Brunei Research Articles

Between national identity and transnational connections: the case of a Chinese temple in Brunei Darussalam

ABSTRACT This article examines how Teng Yun Temple, the oldest sanctioned Chinese temple in Brunei Darussalam, navigates assimilation pressures in a Muslim-majority country while upholding religious orthodoxy and cultural identity through transnational ties with its ancestral land. Serving as a symbol of ethnic Chinese identity, the temple is a bastion of Chinese religious and cultural heritage in a conservative country where political power and cultural space available for non-Malay/Muslims are circumscribed. This article delves into Teng Yun Temple’s strategies to adapt religious practices and maintain transnational connections in response to restrictive state regulations. It highlights the agency of Brunei’s Chinese minority in preserving their culture and religious practices, showcasing the role of the temple in the country’s religious diversity. The case study sheds light on local and transnational dynamics within a Southeast Asian Chinese religious organization, revealing how a religious minority navigates identity and state policies.

EFFICIENCY OF HEALTH EXPENDITURE IN ORGANIZATION OF ISLAMIC COOPERATION (OIC) COUNTRIES: A DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS APPROACH

<p>Studies concerning the efficiency of health spending rank among the primary priorities in global policies aimed at enhancing health equity through improved health services and care. This study focuses on countries belonging to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) due to their limited access to healthcare, government health spending, and increasing out-of-pocket expenditure. The study aims to measure efficiency scores of healthcare expenditure in OIC member countries. This research is a quantitative study using a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach. This study using two variables this input and output variables. Input variables are such as total health expenditures, government health expenditures, and out-of-pocket health expenditures per capita PPP current International $, while output variables include life expectancy and infant mortality per 1,000 births. All variables are secondary data derived from World Develompment Indicators (WDI) in World Bank. The research sample comprises 50 out of 57 OIC countries during 2004-2018. Results indicate that the average efficiency score of OIC countries from 2004 to 2018 was 0.551. Predominantly, countries in the Middle East demonstrated the highest efficiency scores, with Qatar leading followed by Brunei Darussalam, Kuwait, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, while Egypt recorded the lowest efficiency score. Based on this research, OIC countries are encouraged to diversify government-owned insurance policies, allocate government health expenditures more precisely, reduce the stunting rate among children, protect the health of pregnant women, and promote health investments.</p>

Gonadal Maturation and Reproductive Timing in Batch Spawning Tropical Cypriniform Fishes Lobocheilos ovalis, Rasbora argyrotaenia and Tor tambra

ABSTRACTThis study is the first to investigate the reproductive traits of Lobocheilos ovalis (n = 621), Rasbora argyrotaenia (n = 507) and Tor tambra (n = 138) through detailed gonad histology. We collected L. ovalis and R. argyrotaenia specimens from September 2017 to August 2019 and T. tambra from July 2018 to August 2019 from tropical rainforest streams in Ulu Temburong National Park Brunei Darussalam. In all three species, females were larger and attained sexual maturation at larger sizes than males. Gonad histology categorized five reproductive phases in the ovarian and testicular maturation cycle comprising the immature, developing, spawning capable, regressing and regenerating phases. Ovarian histological markers of the reproductive phases included increasing oocyte diameters and gradual changes in cytoplasmic and nuclear features. In testes, decreasing nuclear diameters, darkening nuclear stains and germinal epithelium continuity were significant histological markers. Monthly frequencies of reproductive phases showed that L. ovalis and R. argyrotaenia were reproductively active throughout the year, whereas T. tambra exhibited protracted spawning over several months. Gonad histology also revealed asynchronous ovarian development and batch spawning, facilitating these species’ year‐round and protracted spawning. This reproductive strategy may be an adaptation for these species to increase the survival of offspring in hillstream habitats where flash floods are common. The present study significantly fills existing knowledge gaps in Southeast Asian cypriniform fishes, providing a reference point for gonad histology to elucidate the reproductive traits and ecology, particularly for the Lobocheilos, Rasbora and Tor genera. Importantly, it provides practical insights for the conservation and management of the wild populations of these species.

