Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Datuk Seri Setia Dr Abdul Manaf Metussin; Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Seri Setia Awang Nazmi Awang Mohamad; Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Economy) Dato Seri Paduka Khairuddin Abdul Hamid and Legislative Council member Chong Chin Yee with the participants during the forum. - Photo: Borneo Bulletin/ANN
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Seri Setia Awang Nazmi Awang Mohamad expressed that opportunities are tremendous and the drive lies with the young generation during an open dialogue at the 4th Youth Forum Brunei.
Co-organised by the Young Professionals Network (YPN) Brunei and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports in conjunction with the BIMP-EAGA Youth Bus Programme 2025, the forum gathered over 200 youth.
During the panel discussion ‘The Next Generation of Entrepreneurs: Youth as the Catalyst of Change’, the minister said, “The world today is vastly different from what it used to be. Countries are no longer competing against one another; instead, economies across the region are increasingly collaborating.
“There is a saying: if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together. Collaboration enables us to reach greater depths and broader horizons. This perfectly captures why youth are the catalysts of change today.”
He added, “If we look around this room, the majority present are from the younger generation. Meanwhile, on the panel stage, Datuk Seri Paduka Khairuddin and I come from the same generation – one that grew up in a very different environment compared to today’s youth. The mentality is different, the way of thinking is different, which can contribute to innovation.”
He shared that the drive of youth as catalysts of change can open up wider market opportunities to the BIMP-EAGA sub-region and tap into Asean and East Asia.
Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Economy) Dato Seri Paduka Khairuddin Abdul Hamid said, “Youth own the future, therefore youth is the catalyst of change.”
He expressed admiration for young entrepreneurs who create sustainable income for themselves and jobs for others.
“Youth bring energy, fresh ideas, curiosity and perspectives that challenge the norm. These qualities are essential for any society to continuously achieve progress and create new possibilities,” he said.
He also mentioned opportunities in the Brunei Economic Blueprint as well as under BIMP-EAGA.
The panel included Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Chong Chin Yee, with discussions centred on the shift of time and generation and how youth will drive the economy, country and society.
Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Datuk Seri Setia Dr Abdul Manaf Metussin was also present.
As Brunei Darussalam hosts the inaugural Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Youth Bus Programme, the Youth Forum Brunei convened to gather young people from across the region to spark passion, creativity and unity.
Themed ‘Uniting Youth – Towards a Stronger BIMP-EAGA Future’, the forum calls for young people to develop greater awareness, deeper understanding and lasting collaboration. It serves as an opportunity for Bruneian youth to better understand the significance of BIMP-EAGA as a platform for cross-border friendships, innovation and sustainable development.
The forum aimed at discussing cross-border opportunities in entrepreneurship, inspiring youth with success stories, enabling participation in capacity-building workshops, and developing a youth-driven resolution defining clear commitments and stakeholder support.
Representative of the Young Professionals Network and Organising Committee for the 4th Youth Forum Brunei Dr Muhammad Nuriskandar Mohd Hasnan in the welcoming remarks, touched on how the theme reflects the importance of youth-led diplomacy, regional co-operation and trade rooted in friendship and understanding.
“We aspire for this forum to be the beginning of an ever-lasting co-operation, lifelong friendships and real youth-led change in the BIMP-EAGA region,” he said.
As part of the forum and the BIMP-EAGA Youth Bus Programme, delegates formed a resolution presented at the closing dinner to mark the successful completion of the programme. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
