Digital

Economy
Masterplan
2025
 “
Sesungguhnya kami tidak mempunyai pengetahuan
selain daripada apa yang Engkau ajarkan kepada
kami. Sesungguhnya Engkaulah Tuhan yang Maha
Mengetahui lagi Maha Bijaksana.

Terjemahan Makna Ayat 32, Surah Al-Baqarah

”
Table Maqasid of the Shariah 5
Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 Maqasid of the Shariah

Preservation and
Promotion of Religion
The infinite power
Titah 6 and greatness of
Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala
Co-Chairs Foreword 8
Platform to disseminate
Islam
Vision and Mission 10

Strategic Outcomes 13

Wawasan Brunei 2035 14 Preservation and

Promotion of Wealth Preservation and

of
Smart Nation 15 Promotion of Intellect
Vibrant & Sustainable
Ecosystem
The Digital Economy 18 Smart Nation, Skills &
Socio-Economic Growth Knowledge improvement,
(Productivity & Production) Talent Development,
Current Digital Landscape 20
Maqasid of
Improved capacity &
Diversified Economy competitiveness

Digital Economy Council 24

the Shariah
Halal

Strategic Thrusts 28

Strategic Enablers 32

Key Projects 36

Key Success Measures 38

Contents
Way Forward 40 Preservation and Preservation and
Promotion of Progeny Promotion of Life
Digital and Future
Ready Society Digitally Conducive
Ecosystem
Trust and Security
Meaningful and
Opportunities for All fulfilled lives

5
 Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 Titah Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 Titah

“
Potensi ekonomi digital juga perlu
diteroka. Lalu ke arah ini, Beta telahpun
memperkenankan penubuhan Majlis
Ekonomi Digital. Beta difahamkan, satu

Titah Plan Induk Ekonomi Digital sedang

diungkayahkan, bagi tujuan, untuk
menjadikan negara ini sebagai sebuah
negara Smart Nation.

Titah by 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
in conjunction with His Majesty’s 73rd Birthday

