/r/Brunei

Photograph via snooOG

A subreddit for all things related to the country of Brunei Darussalam, located at the heart of Southeast Asia.

Selamat datang!

Welcome to Brunei's subreddit!

  • This is an open forum for news, discussions, information and opinions about happenings inside and related to the country.

  • If you're new to Reddit, we highly encourage you to read Reddit 101, written up by Reddit users.

  • Posting interesting news, articles and any other information is encouraged here. Discussions and questions are also allowed.

  • Please observe reddiquette as well as the rules of this subreddit, and outside of the random threads, keep discussions relevant to the country.

  • Random discussion threads are posted every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and usually left stickied for 2 days.

Brunei?

Brunei is a country located at the heart of Southeast Asia, nestled in the large island of Borneo. It has a small land area and an even smaller population. More information can be obtained from:

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  • In addition to the reddiquette, the rules for this subreddit can be found on this page, and are summarised here:

  • Post about Brunei related content

  • Participate on your submitted content

  • Contribute positively

  • Do not sensationalise subjects

  • Stay safe

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/r/Brunei

185,386 Subscribers

1

Lakastah bekurapak dalam Bahasa Melayu pada hari Isnin untuk 03hb Februari 2025

Pos ini dipapar setiap hari Isnin sebagai tempat berambang-rambang atau berkurapak dalam bahasa melayu baku atau Brunei.

Sila ikut reddiquette dan berbaik-baik sesama sendiri.

^(This is a thread to practice your Malay language, and posts not following this format will be removed/downvoted.)

1 Comment
2025/02/02
16:29 UTC

0

Questions about MOE Scholarship programmes

I'm quite new to this type of stuff so I have a few questions:

  1. Do I need to receive an offer letter from the university that is listed in the programme beforehand to be accepted into the programme?

  2. Will I get emailed if I'm accepted or do they announced it online (on website, news, etc.) and I have to search for my name?

  3. What can I expect during the process of the programme? (will there be fitness test, written test, etc.)

That's all my questions for now. It would be great if you can explain (and summarise) the entire process if you experienced this before (and maybe get some advice?). Thank you.

3 Comments
2025/02/02
13:33 UTC

15

Runners of Brunei, where do you go for your morning runs?

I will be in Brunei for four days soon. I really enjoy my morning runs, so I was hoping you could let me know where most people go running in the morning?

I read somewhere that there are a lot of stray dogs and I would like to avoid them as good as possible.

I can see the Brunei heatmaps on Strava, but I am unsure which of these areas are the safest for a run early in the morning. Thank you for your insights☺️

7 Comments
2025/02/02
09:39 UTC

1

Home Construction Issues: Have tou had or having problems with contractors?"

I'm currently dealing with issues with my home development contractors, and I'm curious to see how common this is. Whether it's delays, poor workmanship, unexpected costs, or unresponsiveness, have you had problems with contractors on your project? Vote in the poll and share your experiences in the comments.

if the following sounds familiar this applies to you:

  1. misleading updates: Providing false information about project status

  2. Frequent delays: Continuously postponing project progress without valid reasons

  3. Dishonesty about orders: Misrepresenting the ordering and delivery status of materials.

  4. lack of communications: Failing to respond to inquiries or provide timely updates. Ghosting Clients: Completely cutting off communication and disappearing

  5. unexpected costs increase: Requesting additional payments beyond the agreed terms.

  6. financial mismanagement: Claiming payments from the bank while failing to fully pay for materials.

  7. Unfinished Work: Leaving parts of the project incomplete or abandoned.

  8. Poor Workmanship: Using substandard materials or delivering low-quality construction.

  9. Violation of Contract Terms: Ignoring agreed-upon deadlines, specifications, or budgets.

  10. Unlicensed or Unqualified Workers: Using unskilled labor or subcontractors without informing the client.

11)Hidden Fees: Adding unexpected costs not previously discussed or approved.

  1. Refusing to Fix Mistakes: Ignoring or denying responsibility for errors or defects.

  2. Legal or Permit Issues: Failing to obtain necessary permits, leading to potential legal trouble.

I'm sure there's creative excuses that they give especially with chatgpt available at their fingertips they can make up some BS.

I would love to make a poll but I have no idea why we can't in this #. so I'll comment the polls and just give a like if the criteria fits you.

6 Comments
2025/02/02
09:08 UTC

1

Offshore work related

Salam Brunei redditors,

Kindly asking anyone that know for any certificate and medical certificate that needed for working offshore?

