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‘Made In Brunei’ Mobile Next Year
By Zasika Musdi

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei Darussalam's efforts to diversify its economy took another interesting turn with a deal inked to launch a mobile phone manufacturing industry.

The revelation of this very ambitious project was announced at the Empire Theatre yesterday, solidified with a Memorandum of Understanding between two companies, DINA Group Brunei and Christel Technologies Group Singapore.

According to Azlan Yusuff, President of DINA Group Brunei, the factory - which will be located close to Jerudong Park - will be launched sometime in January 2009.

"We're partnering with a local company, the technology comes from Singapore, the factory will be in Brunei, the workforce will be Bruneians, the skill will be given to Bruneians, and it will be managed by Bruneians."

Under the MoU, the key points on strategic collaboration with Christel Technologies would be: the introduction and assembly of GSM mobile phones in compliance with the standard set by the global industry and Brunei authority; to facilitate technology transfers; to set up a

mobile phone assembly plant in Brunei Darussalam by Business Time DINA; the training and transfer of skill sets to local Brunei citizens; to bring into existence a Research and Development Centre in Brunei; attaining standards such as ISO 9000: 2000 and other technical standards to ensure the products are acceptable for export; and to position Brunei as a platform to launch the sales and marketing initiatives for the global market.

Azlan Yusuff also said that DINA hopes to work closely with the Brunei government in promoting strategic partnerships (particularly 'downstream businesses'); create opportunities for other 'add on' businesses (egg vendors —parts and accessories); mobile phone products to be launched will be 'Made in Brunei'; and, in effect, with the presence of this industry, it would make Brunei a hub for industrial and development activities.

Mr. Augustine Yap, CEO of Christel Technologies Singapore, said that with this collaboration, they would produce "the best product the world is yet to witness". He added that judging by the strong growth of the mobile phone industry worldwide; it is the desire of the company to capitalize on the growing market demand by utilizing the strength.

In light of the growing demand for mobile phones, the factory will be producing phones of high quality starting from January 2009 from its own production line in Brunei Darussalam under its own corporate branding. The mobile phone products from Brunei will be mainly exported overseas, focusing on the regional market, and then penetrating the Western countries.

."The trend of Christel innovation in the field of ICT will be delivered into this collaboration, and once combined with the strong financial capabilities of DINA Group it will provide a solid foundation to achieve its desired business objectives."

He said that it would create great employment opportunities for locals, such as in the assembly line operations up to the technician and engineering positions, as well as logistics, management and others.

Hasri Md Nor, President of DINA Global said, among other things, it is the continuous dedication of the companies, particularly the individuals, which will make any endeavor successful. He also emphasized on the importance of using our minds to full capacity, and by committing ourselves to what we do.

The MoU was signed between Azlan Yusuff and Mr. Augustine Yap, and was witnessed by Hasri Md Nor.

More than 300 members of DINA Group from Brunei, Malaysia and other countries were present at the launching and signing of the MoU. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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