Joint Press Statement on the 18th Brunei Darussalam-Singapore Annual Exchange of Visits

The Eigtheenth Brunei Darussalam-Singapore Annual Exchange of Visits on the Environment (18th BSAEV), instituted under the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Partnership in Environmental Affairs and Climate Change, was held in Brunei Darussalam on 11th February 2026.

2 The Brunei Darussalam delegation was led by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid, Minister of Development, and comprised Dayang Dr. Nor Imtihan binti Haji Abdul Razak, Permanent Secretary, and senior officials from the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation and the Public Works Department, Ministry of Development, the Brunei Darussalam Climate Change Office (BCCO), Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Health, Brunei Darussalam and the Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam.

3 Her Excellency Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, led the Singapore delegation comprising Mr Melvyn Ong, Permanent Secretary, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, the National Environment Agency and PUB (Singapore’s National Water Agency).

4 During the meeting, the Ministers reaffirmed the strong bilateral relationship between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore and reiterated their commitment to foster continual progress and deepen cooperation on environmental protection and addressing climate change.

5 The Ministers acknowledged the steady progress of ongoing joint projects and programmes between the two countries in key areas such as solid waste management, air quality management, water resources management, environmental youth initiatives, and climate change. Brunei Darussalam highlighted its latest efforts in solid waste management, including the Eco-Food Waste Initiative, updates on Waste-to-Energy (WtE) developments, and enhanced enforcement under Operation Langis, while Singapore shared its approach to the import of recyclables as feedstock. The Ministers also took note of advancements in air quality management, including Brunei’s updates on ambient air monitoring networks, the use of low-cost air sensors, and its participation in the CASA Project. Both countries discussed the importance of a circular economy and welcomed further opportunities to explore regional cooperation in this area.

6 The Ministers noted the progress in water resources management cooperation, including Brunei’s ongoing collaboration with Singapore since 2024 and recent online discussions between the two countries. Singapore shared its latest efforts in water resources management, including the expansion of Changi Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) and ongoing works on the Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS Phase 2). The Ministers also acknowledged Brunei’s efforts in youth environmental programmes and activities since 2024, including environmental health awareness initiatives led by the Ministry of Health and youth-focused environmental programmes under the Ministry of Education.

7 The Ministers noted the updates on climate change, including Brunei’s climate change policies, progress on the establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change, ongoing discussions on its establishment agreement, and Brunei’s adaptation initiatives such as vector control, addressing the urban heat island effect, and efforts in technology consideration and selection. Singapore highlighted its GreenGov.SG efforts, in which the public sector strives to attain ambitious sustainability targets in carbon abatement and resource efficiency, and be a positive influence and enabler of green efforts.

8 The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to working with other ASEAN Member States to strengthen cooperation in environmental protection, including through initiatives such as Brunei Darussalam’s hosting of the 26th Meetings of the Technical Working Group (TWG) on Transboundary Haze Pollution and Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee (MSC) on Transboundary Haze Pollution in July 2025. The Ministers also noted the continued collaboration on oil spill management.

9 The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to enhance cooperation and foster an even closer friendship and partnership between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore.

10 Singapore will host the 19th BSAEV.