Highlights of the Glittering Night
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN โ A moment filled with hope and tension enveloped the main hall of the Berakas International Convention Centre on May 25, 2026. In front of a jury panel and guests including government representatives and industry leaders, eight finalists of the 4th Cycle Catalyst Program waited for the results. Two hours before the announcement, they showcased their prototypes in an interactive space โ and when the name *BumiTrust* was announced as the winner, cheers echoed from every corner of the hall.
The Catalyst Program, an initiative by DST InnoLab through Datastream Digital (DST), is a six-week incubator targeting Bruneian youth, especially university students. The 4th Cycle received over 30 applications; only eight teams were selected to attend technical workshops, mentorship sessions, and demo presentations before qualifying for the final stage.
BumiTrust's Innovation: AI for Soil and Agricultural Products
BumiTrust's platform combines field sensors with machine learning algorithms to monitor soil conditions in real-time: moisture, pH, nutrient content, and presence of pathogens. Data is collected and analyzed automatically, then generates specific recommendations โ type of fertilizer, dosage, and irrigation schedule โ tailored to the actual conditions of each plot.
More uniquely, the system also generates digital transparency certificates. Each agricultural product is recorded in a digital trace from seed to harvest, which users can scan via QR code. These certificates are not just proof of biological safety but also provide access to premium markets that require quality certification documents.
Field tests in three locations in Tutong District showed an 18% increase in rice yield within two months. Participating farmers reported a 25% reduction in fertilizer costs, thanks to precise recommendations that prevent waste.
Impact on Farmers and Brunei's Economy
Brunei's agriculture sector still faces structural challenges: less fertile land, limited labor, and high dependence on food imports โ about 90% of domestic needs. Innovations like BumiTrust align with Brunei's Vision 2035, particularly the goal of economic diversification and sustainable food security.
Instead of relying solely on senses or experience, farmers now make decisions based on data. "Previously, I watered when the soil looked dry. Now, the BumiTrust app shows exactly how many liters of water are needed โ and the best time for fertilizing," said a farmer from Kampung Keriam involved in the early trials.
The head of the Catalyst Program jury emphasized in the award presentation that BumiTrust's solution is practical and scalable. "It addresses the country's real needs, not just a technology demonstration," according to the official DST press release.
Brunei's Innovation Ecosystem Grows More Mature
The success of BumiTrust reflects the gradual development of the local innovation ecosystem. Since 2022, DST InnoLab has trained over 200 young entrepreneurs through similar programs. This year, the government provided matching grants up to BND 50,000 for each winner to commercialize their products.
The Executive Director of DST InnoLab, in an interview after the event, stated a significant improvement in the quality of ideas from year to year. "We see a surge in the accuracy of identified problems and the sharpness of the solutions. BumiTrust is a clear example of how local talent can compete internationally," he said.
Positive responses also came from industry players. The founder of AgriConnect Brunei, a digital agriculture platform already in operation, offered mentorship support to BumiTrust to accelerate market development and system integration.
Future Plans
For the three University of Brunei Darussalam students leading BumiTrust, this victory is just the beginning โ not the end. Grant funds will be used to improve the application's user interface and expand the sensor network across all districts in Brunei.
Within one year, the team aims to establish formal collaboration with the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, particularly to integrate this platform into the country's smart agriculture initiatives.
"We want every Bruneian farmer โ whether they have two acres or two hundred acres โ to access this technology at low cost and without technical barriers," said a team spokesperson in an official media statement. They are also discussing with farming cooperatives to implement tiered digital training programs at the community level.
Potential Transformation of the Sector
The DST Innovation Awards are not just symbolic recognition. They emphasize that high technology can be applied relevantly in traditional sectors โ and directly impact productivity, farmer income, and national food security. With continued support from the government, industry, and educational institutions, innovations like BumiTrust have the potential to become the backbone of Brunei's agricultural transformation towards a sustainable and regionally competitive model.