Qigong Therapy for Stress Management: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background/objective: Althouth Qigong is commonly used to manage stress, anxiety, and depression, there have been no systematic reviews on Qigong therapy for stress management. This study aimed to analyze the clinical evidence of Qigong therapy for perceived stress. Methods: We conducted a systematic search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Qigong using 11 electronic databases, namely MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, CINAHL, and Korean Medical databases (Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information, Korean traditional knowledge portal, KoreaMed, OASIS, RISS, and the National Library of Korea). We considered RCTs in which participants with perceived stress with no restrictions on age, gender, or ethnicity. Two reviewers independently assessed risk of bias of the included RCTs using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Nine RCTs (China: n = 5, South Korea: n = 2, United States: n = 1, Brunei Darussalam: n = 1) were included in the systematic review. Results: The quality of the included trials was generally low, as only one was rated as high quality. For the primary outcome, a meta-analysis of two RCTs showed statistically significant results on the perceived stress scale comparing the Qigong therapy group with the no-treatment group (OR −0.60; 95% CI −1.02 to −0.17; p = 0.006). The results of three other studies showed that Qigong therapy had no significant effect compared to active-control therapy on the perceived stress scale outcome (OR −2.10; 95% CI −4.68 to 0.47; p = 0.11). Regarding the secondary outcomes, including depression, anxiety scale, and quality of life, the Qigong group showed statistical improvements in most studies; however, there was no difference in the pain scale between the two groups. In two studies, no adverse events occurred, whereas in one study, six cases (24% of participants) of mild muscle soreness were reported. Conclusions: This systematic review suggests the potential of Qigong therapy for stress management; however, it is difficult to draw specific conclusions. Future studies should standardize Qigong interventions and outcomes, establish sham control groups, and include larger sample sizes in RCTs.

MSME AWARENESS OF ISLAMIC PROFIT AND LOSS SHARING IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

In Islamic finance, Profit and Loss Sharing (PLS) concepts are widely advocated as one of the most equitable concepts available for Islamic Financial Institutions (IFIs), given the equitable nature of sharing one’s profit and loss. However, in practice its use is limited as challenges exist which include moral hazard and a mismatch of the competencies of contemporary IFIs vis-a-vis the risk profile of PLS concepts. These challenges of PLS from an IFI perspective had been extensively covered in the literature, therefore this paper attempts to assess the challenges of PLS from a consumer or demand perspective. It is argued that there should be a reasonable level of awareness and willingness for consumers to demand a particular product; it is economically inefficient to create a product for which demand is lacking. Using a mixed method research design which includes surveys to 177 MSMEs and semi-structured interviews with two Islamic finance academicians, the findings indicate a low-level awareness of Mudarabah and Musharakah amongst MSMEs. Further, the willingness to use PLS financing among MSMEs is also found to be low, notably in terms of the willingness to share profits with IFIs, as well as having reservations on IFIs to be involved in playing an operational role in the small enterprise. These findings prompt the need for enhanced marketing approaches to enhance the awareness of these concepts for MSMES, and at the same time, defining a selective target market to explore the willingness amongst MSMEs, should PLS financing be widely available in Brunei.

Forest types in Brunei Darussalam: A case study on mangrove forests in Temburong District

Brunei Darussalam is a small Sultanate country with diverse forest cover. One of them would be Mangrove Forest. As it has four main administrative districts, Temburong would be the chosen case study area. The methods of collecting data for this article are by collecting secondary data from official websites and the map in this article (Figure 1) are showing the forest cover in Brunei Darussalam as of 2020. The aim of this article is to explain the mangrove forest especially at the Temburong District. As for the objectives, it would to be able to show the different types of forests in Temburong, hoping in ability to explain the different subtypes of mangroves forest and to explain in general the green jewel of Brunei Darussalam. Temburong has become the second highest tree coverage in Brunei Darussalam of 124 kha as of 2010, while the mangrove forest covering about 66% of total mangrove forest of 12,164 km2 out of 18,418 hectares. Mangrove forest has seven subtypes: Bakau species, Nyireh bunga, Linggadai, Nipah, Nipah-Dungun, Pedada and Nibong. Selirong Forest Reserve and Labu Forest Reserve are the two-mangrove forest reserves in Brunei Darussalam at Temburong District. Forest cover in Brunei Darussalam are 3800 hectares as of 2020 and has lost its tree coverage of 1.17 kha and one of the reasons would be forest fire and the tree cover loss due to fire is around 197 ha and the district that has lost its tree cover mostly was at Belait District of total 13.4 kha between the year 2001 until 2022.

