| Danial Norjidi |
IT WAS a proud moment for three budding entrepreneurs as they took part in the i-Usahawan contract signing ceremony at the Design and Technology Building in Anggerek Desa yesterday.
At the signing ceremony, one contract was awarded by Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (BSP) and two contracts awarded by Brunei Gas Carriers Sdn Bhd (BGC).
Attending the event as the guest of honour was Permanent Secretary (Manpower) at the Ministry of Energy, Manpower and Industry (MEMI) Haji Zolkiflee bin Haji Abdul Karim, who witnessed the signings.
Also in attendance were Deputy Permanent Secretary (Management, Cooperatives and Industry) at the MEMI Hajah Tutiaty binti Haji Abdul Wahab, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Power, IT and E-Government) at the MEMI Pengiran Haji Jamra Weira bin Pengiran Haji Petra, Managing Director of
Total E&P Borneo BV Vincent Dutel, Managing Director of Brunei Shell Marketing Pengiran Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha, Chief Executive Officer of PetroleumBrunei Haydn Ian Furlonge, Chief Executive Officer of Brunei Methanol Company Kaneshige Kubushiro, Chief Executive Officer of DARe (Darussalam Enterprise) Javed Ahmad, Chief Investment Officer of Darussalam Assets Ainadin Cader, as well as senior officials and representatives from the MEMI and Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd.
The BSP contract for the Provision of Canteen and Vending Machine Services at BSP Headquarters was awarded to Syarikat Amira Barakah.
Signing on behalf of BSP was Head of Power and Amenities Haji Husaini bin Abdul Hamid, while Dayangku Nur Saffanah binti Pengiran Rahim signed for Syarikat Amira Barakah.
For BGC, the contract for Provision of Event Management Services was awarded to Mortar Events, while the contract for the Provision of Cleaning, Manpower and Related Services was awarded to Munch Brunch Canteen.
Signing the contracts on behalf of BGC was Human Resources and Corporate Affairs Manager Mizan Adiliah binti Haji Mohamad Deli, while Mohammad Fathullah Fuad bin Haji Abdullah signed for Mortar Events and Hajah Haryanie binti Haji Bujang signed for Munch Brunch Canteen.
The permanent secretary said, “Today, we will witness the first contract signing for i-Usahawan programme between two of the contract owners: BSP and BGC and their vendors. Congratulations to BSP and BGC for their strong support on the i-Usahawan programme.
“The awarded entrepreneurs have been participating competitively in the tender process and through the SME training and mentorship in this i-Usahawan initiative. It is anticipated that they will be able to excel through their business activities and gain invaluable experiences to be used in their future business aspirations and growth.”
Managing Director of BSP Dr Ceri Powell thanked the MEMI for hosting the ceremony.
She said, “It marks an important milestone for the i-Usahawan programme, a youth entrepreneur development initiative by the ministry, as we officially award i-Usahawan contracts to three companies who have successfully gone through a rigorous tendering process.”
“It is a proud moment for these three budding entrepreneurs who are signing their first contract with BSP and BGC. After today, you will officially be our business partners. So welcome to the family,” Dr Powell said, adding that BSP is “proud to be part of this exciting initiative”.
She said, “As we celebrate our 90th anniversary, we remain committed to contribute to the growth and development of the nation and our community for decades to come.
“That is why ‘People and Country’ is a key priority for BSP. It is key for the sustainable development of Brunei in the nation’s journey to realise Brunei Vision 2035. And for this very reason, we will continue our significant efforts to develop the capacity and capability of local talent and Bruneian businesses.”
She highlighted that BSP has always been a pioneer, an innovator and a ‘company of firsts’. She said, “BSP has been leading the global industry and continues to explore innovative ways to grow its business and powers more Bruneian innovation.
“Today, we will witness another first for BSP. We are awarding the first contract under the i-Usahawan programme, and it is a really important contract – providing Canteen and Vending Machines Services at BSP’s Headquarters.”
Dr Powell also expressed hope that the opportunity given to i-Usahawan vendors will encourage and give them the exposure needed to pursue contracts in other local business development quadrants.
Managing Director of BGC John Cook said, “I am honoured to be here today to speak at this significant occasion, as part of our ongoing commitment towards promoting In-Country Value and the spirit of local entrepreneurship. BGC is extremely pleased that this opportunity to collaborate has grown from vision to reality.
“Our young entrepreneurs are indeed the growing backbone of the nation and the i-Usahawan programme’s purpose is to bring them all into one common platform. We believe that the experience gained by the i-Usahawan vendors will build up their confidence and enhance their capabilities to compete on a bigger scale and one day take on bigger business opportunities in the future.”
He added, “As part of the i-Usahawan programme, BGC held dialogues for interested vendors, conducted an accelerated training programme, offered courses and programmes via its collaboration with DARe and have invited those that meet the i-Usahawan criteria to participate in a competitive tender for selected contracts.
“Today, BGC awards the first two of its three contracts identified for the i-Usahawan programme. The award comes after a competitive tender exercise that commenced in November last year.
“We congratulate today’s successful i-Usahawan vendors for going through the process of competitive tender and being selected as one of the first contracts under the i-Usahawan initiative.
“You have paved the way for other young entrepreneurs and we hope that you continue to grow and help boost the economy of Brunei Darussalam; today, tomorrow and always.”