Answer for Oral Question PT074

QUESTION

Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin

YANG BERHORMAT DR. AWANG HAJI MAHALI BIN HAJI MOMIN asks the MINISTER OF TRANSPORT AND INFOCOMMUNICATIONS to state what measures have been taken to ensure that graduates of Islamic higher learning institutions can be integrated into the development of a Shariah-compliant digital economy, particularly in the aspects of Shariah compliance, Islamic fintech and halal innovation under the MTIC Framework?

ANSWER

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pengangkutan dan Infokomunikasi

Thank you Yang Berhormat Dr. Awang Haji Mahali bin Haji Momin for the question regarding the integration of graduates of Islamic higher learning institutions into the development of a Shariah-compliant digital economy.

Under the Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 of Negara Brunei Darussalam, manpower and talent capability is one of the core strategies to make the country a Smart Nation through Digital Transformation. This approach includes Islamic higher learning institutions as a catalyst for the development of a Shariah-compliant and ethical digital economy. However, that core strategy is not limited to graduates of Islamic higher learning institutions. In fact, the masterplan looks more broadly at how we can utilise digital technology while at the same time still encompassing Shariah compliance.

The Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC), through the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry (AITI), has implemented several programmes focusing on the development of digital innovation, which can be utilised by students as well as youths, including students and graduates from higher learning institutions. Among the programmes currently available are as follows:

I. Startup673 National Hackathon, led by Brunei Innovation Lab (BIL) in collaboration with AITI, the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) and LiveWire. It is a collaborative effort that encourages youths and young entrepreneurs to form teams, identify industry challenges, and develop innovative solutions in various fields such as sustainability, health and education;

II. Tech Immersion, which is one of AITI’s initiatives that offers intensive technical training for five (5) continuous weeks to help local start-up companies build a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) based on real industry problems, with a focus on technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and data analytics; and

III. Brunei ICT Awards (BICTA), an annual competition jointly organised by MTIC, AITI and InfoCom Federation Brunei (IFB), aimed at stimulating creativity and innovation in the ICT sector among individuals, students, entrepreneurs and organisations.

Through these collaborations and programmes, I am pleased to share that one startup company wholly owned by graduates of Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), namely Maqra’ah Intelligent, has successfully produced an innovative Al-Quran learning platform that integrates Artificial Intelligence specifically to enhance Al-Quran learning and recitation. This product provides an accessible, interactive and intelligent environment for mastering the correct pronunciation of Arabic letters (Makhraj Huruf) and reading the Al-Quran accurately, tailored for users from various groups including students and scholars. The company was also a Merit recipient for the BICTA 2024 and APICTA 2024 Awards.

In addition, through the annually organised BICTA competition, the participants Sign Speak and Rubbish on Demand respectively from Sekolah Ugama Arab Menengah Perempuan Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, Katok and Ma’had Islam Brunei have successfully achieved placings at BICTA and subsequently represented the country at the regional-level competition, namely the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards, where both projects were awarded Merit. The number of entries from Islamic learning institutions in the BICTA competition has also shown an increase every year, reflecting their active involvement in contributing to the development of the digital economy as well as the great potential of talent in the fields of technology and innovation.

It is also shared that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Negara Brunei Darussalam accelerated the use of digital technology to maintain economic resilience and public service delivery, without compromising Shariah principles. For example:

I. eZakat – Digital Zakat Payment

Launched by Majlis Ugama Islam Brunei (MUIB) together with DST and BIBD, the eZakat platform enables Muslims to pay zakat fitrah online during the month of Ramadhan. Shariah compliance is assured as digital payment is valid according to Islamic law. Payment options include DST eZakat and BIBD QuickPay, making the process easier and safer during the outbreak.

II. Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) – Shariah-Compliant Digital Banking

BIBD introduced various digital financial products such as e-wallets, debit cards based on Wakalah and Ujrah, as well as online payment platforms. All products and services are screened by the Shariah Advisory Body (SAB) to ensure compliance with Shariah law.

III. Marriage Process During the Outbreak

The Majlis Akad Nikah was conducted with strict guidelines by the Syariah Court, whereby the event was held at the respective homes with a maximum attendance of only 10 people — the bride and groom, wali, witnesses, marriage solemniser and close family members. The marriage solemniser did not shake hands and only recited a short prayer, not the marriage sermon. This also took into account compliance with the Ministry of Health’s SOP.

Insya Allah, this Ministry will continue to examine and welcome any suggestions regarding the effectiveness of programmes and initiatives related to innovation development, including opening opportunities for graduates of Islamic higher learning institutions in relation to suitable halal innovation towards the development of the digital economy.