”
Celebration on 15th July 2019

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

6 7
 Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 Co-Chairs Foreword
Alhamdulillah, with the publication of the Digital
Economy Masterplan 2025, Brunei Darussalam
now has a key reference on the direction and
steer for our Digital Economy initiatives.
Transformation to a Digital Economy is one
of the catalysts in our pursuit of economic
Yang Berhormat prosperity and sustainability. In line with the
Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang 2020/2021 budget theme of ‘Investing in Our
Haji Mohd Amin Liew Future’, this Masterplan will steer our further
bin Abdullah investment into the development of a Digital
Economy, which will give guidance to our
Minister at the Prime
policies and initiatives, gear us towards growth
Minister’s Office and
Minister of Finance and through improved efficiency and promote good
Economy II, governance.
Brunei Darussalam as
Co-Chair of the Digital His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah
Economy Council (DEC), Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum
Brunei Darussalam Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi
Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei
Darussalam, has at various occasions, shared
his wise and profound observations on the
wave of the 4th Industrial Revolution and the
economic opportunities it creates, the shifting
challenges and most importantly, the need
for Brunei Darussalam to be prepared, for this
global technological paradigm shift. To prepare
ourselves to embrace the rapid technological
advances, the telecommunications industry
has undergone restructuring exercise to enable
digitally-driven changes and initiatives. This
exercise is one of the key milestones in 2019
as emphasized by His Majesty Sultan and Yang
Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in the Titah
at the opening ceremony of the 16th Session
of the State Legislative Council. Hence, the
Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 comes at
an opportune time where transformation in the
Co-Chairs
telecommunications industry can also act as
the enabler and facilitator for innovation.
A Digital Economy not only offers the platform
to nurture talent and promote innovation,
but it also presents us the opportunity to
take collective actions to address areas for
improvement. With this in mind, I wish to
reiterate on the importance of alignment and
coordination in the planning and strategizing
of digital initiatives across various economic
activities towards transforming our economic
landscape.
Throughout the process of coming up with
this Masterplan, the Digital Economy Council
has also identified on flagship projects that
will produce the most significant impact on
the national digital transformation agenda.
Guided by the vision ‘Smart Nation through
Digital Transformation’, the Digital Economy
Masterplan 2025 has, also amongst others,
identified strategies, enablers and key
success measures for digital economy. These
components are solidified by the inputs and
feedbacks received during the socialization
process of the Masterplan.
Strengthened by the spirit of solidarity and
the Whole of Nation approach, the potential
opportunities of a digital economy is here to be
fully leveraged upon with strong collaboration
between the Government, private sectors,
academia and the consumers alike. With our
digital transformation agenda in place, Insha
Allah, we can together drive Brunei Darussalam
to the status of a Smart Nation and to realise
the vision of Wawasan 2035.
Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 Co-Chairs Foreword
Alhamdulillah, as Co-Chair of the Digital
Economy Council (DEC), I am pleased to share
the Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 for
Brunei Darussalam.
On 15th July 2019, His Majesty Sultan Haji
Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni
Yang Berhormat Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien
Dato Seri Setia Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-
Awang Abdul Mutalib Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, in the Titah,
bin Pehin Orang Kaya amongst others, called for the potentials of the
Seri Setia Dato Paduka digital economy to be explored. In upholding
Haji Mohammad Yusof
His Majesty’s Titah, the Digital Economy
Minister of Transport Masterplan 2025 embodies the vision, enablers
and Infocommunications, and strategies on digital economy to propel
Brunei Darussalam Brunei Darussalam as a Smart Nation.
as Co-Chair of the
Digital Economy Council The formulation of the Digital Economy
(DEC), Brunei Darussalam Masterplan is very much embedded with the
Whole of Nation approach. An iterative approach
was conducted in this process to ensure a
holistic masterplan that resonates well with
the respective strategies of all stakeholders.
Hence, the fundamentals, strategies, initiatives
and success measures identified in the Digital
Economy Masterplan 2025 depend very much
on the collective and coordinated roles of all
stakeholders, in implementing their respective
digital transformation initiatives.
In preparing Brunei Darussalam to fully embrace
the potentials of digital economy, the Ministry
of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC)
is working closely with the Ministry of Finance
and Economy as well as other stakeholders
in upgrading the ICT infrastructure in Brunei
Darussalam. It is with such infrastructural
Foreword
readiness that seamless delivery of competitive
services will be enabled for the convenience of
official, commercial and personal transactions.
The Digital Economy Masterplan 2025
emphasises on the need to go beyond
connectivity. Impactful initiatives and game-
changing projects, referred to as Flagship
Projects, in both Government and private
sectors, have been identified. These are
projects with the most potential to achieve
increased production, cost effectiveness and
optimization of resources. The Masterplan
also places great significance on enriching the
society with skills and knowledge that are in
line with the trends and technologies. With the
challenges brought about by the 4th Industrial
Revolution, the need to ensure continuous
relevance is becoming more important
nowadays.
Inshaa Allah, the Digital Economy Masterplan
2025 will serve as a roadmap that charts
and guides the implementation of digital
transformation initiatives. This Masterplan
represents a significant step forward in
charting the national digital agenda, in line with
technological trends, industry development
as well as the needs of consumers. This
will be made possible with the continuous
collaboration between Government and private
sector agencies, higher learning institutions,
non-government organisations (NGOs) and
equally important, the consumers, in together,
realizing the goals of Wawasan Brunei 2035.
9
1
Vision and Mission

Strategic Outcomes

Wawasan Brunei 2035

Smart Nation
Chapter
 Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 Vision and Mission Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 Strategic Outcomes

The Government, Industry and Society are closely interrelated

Strategic
in the eco-system of Digital Economy.

The DEC Flagship Projects on Digital ID, Digital Payment and

People Hub serve as the backbone of the eco-system.

Outcomes
Efficiency and cost
effectiveness

Vibrant and
sustainable economy
Government

Conducive policies
and regulations A digital and
future-ready
Digital ID
society

Competitive Digital High quality of life

Payment

Increased Industry Society Highly skilled and A vibrant and

People Hub
productivity and
production
educated people sustainable
economy

Vision MissionSmart Nation through

To drive and enhance Brunei
Darussalam’s socio-economic growth
A digitally
conducive
ecosystem
Digital Transformation
through Digital Transformation

12 13
 Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 Wawasan Brunei 2035 Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 Smart Nation

Wawasan Digital Economy is the key enabler to propel

Brunei Darussalam to the status of a Smart Nation.

Brunei 2035
For Brunei Darussalam, Smart Nation is driven by
Digital Government, Digital Economy and Digital Society.

This means we need to go beyond enabling connectivity by

leveraging on digital technologies and enriching our society with the
necessary skills and knowledge.

Smart Nation is characterised by :-

• Vibrant and diversified economy;

• Improved competitiveness and economic growth by developing

infrastructure, innovation, data capability, human capital and other
resource; and

• Improved quality of life, public services, schools, safety, mobility

of people and to achieve environment sustanability

Smart
Nation
Highly educated, skilled High quality of life Dynamic and
and accomplished people sustainable economy

14 15
2
The Digital Economy

Current Digital
Landscape

Digital Economy Council

Chapter
 Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 The Digital Economy

The
Digital
Economy
As the key enabler for Smart Nation, the scope of Digital Economy This will be driven by the Whole of Nation
goes beyond the ICT sector. Digital economy covers initiatives and approach with the full engagement and
activities, both in the digital and non-digital sectors, that leverages participation from the key industry players,
on technology to achieve impactful outcomes, such as:- academia and end-users.

