Over the past few months, I had the opportunity to collaborate with my colleagues and the team at DST to prepare a research paper: The State of Digital Economy and AI 2025: Brunei Darussalam. This was a particularly challenging assignment, given the limited availability of data on the current market. On top of that, a significant share of digital demand in areas like e-commerce is fulfilled with drop shipment to neighbouring border towns such as Miri.

To address these gaps, we adopted a multi-pronged approach. We began by reviewing all existing data from available sources. We followed this with consumer surveys to understand adoption trends. Finally, we benchmarked the findings against neighbouring markets. This approach allowed us to arrive at sound estimates of the market’s current state. We are excited that this is now a starting point for more detailed conversations on the digital economy, the opportunities and how it can shape the future of Brunei.

The digital economy is projected to reach BND 663 million by 2027, driven by growth across five key sectors: e-commerce, online travel, e-mobility, food delivery, and digital media. This expansion could lift annual GDP growth in the non-oil and gas sector from 3% to 4.5%, supporting Brunei’s diversification efforts.

E-commerce: Rapid growth is being fuelled by localised, personalised demand, creating space to challenge players like Shopee, Lazada, and BuyCour.

Online travel: The sector is expanding as mobile-first platforms gain traction and digital infrastructure sees steady upgrades.

E-mobility: The sector is set to double by 2027, powered by a national e-hailing platform that unifies DART and taxi services.

Food delivery: What began as a convenience has become a daily essential, strengthening local online platforms.

Digital media: The market is seeing strong engagement, with growing opportunities to translate this into meaningful revenue streams.

Payments and government digital initiatives serve as key enablers across these sectors, supporting growth and innovation, though their contribution wasn’t calculated separately as they facilitate rather than directly generate digital value.

The report also outlines priority areas where digital transformation can drive Brunei’s economic diversification:

AI and digital infrastructure: Investments in data centres and AI initiatives will strengthen national infrastructure and spur cross-sector innovation.

New growth sectors: Digital commerce, finance, and tourism are well placed to reduce reliance on oil and gas.

Islamic finance and FinTech: Brunei’s strong Shariah governance positions it to lead in Islamic FinTech by integrating AI and digital solutions to enhance compliance and efficiency.

The Digital Economy and AI 2025 report offers actionable recommendations for policymakers, industry leaders, and other stakeholders as Brunei advances its digital agenda.

It was a privilege to work with DST, under the leadership of Radin Sufri Basiuni, CEO of DST, alongside Nurul 'Atiqah Shakinah Binti Hj Mohd Yusof, Jason Yuan Kae Chin, Safrina PD Abd Rahmanand and the wider team, with invaluable guidance and mentorship from Manoj Menon, CEO of Twimbit, in bringing this work to life.

You can read the full report here: The State of Digital Economy and AI 2025: Brunei Darussalam