Beneath Brunei’s tropical sun stands the Department of Energy. It plays a crucial role in the nation’s energy sector. The Department of Energy oversees Brunei’s energy industry. It is currently located within the Prime Minister’s Office in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Its story began in 2005. Then it was just the Energy Division under the Prime Minister’s Office. The Energy Department was established in May 2011. This happened with the restructuring of the Energy Division and the Petroleum Unit. In October 2015, it was renamed the Energy and Industry Department. This change followed oversight of the industry sector from another ministry.
In 2018, the Department of Energy was upgraded to a ministry. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah consented to this change on April 18. It then became the Ministry of Energy and Industry. On July 31 of the same year, it was restructured. It was then renamed the Ministry of Energy, Manpower and Industry. The final name change occurred on November 18, 2019. The non-energy industry portfolio went to the Ministry of Finance and Economy. The manpower portfolio became the responsibility of the Manpower and Employment Council.
Mohammad Azmi bin Mohd Hanifah leads the Department of Energy now. He is the incumbent Deputy Minister of Energy.
The Department of Energy has an annual budget. In 2019, it was B$178.3 million. This equals about US$131 million.
The department’s history involves several ministers. Yahya Bakar was the first. He served from 2005 to 2008. Mohammad Daud followed. His term lasted from 2008 to 2010. Yasmin Umar held the position from 2010 to 2018. Mat Suny was minister from 2018 to 2022.
Matsatejo Sokiaw was the first Deputy Minister of Energy. He served from 2018 to 2022 in the Ministry of Energy. He then served in the Department of Energy from May 2022 to October 2023. Azmi Hanifah took over on October 24, 2023.
Brunei’s energy sector is vital to its economy. For over 85 years, oil and gas reserves have fueled it. The Department of Energy provides information on the oil and gas industry. It offers publications and statistics. It also shares videos of events and activities.
The Department of Energy balances economic growth with sustainability. It also seeks international cooperation in energy policies. It maximizes economic benefits within the industry. The Department of Energy works to power a high quality of life for Brunei’s citizens.