Munawarrah Hall, Setia Point, Berakas
4-6 August 2026 | 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Register for DFCE 2026
Choose the payment option that applies to you.
Option 1
Pay online via Pocket
Complete your registration and payment directly through Pocket.
Option 2
Pay by bank transfer
Contact us first to receive payment instructions, invoice and a unique coupon code to complete your registration through Pocket.
Option 3
Government Payment via TAFIS
Government ministries and departments may contact us to request a quotation, supporting documents and a unique coupon code for registration through Pocket.
For bank transfers or TAFIS enquiries, please contact us at:
info@conferasiapac.com
We will respond with the relevant documents and payment details.
All registrations must be completed through Pocket to receive your official event ticket.
Under the theme “Together towards a Digital Brunei: Innovate, Empower, Transform”, DFCE 2026 will bring together government leaders, regulators, industry representatives, academia, technology providers and other key stakeholders.
Now in its fourth edition, the Digital Future Conference and Exhibition (DFCE) has evolved into Brunei Darussalam's leading platform for advancing national dialogue on digital transformation, bringing together government leaders, regulators, industry, academia, technology providers, and wider stakeholders to shape the future of the nation's digital development.
Organised by the Authority for Infocommunications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI), DFCE 2026 builds on the strong foundations established by previous editions and reflects AITI's continued commitment to fostering a trusted, inclusive, and innovation-driven digital environment. As digital technologies become increasingly integral to economic growth, public service delivery, and societal development, DFCE serves as a platform to connect policy, industry expertise, and practical implementation.
The conference will focus on translating digital ambitions into measurable outcomes by exploring opportunities, challenges, and practical approaches across key areas of national importance. Through keynote addresses, presentations, panel discussions, and networking engagements, participants will gain insights into emerging trends, share best practices, and identify opportunities for collaboration that support Brunei Darussalam's digital transformation journey.
Through keynote presentations, expert panels, industry case studies, and networking engagements, DFCE 2026 aims to facilitate meaningful dialogue, showcase practical solutions, and inspire collaborative action that supports Brunei Darussalam's vision of a digitally empowered and future-ready nation.
Key Areas
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Artificial Intelligence | Emerging Technologies | Personal Data Protection | Online Safety | Digital Content | Future-ready Digital Skills |
Speakers
Lim May-Ann
Director, Access Partnership Institute and Emeritus Director of the Asia Cloud Computing Association
Karyabudi bin Mohamed Aris
Les' Copaque Production
Kei Hayashi
Founder and CEO, LocalHost
Melvyn Tan
Co-founder and AI Architect, Befinity AI
Martin Kent CMG
His Majesty's Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, UK
Souliyo Vongdala
Co-founder and CEO, LOCA
Woo Chang Huei
Vice President of Innovations, Unified National Networks (UNN)
Abby Tan
General Manager, EVYD Technology
Joni Wong Angkasa
Regional Head of Growth Solutions (PES) AI BDC, SAP Asia Pacific
Lee Sea Lin
Senior Vice President, Solutions & Services, TOPPAN Ecquaria Pte Ltd
Syafiq Bakar
Author ‘Raising Futures: Reflections on Childhood in a World That Moves Too Fast’ and Strategic Management Unit, Department of Educators Management, Ministry of Education
Arifah Sharifuddin
Institute Director, Tech For Good Institute
Shenny Tang
Head of Growth, Innova8 Labs
Jasmine Wong
Senior Manager, Legal and Enforcement, AITI
Farah Zainal
Senior Manager, Data Protection Office, AITI
Nor Azarina Hj Moksin
Training Officer, Civil Service Institute
Aimi Ramlee
Co-founder and Director of Digital Innovation & Growth, Tyne Solutions
Rahimin Abdul Amin
Founder, Brunei4AI
Noorhafizah (Fisha) Rashid
Founder, Big BWN
Haji Zadil Hayat bin Haji Kassim
Chemistry Teacher, Sultan Sharif Ali Secondary School; and, Creator of ChemBuddy Supreme+
Perry Ning Peiyan
Head of Technology, EVYD Technology
Andy Lai
VP International Business, Datastream Digital
Brandon Chin
Legal Associate, Yusof Halim & Partners
Agenda
Future-ready Digital Technology Conference - Day 1
|
08:00 |
Registration |
|
08:55 |
Safety briefing and recital of doa |
|
09:00 |