The potentials of University–Industry Collaboration (UIC) for agriculture from diverse stakeholders’ perspectives

PurposeUniversity–Industry Collaboration (UIC) is crucial for enhancing sectoral performance and competitiveness. This study focuses on investigating the challenges and solutions to achieving effective UIC in Brunei Darussalam’s agricultural sector. This sector is pivotal in diversifying the economy away from historical dependence on oil and gas, thereby promoting sustainability.Design/methodology/approachAdopting an interpretivist stance, this study prioritised subjective views through semi-structured interviews with 20 diverse participants, including government officials, agri-business professionals, farmers, an agri-tech company and academicians.FindingsThe findings highlight key challenges to successful UIC, including varying stakeholder needs and goals, limited proactive engagement and inadequate funding. Overcoming these barriers necessitates the provision of financial support and supportive mechanisms to agricultural stakeholders, along with fostering active participation in collaborative efforts. Enhancements in both academic and practical aspects are also essential for addressing these challenges effectively.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides practical insights for stakeholders in industry, academia and government to collaboratively improve sectoral performance. Given its qualitative nature, the findings may not be universally generalisable beyond the contexts examined. Future research should validate these findings across diverse settings to enhance the transferability and applicability of UIC strategies.Originality/valueThis study addresses a crucial gap in the literature by examining UIC in agricultural contexts, particularly in developing countries such as Brunei, where research in this area is scarce. Moreover, this study’s findings may have relevance beyond the immediate context, as they provide rich and detailed insights into UIC dynamics from diverse stakeholders' perspectives, which can be applicable to similar settings in other developing countries.

Equitable education and social impacts: Examining the learning theories that influence educators' pedagogical practices

High-quality, equitable, and inclusive education is essential for both individual and societal advancement. Educators play a crucial role in enhancing educational standards through effective pedagogical practices. This study investigates the influence of learning theories on educators' pedagogical strategies. A survey was conducted with 1845 educators from various educational levels in Brunei Darussalam. While educators demonstrated an understanding of behaviorism and cognitive theories, the results revealed a pronounced preference for constructivism. This approach allows educators to relate prior learning experiences, foster collaborative engagement, and provide constructive feedback. Furthermore, the results indicated that demographic factors, including gender, age, subject area, and administrative duties, affected educators’ pedagogical beliefs. The results emphasize the need for tailored, inclusive, and subject-specific professional development for educators to improve educational standards and promote inclusivity.

Strategi Pengembangan Pelancongan Islamik di Nusantara Melalui Model Homestay Patuh Syariah (MHPS) di Sabah / Strategies for the Development of Islamic Tourism in the Archipelago Through the Shariah Compliant Homestay Model (SCHM) in Sabah

The strategy of developing Islamic tourism in the archipelagos through the Shariah-Compliant Homestay Model in Sabah (MHPS) requires a holistic, structured approach. Key strategies include improving homestay infrastructure, providing courses for homestay owners on Sharia compliance, effective digital marketing, local community collaboration, religiously oriented tourism packages, and active involvement of religious institutions. The use of technology, efficient management, periodic evaluation, and developing local skills are crucial aspects of this Sharia-compliant homestay model. This approach aims to create a tourism experience that aligns with Sharia principles, positioning MHPS in Sabah as an attractive destination for Islamic tourists within the archipelago and globally. The success of this model depends on stakeholder cooperation and commitment to the continuity of Islamic tourism. The research method employed includes in-depth interviews with 30 homestay operators in Sabah, literature review, and field observation. The study shows that while Islamic tourism potential in Sabah and the archipelago is high, Sharia-compliant accommodation remains limited. Therefore, a comprehensive development strategy is essential to promote MHPS as a viable accommodation option for Muslim tourists. This strategy should involve government, entrepreneurs, and local communities, ensuring elements like cleanliness, gender separation, and halal food standards. Moreover, a strong marketing strategy emphasizing Islamic values and natural beauty preservation is necessary. The findings of this study are intended to guide relevant parties in maximizing Islamic tourism potential in Sabah and the archipelago, particularly in Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, and other Asian countries. MHPS development is anticipated to increase the influx of Muslim tourists from Asia and beyond, generating economic benefits for local communities.

