1. Brunei’s Coordinating Minister for National Security Attends the Xiangshan Forum

On September 16, a Brunei Darussalam delegation led by Coordinating Minister for National Security, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof attended the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum.

On the sidelines of the forum, Pehin Halbi held a bilateral meeting with China’s Minister of National Defense Admiral Dong Jun, during which both sides exchanged views on regional and international security developments and discussed opportunities to further strengthen practical defence cooperation.

They also underscored the importance of continued engagement through ASEAN-led mechanisms, particularly the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), to maintain regular dialogue and cooperation.

2. BDCB Issues New Regulations on Financial Consumer Protection

On August 31, Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) issued a notice on the fair treatment of financial consumers, aimed at strengthening consumer protection and raising standards of conduct across the financial sector, with particular emphasis on protecting the rights of vulnerable consumers. Under the notice, banks and financial institutions are required to incorporate conduct risk into their governance and risk management arrangements, provide consumers with clear and balanced information, and maintain fair contractual terms. The new requirements will take effect on March 1, 2027. 

3. Resilience Highlighted at Brunei Cybersecurity Conference 2026

During the opening ceremony of the 4th Brunei Cybersecurity Conference 2026 on September 15, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Dato Seri Setia Awang Mohd Riza bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos highlighted the importance of embedding cyber resilience throughout the entire system lifecycle, from architecture and procurement to development, deployment and operations, while fostering a strong cybersecurity culture across organisations, in line with the principle of “Resilient by Design”.

Cyber Security Brunei (CSB) is strengthening guidance for the Government, Critical Information Infrastructure owners and industry through the updated Code of Practice for Critical Information Infrastructure, as well as the newly introduced AI Security Policy Guidelines. CSB is also developing the Brunei National Cybersecurity Competency Framework (BNCCF), based on the internationally recognized NIST NICE Framework, which will map the knowledge, skills and abilities required across cybersecurity roles.

4. Charity Performance Marking the 35th Anniversary of the Diplomatic Ties Held in Brunei

On 18–19 September, a special cultural performance entitled ‘My Dream’, commemorating the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Brunei, was held in Bandar Seri Begawan. The China Disabled Persons’ Art Troupe and Brunei’s disabled artists performed together, using art to convey friendship, enlightenment and strength, and to interpret the concepts of mutual learning amongst civilisations, the coexistence of diverse beauties, and harmonious coexistence. The performance was a resounding success and was warmly received. 

Chen Shaochun, Chinese Ambassador to Brunei, along with Brunei’s Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Haji Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Dato Seri Setia Awang Mohd Riza bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos and other officials and representatives from various sectors attended the event.