| James Kon |
MINISTER of Finance II Dato Seri Paduka Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah launched the 21st Consumer Fair (CF21) yesterday in front of a huge gathering which also comprised members of the Diplomatic Corps.
The highly anticipated event where Bruneians can not only make wonderful deals but also contribute to nation building by supporting the local economy will run until July 1 at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.
Organised by D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd, the mega fair is set to be an even bigger and exciting event compared to previous years, organisers said.
For vendors, the Consumer Fair is the best platform for promoting or introducing their products to the general public.
Ever since it was introduced, the fair has benefited new and existing entrepreneurs and businesses, allowing them to showcase their goods, grow their brand and network with potential business partners.
The theme of this year’s Consumer Fair is surrounding the 21st Century – primarily glitch and tech – and aims to embrace the several technological advances and the glitches of the ages. The event is decorated with some throwback feel to the good old days alongside the latest innovations and breakthroughs, organisers added.
Over 400 booths have been set up under one roof by 180 local and international exhibitors for the fair. Expecting a massive participation, the Blue Zone, which was previously located at the east side of the ICC has been relocated to the parking area at the west side to accommodate over 100 booths under a roder tent. Some 160,000 people visited the 20th Consumer Fair over a period of five days last year.
In his welcoming remarks, Executive Director of D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd Dato Paduka Haji Danial bin Haji Hanafiah said, “One of the major highlights of the 21st Consumer Fair is the Thailand Grand Fair 2018 that focusses on bringing in the ‘The Best of Thai Street Food’ with authentic and rich flavours from Thailand.”
Another activity under the Thailand Grand Fair is a som tum-making competition where prizes include a round trip for two to Bangkok inclusive of two-night accommodation and a free executive health check-up. In addition, Sydney-based top Thai Chef Sujet Saenkham will go through the fundamentals of Thai cuisine in a series of cooking demonstrations, he explained.
There are some 28 booths offering delicious Thai food and beverages for visitors at the fair.
A major activity to look forward is the Human Claw which is available throughout the five-day fair. The giant version of the famous arcade claw machine is truly one-of-a-kind where participants stand a chance to win various prizes by using their body to grab as many items as they can while being strapped in a crane like device.
“The Consumer Fair continues to focus on providing a big business platform for all participants, especially the local small and medium enterprises. The event would not have been realised without the support of government ministries, event and activity partners, exhibitors and sponsors,” Dato Paduka Haji Danial said.