• increased productivity and production; It is only through the implementation and

• enhanced efficiency; delivery of Brunei Darussalam’s digital
• increased cost effectiveness; transformation, can the vision of the Digital
Economy be fully realised for economic
• improved transparency and governance;
progress and social well-being.
• encourages participation; and
• facilitates official, business and personal transactions.

18 19
 Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 Current Digital Landscape

EGov Development Index Global Cybersecurity Index

Landscape
(out of 193 countries) (out of 194 countries)
2014 2016 2018 2014 2017 2018

59 16
53
Current 86
83
64

Digital E-Government Development Index

from United Nations E-Government
Survey by United Nations (UN)

ICT Development Index

(out of 176 countries)
Global Cybersecurity Index by
International Telecommunications
Union (ITU)

Global Innovation Index

(out of 129 countries)
2016 2017 2017 2018 2019

53 67
54 71 71

ICT Development Index from Global Innovation Index from The

Measuring the Information Global Innovation Index Report by
Society Report by International World IP Organisation (WIPO)
Telecommunications Union (ITU) 21
20
 Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 Current Digital Landscape

Mobile phone
99% 98%
usage Household with laptop
80%

134%
79% Brunei-
94%
98%
Muara
61% of households
have ownership
of laptops based on 2,622
subscription of Tutong
sampling number from the
mobile service per 82% Temburong
Fixed Broadband Subscription Brunei Darussalam ICT
100 inhabitants in Belait 70%
Household Report 2019.
50%
Brunei Darussalam. subscription of
(as of 2019, source: AITI) fixed broadband
service per 100 households and
businesses in Brunei Darussalam.
3G 4G
(as of 2019, source: AITI)
(as of 2019, source: AITI)

Internet Broadband Usage

Smartphone
Mobile Broadband
Service Coverage 88%
95% of households own

of total population 61% smartphones in Brunei

95%
Darussalam based
covered by 4G network - of household use on a 2,622 sampling
mobile broadband. Household Facebook based number from the
of individuals use the Internet which is
(as of 2019, source: AITI) use on 2,622 sampling Brunei Darussalam ICT
measured by individuals’ daily usage
Facebook number from Household Report 2019.
as per the Brunei Darussalam ICT
Brunei Darussalam
Household Report 2019.
ICT Household
22 Report 2019. 23
 Digital Econ omy Council

rs

ta d
n
Wawasan Brunei 2035 Supreme Council

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or an
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rs

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ework | Cy
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Digital Economy Council u lat cu
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g r it ice
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Re y
Ser
v

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ess

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Minister at the Prime Minister’s Minister of Transport and sin

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Co-Chairs Bu

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Office and Minister of Finance Infocommunications

Po

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s
Touri

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& De
Financial Services
Digital

velopment &
Minister of Primary Resources Deputy Minister of Finance &
Health
Economy
& Tourism Economy (Economy)
Members

rnme
Minister of Education Deputy Minister of Energy Agri
fo od

I
ove

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o
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va
ati

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on

ti o
Yang Berhormat Dayang Nik Chairman of InfoCom

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Industry

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Hafimi binti Abdul Haadii Federation of Brunei P
Representatives ta Sm
la
Member of State Legislative l Da rt N a l
Council Dig
ti a
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atio

Cl
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te
rs
Program Management Office National Steer for Digital Transformation
Monitoring the Initiatives of the Digital Economy The Digital Economy Council (DEC) takes over the roles of the
Brunei Darussalam National IT Council (BIT Council) and the
Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications e-Government Leadership Forum (EGLF) in providing the direction
24
and steer on digital economy initiatives for Brunei Darussalam. 25
3
Strategic Thrusts

Strategic Enablers

Chapter
 Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 Strategic Thrusts

1
Strategic
Industry Digitalization
Currently, there is an unfamiliarity with the implementation of IR4.0
technologies, leading to a lack of understanding for digitalization.

Thrusts
Digitalization will create opportunities for innovation, and to chart
key efforts, a digital transformation plan needs to be developed for
each industry sector.

