1.His Majesty delivers a titah at the 22nd Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (Yayasan) Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebration

On April 4, His Majesty Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam delivered a titah at the 22nd Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (Yayasan) Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebration, highlighted artificial intelligence (AI) as a key catalyst for Brunei Darussalam’s future, stressing the need for ethical governance, skilled workforce development, and inclusive growth in line with national aspirations.His Majesty noted that the development of AI must not be viewed solely from a technological perspective but must also be assessed from the standpoint of humanity, justice, and sustainability, the main focus should be given to areas that directly impact people’s lives, such as strengthening public services, improving the quality of education, enhancing the efficiency of the healthcare system, advancing micro, small, and medium enterprises, and producing a skilled workforce in line with Brunei Vision 2035 and the nation’s aspiration to realise the Sultanate as a Smart Nation. Five Chinese-made humanoid robots took part in celebratory performances, becoming the highlight and the hot topics, and attracting widespread attention.

2.DEPS releases trade figures for 2025

According to the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics (DEPS), exports were valued at BND3.33 billion in Q4 2025, a 1.1 per cent decline in the same period a year earlier.Total exports value for 2025 fell by 10.5 per cent to BND13.45 billion, compared with 2024. The contraction was primarily driven by a drop in both the unit value index and export volumes. Meanwhile, total imports value rose by 5.8 per cent year-on-year to BND2.25 billion in Q4 2025. Total imports value for the full year declined by 11.6 per cent to BND8.62 billion, reflecting decreases in both import volumes and prices.

3.MPABD reached two significant milestones

The Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD) launched its Digital Transformation 2.0 and the attainment of the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) certification.Digital Transformation 2.0, building from the foundation of the Maritime Single Window (MSW) which was launched on March last year, MPABD expanding its digital services to six additional categories with a total of 46 digital services. The aim is to create an integrated digital system for quicker processing, improved coordination, and data-driven decisions. The certification cycle was commenced on March 18, 2026. The attainment of ISO 9001:2015 certification reflects MPABD’s commitment to strengthening governance, enhancing service quality, and aligning with internationally recognised standards.

4.Brunei’s young wushu athlete shines at wushu championships in China

Brunei’s young wushu athlete Meagan Keasberry clinched the country’s first medal at the World Junior Wushu Championships in Tianjin, China, securing silver in the women’s Group B Taijijian event. The 10-year-old, the youngest member of the national contingent, Hannah Tan Zi Lin secured Brunei’s second medal, winning bronze in the Girls’ Group C Taijijian event.

5.Ambassador of China to Brunei Darussalam Chen Shaochun Publishes a signed article

At Hari Raya celebration hosted by Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Humanoid robots from China took the stage together with teachers and students from YSHHB, this marks the first appearance of Chinese humanoid robots in Brunei, adding a bright highlight to the celebration of the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Brunei and China，and serves as a vivid example of how China has been driving high-quality development through new quality productive forces. China stands ready to work with neighbouring countries, including Brunei, to align the Belt and Road Initiative with development strategies of neighbouring countries such as Brunei Vision 2035, actively expand cooperation in new quality productive forces, jointly writing a new chapter of building an innovation-driven, mutually beneficial Brunei-China community with a shared future as well as a community with a shared future with neighbouring countries.