P134 Empowering People with Disabilities in Brunei Darussalam: Islamic Perspectives on Inclusivity and Corporate Social Responsibility

Abstract

This paper explores the development and empowerment of People with Disabilities (PWD) in Brunei Darussalam through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives guided by Islamic principles. While CSR is widely recognised as a tool for social inclusion, its connection with Islamic ethics, particularly Maqasid Al-Shari’ah, Iḥsān and Karāmah Insāniyyah is still underexplored in the Brunei context. Despite strong government support and Brunei’s ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), workforce participation among PWD remains low. Most CSR programs are short-term and tend to focus on charity rather than sustainable development. This study aims to understand how CSR can be implemented more inclusively and ethically by applying Islamic values to address the socio-economic challenges faced by PWD. Focusing on corporate approaches to vocational training, employment opportunities and inclusion, this qualitative study employs document analysis and semi-structured interviews to identify gaps between current CSR efforts and the real needs of PWD development. This study expects that integrating faith-based principles into CSR will support Brunei’s national goals by fostering greater dignity, independence and improved living standards among PWD, reflecting the core values of Brunei Vision 2035 and Melayu Islam Beraja (MIB) concept. 

Keywords: People with Disabilities (PWD), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Islamic Values, Maqasid al-Shariah, Inclusivity, Brunei Darussalam.