James Kon
“Under the new management committee, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, will carry on the spirit of dedication and continue to be aggressive in playing an important role, in accordance with the goals of Brunei Vision 2035, to develop our country – Brunei Darussalam – into a nation which will be widely recognised for the accomplishments of its educated and highly-skilled people measured by the highest international standards; a quality of life which ranks among the top 10 nations in the world; and a dynamic and sustainable economy with income per capita within the top 10 countries in the world.”
This was said by Malcolm Lim Tiong Han @ Lim Peh Beng after receiving a second term as President of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Bandar Seri Begawan (CCC BSB) for 2021-2023, during the 42nd Term Executive Committee’s inauguration ceremony at Manggis Mall recently.
He added, “The CCC BSB will continue to coordinate with all foreign embassies for more opportunities of investment and dialogue, especially with China and other ASEAN member countries.”
The inauguration was witnessed by Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong.
Ambassador of the People’ Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam Yu Hong, Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin and leaders of local Chinese associations were also present.
The new CCC BSB President also conveyed his thanks to the Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, for its swift action in bringing the COVID-19 outbreak under control.
“I would like to extend my appreciation to His Majesty’s Government for the excellent policies which have resulted in better living for the people of Brunei Darussalam. I hope the whole world will be able to resume our old life style soon,” he said.
Lim will be assisted by Deputy President Lee Chung Keng; Executive Vice President Tan Kah Boon; and Vice Presidents Goh Koh Leong, Lee Eng Ching, Lim Ting Chai, Goh Kim Tian, Vincent Pao Ping Seng, Lo Wan Yee, Lim Mah Lik @Lim Peng Kok and Tan Lah Poi. Tan Wee Tong has been elected Secretary General.
The minister also witnessed the inauguration of the executive members of the Youth Entrepreneur Council and Women’s Council.
Ang Peng Chin is Chairman of the Youth Entrepreneur Council, with Ling Ting Ang as Deputy Chairman. The four Vice Presidents are On Jin San, Joffiry bin Rifin, Pui Chin Siong and Chai Sze Jun, while Kok Hui Ming is Secretary General.
Chin Lee Jin and Siti Khairuleena Hing binti Abdullah have been elected Chairwoman and Deputy Chairwoman of the Women’s Council respectively, while Vice Chairwomen are Ling Kuok Mei, Lim Mee Giok, Hii Yiew Hun and Shim Siew Yin. The Secretary is Low Wan Cheng.
Ambassador Yu Hong said, “In the face of the sudden outbreak of COVID-19, China and Brunei stood by each other to overcome difficulties.
“On behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Brunei, I would like to thank the CCC BSB, for your care and support during the outbreak in China last year. The Chinese government, military, enterprises and the embassy have all actively supported Brunei’s anti-epidemic efforts and offered sincere assistance.
“China and Brunei have not only effectively contained the spread of the epidemic, but also achieved positive economic and social developments.
“China’s economy grew by 2.3 per cent in 2020, making it most probably the only major economy in the world to achieve positive economic growth. China’s GDP reached CNY101.6 trillion, for the first time in its history, exceeding CNY100 trillion. At the same time, all rural people living under the poverty line have been lifted out of poverty, eliminating absolute and regional poverty as a whole, achieving a decisive victory in the battle against poverty.
“From January to November 2020, the bilateral trade volume of China and Brunei reached USD1.72 billion, up by 104.1 per cent, year-on-year. China’s imports from Brunei increased by 415.2 per cent, both growth rates ranking first among ASEAN member countries in terms of trade with China. In 2020, two sides also held the opening ceremony of the China-Brunei Tourism Year. Bilateral cooperation in various fields has continued to develop and expand.
“Last week, Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi paid a visit to Brunei, during which he attended a royal audience with His Majesty, co-chaired the Second Meeting of China-Brunei Inter-Governmental Joint Steering Committee with Minister of Foreign Affairs II Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof and officially launched the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries.
“I hope that through the joint efforts of both sides, our bilateral relations will scale new heights.”