Azlan Othman
Info-communication technology (ICT) sector development is crucial in the ecosystem transformation of Brunei Darussalam’s digital economy to achieve Brunei Vision 2035.
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud said this is in line with the technological development of the current time, during the annual general meeting of the Federation of Brunei Malay Entrepreneurs (PPPMB) at Higher Hotel in Kiulap yesterday.
“The use of new media, such as several technologies and new applications, that is efficient and customer friendly is frequently utilised for business, marketing and education,” Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Mokti said.
“It is also intended to encourage the development of micro, small and medium- sized entrepreneurs and generate new business opportunities.”
Amid the COVID-19 outbreak, new trends and situations have forced the society to change the ways of life, the minister added.
In reference to the PPPMB, the minister said, “It is also common for any federation including the PPPMB, to face competition, not only locally but also from abroad. Hence, we need materialism, intellectualism and strategic planning.”
Meanwhile, PPPMB President Dr Haji Abdul Latif bin Haji Chuchu said PPPMB strives to make entrepreneurship the first choice for Bruneian youth.
He urged youth to change their mindset from wanting to work for others to being self-employed, saying, “business must be the first choice for youth and they should carry out online businesses with good networking globally.”
The PPPMB president added that the federation has assisted local businesses to tackle issues like Tamu Selera food stalls in the capital, which was closed recently by the authorities, and assured that “50 per cent of the problems have been settled”.
Cooperation from stakeholders such as banking institutions can help local businesses to be successful, he added.
Some 440 PPPMB members are engaged in micro, small, medium enterprises (MSMEs), while another 100 youth in business. He added, “We have sent youth for short- and long-term courses on businesses sponsored by the government of the People’s Republic of China and Japan in the past. We were also planning to send youth to India for business courses but it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Meanwhile, high commissioners, deputy high commissioners, and representatives of foreign missions in Brunei Darussalam were present at the event.