Three New Coordinating Ministers, Three Women Promoted: What Does the 2026 Cabinet Change Mean for Brunei's People?
On June 4, 2026, in Bandar Seri Begawan, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah announced the largest cabinet reshuffle since 2022 — with the establishment of three new Coordinating Minister positions, the promotion of three women to Deputy Minister roles, and the rebranding of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism into the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. These changes are not just name adjustments, but a direct reflection of the strategic drive of Brunei Vision 2035: accelerating economic transformation, strengthening inter-ministerial governance, and expanding women's leadership roles within the government machinery. It also marks a shift in operations from a traditional sectoral approach to a results-based coordination model — particularly in terms of post-low oil price economic recovery and the development of the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.