Centre for Strategic and Policy Studies (CSPS)

New article published in CSPS Strategy and Policy Journal, Volume 12, 2025.

“Fulfilling Aspirations: A Study of the Professional Goals and Self-Identity of Women in the Brunei Workforce” by Dr. Azrinah Rahman, explores the experiences of Bruneian working mothers and the role that paid employment plays in their identity, aspirations and everyday lives. Based on interviews with 18 working mothers, the article finds that many women view employment as part of their professional identity and express aspirations for career advancement. At the same time, they continue to navigate caregiving responsibilities, time constraints and social expectations. The article calls for greater recognition of women’s contributions in both the workforce and the family sphere, alongside stronger support through family-friendly policies, flexible work arrangements, childcare support and financial assistance.

Read the full article in CSPS Strategy and Policy Journal, Volume 12, 2025. (https://www.csps.org.bn/publications/journals/)

CSPS was pleased to be hosted by His Excellency KIKUTA Yutaka, Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam, at the Embassy of Japan.

Dr Diana Cheong, Dr Hazwan Haini, and Dr Sufrizul Husseini had a productive discussion with H.E. on the Brunei Economic Outlook published by CSPS, as well as key collaborations and global and regional developments.

CSPS attended a lunch meeting with Mr Guo Weimin, Deputy High Commissioner, and Ms Thasneem Bathusha, Second Secretary (Political), from the High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Bandar Seri Begawan. The engagement provided an opportunity to exchange views on regional developments and discuss matters of mutual interest.

CSPS was pleased to receive a courtesy call from the New Zealand High Commission in Kuala Lumpur. The delegation met with Second Secretary (Political) Ms Niki Menzies and Political Advisor Najla Bustaman to exchange views on regional developments, Brunei’s current policy priorities, as well as broader ASEAN and geopolitical trends.

Strengthening regional collaboration and strategic partnerships through meaningful discussions and knowledge exchange.

CSPS Executive Director participate in engagements with regional experts and thought leaders in Tokyo during:

• Meeting with Akira Murata, Co-founder of Awesome AI Asia
• Meeting with Machiko Abe, Chief Consultant, Global Strategy Division, Mitsubishi Research Institute
• 3rd ASEAN+3 Finance Think-Tank Network (AFTN) Seminar, ADBI
• 5th AFTN Steering Committee Meeting, ADBI

🌙✨ Selamat Hari Raya Aidiladha from CSPS ✨🌙

May this blessed occasion bring peace, happiness, and countless blessings to you and your loved ones. May the spirit of sacrifice, compassion, and togetherness continue to inspire us all.

Wishing everyone a joyous and meaningful Aidiladha celebration. 🤍🐄

New article published in CSPS Strategy and Policy Journal, Volume 12, 2025.

“What are the Barriers to Entrepreneurship in Brunei? Evidence from the CSPS Brunei Barometer” by Hazwan Haini, Anwar Hashim and Diana Cheong examines how Bruneians perceive the challenges of starting a business.

Based on findings from the CSPS Brunei Barometer, the article highlights both formal and informal barriers, including perceived lack of support, access to networks and markets, financial resources, business registration processes, and skills or business experience.

A key message from the study is that strengthening entrepreneurship in Brunei requires more than financial or regulatory support. It also requires building a culture where families, communities and institutions encourage entrepreneurial aspirations.

Read the full article in CSPS Strategy and Policy Journal, Volume 12, 2025: https://www.csps.org.bn/publications/journals/

CSPS welcomed executives from Bank Usahawan, Hajah Syamimi binti Haji Awg Osman and Nur Zalifah binti Haji Hussin, as well as Pg Hjh Saerah binti Pg Hj Petra, a lecturer from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), to conduct a training session on Accessing Business Financing & Basic Book-Keeping for youths participating in the CSPS Youth Training Program under the project:

“Promoting Youth Engagement and Employment in BCG Agriculture and Food Systems for Food Security: An Action Research on the Rice Value Chain in Brunei Darussalam.”

The session aimed to equip participants with essential financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and business management skills to support sustainable youth participation in Brunei’s agriculture and food systems sector.

The latest Brunei Economic Outlook Report is now available for download on the CSPS website.

Explore key insights, trends, and analysis shaping Brunei Darussalam’s economic landscape.

Anwar Hashim represented CSPS at the Onboarding Workshop of the Consortium for Agricultural Policy Research Initiatives (CAPRI), organised by SEARCA in Los Baños, Philippines. The workshop served as a platform to strengthen regional collaboration in agricultural policy research.