Australian TV business program The Airport Economist highlighted Brunei’s diverse economic goals in a recent episode aired on the streaming platform Ticker on December 4, 2025.
Exploring Brunei's Economic Diversification
Titled The Great Transformation of Brunei, the episode features Tim Harcourt, Chief Economist and Industry Professor at the University of Technology Sydney. Harcourt delves into the nation's endeavors to diversify its economy and the critical role of foreign investment.
The episode focuses on Brunei’s national vision, Wawasan 2035. This vision aims to foster a dynamic and sustainable economy. It outlines specific goals and the importance of international investment in reaching these objectives.
Key Interviews and Insights
The show includes an engaging interview with Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Awg Hj Md Amin Liew Abdullah. As the Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, he leads the country's diversification agenda. This agenda is supported by an economic blueprint with five priority sectors: downstream oil and gas, food, services, tourism, and ICT.
To give a practical view of this diversification plan, the episode highlights interviews with leading companies in each sector. Notable names include Hengyi Industries, Brunei Fertilizer Industries (BFI), Royal Brunei Airlines (RB), and Royal Brunei Catering (RBC). Each company presents how they contribute to the broader economic strategy.
A Supporting Role for BEDB
The Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) serves as a crucial source of knowledge for the episode. As Brunei's focal agency for foreign and domestic investment, BEDB shares insights into the country’s business and regulatory environment. Their commitment is evident through the dedicated support provided via the Investors’ Concierge service, aimed at helping potential investors navigate opportunities in Brunei.
Promoting Foreign Direct Investment
His Excellency Luke Arnold, the Australian High Commissioner to Brunei, supports the episode as a co-partner. He commented on its significance, saying it provides valuable insights into Brunei’s economic landscape. The program highlights potential opportunities for foreign investors looking to enter this promising market.
Headquartered in Australia, Ticker’s platform is a well-established medium. It caters to a substantial local audience. The platform also boasts international distribution, reaching over 380 million viewers worldwide. With 3.85 million monthly linear views, Ticker offers crucial exposure for Brunei on an international stage.
Arnold noted the episode arrives at a crucial time. Brunei and Australia recently enhanced their bilateral relationship, establishing a Comprehensive Partnership. Additionally, Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy 2040 includes a significant AUD 2 billion fund aimed at boosting Australian investment in ASEAN nations.
The High Commissioner remarked, “We’ve established a dedicated ‘deals team’ in Bandar Seri Begawan to facilitate Australian investment in Brunei.” This team, comprising two full-time employees, focuses on attracting more Australian businesses.
Building Strong Economic Ties
Despite Australia being one of Brunei’s major export markets, the potential for investment remains untapped. Arnold emphasized the need to increase two-way investment. Both nations are on the brink of transformative economic changes, aiming to align with global shifts toward greener economies.
Reflecting on his experiences in Brunei, Harcourt stated, “Brunei provides stability and certainty that foreign investors value.” He expressed admiration for witnessing the transformation in sectors like fertilizers and the Halal food hub.
“Brunei has a clear vision for the future and is a welcoming society,” he added. His observations underline the considerable potential Brunei holds for international investors.
Watch the Episode
The full episode is divided into three segments and airs on Ticker’s 24-hour news channel for one month. Moreover, a dedicated Brunei section has been uploaded to The Airport Economist’s on-demand channel. This section features nine segments with extended interviews and insights tailored for business travelers.
Originally, The Airport Economist began as a book by Harcourt. It provides practical insights into conducting business globally, drawing on his role as Chief Economist at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade).
Since transitioning to a TV series in 2016, the show has covered over 30 countries. Its scope includes nations in ASEAN, Latin America, and East Asia, including Japan, South Korea, and China.
Brunei’s episode has further support from partners like RB and The Empire, showcasing the collaborative efforts driving economic diversification in the region.
In summary, The Great Transformation of Brunei demonstrates the country's commitment to evolving its economic landscape. Through strategic interviews and informed analysis, the episode not only promotes Brunei as an investment destination but also highlights the shared goals of Brunei and Australia.