Towards Realising Digital Economy Master Plan in Brunei Darussalam

Abstract

Within the next five years, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam intend to make Brunei Darussalam a Smart Nation. In its Digital Economy Master Plan 2020-2025, the country aims to integrate ICT into society, economy and governance. The current Brunei Darussalam Digital Economy Master Plan lacks a comprehensive framework, leading to this research thesis. There is a need to put forward critical actions to improve national policies. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the Digital Economy Master Plan for Brunei Darussalam. This includes realigning organisations, budgets and finances, roadmaps and frameworks, oversight processes, and domestic structures and infrastructure. To supplement this discussion, there are various international standards derived from various organizations and institutions that provide the basis for policy management. Interviews were also conducted with people from different backgrounds and experiences to gather qualitative data. A strategic digital master plan must be developed to become an effective smart nation, incorporating advances in policies, development, social management and technology. The purpose of the Strategic Digital Master Plan is to apply information technology resources to multinational level management to promote sustainable development and strategic planning. During the preparation of this directive, the Government was able to demonstrate with an effective early stage of implementation with a purpose to promote and increase awareness of digitalization in the country. The objectives include analyzing the current digital economy and its sustainability The purpose of this study is to develop a step-by-step framework and/or roadmap for the development of a Digital Economy Master Plan for Brunei Darussalam. It would be useful to compare the current Brunei Darussalam Digital Economy Master Plan with other international publications and standards and best practices around the world. In this way, the Brunei Darussalam authorities could create a more sustainable framework. The study identified several issues and challenges that need to be overcome, including governance issues, financial investment priorities, digital infrastructure, and policy and guideline implementation approaches. This research incorporates Maqasid shariah and Islamic values and principles using approaches and methods taken from alQuran, hadith, Islamic scholars and analogical reasoning. This marks another milestone in promoting Islam as a universal and global idea.