16th Brunei Darussalam-Singapore Annual Exchange of Visits on the Environment Highlights Strengthened Bilateral Cooperation on Environmental Protection and Climate Change

The 16th Brunei Darussalam-Singapore Annual Exchange of Visits on the Environment (16th BSAEV) was held in Brunei Darussalam on October 24, 2023, reaffirming the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries and their commitment to environmental protection and addressing climate change. The meeting brought together the Brunei Darussalam delegation led by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid, Minister of Development, and the Singapore delegation led by Her Excellency Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment. The two ministers exchanged information on various environmental initiatives, including air quality management, solid waste management, and environmental youth programs.

Key Takeaways:

• The 16th BSAEV reaffirmed the strong bilateral relationship between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore, emphasizing their commitment to environmental protection and climate change mitigation.
• The two countries discussed progress in areas such as solid waste management, air quality management, water resources management, environmental youth programs, and climate change.
• Brunei Darussalam's initiatives in solid waste management include expanding surveillance camera systems, drafting the Waste Management Regulation, and promoting recycling through nationwide initiatives.
• Singapore introduced various initiatives to manage e-waste and packaging waste, including the implementation of a Disposable Carrier Bag Charge, a Beverage Container Return Scheme, and recycling programs under the Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme.
• The ministers welcomed the useful exchanges of information on air quality management and initiatives, including air quality monitoring and regulatory measures for industrial emissions.
• The ministers noted the updates on water resource management cooperation, including Brunei Darussalam's proposal for further collaboration to improve water treatment processes and enhance water supply reliability.
• The second ASEAN Youth Eco-Champions Awards and the fourth ASEAN Eco-Schools Awards were also recognized as efforts in youth environmental programs and activities.

Statistics:

• 16th BSAEV was held in Brunei Darussalam on October 24, 2023.
• 2022 Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Partnership in Environmental Affairs and Climate Change instituted the 16th BSAEV.
• Brunei Darussalam's surveillance camera systems expanded to two more districts, including Tutong and Belait Districts.
• July 2023 saw the implementation of the Disposable Carrier Bag Charge in Singapore.
• April 2025 marks the planned introduction of the Beverage Container Return Scheme in Singapore.
• Both sides shared experiences on integrating environmental considerations in the design and siting of new developments through a technical exchange.

Sources:

• Ministry of Development, Brunei Darussalam
• Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, Singapore
• Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, Government of Singapore (Oct. 24)