Artificial Intelligence, AI has emerged as an important structural force influencing productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness. Within the financial sector, AI is increasing central to how risks are assessed, capital is being allocated, and value is generated, thus transforming risk management, fraud protection, credit assessment, and investment analytics, whilst enhancing operational efficiency across institutions. This was highlighted by the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism at the Economic and Investment Outlook 2026 on 2nd February morning at the Ministry of Finance and Economy. Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, who is also the Chairperson of Brunei Darussalam Central Bank, BDCB Board of Directors said that at the regional level, ASEAN member states, including Brunei Darussalam, has recognised the importance of responsible and inclusive A-I adoption. The ASEAN Responsible A-I Roadmap 2025 provides a strategic framework to guide the development and deployment of AI in a manner that supports innovation while safeguarding trusts, ethics and stability.

With the theme 'Progress Under Pressure - Opportunities Amid Global Strains,' the event aimed to share perspective on the economic and investment outlook for 2026 covering a market developments, risks and opportunities, encouraged participants to engage with discussions which enriched knowledge on relevant topics.