by YB Chiew Choon Man, Member of Parliament for Miri &
YB Lee Chean Chung, Member of Parliament for Petaling Jaya cum Chairman of Centre of Regional Strategic Studies (CROSS)
Just a week after the launch of Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), we organised a courtesy visit to Brunei’s Legislative Council, and were warmly received by several esteemed Bruneian legislators, notably YB Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, YB Dayang Chong Chin Yee, YB Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin, and YB Awang Haji Md. Salleh bin Haji Othman.
During our discussions, we proposed the vast potential that a Brunei–Sarawak Special Economic Zone (BS-SEZ) could bring, particularly by transforming the Kuala Baram (Miri)–Kuala Belait (Brunei) corridor— both of which popularly referred to as “KB”— into a vibrant center of industry, innovation, and sustainable development. The proposal drew inspiration from Malaysia and Singapore’s success with the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), highlighting how close bilateral ties, shared resources, and strategic planning can deliver transformative results for border regions.
From JS-SEZ to BS-SEZ
On January 7, 2025, Malaysia and Singapore formalized the JS-SEZ, spanning over 3,500 square kilometers. This landmark agreement aims to attract global investments, integrate cross-border industries, and create 20,000 new jobs within five years. Building on previous regional frameworks such as SIJORI (Singapore–Johor–Riau Growth Triangle) and Iskandar Malaysia, the JS-SEZ establishes a transformative level of ambition and unity between the two nations.
The JS-SEZ’s unprecedented scale and clear goals provide a guiding blueprint for Central Borneo. By studying its strategies—especially in balancing infrastructure upgrades with environmental safeguards—we see that only specialized economic zones can successfully attract international attention, develop homegrown SMEs, and uplift local communities. In the same vein, a BS-SEZ could foster tighter cooperation between Miri and Brunei, sparking growth that brings a direct positive impact on living standards, job markets, and the overall quality of life for the rakyat.
Bridging the “Double KB”
The proposed BS-SEZ would revolve around Kuala Baram in Miri and Kuala Belait in Brunei, which together form the “Double KB” area. Both locations hold extensive, underutilized land banks and strategic cross-border access. More importantly, Brunei has world-class infrastructure—deep-water ports, a modern international airport, and the proposed Trans-Borneo Railway—positioning the Double KB corridor to become a major transshipment and logistics gateway within ASEAN. Miri, for its part, is already recognized as the gateway to Northern Sarawak, boasting a population that surpassed 350,000 in 2022. This growing community, in tandem with Brunei’s approximately 440,000 inhabitants, forms a cross-border region primed for collaborative innovation.
Leveraging Different Comparative Advantages
Brunei’s GDP per capita, recorded at around USD 33,431, underscores its significant capital reserves and high-quality human resources, with an 80% labor participation rate among advanced-degree holders. These advantages make Brunei ideally suited for research-intensive, knowledge-driven sectors such as high-tech manufacturing, digital services, and specialized R&D.
Meanwhile, Miri offers cost-competitive land, an industrious labor force, and abundant renewable energy potential—assets that make Northern Sarawak ideal for large-scale development, including green industries and advanced manufacturing. Sarawak’s GDP per capita of USD 16,000 provides the ground for a new phase of industrial growth. By fusing these complementary strengths, the Double KB corridor can develop into a single economic ecosystem that promotes innovation and attracts top-tier global investors.
Reindustrializing Central Borneo
As global markets pivot toward ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, reindustrialization has become a priority for Malaysia and Brunei alike. A well-structured BS-SEZ in Central Borneo would facilitate a shift into high-growth, high-income industries, simultaneously spurring the creation of better-paying jobs for young people and providing new avenues for SMEs to scale their businesses. In doing so, we would also address the challenge of outmigration by offering a broader spectrum of local employment opportunities.
Earlier cross-border programs, the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) in this case, typically aimed at “complementing” one another without fully integrating policies, supply chains and single-window approving agencies. Today, genuine cohesion—where combining resources, alignign regulations, and strengthening shared markets— is essential. By adopting a unifying approach, Miri and Brunei can capitalize on large-scale opportunities more effectively, ensuring that economic gains are distributed widely across our communities on both sides of the border.
Pillars of Collaboration
First, allowing a 24-hour operation, and easing border controls at Sungai Tujoh checkpoint is a central pillar for this vision. A faster, more secure crossing system will not only facilitate the daily flow of commuters but also strengthen logistical routes for businesses. By modernizing immigration facilities, implementing digital technologies, and introducing dedicated commercial lanes, we can reduce bottlenecks and enhance regional competitiveness.
The second pillar involves the formal but regular dialogue between Members of Legislature, Government officials and stakeholders from Malaysia and Brunei that will anchor these initiatives at the highest policymaking levels. A structured governance mechanism for the BS-SEZ—like the one in Johor–Singapore—could then create a highly conducive environment for foreign direct investment (FDI) and ensure that regulations, tax incentives, and project approvals are well-coordinated.
Potential Impacts
BS-SEZ could unlock thousands of high-quality jobs for a broad swath of our population. Drawing parallels to the 20,000 new jobs anticipated under the JS-SEZ, the Double KB zone has every reason to match or exceed such figures, particularly if it integrates multiple industries—from green tech, advanced manufacturing to big data analytics and logistics services. The immediate beneficiaries include engineers, technical specialists, hospitality workers, and digital innovators, while secondary benefits—spanning local SMEs to ancillary service providers—would multiply the overall economic impact.
In education and workforce development, Brunei’s advanced-degree participation rate of over 80% can be harnessed through collaborative R&D programs with Sarawak’s universities. Linking expertise in engineering, environmental science, digital technology, and vocational training would help cultivate a robust talent pipeline for years to come.
Environmental stewardship is another cornerstone. Given our identity as the “Heart of Borneo,” safeguarding biodiversity and promoting ESG-compliant industries align with global climate priorities. With some of the region’s richest ecosystems on our doorstep, a transition toward renewable energy, low-carbon industries, and reforestation projects could establish the Double KB corridor as a leading example of sustainable economic development.
Finally, positioning the BS-SEZ for broader ASEAN integration is crucial in a rapidly evolving regional landscape. As Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara, rises in Kalimantan, Borneo has become a focal point for infrastructure corridors and cross-border supply chains. By aligning the BS-SEZ with such initiatives, Central Borneo can capture a share of pan-ASEAN growth, solidifying its place in future trade and investment flows.
A Collective Leap Forward
Our Bruneian counterparts have responded with optimism and openness, expressing keen interest in a broader collaboration for the mutual benefit of the region. They share our commitment to unity, acknowledging the familial and cultural bonds that link Brunei and Sarawak. With Brunei’s national level infrastructure serving as strategic anchors, the “Two KB Economic Zone” could fuel a region-wide boost in trade and logistics, offering mutual benefits that transcend historical boundaries.
After listening to JS-SEZ at the dance floor, the time is ripe to bring the BS-SEZ of Central Borneo to explore the immense potentials endowned at the border of two countries!
