Jakarta: Brunei Darussalam has expressed its support for the newly endorsed ASEAN Plan Of Action for Science, Technology and Innovation, APASTI 2026-2035, as it concurrently develops its own National Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy. The strategy aims to establish a long-term direction by identifying focus areas, reinforcing national capabilities, and ensuring that the Science, Technology and Innovation ecosystem caters to both domestic needs and regional opportunities.
According to Radio Television Brunei, these points were highlighted by Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications, during the 21st ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation, AMMSTI 21, along with the 87th ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation, COSTI-87, and other related meetings held recently in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Yang Berhormat also reiterated Brunei Darussalam’s leadership in managing the ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development initiative, conducted through University Brunei Darussalam. He also mentioned that Brunei Darussalam is looking forward to operationalising the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change (ACCC), which will be hosted in Brunei. He acknowledged the support from ASEAN Member States and envisioned the ACCC playing a pivotal role in advancing climate-related science, fostering collaboration, and aiding ASEAN in addressing climate challenges through innovation and knowledge-sharing.
The meeting saw the adoption and launch of the ASEAN Plan of Action on APASTI 2026-2035. This plan envisions a united, innovative, future-ready, and resilient ASEAN, driven by science and technology in strategic areas such as health, energy, food, and agriculture. Additionally, AMMSTI 21 endorsed the report from the 87th ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation, COSTI Meeting, which detailed the progress of the 2025 Annual Priorities and Priority Economic Deliverables in the Science, Technology and Innovation sector.