Working In Brunei Darussalam: A Comprehensive Guide

Brunei Darussalam, a small, peaceful country on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia, offers a range of career opportunities for those looking to work in the region. The country is home to various industries, including education, finance, engineering, and tourism, providing a diverse range of job prospects. The capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, is a hub for many businesses and organizations, including digital marketing agencies, financial institutions, and international companies. Outside of the capital, Belait District and Brunei-Muara District also offer employment opportunities in fields such as healthcare, construction, and hospitality. For those seeking international experience, teaching English in Brunei's government schools is an option, with recruitment agencies actively seeking experienced educators. The country's oil and gas industry, as well as its focus on digital growth and sustainable development, present further career paths.

Job-hunting tips

• Job sites: Job-hunters can use websites such as JobsBrunei.com, Bruneida.com, and LinkedIn to find jobs in Brunei Darussalam. JobsBrunei.com, for example, provides a job application guide and allows job seekers to set up email notifications for relevant job postings.
• Job sectors: There are jobs available in a variety of sectors, including education, digital marketing, finance, engineering, healthcare, and food and beverage.
• Language: English is used in many job postings, suggesting that proficiency in English is important for job seekers.
• Qualifications: Many jobs require specific qualifications and/or experience. For example, a Senior Electrical Technician role requires qualifications and experience in maintaining and troubleshooting electrical and electromechanical equipment.
• Location: Most of the jobs advertised are based in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei-Muara District.
• Salary: Salaries vary depending on the role and the employer. For example, English Language Teachers can expect to earn between £27,000 and £60,000 per annum, while a Senior Finance Manager role is advertised for early applicants.

Required skills

The skills required to work in Brunei Darussalam vary depending on the specific job and industry. However, based on the job advertisements and descriptions found online, here are some of the common skills that employers in Brunei Darussalam look for:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite: Many jobs in Brunei Darussalam, across various industries, require proficiency in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This skill is often considered a basic requirement for administrative, clerical, and technical positions.
• Digital Marketing and Web Development: With the rise of digital transformation, there is a growing demand for professionals with digital marketing and web development skills. Proficiency in WordPress, PHP, front-end technologies, Python, and server/web architecture is highly valued, especially in the digital marketing and technology sectors.
• Teaching and Training: There is a demand for teachers, particularly English Language Teachers and Secondary English Teachers, to work in government schools in Brunei Darussalam. These positions require strong communication and instructional skills, as well as the ability to raise the standards of English among local students.
• Sales and Marketing: Some job postings in Brunei Darussalam seek individuals with sales and marketing skills, including the ability to drive sales, generate leads, and develop marketing and branding strategies.
• Finance and Accounting: Jobs in the finance and accounting sector require relevant qualifications and experience. Proficiency in financial management, accounting software, and financial reporting is often expected.
• Engineering and Technical: For positions in engineering and technical fields, such as Field Service Representatives and Project Engineers, employers look for candidates with technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and project management capabilities.
• Customer Service: Customer service skills are valued across various industries in Brunei Darussalam, including hospitality, food and beverage, and retail. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills are essential for customer-facing roles.
• Healthcare: Healthcare administration and management positions require knowledge of healthcare policies, procedures, and standards. Attention to detail, accuracy, and compliance with regulatory requirements are important skills in this sector.
• Leadership and Management: Senior positions in various industries require leadership and management skills, such as strategic planning, team management, and business development.
• Specialised Skills: Certain jobs require specific skill sets, such as rigging services, auto detailing, graphic design, data science, and electrical engineering. These specialised skills are often essential for technical and skilled trades.

Job sectors

Brunei offers a wide range of job sectors for those seeking employment. Here is an overview of some of the prominent sectors and the types of roles available:

Digital Marketing and Technology

Digital Sage, a growth agency in Bandar Seri Begawan, often recruits for roles such as Web Developer, Full Stack Developer, and Automation roles. These positions require proficiency in various software and programming languages like WordPress, PHP, Python, and server/web architecture.

Banking and Finance

The financial sector in Brunei includes global banks like Standard Chartered, as well as local banks like Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD). Roles range from investment counselling and financial services to cybersecurity monitoring and SOC analyst positions.

Engineering

Engineering is a significant sector in Brunei, with companies like Wood, Solar Turbines, and Brunei Engineering, Logistics and Training Solutions (BELTS) offering various engineering roles. These include rigging services, electrical engineering, and construction engineering.

Healthcare

Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) is a prominent healthcare provider in Brunei. They offer roles such as Medical Records & Health Information Executive, ensuring compliance with hospital standards and policies.

Human Resources

Human Resources roles are available in various industries. For example, Armada Properties Sdn Bhd seeks an HR Learning Partner to collaborate with line managers and develop learning programs. The Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation also recruits for assistant officer positions in its Administration and Human Resource Division.

