinned by over 90% population access to 4G/5G mobile networks and expanded broadband connectivity reaching remote villages like Kampong Sukang and Kampong Melilas.

This growing digital capacity forms the bedrock for Brunei’s ambitions under the Digital Economy Masterplan 2025, which aims to transform the nation into a ‘Smart Nation’ and a regional leader in digital innovation.

Brunei’s strategic focus on emerging technologies is perhaps most evident in its approach to AI. The establishment of an AI Governance and Ethics Working Group signals the country’s commitment to ensuring that technological advancements are accompanied by ethical considerations.

“AI holds great promise for improving numerous aspects of our lives,” said Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Pengiran Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha. “Yet these advancements also bring significant challenges.”

The AI governance framework – currently being developed through collaboration among government, industry and academia – seeks to guide responsible AI development, addressing concerns such as misinformation, bias and the rise of AI-generated deepfakes.

Brunei’s AI strategy also prioritises infrastructure development, talent cultivation, public engagement and ongoing evaluation, positioning the nation to not only adopt but also lead in AI innovation responsibly.

Alongside AI, cybersecurity has become a critical national priority. With digital dependency comes vulnerability, and Brunei is responding with resilience.

The 2023 Cybersecurity Act and the newly approved Personal Data Protection Order 2025 (PDPO) together represent a fortified legal framework aimed at protecting citizens, businesses and critical infrastructure.

The Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI), the nation’s ICT regulatory body, has taken on the role of data protection authority. It is actively rolling out public awareness campaigns, training programmes for Data Protection Officers, and a DPO Competency Programme to ensure industry-wide readiness before the law’s enforcement in 2026.

Efforts are also underway to localise data hosting. The Unified National Networks (UNN) is developing sovereign cloud services and local data centres to reduce reliance on foreign infrastructure.

Brunei’s Digital Identity (BruneiID) project, currently in its pilot phase, will provide secure credentials for online transactions – further cementing the country’s vision of a trusted digital ecosystem.