Strong leadership, innovation and institutional resilience will be critical to sustaining Brunei Darussalam’s economic transformation and achieving the aspirations of Wawasan Brunei 2035, said Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin.

Speaking at the Leadership Conference (LeadCon) 2026 at Rizqun International Hotel on Wednesday, the minister said leaders must be prepared to embrace change, empower future generations and guide organisations through uncertainty.

He noted that Brunei’s non-oil and gas sector recorded average annual growth of 2.7 per cent between 2015 and 2025, while total financial system assets reached approximately BND27.4 billion in the second quarter of 2026.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin speaks at the Leadership Conference (LeadCon). PHOTO: SIM Y.H

Bank financing for businesses also rose to BND6.2 billion in the first half of 2026, double the level recorded a decade ago.

The minister, who is also chairman of Brunei Darussalam Central Bank’s Board of Directors, said these developments reflected deliberate policy choices and strategic leadership in pursuing long-term national development.

He stressed that leadership must go beyond developing plans and strategies to delivering tangible outcomes through coordination, accountability and disciplined implementation.

Referring to the Financial Sector Blueprint 2026-2035, he said transforming the financial ecosystem into one that is more innovative, resilient and future-ready would require changes in mindset, capabilities and leadership across the public and private sectors.

He also highlighted the importance of developing future leaders, noting that 400 participants had completed leadership programmes offered by the Brunei Institute of Leadership and Islamic Finance (BILIF) since 2016.

The programmes include the Young Executive Leadership Programme, Senior Executive Accelerated Leadership Programme, Young Professionals Programme, and Leadership in Islamic Finance and Economics.

He said investing in talent development would help build a pipeline of capable leaders equipped to navigate uncertainty and contribute to the growth of their organisations and the nation.

Among the participants of the conference.

Held under the theme “Metamorphosis”, the conference provides a platform for leaders and professionals to exchange perspectives, strengthen partnerships and explore how leadership can evolve amid rapid technological change, shifting economic conditions and changing societal expectations. 

The minister said effective leadership ultimately depended on sound judgement, integrity and the willingness to make difficult decisions in the interests of the greater good.

The event was organised by BILIF, with the support of BDCB and collaboration with its strategic partner, the University of Cyberjaya. – Sim Y.H