1. Brunei Population Data for 2025 Released

According to a recent Population Estimates report from the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics, Brunei Darussalam’s population reached an estimated 458,600 in 2025, reflecting a growth rate of 0.7 per cent, down from 1.1 per cent recorded in 2024. Of this total, males account for 53.4% and females 46.6%. Citizens, permanent residents and temporary residents make up 76.7%, 5.8% and 17.5% respectively. Geographically, the Brunei-Muara District remained the most populated area, accounting for 72.5 per cent of the population, with the Malay comprising 73.5%, the Chinese community 9.7% and other ethnic groups 16.8%. The median age of the population rose to 32.8 years, indicating a gradually ageing population.

2. Over 1,000 Cruise visitors touring Brunei

Recently, an international cruise ship Piano Land docked in Brunei, carrying 1,336 passengers with the majority of the passengers being Chinese tourists. Upon arrival, they were greeted with traditional hadrah drum performances, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality. During their on-shore tour, the tourists visited several landmarks in Bandar Seri Begawan, praising Brunei’s peaceful atmosphere, iconic architecture and warm hospitality. So far this year, Brunei has welcomed 13 international cruise ships, with a total of 30 expected to call in 2026.

3. Preliminary Findings From the Labour Force Survey 2025 Released

Preliminary results from the latest Labour Force Survey conducted by Brunei’s Department of Economic Planning and Statistics indicate that the national unemployment rate rose from 4.7% in 2024 to 5.0% in 2025, whilst the number of employed persons fell to 220,400, with the local workforce accounting for 70.9% of total employment. The working-age population (aged 18 and over) grew by 0.8% year-on-year, reaching 348,700. The report notes that against the backdrop of continued growth in the working-age population, the slight rise in the unemployment rate reflects ongoing structural changes in the labour market.

4. Brunei and Singapore foster Sustainable Aviation Fuel Partnership

Recently, BioSeaga Industries Sdn Bhd (BioSeaga), a wholly owned subsidiary of Brunei-based Seaga Corporation and Singapore’s Oiltek have established a strategic partnership to jointly invest US$350 million in the construction of a sustainable aviation fuel refinery in Sabah, Malaysia. BioSeaga will lead the overall project development, whilst Oiltek will be responsible for engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning and supporting infrastructure. The project will utilise palm oil mill effluent and used cooking oil to produce neat sustainable aviation fuel, with an initial production capacity of approximately 300 metric tonnes per day. The project is targeted to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026.