Southeast Asia must now help define global finance – as inclusive, grounded, sustainable, and digitally-driven – according to Khairuddin Abdul Hamid, deputy minister of Brunei Darussalam’s Ministry of Finance and Economy.
He said the world is witnessing a shift in global finance, where supply chains are realigning with a stronger focus on regionalisation. He added that friend-shoring is also redefining trade and investment flows, and labour markets are tightening as nations compete for digital talent.
“We must capitalise on this momentum by deepening integration, enhancing mobility, and increasing investor confidence,” said Khairuddin.
He was delivering a speech on behalf of Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, and finance minister of Brunei Darussalam, during a forum organised by Asia Asset Management and the Brunei Institute of Leadership and Islamic Finance (BILIF).
He added that sustainable finance is no longer a niche agenda, but rather “essential to economic resilience and global credibility”.
“It reflects not only sound economics but also the values we stand for. Brunei Darussalam is fully aligned with this vision,” he said.
He also noted that under the Brunei Vision 2035, the government is integrating sustainability across key sectors, from energy and information, communication technology, through to tourism and food security.
He added that Islamic finance strengthens the country’s sustainability agenda, by offering a values-driven model that aligns with economic progress with social good.
“We must rise to this moment not only as an individual economy, but as a unified ASEAN [region] determined to lead. This means investing in our people and scaling up sustainable and digital transformation with purpose and integrity,” he said.
