Co-operative formed for arts-inclined individuals
By Rosli Abidin Yahya

Prospective members being briefed on the formation of the co-operative

The latest co-operative to be formed in Brunei Darussalam, Koperasi Seni Kebangsaan Berhad listed out the scopes of proposed businesses to be undertaken at the first meeting held last Sunday afternoon at the Brunei Industry Development Body (BINA) in Beribi, Jalan Gadong. The formation of the co-operative is mainly to group together arts-inclined individuals to pool their resources towards financing viable projects in the arts line.

At the Sunday briefing it was mentioned that the co-operative's formation is to open up windows of opportunity in arts in order to upgrade its quality and economy as well as to improve the economy of its members, not only for arts-inclined people but also any members of the public who are interested in arts.

Various businesses have been earmarked by the co-operative such as communication and media, education, services, manufacturing and construction.

The co-operative may need to form companies such as printing, photocopying, secretarial services, radio, television, video, VCD, DVD and film in order to participate in the communication and media industry.

In education, the co-operative is looking for opportuni-ties to open nursery and kindergarten schools, tuition classes, Al-Quran sessions, arts classes and an arts college.

In the services industry, participation by the co-opera-tive includes opportunities to have school and public buses, tour operators, book stores, photography, audio and video recording, grocery, supermarkets, restaurants, tailor shops, boutiques, flower shops, laundrettes, beauty saloons, hairdressing saloons, car rentals, rubbish collectors, grass cutting services and bridal saloon.

The co-operative may also venture out in the manufacturing industry such as traditional cake making, songkok making, manufacture of local souvenir items, arts and handicraft, and cloth weaving and embroidery.

In the construction industry, the co-operative may decide to become contractors of nature landscaping, building maintenance and management, and labour supply.

Membership to join the co-operative is not limited to people involving in arts such as writers, entertainers, dancers, artists, graphic designers, photographers, media publishers and commentators though they would be given priority to do so.

The co-operative is also open to people who are interested in arts and culture, whether here or abroad. A member will need to pay $10 towards membership fee.

Any member can purchase minimum 1,000 shares at $1 each but he or she should not exceed 5,000 shares or $5,000. Payment towards the shares can be done in instalments but must be paid within a year a person becomes a member.

However, the first payment of the shares must not be less than 10 per cent of the total shares purchased.

All members will empower the co-operative management committee to run the businesses.

Interested persons who wish to become members can register at the co-operative's office at No 3, Ground Floor, Chuchu Palza, Kg Telanai, Jln Tutong.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin