Digitalisation efforts have been accelerated particularly since the second wave of COVID-19 in Brunei Darussalam in August this year. According to the Minister of Transport and Infocommunications, under the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications’ Strategic Plan 2025, Brunei Darussalam targets to achieve 75 percent of household internet subscription by 2025. This target has been reached as of September 2021, with almost 80,000 fixed broadband subscribers recorded, which is equivalent to 75.25 percent of households in Brunei Darussalam. This is further complemented by 135.7 percent of mobile broadband penetration among the population. Speaking at Session 1: Broadband Connectivity of the 2021 ICT Ministerial Meeting held via video conference, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Awang Mohammad Yusof shared that technologies are embraced towards digital transformation by embarking on key technologies such as 5G, Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things.
According to Yang Berhormat, Brunei Darussalam is looking towards enhancing broadband connectivity, among others, through 5G pilot projects and 5G talent development. In facing digital transformation, one of Brunei Darussalam’s priorities is to reskill and upskill the human resources. The Minister also shared on the need for a safe and secure environment. Cybersecurity threats are inevitable following high level of digital connectivity. Therefore, through the newly formed agency namely Cyber Security Brunei, coordinated efforts are in place in ensuring the integrity of the country’s critical information infrastructures. This includes having a key legislation on cybersecurity, which is now at its final stage towards enactment.
The meeting was hosted by the Ministry of Science and ICT, Republic of Korea with the theme ‘A New Normal, Rebuilding an Inclusive Society through Digital: Promoting Broadband Connectivity and Digital Inclusion’. It was officiated with opening remarks from Her Excellency Lim Hyesook, Minister of Science and ICT, Republic of Korea. The programme of the meeting also included speeches and information exchange among the Ministers and Heads of Delegates from the Asian region on building a digitally inclusive society. The meeting also issued the Chair’s Statement for Asia’s Inclusive Connectivity and Shared Prosperity.
Source: Radio Television Brunei