INTRODUCTION

All aspects of our lives have been significantly impacted by the ongoing digital revolution and advancement of modern technology. Such advancement has inevitably led towards the process of digitalization. Digitalization came to be crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic when many countries were forced to digitize to ensure the safety and well-being of their citizens. Brunei was one such country that had to undergo forced digitalization after an exponential rise of COVID-19 cases within a span of a few weeks after reporting its first case on 9 March 2020. Hence, it is critically important that the notion of “digital society” is intended to enable and provide a sustainable framework towards achieving the efficiency and effectiveness of the country’s health system.

The Bruneian society is a high-degree digitalization adopter, as attested by the high internet and social media participation via smartphones by the people. Hence, this gives an indication that the people are ready to embark on a digital transformation. The AITI Business Report (2019) stated that 90 per cent of businesses in Brunei have access to the internet through social media utilization in tapping the digital market and engaging with their customers, and 58 per cent are aware of the advantages of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) integration into their businesses. However, businesses’ digitalization through e-commerce is still low. Only 16 per cent of businesses have online sales activity, and much of these activities are attributable to their engagement with overseas traders or partners. Brunei’s slow development in entrepreneurial activity is primarily due to its heavy dependency on the oil and gas industry which has been a long-standing problem since its first national development plan. Nevertheless, the fall of oil prices has made the country take precautionary or protective measures (Basir 2017).

In 2007, public recommendations of Brunei’s expectations were published, which henceforth allowed the Bruneian society to envision a future that can fulfil long-term hopes and expectations (GOV.BN, n.d.). That vision was called “Wawasan Brunei 2035” or the National Vision 2035 as consented by His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei.