‘Consider Private Sector’, Jobless Told
By Sobrina Rosli

Bandar Seri Begawan - The unemployed in Brunei Darussalam have been advised to consider job options in the private sector, which offers competitive perks in comparison to hard-to-get government jobs.

Omar Abdul Rahman, the Commissioner of Labour, talking with The Brunei Times, on the sidelines of a press conference held in connection with a career seminar said yesterday that at present the number of unemployed in the sultanate stood at 6,300.

"Government jobs have always been the most preferred employment option, but there are certain jobs in the private sector that can be considered equal or at least competitive with what government jobs offer."

Excluding domestic helpers, foreign workers in the private sector comprise 75 per cent of the total workforce.

"In other countries, the private sector is the main engine of economic growth. We want to encourage this with also reasons of developing the country's economy," the commissioner said.

He said parents play an important role in deciding their children's future employment. "Changing the mindset is definitely going to take time because in the end, what people are looking for is financial security, but currently it is hard to secure a job in the public sector."

He said today's youth has to be multi-skilled to be an employable asset.

"I think there is a gap between school leavers and the working environment, the youth should be given opportunities to enhance their capabilities. Because of globalisation, the workers must be capable of different things, this is one of the reasons why private sector firms prefer to hire foreigners," he added.

Asked how the Department of Labour will ensure private firms hire more locals, he said, "We are giving them quota for their foreign workers, so we look at the quota, and see the relevance of a foreign worker coming to Brunei.

"We also try to identify jobs in the private sector, which can be given to the locals such as accountants and secretarial posts, although we do sometimes make exceptions for certain big companies," he added.

The Labour Department also helps workers develop skills through workshops.

"Last year, we had organised workshops for sales promoting and accounting. We will try to organise more of such workshops," he said.

"In these courses, too, we also try to include how a candidate should present his case such as how to put together a CV as well as other basic steps in job application that increases their job chances." The Department of Labour is also promoting employment in the private sector through its Career Seminar and Exhibition 2007 on March 10-13 at the International Convention Centre, Berakas.

Other than trying to increase the number of locals in the private sector, the first ever held exhibition is also aimed at trying to encourage people to consider the private sector by inviting representatives from the private sector to give lectures.

Fifteen topics relating to jobs in the private sector would be discussed. Representatives from various private agencies and companies such as banks, the Brunei Association of Hotels, Brunei Shell and Royal Brunei Airlines will brief the youth. About career options.

Interested participants can get their forms from the Local Employment Service Section at the Labour Department headquarters as well as the Labour Department branches in Belait, Tutong and Temburong. Forms should be submitted by March 3 at 4pm.  -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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