Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) hosted the Economic and Investment Outlook 2026, carrying the theme “Progress Under Pressure – Opportunities Amid Global Strains”. The event brought together speakers from the public, private, and academic sectors to share views on key economic and market trends and developments, as well as the outlook for 2026 and beyond.

The event was attended by around 150 participants from various organisations, including departments and divisions under the Ministry of Finance Economy (MOFE), other government agencies, financial institutions, and local higher educational institutions. 

The guest of honour was Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, as the Chairman of BDCB’s Board of Directors. Also in attendance were YM Hajah Rashidah binti Haji Sabtu, Managing Director, BDCB; Permanent Secretaries; as well as Chief Executive Officers and Managing Directors of local financial institutions.

In his keynote address, the guest of honour highlighted the delicate balance between rising geopolitical fragmentation and the rapid advancement of transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), both of which are shaping the global economic outlook. He noted that geopolitical tensions have reshaped international cooperation, heightened market vulnerabilities, and contributed to a fragmented landscape that dampens investor sentiment, prompting more cautious, diversified strategies. Counterbalancing these, AI emerges as a powerful structural force accelerating technological innovation and transforming productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness – particularly in the finance sector – hence, turning periods of pressure into catalysts for adaptation and long-term resilience. Subsequently, he emphasised the importance of closely monitoring such trends while rigorously assessing associated opportunities and risks. 

This was followed by a special presentation by YM Dr. Hafezali bin Iqbal Hussain, Associate Professor, School of Business and Economics, University of Brunei Darussalam (UBD). He examined how economic policy uncertainty disrupts global supply chains, while also identifying pathways for progress under pressure, in line with the event’s theme. He emphasised the role of targeted national capabilities – digital readiness, innovation capacity, and financial depth – in strengthening resilience and enabling economies to navigate periods of stress, while remaining mindful of the risks associated with emerging technologies. 

The programme continued with a panel discussion moderated by YM Maz Khairiyah binti Mohidin, Senior Manager, Financial Markets and Treasury, BDCB. Panellists comprised YM Heidi Farah Sia binti Abd Rahman, Acting Director General, Department of Economic Planning and Statistics (DEPS), MOFE; YM Jason Wong, Managing Director, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) Securities; YM Siti Athirah binti Dato Seri Setia Haji Ali, Senior Manager, Economy and Surveillance, BDCB; and YM Sofia Ezzah binti Haji Amer Hamzah, Associate (Listed Assets), Brunei Investment Agency (BIA). 

The panel discussion brought together diverse perspectives on navigating current global and market realities. Panellists explored broad strategies to build resilience, including seizing market opportunities and leveraging data-driven insights to address vulnerabilities and navigate policy uncertainties. The conversation emphasised collaborative approaches that draw on financial strength, innovation, and adaptive capabilities, while harnessing the potential of emerging technologies and remaining vigilant to associated risks. 

The Economic and Investment Outlook is one of BDCB’s flagship engagements, serving as a platform to promote informed dialogues and the exchange of views on a variety of key topics relating to the economy and financial markets. 

Economic and Investment Outlook 2026