Brunei: A Peaceful And Prosperous Life

Life in Brunei is a mixed bag. On the one hand, it's a small, tropical country with a population of just over 440,000, offering one of the world's highest living standards, a booming economy, excellent healthcare and education, and a safe, peaceful environment. On the other hand, it's a strictly Islamic country with conservative social norms, limited entertainment options, and a lack of progressiveness, especially when compared to neighbouring countries.

Brunei has a large expat community, with around 40% of its population being foreigners attracted by lucrative employment packages and tax-free income in the oil and gas industries. Expats often experience culture shock due to the country's religious and cultural norms, which include modest dress, no public displays of affection, and restrictions on alcohol and drugs.

While Brunei offers a high quality of life in terms of healthcare, education, safety, and a stable economy, it may not be the best place for those seeking a vibrant social scene or progressive social values.

Healthcare in Brunei

Brunei's healthcare system is managed by the Brunei Ministry of Health and funded by the General Treasury. The system includes 15 health centres, 10 clinics, 22 maternal facilities, and two private hospitals. Healthcare in the country is considered to be of a reasonable standard.

Brunei has four government hospitals, one in each district. The largest is the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital (RIPAS), which is located in the country's capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. RIPAS had 1260 beds and 257 doctors as of 2005, and has an enormous new and well-equipped 'mother and child' wing. For Bruneians, these services are practically free, while expats pay modest fees. The Jerudong Park Medical Centre is the main private hospital in Brunei and has new cancer and stroke centres, as well as a full range of standard services, including maternity and paediatrics.

There are no medical schools in Brunei, so citizens who want to become doctors must study abroad. However, the Institute of Medicines has been introduced at the Universiti Brunei Darussalam, and a new building has been constructed for the faculty. The School of Nursing has been in place since 1951, and in December 2008, the nursing college merged with the Institute of Medicines to produce more nurses and midwives. It is now called the PAPRSB (Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'datul Bolkiah) Institute of Health Sciences.

Brunei has a low prevalence of HIV/AIDS, with a 0.1% rate in the population. As of 27 November 2022, 78.8% of the population had completed the third dose of the national COVID-19 vaccination program.

Education in Brunei

The first school in Brunei was founded in 1914. Since then, there has been a substantial expansion in the availability of education in the nation. The complexity of the country's educational system has also increased. Brunei gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1984, and numerous new efforts were launched with the goal of enhancing national identity and advancing human resources. However, the system did not come to realise its current organisational structure and curriculum coherence until 2007 with the launch of Wawasan Brunei 2035, a national vision for the nation, and the approval of Sistem Pendidikan Negara Abad ke-21 (SPN21), an objective for the national education system for the 21st century.

Brunei follows a 7-3-2-2 pattern of education. This means that there are seven years of primary education (including one year of preschool), followed by a public examination known as the Primary Certificate of Education. Lower secondary education is for three years, followed by another public examination, the Lower Secondary Assessment examination. Based on the performance of an individual student and following the ninth year of schooling, they will be tracked into one of two streams. One stream leads to technical or vocational education that prepares the student for immediate skill-based employment after graduation; such education is provided at a number of technical and vocational institutes. The other "academic" stream leads to two or three years of upper secondary education culminating in the student's appearance in the Brunei-Cambridge General Certificate of Education (GCE) examination at either the O-(Ordinary, similar to its British secondary school counterpart) or N-Levels. The GCE examinations are conducted jointly by Cambridge University's Local Examinations Syndicate and Brunei's Ministry of Education. Those not immediately prepared to take the O-Level examinations are allowed to take the N-level examinations, which, if passed, give them an additional year of schooling and preparation to tackle the O-Level examinations. Finally, students with adequate achievements at the O-Level examinations can go on to two years of pre-university education that prepares them for the Brunei-Cambridge A-Level (similar to the British GCE Advanced Level) examinations.

As of 2019, the Ministry of Education administered or oversaw 232 schools in preschool, primary and secondary levels, 12 technical and vocational institutions, and 7 universities and other tertiary-level institutions. They employed 10,942 teachers, out of which 72.9% were female. A total of 107,166 students were enrolled, 49.9% of whom were female. In the same year, the Ministry of Religious Affairs administered 158 Islamic religious schools, employing 2,205 teachers and enrolling 36,926 students.

Although Malay is the official language of Brunei, English is the main medium of instruction in most primary and secondary schools, as well as colleges and universities. Nevertheless, Malay is the medium of instruction for Malay- and Brunei-related subjects, as well as in religious primary schools. Arabic is used in Arabic religious schools and Islamic universities. Chinese may be used as a medium of instruction or as a subject in Chinese private schools.

Transport in Brunei

Brunei's transport system consists of air, land, and sea transport. The country's transport networks and infrastructures are created and overseen by several public and commercial sector organisations. The Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) is responsible for overseeing the maritime and aviation industries and planning and regulating land transportation. The Land Transport Department (JPD) is the government agency responsible for ensuring the availability, effectiveness, safety, and satisfaction of transportation systems and services in Brunei and the surrounding areas.

Land Transport

Brunei has a vast national road system, with 3,167 kilometres of roads connecting various towns and districts. The highway network is the dominant form of transportation infrastructure in the country. The coastal roadway serves as the backbone, connecting Kuala Belait, Sungai Liang, Tutong, and Jerudong with Muara Port. The Brunei National Roads System also includes related facilities such as gas stations, rest areas, and land border crossings. As of 2013, there were 216,000 licensed motor vehicles in Brunei, with an annual vehicle growth rate of 9%. This indicates extraordinarily high levels of car ownership, use, and dependency compared to other countries.

