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Source: Press Release and Photo MCYS
Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, 12 December 2025 - Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi Mohamad, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, attended the 14th ASEAN Ministers Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (AMRDPE) in Bangkok, Thailand which was convened under the theme “Advancing Inclusive Rural Development through Innovation, Local Wisdom and Community Empowerment for Sustainable Poverty Eradication in ASEAN" on 12 December 2025. The meeting was chaired by Her Excellency Sasithorn Kittidhrakul, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Interior, Thailand.
During the meeting, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, among others, underscored the importance of digital innovation as a key driver of rural development, and shares Brunei's best practice through the National Welfare System (SKN), which has enabled more targeted and impactful interventions through the integration of comprehensive poverty-related data. Enhancements to SKN using artificial intelligence (AI) are also being planned to improve user experience and ensure that digital innovation strengthens the delivery of assistance especially to those most in need, including rural communities.
The Minister also shared the success of the One Village One Product (1K1P) initiative in empowering villages through income generation based on traditional skills and local wisdom, which in turn create employment opportunities and strengthen cultural identity. He further stressed that multi-sectoral support is essential in sustaining rural development, including through community-based tourism, micro-financing schemes, and skills development programmes that help strengthen small enterprises and expand economic opportunities for vulnerable groups.
The 14th AMRDPE adopted a Joint Statement affirming, among others, the importance of continued investment in local innovation and enhanced digitalisation as drivers of inclusive and resilient rural transformation; encouraging multi-sectoral collaboration, including active participation of the private sector and civil society, and technical and financial support from regional bodies; as well as the commitment to collective responsibility and transparent monitoring to ensure equitable development outcomes.
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22nd ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (SOMRDPE)
The 14th AMRDPE was preceded by the 22nd ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (SOMRDPE) held on 10–11 December 2025, and the 17th SOMRDPE Plus Three Meeting held on 11 December 2025. Yang Mulia Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari, Permanent Secretary (Community), Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, handed over the SOMRDPE Chairmanship from Brunei Darussalam to Thailand. In her remarks, she expressed deep appreciation to ASEAN Member States for their strong cooperation throughout Brunei Darussalam's tenure as Chair. Through joint dedication, the role of SOMRDPE has been strengthened as a dynamic platform supporting inclusive and sustainable regional development.
The 14th ASEAN Public–Private–People Partnership Forum on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication was also held on 9 December 2025, as well as the 3rd ASEAN Villages Network Meeting on 10 December 2025.
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7th ASEAN Leadership Award on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication
In conjunction with the 14th AMRDPE, the 7th ASEAN Leadership Award on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication was held on 11 December 2025 to recognise the roles, outstanding achievements and contributions of non-government organisations and private sector entities across ASEAN. This year, Project Women Brunei represented by Yang Mulia Nur Judy binti Abdullah, Founder of Project Women Brunei, received the award under the Non-Governmental Organisation category. Syarikat Takaza Contractor Sdn. Bhd., represented by Yang Mulia Haji Mohd Azmi bin Haji Nohi, Managing Director, received the award under the Private Sector category, for their significant contributions towards empowering vulnerable communities in Brunei Darussalam.
Attending alongside the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports were Yang Mulia Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari, Permanent Secretary (Community), and senior officials from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and representatives from the Mukim and Village Institution, Brunei Darussalam.
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