The Minister of the Office of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance and the Economy II Dato SERI SERI Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew Bin Abdullah described several world trends and opportunities for Brunei startups yesterday, including artificial intelligence (AI ) and automation, green technologies, healthtech and others, in his opening speech to the Brunei Startup Summit (BSS) 2025, on the theme “Rise and Thrive: Building Startups evolving and resilient and promoting collaboration”.
One of the most important trends, he said, is AI and automation, which changes the game between industries by improving efficiency, improving customer engagement and allowing taking intelligent decision.
The Minister, who is also president of the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB), said: “We cannot ignore the growing accent on sustainability. Around the world, companies arise to meet environmental challenges. Startups developing green technologies will be well positioned to thrive on this growing market. »»
The pandemic, he said, underlined the value of Healthtech and accelerated the adoption of telemedicine and other digital health solutions. This area remains vital for innovation that benefits communities and the economy. »»
The minister explained that the way people work also transformed after the pandemic. “As hybrid work models become the standard, the demand for remote work solutions that improve collaboration, productivity and connectivity remains high.”
Meanwhile, he shared: “Blockchain and decentralized finance (DEFI) continue to redefine financial systems, introducing new models of transparency, security and accessibility. This presents an exciting opportunity for startups to innovate in financial space. »»
He also underlined the growth of electronic commerce innovations, stressing the importance of digital platforms. Personalized online purchase experiences with effective delivery systems, this sector is full of possibilities for startups to push the limits and redefine consumer behavior.
He said that by typing in these fields and building a collaborative ecosystem, it is an opportunity for Brunei startups to innovate and lead in their respective industries.
The Minister also stressed that the government acknowledges that promoting a robust startup ecosystem requires more than financial support. “Under the vision of Brunei 2035, the Brunei undertook to diversify our economy by prioritizing knowledge, technology and entrepreneurship.”
He added: “The initiatives led by Bedb and other agencies reflect this commitment. Programs such as hackathons, mentoring, incubation opportunities and financing support have contributed to creating a solid base for our local startups. »»
However, he stressed that public sector efforts should be completed by private investments and collaboration. Public-private partnerships are essential to build a sustainable and flourishing ecosystem.
The minister then officially launched the BSS 2025.
The BSS has presented more than 20 sessions divided between Keynotes and plenary sessions on the main scene, alongside simultaneous workshops. The event also included an exhibition and hole windows to highlight promising startups from the Brunei to regional participants, including venture capital manufacturers and capitalists. – James Kon