P.s including the cost for it.

3 Comments
2025/02/02
01:59 UTC

32

is it too late to go to collage

so i'm working in a bakery for like a few months right after o levels and then i started working in mobile acessories for 3 years now but recently, i thought of resigning to continue college to take IT courses. I'm 23 this year am i too late to register will it be worth it or should i just continue working? i did regret not taking college sooner

39 Comments
2025/02/01
23:38 UTC

3

Suggestions of things to do in Bandar Seri Begawan

I’ll be having a 12 hours layover in Brunei (noon to midnight) in a few days. any suggestions for things to do around the capital city?

Also, is card payment widely accepted in Brunei or do I still need to bring cash?

What’s the easiest way to get around? I heard Grab/Uber isn’t available there.

Thanks in advance :)

3 Comments
2025/02/01
17:22 UTC

6

/r/brunei daily random discussion and small questions thread for 02 February 2025

This is the random discussion thread for posts not directly related to Brunei or the subreddit. Quick questions requiring simple answers, and school surveys can also be posted here. Talk about anything you want!

Please respect reddiquette and be nice to one another. Report rule-breaking comments to the moderators by using the report button, or messaging on modmail.

Sort comments by "new" to get to fresh comments in the thread.

230 Comments
2025/02/01
16:29 UTC

14

Phone calls not going through

I have tried various ways of trying to fix calling someone through my phone app but still to no avail. Ive topped up 4GB and even added $5 for good measure, restarting my phone and changing my settings.

Every time i tried calling someone eg : BIBD The call will automatically end by itself. Anyone knows how to fix it? Or do i need a new sim/phone XD

15 Comments
2025/02/01
08:34 UTC

47

How are the people with no water supply?

Its been a week since the water disruption, the water tank in my house has already ran out. Very worried about people with no water supply at all. I haven't been seeing anyone talk about it so i am genuinely curious if I'm overreacting.

15 Comments
2025/02/01
05:12 UTC

27

Please help me finding informantion about Murut people!

So hi everyone I need your help. Just this Januanry I joined a competition about ASEAN diplomacy and I currently representing Brunei as my country. Now, we've been task to propose a project about something that we're passionate about so I am currently focusing on Murut people and their acess to education and technology, however, I have little to no information that I can find about the Murut people. I've trde to contact the Ministry of Education but I'm still waiting for their reply. Do you guys know any information or research about these specific topics about them? or any way o have communication with them? Thank you so much I hope you guys can help meee

27 Comments
2025/01/31
22:57 UTC

11

/r/brunei daily random discussion and small questions thread for 01 February 2025

This is the random discussion thread for posts not directly related to Brunei or the subreddit. Quick questions requiring simple answers, and school surveys can also be posted here. Talk about anything you want!

Please respect reddiquette and be nice to one another. Report rule-breaking comments to the moderators by using the report button, or messaging on modmail.

Sort comments by "new" to get to fresh comments in the thread.

246 Comments
2025/01/31
16:29 UTC

0

BRUNEI government hospital really bad

What can improve for this.. came here around 8pm ish, till now 1030pm also haven Q till my turn to see doc. People who are slower than my q already see doc and take medicine went home already while I still STUCK HERE.

More worst is 1 of the guy bring the whole family don’t know who see doc and bring the iPad or phone to charge at here.. what a good idea to save the electricity at home..

How can improve this solution for us bro.. PLS DO SOME THING

41 Comments
2025/01/31
14:30 UTC

0

Police recruit question

So my cousin has been called for police recruitment bmi exam and qualification assessment... So is it possible for police to take someone with minimum of 1 Olevel? Or do they just reject?

3 Comments
2025/01/31
13:31 UTC

319

Avoid The Moon Patissiere (Jerudong) at all costs! They owe us 7 months of pay

Avoid The Moon Patissiere (Jerudong) at all costs! My friends and I worked with her and she owes us more than 6 months of pay. Each month we asked for our pay and she said she has cashflow issues. We continued to stay to help but she's not paying us still. We asked to quit but she said we need to serve one month notice period. Sigh. Please don't visit the shop, as doing so encourages her to continue hiring workers and cheating them of their pay. Do not work for her too, time is better spent elsewhere.

94 Comments
2025/01/31
01:38 UTC

152

What the hell DST?!

is anyone facing the same problem? I was just scrolling on social media and all so OBVIOUSLY im not gonna be aware of my data usage that much. But DST THEMSELVES stated already that they would warn customers whether we used up 50%/80%.

