Stories by Ain Bandial on The Scoop

Ain Bandial

Ain is co-founder and editor of The Scoop. She previously worked as a journalist for The Brunei Times covering diplomacy and security in Southeast Asia, as well as national issues related to the economy, trade and gender inequality. Ain’s work has also appeared in Reuters, AFP, The Jakarta Post, The Straits Times, among others.

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,…

Hengyi refinery to be operational by end of 2019 Phase 1 is 78% complete, projected to contribute $1.3 billion to Brunei's economy in first year of operation

March 1, 2019

BRUNEI-MUARA – The first phase of Hengyi’s crude oil refinery and petrochemical plant is on track for July completion and will begin operations…

Dr Wan Azizah: New Malaysian gov’t keen to expand cooperation with Brunei The deputy prime minister arrives in the sultanate for first official visit

February 27, 2019

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Malaysia’s new government, led by the Pakatan Harapan coalition, is keen to expand cooperation with Brunei in economic, humanitarian…

Gov’t must support youth-led initiatives, says HM "Solid cooperation and transparent regulations" needed to spur economic development

February 23, 2019

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah on Friday urged government agencies to provide better infrastructure and support for youth,…

Former judges hire Queen’s Counsel to represent them in corruption trial London-based QC to take up Ramzidah and Hj Nabil's case

February 11, 2019

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Two former judicial officials accused of corruption, money laundering and criminal breach of trust have hired UK-based Queen’s Counsel…

High-ranking police officer convicted of graft, abuse of power The case unearths a murky picture of corrupt practices and secret police dealings

February 1, 2019

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – The former head of the Royal Brunei Police Force’s (RBPF) Major Crimes Investigation Unit was convicted on corruption charges Thursday,…

HM: Defence Academy crucial to bolstering diplomacy, security ties At the 17th Sovereign's Parade, the ruler says military leaders must be strategic thinkers

January 18, 2019

BRUNEI-MUARA – The Defence Academy of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) is central to the country’s efforts to strengthen defence diplomacy with its…