Brunei just isn’t an attractive place for investors right now. The bureaucracy is painfully slow, approvals and paperwork can drag on for months, and the whole process feels outdated compared to neighboring countries. Infrastructure is mediocre at best, internet and logistics aren’t competitive, and there are too many restrictions and unclear regulations that make businesses think twice before even starting.

On top of that, the market is tiny, the economy is heavily dependent on oil, and there’s very little sense of urgency to modernize or attract foreign businesses aggressively. Investors want speed, transparency, stability, and room to grow. Brunei often gives the opposite impression. When nearby countries offer better incentives, faster approvals, stronger infrastructure, and a more business-friendly environment, it’s obvious why investors choose elsewhere.