| Lyna Mohamad |
BRUNEI Gas Carriers Sdn Bhd (BGC) organised a two-session dialogue under the iUsahawan programme for over 70 entrepreneurs from new and currently operating small and medium enterprises (SMEs), at its office in Jerudong yesterday.
The dialogue saw presentations by BGC representatives on topics that included an overview of the iUsahawan programme, BGC Vendor Registration System and modules covered by the Training Programme.
Representatives from DARe (Darussalam Enterprise) were also present to brief on the capacity development programmes available for iUsahawan participants, such as courses from the Industry Business Academy and the Microbusiness Bootcamp.
An entrepreneurship development initiative by the Ministry of Energy, Manpower and Industry (MEMI) supported by BGC, the iUsahawan programme seeks to support Rakyat Jati Business Entrepreneurs planning to or currently operating SMEs, to aid them in starting, owning and growing their business.
Launched by 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 at the 13th National Youth Day celebration on August 1, 2018, the programme is an initiative rolled out as part of BGC’s Social Investment Strategy to realise the monarch’s vision to boost economic growth, specifically in encouraging SMEs to penetrate the regional and international markets.
“BGC has invested in supporting the nation’s efforts towards enhancing the local economy and in developing local capability and local businesses in Brunei and the dialogues session is part of an ongoing collaboration between BGC and DARe to support the iUsahawan initiative,” a press statement issued by BGC said.
In her introductory remarks during the event, BGC Contracts and Procurement Manager Pengiran Dianawaty binti Pengiran Haji Matzin said, “To be awarded with contracts, vendors should be commercially and technically competitive. They must also demonstrate commitment towards safety and business integrity at all times. Recognising that these are building blocks that are necessary, the programme intends to deliver these prerequisites, so vendors would be better equipped and able to offer quality services not just for BGC but for other operators in the industry.”
iUsahawan targets aspiring and existing Rakyat Jati business owners between 18 and 40 who have yet to earn a contract with the government or government-linked companies (GLCs) and statutory bodies.
Programme participants will receive training to start, run, and grow a business through a start-up accelerator programme as well as be invited to a competitive tender exercise for selected contracts.
Successful iUsahawan programme participants will be awarded a three-year contract (with potential extensions) and guided by experienced mentors during the duration of the contract, the press statement added.
The business areas targetted by the programme include office cleaning services and related materials, event management services and transportation services.
BGC will issue an invitation of Expression of Interest (Eol) for the above contracts today to vendors who meet the iUsahawan criteria and plans to award these tenders in the first quarter of 2019.