| Azlan Othman |
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 has expressed satisfaction over the progress of youth in the country and hailed their involvement in entrepreneurship and community projects.
Delivering a titah at the 13th National Youth Day gathering at the International Convention Centre yesterday, the monarch said, “Of late, I have been seeing positive progress among our youth, especially in entrepreneurship and community development projects, not only in the country but also in regional and international levels, either individually or as part of an association.
“Almost every day, we read in social media sites about young people who have succeeded in exploring various areas of life. This is certainly the passion for all. We are aware of our business needs. Sustenance does not come rolling; it takes effort, and with this kind of effort, we will be able to penetrate the world market.
“With the rapid development of communications and establishment of high-tech communication networks, business and entrepreneurial fields are more widely open now. Using such platforms, youth should be more creative and self-empowering,” His Majesty said.
“At the same time, my government is also making efforts to reorganise and improve the youth entrepreneurship ecosystem to help them become successful entrepreneurs.
“These efforts include updating of the existing capacity building programmes and provision of physical and digital infrastructure as well as financial and market access.
“In addition, my government will also take a step further to ensure a more comprehensive youth entrepreneurship ecosystem. One of the major ecosystem improvements will see promotion of specific business opportunities to help youth start own companies.
“The relevant government agencies will work with youth entrepreneurs in identifying specific areas, preparing business plans and providing required facilities.
“On this note, I am extremely pleased with the launch of the ongoing programme called the I-Usahawan.
“This programme will provide opportunities for local young entrepreneurs to participate in tenders for low-risk contracts.
“Currently, there are some 30 oil and gas industry contracts under the I-Usahawan. This ambitious programme has the potential to be extended to other sectors, including the government sector,” the monarch said.
Touching on agriculture, His Majesty said, “Once we had a programme for young farmers. Now, with the technology advancing and opportunities increasing in the agribusiness sector, it is possible for the programme to be revived with a new approach.
“In my opinion, if all existing and planned initiatives are fully utilised, it is not impossible to produce hundreds of entrepreneurs and thousands of job opportunities,” the monarch added.
His Majesty concluded his titah by congratulating the youth who have contributed meritoriously to the people and the nation.