Empowering Communities, Building a Better Brunei
About us
Big BWN Project (pronounced: Big Begawan) was founded in May 2015 with a mission to create meaningful economic opportunities by empowering youth, entrepreneurs, women, and local communities. Rooted in the vision of Wawasan 2035, Big BWN has become a driving force in Brunei’s ecosystem of social entrepreneurship, innovation, and grassroots capacity building.
Over the years, Big BWN Project has led more than 250 impactful initiatives at both national and regional levels; ranging from environmental campaigns and youth development programs to small business support and women’s economic empowerment. These initiatives have not only contributed to stronger community engagement but have also provided real, tangible outcomes for underserved and rural groups across Brunei.
Our Mission
To transform lives and communities by equipping youth, women, and underserved groups with the skills, platforms, and support systems they need to thrive. Through entrepreneurship, environmental action, digital literacy, and capacity-building, we aim to reduce unemployment, increase self-sufficiency, and foster a more equitable and empowered Brunei.
Our Vision
A Brunei where every individual has the opportunity to thrive — where youth lead with purpose, women shape economies, communities innovate boldly, and sustainability is second nature.
Projects
Big BWN operates on a project-based and gig employment model, providing valuable income-generating opportunities for unemployed and underemployed youth. To date, the organization has trained and empowered over 250 youth under its human capacity development program, many of whom are students and graduates from local institutions seeking practical, real-world experience in community work, events, entrepreneurship, and social innovation.
Our work has been widely supported by local and international agencies, and we have proudly collaborated with a diverse range of stakeholders; from government bodies to regional networks; to advance shared goals in youth empowerment, inclusive entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Big BWN regularly represents Brunei in international workshops, conferences, and policy dialogues, contributing to global conversations on community resilience, innovation, and social good.
Our Community Initiatives
Our Focus
BIG BWN COOKOUT
Primarily conducts pop up sales, food markets and picnics focusing on home based food & beverage vendors, who seek to gain market validation for their products, and to build new customer prospects. It gives businesses the opportunity to run their business from a pop-up store and experience owning a store front.
BIG BWN SPORTS
Works closely with agencies and sports organisations to conduct sports based events and tournaments, in order to create opportunities for local athletes and sports enthusiasts to experience participating in a competitive level.
BIG BWN BEATS
Focuses on gathering local young talented performers and musicians and helping them to get awareness and appreciation for their talents. We create opportunities and gigs for these underrated young stars to shine and get their names out there.
BIG BWN CREATE
Encourages everyone to embrace their creative side, and explore their creativity – and turn it into a skill. Be it graphic design or doodling, or even creating crochet fashion wear, we aim to help support these people to Create and make their ideas into an income generating business!
Awards & Recognitions
- Youth Environment Leader Award, Brunei (2025)
- ASEAN Senior Youth Eco Award (2023)
- ASEAN Youth Volunteer Organization Award (2022)
- ASEAN Inclusive Business Award (2021)
- Commonwealth Points of Light Award by HM Queen Elizabeth II (2021)
- Excellent Youth Project Award, Brunei (2020)