Hakim Hayat
The energy industry is fundamental to societal growth, as economies rely heavily on energy resources to fuel their activities.
In a period of an unprecedented economic and social development, the energy industry is regarded as one of the largest industries globally, spanning many different areas, professions and specialisations.
As the energy sector is Brunei Darussalam’s most mature and developed industry, the Department of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office is committed to growing the energy sector’s momentum through diversification efforts, modernisation of the energy infrastructure and creation of new employment opportunities.
As part of the initiative to provide a knowledge-sharing platform between industry players and entrepreneurs, the Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition 2022 (Brunei MYCE 2022) featured a market engagement session as part of the Energy Week’s main exhibition.
Taking place at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas from June 15-18, the market engagement session facilitated professional-level networking activities offering businesses and budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to connect with the energy industry’s professionals from a wide range of expertise.
The session also presented opportunities for the participating companies to attain advice on the energy sector’s existing and future activities, plans and business opportunities.
The session consisted of two main activities, namely ‘vendor pitching’ and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Clinic (MSME Clinic).
Vendor pitching saw companies and entrepreneurs present their business ideas to the energy industry and agencies on one-to-one basis, and saw the participation of eight leading energy operators: Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd; Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd; Brunei Shell Marketing Sdn Bhd; Brunei Gas Carriers Sdn Bhd; Brunei Methanol Company Sdn Bhd; TotalEnergies EP (Brunei) BV; Brunei Fertilizer Industries Sdn Bhd and Hengyi Industries Sdn Bhd.
Meanwhile, the MSME Clinic was held nearby at the Plenary Hall and East Concourse area, showcasing six participating exhibitors, three of which were financial institutions, namely Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD), Baiduri Bank Berhad and Bank Usahawan Berhad.
It also included business training providers: Darussalam Enterprise (DARe); Shell LiveWIRE Brunei and the Energy Business Academy.
The MSME Clinic was held to facilitate business networking sessions and interaction, where the professionals from a wide range of related agencies showcased their services and initiatives to further develop the capability of new and emerging MSMEs in the country, especially those wishing to venture into the energy sector. The MSMEs Clinic also enabled entrepreneurs to attain on-the-spot business consultation sessions with the agencies.
The market engagement session is part of the local business development initiatives of the Department of Energy to maximise opportunities for local businesses in the sector.
This is in line with Strategic Objective 6 of the Department of Energy’s Strategic Plan 2020-2025, which outlines the commitment to support the country’s socio-economic development through energy sector spin-offs. The strategic objective ensures local businesses and workers are able to access opportunities generated from the energy sector.
The Brunei MYCE 2022 is organised by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism through the Brunei Tourism Board in collaboration with government agencies, statutory bodies, stakeholders and private agencies.
The Brunei MYCE 2022 is fully supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
The event is also supported by the partnering agencies D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd as the event operator; Datastream Digital Sdn Bhd (DST) as the official Telco partner; as well as official media partners – Radio Television Brunei, Pelita Brunei and Brunei Press Sdn Bhd.