Welcome Remarks By Haji Jailani bin Haji Buntar, Chief Executive, Authority for Infocommunications Technology Brunei Darussalam |
|
09:10 |
Keynote Address by Guest of Honour Digital Transformation in Brunei: Turning Policy into Impact By Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Mohammed Riza Dato Paduka Haji Mohammed Yunos, Minister of Transport and Infocommunications |
|
09:30 |
Presentation AI at Scale: Turning National Ambition into Real-World Impact For effective digital transformation, national AI strategies must translate ambition into practical applications that deliver measurable value across government services, businesses, and society. By Lim May-Ann, Director of Access Partnership Institute, Emeritus Director of the Asia Cloud Computing Association |
|
09:45 |
PRESENTATION The Story of Upin and Ipin From Local Stories to Global Success: Building Digital Content that Travels Local creativity can become a source of economic opportunity when supported by strong intellectual property, technology, commercial capability and access to international audiences. The story of Upin & Ipin demonstrates how a home-grown idea can develop into an internationally recognised brand and sustainable digital content business. By Mr. Karyabudi bin Mohamed Aris, Sales and Marketing Director, Les' Copaque Production |
|
10:00 |
Presentation Building the Next Generation of Digital Innovators The world’s most successful digital ecosystems invest not only in technology, but also in people, ideas and communities that turn innovation into real-world impact. How can we help young people pursue their dreams beyond borders? By Kei Hayashi, Founder and CEO, LocalHost |
|
10:15 |
Panel Discussion From Digital Ambition to Digital Adoption: Perspectives As Brunei moves from building digital foundations to accelerating adoption, this discussion brings together experts from across the digital ecosystem to share perspectives on how technology, innovation and collaboration are helping organisations and communities embrace digital solutions. Panel discussion with:
Moderated by Allen Lai, Managing Director, Confer Sdn Bhd |
|
10:45 |
Networking Break |
|
11:15 |
Presentation Enabling Innovation: How AI Governance Can Help Digital Businesses Grow LOCA’s evolution from a ride-hailing platform into one of Laos’ leading digital super apps demonstrates how businesses can innovate and scale in the right environment. Drawing on this experience, the presentation will explore how AI governance, enabling regulation and public-private collaboration can support digital innovation while maintaining public trust. By Souliyo Vongdala, Co-founder and CEO, LOCA |
|
11:35 |
Presentation Modern Policies, Trusted Standards and International Cooperation: The UK Perspective Digital innovation and cross-border trade depend on policies and standards that organisations can understand and apply with confidence. The UK experience demonstrates how modern regulation, trusted frameworks and international cooperation can support innovation while strengthening business confidence and responsible technology use. By Martin Kent CMG, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, UK |
|
11:45 |
Panel Discussion Getting AI Governance Right: Building Trust, Enabling Innovation and Supporting Digital Trade AI governance must protect society without creating unnecessary barriers to adoption, innovation or trade. Clear rules, internationally compatible standards and proportionate oversight can reduce uncertainty and help organisations deploy AI confidently across markets. How can governments align AI governance, international standards and digital trade rules while protecting national and societal interests? What regulatory clarity and cross-border consistency do businesses need to adopt and scale AI responsibly? Panel discussion with:
Moderated by Reuben Chin, Acting Head of Programme Management, Brunei Economic Development Board |
|
12:15 |
End of Morning Session |
|
14:00 |
Presentation Beyond Chatbots: Unlocking Business Value with Agentic AI Many organisations have adopted generative AI to support individual tasks, but the next wave of innovation lies in agentic AI that can plan, make decisions and execute work across connected systems. Discover how organisations can move beyond experimentation to deploy AI that delivers measurable improvements in productivity, efficiency and decision-making. By Melvyn Tan, Co-Founder and AI Architect, Befinity AI |
|
14:20 |
Presentation Reimagining the Citizen Healthcare Experience: Lessons for AI-Enabled Public Sector Transformation For effective digital transformation, real-world AI applications in healthcare offer practical lessons on how data-driven technologies can be applied to improve efficiency, decision-making, and service delivery across sectors. By Pg Dr Hj Md Khairol Asmiee Pg Hj Sabtu, Chief Transformation Officer, Department of Policy and Planning, Ministry of Health |
