Joint Press Statement for the 16th Brunei Darussalam-Singapore Annual Exchange of Visits

Singapore, 24 October 2023 – The Sixteenth Brunei Darussalam-Singapore Annual Exchange of Visits on the Environment (16th BSAEV), instituted under the renewed 2022 Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Partnership in Environmental Affairs and Climate Change, was held in Brunei Darussalam on 24th October 2023.

2 The Brunei Darussalam delegation was led by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid, Minister of Development, and comprised Dayang Dr. Nor Imtihan binti Haji Abdul Razak, Permanent Secretary (Planning, Land Use and Environment), and senior officials from the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation and the Public Works Department, Ministry of Development, and the Brunei Darussalam Climate Change Secretariat (BCCS), Prime Minister’s Office, Brunei Darussalam.

3 Her Excellency Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, led the Singapore delegation comprising Mr Stanley Loh, Permanent Secretary, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, the National Environment Agency and PUB (Singapore’s National Water Agency).

4 During the meeting, the Ministers reaffirmed the strong bilateral relationship between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore and reiterated their commitment to foster continual progress and deepen cooperation on environmental protection and addressing climate change.

5 The Ministers noted the steady progress of existing projects and programmes of the two countries in the areas of solid waste management, air quality management, water resources management, environmental youth programmes, and climate change. Brunei Darussalam’s latest initiatives in solid waste management include expanding the installation of the surveillance camera system to two other districts, namely Tutong and Belait Districts, at strategic locations, successfully identifying offenders and imposing compoundable fines; the final stages of drafting the Waste Management Regulation; and the nationwide recycling day initiative to promote awareness and inculcate the habits of recycling to the public in their daily lives. Singapore introduced various initiatives to manage e-waste and packaging waste, such as the implementation of Disposable Carrier Bag Charge from July 2023; the planned introduction of a Beverage Container Return Scheme from April 2025; ongoing studies to develop a chemical recycling value chain; and the recycling of electrical equipment under the Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme for E-waste. The Ministers welcomed the useful exchanges of information on air quality management and initiatives, including air quality monitoring and regulatory measures for industrial emissions.

6 The Ministers noted the updates on water resource management cooperation, including Brunei Darussalam’s proposal for further collaboration to improve the efficiency of water treatment processes and enhance the reliability of its water supply network and system. The Ministers also noted the efforts in youth environmental programmes and activities such as the 4th ASEAN Eco-Schools Awards and the 2nd ASEAN Youth Eco-Champions Awards.

7 The Ministers noted that both sides had conducted a technical exchange to share experiences on integrating environmental considerations and assessments in the design and siting of new developments. On climate change, the Ministers welcomed the conclusion of the Establishment Agreement of the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change (ACCC) hosted by Brunei Darussalam. The Ministers also agreed to strengthen cooperation on climate adaptation and exchanged views on initiatives to increase heat resilience in the region, such as Singapore’s Heat Stress Advisory.

8 The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to work with other ASEAN members to promote cooperation in environmental protection, including efforts to prevent, monitor, and reduce transboundary haze, as well as addressing the impact of climate change. They noted that such cooperation was important to achieve sustainable development and ensure a healthy and clean environment in the region.

9 The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to enhance cooperation and foster an even closer friendship and partnership between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore.

10 Singapore will host the 17th BSAEV in 2024.

Jointly Issued By:
Ministry of Development, Brunei Darussalam
Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, Singapore