Stories by Ain Bandial on The Scoop

‘We want to build a community of Bruneian filmmakers’ The stage is set for Brunei's first film school

June 13, 2019

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – When you step into the sleek hallways of Brunei’s first filmmaking college – with its slick film studio, sound…

SCB: We’re here to support Brunei’s economic growth Standard Chartered's new CEO sits down with The Scoop to talk about the banking industry, FDI, and China's expanding economic footprint in Brunei

May 31, 2019

When Citibank exited Brunei in 2014, followed by HSBC in 2018, many felt Standard Chartered would be the next international bank to follow…

China to prioritise development projects with Brunei, says Xi The Sultan and President Xi meet for the second time in five months

April 27, 2019

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Brunei and China reiterated their desire to ramp up cooperation in infrastructure development through the Belt and Road Initiative…

Full implementation of Syariah Penal Code to begin April 3 Prime Minister's Office issues statement defending move, amid growing international scrutiny

March 30, 2019

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – The full implementation of the Syariah Penal Code — including hudud punishments — will come into effect on Wednesday,…

New Zealand mosque killings spark global horror Brunei gov't condemns attack as 'inhumane act of terrorism', says Bruneian students in Christchurch safe

March 16, 2019

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – The Ministry of Education (MoE) has said that Bruneian students in Christchurch are safe and accounted for after a…

Foreign Affairs ministry tables $113 million budget Minister also urges Bruneians to use new 'e-register' service, which extends consular assistance to Bruneians when they travel

March 13, 2019

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – During a meeting of the Legislative Council (LegCo) on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) tabled a budget…

Korea seeks to woo Brunei with ‘infrastructure diplomacy’ South Korean President Moon Jae-in visits Temburong Bridge site, calling for more development cooperation between the two nations

March 12, 2019

BRUNEI-MUARA – South Korea has touted “infrastructure diplomacy” as a way to deepen ties with Brunei, with Korean firms involved in two of…

Brunei, Korea sign three agreements vowing deeper cooperation President Moon Jae-in's visit to the sultanate is the first stop on his three-nation ASEAN tour

March 12, 2019

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – The leaders of Brunei and South Korea on Monday vowed to deepen cooperation, signing three memoranda of understanding (MoU)…

Gov’t proposes $5.86 billion budget, focus on stimulating biz, improving public infrastructure The sultanate registered just 0.1% GDP growth in 2018, as slow growth dogs Brunei's economy

March 10, 2019

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – The Ministry of Finance and Economy (MoFE) on Saturday tabled a government budget of $5.86 billion for the 2019/2020…

Court rejects attempt to recuse judge in high-profile corruption case Start of trial postponed to March 12

March 5, 2019

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – The High Court on Monday denied an application to recuse the presiding judge in Brunei’s most anticipated corruption trial,…