|
14:35 |
PRESENTATION Building the AI Backbone: Data, Platforms and Infrastructure Scalable AI requires more than powerful models. Trusted data, modern application platforms and secure infrastructure are essential to deploying AI reliably across organisations. By Perry Ning Peiyan, Head of Technology, EVYD Technology |
|
14:50 |
Panel Discussion From Innovation to Application: Making AI Deliver Real Value AI creates value when it is connected to a genuine organisational need and integrated into the way people work. Moving from experimentation to sustained application requires the right use cases, data, infrastructure, capabilities and leadership. Where can AI deliver tangible value in public services and business operations today? What capabilities, partnerships and governance approaches are needed to scale successful AI applications responsibly? Panel discussion with:
Moderated by Aimi Ramlee, Co-founder and Director of Digital Innovation & Growth, Tyne Solutions |
|
15:20 |
Presentation Emerging Technologies Beyond Connectivity: Unlocking Real-World Use Strong connectivity creates the foundation for innovation, but value emerges only when technology addresses practical organisational and societal needs. Real-world applications will illustrate how emerging technologies can improve operations, experiences and service delivery. By Lee Sea Lin, Senior Vice President, Solutions & Services, TOPPAN Ecquaria Pte Ltd. |
|
15:40 |
Presentation From Foundation Models to AI Teammates: How Alibaba Cloud Is Powering AI-First Enterprise How enterprises go from experimenting with AI to embedding it into daily operations — using Alibaba Cloud's AI tools to achieve AI-powered business productivity and AI Native Enterprise. The session walks through real-world use cases and success stories across the region, and outlines a practical path from first proof-of-concept to production-scale deployment. By Lim Hong Cho, Regional Solution Architect, Alibaba |
|
16:00 |
Presentation Building Smarter Cities: Turning Digital Technologies into Better Urban Living Smart cities are built on more than connected infrastructure. They integrate data, AI and digital technologies to improve public services, strengthen resilience, optimise operations and enhance the quality of life for citizens. Discover how cities around the world are creating more sustainable, efficient and people-centred urban environments. By Manminder Takhar, Global Chief Technology Officer, Global Digital Cities, Dell Technologies |
|
16:20 |
Panel Discussion From Infrastructure to Adoption: Making Emerging Technologies Useful Technology creates value only when people and organisations choose to use it. Accelerating adoption requires relevant use cases, capable teams, organisational readiness and a clear understanding of the outcomes technology is intended to deliver. Why do emerging technologies remain underused even where strong digital infrastructure is available? What practical use cases, skills and incentives would encourage organisations to integrate these technologies into everyday operations? Panel discussion with:
Moderated by Johan bin Dato Dr Hj Johar, Chief Revenue Officer, Progresif |
|
17:00 |
End of Day 1 of DFCE 2026 |
Future-ready Digital Technology Conference - Day 2
|
08:00 |
Registration |
|
09:00 |
Presentation Designing Safer Digital Participation Through Technology, Policy and Practice Platform design and policy frameworks must work together to protect users, especially young people, while supporting digital participation. By Syafiq Bakar, Author ‘Raising Futures: Reflections on Childhood in a World That Moves Too Fast’ and Strategic Management Unit, Department of Educators Management, Ministry of Education |
|
09:15 |
Presentation Online Safety and Children’s Development Digital technologies can support learning, creativity and connection, but excessive or inappropriate use may affect children’s physical, social and cognitive development. Evidence from child development practice will help parents, educators and policymakers make more informed decisions about children’s digital experiences. By Dr Foong Sue Wen, Consultant Paediatrician, Child Development Centre, Ministry of Health |
|
09:30 |
