Source : Press Release JAPEM
Photos : Aiman JAPEM
The First National Conference for Persons with Different Abilities in Brunei Darussalam, held over two (2) days at the International Convention Centre in Berakas, concluded today.
Yang Berhormat Abdul Aziz bin Haji Amdan, Member of the Legislative Council, was present as the Guest of Honour to officiate the closing ceremony.
The ceremony commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by a prayer and continued with the presentation of the overall conference report by Malai @Sharifah Adila Surya binti Malai Haji Abdullah, President of the National Council for the Welfare of Persons with Different Abilities (MKOKU). The presentation highlighted the key outcomes and recommendations discussed during the conference. This resolution recognizes the rights of Persons with Diffent Abilities (PWDs) in line with the CRPD and the ASEAN Enabling Masterplan 2025, and acknowledges Brunei's progress in implementing inclusive policies. However, challenges remain, including stigma, data gaps and barriers in education and employment. Inspired by innovative practices shared at the First National Conference for PWDs, the resolution proposes six key actions: strengthening early intervention and lifelong support; promoting inclusive education and employment; building cross-sector collaboration; addressing stigma and enhancing representation; leveraging technology and innovation; and advancing national and regional policies. A call to action is directed at the government, private sector, and civil society to establish a National Disability Inclusion Council, allocate funding in the 2026–2030 budget, and report annually on progress. This resolution reflects a shared commitment to making Brunei an inclusive nation where PWDs thrive as equal members of society.The event proceeded with the handover of the Conference Resolution to Dayang Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari, Permanent Secretary (Community), Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, in her capacity as Chairperson of the Senior Officials Meeting on Social Welfare and Development (SOMSWD). The event concluded with a group photo session.
On the second day of the conference, participants engaged in panel discussions, interactive workshops, and consultation sessions with local and international experts. The following topics were discussed:
1. Successful Employment of Persons with Disabilities, moderated by Amar Syahirah binti Haji Abdul Murad, Secretary of the United States Association in Brunei. Panellists included Mr. Rezki Achyana, Founder of Parakerja, Indonesia; Mr. PT Lim Puay Tiak, Chairperson of the ASEAN Disability Forum (ADF) and Honorary Treasurer of the International Disability Alliance (IDA); and Dr. Shamsulbaharin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Head of Talent Development, DST Managed Services Sdn Bhd (DMS). The session discussed best practices and success stories of hiring persons with disabilities in Brunei, Indonesia, and Singapore.
2. Establishing Social Enterprises for Persons with Disabilities, moderated by Khairunnisa binti Haji Ash'ari, President of the Brunei Youth Council, with panellists Malai @Sharifah Adila Surya binti Malai Haji Abdullah (MKOKU), CEO of SMARTER and BJAK Café; Naslaila binti Haji Abdul Ghani, member of the Job Training and Entrepreneurship Bureau, member of the Paraplegic and Physically Handicapped Association (PAPDA) and owner of Zulaishah Boutique; and Ms. Robin Ann Jones, Director and Principal Investigator at the Great Lakes ADA Center, USA. The session covered the importance of building accessible work environments for persons with disabilities through entrepreneurship, legal compliance using social enterprise models, and community integration, citing examples like BJAK Café and Zulaishah Boutique.
3. Panel Discussion 6: “Understanding and Implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)",
moderated by Malai @Sharifah Adila Surya binti Malai Haji Abdullah (MKOKU), with Mr. Wong Yoon Loong, Executive Director of the National Council for the Blind, Malaysia, and Mr. PT Lim Puay Tiak (ADF, IDA). The panel addressed the importance of developing inclusive policies and frameworks that protect the rights of persons with disabilities as outlined in the CRPD.
4. Consultation Session: “Startup to Scale – Embedding Accessibility for Long-Term Social Enterprise Growth", conducted by Ms. Robin Ann Jones (ADA Center, USA), this session served as a platform for entrepreneurs, social enterprise founders, business leaders, government representatives, foundation heads, HR professionals, and disability advocacy groups to explore the challenges and opportunities in growing inclusive enterprises that employ persons with disabilities. It also examined practical methods for integrating ADA compliance, employment models, and accessible workplace designs.
5. Breakout Sessions by International Experts:
6. Protection of Persons with Disabilities from Abuse, presented by DSP Hjh Nur Amni Alyani binti Hj Abd Rahman, Acting Head of the Women and Children Abuse Investigation Unit, Criminal Investigation Department, Royal Brunei Police Force, and Nurul Nazurah binti Jaya, Acting Assistant Director of the Disability Division, Department of Community Development. The session discussed identifying various forms of abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and neglect), methods of reporting, prevention strategies, and the roles of legal and social support systems.
7. Parenting: Raising Children with Disabilities delivered by Hjh Norajleen Uminatul Hafizah Hj Alimas, Counsellor at Clarity Sdn Bhd and Founder of Cure Heart, and Linda Ibrahim, Founder of Autism Without Borders Brunei. The session shared insights and emotional support for parents facing challenges in raising children with disabilities, including autism.
8. Industry Consultation: Employer-Led Solutions for Workforce Growth
presented by Ms. Robin Ann Jones (ADA Center, USA). This session facilitated discussions among employers, business leaders, and strategic partners on effective strategies for hiring persons with disabilities to address employment gaps and drive economic development.
The comprehensive conference aimed to establish an inclusive framework through practical, legal, social, and collaborative approaches to empower persons with disabilities in the areas of education, employment, and rights. It marks a significant milestone in Brunei Darussalam's commitment to strengthening national policies and frameworks for disability development, ensuring equal opportunities, and promoting multi-sector collaboration between government, private sector, and civil society.
Also present at the conference were Their Excellencies, the Ambassadors of the Republic of Türkiye and Cambodia; representatives from the Royal Thai Embassy and the High Commission of Malaysia; senior officials from Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, and partner organization.
