Brunei Darussalam has recorded improvements in several areas in intellectual property, according to Global Innovation Index 2023 report issued by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
However, some areas need attention for further improvements including creative outputs, knowledge and technology outputs as well as market sophistication, said Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha at the Brunei ICT Awards (BICTA) 2024 at the International Convention Centre in Berakas yesterday.
The minister said similar observation was made in the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) and International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) evaluation in 2022.
Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary said there are proposals to strengthen digital innovation including networks and platforms to encourage entrepreneurial culture and investment to increase technology readiness.
He said BICTA plays a role in the nation’s innovation ecosystem and is a platform to build an innovation culture among the community as well as promote information and communication technology (ICT) creations.
The minister added that the Council for Research and Advancement Technology and Science (CREATES) adjusted its focus to the latest developments and supports technological trends including big data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT).
The Brunei Innovation Lab also plays an integral role in strengthening technological innovation and entrepreneurship. The Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) through Darussalam Enterprise (DARe) also provides entrepreneurship training to help enterprises grow.
Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary said all these platforms are available for BICTA participants to grow, adding that the BICTA Steering Committee now also includes representatives from companies and agencies which support digital innovation ecosystem.
“Initiatives like this signify our commitment to strengthen the local innovation ecosystem and drive technology-based economic growth. With proper support and continuous commitment from various parties, I am confident that we will be able to achieve a better position with excellent performance in the field of digital innovation,” said the minister.
Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary said BICTA 2024 featured 10 categories to encourage more participation and opened up opportunities to generate creative and innovative ICT creations. It also introduced Smart Nation Awards to recognise participations supporting the aspiration in various sectors.
BICTA Plus Bootcamp was also held to help participants strengthen their business plans and strengthen the formation of market-ready products. The minister said, with the increase in competition categories, the number of judges comprising representatives from the government, private sector, industry experts and academics also increased.
With BICTA celebrating its 20th year, it is a prestigious platform to recognise local innovation and excellence in ICT which continued to explore and create innovative solutions bringing positive change to society and the industry.
In recognition of individuals contributing to BICTA over the years, six recipients were awarded during the launch of BICTA 2024 earlier this year. – Lyna Mohamad
