Bruneian Journalists conclude immersive programme in Brussels

Five journalists from Brunei Darussalam have completed an intensive week-long programme in Brussels, supported by the EU-Brunei Darussalam Partnership Facility, marking a significant milestone in fostering media collaboration and mutual understanding between the European Union (EU) and Brunei. The initiative aimed to strengthen EU-Brunei relations by fostering a deeper understanding of the EU’s institutions, policies and cultural heritage, while promoting dialogue on the media's role in addressing global challenges.

From 12 to 16 May 2025, the journalists – representing five media organisations from the public and private sector – engaged in high-level meetings with key EU institutions, including the European External Action Service (EEAS), the European Commission and the European Parliament, as well as civil society organisations. The programme provided deep insights into critical policy areas such as sustainable development and climate action, including discussions on the EU’s deforestation law and plastic treaty, digital transformation, media freedom and the role of journalism in addressing global challenges. 

The participants also took part in cultural visits to Brussels’ iconic landmarks, such as the House of European History and the Parlamentarium Museum, enriching their understanding of European heritage and values. On the final day, the journalists had the opportunity to meet with His Excellency Haji Adnan bin Haji Mohd Ja’afar, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary for Brunei Darussalam to the Kingdom of Belgium and Mission to the EU to exchange views and share their experience on the visit.

His Excellency Denis Chaibi, EU Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia, said in a statement, “It has been an honour and a privilege to welcome a group of talented journalists from Brunei Darussalam in Brussels this week. As the saying goes, friendship is a sacred knowing, and the journey towards that knowing starts with visiting each other’s homes and sharing each other’s points of view, so that together, the EU and Brunei can work towards becoming closer partners.”

According to Antoine Ripoll, Minister Counsellor for Parliamentary Affairs, EU Delegation to ASEAN, “It’s been a privilege to host a group of journalists from Brunei Darussalam in the EU Institutions this week. Learning from each other in a spirit of mutual respect and comparing notes on how to deepen the relationship between Europe and Southeast Asia at political and people-to-people levels has never been as important. We hope this study visit will be followed by many others in both directions.”

As Brunei Darussalam is the Country Coordinator for ASEAN-EU Dialogue Relations, the visit is hoped to strengthen journalists’ knowledge and understanding of EU policies and mechanisms and Brunei’s role in fostering dialogue and partnerships in the region. 

The five journalists are:

• Ms Ain Bandial (The Scoop)

• Ms Analisa Amu (The Bruneian)

• Ms Lim Kim Din (Radio Television Brunei)

• Mr Muhammad Zulkamal BinAwang Haji Kamis (Pelita Brunei)

• Mr Pg Arsul bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Momin (Information Department, Prime Minister's Office)

EUBPF