Tuesday, 8 July 2024 – The Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) marked the annual World Day for Safety and Health at Work with the official launch of the inaugural Workplace Safety and Health Conference (WSHCON) 2025, held at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas.

With this year’s theme being “Revolutionising Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalisation at Work”, WSHCON 2025 places an emphasis on how automation, data analytics, smart systems, and AI-driven workforce management can help transform workplace practices. While AI offers significant opportunities to enhance workplace safety through real-time hazard monitoring, predictive risk analysis, and tailored safety training, it also introduces several challenges, including data privacy concerns, ethical considerations, and workforce readiness issues. As Brunei Darussalam advances its digital transformation agenda, the WSHCON 2025 served as a timely platform for regulators, industry leaders, and technology providers to share insights and collaborate in building more innovative and safer workplaces.

The WSHCON 2025 also featured notable presentations by regional experts from leading institutions, including the Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Malaysia; Institute of Ergonomics and Hygiene (IEH), Singapore; AcuiZen Technologies, Singapore; the Sabah State Health Department, Malaysia; and Scorpion Tact Services Sdn Bhd, Malaysia.

Participants engaged in discussions on a wide range of topics throughout the conference programme, including the impact of AI on occupational roles and sustainable safety practices through digitalisation, occupational disease reporting, national safety performance updates, radiation control, and enforcement measures.

The Opening Ceremony was officiated by Yang Mulia Dayang Hajah Farida binti Dato Seri Paduka Haji Talib, Permanent Secretary (Energy), Prime Minister’s Office, and Member of SHENA’s Board of Directors, who attended as the Guest of Honour on behalf of Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (R) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II, and the Minister in charge of SHENA.

Yang Mulia Dayang Hajah Farida delivered the opening address on behalf of Yang Berhormat Pehin, in which he highlighted the transformative potential of AI and digitalisation in predictive analytics, wearable technologies, and AI-powered inspections. The address also emphasised the importance of ethical implementation, human oversight, and safeguarding mental well-being amidst rapid change. He reaffirmed Brunei Darussalam’s commitment to a robust regulatory framework, referencing the Workplace Safety and Health (Work at Heights) Regulations 2025 and updates to the Workplace Safety and Health Officers Regulations 2025. The address concluded with a call for a whole-of-nation approach towards building a resilient people-centred safety culture guided by the principles of Maqasid al-Syariah.

Following the opening speech, the Keynote Address entitled 'The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digitalisation in Occupational Safety and Health' was delivered by Professor Ts. Dr. Abdul Mutalib Leman, from the Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) and Board Member of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Malaysia, provided key perspectives that framed the discussions over the three-day conference.

Distinguished guests at the launching ceremony for WSHCON 2025 included Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Permanent Secretaries, Senior Officials, SHENA’s Board of Directors, Chief Executives and Managing Directors from Statutory Boards and private companies, representatives of diplomatic missions, and health, safety, and environment (HSE) professionals from across industries.

The WSHCON 2025 featured eight (8) panel sessions exploring Industry 4.0 technologies, contractor compliance, behavioural safety, occupational hygiene, inclusive safety strategies, and risk management. Over twenty (20) panel speakers from various sectors contributed during the conference, and thirty (30) exhibition booths were showcased by Government agencies and private industries.