Brunei Darussalam has taken a bold step toward revolutionizing regional mobility and border management by advocating for the strategic integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across ASEAN immigration services. Speaking at the 28th ASEAN Directors-General of Immigration Departments and Heads of Consular Affairs Divisions Meeting (DGICM), Minister of Home Affairs Datuk Seri Setia Ahmaddin Abdul Rahman emphasized AI’s transformative potential in enhancing efficiency, security, and cooperation.
Minister Ahmaddin outlined how AI can streamline visa applications, detect irregularities, bolster border surveillance, and enable data-driven decision-making. “AI holds great promise in transforming immigration services,” he stated, “but we must never lose sight of the human-centric values of empathy, fairness, and protection of rights.”
Strengthening ASEAN Collaboration
The DGICM meeting, hosted in Brunei, served as a vital platform for ASEAN member states to deepen cooperation on immigration and consular matters. Discussions included:
- A feasibility study on visa exemption for specific traveler categories
- Expansion of the ASEAN Immigration Training Centre
- Enhanced engagement with dialogue partners including China, Japan, Korea, and Australia
Minister Ahmaddin praised the growing collaboration with Plus Three countries and marked the 20th DGICM +Australia Consultation as a milestone in capacity building and knowledge exchange.
Navigating a Digitally Interconnected World
As ASEAN faces rapid digital transformation and emerging global threats, Brunei reaffirmed its commitment to evolving immigration management. The minister stressed the importance of practical, forward-looking solutions that balance mobility with security.
“Today’s challenges demand innovation, but also shared responsibility,” he said. “Together, we can build a resilient, inclusive, and intelligent immigration ecosystem for ASEAN.”
Brunei’s leadership in AI adoption aligns with its broader digital transformation agenda, including the upcoming Digital Brunei Transformation Plan and the Personal Data Protection Order 2025. These initiatives underscore the nation’s commitment to ethical, secure, and inclusive technological advancement.
