The BIMP-EAGA Gala Night and Award Ceremony was held at Tarindak D’Seni as part of the BIMP-EAGA Trade Convention 2023 (BETCON23).
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, the guest of honour, presented tokens of appreciation to members of the BIMP-EAGA Business Council (BEBC), in acknowledgement of their contributions, recognising their efforts in promoting the goals of BIMP-EAGA in three years and more.
Among the recipients were BEBC Chair and BEBC Brunei Chairman Pengiran Dr Haji Harris bin Pengiran Haji Duraman, Country Director for BEBC Brunei and BETCON23 organising chairman Haji Alimen bin Haji Jaafar; BEBC Regional Advisor Datuk Suzan Chang; BEBC Legal Advisor Lieutenant Colonel (Rtd) Haji Harrif bin Haji Ibrahim; BEBC Brunei Advisors Dato Haji Murni bin Mohammad and Thomas Koh; BEBC Labuan Chairman Azhar Othman; BEBC Palawan Chairman Emeritus PEDCO Cipriano DC Barroma; BEBC Vice Chairman and Head of BEBC Indonesia Dr Sayid Irwan; and BEBC BARMM Chairman Redentor Laudin.
The event also saw the presentation of the Vision 2025 Sector Development Award by BIMP-EAGA Minister of Indonesia Dr Edwin Rizal.
The Environment Award went to Helwa’s Green Services (Green Brunei), while the Trade and Investment Facility Award went to Azhar Othman from the BEBC, Labuan, Malaysia.
Meanwhile, BIMP-EAGA Minister of Malaysia Dato Hajah Hanifah Hajar Taib presented the business awards.
Sahamada Corporation Sdn Bhd received the Rising Star Award; Dart Logistics Sdn Bhd the SME Excellence Award; Farm Konekt Holdings Private Limited received the Agribusiness Award; and the Young Entrepreneur Award went to John Vincent Quevada Gastanes.
BIMP-EAGA Minister of the Philippines Secretary Maria Belen “Mabel” Sunga Acosta presented the Inclusive Business Card to Palawan Pawnshop, the Social Enterprises Award to Lamin Warisan, the Transport Award to Thomas Koh of Air Car Logistics Sdn Bhd and the Business Leaders Award to Lyu Guoli, Muara Port Company Sdn Bhd (MPC).
The Life Achievement Award was presented by Pengiran Dr Haji Harris to Susan Chew, acknowledging her contributions and accomplishments.
BETCON23 is endorsed by the Ministry of Finance and Economy and supported by the Brunei Economic Development Board and MPC.
The premier trade convention is held in conjunction with the 26th BIMP-EAGA Ministerial Meeting and Related Meetings comprising the four BIMP-EAGA nations: Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
The event will continue until Sunday at the Bridex Hall, Jerudong. – Adib Noor
