The Sultan’s New Year’s Resolutions
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam, delivered an annual New Year’s titah, or royal speech. The declaration gave a broad overview of the nation’s achievements over its now 40 years since independence, current events, as well as ambitions for the future. Among these are most prominently national economic diversification, the energy transition/decarbonization, and workforce welfare issues.
This ambitious agenda falls under Brunei Vision 2035, colloquially known as Wawasan Brunei 2035, the national grand strategy to advance Brunei as a country with a diversified economy, skilled workforce, and world-class quality of life. To take effect, the Brunei Economic Development Board also recognizes that flexibility and innovation are paramount if the country is to adapt to the new economic models and practices. This includes the role of U.S. investment and development in multiple business sectors.