James Kon
Brunei Darussalam’s youth are also involved in the formulation of national level policies to ensure their voices are heard and acted on. This includes reviewing the National Youth Policy and Strategy 2020-2035, Brunei Darussalam National Climate Change Policy and the Digital Economy Master Plan 2025, said Deputy Permanent Secretary (Youth and Sports) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Colonel (Rtd) Pengiran Haji Maiddin bin Pengiran Haji Said.
He said this as the guest of honour at the opening ceremony of Skills for the Future 4.0 at Laksamana College of Business (LCB) yesterday.
“What is the most important is turning the empowerment of youth into practical actions. We are glad that it is demonstrated by the continuous advocacy and participation in national and global initiatives such as sustainable development goals (SDGs), grassroots connection, education and health and community services as well as looking after vulnerable groups,” Colonel (Rtd) Pengiran Haji Maiddin said.
He noted that aligning with the ministry’s Strategic Plan 2020-2024, “our vision is Bangsa Brunei Cemerlang.
“We are aiming for five outcomes – progressive community, future-ready youth, proud sporting nation, dynamic culture that safeguards heritage, and a productive and inclusive workplace,” Colonel (Rtd) Pengiran Haji Maiddin said.
He also shared the recent review of the National Youth Policy that envisions value-driven youth that continue to uphold the national philosophy, to attain worldclass accomplishments, to become future-ready agents of change and to be inclusive through the creation and protection of opportunities for all.
“In addition, the National Youth Policy and Strategy 2020-2035 also aims to ensure the youth development guidelines are relevant to the current situation, especially taking into account the impact of globalisation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he said.
In line with the lifelong learning initiatives, he said, “Youth are encouraged to seize the current opportunities through online and hands-on courses from the Manpower Planning and Employment Council (MPEC) and Darussalam Enterprise (DARe).”
Brunei has also established a national steering committee for youth entrepreneurship to assist more young locals to start their businesses and become competitive and self-reliant.
“Overall, we have realised that our focus should not be on individual empowerment of our youth alone, but also on producing self-reliant and resilient youth capable of maximising all opportunities as well as overcoming challenges,” Colonel (Rtd) Pengiran Haji Maiddin said.
Organised by Global Shapers Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB), Skills for the Future 4.0 is the fourth and final instalment of the Skills for the Future Workshop participated by some 50 individuals from different higher education institutions and young professionals.
The workshop was held over two days covering topics from decision-making, active listening, negotiation, service orientation and resilience, stress, tolerance and flexibility, as detailed by hub curator Wan Afifi bin Wan Ali, in his welcoming speech.
The workshop was supported by Brunei Youth Council and LCB, in collaboration with Young Professionals Network Brunei and Gaia Alliance.
Abdul Razak Holdings Director Haji Suhaimei bin Haji Besar and LCB Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Principal Sivarajah Subramaniam were also present.
Skills for the Future is a flagship project by Global Shapers BSB Hub targetting students of higher education institutions, jobseekers and young professionals aiming to introduce the top soft skills as reported by The World Economic Forum (WEF).
Global Shapers BSB is a hub under the Global Shapers Community, an initiative of the WEF to empower young people to drive dialogue, action and change in their city, country or region. The BSB hub is made up of local youth from diverse backgrounds that tackle youth unemployment issues through capacity-building and development at the grassroots levels.