1. His Majesty chairs the 92nd Cabinet Ministers′ Council Meeting
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu′izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‵Ali Saifuddien Sa′adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam chaired the 92nd Cabinet Ministers′ Council Meeting at Istana Nurul Iman on June 15th. This session marked the first meeting of the newly appointed Cabinet Ministers′ Council for the 2026-2030 term. His Majesty delivered a titah and extended congratulations to all ministers on their appointments to the new Cabinet line-up, and welcomed His Majestys son′s into the Cabinet, believing they will play an important role in the Cabinet based on their inclinations and previous experience in government. He noted that the appointment of the new Cabinet ministers has received various reactions from both within and outside the country. Overall, the new Cabinet line-up has been well received. At the same time, His Majesty said that these reactions also reflect expectations for the new ministers to carry out their entrusted responsibilities effectively and to demonstrate better performance compared to the previous term.
His Majesty emphasised that the new Cabinet ministers must always perform their duties with honesty, integrity and ethics, while ensuring that government machinery remains free from practices of cronyism, nepotism or any form of abuse of power that could undermine the government′s credibility, and should take the constructive criticism as encouragement for self-reflection and as motivation to improve existing weaknesses. His Majesty also emphasised that the government must continue to work closely with the economic and industrial sectors to ensure more quality job opportunities are created for locals, alongside gradually reducing reliance on foreign labour, and coordinating ministers must serve as the main link, uniting all government efforts, priorities and actions towards achieving common goals for the well-being of the people and the nation′s progress.
2. His Majesty attends ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu′izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‵Ali Saifuddien Sa′adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam attended the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit from June 17-18, 2026 in Kazan, Russian Federation，accompanied by his Royal Highness Prince ‵Abdul Mateen, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
In a titah delivered during the First Plenary Session, his Majesty noted that ASEAN-Russia collaboration had delivered tangible benefits and fostered stronger people-to-people ties, while contributing to shared goals of peace, security and prosperity. His Majesty highlighted the importance of continued cooperation with Russia in addressing global challenges, including political tensions, economic fragmentation, climate change and rapid technological developments. His Majesty underscored that ASEAN-Russia cooperation remains vital in strengthening collective resilience and advancing peace, stability and prosperity, particularly in areas such as energy and food security, climate action, disaster management and non-traditional security challenges.
3. Brunei Darussalam helds the pre-launch ceremony of Visit Brunei Year 2027
Brunei Darussalam hold the pre-launch ceremony of Visit Brunei Year 2027 (VBY2027) at Jerudong Park Garden on June 20th. His Royal Highness Prince ‵Abdul Mateen, Minister of Foreign Affairs, officiated the ceremony, unveiling the official logo and mascots – ‵Awang′ and ‵Dayang′, which marked the commencement of promotional efforts leading up to the national tourism campaign across domestic and international platforms. Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin in his capacity as Co-Chair of the Visit Brunei Year 2027 Steering Committee delivered welcoming remarks. He highlighted the significance of VBY2027 as a whole-of-nation initiative aimed at strengthening the tourism sector, supporting economic diversification and showcasing Brunei Darussalam′s unique identity to the world.
4. The release of Mandarin film Dear You in Brunei garners widespread attention
The Mandarin film Dear You, which has recently garnered widespread attention in Brunei, draws on qiaopi-precious historical artefact sent by overseas Chinese migrants-to recreate a real-life struggles of countless forebears who crossed the seas to build new lives through hard work. It also helps modern society rediscover the commitment of Chinese migrants to family responsibilities and traditional values. Many Bruneian audiences believe that Dear You is a vivid history lesson，reminding future generations to remember the struggles of their ancestors, cherish kinship and family values, and to ensure that qiaopi-this precious cultural heritage-is preserved and promoted.