Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah (right) receiving the report from the chief executive officer of Standard Chartered Brunei Pengiran Aki Ismasufian Ibrahim (centre), and managing director of Exceltech Solutions Sdn Bhd Hafriz Fayadh. - BB
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Members of Brunei Darussalam’s Apec Business Advisory Council (ABAC) officially presented the ABAC 2025 Report during a handover ceremony held in the capital on Tuesday (Oct 21).
The report was presented to Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah, by chief executive officer of Standard Chartered Brunei Pengiran Aki Ismasufian Ibrahim, and managing director of Exceltech Solutions Sdn Bhd Hafriz Fayadh.
Themed “Bridge. Business. Beyond.”, the 2025 report outlines ABAC’s strategic vision to deepen regional connectivity, empower businesses as engines of innovation and growth, and strengthen long-term prosperity across the Asia-Pacific region amid evolving global challenges.
This year’s recommendations focus on digital leadership, resilient and inclusive economies, and sustainable investment frameworks, emphasising the need for Apec economies to enhance cross-border collaboration while advancing environmental and social goals.
Among the report’s key priorities are upholding open, rules-based trade, advancing the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), and reforming the World Trade Organization (WTO) to maintain a predictable global trading environment.
It also highlights the growing importance of secure digital transformation, including responsible artificial intelligence, paperless trade, and interoperable digital standards.
In his remarks, Pengiran Aki said it was an honour to represent Brunei at the ABAC 2025 sessions, where discussions centred on regional cooperation and sustainable growth.
“Each meeting offered valuable insight into how economies are building stronger bridges, empowering business, and shaping a more sustainable future,” he said.
“The theme ‘Bridge, Business, Beyond’ reflects ABAC’s spirit of collaboration, which continues to connect Brunei’s business community with regional opportunities. Today’s handover is not only the sharing of a report but a reaffirmation of our commitment to turn ideas into action – to bridge nations, empower enterprises, and move beyond boundaries together.”
Hafriz Fayadh noted that the report represents Brunei’s active participation in shaping APEC’s economic agenda.
“Although small in size, Brunei has consistently demonstrated that principled and constructive engagement carries influence in advancing Apec’s shared goals of prosperity, inclusivity, and sustainability,” he said.
“Through ABAC, we have worked to ensure that national priorities such as SME development and sustainable trade remain visible at the regional level. This report reflects months of collaboration and reinforces Brunei’s role as a credible voice within Apec.”
The ABAC 2025 Report will be formally presented to Apec Economic Leaders during the ABAC Dialogue with Leaders in Korea this October, where the council will advocate for open, resilient, and future-ready economies across the Asia-Pacific region.
Formed in 1995, the Apec Business Advisory Council serves as the primary voice of the private sector within Apec. Each member economy is represented by three business leaders appointed by their respective heads of government. ABAC meetings are held four times a year, culminating in the presentation of policy recommendations to Apec Leaders.
Under South Korea’s 2025 chairmanship, ABAC is guided by the theme “Bridge. Business. Beyond.”, with working groups focusing on regional economic integration, AI and digital innovation, bio and healthcare, finance and economics, and sustainability.
ABAC Brunei continues to champion private sector perspectives that align with the nation’s vision for a dynamic and sustainable economy under Wawasan Brunei 2035. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
