Keralites In Brunei: A Rare Sight?

As of 2013, Brunei was still considered a favourable job market for Keralites, particularly for doctors and teachers. Dato Paduka Sidek Ali, Brunei's high commissioner to India, stated that the exact number of Keralites in Brunei is unavailable, but the total number of Indians in the country is roughly 8,000 or 10,000. Indians in Brunei consist of Bruneians of Indian descent and expatriate professionals, and they have had a notable presence in the country since the colonial days.

Malayali Association Brunei, a group of Keralites in the country, has over 200 active members

Malayali Association Brunei is a group that was formed in 2013 to connect Malayalees in Brunei. The association has over 200 active members and is the only organisation representing Malayalis in the country.

The group aims to function as a platform for Malayalees to meet and exchange views and ideas, fostering friendship and goodwill. It also enables the children of Malayalees to get to know one another and learn the language, arts, and sports. Additionally, the association engages in educational, social, charity, and welfare activities, as well as other services. They are involved in the social, cultural, educational, and welfare needs of Malayalis and are actively involved in humanitarian efforts to support the community.

The Malayali Association Brunei has registered with different government entities, including NORKA, to provide support for Malayalis in the country. They strive to serve the community and contribute to nation-building, upholding the national prestige of Negara Brunei Darussalam.

According to the Government of India, there are approximately 10,000 Indians living and working in Brunei, with an estimated 8,000 Indians in the country as of 2013. Indians in Brunei have had a notable presence since colonial times, and the country continues to be a favourable job market for professionals from India, including doctors, teachers, and IT professionals.

There are roughly 8,000 Indians in Brunei, with a notable presence since colonial times

Indians in Brunei have a notable presence that dates back to colonial times. The Indian diaspora in Brunei Darussalam spans decades, with the first migrants arriving in the 1930s. According to the Government of India, there are roughly 8,000 Indians living and working in the country, though another source puts the number at approximately 14,500. Indians in Brunei consist of Bruneians of Indian descent and expatriate professionals in various sectors.

The Indian community in Brunei is diverse, with ethnic Tamils forming the majority group. The community includes Muslims, Hindus, Christians, and Sikhs, with Islam being the dominant religion. Brunei's Hindu Welfare Board, a Hindu religious organisation, has approximately 3,000 members, and there are two small Hindu temples in the country. The Sikh community, meanwhile, consists of 500 people.

Indians in Brunei are employed in a range of sectors, including education, medicine, engineering, construction, trading, retail, IT, oil and gas, and mercantile. Indian professionals, particularly teachers and doctors, are well-regarded in the country, and there is goodwill and respect for their contributions.

The Indian Associations in Brunei celebrate various Indian festivals such as Diwali, Pongal, Onam, as well as Independence Day and Republic Day. Additionally, there are five major Indian Associations in the country, including the Malayali Association, indicating the presence of Keralites in Brunei.

The Indian diaspora in Brunei has had a significant impact on the country, and their successive waves of migration have enriched its social, cultural, and economic landscape.

Keralites in Brunei have worked as doctors, teachers, IT professionals, and engineers

Keralites in Brunei have worked across a variety of sectors, including medicine, education, IT, and engineering. Dato Paduka Sidek Ali, Brunei's high commissioner to India, has stated that the country is a favourable job market for doctors and teachers from the state of Kerala. This assertion was made during an interactive session with delegates from ASEAN countries in Kochi, which included ambassadors and high commissioners from Vietnam, Thailand, Brunei, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Myanmar. While the exact number of Keralites in Brunei is not known, the total number of Indians in the country is estimated to be around 8,000.

Over the last decade, Brunei has seen an influx of IT professionals from India, as the country focuses on developing its IT sector. This movement is supported by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Brunei and India in 2008 for cooperation in information and communication technology. The MoU highlights the potential for skilled Indian professionals in the country.

In addition to the demand for doctors, teachers, and IT professionals, there may also be opportunities for Keralite engineers in Brunei. While specific data on Keralite engineers in the country is scarce, the overall favourable job market for skilled professionals extends to various fields, including engineering.

The presence of Keralites in Brunei's workforce across these sectors—medicine, education, IT, and engineering—demonstrates their contribution to the country's development and their integration into its professional landscape. The approximate count of 8,000 Indians in Brunei, as stated by the high commissioner, suggests a substantial community of Keralites, given the relatively small population of the country.

The Indian community in Brunei practices various religions, with Islam being the dominant faith

The Indian diaspora in Brunei has a long history, with the first migrants arriving in the 1930s. Since then, successive waves of migration have enriched the cultural fabric of this island nation. Today, there are approximately 14,500 Indians living in Brunei, out of a total population of about 450,500. The Indian community in Brunei is diverse, consisting of both Bruneians of Indian descent and expatriate professionals in various fields such as education, medicine, engineering, construction, trading, and retail.

The presence of Indians in Brunei has had a significant impact on the country's economy and culture. A substantial number of doctors in Brunei are from India, and there is a mutual respect and goodwill towards Indian professionals, especially teachers and doctors. Indian businessmen also represent a healthy share of Brunei's textiles market. The Indian community in Brunei celebrates various festivals such as Diwali, Pongal, Onam, Independence Day, and Republic Day, showcasing their vibrant cultural heritage.

Brunei's official religion is the Shafi'i school of Sunni Islam, which is practised by the majority of the population. The constitution of Brunei guarantees freedom of religion and allows other faiths to be practised "in peace and harmony". However, there are restrictions on religious literature, and non-Islamic religious materials are prohibited from being distributed. The government enforces the Sharia Penal Code (SPC), which criminalises blasphemy and apostasy, among other offences. While Brunei upholds the freedom to practise different religions, social pressure to conform to Islamic guidelines regarding behaviour exists for both Muslims and non-Muslims.

The Keralite community in Brunei celebrates cultural festivals such as Onam

The Keralite community in Brunei is part of the wider Indian diaspora in the country, which has been present for several decades, with the first migrants arriving in the 1930s. Today, there are approximately 14,500 Indians living in Brunei, including semi and unskilled workers, doctors, teachers, and IT professionals. The community is well-integrated, with Keralite doctors and teachers particularly well-regarded, and Indian businessmen holding a healthy share of the market in textiles.

The Keralite community in Brunei, along with other Indian expatriates, celebrates cultural festivals such as Onam, as well as Indian festivals like Diwali, Pongal, and Indian Independence Day and Republic Day. Onam is a 10-day celebration that showcases the rich culture, heritage, folklore, and culinary delights of Kerala, the home state of the Keralite community. It is a largely secular festival that marks the annual return of King Mahabali, a benevolent demon king who once ruled Kerala and was humbled by Lord Vishnu.

Onam celebrations include a range of activities and traditions such as:

• Thripunithura Athachamayam: a majestic procession that marks the triumphant entry of King Mahabali into the town of Thripunithura, with traditional dance forms, floats, musicians, and people in traditional outfits.
• Pookkalam: a traditional floral design that families create at the entrance of their homes during Onam, using flowers instead of coloured powders.
• Onakalikal: games and sports that are an integral part of Onam festivities, reflecting the martial spirit and sportsmanship of the people. These include Vallamkali (boat races), Pulikali (tiger dances), and Onathallu (martial arts displays).
• Onam Sadya: a sumptuous feast served on a banana leaf, with over 26 vegetarian dishes, eaten without any cutlery.

Through these celebrations, the Keralite community in Brunei preserves and showcases its unique cultural identity, even as it integrates into Bruneian society.

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