Happy birthday to the Sultan of Brunei

On July 15th, Brunei Darussalam’s capital of Bandar Seri Begawan commemorated the 62nd birthday of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the country’s beloved leader, with the year’s grandest celebrations. To provide detailed information on a host of special activities, the Information Department launched a website that also allowed the Sultan’s adoring subjects to pass on their best wishes.


Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah represents a dynasty that has ruled Brunei since the 15th century. He is one of the world’s longest reigning monarchs. Brunei is Southeast Asia’s third largest producer of natural gas and oil, and the Sultan has been key in restructuring the country’s economic and political system so foreign oil companies cannot exploit the country’s natural resources. His policies, which have increased the country’s revenues many times over, ensure that the public benefit directly. He is perceived as a visionary monarch, and he enjoys a close relationship with the Thai monarchy.


On the auspicious occasion of his 62nd birthday, WhO? would like extend its best wishes to Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.