Wednesday, 18 Rabiulakhir 1448H / 30 September 2026 – The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Centre for Strategic and Policy Studies (CSPS), is conducting Strategic Planning Workshop 1 for the development of the National Ten-Year Roadmap for Successful Ageing in Brunei Darussalam from 30 September to 1 October 2026 at Dewan Al-‘Afiah, Ministry of Health.
The Guest of Honour at the workshop was Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar, Minister of Health. The opening session commenced with welcoming remarks by the Executive Director of CSPS, followed by opening remarks by the Ministry of Health. This was followed by a presentation of the Environmental Scan, which will serve as a basis for discussions and the development of the Roadmap.
The two-day workshop brings together senior officials from relevant ministries and agencies to discuss the country’s long-term direction for successful ageing. Building on the Senior Citizens Action Plan 2025–2030: Towards Successful Ageing and aligned with national development priorities, participants will consider the proposed vision, mission and core values of the Roadmap, identify priority areas for action over the next decade, and explore approaches for assessing progress in its implementation.
Brunei Darussalam is entering a period of population ageing. In 2025, the number of people aged 60 years and above is estimated to reach 53,100, representing 11.6 per cent of the country’s total population. Increased longevity reflects the nation’s achievements in health and social development. At the same time, it highlights the importance of coordinated efforts to ensure that older persons are able to remain healthy, active and independent.
The National Ten-Year Roadmap for Successful Ageing will provide a long-term guide for national efforts to enhance the wellbeing and quality of life of older persons. It aims to support older persons to remain healthy, independent, safe and actively engaged in society, while strengthening collaboration across sectors to address the opportunities and challenges associated with an ageing population.
The development of the Roadmap supports Wawasan Brunei 2035, particularly Goal 2, which aims to achieve a high quality of life for the people. It also complements the Social Blueprint and the Senior Citizens Action Plan, while aligning with regional and international commitments, including the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing 2021–2030, the WHO Regional Action Plan on Healthy Ageing in the Western Pacific, and the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Ageing: Empowering Older Persons in ASEAN.
Following the workshop, the Ministry of Health and CSPS will consolidate the outcomes of the discussions and prepare a draft Roadmap framework. Broader consultations and engagement sessions will subsequently be conducted with relevant agencies, service providers, communities, caregivers and older persons to further refine the proposed priorities and actions.
The Roadmap aspires to foster a society where older persons are valued, supported and empowered. Through coordinated efforts across government, communities and families, it seeks to strengthen social and economic security and create inclusive, supportive and age-friendly environments that enable older persons to remain active and connected. The Roadmap seeks to ensure that people can enjoy their later years in good health, with dignity and independence, while continuing to play a meaningful role in their families and communities.
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Reference: KK/JDP/ PR 3