Presentation Supporting Young People’s Mental Health in a Digital World Young people are growing up in an environment shaped by constant connectivity, social media and increasing exposure to online risks. From cyberbullying, harmful content and social comparison to grooming and online exploitation, digital experiences can have a profound impact on mental health and wellbeing. This presentation will explore how families, educators, healthcare professionals and digital platforms can work together to better protect and support young people. By Dr Shaheen Zinna binti Dato Paduka Dr Hj Shaukat Zinna, Associate Specialist, Department of Psychiatry, and Lead of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Ministry of Health. |
|
09:45 |
Panel Discussion Safer Digital Participation: Protecting People Across Every Stage of Life As digital participation expands, safety measures must protect the full spectrum of society. Children and young people may face risks such as harmful content, cyberbullying and grooming, while Warga Emas can be especially vulnerable to scams, misinformation and online exploitation. The challenge is to reduce harm while ensuring that everyone can benefit from education, communication, creativity and access to digital services. How can online safety measures respond to the different risks faced by children, young people, adults and Warga Emas without discouraging participation or creating unnecessary barriers? What responsibilities should platforms, regulators, schools, families, communities and users share in creating a safer and more inclusive digital environment? Panel discussion with:
Moderated by Khairunnisa binti Haji Ash'ari, Director, Green Brunei |
|
10:15 |
Networking Break |
|
10:45 |
Presentation From Compliance to Confidence: Enabling Responsible Data Use with the Personal Data Protection Order, 2025. Strong data protection frameworks should give organisations confidence to use data responsibly rather than discourage innovation. Regional experiences will highlight how clear obligations, practical guidance and trusted cross-border arrangements can support both data protection and digital growth. By Gaurav Shrotriya, General Manager, Comquest Brunei |
|
11:05 |
Presentation Privacy-Enhancing Technologies: Enabling Secure Data-Driven Innovation Privacy-enhancing technologies can help organisations analyse and share data while reducing exposure of sensitive information. Current applications will demonstrate how technical safeguards can expand responsible data use without compromising individual rights. By Shenny Tang, Head of Growth, Innov8 Labs |
|
11:25 |
Panel Discussion Trust as an Enabler: How Strong Data Protection Drives Innovation Data protection and innovation are mutually reinforcing when organisations understand their responsibilities and individuals trust how their information is used. Effective frameworks can unlock data-driven opportunities while supporting responsible growth and wider adoption of digital services. How can strong data protection frameworks actively support innovation rather than slow it down? What practical guidance helps organisations turn trust into data-driven value? Panel Discussion with:
Moderated by Hafimi Abdul Haadii, Executive Director, LYK Group of Companies; Honorary Consul of New Zealand and former ABAC Member for Brunei |
|
12:00 |
End of Morning Session |
|
14:00 |
Presentation Who Governs the Digital Economy? Law, Technology and the New Architecture of Governance From the printing press to the internet and digital platforms, every technological revolution has reshaped economies, redistributed power and challenged existing laws. Today’s discussions examine important dimensions of this transformation, including online harms, data protection, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Building on these conversations, this session considers how these intersect within the wider digital economy and asks a broader question: as the digital economy evolves, are traditional legal frameworks still fit for purpose, or do we need a new architecture of governance? By Jasmine Wong, Senior Manager, Legal and Enforcement, AITI |
|
14:15 |
Presentation From Screen to Courtroom: Digital Accountability in Practice As organisations increasingly rely on digital technologies to deliver products and services, legal disputes arising from online activities are becoming more frequent and complex. Drawing on real-world cases involving online harms, scams, defamation and data misuse, this session examines how the law approaches questions of liability and accountability. It highlights the practical lessons these cases offer businesses on managing legal risk, strengthening governance and building trust in an increasingly digital economy. By Brandon Chin, Legal Associate, Yusof Halim & Partners |
|
14:30 |
