June 4, 2025
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha reaffirmed Brunei Darussalam’s commitment to advancing sustainable digital infrastructure, promoting responsible digital practices and bridging the digital divide.
He emphasised that these efforts are guided by the principle of “no one is left behind” and highlighted the importance of integrating climate resilience into digital development strategies.
Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary shared these remarks representing Brunei Darussalam at the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) Ministerial Meeting 2025 held from May 30 to 31 in Tokyo, Japan.
He highlighted that last year, the Sultanate through Unified National Networks Sdn Bhd (UNN), expanded its fixed and mobile network coverage to six underserved rural areas, furthering efforts toward national digital inclusion. The expansion also involved the deployment of solar-powered communication systems in off-grid locations, providing reliable, low-carbon connectivity while reducing environmental impact.
A community initiative titled UNNity for the Community was launched to encourage local participation, employment and a sense of shared ownership, ensuring the sustainability of the infrastructure.
The minister also stressed on the need for continuous improvement in cybersecurity practices with the cyber threats evolving alongside technological advancements. He called for enhanced international and regional collaboration in this area, stating, “By collectively strengthening digital capabilities, investing in our human capital, and reinforcing trust in our digital systems, only then are we laying the groundwork for a future-ready world – one where technology serves all and no one is left behind.”
The meeting began with welcoming remarks by APT Secretary General Kondo Masanori followed by opening remarks by Japan’s Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Murakami Seiichiro, who also served as the chairman. The meeting brought together 31 members and two associate members of the APT, which were also briefed on the progress and achievements in implementing the ‘Singapore Statement’, adopted at the APT Ministerial Meeting in 2019.
The meeting culminated in the adoption of the ‘Tokyo Statement’, which sets the direction for strengthening regional digital cooperation over the next five years, shaping the vision among member states on ‘Harnessing Emerging Technologies for Sustainable, Inclusive and Equitable Digital Transformation in the Asia-Pacific’.
The ‘Tokyo Statement’ outlines six strategic pillars for regional digital development, namely digital connectivity, digital innovation and entrepreneurship, trust and safety, digital inclusion and capacity building, environmental sustainability and regional and international cooperation.
The minister also attended a bilateral meeting with Japan’s State Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications Adachi Masashi. The discussion focused on strengthening cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and Japan in key areas including digital connectivity, cybersecurity, capacity building and the advancement of artificial intelligence, with a shared commitment to fostering an inclusive and secure digital transformation across the region.
Prior to the meeting, the Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) was held on May 29 at the same venue to finalise preparations. Deputy Permanent Secretary (Infocommunications) at the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications Haji Hairul Mohd Daud bin Haji Abdul Karim led the Brunei Darussalam delegation in his capacity as SOM leader for the Sultanate.
The APT Ministerial Meeting 2025, held every five years, serves as a platform for Asia-Pacific ministers to discuss policy challenges, explore opportunities and strengthen regional and international cooperation.
The Sultanate has benefited from APT’s technical assistance and expert mission, covering development of code of practice and standard of performance on quality of service; development of regulatory framework for conformity assessment; development of satellite coordination guidelines; and licensing framework review.