| Danial Norjidi |
ENTREPRENEURSHIP is a vehicle for developing a set of skills – creative thinking, leadership, decision-making and social networking, said Nur Raghadah Agus, the owner of The Grill Journal, a business operating at the Gadong Night Market, selling a variety of food including lamb and chicken skewers.
She made these comments at a workshop on “Developing leaders through entrepreneurship” at Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) yesterday.
The workshop, organised by the UTB Student Representative Council (MPPUTB), featured speakers invited by BAG Networks. Attending as the guest of honour was Hajah Halimah binti DSP Kassim, Career Officer at UTB.
Nur Raghadah shared that the business was started a few months ago, saying that she believes taking the path of entrepreneurship is the best way to go, given the employment situation in the country.
Her previous working experience, as well as her family business background and a desire for financial independence were among the sources of her inspiration to become an entrepreneur.
Highlighting the need to be resilient, patient and passionate, while underlining the importance of customer service, Nur Raghadah said “entrepreneurship… prepares an individual to deal with an ambiguous and uncertain future”.
She also expressed her belief that small scale businesses, particularly those that are food-related, have a lot of potential and can be developed into something bigger as long as one is willing to work hard, maintain quality of food and always give top notch customer service.
“Do not be ashamed or shy when wanting to start a business, even if it is a food stall on the street. Nowadays, finding jobs is becoming tougher and one way to get out of unemployment is by doing business and employing yourself,” Nur Raghadah added.
The speakers during the workshop yesterday. – DANIAL NORJIDI
The next speaker was Jordan Yau, the owner of Koharu Store, a new local business venture offering a large range of functional, high-quality Japanese products. He is also the President of the Brunei Speakers’ Club.
In his presentation, Yau focused on the topic of building a team. He explained that a team is about working together, having a common goal, sharing responsibility and relying on each other.
Being part of a team, he said, offers different perspectives and can help in correcting mistakes, and can allow for extra motivation, as well as cover weaknesses.
In selecting a team, it is important to choose people as collaborators and for them to be competent and intelligent, reliable and hardworking as well as motivated and enthusiastic. When it comes to developing the team, Yau touched on the need to share goals, and clearly define roles and responsibilities, rules and procedures as well as plan the process.
In managing the team, it is important to empower team members, foster communication, train the team as well as have good conflict resolution. He highlighted that a team leader’s role is one that evolves, and said that to build team trust, members must be treated as equals, and openness should be practised.
The final presentation of the event was by Khairul Hazwan Hilmi and Abd Hakim Mursidi from the team behind Cendana – a platform developed by BAG Networks for local SMEs to establish their online presence, and allows business to manage various functions with any device.
Their presentation touched on the importance of actionable leadership, and began by highlighting the importance of getting out there and making something happen, rather than responding to something after it has happened. “You will find that some things work, while others don’t.”
“Applying knowledge is power,” the presentation stated. This involves harnessing the power of technology, understanding your customers, business costs and leading by example through managing risks and better decisions.
The presentation also underlined that communication is key. “Care for your relationship with customers, employees and partners,” they shared.
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