(Bandar Seri Begawan, 21st) In conjunction with the World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2025, Brunei reaffirms its commitment to ensuring workplace safety and health. The National Safety, Health and Environment Authority (SHENA) continues to play a key role in strengthening the regulatory framework. However, this responsibility is not solely shouldered by SHENA, but rather a social responsibility that must be jointly fulfilled by employers and employees.
The Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister of Defence, and Minister responsible for SHENA, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Retired) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohammad Yussof, stated in his message for the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, "The workplace is the driving platform for national development, a key factor in fostering innovation and promoting the well-being of the people and the nation's prosperity. Therefore, creating a conducive, safe, and healthy work environment is not only central to protecting every worker's core well-being but also crucial to the overall well-being of the nation."
He emphasized that SHENA is using the occasion of "World Day for Safety and Health at Work" on April 28 to call on all sectors of society to pay attention to the safety and health of the workforce. "This is not just a policy or regulation but an unignorable or compromisable priority. Our workforce is the nation's most valuable asset, safeguarding their well-being is key to achieving a productive, sustainable, and competitive future."
"Employers and employees must work together to ensure a safe, healthy, and conducive work environment. Only through well-planned measures and firm commitments can we achieve the common goal of building a better nation."
The theme for the World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2025 is "Transforming Health and Safety: The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization in the Workplace." The minister noted that this theme reflects the profound changes currently taking place in the global industry, where Brunei holds a unique advantage in this transformation. As of January 2025, Brunei's internet penetration rate has reached 99%, the highest in Southeast Asia.
"Our Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, as a focal area of the economic diversification agenda, has shown strong growth, leaping from 0.1% in 2019 to 15.9% in 2020. This is mainly due to the rapid development of digital payments and e-commerce, especially accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has catalyzed the transformation of our digital economy."
He stated these achievements have laid a solid foundation for applying technological innovation in workplace safety and align with the directives set forth by His Majesty the Sultan in the course of the national transformation journey. During the opening ceremony of the 21st Legislative Council, His Majesty mentioned the potential of artificial intelligence, emphasizing its importance in empowering the nation's human resources and capabilities.
The minister added, "We are at the threshold of entering a new era of work. Artificial intelligence and digitalization offer significant opportunities to enhance workplace safety and health but also bring challenges that need proactive addressing."
He pointed out the potential of AI technologies, including workflow automation, AI monitoring systems that can detect potential dangers early, and predictive maintenance technology to prevent equipment failures. Digital platforms also help streamline safety training, improve risk assessment efficiency, and promote real-time communication, ensuring all employees can access safety information promptly. However, the technological transformation also needs to be carried out cautiously, particularly considering data privacy and the potential employment impacts due to automation.
"His Majesty's government has implemented key measures through the 'Digital Economy Masterplan 2025' and the '2023-2027 Education Digital Transformation Plan,' committed to achieving a progressive and ethical digital future. This aligns with our 'Brunei Vision 2035' to ensure technology is fully utilized in safeguarding the well-being of the workforce across all industries."
The minister further noted that the cooperation of government, industry, and labor is paramount. "We must continue investing in digital safety solutions centered on worker well-being and ensure employees actively participate in the formulation of safety-related policies." He quoted His Majesty during the 414th meeting of Brunei Shell Petroleum Co. and the 192nd meeting of Brunei Shell Marketing Co., stressing the nation's high commitment to maintaining optimal occupational safety standards.
He concluded, "Through integrated strategies and alignment with international best practices, we can ensure that a workplace culture of 'Safety and Productivity First' continues to be promoted and implemented."
He called on everyone to enhance their commitment to occupational safety culture, prioritize employee well-being, and jointly create a safe, healthy, and harmonious workplace environment, making this standard a basic principle in all industries in our nation.
The Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister of Defence, and Minister responsible for SHENA, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Retired) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohammad Yussof, stated in his message for the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, "The workplace is the driving platform for national development, a key factor in fostering innovation and promoting the well-being of the people and the nation's prosperity. Therefore, creating a conducive, safe, and healthy work environment is not only central to protecting every worker's core well-being but also crucial to the overall well-being of the nation."
He emphasized that SHENA is using the occasion of "World Day for Safety and Health at Work" on April 28 to call on all sectors of society to pay attention to the safety and health of the workforce. "This is not just a policy or regulation but an unignorable or compromisable priority. Our workforce is the nation's most valuable asset, safeguarding their well-being is key to achieving a productive, sustainable, and competitive future."
"Employers and employees must work together to ensure a safe, healthy, and conducive work environment. Only through well-planned measures and firm commitments can we achieve the common goal of building a better nation."
The theme for the World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2025 is "Transforming Health and Safety: The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization in the Workplace." The minister noted that this theme reflects the profound changes currently taking place in the global industry, where Brunei holds a unique advantage in this transformation. As of January 2025, Brunei's internet penetration rate has reached 99%, the highest in Southeast Asia.
"Our Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, as a focal area of the economic diversification agenda, has shown strong growth, leaping from 0.1% in 2019 to 15.9% in 2020. This is mainly due to the rapid development of digital payments and e-commerce, especially accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has catalyzed the transformation of our digital economy."
He stated these achievements have laid a solid foundation for applying technological innovation in workplace safety and align with the directives set forth by His Majesty the Sultan in the course of the national transformation journey. During the opening ceremony of the 21st Legislative Council, His Majesty mentioned the potential of artificial intelligence, emphasizing its importance in empowering the nation's human resources and capabilities.
The minister added, "We are at the threshold of entering a new era of work. Artificial intelligence and digitalization offer significant opportunities to enhance workplace safety and health but also bring challenges that need proactive addressing."
He pointed out the potential of AI technologies, including workflow automation, AI monitoring systems that can detect potential dangers early, and predictive maintenance technology to prevent equipment failures. Digital platforms also help streamline safety training, improve risk assessment efficiency, and promote real-time communication, ensuring all employees can access safety information promptly. However, the technological transformation also needs to be carried out cautiously, particularly considering data privacy and the potential employment impacts due to automation.
"His Majesty's government has implemented key measures through the 'Digital Economy Masterplan 2025' and the '2023-2027 Education Digital Transformation Plan,' committed to achieving a progressive and ethical digital future. This aligns with our 'Brunei Vision 2035' to ensure technology is fully utilized in safeguarding the well-being of the workforce across all industries."
The minister further noted that the cooperation of government, industry, and labor is paramount. "We must continue investing in digital safety solutions centered on worker well-being and ensure employees actively participate in the formulation of safety-related policies." He quoted His Majesty during the 414th meeting of Brunei Shell Petroleum Co. and the 192nd meeting of Brunei Shell Marketing Co., stressing the nation's high commitment to maintaining optimal occupational safety standards.
He concluded, "Through integrated strategies and alignment with international best practices, we can ensure that a workplace culture of 'Safety and Productivity First' continues to be promoted and implemented."
He called on everyone to enhance their commitment to occupational safety culture, prioritize employee well-being, and jointly create a safe, healthy, and harmonious workplace environment, making this standard a basic principle in all industries in our nation.