Panel Discussion Building a Trusted Digital Economy Together Trust is the foundation of every digital economy. Whether delivering digital banking, telecommunications, payment services or technology solutions, every organisation plays a role in building and maintaining public confidence in the digital services they provide. Bringing together perspectives from industry and practice, this panel explores a common question: What can organisations learn from real-world digital harms, and how can they avoid the common pitfalls? Panel discussion with:
Moderated by Jasmine Wong, Senior Manager, Legal and Enforcement, AITI |
|
15:10 |
Presentation Building a Game Development Ecosystem: Turning Creativity into a Digital Industry Successful game industries are built on more than creative talent. They require skills, technology, investment, intellectual property, publishers and market access to help studios create globally competitive products. Storytale’s journey illustrates how governments, industry and the wider ecosystem can work together to nurture game development as a driver of innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth. By Arya Kemaswara Hamdani, Co-Founder, Storytale |
|
15:30 |
Panel Discussion Building Sustainable Digital Content Industries: Connecting Creators, Platforms and Markets Digital content creates economic opportunity when creators can develop commercially viable ideas, protect their intellectual property, reach audiences and generate sustainable income. Building this ecosystem requires closer alignment among talent, platforms, investors, industry and policymakers. How can digital platforms and industry partners help creators build long-term, sustainable businesses? What skills, policies, investment and partnerships are needed to grow competitive digital content industries in Brunei and the wider region? Panel Discussion with
Moderated by Debbie Too, General Manager, Corporate and GLC Sales, imagine Sdn Bhd |
|
16:15 |
Networking Session |
|
17:00 |
End of Day 2 of DFCE 2026 |
Future-ready Digital Skills Conference
|
08:00 |
Registration Safety Briefing & Recital of Doa |
| 08:45 |
OPENING REMARKS By Yang Mulia Julianah binti Ali Ahmad, Deputy Chief Executive, Development, Authority for Infocommunications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) |
| 08:50 |
KEYNOTE ADDRESS Building Digital Capability for Wawasan Brunei 2035 by Yang Mulia Dayang Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari, Permanent Secretary (Wawasan) Prime Minister’s Office |
|
09:05 |
Presentation AI Readiness: Building the Bridge from Higher Education to Work How institutions and employers can reduce friction and deliver AI-ready graduates showcasing data from the Pearson Report on AI Readiness. By Heather Gilmore, Director Corporate Affairs, Pearson Asia Pacific |
|
09:35 |
Presentation The Experience Dividend: Promoting Mid-Career Resilience in SEA’s AI Economy Southeast Asia’s mid-career workforce is increasingly vulnerable as artificial intelligence transforms the nature of work. Workers aged 35–54, who make up a significant share of the labour force, face growing uncertainty as automation and AI-driven systems reshape roles traditionally reliant on experience. Discover how organisations and policymakers can help mid-career professionals build new skills, adapt to changing roles and turn experience into a lasting competitive advantage. By Arifah Sharifuddin, Institute Director, Tech For Good Institute |
|
09:50 |
Presentation Government Role in Shaping the Digital Industry and Workforce Building a competitive digital economy requires workforce planning that keeps pace with technological change and industry demand. The presentation will explore how the government can work with education providers and employers to develop future-ready talent, strengthen the digital workforce and support the growth of emerging industries. By Nadiah Ghani, Special Duties Officer I, Manpower Planning Office, Prime Minister’s Office |
|
10:00 |
Panel Discussion From Policy to Delivery: Building Digital Capability Across Government Delivering Digital Brunei 2030 requires more than policy and technology. Government must also build the leadership, skills and institutional capability needed to turn digital ambition into better public services. Education and continuous learning will play a critical role in preparing both future and current public servants for a rapidly evolving digital landscape. How can governments build digital capability across the wider public service, not just within technology teams? How can education and professional development better prepare current and future public servants for digital government? |
|
10:30 |
Networking Break |
|
11:00 |
Presentation Aligning Education with Industry Digital Needs By Sumardi bin Haji Abdul Hamid, Assistant Director, Office of the Permanent Secretary (Higher Education), Ministry of Education |
|
11:15 |