And this is what i get? Telling me i used up 100% already out of the blue? Lapastu di call tu krg , customer kana salahkan inda mencheck bisai2. the heck dude

DO NOT get me started on the random sudden charges from my credit balance. i know damn wel its only 3 cents or some sort but I PROMISE YOU i did not sms anybody nor call anybody. They'd deduct my $5 randomly when i wanted to save that for future add ons. This is so annoying man.

i swear i really want to move to progresif. i miss progresif

113 Comments
2025/01/31
01:21 UTC

15

/r/brunei daily random discussion and small questions thread for 31 January 2025

This is the random discussion thread for posts not directly related to Brunei or the subreddit. Quick questions requiring simple answers, and school surveys can also be posted here. Talk about anything you want!

Please respect reddiquette and be nice to one another. Report rule-breaking comments to the moderators by using the report button, or messaging on modmail.

Sort comments by "new" to get to fresh comments in the thread.

341 Comments
2025/01/30
16:29 UTC

57

Car accident

ddpai n5 dual

16 Comments
2025/01/30
13:42 UTC

7

Temburong recommendations

I am traveling to Brunei and am visiting Temburong but not with a tour group. Where would you recommend I visit (towns, trails, natural formations) that are accessible without booking through a travel agency? Thanks!

0 Comments
2025/01/30
10:13 UTC

0

Thoughts of dropping ugama

What do yall think about ugama? Ive been having thoughts of dropping out of ugama bc i feel soooo mentally and physically drained by it. Its my last year in ugama but ive had enough and i rlly cant take it anymore. What are the consequences of dropping ugama? Is there an amount just to drop out?

33 Comments
2025/01/30
03:38 UTC

17

/r/brunei daily random discussion and small questions thread for 30 January 2025

This is the random discussion thread for posts not directly related to Brunei or the subreddit. Quick questions requiring simple answers, and school surveys can also be posted here. Talk about anything you want!

Please respect reddiquette and be nice to one another. Report rule-breaking comments to the moderators by using the report button, or messaging on modmail.

Sort comments by "new" to get to fresh comments in the thread.

291 Comments
2025/01/29
16:29 UTC

460

Meanwhile in Panaga Seria

Most of Seria is currently flooding. Props to this guy for making the best out of it

29 Comments
2025/01/29
08:38 UTC

208

This is embarrassing for Brunei

The comment section is BRUTAL. Talk about your watch (fake or not) idc, tapi inda patut kan show off daddy's money and show off how rich in oil Brunei is 💀 memalu kan nama negara saja sampai someone said that if Bruneians are anything like you I'll stay in Australia......

207 Comments
2025/01/29
08:29 UTC

97

Car accident

46 Comments
2025/01/29
03:44 UTC

47

What if Brunei went full Singapore/Qatar mode in the late 90s?

Interesting alt-history scenario I've been thinking about for Brunei. Instead of doubling down on religious laws, what if they went the opposite direction and fully embraced modernization and foreign investment after 1996?

The POD (Point of Divergence) would be 1996 when Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah decides to establish BIDA (Brunei Investment & Development Authority) and actively courts foreign investment. Perfect timing too - when the Asian Financial Crisis hits in '97, instead of getting wrecked, Brunei becomes a safe haven for fleeing capital.

The real game-changer was what they did with Jerudong Park. In our timeline it kind of languished, but imagine if they'd poured billions into making it SE Asia's premiere entertainment destination. We're talking F1 races by 2003, massive indoor theme parks, international concerts - basically what Saudi is trying to do now but 20 years earlier.

They also would've solved the "curse of oil wealth" by implementing a citizen investment program - every Bruneian family gets an investment portfolio. Think Norway's sovereign wealth fund but distributed to the people. By 2024 you'd be looking at GDP per capita of $150k, wild right?

The coolest part is Bandar Seri Begawan - it'd be unrecognizable. Think Singapore-meets-Doha: gleaming skyscrapers, but with that distinct Bruneian Islamic architecture. They'd have their own tech valley pulling talent from both Silicon Valley and East Asia.

Here's the kicker - population would've grown to about 800k through controlled immigration of skilled workers (compared to current ~460k), but they'd have managed it without losing their cultural identity. Basically Qatar's playbook but with better execution.

