(Bandar Seri Begawan, 1st) In conjunction with the celebration of the International Day of Older Persons, Brunei’s Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dato Nazmi, delivered a speech stating that this year marks the 35th anniversary of United Nations member states celebrating the International Day of Older Persons. Brunei is hosting a national-level celebration with the theme 'Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Toward Successful Ageing and Inter-Generational Solidarity.'
The press release stated that Brunei is also undergoing a social transformation marked by population ageing. According to Brunei's 2024 Statistical Yearbook, older persons now account for 10.9% (about 49,500 people) of the total population, an increase from 10.8% (about 48,800 people) in 2023. Though the increase is relatively small, this change has had a significant impact on various aspects of society, including social policy, economy, and social protection. However, along with the growing elderly population, Brunei has also intensified efforts to safeguard the welfare and well-being of older persons.
'In response to this change, the National Committee on Social Issues has updated the Brunei Action Plan on Ageing: Toward Successful Ageing. This plan aims to strengthen the welfare, protection, and empowerment of older persons, in line with this year's theme for the International Day of Older Persons. The theme emphasizes that older persons are not just beneficiaries, but also drivers and contributors to the development of both national and global communities. We should continue to value older persons as sources of wisdom, experience, and role models, and encourage intergenerational cooperation to build an inclusive, harmonious, and prosperous society.'
He stated, 'The concept of 'toward successful ageing' reminds everyone that successful ageing is not only about physical health, but also involves balance between body, mind, and the hereafter. Healthy diet, an active lifestyle, and regular check-ups are the foundation of well-being. At the same time, spiritual practices such as praying, reciting, reading the Qur'an, and self-reflection are also important foundations on the path to an eternal afterlife.'
'Older persons possess rich experience, wisdom, and traditional values, while the younger generation brings innovation, vitality, and a desire for change. When the two generations work together, it enhances social harmony and creates immense opportunities for holistic national development in areas such as health, social protection, economy, and psychological well-being.'
He noted that older persons are a valuable asset to the country, playing important roles in strengthening family institutions, promoting familial bonds, and passing down culture, religion, and tradition. The active participation of older persons in community activities demonstrates an inclusive society that values the contributions of previous generations. Therefore, the Brunei government will continue to empower older persons through long-established welfare programs. By July 2025, a total of 45,256 older persons will be receiving old-age pensions, among whom 1,092 are also receiving disability allowances. Additionally, 558 older persons, as carers of disability allowance recipients, also receive caregiver allowances.
He stated that the government also welcomes intergenerational cooperation. Collaborations such as those between Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) students and the Wargamas Association through the Discovery Year project, and for the first time, with Brunei History Centre and the Youth Development Centre in organizing the 'Golden Wonderful Run' event, showcase how cooperation between young and old can, through meaningful intergenerational interaction, promote deeper mutual understanding, raise awareness of ageing realities, and strengthen a culture of respect for older persons.
'The active participation of older persons in national activities shows their resilience and commitment to supporting the national agenda. For example, the Elderly Activities Centre was tasked for the first time to organize 41 complete Qur'an recitation ceremonies, as part of Brunei's National Day 2025 events. These activities involved a total of 150 older persons from all four districts, further highlighting the important role of older persons in promoting community spiritual development and upholding Islam.'
'We are also pleased to see support from government agencies, institutions of higher learning, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, local communities, and volunteers, all working together to raise awareness of the needs and challenges faced by older persons. For the welfare of older persons, multiple ongoing projects have been implemented, such as the 'Caring for the Elderly Project,' which is jointly coordinated by the Ministry of Community Development, the Ministry of Health, NGOs, and volunteers. As of July 2025, a total of 56 older persons have received direct intervention assistance, while 94 elderly people regularly receive home-delivered diapers and milk by community and welfare volunteer groups.'