Presentation Preparing Future-Ready Students: Teaching Digital Skills for Real-World Use Future-ready students need more than technical knowledge. Education must develop applied digital skills, adaptability, critical thinking and the confidence to use technology in practical settings that reflect how people will work and create value. By Dr. Haji Sharul Tazrajiman bin Haji Tajuddin, Dean, School of Computing and Informatics, Universiti Teknologi Brunei |
|
11:30 |
Presentation UBD Digital Transformation Blueprint 2030: Building a Digital University UBD’s Digital Transformation Blueprint 2030 demonstrates how digital technologies and AI can strengthen education, research, administration and governance. Aligned with Wawasan Brunei 2035 and Digital Brunei 2030, it showcases how data-driven decision-making, seamless digital services and responsible innovation are reshaping higher education. By Hjh. Maudena Hj. Abd Hamid, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Universiti Brunei Darussalam |
|
11:45 |
Panel Discussion From Learning to Capability: Preparing Students for Real-World Digital Work Achieving Wawasan Brunei 2035 will require educated, highly skilled and accomplished people who can apply knowledge in practical settings. Stronger collaboration between education providers and industry can help learning translate into employability, innovation and national capability. Which digital and human skills will students need most as technology reshapes work? How can education providers and employers collaborate more effectively to give students practical exposure and clearer pathways into digital careers? Panel Discussion with:
Moderated by Dr Sophiana Chua Abdullah, Founder and Consultant of AVisionADay Training Company |
|
12:15 |
Lunch Break |
|
14:00 |
Presentation Working with Digital Tools and AI in Everyday Roles Digital capability is no longer required only in technology positions. Employees across finance, administration, operations, communications and management increasingly need the confidence to use digital tools and AI as part of their everyday responsibilities. By Hjh Zainab M.A. Omar, President, Human Resources Society Brunei |
|
14:15 |
Presentation Building Digital Competencies for a Future-Ready Nation Digital transformation requires more than technical skills. Individuals need the competencies to adapt, collaborate, think critically and apply digital tools confidently in their everyday work. The presentation will explore how developing these competencies can strengthen workforce readiness and support the ambitions of Digital Brunei 2030. Farihah Said, Senior Manager, Digital Capacity Development, Authority for Infocommunications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam |
|
14:30 |
Presentation Building AI-Ready Organisations: Developing the Skills for an AI-First Future Becoming an AI-first organisation requires more than adopting new technologies. It depends on developing the skills, mindsets and organisational capabilities needed to embed AI into everyday work. Drawing on regional case studies, discover how enterprises are equipping their workforce, redesigning workflows and using AI to improve productivity at scale. By Lim Hong Cho, Regional Solution Architect, Alibaba Cloud |
|
14:45 |
Panel Discussion Redesigning Work for a Digital Future Digital transformation is about more than introducing new tools. Organisations must rethink roles, workflows, leadership and skills so that technology improves productivity, empowers people and creates lasting value. How are AI and digital technologies reshaping jobs, skills and the way organisations operate? Beyond investing in technology, what practical steps should organisations take to redesign work, develop talent and build a future-ready workforce? Panel discussion with:
|
|
15:00 |
Presentation Human-Centred AI: Designing Digital Services People Trust and Use As AI becomes part of everyday digital experiences, successful services must be designed around people’s needs, not just technology. By Rahimin Abdul Amin, Founder, Brunei4AI |
|
15:15 |
Panel Discussion A Digital Nation Succeeds Only When Everyone Can Participate Digital inclusion is not achieved through connectivity alone. People also need confidence, relevant skills, accessible services and assurance that digital participation is safe and worthwhile. What prevents different groups in society from adopting and benefiting from digital services? How can government, businesses, educators and communities make digital participation more inclusive, useful and trusted? Panel discussion with:
Moderated by Allen Lai, Managing Director, Confer Sdn Bhd |
|
16:20 |
Closing Remarks |
|
16:30 |
Networking |
|
17:00 |
End of Day 3 of DFCE 2026 |
Agenda is tentative and subject to change.