(Bandar Seri Begawan, 29th) The Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) held the second Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance Seminar yesterday. The Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications is formulating the 'Digital Brunei Transformation Plan' through the Digital Brunei Committee (DBC), which will replace the previous 'Digital Economy Masterplan' released in 2020.
The 'Digital Brunei Transformation Plan' will guide the implementation of digital government projects and initiatives, which will leverage emerging technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) to realize Brunei’s vision of building a smart nation.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications, Mohd Nazri, as the guest of honor at the Second Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance Seminar, highlighted the 'Digital Brunei Transformation Plan' in his speech.
He emphasized the 'Personal Data Protection Order 2025' (PDPO 2025), which will come fully into force on January 1, 2026. This order is a significant piece of legislation aimed at ensuring accountability in the private sector when handling and processing personal data.
He said that the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence we observe today inevitably requires a more adaptable approach to data protection.
To promote the continued development of artificial intelligence, high-quality data is required, which means striking a careful balance between innovation and ethical considerations when acquiring more structured and reliable data.
Overall, personal data protection legislation 'greatly fosters a culture of accountability among institutions that process personal data. PDPO 2025 is no exception.
“It contains provisions that guide organizations in fulfilling their obligations of proper management and governance of personal data, including taking measures within their scope of duties to protect personal data in the best way.”
Therefore, with personal data protection legislation in place, appropriate data management and governance can be implemented from the outset to address the challenges and risks posed by unauthorized use of data.
He reiterated that it is essential that the way we use artificial intelligence must be rooted in a commitment to ethical practices to address the risks of AI abuse and other related issues.
“Therefore, effective implementation of artificial intelligence requires shared responsibility by all stakeholders. This collaborative approach is crucial to fully realizing the benefits of this technology while ensuring its responsible development and use.”
He said that jurisdictions around the world “have already designed and implemented new AI governance and ethical frameworks, policies, and laws. Notably, the European Union’s AI Act will take effect in August 2024, with main provisions including bans on AI systems that constitute 'unacceptable risk' and requirements for organizations to ensure their employees have adequate AI literacy. Providers of General Purpose AI (GPAI) models are also required to create and maintain extensive technical documentation, provide training data summaries, and label AI-generated content.
“There are more stringent requirements for AI models that may cause significant harm.”
He shared that some other guidelines “offer a more principle-based approach, providing best practices for organizations to follow.
For example, UNESCO’s 'Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence' and ASEAN's 'AI Governance and Ethics Guidelines for Generative AI'.
To his knowledge, these cases have served as primary references of regional best practices when formulating the 'Brunei AI Governance and Ethics Guidelines.'
To make progress, he said, the government, private sector, academia, and civil society all share responsibility, which is key to fully leveraging the advantages of AI technology and ensuring its responsible development and use.
Also in attendance were permanent secretaries and deputy permanent secretaries from multiple departments, AITI Chief Executive Officer Zuraini, with the seminar gathering participants from various fields including government officials, private sector representatives, industry stakeholders, and students.
The 'Digital Brunei Transformation Plan' will guide the implementation of digital government projects and initiatives, which will leverage emerging technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) to realize Brunei’s vision of building a smart nation.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications, Mohd Nazri, as the guest of honor at the Second Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance Seminar, highlighted the 'Digital Brunei Transformation Plan' in his speech.
He emphasized the 'Personal Data Protection Order 2025' (PDPO 2025), which will come fully into force on January 1, 2026. This order is a significant piece of legislation aimed at ensuring accountability in the private sector when handling and processing personal data.
He said that the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence we observe today inevitably requires a more adaptable approach to data protection.
To promote the continued development of artificial intelligence, high-quality data is required, which means striking a careful balance between innovation and ethical considerations when acquiring more structured and reliable data.
Overall, personal data protection legislation 'greatly fosters a culture of accountability among institutions that process personal data. PDPO 2025 is no exception.
“It contains provisions that guide organizations in fulfilling their obligations of proper management and governance of personal data, including taking measures within their scope of duties to protect personal data in the best way.”
Therefore, with personal data protection legislation in place, appropriate data management and governance can be implemented from the outset to address the challenges and risks posed by unauthorized use of data.
He reiterated that it is essential that the way we use artificial intelligence must be rooted in a commitment to ethical practices to address the risks of AI abuse and other related issues.
“Therefore, effective implementation of artificial intelligence requires shared responsibility by all stakeholders. This collaborative approach is crucial to fully realizing the benefits of this technology while ensuring its responsible development and use.”
He said that jurisdictions around the world “have already designed and implemented new AI governance and ethical frameworks, policies, and laws. Notably, the European Union’s AI Act will take effect in August 2024, with main provisions including bans on AI systems that constitute 'unacceptable risk' and requirements for organizations to ensure their employees have adequate AI literacy. Providers of General Purpose AI (GPAI) models are also required to create and maintain extensive technical documentation, provide training data summaries, and label AI-generated content.
“There are more stringent requirements for AI models that may cause significant harm.”
He shared that some other guidelines “offer a more principle-based approach, providing best practices for organizations to follow.
For example, UNESCO’s 'Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence' and ASEAN's 'AI Governance and Ethics Guidelines for Generative AI'.
To his knowledge, these cases have served as primary references of regional best practices when formulating the 'Brunei AI Governance and Ethics Guidelines.'
To make progress, he said, the government, private sector, academia, and civil society all share responsibility, which is key to fully leveraging the advantages of AI technology and ensuring its responsible development and use.
Also in attendance were permanent secretaries and deputy permanent secretaries from multiple departments, AITI Chief Executive Officer Zuraini, with the seminar gathering participants from various fields including government officials, private sector representatives, industry stakeholders, and students.