Focuses:
Assessment of capabilities and readiness Undertake a comprehensive industry
of players to adopt IR4.0 technologies awareness programme across all
stakeholders with particular focus on MSMEs

Drive adoption of technology through Showcase IR4.0 technologies and application

training on key technology solutions and through pilot projects
collaboration with key industry players

28 29
 Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 Strategic Thrusts

4
Government Digitalization
The government plays a critical role in
facilitating economic development.

Focuses:
Implement a digital identity ecosystem

Innovate the public experience by development

services that promote a holistic lifecycle approach
Manpower and Talent Development
Brunei’s future workforce needs to be digitally capable,
Evolve the Cloud usage
equipped with the right skills to adapt to the rapid
developments in technology.

A Thriving Digital Industry Focuses:

3
The ICT sector needs to look towards the application of Study the demand for digital jobs Enhance the capabilities of
in all industries the existing workforce by
technologies to nurture and sustain growth for the improvement
re-skilling and redeployment
of the local digital sector, and other specific sectors. of human capital

Focuses: Update the education programmes Create a digital lifelong

and develop local capabilities learning framework
Implement cybersecurity initiatives

Endorse and implement digital data

policy that will provide governance and a
framework for data protection and sharing

30 31
 Strategic
1 Smart Nation Platform
A robust and extensive Smart
Nation platform is crucial to
support a seamless service
delivery among government
agencies, businesses and citizens.
4 Cybersecurity
The increase in digital usage has
brought about the need to protect
data, infrastructure and networks
from growing cyber threats. Trust
is key, and with the establishment
of Cyber Security Brunei (CSB),
cybersecurity will continue to be
addressed and prioritized.
32
Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 Strategic Enablers
Enablers
3 Policy and Regulatory Framework
Digital economy initiatives will be guided by
2 Digital Data Policy and
Governance Framework
policies and regulations in line with innovation
and technological trends.
This will result in the establishment
of a national data office that will
oversee the policy and governance
of data for personal, commercial and
5 Research and Development
official purposes in the long run.
(R&D) and Innovation in
Digital Technologies
R&D and innovation are crucial to power
sustainable digital transformation plans.
33
4
Key Projects

Key Success
Measures

Way Forward

Chapter
 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

Energy

Key Projects
Smart Meter

Pilot Smart
Agri-food Farming
& IOT
National Welfare
E-Property
System
Financial One Common Tax
TAFIS National
Services Billing System
Land
Business Service
Payment
Platform

Digital Economy Masterplan Review and Planning for Beyond 2025

Business Mobile Digital Payment
Services Wallet Data Analytics

Central Account Password Privilege Management Platform

School Network
Innovation
Infrastructure

Government Human Resource Management System

Lab
Education
National Education

Government Data Center & Cloud Infrastructure

Smart Classroom
Management

Digital Economy Masterplan Mid-term Review

Pilot
System

Government Asset & Information System

National Centralised Database System
BruHims
Health
Enhancement
National Cybersecurity Framework

Data
National Registration System

Tourism Analytics &

Big Data

Public Cloud Adoption

Halal
Halal Certification
System

Logistics & Smart Intelligent

Digital ID
Public Transport
Transportation City: Transport
Information System
E-Hailing System (ITS)

36
DEC Flagship Digital Government Private Sectors and PPP DE Masterplan
 Key
Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 Key Success Measures

1
Increased contribution of the digital sector
A vibrant and to GDP growth
sustainable

Success
Increased GDP generated from other
economy economic sectors from digital transformation

Measures
Widespread use of ICT in major industries

2
Increased rate of Bruneians with access to
A digital and broadband as a basic utility
future-ready
society Improved quality of life through inclusive
access to digital services

Increased digital literacy rate among Bruneians

Top 40 of International Telecommunications

3
Union (ITU)

A digitally The ICT Development Index:

conducive Access: ICT readiness infrastructure

ecosystem Use: ICT intensity and usage

Skills: Capabilities including education enrolment

38 39
 Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 Way Forward

Digital Transformation Plan to be

spearheaded by Ministries for the Clusters
identified under Digital Economy Council.

Digital Transformation Plan to include the

Way
following components:-

Forward ills Pro

sk du
d

ct
sa

ivi
Job

ty
Vision

d
n te
Inn

ie
at

ov

or
io n
o r t-
Exp

40 41
 Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 Way Forward

The Government, Industry and Society are closely

interrelated in the eco-system of Digital Economy.

The DEC Flagship Projects on Digital ID, Digital

Payment and People Hub serve as the backbone of
the eco-system.

Efficiency and cost

effectiveness

Vibrant and
sustainable economy
Government

Conducive policies
and regulations

Digital ID

Competitive Digital High quality

Payment of life
Increased Industry Society
productivity People Hub Highly skilled
and and educated
production people

42