(Bandar Seri Begawan, 2nd) On the arrival of the year 2026, His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei extends an invitation to all to reflect on the achievements and directions of the past year.
Over the past year, we have continued to face a number of tests, such as economic challenges, global turmoil (including the increasingly severe climate change crisis), and other impacts. Nevertheless, the people of Brunei have remained calm and vigilant.
This is exactly the resilient nation that we hope for—one that always dares to face challenges with perseverance.
His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei delivered his Royal New Year address for 2026.
"In this regard, I am proud of the rise of youth groups such as the Brunei Youth Council and Brunei Young Entrepreneurs who have stepped up to drive change."
At the same time, from another perspective, we are also seeing farmers and ranchers striving to increase production. This is a good sign, aligning with the government’s own aspiration for food self-sufficiency.
His Majesty stated that, as the new year arrives, the government will continue to prioritize economic development and the enhancement of public welfare through policy improvements and reforms.
His Majesty noted that although Brunei’s economy declined by 1.1% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, the macroeconomic fundamentals remain sound, with the trade surplus reaching $4 billion by September and inflation having decreased by 0.3% as of October 2025. This clearly indicates that we need to work even harder in key areas to strengthen our competitiveness.
"With God’s blessing, we will continue to seek investment opportunities in key sectors according to our economic blueprint."
His Majesty stated our goal is clear—to create high-quality employment opportunities and ensure the nation maintains competitiveness on both the regional and global stages.
"To this end, the government will continue striving to create a good business environment, further strengthen cooperative networks with international strategic partners, support Halal brands, and promote exports of locally made industrial products, which now meet international standards."
His Majesty expressed gratitude for Allah's abundant blessings that have allowed us to enter 2026.
Over the past year, we have continued to face a number of tests, such as economic challenges, global turmoil (including the increasingly severe climate change crisis), and other impacts. Nevertheless, the people of Brunei have remained calm and vigilant.
This is exactly the resilient nation that we hope for—one that always dares to face challenges with perseverance.
His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei delivered his Royal New Year address for 2026.
At the same time, from another perspective, we are also seeing farmers and ranchers striving to increase production. This is a good sign, aligning with the government’s own aspiration for food self-sufficiency.
His Majesty stated that, as the new year arrives, the government will continue to prioritize economic development and the enhancement of public welfare through policy improvements and reforms.
His Majesty noted that although Brunei’s economy declined by 1.1% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, the macroeconomic fundamentals remain sound, with the trade surplus reaching $4 billion by September and inflation having decreased by 0.3% as of October 2025. This clearly indicates that we need to work even harder in key areas to strengthen our competitiveness.
"With God’s blessing, we will continue to seek investment opportunities in key sectors according to our economic blueprint."
His Majesty stated our goal is clear—to create high-quality employment opportunities and ensure the nation maintains competitiveness on both the regional and global stages.
"To this end, the government will continue striving to create a good business environment, further strengthen cooperative networks with international strategic partners, support Halal brands, and promote exports of locally made industrial products, which now meet international standards."
His Majesty expressed gratitude for Allah's abundant blessings that have allowed us to enter 2026.