Instead of stagnating, Jerudong Park would be hosting World Expos and major international events. Brunei Airlines would be giving Singapore Airlines a run for their money. And yes, they'd still be a monarchy, but more like modern UAE than current Brunei.

Crazy to think how different things could've been with just a few different decisions in the late 90s. Obviously this is all speculation, but given their resources and small population, it was totally possible.

What do you guys think? Too optimistic? What other effects would this have had on SE Asia?

Here's a more simplistic form of information:

Brunei's Path to Global Prominence (1996-2025)

1996-2000: Foundation for Change

  • 1996: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah announces comprehensive economic reforms, establishing the Brunei Investment and Development Authority (BIDA)
  • 1997: While Asian Financial Crisis affects region, Brunei's reformed investment policies attract fleeing capital
  • 1998: Jerudong Park undergoes $2 billion expansion, becoming Southeast Asia's largest entertainment complex
  • 1999: First wave of major international companies establish regional headquarters in Bandar Seri Begawan
  • 2000: GDP per capita surpasses $50,000, marking the beginning of rapid wealth distribution

2001-2010: Economic Diversification

  • 2001: Launch of Brunei International Financial Centre, positioning country as Islamic banking hub
  • 2003: Jerudong Park hosts first Formula 1 Brunei Grand Prix, securing 10-year contract
  • 2005: Tourism sector contribution to GDP reaches 15% through luxury resort developments
  • 2007: Implementation of "Citizen Investment Program," providing every Bruneian family with investment portfolios
  • 2009: Establishment of Brunei Tech Valley, attracting major tech companies from Silicon Valley and East Asia

2011-2018: Global Integration

  • 2011: Brunei hosts first Asian Games, showcasing modernized infrastructure
  • 2013: GDP per capita surpasses $100,000, approaching Qatar's levels
  • 2015: Jerudong Park Entertainment Complex expands to include world's largest indoor theme park
  • 2016: Launch of Brunei Airlines becomes successful, connecting Bandar Seri Begawan to 100 global destinations
  • 2018: Brunei Digital Economy Initiative transforms government services and business environment

2019-2025: Peak Prosperity

  • 2019: Universal Basic Income program implemented for all citizens
  • 2020: Brunei becomes world's leading Islamic fintech hub
  • 2022: Population reaches 800,000 due to controlled immigration of skilled professionals
  • 2023: Jerudong Park hosts World Expo, attracting 15 million visitors
  • 2024: GDP per capita reaches $150,000, surpassing Qatar
  • 2025: Brunei ranked among top 5 countries in Human Development Index

Key Success Factors

  1. Economic Liberalization
  • Relaxation of foreign investment restrictions
  • Streamlined business registration process
  • Introduction of special economic zones
  • Reformed banking and financial sector
  1. Social Development
  • Universal education with focus on technology and innovation
  • Comprehensive healthcare system
  • Citizen wealth distribution programs
  • Cultural preservation alongside modernization
  1. Infrastructure Development
  • World-class transportation network
  • Smart city initiatives
  • Sustainable urban planning
  • Advanced telecommunications infrastructure
  1. Global Integration
  • Strategic international partnerships
  • Active participation in global forums
  • Cultural exchange programs
  • Sports and entertainment events

Impact on Society

  • High standard of living for all citizens
  • Thriving multicultural environment
  • Balance between tradition and modernity
  • Strong social security system
  • World-class education and healthcare
  • High employment in knowledge-based sectors
  • Vibrant arts and culture scene
  • Sustainable urban development

This alternative timeline represents a Brunei that successfully diversified its economy while maintaining its cultural identity, achieving prosperity levels comparable to the world's wealthiest nations through strategic economic reforms and social development programs.

19 Comments
2025/01/29
02:08 UTC

5

Seeking advice from freelance drivers/runners in Brunei

Hi everyone!

I’m exploring freelance opportunities as a driver or runner (e.g., deliveries, errands) and would love to hear from those with experience. If you’ve worked in this field, could you share:

  1. Getting Started: How did you begin? Any platforms or methods to find clients?
  2. Challenges: What hurdles do you face (e.g., competition, payment)?
  3. Earnings: Is the income steady/reasonable? Any tips to maximize it?
  4. Best Parts: What do you enjoy most about the work?
  5. Advice: What would you tell someone new to this?

Any insights—good or bad—would be hugely helpful! Thanks in advance. 🙏

6 Comments
2025/01/28
16:05 UTC

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