(Seria, 14th) Brunei's Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports, Nazmi, recently attended the 14th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (AMRDPE) held in Bangkok, Thailand. The meeting, themed “Advancing Inclusive Rural Development and Achieving Sustainable Poverty Reduction in ASEAN through Innovation, Local Wisdom and Community Empowerment,” was chaired by Thai Deputy Minister of Interior, Sassathon.
The minister emphasized at the meeting that digital innovation is a key driving force for promoting rural development. He shared how Brunei integrated poverty data via the ‘National Welfare System’ (SKN) to carry out assistance work in a more precise and effective manner. In the future, there are plans to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) technology to enhance user experience and distribution efficiency, ensuring that outreach aid can more directly benefit rural residents.
The minister also mentioned that the “One Village, One Product” (1K1P) initiative has achieved significant success revitalizing traditional rural economies, creating jobs, and strengthening cultural identity. He called for strengthening cooperation in various fields, including community tourism, micro-finance programs, and skills training, to help small businesses develop and expand economic opportunities for vulnerable groups.
The conference concluded with a joint statement reaffirming all countries’ commitment to investment in local innovation, promoting digital transformation, enhancing collaboration between the private sector and civil society, providing regional technical and financial support, and ensuring fair sharing of development outcomes.
Several relevant meetings were also held prior to the ministerial meeting, including the 22nd ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (SOMRDPE), during which Brunei’s Permanent Secretary Hajah Noorshakin handed over the chairmanship to Thailand and delivered a speech of gratitude for regional cooperation, as well as the 17th SOMRDPE+3 meeting, the 14th ASEAN Public-Private-Civil Society Partnership Forum, and the 3rd ASEAN Rural Network Meeting.
In addition, in conjunction with the ministerial meeting, the 7th ASEAN Rural Development and Poverty Eradication Leadership Awards ceremony was held. Brunei won two awards: in the non-governmental organization category, Project Women Brunei (represented by Madam Yang Mulano Juti Abdula) received the honor, while in the private enterprise category, Takaza Contractor Sdn. Bhd (represented by Mr. Haji Mohamad Azmi) was awarded. Both entities were recognized by ASEAN for their outstanding contributions in supporting disadvantaged groups.
The Brunei delegation included Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Hajah Noorshakin, as well as officials from the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Home Affairs, senior officials, and rural representatives.
The minister emphasized at the meeting that digital innovation is a key driving force for promoting rural development. He shared how Brunei integrated poverty data via the ‘National Welfare System’ (SKN) to carry out assistance work in a more precise and effective manner. In the future, there are plans to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) technology to enhance user experience and distribution efficiency, ensuring that outreach aid can more directly benefit rural residents.
The minister also mentioned that the “One Village, One Product” (1K1P) initiative has achieved significant success revitalizing traditional rural economies, creating jobs, and strengthening cultural identity. He called for strengthening cooperation in various fields, including community tourism, micro-finance programs, and skills training, to help small businesses develop and expand economic opportunities for vulnerable groups.
The conference concluded with a joint statement reaffirming all countries’ commitment to investment in local innovation, promoting digital transformation, enhancing collaboration between the private sector and civil society, providing regional technical and financial support, and ensuring fair sharing of development outcomes.
Several relevant meetings were also held prior to the ministerial meeting, including the 22nd ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (SOMRDPE), during which Brunei’s Permanent Secretary Hajah Noorshakin handed over the chairmanship to Thailand and delivered a speech of gratitude for regional cooperation, as well as the 17th SOMRDPE+3 meeting, the 14th ASEAN Public-Private-Civil Society Partnership Forum, and the 3rd ASEAN Rural Network Meeting.
In addition, in conjunction with the ministerial meeting, the 7th ASEAN Rural Development and Poverty Eradication Leadership Awards ceremony was held. Brunei won two awards: in the non-governmental organization category, Project Women Brunei (represented by Madam Yang Mulano Juti Abdula) received the honor, while in the private enterprise category, Takaza Contractor Sdn. Bhd (represented by Mr. Haji Mohamad Azmi) was awarded. Both entities were recognized by ASEAN for their outstanding contributions in supporting disadvantaged groups.
The Brunei delegation included Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Hajah Noorshakin, as well as officials from the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Home Affairs, senior officials, and rural representatives.