SUWON: Brunei is keen to leverage digital technology in the transport sector. The Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC), through the Land Transport Department (JPD), will soon be issuing a request for information (RFI) on the provision of a smart transport system. This project, under the 12th National Development Plan, aspires to revamp public transport in the Sultanate, said Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Datuk Seri Setia Shamhary Datuk Paduka Mustapha.
The RFI is expected to work hand-in-hand with the recent JPD request for proposal (RFP) for the provision, operation, management and maintenance of public transport services in Brunei. The latter project is currently in the award evaluation stage.
The minister was speaking at the signing and renewal of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of smart city development during the 2025 Suwon Asia-Pacific Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Forum in Suwon, South Korea.
The MoU is a step towards advancing collaboration in digital transformation between the government of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and the government of South Korea.
The signing underscores the strengthening bilateral ties between the Sultanate and South Korea, as well as the mutual aspiration to foster inclusive, technology-driven urban development across the region.
The renewed MoU reaffirms both nations’ commitment to strengthening cooperation in smart city development, particularly through the sharing of knowledge, technologies and expertise. It supports the implementation of impactful initiatives that will enhance the quality of life for citizens and foster sustainable economic growth.
The collaboration is aligned with the strategic framework of the ASsean-Republic of Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and reflects the national development priorities of both countries.
Shamhary signed the MoU on behalf of His Majesty’s government and the South Korean Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Park Sangwoo signed on behalf of the South Korean government.
Accompanying Shamhary at the signing ceremony were Ambassador of Brunei to South Korea Nooriyah Yussof, Permanent Secretary at the MTIC Mohammad Nazri Mohammad Yusof as well as senior officers from the ministry and the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam in South Korea.
The minister also attended the opening ceremony of the 2025 Suwon Asia-Pacific ITS Forum and participated in the high-level roundtable, which convened ministers, vice-ministers and senior official representatives from around 20 countries to share their national ITS developments and engage in strategic dialogue. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