The Impact of Youth Leadership Program on Perceived Employability Skills: Evidence from Brunei Darussalam

Youth leadership programs foster skills development in youth which are pivotal for gaining successful careers and being more employable throughout their career. Given the concerning youth unemployment issues in Brunei, the study aims to highlight the importance of youth leadership programs and examine their influence on perceived employability skills. By utilising structural equation modelling to analyse the survey data gathered from 229 samples of participants from youth leadership programs, it was revealed that the impact of learning involving skills-based and attitudinal outcomes has significant positive relationships with perceived employability skills. The results further confirmed the role of behavioural outcomes as a mediating variable in the relationship between learning and perceived employability skills. Findings from this study can be valuable for program designers, practitioners, and stakeholders in contributing to the process of structuring and making ongoing improvements to these programs to align with the essential employability skills. It also offers youth the foundation to be employable in the 21st-century job market, by highlighting the importance of youth leadership programs as a channel through which youth acquire desirable capabilities necessary for attaining a set of attributes that reflect the employability skills sought by employees in the current competitive job market. Therefore, the study can be a starting point in moving forward to mitigate the unemployment issues in Brunei through improving programs to meet the demand of employers concerning employability skills. The study provides notable contributions to the existing body of literature on youth leadership development in Brunei as well as contributing to a few other studies in the Asian region to demonstrate the impact of youth leadership programs on employability skills perceptions.

Fostering Global Branding Prominence of Public Higher Education Institutions in Brunei Darussalam through Strategic Resources of Global Collaboration and Digital Transformation

Fostering Global Branding Prominence of Public Higher Education Institutions in Brunei Darussalam through Strategic Resources of Global Collaboration and Digital Transformation

Demystification of Readiness, Security, and Technological Enhancements in the Adoption of a Cashless Economy

The adoption of a cashless economy was accelerated globally by the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Brunei Darussalam was not excluded from this trend, as pandemic-related restrictions were implemented to ensure the safety of its population. In light of the COVID-19 crisis, this research paper examines the factors influencing the readiness and acceptance of a cashless economy among working society in Brunei Darussalam. The integrated concepts of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Technology Readiness Index (TRI) are applied to examine perceptions impacting their acceptance and readiness to continue adopting a cashless economy. The methodology includes a literature review and the use of secondary data from government reports and industry publications. A quantitative approach is employed, utilizing an online survey to collect non-probability samples from 212respondents. The main instruments used in the survey are structured questionnaires. The study’s findings show that factors such as the assessment of payment modes, technological development, digital literacy, knowledge, regulatory policies, and security concerns significantly affect working society’s perceptions, readiness, and acceptance of a cashless economy. These results provide insights for policymakers and stakeholders on the key factors influencing continued cashlessness adoption and shaping societal behavior towards cashless payments.

E-waste management in achieving SDGS in Negara Brunei Darussalam: Maqasid Shariah Perspective

‘Electronic waste’, ‘Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment’ or commonly known as ‘E-waste’ or ‘WEEE’ is referred to any electrical object or equipment that no longer possesses any value which has been disposed of by its owner. As other unused items, E-waste, which has not been used and thrown away as waste without being intended for reuse, becomes becomes a big problem to contemporary life. Due to its complex chemical component and inorganic toxic material, E-waste requires special treatment and management different from that of conventional waste. Incorporating e-waste management into the framework of Maqasid of the Shariah provides a holistic approach to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Brunei. By harmonizing the protection of religion, life, intellect, progeny and wealth with sustainability principles, this approach not only tackles the environmental challenges associated with e-waste but also ensures the well-being of the community in a manner that is in line with the Islamic teachings. To carry out a detailed analysis of e-waste management in achieving SDGs in Negara Brunei Darussalam, a qualitative approach is adopted in order to fulfil the research objectives and a semi-structured interview method is used by the researchers. A total of 10 employees from 6 organizations (inclusive of both government and private sector) were interviewed. The results have shown issues, problems and threats posed by e-waste with time consuming, health concerns, and a lack of awareness to be the main highlights. Aside, an effort from the government body in introducing the ‘Extender Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme’ in handling and managing e-waste was also discussed. By nurturing a culture of environmental responsibility, increasing awareness through education and implementing efficient waste management approaches, Brunei can not only address the immediate risks associated with e-waste but also contribute to the global pursuit of the SDGs in a way that is spiritually and materially rewarding.

