Strong Support For Think Big Forum
By Kartika Rahman & Azaraimy

Bandar Seri Begawan - "The world has changed significantly and we have to understand these changes because they bring new opportunities to us."

This was said by Dato Timothy Ong, Acting Chairman of the BEDB, moderator of the well-responded open public forum themed `Think Big' at the Rizqun International Hotel in Gadong. With these opportunities, the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDS), presented its I-Centre initiative to promote and develop business in information and communication technology (ICT).

Panellists at the forum included Nurul Ain Jaafar, BEDB Senior Officer; Md Reeda bin Hj Malik, renowned for his anakbrunei.org website; Hj Md Rano Iskandar Abdullah, owner-manager of ranoadidas.com; Stanley Han, General Manager and Co-Founder of Personal E-Motion and Brian Koh of KR Consulting.

Stanley Han noted that by being part of an incubation programme, he was able to form tight networks with other support groups who were experiencing the start-up struggle. He also said that it also attributed to being in a conducive environment with people that were as committed to working in the fast-paced industry and willing to put in the long hours as much as he was.

"Entrepreneurs must have a `never say die' attitude," said Brian Koh, adding that with an incubator programme, start-ups made less mistakes such as being aware of financial implications of which an incubator can provide guidance. Brian' Koh further said that many believed that if they started a business they must succeed.

He encouraged the participants not to be afraid to fail as failure was also a humble learning experience. Among the issues brought up at the forum was one for would-be entrepreneurs who have brilliant ideas but are already employed in a job that they enjoy. The audience learned quite frankly that to be very successful in the entrepreneurial vocation, the business should not be treated as a hobby.

"We are pleased with the turnout of this forum being the first event of its kind to be organised by BEDS for existing and future entrepreneurs. It is encouraging to see the level of interest in the I-Centre, especially among the youths and future entrepreneurs. Without a doubt, the I-Centre will play a crucial role to the development of ICT industry in Brunei Darussalam," added Murni Hj Mohamed, Deputy CEO of BEDB. Hj Md Rano Iskandar Abdullah and Stanley Han shared with the participants their journey towards their entrepreneurial success.

Hj Md Rano Iskandar Abdullah, a popular figure in the Brunei bloggers community, is also the Managing Director of Thano Advertising and winner of the 2006 LiveWire Business Award Competition.

He shared with the audience his accidentalentrepreneurial voyage of starting blogging as an information-sharing activity that later turned into a business venture.

Mr Stanley Han is one of the founders of Personal E-Motion Pte Ltd Incorporated. He has co-developed the "Interactive Animation Book" software system from 2005 to 2007, and "Let's Dance" software in 2004. Among his other appointments were Training Mentor at NUS-Raffles Institution Student Research - Programme and Management of MOE Teacher Network Attachment Programme.

He was also a recipient of various awards and honours including a recipient of Lee Foundation Grant in 2001.

To explain KR Consulting's role at the (Centre was Brian Koh. With more than 15 years of experience in the Information Technology industry, Brian Koh is currently the Associate Director with NUS Enterprise and Director of KR Consulting Pte Ltd.

Among his past achievements included being involved in pioneering Adroit Innovations from a start-up company to a publicly-listed company on the main board of the Singapore Stock Exchange in 2000.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Click Here To Have Your Say On This Story

Brudirect.com News

Brunei's Fastest Growing Website with