He concluded by expressing the Brunei government's most sincere blessings and gratitude to all older persons, deeply appreciating their dedication, sacrifices, and contributions to the country, religion, and nation. He wished that Allah continue to bless all older persons with health, happiness, and prosperity, granting them the strength to remain exemplary figures for current and future generations.
The press release stated that Brunei is also undergoing a social transformation marked by population ageing. According to Brunei's 2024 Statistical Yearbook, older persons now account for 10.9% (about 49,500 people) of the total population, an increase from 10.8% (about 48,800 people) in 2023. Though the increase is relatively small, this change has had a significant impact on various aspects of society, including social policy, economy, and social protection. However, along with the growing elderly population, Brunei has also intensified efforts to safeguard the welfare and well-being of older persons.
'In response to this change, the National Committee on Social Issues has updated the Brunei Action Plan on Ageing: Toward Successful Ageing. This plan aims to strengthen the welfare, protection, and empowerment of older persons, in line with this year's theme for the International Day of Older Persons. The theme emphasizes that older persons are not just beneficiaries, but also drivers and contributors to the development of both national and global communities. We should continue to value older persons as sources of wisdom, experience, and role models, and encourage intergenerational cooperation to build an inclusive, harmonious, and prosperous society.'
He stated, 'The concept of 'toward successful ageing' reminds everyone that successful ageing is not only about physical health, but also involves balance between body, mind, and the hereafter. Healthy diet, an active lifestyle, and regular check-ups are the foundation of well-being. At the same time, spiritual practices such as praying, reciting, reading the Qur'an, and self-reflection are also important foundations on the path to an eternal afterlife.'
'Older persons possess rich experience, wisdom, and traditional values, while the younger generation brings innovation, vitality, and a desire for change. When the two generations work together, it enhances social harmony and creates immense opportunities for holistic national development in areas such as health, social protection, economy, and psychological well-being.'
He noted that older persons are a valuable asset to the country, playing important roles in strengthening family institutions, promoting familial bonds, and passing down culture, religion, and tradition. The active participation of older persons in community activities demonstrates an inclusive society that values the contributions of previous generations. Therefore, the Brunei government will continue to empower older persons through long-established welfare programs. By July 2025, a total of 45,256 older persons will be receiving old-age pensions, among whom 1,092 are also receiving disability allowances. Additionally, 558 older persons, as carers of disability allowance recipients, also receive caregiver allowances.
He stated that the government also welcomes intergenerational cooperation. Collaborations such as those between Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) students and the Wargamas Association through the Discovery Year project, and for the first time, with Brunei History Centre and the Youth Development Centre in organizing the 'Golden Wonderful Run' event, showcase how cooperation between young and old can, through meaningful intergenerational interaction, promote deeper mutual understanding, raise awareness of ageing realities, and strengthen a culture of respect for older persons.
'The active participation of older persons in national activities shows their resilience and commitment to supporting the national agenda. For example, the Elderly Activities Centre was tasked for the first time to organize 41 complete Qur'an recitation ceremonies, as part of Brunei's National Day 2025 events. These activities involved a total of 150 older persons from all four districts, further highlighting the important role of older persons in promoting community spiritual development and upholding Islam.'
'We are also pleased to see support from government agencies, institutions of higher learning, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, local communities, and volunteers, all working together to raise awareness of the needs and challenges faced by older persons. For the welfare of older persons, multiple ongoing projects have been implemented, such as the 'Caring for the Elderly Project,' which is jointly coordinated by the Ministry of Community Development, the Ministry of Health, NGOs, and volunteers. As of July 2025, a total of 56 older persons have received direct intervention assistance, while 94 elderly people regularly receive home-delivered diapers and milk by community and welfare volunteer groups.'
He concluded by expressing the Brunei government's most sincere blessings and gratitude to all older persons, deeply appreciating their dedication, sacrifices, and contributions to the country, religion, and nation. He wished that Allah continue to bless all older persons with health, happiness, and prosperity, granting them the strength to remain exemplary figures for current and future generations.