The Impact of Policy Quality and Political Stability on Foreign Direct Investment in ASEAN Countries: An Institutional Economics Analysis

This investigation pivots on the impact of policy quality and political stability on foreign direct investment within ASEAN countries. Both facets form essential components of a country's political risk profile; a lower risk profile, characterized by sturdy policy quality and political stability, tempts investors to channel their capital into preferred investment destinations. Our research employs a panel data regression analysis across seven ASEAN nations; Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Brunei Darussalam, from 2012 to 2022. The Common Effects Model emerged as the optimal panel model during our study. We found that policy quality negatively impacts foreign direct investment, signifying that investments are perceived unprofitable due to the policy quality in the ASEAN region. In counterpoint, political stability has a positive effect, confirming that stable political circumstances in the ASEAN region draw investor interest. These significant findings validate that policy quality and political stability significantly sway foreign direct investment within ASEAN countries, making them crucial considerations for prospective investors.

Investigating the prevalence burden of peptic ulcer disease in older adults aged 70+ from 1990 to 2019: an analysis of Global Disease Burden Studies.

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) affects individuals aged ≥70 years globally, exerting a significant impact on their health and well-being. Understanding its epidemiological evolution and associated factors is crucial for guiding interventions and improving management. This study utilized Global Burden of Disease Study data to examine the prevalence and temporal changes of PUD in individuals aged 70 years and older between 1990 and 2019. The analysis included assessing estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) to investigate temporal trends and regional variations. Over the past 30 years, the number of individuals aged 70 years and above suffering from PUD globally has increased from 1 065 730 cases in 1990 to 1 608 463 cases in 2019. Despite an increasing number of cases, the prevalence of PUD among the elderly has exhibited a steady decline, with an EAPC of -1.47 (95% confidence interval: -1.57 to -1.37) over this timeframe. In 2019, the prevalence rates of PUD among individuals aged 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, and 85 years and older were 313.36, 365.77, 388.45, and 352.51 per 100 000 population, respectively. South Asia, high-income North America, and Central Sub-Saharan Africa were the regions with the highest prevalence rates of PUD in 2019, with rates of 624.90, 575.48, and 474.80 per 100 000 population, respectively. At the national level, Ireland, Australia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, and Bangladesh have effectively managed the burden of PUD among the elderly, achieving the greatest reduction. Additionally, regions with higher levels of socioeconomic development tended to have relatively lower burdens of PUD among the elderly, and prevalence rates varied across different regions and age groups. Our study highlights the enduring burden of PUD among the global elderly population, emphasizing the significance of tailored interventions to address this pressing issue. This research underscores the critical need for targeted public health strategies aimed at improving outcomes specifically for older adults affected by PUD.

Temporal assessment of forest cover dynamics in response to forest fires and other environmental impacts using AI.

The rapid reduction of forests due to environmental impacts such as deforestation, global warming, natural disasters such as forest fires as well as various human activities is an escalating concern. The increasing frequency and severity of forest fires are causing significant harm to the ecosystem, economy, wildlife, and human safety. During dry and hot seasons, the likelihood of forest fires also increases. It is crucial to accurately monitor and analyze the large-scale changes in the forest cover to ensure sustainable forest management. Remote sensing technology helps to precisely study such changes in forest cover over a wide area over time. This research analyzes the impact of forest fires over time, identifies hotspots, and explores the environmental factors that affect forest cover change. Sentinel-2 imagery was utilized to study changes in Brunei Darussalam's forest cover area over five years from 2017 to 2022. An object-based approach, Simple Non-Iterative Clustering (SNIC), is employed to cluster the region using NDVI values and analyze the changes per cluster. The results indicate that the area of the clusters reduced where fire incidence occurred as well as the precipitation dropped. Between 2017 and 2022, the increased forest fires and decreased precipitation levels resulted in the change in cluster areas as follows: 66.11%, 69.46%, 68.32%, 73.88%, 77.27%, and 78.70%, respectively. Additionally, hotspots in response to forest fires each year were identified in the Belait district. This study will help forest managers assess the causes of forest cover loss and develop conservation and afforestation strategies.

Regulating Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) in Asean: a Comparative Analysis on Regulatory Challenges and Opportunities

This study provides a comparative analysis of the regulatory frameworks governing Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services across ten ASEAN countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Laos, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Cambodia. As BNPL services rapidly expand throughout the region, understanding the diverse regulatory landscapes and their implications becomes increasingly critical for fostering financial stability, consumer protection, and innovation in the digital financial ecosystem. Utilizing a literature review methodology, the research examines existing regulations, legal frameworks, and market trends, assessing their impact on financial stability, consumer protection, and fintech innovation. Singapore is identified as the leader in regulatory practices, effectively balancing fintech innovation with stringent consumer protection. Indonesia and Malaysia emphasize financial inclusion and systemic risk management, with Indonesia's framework focusing on transparency and financial literacy. Thailand and the Philippines are refining their frameworks, while Myanmar, Laos, Brunei, Vietnam and Cambodia are still developing their regulatory approaches. BNPL services, driven by growing e-commerce and fintech ecosystems, offer significant opportunities for financial inclusion but also pose challenges related to over-indebtedness, credit risk, and data protection. The analysis emphasizes that while BNPL presents significant opportunities for financial inclusion and fintech innovation, effective regulation is critical to ensuring sustainable growth and protecting consumers from debt traps and financial instability.

