Local Computer Firms Still Rely On Foreign Workforce By Debbie Too

Bandar Seri Begawan - Local computer companies still rely on foreign info-technology expertise to train the workforce.

One of the challenges stated in RKN8 (8th National Development Plan), for the implementation of the ICT programmes and projects, is the constraints in both human resource and institutional capacity in the public and private sectors.

The shortage of skilled and qualified local ICT workers led to heavy reliance on foreign IT companies and workers.

However, computer consultancy firms and companies continue to train local companies and government officers and many feel that the younger generation will take Brunei's IT development to the next level.

"Many of our customers are young people who have either graduated or is about to go overseas for further studies. They are all very technology-savvy and they know what they are looking for in terms of the functions of the hardware and the software," said a computer sales person who wishes to remain anonymous.

"With more young people joining the workforce, they will be able to pick up things faster than the previous generation and who knows, maybe Brunei will start developing their own programmes for desktops and laptops," he added.

Wan Kong from Microsoft (B) Sdn bhd said: "There is still room for improvement and the younger generations are picking up things faster because it is the Internet age now. As for the older generation, it would take stages to help them".

He added that in order to enhance IT education in Brunei, it should begin at primary and secondary levels so that once they (students) go for their higher education they would already be IT literate.

Computer consultancy firms, who are hired by companies and certain government ministries, recruit the help of regional experts to help train the local users.

"We do training for any kind of IT programmes, and for basic Microsoft Office training, we have local trainers to help but for certain programming software, we bring in trainers from Malaysia," said Nancy Lim, a training consultant from NTS Computer and Training Consultants.

An employee of another IT consultancy firm thinks that Brunei does have the expertise, but she feels that many of them leave the country for better opportunities elsewhere.

"I cannot say whether it is the salary or the market that probably drives the experts to other countries, but one of the possible reasons that many IT consultancy firms hire foreign experts is because of the cheaper labour," she said.

One IT enthusiast explained that it is not that local consultancy firms prefer to seek foreign help but that most of the programmes that are being bought and sold are developed in other countries, and require the developers to come to Brunei to train locals.

"We just act as the distributor or the agent for these programmes. The training is not usually done by us, unless it is something we are familiar with," he said.

By 2010, according to RKN 2007-2012, 70 per cent of the workforce is expected to be equipped with essential ICT skills required for their job -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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