Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) officially launched National Financial Literacy Day (NFLD) 2026 on September 2, marking the start of a three-day event aimed at strengthening financial knowledge, encouraging positive financial habits and promoting greater financial well-being in Brunei Darussalam.
The launch ceremony was held at The Rizqun International Hotel, Gadong, and was officiated by Yang Berhormat Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Md Salleh, Minister of Education and Chairperson of the National Financial Literacy Council (NFLC), together with Yang Mulia Dayang Hajah Rashidah binti Haji Sabtu, Managing Director of BDCB.
Also in attendance were Yang Mulia Dato Seri Paduka Dr Awang Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal, Deputy Minister of Education, members of the NFLC, as well as senior officials and representatives from BDCB, government agencies, higher education institutions, financial institutions and strategic partners.
Image: BDCB
In her welcoming remarks, Yang Mulia Dayang Hajah Rashidah highlighted the importance of ensuring that greater access to financial services translates into improved financial well-being.
While more than 80 per cent of Brunei Darussalam’s population has access to formal financial services, she emphasised that financial inclusion must be complemented by strong financial literacy and responsible financial behaviours to support long-term financial well-being.
She also highlighted digital financial literacy as an increasingly important area of focus as the use of digital financial services continues to grow.
The National Financial Literacy Survey 2026 recorded a Digital Financial Literacy score of 43 per cent, underscoring the need to further strengthen individuals’ ability to confidently and safely navigate an increasingly digital financial landscape.
Image: BDCB
At the regional level, BDCB is also contributing to the development of the ASEAN Digital Financial Literacy Competency Framework to support stronger capabilities in digital financial literacy.
The launching ceremony also featured a keynote address by Dr Joanne Yoong, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Research for Impact, Singapore, titled “From Knowing to Doing: Behavioural Insights for Stronger Financial Well-Being and Resilience”.
The keynote examined the persistent gap between financial knowledge and actual behaviour, highlighting that understanding financial concepts does not always lead to better financial decisions.
Image: BDCB
Image: BDCB
It also explored challenges arising from behavioural biases, digital financial services and AI-driven fraud, highlighting the need for more effective policies, products and financial education.
NFLD 2026 will continue until September 4 through a series of financial education activities.
Members of the public are encouraged to visit the Financial Awareness Roadshow at the lobby of The Mall, Gadong, where they can learn more about managing their finances and explore a range of financial products and services.
Financial Talks will also be held for invited participants from government agencies, government-linked companies and higher education institutions.
Image: BDCB
The event is supported by the NFLC and delivered in collaboration with the Royal Brunei Police Force, Tabung Amanah Pekerja, Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB), Cyber Security Brunei, Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei (TAIB), National Digital Payments Network Sdn Bhd (ndpx), Financial Planning Association of Brunei Darussalam, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Berhad (BIBD), Baiduri Bank Sdn Bhd, Standard Chartered Bank, Syarikat Takaful Brunei Darussalam Sdn Bhd, AIA, Great Eastern, BIBD Securities Sdn Bhd, Baiduri Capital Sdn Bhd, and Standard Chartered Securities (B) Sdn Bhd.
The collaborative effort reflects a shared commitment to strengthening financial awareness and building a more financially resilient community.
National Financial Literacy Day is an annual financial literacy event led by BDCB and supported by the NFLC. Its objectives include enhancing the level of financial literacy in Brunei Darussalam, promoting smart money management, and increasing awareness of financial products and services available in the country.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
