Bandar Seri Begawan - Successful local companies are encouraged to take a big leap forward by participating in the Asean Business Awards to gain further networking and exposure in the regional market.

To stimulate the participation of local companies, a briefing was conducted on how Brunei companies can participate in the Asean Business Awards (ABA) through nomination by business associates recognising their member companies or through individuals directly nominating a fellow business partner/strategic partner that they have worked with.

At the briefing, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Brunei, Rosdi Amin Yaakub, who is also the chairman of the Asean Business Awards in the briefing said, "This is the first time that we promote Asean Business Awards in Brunei and Brunei as chair of Asean. We hope to participate in all the activities in Asean."

The benefit of participating in the awards, he said, "Basically, participating companies will gain exposure to Asean market and beyond. It will promote the brand and products as well as services known to the market. Through this, hopefully it will attract new customers and partners as well as investors for the companies."

On the categories that may fit Brunei's companies, he said, "There will not be any problem for Brunei's companies to participate in the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and young entrepreneurs. While for large companies, there are few companies in Brunei that are qualified with the criteria especially in services as well as construction industry."

The main aim of the briefing, he said, "is to enlighten and engage leading business associations in Brunei Darussalam and also key industry players on the Asean Business Awards". By highlighting the key objectives of the awards, Rosdi Amin Yaakub pointed out, "The business community will have a better understanding on how the nominations can be made in awarding and recognising companies and individual businesses that have excelled in their development. This is particularly important to businesses especially in Brunei to be recognised."

Recipients of the ABA 2013 will be named at the Asean Business and Investment Summit (Asean BAC) Gala Dinner in August 2013.

Nominations are still open until April 30, 2013. Forms can be obtained from the national gateways of the Asean BAC website at www.asean.bac.org and returned accordingly or directly to the office of KING, the strategic partner of Asean BAC.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin