| Danial Norjidi |
THE Ministry of Energy, Manpower and Industry (MEMI) is looking to expand the implementation of the i-Usahawan programme to more companies in the oil and gas industry, non-oil and gas industry, as well as government-linked companies (GLCs) and the government sectors.
Permanent Secretary (Manpower) at the MEMI Haji Zolkiflee bin Haji Abdul Karim said this while delivering a speech as the guest of honour at the i-Usahawan programme contract signing ceremony yesterday.
The permanent secretary noted that, with the consent of 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, the i-Usahawan programme was successfully launched on August 1, 2018 in conjunction with the 13th National Youth Day 2018 celebration.
He said, “In line with His Majesty’s titah to encourage more youth to participate in entrepreneurship, the i-Usahawan programme is created with the intention for our youth entrepreneurs to start their own businesses by giving them opportunity to participate in low-risk contracts, where they can secure their first contract on a competitive basis.”
He shared that the i-Usahawan programme is a close collaboration between the MEMI, contract owners and training providers in ensuring the youth entrepreneurs will be able to develop and enhance their entrepreneurial skills through continuous mentorship throughout their minimum of three years business contract.
The permanent secretary added, “It is also hoped that the entrepreneurs will use this programme as a platform to further grow their business and grow into multi-national companies.
“This is very much consistent with our Brunei Vision 2035, which among all wishes to see Brunei Darussalam to be recognised for its dynamic and sustainable economy.
“In terms of training and mentorship throughout the contract duration, the contract owners will support the entrepreneurs through various training platform including the Energy Business Academy operated by BSJV (Brunei Shell Joint Venture) and the Industry Business Academy operated by DARe (Darussalam Enterprise).”
The permanent secretary added that the entrepreneurs are encouraged to register and attend various training entrepreneurship programmes offered by DARe, such as Micro Bootcamp, Start-up Bootcamp and others.
He said, “Looking forward, as per His Majesty’s titah during the National Youth Day 2018, we hope to be able to expand the implementation of i-Usahawan to more companies in the oil and gas industry, non-oil and gas industry, as well as the GLCs and the government sectors.
“Our target is to roll out 100 ring-fenced contracts from oil and gas industry and another 100 ring-fenced contracts from non-oil and gas industry.
“To date, 29 ring-fenced contracts have been identified for oil and gas industry, where three of the contracts will be awarded today, namely Provision of Canteen and Vending Machine Services for Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (BSP) and Cleaning, Manpower and Related Services and Event Management Services for Brunei Gas Carriers Sdn Bhd (BGC).”
He noted that an additional five more contracts will be awarded by April for BSP.
He said, “We have started engaging several government agencies such as the Ministry of Development and Ministry of Finance and Economy and 18 companies under Darussalam Assets.
“This is in alignment with His Majesty’s recent titah in conjunction with Brunei Darussalam’s 35th National Day, where His Majesty emphasised on providing better infrastructure and guidance for the youth entrepreneurs to succeed.
“In this regard, we are grateful to have the strong support from all the relevant stakeholders, major oil and gas operators, their vendors and contractors and relevant government agencies, in working together in achieving the visions set in the Brunei Vision 2035.”