Sarawak Strengthens Economic, Cultural Ties With Brunei Darussalam
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The long-standing relationship between Sarawak and Brunei Darussalam has progressed beyond deep-rooted friendship into a dynamic strategic partnership, creating tangible economic opportunities for both regions.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan emphasised that both territories share a common history, culture, and values, which continue to form the foundation for deeper collaboration in trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
He highlighted that bilateral trade value between Sarawak and Brunei reached RM1.89 billion in 2025, underscoring the vast economic potential that remains to be tapped.
"The establishment of the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Brunei (STATOB) serves as a firm testament to Sarawak's commitment to boosting trade and tourism flows while creating strategic synergies with Brunei.
"Sarawak is a key investment destination in Malaysia, having recorded approved investments exceeding RM116 billion from 2021 to 2025. STATOB will play a vital role in unlocking new opportunities for both Sarawak and Brunei," he said.
He made these remarks at the Sarawak–Brunei Flavours and Cultural Ties Programme 2026 at Dewan Muhibbah on Friday.
Also present to officiate the ceremony was Brunei Darussalam’s Coordinating Minister for Economic, Trade and Industry Policies, Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Abdul Manaf Metussin.
Datuk Amar Awang Tengah, who is also Sarawak Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment and Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development, highlighted the potential for cross-border development in northern Sarawak—specifically Miri, Limbang, and Lawas—working hand-in-hand with Brunei.
He suggested leveraging complementary strengths, such as combining Sarawak’s abundant land and renewable energy with Brunei’s expertise in halal certification, technology, and access to international markets.
Furthermore, he outlined potential air connectivity synergies between Sarawak’s upcoming airline, AirBorneo, and Royal Brunei Airlines to establish Brunei as a central regional tourism hub for BIMP-EAGA.
The evening ceremony also witnessed several key exchanges of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and Memoranda of Agreement (MoA) between Sarawak and Brunei enterprises.
Among the notable partnerships was a strategic collaboration between Imasa Dinasti Sdn. Bhd. and Muara Port Company Sdn. Bhd. to develop an integrated industrial, logistics, and investment ecosystem connecting Muara Port in Brunei with Kenyalang Smart City in Miri.
Other key business agreements included MZZK Enterprise appointed as the exclusive distributor for Sara-Bif Corned Beef Products in Brunei; RFM Global Corporation partnering with Durung Nur Agro Makanan dan Minuman to manufacture and market Terung Asam Jam; IRIX Sdn. Bhd. collaborating with Dynamik Technologies Sdn. Bhd. to expand digital and ICT services; and Nationfood Sdn. Bhd. partnering with Brunei's Riza Group to distribute tempeh chips in Brunei and expand into Zamboanga, Philippines.
The Sarawak–Brunei Flavours and Cultural Ties Programme 2026 saw an expanded turnout this year, featuring 116 local entrepreneurs (50 from Sarawak and 66 from Brunei), including participants from Brunei's Satu Kampung Satu Produk (1K1P) initiative.
Also present were STATOB Chief Executive Officer Samat Junai, Brunei Muara District Officer Pengiran Muhammad Ameer Mubarak Pengiran Hashim, representatives from the Berakas 'B' Mukim Consultative Council, officials from the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB), leadership from the BIMP-EAGA Sarawak Association (BESA), alongside delegates, corporate figures, and exhibitors from both nations. - UKASnews
