1. His Majesty Graces UBD’s 38th Convocation
On August 11, 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, Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), graced the university’s 38th Convocation Ceremony, and presented certificates for a total of 1,181 graduates. His Majesty highlighted in a titah that the rapid development of AI has transformed the way people learn, work and make decisions, and thus it is not enough for universities including UBD merely to produce graduates who are proficient in AI. More importantly, graduates should possess the ability to use technology responsibly while prioritizing values, proper conduct and mature judgement. His Majesty also called on higher education institutions to continue strengthening strategic collaboration with industry and remain responsive in adapting academic programs to labour market requirements.
2. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Pays Official Visit to Australia
At the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence of Australia Richard Marles, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office paid an official visit to Australia from August 12 to 15. Accompanying His Royal Highness were Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman, accompanied by Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim, Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah, Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda Muhammad Aiman,and Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Faathimah Az-Zahraa’ Raihaanul Bolkiah,
During the visit, His Royal Highness met with Governor-General of Australia Sam Mostyn; attended a luncheon hosted by Deputy Prime Minister of Australia Richard Marles, during which His Royal Highness interacted with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and a dinner hosted by Admiral Mark Hammond AO RAN, Chief of the Australian Defence Force. His Royal Highness also had a meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia Senator Penny Wong and continued his trip to Sydney to visit the Western Sydney University, the HMAS Yarra, and Holsworthy Barracks.
3. Second Meeting of the 22nd LegCo Session Adjourns
On August 11, the Second Meeting of the 22nd Session of the Legislative Council (LegCo) of Brunei was adjourned after completing all its agendas. In his remarks, Speaker of the Legislative Council Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib spoke highly of the fruitful outcomes of the session. The Council adopted four motions, including the Motion on the Formulation of a Code of Ethics and Conduct for members of the Legislative Council. It also considered three ministerial statements on strengthening AI education, updating the framework of Brunei Vision 2035, and promoting Visit Brunei Year 2027. Ministers responded to 220 questions raised by members of the Legislative Council. Pehin Rahman concluded by announcing the adjournment of the session, with the date for its resumption to be announced at a later time.
4. Chinese Enterprise Signs Contract to Build Brunei Gas Turbines Power Station Project
On August 13, Sinohydro Corporation Limited and the Department of Electrical Services (DES) of Brunei signed a contract to develop Phase 2 of the Bukit Panggal Combined Cycle Gas Turbines Power Station. H.E. Ambassador Chen Shaochun was invited to attend the signing ceremony together with Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (Energy, Upstream and Downstream) of Brunei Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mohamad Azmi bin Haji Mohd Hanifah and Minister of Finance II of Brunei Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah.
The project, located in Tutong District, is expected to boost Brunei’s electricity generation capacity by 215 megawatts (MW) when completed in 2029, and play an important role in ensuring Brunei’s economic and social development as well as strengthening the reliability and resilience of industrial electricity supply.