【ニュース】ブルネイ、米自給率向上へ生産能力を大幅強化

Contents

Vocabulary
Article
Comprehension Questions
Summary
Discussion

Vocabulary

Self-sufficiency -the ability to provide for one’s own needs without relying on imports

Brunei aims to reach 20% rice self-sufficiency by 2027.

Automated– Operated by machines with little human control

The mill uses an automated packaging system to seal rice bags

Expansion– an increase in size, amount, or activity

The facility’s expansion created nearly 50 new jobs.

Cultivation– the act of planting and growing crops

WMC expanded the cultivation area in Kandol to 174 hectares.

Article

From Field to Shelf: Wasan Mill’s Upgrade Accelerates Brunei’s Food Future

Wasan Milling Company (WMC), Brunei’s national rice milling operator, has more than doubled its processing capacity to 10.5 metric tonnes per hour after a major upgrade to its milling, storage, and packaging systems. The expansion is an important step toward Brunei’s goal of achieving 20 percent rice self-sufficiency by 2027.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah officially launched the upgraded facility in the Wasan Agricultural Development Area, where he inspected the new COFCO milling line, four vertical dryers, three large-capacity silos, and an automated vacuum-sealed packaging system. With these improvements, WMC can now produce 7,920 metric tonnes of rice per year, covering about 38 percent of national demand.

The expansion also supports local employment. WMC has added 48 new Bruneian staff, increasing the total workforce to 68 employees in milling operations. The new vacuum-sealed packaging, designed to extend the shelf life of local rice, will be distributed in five-kilogram bags beginning late this year or early next year.

Brunei’s rice self-sufficiency has steadily improved—from 4.8 percent in 2017 to 8 percent in 2024. As the country’s sole commercial milling operator, WMC plays a central role in this progress by processing paddy grown by local farmers and strengthening the national rice value chain.

Since its establishment in 2022, WMC has expanded its operations beyond milling. It now manages paddy cultivation in Kandol, increasing planted areas from 68 to 174 hectares and adopting modern farming technologies, including AI-powered insect monitoring, drones for precision fertiliser application, and more mechanised equipment. The plantation workforce has also grown to 95 employees, including 30 locals. These efforts allow WMC to operate a full farm-to-market system, positioning the company as a key driver in Brunei’s food security strategy.

_{Source: Brunei Biz (English)}

Comprehension Questions

Answer the questions following the article in English.

What is WMC’s new milling capacity after the upgrade?
Why is the upgraded facility important for Brunei’s national goals?
How has the workforce changed after the expansion?
What new packaging technology is WMC using, and why?

Summary

In your own words, attempt to summarise the article in 4 sentences or less.

Discussion

Discuss these topics with your tutor, and support your answers with examples or experience.

How can technology improve agriculture in the future?
What challenges do you think Brunei might face in reaching 20% rice self-sufficiency?
In your opinion, should governments invest more in local food production or in import systems?

ブルネイ