Brunei (Commonwealth Union)_ Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong visited Brunei Darussalam from November 3 to 4, 2025, to attend the 11th Singapore–Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme (YLP). The visit was made at the invitation of His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam. During his trip, Prime Minister Wong was granted audiences with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah and the Crown Prince. His Majesty hosted a lunch in honor of the Prime Minister, while His Royal Highness welcomed him at an official dinner.
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Following the meetings, Mr Wong shared that he had a warm, meaningful discussion with both leaders. Their conversations focused on the future of the long-standing Singapore–Brunei partnership, including the 50th anniversary of bilateral defense relations in 2026 and the 60th anniversary of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement in 2027. The Prime Minister was accompanied by a senior delegation that included Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat; Senior Minister of State for Health and Manpower Dr. Koh Poh Koon; Minister of State for Digital Development, Information and Education Jasmin Lau; Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth and for Sustainability and the Environment Ms. Goh Hanyan; and Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education and National Development Dr. Syed Harun Alhabsyi.
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The Young Leaders’ Programme, launched in 2013, is held annually and alternates between Singapore and Brunei. It aims to foster closer bonds between the next generation of leaders and deepen cooperation in key areas of mutual interest. In a statement ahead of the visit, Singapore’s Prime Minister’s Office said the program reflects the strong commitment of both countries to strengthening their special relationship and advancing shared goals. A key highlight of this year’s program was the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in developing a sustainable and livable built environment. The agreement was signed in Kampong Jerudong by Brunei’s Minister of Development, Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid, and Singapore’s Minister for National Development, Mr. Chee Hong Tat.
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During the signing ceremony, Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda said the MoU would serve as a practical platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange in areas such as green buildings, construction quality and productivity, facilities management, urban planning, technological innovation, and inclusive design. The ceremony concluded with the formal exchange of the signed documents between both ministers. Throughout the program, leaders from both nations discussed domestic developments and regional and global challenges in the wake of the recent ASEAN Summit and the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. Both parties emphasized the necessity of sustaining a tight and robust collaboration in an increasingly difficult global context. They also committed to strengthening cooperation in critical sectors such as food security, supply chain resilience, and sustainable development. Singapore will host the 12th edition of the Young Leaders Programme in 2026.
In addition to the official engagements, Prime Minister Wong visited several healthcare facilities in Jerudong and met with members of the Singaporean business community in Brunei. The conversations focused on their experiences operating in Brunei and potential areas for increased economic engagement. Singapore and Brunei have a long-standing and valued partnership based on shared values and mutual respect. The two countries will celebrate 50 years of defense cooperation next year, followed by the 60th anniversary of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement in 2027. Under the agreement, both countries’ central banks continue to accept and exchange each other’s currencies at par value.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs describes bilateral relations as “excellent,” noting that leaders from both sides maintain close personal ties and regular exchanges across all levels. This year’s Young Leaders’ Programme once again underscored the enduring friendship between Singapore and Brunei and their shared commitment to nurturing future leaders, promoting sustainable development, and strengthening people-to-people connections across the region.