Assessing The Effects Of Government Expenditure And Tax Revenue On Economic Growth In Seven ASEAN Countries

Background: This study investigates the Assessing the Effects of Government Expenditure and Tax Revenue on Economic Growth in Seven ASEAN Countries namely Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand over a lengthy temporal prospect from 1980 to 2022. This research aims to deliver a nuanced understanding of how these government expenditure and tax revenue dynamics effects on the economic growth of these regions. Spanning over four decades, the study investigates into the multidimensional extents of government expenditure and tax revenue and its effects on economic growth, presenting a comprehensive exploration of the long-term strategies besides their implications for economic growth. This research covers both short-term and long-term dynamics, thus enhancing the robustness of this investigation. Moreover, the findings contribute to the hypothetical discourse by enriching the understanding for the effects of government expenditure and tax revenue on economic growth within these regions. The outcomes of this study embrace the potential to appraise evidence-based policy decisions, academic explorations, and the broader recreation of sustainable and inclusive economic development contained by these ASEAN regions. The focus of this study has investigated the effectiveness of government expenditure and tax revenue measures in promoting economic growth in seven ASEAN countries. These studies utilize the panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach and find that government expenditure was statistically significant in these ASEAN economies. It is important to note that the effectiveness of fiscal policy in promoting economic growth can vary across countries and over time.

Enhancing Malay Islamic Monarchy Education: Current Teaching Strategies in Secondary Schools

This study investigates the teaching strategies of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) Education teachers in upper secondary schools in Brunei Darussalam. The MIB Education subject is akin to moral education but integrates Malay, Islamic, and Monarchical values in alignment with the national philosophy. The objective of this study is to analyze the teaching strategies outlined in the syllabus and textbooks, and to interview teachers to identify the strategies practiced in the classroom. The findings reveal a variety of teaching strategies suggested in the syllabus documents. However, the textbook content predominantly comprises factual reading texts and comprehension exercises. The study also found that project-based methods are the recommended teaching strategies in the curriculum documents and are popularly practiced by teachers. Interviews indicate that teachers continue to use the textbooks provided by the Ministry of Education, Brunei, with appropriate improvisations that align with the suggested teaching strategies in the syllabus. To ensure the effectiveness of MIB Education teaching and learning in the future, the syllabus and textbooks need to be updated with current teaching strategies, and teachers should be given exposure to these strategies.

Advancing Sustainable Tourism: A Study on Eco-Tourism Policies in Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam

The global tourism industry has suffered significant losses due to the impact of global pandemic Covid-19. This paper examines the policies and efforts adopted by the local authorities of Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam to support their sustainable tourism industries and it seeks to draw lessons from both countries. The research will primarily focus on ecotourism issues and challenges in specific areas such as national parks, natural landscapes, and historical sites in both countries. Specific destinations within these eco-tourism categories for Indonesia’s; Bogor Botanical Garden, Onrust Archeological Park in Thousand Island Jakarta, and North Sulawesi Mountain Landscape. For Brunei Darussalam’s; Kampong Ayer, Sumbiling Eco-Village, and Ulu Temburong National Park. This study reveals challenges in tourism industry stakeholders’ participation level, inadequate and improper tourism infrastructure, a lack of skilled workforce employment. and insufficient public education on eco-tourism in both nations. Recommendations emphasize the importance of capacity building for stakeholder collaboration, infrastructure acquisition, and technology-driven knowledge transfer. The limitations of this study lie in the scarcity of research on empirical study and the unavailability of high-level official interviews. Therefore, for future research, it is important to assess the effectiveness of Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam government’s direct response such as funding mechanism policy, infrastructures development policy, and the utilization of digital platform policy. Besides, it is also important to assess the Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam government’s response to and anticipation of ecotourism issues for both countries.