Brunei
Darussalam ("the Abode of Peace") is situated on the north-west coast of the
island of Borneo, at 5 degrees North of the equator. The total area of 5,769 square
kilometres borders Sarawak in Malaysia, and the South China Sea.
Brunei Darussalam is the geographical hub of South-east Asia. Flying
time to Hong Kong, Peoples Republic of China, Taiwan, Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur,
Manila and Singapore is between 1 ½ and 3 hours. Royal Brunei Airlines, the modern and
well-equipped national carrier has daily direct flights to many centres, including
Singapore, China, the Gulf, the Middle-East, Europe, Perth, Brisbane, and London.
Malaysian Airlines, Garuda, Singapore Airlines and Royal Thai Airways operate regular
direct international routes. Brunei’s Time zone of GMT +8 coincides with Asia and
southeast Asia, with large time-windows to Australasia.
Brunei Darussalam has an enviable centuries-long history of
political stability under its monarchial system of government. This is further
strengthened under the able, strong and visionary leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haji
Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah and his late father, Sultan Haji Omar Ali
Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Wadden. Brunei Darussalam is member of international and
regional organizations, notably the United Nations, APEC and ASEAN, providing added
security to the country.
Continuous Economic
Prosperities Political stability and the excellent
vision of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang DiPertuan have made it possible for Brunei
Darussalam to achieve sustainable economic prosperity and stability which has benefited
the whole population. Brunei Darussalam continues to register reasonable growth despite
the turmoil of oil price and financial crisis in Asia. Central to this economic
achievement is the government’s Five-Year National Development Plans, which provide
strategic guidelines and direction for the economy. The country continues to pursue an
economic diversification policy towards sustainable activities and away from the
traditional reliance on the oil and gas sector. Brunei is acting to achieve rapid growth
like that of its partners in the Asia-Pacific region.
Excellent
infrastructure The government is totally committed to
maintaining a sophisticated telecommunication system. There are two earth satellite
stations providing direct telephone, telex and facsimile links to all parts of the world.
Several systems currently in operation include digital telephone exchange, fibre-optic
cable links with Singapore and Manila, exchanges for access to high-speed computer bases
overseas, cellular mobile telephone and paging systems.
Through its National Development Plans, Brunei Darussalam continues to
upgrade other communication facilities. Brunei International Airport is currently
undergoing major upgrading work to cater substantial increase in both passengers and cargo
traffics. There are two seaports that offer direct shipping to numerous destinations. More
than 2,000-kilometre of modern and extensive road networks serving the entire country. An
excellent and wide range of motor vehicles is provided, whether for purchase or hire. The
country enjoys one of the highest ratios of vehicles per head of population in the world.
Fuels sell at very economic rates.
Highly educated population The population of Brunei Darussalam is
around 350,000. English is widely spoken and is used in business. The University of Brunei
Darussalam and other higher educational institutes in the country release hundreds of
graduates every year. There is also a significant resource of Bruneians who have taken
good tertiary qualifications in various aspects of international business (mostly in the
U.K.), and the IFC will offer these professionals rewarding careers in what will be a high
class and very busy jurisdiction. The work ethic and commercial standards of the community
are refreshing, with an emphasis on the provision of good service at a fair price.
Expatriates and professionals in Brunei
Brunei Darusssalam hosts a large expatriate community involved in the oil and gas and
professional services industries. Government’s assistance in granting approvals for
foreign workers up to and including executive level is experienced and considerable.
High quality health and education facilities Both the health and education
sectors are established to an extremely high standard at all levels. Indeed the Brunei
opportunities and standards in these areas compare more than favourably with the
facilities in most Developed Nations.
Expatriate staff always find that
excellence in these areas is achieved at very reasonable cost in a manner which takes full
advantage of the combination of a healthy lifestyle, excellence of teaching staff and
facilities which surpass those available "back home". In broader terms, both the
environment and the cost of living in Brunei, coupled with zero tax, combine to produce a
most attractive lifestyle.
Eco-tourism is growing and great care has been taken with the preservation of extensive
rain forest resources. Superb and very convenient facilities enable even the short-term
visitor to observe and experience the natural resources of fauna and flora which the
country has carefully preserved in a natural state. Similarly, magnificent fishing,
diving, sailing, golfing, tennis, riding and other recreational facilities abound
Alcohol and drug abuse is almost totally absent, and a serene and
secure social environment prevails. Brunei maintains tranquil and moderate Islamic
traditions which flow through into its unique capabilities for Islamic financial growth.
Fair dealing and avoidance of usury produces a philosophy which has much in common with
English-based equitable principles. Religious freedom is guaranteed under the
Constitution, and the country’s commitment to the rule of law is built on the strong
foundations of the inherited systems of English Common Law and the independence of its
judiciary.
The climate is tropical and average daytime temperatures range between
26 C and 35 C. Brunei Darussalam has never experienced typhoons, earthquakes or severe
flood conditions.
There are hotels to suit all tastes
and pockets, including the magnificent six-star Empire Hotel, opened in October 2000.
Traditional hospitability and quality services reflect the experienced gained by operators
in this very busy area of activity. Room occupancy rates are healthy, booking is
desirable.
Brunei Darussalam has an enviable centuries-long history of
political stability under its monarchial system of government. This is further
strengthened under the able, strong and visionary leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haji
Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah and his late father, Sultan Haji Omar Ali
Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Wadden. Brunei Darussalam is member of international and
regional organizations, notably the United Nations, APEC and ASEAN, providing added
security to the country. 
Political stability and the excellent
vision of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang DiPertuan have made it possible for Brunei
Darussalam to achieve sustainable economic prosperity and stability which has benefited
the whole population. Brunei Darussalam continues to register reasonable growth despite
the turmoil of oil price and financial crisis in Asia. Central to this economic
achievement is the government’s Five-Year National Development Plans, which provide
strategic guidelines and direction for the economy. The country continues to pursue an
economic diversification policy towards sustainable activities and away from the
traditional reliance on the oil and gas sector. Brunei is acting to achieve rapid growth
like that of its partners in the Asia-Pacific region.
The government is totally committed to
maintaining a sophisticated telecommunication system. There are two earth satellite
stations providing direct telephone, telex and facsimile links to all parts of the world.
Several systems currently in operation include digital telephone exchange, fibre-optic
cable links with Singapore and Manila, exchanges for access to high-speed computer bases
overseas, cellular mobile telephone and paging systems.
The population of Brunei Darussalam is
around 350,000. English is widely spoken and is used in business. The University of Brunei
Darussalam and other higher educational institutes in the country release hundreds of
graduates every year. There is also a significant resource of Bruneians who have taken
good tertiary qualifications in various aspects of international business (mostly in the
U.K.), and the IFC will offer these professionals rewarding careers in what will be a high
class and very busy jurisdiction. The work ethic and commercial standards of the community
are refreshing, with an emphasis on the provision of good service at a fair price.
Brunei Darusssalam hosts a large expatriate community involved in the oil and gas and
professional services industries. Government’s assistance in granting approvals for
foreign workers up to and including executive level is experienced and considerable.
Both the health and education
sectors are established to an extremely high standard at all levels. Indeed the Brunei
opportunities and standards in these areas compare more than favourably with the
facilities in most Developed Nations.
Eco-tourism is growing and great care has been taken with the preservation of extensive
rain forest resources. Superb and very convenient facilities enable even the short-term
visitor to observe and experience the natural resources of fauna and flora which the
country has carefully preserved in a natural state. Similarly, magnificent fishing,
diving, sailing, golfing, tennis, riding and other recreational facilities abound