Water Transport

Water taxis, a form of speed boat, are a common means of transportation in Brunei, especially in the capital's sprawling water village, Kampong Ayer. These water taxis offer rides along the main attractions in the capital, with rates typically ranging from BND2 to BND5 per trip. They also provide transportation to the mangroves, where one can spot proboscis monkeys or, if lucky, crocodiles. Water transportation is crucial in Brunei's more isolated settlements with poor or non-existent road connections.

Air Transport

The Brunei International Airport serves as the country's primary international entry point and the main hub for the national airline, Royal Brunei Airlines. The airport has a single passenger terminal for both domestic and international flights. The Anduki Airfield in Seria is a domestic airstrip and heliport operated by Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP).

Public Transport

Brunei has a limited public transport system, with buses being the most budget-friendly option. The franchise bus, formerly known as the Purple Bus, serves six lines with distinctively coloured buses. The Eastern Line (royal blue) and the Northern Line (green) pass through the international airport, operating from 6 am to 8 pm. The average bus fare is BND1 per ride.

Taxis are also available in Brunei, with metered fares based on distance, time, and traffic conditions. The base price is BND3.50 for the first minute or kilometre, with an additional BND0.20 for every 250 metres or 15 seconds. There are surcharges for airport trips, inter-district travel, extra baggage, and more than four passengers.

Additionally, Brunei has a local ridesharing service called Dart, accessible through a smartphone app. Dart offers different types of vehicles, and rates vary according to location.

Religion in Brunei

Islam is the state religion of Brunei, with a 2021 government census showing that 82.1% of the population is Muslim. However, the country also has significant Christian and Buddhist minorities, with 6.7% and 6.3% of the population following these religions, respectively. A small percentage of the population also subscribes to indigenous religions and other faiths.

The official form of Islam in Brunei is the Shafi'i school of Sunni Islam, which serves as the country's state madh'hab. This school of jurisprudence is a major source of law in Brunei, influencing the country's legal system and policies. While Brunei's constitution guarantees freedom of religion, there are some limitations. Religious education is controlled by the government, even in non-Islamic schools, and the distribution of non-Islamic religious materials is prohibited and punishable by death without judgment.

The practice of other religions is permitted, but with some restrictions. Non-Muslims are allowed to practice their faith and convert to another religion, but they must be at least 14 years and 7 months old. Additionally, any non-Islamic religious groups are not allowed to proselytize to Muslims or individuals with no religious affiliation. The construction of new places of worship for non-Islamic religions is also limited, and existing places of worship may not have enough space to accommodate their congregations.

Brunei's laws and social norms encourage adherence to Islamic guidelines, and there is social pressure on both Muslims and non-Muslims to conform to these guidelines. This includes expectations around modesty in dress, with Muslim women encouraged to wear the hijab, and restrictions on the consumption of alcohol and non-halal foods. While Brunei's LGBT community faces challenges due to societal homophobia and laws criminalizing same-sex relationships, there are no specific laws against acts of female homosexuality.

Overall, while Brunei guarantees freedom of religion, the dominant presence of Islam shapes the country's laws, social norms, and cultural practices, influencing the lives of both Muslims and non-Muslims in the country.

Entertainment in Brunei

Brunei is a unique country (sultanate) in East Asia, located on the island of Kalimantan and bordered by the South China Sea. The country is rich, highly developed, clean, and cultured, with a warm climate that attracts tourists all year round. The main attractions in Brunei are natural, with an abundance of untouched plant and animal life. The best beaches in Southeast Asia can be found in Brunei, with golden sands and excellent facilities. Tourists can enjoy water sports such as water skiing, windsurfing, and kayaking, and explore the coral reefs, observing the diverse marine life.

The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is a hub of activity, with many old buildings, hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Some of the most popular attractions in Brunei include the Palace of the Sultan, the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, Jerudong Park Playground, the Water Village Kampong Ayer, and the Wasai Kandal Nature Reserve.

For those seeking indoor entertainment, there are plenty of museums, art galleries, and mosques to explore. Atelier Huifong Ng, located near the capital, is a fine art learning centre for children, promoting a sophisticated and cultured community. The Guerilla Artchitects Studio showcases the talents of local youth in graffiti street art, murals, sculptures, and more. The Creative Space Art Gallery & Studio is also a great place to discover local artists and take part in art classes and workshops.

For performing arts enthusiasts, the JIS Arts Centre at Jerudong International School is a fantastic venue. It features a theatre with impressive acoustics, an exhibition gallery, a dance studio, and music rehearsal facilities. The centre hosts a variety of performances, including musicals, plays, and concerts, providing a platform for local talent.

While Brunei may not have a prominent film or music industry, there are still local artists and filmmakers who showcase their talents. However, some people feel that the entertainment industry in Brunei is restricted and held back by strict rules and standards, making it challenging for artists to express themselves freely.

Overall, Brunei offers a range of entertainment options, from exploring nature and cultural attractions to enjoying art, theatre, and music. The country provides a unique and relaxing experience for visitors seeking to disconnect from the fast-paced world.

Frequently asked questions