Arya News - The Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam unveiled its “Navigating 2030” strategic plan for 2026–2030, centred on five pillars to boost safety, sustainability, economic growth, innovation and regional maritime leadership.
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – The Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD) unveiled the ‘Navigating 2030’, its Five-Year Strategic Plan for 2026–2030, outlining five strategic pillars to guide the organisation’s future direction.
The identified five strategic pillars to support and achieve MPABD’s vision and mission are Maritime Safety, Security and Sustainability, Thriving Maritime Economy, Quality and Future Proof Workforce, Future Focused Innovation and Regional Maritime Leadership.
Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha as Chairman of MPABD attended the launching ceremony as the guest of honour.
Chief Executive of MPABD Captain (Rtd) Zil Husam bin Haji Abdul Rahman in his remark shared how the strategic plan was developed. First, he said, “We began with our national direction. We carefully studied the aspirations of Brunei Vision 2035, the Brunei Darussalam Economic Blueprint, the Twelfth National Development Plan (RKN12) and the MTIC Strategic Plan 2030, especially the targets for the maritime and transport sector.
Second, he said, “We grounded the plan in the principles of Maqasid Syariah as our guiding framework. Preservation of life, wealth, intellect, progeny and faith are reflected in our five strategic pillars – from maritime safety and environmental protection, to a thriving maritime economy, quality workforce, future-focused innovation and regional maritime leadership.”
He added, “Thirdly, we carried out an extensive process of stakeholder engagement and consensus-building. Over several days, we held focus group discussions and dialogues involving two organisations spanning the maritime ecosystem – including ministries, government agencies, regulators, port operators, shipping and logistics companies, energy firms and industry associations. Simultaneously, we benchmarked against global best practices and IMO standards, examining how leading maritime administrations and ports in the region are addressing digitalisation, green shipping, multimodal connectivity and talent development.”
In his keynote address, Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary highlighted that Navigating 2030 represents a decisive step in positioning Brunei Darussalam’s maritime and ports sector as a central pillar of national competitiveness and economic resilience. Emphasising the nation’s deep maritime heritage, he stressed that the sector must now evolve beyond its traditional supporting role to become a dynamic driver of trade, investment, innovation, and sustainable growth.
The minister also highlighted, “ For many years, our maritime and ports sector has quietly supported the nation by ensuring the flow of foods, essential good and exports and upholding safety at sea and maintaining our connection to the world.”
Yet, he noted, “The world around us is changing. Supply chains are being reshaped. Digital and green technologies are transforming ports and shipping operations. Development among regional ports is intensifying. At the same time, Brunei Darussalam is accelerating economic diversification, strengthening international connectivity and investing significantly in our people and digital foundations.”
Therefore, he said, “In this rapidly evolving environment, the maritime and ports sector can no longer afford to remain a supporting actor. It must rise to become a central pillar of national competitiveness, a driver of trade, investment, innovation and sustainable growth.
The minister also outlined four key commitments under Navigating 2030, namely: strengthening safety, security, and environmental stewardship in line with international standards; driving economic diversification through expanded maritime services and diversified port activities; investing in Brunei Darussalam’s maritime talent through competency development and scholarship programmes; and accelerating digitalisation, green technologies, and regional leadership.
He concluded by underscoring that the success of the strategic plan will depend on disciplined execution, strong inter-agency collaboration, and collective commitment to deliver lasting impact for the nation.
Following the unveiling the Navigating 2030, the event proceeded with a series of insightful speaker sessions on ‘Muara Port 2030: Gateway to a Thriving Maritime Economy’ by Mohd Fazilah bin Haji Md Yassin and ‘Brunei’s Strategic Place in the New Maritime Map: From Oil and Gas Reliance to Regional Maritime Leader’ by Joseph Kam-Fu Hu. – James Kon