Establishing A Credible Private Sector In Brunei
By Malai Hassan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - Determined to show that they mean business, the core group of local business leaders, who only a few days ago announced that they would form the Business Development Council, are now embarking on the next step - to build up the credibility of the private sector in the country.

"Our first step was to form the Business Development Council. A pro-team Business Development Council has been set up and is now organising a pilot workshop on business leadership development. It is scheduled for January 15," said Awang Haji Razali bin Haji Johari, the President of the Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI).

He said the initiative was taken in response to the suggestions and recommendations of members of the Council, voiced by Sheikh Abas the Deputy President of MCCI.

Haji Razali added that the quick action taken by the Council indicates that they mean business.

"The Council is not going to be another talk shop. Our approach is very business-like and we go immediately for projects that are doable and deliverable.

"These projects are focused on the development of the business community and the benefits of all our diverse and the many different groups of members we represent," said Haji Razali.

"This workshop is one of the common business development programmes, which is one way of strengthening the private sector. There are many reports about the weak and poorly developed private sector. It is now time to do something about it," he said.

Haji Razali said they are also looking forward to the partnership with the government in implementing the pilot project.

"This is about improving us (the private sector). We as a community, though small, are diverse. There are Malays, Chinese, and Indians; there are national and international

organisations. The grouping of young and old, male and female, retired and employed are numerous.

"There is the construction sector, the energy sector and the IT sector.

"While there are differences there are also many similar needs, common problems and issues to tackle together. This is where this Business Development Council can help - by identifying and focusing the common development needs of the business community as a whole," explained Haji Razali.

"We are now organising five one-day workshops in January. These workshops will cover five areas related to business development and nation-building issues. These projects will have direct impact on areas of common business interest for all members of the community.

“There will be activities that promote vision sharing, building business confidence, adopting good business ethics, company and corporate governance, partnership, family and neighbourliness values in business and creating a sense of belonging as the base for social harmony, economic security as well as personal safety.

"These activities are geared towards the concept of `patriotism' which is good for both the business and the community," he added.

When asked how the proposed Council and these pilot projects are to be funded, Haji Razali said, "these are community programmes and these are of national interest. They have to be joint projects with the business community and the government.

"Every party should play their part in supporting this endeavour by sponsoring such events to ensure that the visions of a caring, progressive and prosperous community is realised." -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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