BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: South Korea and Brunei Darussalam are looking to deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, trade and people-to-people exchanges as they build on 42 years of diplomatic relations.
The Republic of Korea’s Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Sun Nahm Kook highlighted the opportunities for closer collaboration during a reception marking South Korea’s National Foundation Day at Rizqun International Hotel on Thursday (Oct 8) night.
Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Dato Seri Setia Awang Mohammed Riza Mohammed Yunos and his wife Datin Zubaidah Mahmud attended as Guests of Honour, alongside senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and the Korean community.
The ambassador said bilateral ties had expanded since diplomatic relations were established in 1984, with cooperation in energy and infrastructure dating back to the early 1980s.
Bilateral trade reached USD618 million in 2025, reflecting growing economic engagement.
The ambassador said cooperation should expand beyond traditional large-scale infrastructure projects to include digital infrastructure and emerging technologies.
As a global leader in information technology and semiconductors, South Korea could support Brunei Vision 2035, particularly in advancing the country’s digital transformation agenda.
He called for both countries to build on their Memorandum of Understanding on Smart City Cooperation, signed in 2019 and renewed in 2025, to deepen collaboration in the sector.
Cultural and educational exchanges were also highlighted as key pillars of bilateral relations. Since 2014, the embassy has organised annual initiatives including the Korean Festival, K-Dream Night and the Ambassador’s Cup Taekwondo Championship, now in its sixth year.
The ambassador noted growing interest in Korean popular culture, including K-pop, Korean dramas, beauty products and language. Universiti Brunei Darussalam continues to offer Korean language courses, while programmes such as the Discovery Year provide Bruneian students with opportunities to visit South Korea.
A total of 65 Bruneian students have graduated from South Korean universities through the Global Korea Scholarship programme.
Tourism offers further scope for closer ties, with annual travel between the two countries estimated at around 20,000 visits.
The ambassador expressed optimism that visitor numbers would increase, noting that Korean travel content creators had helped introduce Brunei’s attractions to wider audiences. He also looked forward to welcoming more South Korean visitors for Visit Brunei Year 2027. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
