Pusat Standard dan Akreditasi Brunei Darussalam (PSABD), under the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MOFE), and ASTM International have officially renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that took place on the 20th May 2025 at Dewan Theater, MOFE, marking a significant milestone in Brunei Darussalam’s journey towards fostering innovation, quality, and sustainability through enhanced national standards.
Signing for and on behalf of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was YM Dr. Hajah May Fa’ezah binti Haji Ahmad Ariffin, Permanent Secretary (Economy, Trade and Industry) of MOFE, as Chair of Majlis Standard dan Akreditasi Brunei Darussalam (MSABD). Meanwhile, signing for and on behalf of ASTM International was Mr. Elvin Chia, Director of Outreach, Asia. Also in attendance were YM Awang Mohammad Harris bin Brigadier General (R) Dato Paduka Haji Ibrahim, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Trade and Industry) of MOFE, as Deputy Chair of MSABD, members and representatives to the MSABD, representatives of the National Standard Committees, senior officials from MOFE and various government agencies as well as Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs).
The signing of this MOU marks the collaborative efforts between PSABD and ASTM International in advancing quality infrastructure and aligning Brunei’s national standards with international best practices.
The original MOU, first signed in 2010 with the Ministry of Development, focused on the construction industry. With PSABD now executing MSABD’s steer in strengthening its standardization ecosystem, the renewed agreement reflects an expanded scope to address the evolving needs of diverse sectors, among others, energy, manufacturing, and public safety. Among the benefits of renewing the MOU include access to ASTM’s standards, membership to ASTM’s technical committees and capacity building opportunities.
Presenting the welcoming remarks was YM Dk Hajah Nadiah Annasyitah Binti Pg DP Haji Abu Bakar, Acting Director of PSABD, MOFE. In her opening remarks, she emphasized the partnership as being a shared vision in advancing towards quality infrastructure in support of sustainable development, economic growth and public welfare. In fostering these qualities, the renewed MOU will enable Brunei to leverage ASTM International’s expertise in the development of standards, collaborate through its capacity building and technical exchange initiatives as well as further align the national objectives in ensuring health, safety and environmental protection are safeguarded. This MOU signifies the government’s commitment to progress towards innovation and sustainability to achieve excellence in quality infrastructure ecosystem. Moreover, Mr. Elvin Chia, Director of Outreach, Asia at ASTM International also expressed similar sentiments, emphasizing the shared vision of advancing inclusivity, public health and safety, excellence, and enhancing overall quality of life through standardization.
With this collaboration, Brunei Darussalam aims not only to enhance its national standards but also to strengthen its position as a competitive and resilient player in the global market. The renewed MOU is expected to drive progress, open up new trade opportunities, and support long-term sustainable development in line with Brunei Vision 2035.
Prepared by:
Pusat Standard dan Akreditasi Brunei Darussalam (PSABD)
Ministry of Finance and Economy
E-mail: psabd@mofe.gov.bn
Date: 22 Zulkaedah 1446 / 20 May 2025