BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The safety of the country’s transportation systems remains among the highest priorities of the government.
Aviation and maritime transport are essential pillars of the nation’s connectivity, international trade, economic development and movement of people and goods.
As these sectors continue to evolve with technological advancement and increasing operational complexity, the importance of effective accident and incident investigation becomes even more crucial.
This was underscored by Deputy Permanent Secretary (Transport) at the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications Mohamad Salihin Mohamad Aspar at the official opening ceremony for the ‘Internal Training Workshop on Accident Investigation Techniques and Management (Air and Maritime)’ at a hotel here.
Mohamad Salihin shared, “Aviation and maritime accident investigation are a critical component of effective safety management. It enables us to establish the facts, identify contributing factors, determine root causes and formulate practical safety recommendations.
Every investigation presents an opportunity to learn valuable lessons that can strengthen our safety systems, improve operational procedures and ultimately prevent similar occurrences in the future.”
The training programme, he said, “provides an excellent platform for participants to enhance their competencies in investigation planning, evidence collection, witness interviewing, human factors analysis, safety management principles and the preparation of comprehensive investigation reports.
Equally important, it encourages the sharing of experiences and best practices among professionals from different organisations and disciplines.”
For Brunei, he described, “capacity building remains a key priority in ensuring that our aviation and maritime sectors continue to meet international standards and obligations. I am also pleased to note that the training programme conducted is part of the continued cooperation between Brunei and Singapore under the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation relating to Aircraft and Marine Accident and Incident Investigation signed in 2017.”
This partnership, he added, “reflects the strong and longstanding relationship between our two countries and our shared commitment to enhance safety, strengthening institutional capabilities and promoting exchange of knowledge and expertise in accident and incident investigation.”
As a member to the international organisation, he said, “we recognise our obligations under the frameworks established by the International Maritime Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization. Compliance to these international requirements is not only a regulatory responsibility but also a commitment to protect lives, improving safety performance and maintaining public confidence in our transportation system.”
He also emphasised, “As our transport systems continue to embrace digital technologies, automation and data-driven operations, investigation methodologies must also evolve. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, advanced data analytics and digital evidence management present both new opportunities and new challenges. Therefore, continuous professional development is essential to ensure that investigators remain prepared for the changing transport landscape.”
Organised by the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications, in collaboration with Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei and conducted by Singapore’s Transport Safety Investigation Bureau, the eight-day workshop comprises Aviation Investigation Techniques and Management Training from August 10 to 13, 2026, and Marine Investigation Techniques and Management Training from August 17 to 20, 2026.
The training aims to strengthen the country’s competencies and capabilities in conducting independent, objective, professional and comprehensive air and maritime accident investigations, in line with international standards and best practices.
Robust investigation capabilities are essential to ensure that the causes and contributing factors of every accident are systematically identified, enabling lessons to be learned and safety recommendations to be developed to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
The initiative represents an important step towards strengthening the safety and resilience of the country’s transport sector.
Some 30 participants comprising officers and personnel from government agencies and relevant stakeholders are participating, including the Department of Civil Aviation, Royal Brunei Air Force, MPABD and Royal Brunei Airlines.
In addition to enhancing technical skills, the workshop provides a platform for the sharing of expertise, experience and knowledge, while strengthening coordination and professional networks among agencies involved in air and maritime safety as well as accident investigation. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
