On 27th August 2025, the front page of Pelita Brunei carried a striking photograph: our beloved Sultan, Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, shaking hands with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia. The headline read, “Hubungan NBD, Malaysia Kekal Erat, Mesra.” It…
Category: Brunei Darussalam
Advocacy
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A Bruneian’s Take on Healthcare Reform: Balancing Progress and Compassion
As a proud Bruneian citizen, I deeply value the care our government provides for its people. The recent policy change, effective July 1, 2025, which ends free healthcare for non-citizens, including permanent residents with foreign nationalities and foreign spouses of Bruneians, has sparked much discussion. Reflecting on my own experience…
Brunei Darussalam
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Traffic and the National Psyche
Ever noticed how traffic tells you a lot about a country’s personality? It’s like the national psyche on wheels. You can learn more from 15 minutes on the road than from a 300-page vision document. Because traffic is where people show their true colours—when no one’s watching and everyone just…
Advocacy
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Thoughts on Wawasan 2035
Assalamu’alaikum everyone. Over a teh-c kosong and roti kahwin, I’ve been reflecting on the Wawasan 2035 Supreme Council meeting chaired by His Majesty. With just a decade to go, the question is – are we on track for a Brunei our kids can be proud of? His Majesty’s push to…
Brunei Darussalam
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MMN 2025 so far…
The 2025 session, which began on February 26, has introduced several noteworthy changes that could impact our daily lives. Let’s break down some of the key highlights: Twice-Yearly LegCo Sessions In a move to enhance governance and ensure more robust discussions on national matters, His Majesty has approved increasing the…
Black and White
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Exactly Where I Need to Be
An old friend whom I hadn’t seen in awhile asked how things were, and without hesitation, I said, “I am exactly where I need to be.” It wasn’t something rehearsed, nor was it a way to sidestep the usual small talk. It was a realisation shaped by time, experience, and…