Legal Services

Brunei Shell Marketing (BSM) and Muara Maritime Services (MMS) are among the companies offering legal services roles. Responsibilities include managing the quarterly board process, providing legal advice, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Application process

The application process for jobs in Brunei Darussalam typically involves several steps, including online applications, interviews, and sometimes skill tests. Here is a detailed guide on what to expect and how to navigate the application process:

• Job Search: Start by searching for job opportunities in Brunei Darussalam through online job portals, company websites, or recruitment agencies. Websites such as JobsBrunei.com, Bruneida.com, and LinkedIn offer a wide range of job listings in the country. Identify positions that match your qualifications, skills, and interests.
• Prepare Your Application: Once you've identified suitable job opportunities, it's time to prepare your application. This typically includes a resume or CV and a cover letter. Ensure your resume is up-to-date and tailored to the specific job requirements. Highlight any relevant experience, skills, and qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the role. The cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself and express your interest in the position. Customize your cover letter for each job application, explaining why you are a good fit for that particular role.
• Online Application: Many companies in Brunei Darussalam use online application systems. Create an account on the company's career portal or job site and carefully follow their application instructions. You will typically need to provide your personal information, upload your resume and cover letter, and may be asked to answer additional questions or provide writing samples, portfolios, or other supporting documents.
• Interview Process: If your application is successful, you will be invited for an interview. Interviews can be conducted in person, over the phone, or via video call. Be prepared to discuss your experience, skills, and qualifications in more detail. Research the company thoroughly, including their mission, values, and recent projects or achievements. Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer about the role, team dynamics, and company culture.
• Skill Assessments: Depending on the job, you may be required to undergo skill assessments or tests. For example, if you're applying for a technical or IT role, you may need to complete a coding test or demonstrate your proficiency in specific software. For teaching or language-related roles, you may be asked to demonstrate your language skills or teaching abilities.
• Reference Checks: Employers may seek references from previous employers or other professional contacts. Provide a list of references who can vouch for your work ethic, skills, and character. Ensure you have their consent before sharing their contact information.
• Offer and Negotiation: If you successfully pass the interview and assessment stages, the employer may extend a job offer. This offer will typically include details of the salary, benefits, and terms of employment. If you're happy with the offer, you can accept it. However, if you wish to negotiate certain aspects, such as salary or benefits, do so in a respectful and professional manner.
• Onboarding: Once you've accepted the job offer, the employer will guide you through the onboarding process, which may include completing employment paperwork, providing necessary documentation, and attending orientation or training sessions to help you transition smoothly into your new role.

Navigating the application process in Brunei Darussalam requires a well-prepared resume and cover letter, a thorough understanding of the job requirements, and strong interview skills. Stay proactive in your job search, and don't be afraid to reach out to recruiters or hiring managers to express your interest in a particular role.

Employment rights

The Employment Order 2009 and the Labor Act (Chapter 93) are the primary laws governing employment in Brunei. These laws outline specific grounds for lawful dismissal, including gross misconduct, poor performance, redundancy, and contract expiration. Here are the key points regarding employment rights in Brunei:

Grounds for Lawful Dismissal:

• Gross Misconduct: Theft, insubordination, workplace violence, and serious breaches of company policy or trust fall under this category. Employers typically dismiss employees without notice or compensation in these cases.
• Poor Performance: Employers may terminate the contract, usually with notice, if an employee consistently underperforms despite warnings and opportunities for improvement.
• Redundancy: Employers can terminate employment if an employee's role becomes unnecessary due to economic conditions or restructuring. This typically involves severance pay and notice periods.
• Contract Expiration: Fixed-term contracts end naturally at the specified date without requiring termination by either party.

Notice Periods:

The Employment Order 2009 specifies the following notice periods for terminating an employment contract:

• Less than 26 weeks of service: 1 day's notice
• 26 weeks to 2 years of service: 1 week's notice
• 2 years to 5 years of service: 2 weeks' notice
• 5 years or more of service: 4 weeks' notice

Severance Pay:

Severance pay is not always mandatory in Brunei. However, employees may be entitled to severance in the following circumstances:

• Redundancy: Severance may be negotiated as part of a separation agreement.
• Contract Breach: Employees may receive compensation (severance pay or equivalent) if the employer breaches the contract terms leading to termination.

Working Hours and Overtime:

The maximum standard working week in Brunei is 44 hours, typically divided into two parts with a lunch break in between. Employees are entitled to at least one day off per week, usually on Fridays, except in certain industries. The daily work limit is 12 hours, including overtime. Rest periods are mandatory, with a maximum of 6 consecutive hours without a break. Overtime requires both employer request and employee consent, and overtime pay is mandated at 1.5 times the basic hourly rate. The monthly limit for overtime is 72 hours, which can be exceeded with approval from the Commissioner of Labour.

Leave Entitlements:

Employees in Brunei are entitled to a minimum of 12 days of paid holiday per year, plus 10 public holidays. They also receive paid sick leave, calculated based on their length of service. For the first 14 days, employees receive full pay, after which it is reduced to 50%. Parental leave is provided for both mothers (14 weeks) and fathers (1 week) following the birth or adoption of a child.

Minimum Wage and Pensions:

The minimum wage in Brunei is BND 400 per month, applicable to all employees regardless of industry. Additionally, all employees are entitled to a government-provided pension through the Employees Trust Fund. This pension is funded by both the employee and employer, with a contribution rate of 16% of the employee's salary, up to a maximum monthly contribution of BND 800. Private pension schemes are also available, often offered as part of employee benefits packages.

Frequently asked questions