ICT
From The Report: Brunei Darussalam 2014
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The ICT sector has been singled out as a priority in Brunei Darussalam’s long-term strategic development plan, Wawasan Brunei 2035, which has set an ambitious target for the sector to contribute 5-6% to national GDP by 2015, compared to an estimated 2% in 2013. Although dial-up internet connections continue to dwindle, broadband connections witnessed a dramatic resurgence starting in 2013. Strong investment in mobile and fixed telecoms infrastructure is providing a durable, capable and efficient backbone that will serve as a solid foundation to build upon for future public and private ICT growth opportunities. Private sector participation should pick up in the ensuing years as the technology becomes more widely accepted and utilised, and the expansion of home-grown ICT start-ups should provide an additional push through the creation of a more locally relevant context.

This chapter contains interviews with Haslina Taib, CEO, BAG Networks; and Suhaimi Hussain, CEO, DST.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

The government’s multi-faceted approach aims to ensure a tech-savvy population and the infrastructure to meet demand
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One of the most crucial components of Brunei Darussalam’s plan to transform itself into a knowledge-based economy by 2035 is the development of a modern ICT sector, utilising cutting-edge technology and practices to drive domestic growth. The sector has been singled out as a priority in the country’s long-term strategic development plan, Wawasan Brunei 2035, which has set an ambitious target of 5-6% contribution to national GDP by 2015, compared to an estimated 2% in 2013. As one of the key…

Interview

OBG talks to Haslina Taib, CEO, BAG Networks
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Interview:Haslina Taib In which specific niches within the information and communications technology (ICT) sector do local companies have the potential to expand? HASLINA TAIB: The ICT industry in Brunei Darussalam is nascent as it serves a small and unique market. However, we are now able to gain invaluable experience in particular with compact and efficient design to deliver solutions that match organisations’ needs and to ultimately form a connected community. As a nation there are…

Analysis

The recent launch of 4G services and a new fibre-to-the-home initiative are set to provide better access to higher-speed internet
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In order to accommodate the rapid growth in the ICT sector in both the public and private spheres, the capabilities of Brunei Darussalam’s telecoms infrastructure are being bolstered in anticipation of even greater amounts of data traffic in the years to come. While so far the country’s fixed and mobile internet network has been able to accommodate the increasing data flows, a number of factors are contributing to the need for updated technology. A major push within the government to encourage…

Interview

Focus on data: OBG talks to Suhaimi Hussain, CEO, DST
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Interview: Suhaimi Hussain Where can telecoms companies grow, given Brunei Darussalam’s high level of mobile penetration? SUHAIMI HUSSAIN: Telecoms companies are currently looking at improving data utilisation. Due to the prevalent use of social media, there is an increased level of access to information for a wide variety of purposes. Relaying that information for online marketing is also increasing, so providing as much accessibility as possible and offering the highest service quality to data…

Analysis

Working smarter: New investments and applications should help improve the efficiency of e-government services
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While developing the private ICT sector into a valuable contributor to the domestic economy, the government has also recognised the importance of integrating modern ICT systems into its own institutions as a means to stimulate the economy as a whole. By streamlining government bureaucracy through the implementation of new technology, the government hopes to slash red tape and create efficiencies that will in turn generate a more growth-friendly business environment in the Sultanate. Though the government…