AOSWADA 2025

Since the enforcement of the Persons with Disabilities Order on October 1, 2021, 5,443 individuals have registered into the Register of Persons with Disabilities. Meanwhile, 7,615 people are receiving disability allowances, of whom 1,195 receive both the Old Age Pension and the Disability Allowance. In addition, 3,164 caregivers to persons with disabilities (PWD) receive Care Provider Allowances.

The number of individuals registered into the Register of Persons with Disabilities in the country was mentioned by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Nazmi bin Haji Awang Mohamad in a message for International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

“Alhamdulillah, Brunei Darussalam, through a whole-of-nation approach, remains actively committed to protecting and upholding the rights of persons with different abilities,” said the minister.

He outlined, “Among this year’s initiatives and achievements are the establishment of a task force for PWD’s Vehicle Sticker to review the enforcement procedures for the use of PWD parking spaces as well as the issuance of a new series of banknotes, which will be distributed starting 2026 featuring the DOMINO™ tactile feature of raised dots to help visually impaired individuals in identifying denominations.”

The minister shared, “In the field of education, as of September, 3,180 special-needs students are registered in government institutions, from preschool to secondary school. The Ministry of Education has also expanded participation opportunities of PWD students through various annual activities.

“Special Religious Education also recorded significant progress through the alignment of curriculum and provision of adaptive learning materials including modules on worship practices, jawi literacy and braille. A total of 64 PWD students passed the Religious Primary School Certificate Examination (SSSRU) in 2024, along with their active involvement in religious co-curricular activities.

“Teacher professionalism was also strengthened through pedagogical training, educational psychology, and collaborative learning-therapy, supported by the provision of 44 learning support rooms in religious schools.

“The number of students increased from 804 in 2024 to 918 in 2025, guided by 92 teachers in 2025. The achievements of PWD athletes continue to bring pride to the nation.

At the 2nd South East Asian (SEA) Deaf Games 2025 in Jakarta, the nation’s hearing-impaired athletes won three bronze medals. Meanwhile, at the Para Swimming Circuit in Kuala Lumpur this year, para swimmer Mohd Danial Hakim bin Harjimmey won five gold medals and one silver medal, while also breaking several national records.”

The SafeLink project was also introduced on August 18, a collaboration by Together 4 Autism (T4A), under the 36th Executive Development Programme for Middle Management Officers (EDPMMO-36), with support from private agencies.

He emphasised, “The safety bracelet for children with autism is equipped with a QR code containing emergency contact information as a proactive measure to ensure their safety and well-being.

“This year the Council for the Welfare of Persons with Different Abilities (MKOKU) received the ASEAN Outstanding Social Welfare and Development Award (AOSWADA) in the Non-Government Organisations (NGO) category.

“Meanwhile, An-Nur Harapan received the award in the private-sector category. The awards were presented during the 12th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Social Welfare and Development in August.”

He recalled, “The First National Conference for Persons with Different Abilities was also held this year by MKOKU, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the Brunei Youth Council, involving more than 300 policymakers, non-governmental organisations and international experts including from the ASEAN Disability Forum. The dialogue from this conference has formed the basis for the development of the National Action Plan for Persons with Different Abilities 2025-2029.”

“Brunei Darussalam and the United Nations member states celebrate the 32nd International Day of Persons with Disabilities themed ‘Fostering Disability Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress’,” the minister added.

“The theme aligns with the National Action Plan on People with Different Abilities under the National Council on Social Issues, which emphasises building an inclusive environment and ecosystem for persons with different abilities such as accessible infrastructure, differently abled-friendly facilities and communication, anti-discrimination practices in public spaces, as well as the development and enhancement of policies that incorporate the voices of PWD.” – James Kon

Source: Borneo Bulletin