April 7, 2026
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – The Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (Yayasan) Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebration this year carries the theme ‘AI Innovation: A Catalyst for Community Development, where it reflects the role of artificial intelligence (AI) as a key driver in strengthening social, economic, and societal well-being.
It also supports government initiatives in reinforcing the ‘Whole of Nation’ strategic approach through active participation of all stakeholders in adopting innovation and digital technology, in line with the nation’s aspiration to realise Brunei Darussalam as a Smart Nation, aligned with the goals of Brunei Vision 2035.
In line with the theme, Yayasan received strong cooperation from the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications and the Authority for Infocommunications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam, as key drivers of AI policy and strategy in the country, in coordinating this year’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebration.
The foundation has highlighted several groups of participants who play important roles in fostering a culture of innovation, expanding knowledge on AI technology, and encouraging active community engagement in leveraging digital developments positively and effectively.
These participants include officers from government agencies and the private sector, AI technology entrepreneurs, the banking sector, educators and students, youth groups, and grassroots community leaders, all of whom contribute ideas, creativity, and commitment towards building a technologically literate, competitive society ready to face future challenges.
Each group plays a significant role in the development and application of AI within society while the government sector acts as policymakers to ensure AI is implemented in a controlled and orderly manner aligned with public interest.
The private sector and AI entrepreneurs serve as key enablers in advancing and accelerating AI adoption through exploring new opportunities, developing innovative solutions, and applying technology across various fields.
While students and youth represent a generation of innovators with great potential to shape the future technological landscape of the nation, educators and grassroots leaders play crucial roles in imparting knowledge, guiding understanding, and ensuring AI is used wisely, ethically, and correctly. The commitment and roles of all these groups will undoubtedly have a positive impact on developing an inclusive, progressive, and ethical AI ecosystem, while strengthening societal readiness to harness digital advancements responsibly for national progress.
The Embassy of China in Brunei Darussalam also supported Yayasan, where they brought in humanoid robots to perform in line with the event’s theme. The presence of these humanoid robots is intended to spark curiosity and inspire the younger generation, especially students and youth, to explore the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM), and to cultivate interest in research, creativity, and the development of local talent in technology.
The exhibition aimed to raise public awareness on the importance of AI and digital transformation, provide exposure to learning and career opportunities in future technologies, and encourage a culture of innovation while promoting responsible, safe, and ethical use of technology for the collective well-being. – Lyna Mohamad