The Ministry of Finance and Economy (MoFE) has launched the 12th National Development Plan (RKN12), a strategic five-year blueprint allocating $4 billion to 305 projects, as the nation accelerates progress towards its Vision 2035 goals.
The plan underscored the government’s commitment to strategic, inclusive growth across six key sectors: education, healthcare, industrial development, housing, infrastructure and green technology.
The RKN12 was unveiled by Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Finance and Economy Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah in a ceremony at the ministry.
Themed “Strengthening Socioeconomic Development to Ensure National Wellbeing and Harmony”, the RKN12 represents Brunei’s strategic approach to addressing both current needs and future challenges.
In her keynote address, Permanent Secretary (Economy, Trade and Industry) at MoFE Dr Hajah May Fa’ezah Haji Ahmad Ariffin emphasised the plan’s comprehensive nature, highlighting its six core pillars that span education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, national resilience, economic diversification, and public sector efficiency.
“Education infrastructure will see significant improvements through 31 dedicated projects, while the healthcare sector will benefit from six major initiatives focused on hospital development and upgrades,” she said.
The government has allocated resources for 10 national housing projects concentrated in the Brunei-Muara and Belait districts, addressing a critical need for affordable housing. Industrial development remains a priority, with 28 projects earmarked for enhancing key sites including Pulau Muara Besar and Sungai Liang, as Brunei continues its push to reduce dependence on oil and gas.
Dr Hajah May Fa’ezah drew attention to Brunei’s remarkable development journey since the first National Development Plan in 1953, citing numerous achievements that have transformed the nation.
“These include the construction of 40 secondary schools, 120 primary schools, and 140 religious schools that have significantly improved educational access,” she added.
The housing sector has seen over 30,000 units built under various national schemes, while healthcare infrastructure has expanded to include four government hospitals and 10 modern health centres equipped with cutting-edge medical technology.
The country’s transportation network has grown exponentially, with 3,800 km of roads and three major bridges, and more than 100 mosques and prayer halls have been constructed nationwide to serve religious needs.
Moreover, the non-oil and gas sector’s contribution to GDP has seen dramatic growth, rising from just 5.8 per cent in 1974 to over 50 per cent in 2024, demonstrating the success of Brunei’s economic diversification efforts.
“This progress has been supported by digital transformation initiatives such as the Bru-HIMS system, National Registration System, and Government Data Centre, which have modernised public services,” she continued.
The permanent secretary stressed that realising RKN12’s full potential will require a whole-of-nation approach, with close cooperation between government agencies, private sector partners, and the general public.
She encouraged businesses in the construction and ICT sectors to actively participate in project implementation, noting their crucial role in ensuring efficient delivery and cost management.
To foster public understanding and engagement, the ministry is hosting a three-day exhibition from 21 to 23 May, featuring detailed presentations on NDP12 projects and objectives.
The event includes briefing sessions conducted by various agencies such as the Authority for Building Control and Construction Industry (ABCi) and the Brunei Climate Change Secretariat, focusing on green initiatives and digital transformation programs. Members of the public, including students, are encouraged to attend and learn more about these national development efforts.
“RKN12 represents more than just a development plan. It’s our roadmap to a resilient, prosperous future. Every project, from infrastructure upgrades to digital transformation initiatives, brings us closer to realising Vision 2035 and ensuring long-term sustainability for generations to come,” said Dr Hajah May Fa’ezah.
With the Vision 2035 deadline just a decade away, RKN12 marks Brunei’s most comprehensive push yet to modernise infrastructure, diversify its economy, and improve living standards while maintaining environmental sustainability.
The complete RKN12 handbook is now available for public access through the Ministry of Finance and Economy’s official social media platforms.
Also present were Minister of Development Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda Haji Abdul Rashid, Deputy Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office, Deputy Ministers of Ministry of Finance and Economy and Deputy Minister of Ministry of Religious Affairs as members of the Working Committee National Development Plan, Their Excellencies Ambassadors and High Commissioners, Members of the Legislative Council, Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Government Departments, as well as representatives from the private sector.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
