[Sydney, Australia, 29-31 August 2024] – The Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) participated in the Australia–ASEAN Business Forum held at the Sydney Convention Centre from 29 to 31 August 2024. Organized by the Australia ASEAN Business Forum, the event themed "New Direction with New Opportunities" aimed to connect, trade, transact, and foster relationships between ASEAN countries and Australia.
As part of the ASEAN Showcase, BEDB represented Brunei Darussalam to promote investment and business opportunities to Australian companies and organizations. The showcase featured collaborative efforts, including the production of the 'Airport Economist Brunei Episode,' which highlights Brunei's successful business and investment stories in sectors such as food, downstream oil and gas, tourism, and services. This initiative seeks to attract more Australian investments into Brunei Darussalam.
The Brunei Showcase Panel Discussion, moderated by Acting CEO of BEDB, Mr. Daniel Leong, featured distinguished speakers including CEO of Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA), Captain Sabirin Hj Abdul Hamid, CEO of Royal Brunei Culinary (RBC), Hj Jeff Hadiman Dato Paduka Hj Danial, Managing Director of Adinin Group of Companies and Council Member of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, Hj Musa Hj Adinin, and Professor Tim Harcourt, a renowned Australian economist known as The Airport Economist. The panel explored potential collaborative opportunities between Brunei, Australia, and the broader ASEAN region.
Brunei Darussalam’s participation aligns with the forum's theme, reflecting its ambitions in green economy, energy transition, agriculture, food security, and digital transformation. This involvement also supports the proposed Australia-Brunei Darussalam Plan of Action 2024-2027, which is part of the Comprehensive Partnership between the Commonwealth of Australia and Brunei Darussalam.
The Australia–ASEAN Business Forum marks a significant milestone, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Australia's relationship with ASEAN member states and advancing Australia's Southeast Asian Economic Strategy for 2040. The forum featured five interactive panels discussing key topics: Green Economy and Energy Transition, Agriculture and Food Security, Medical and Health Resilience, Digital Transformation and Innovation, and Start-Ups and Venture Capital Investment.