The business networking session is a unique opportunity to foster connections, encourage collaborations and explore the evolving landscape of business and technology particularly within the context of dynamic regional environment, Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Daniel Leong said.
He said this when the BEDB hosted a business networking session for foreign delegates attending the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards 2024 at a hotel yesterday.
The Sultanate is hosting the foreign delegates from December 4-7. Leong in his welcoming remark also shared Brunei Darussalam’s vast potential in the APICTA Awards 2024. “The gathering provides an excellent chance for the attendees to connect, including our Brunei based companies. We hope that today’s discussion will spark meaningful partnerships and open new avenues for growth and innovation.”
The BEDB acting CEO said BEDB is a statutory body that drives Brunei’s economic diversification by focusing on three functions of attracting investments, developing industrial sites and supporting enterprise growth. “It plays a pivotal role in creating a conducive environment for businesses, especially in sectors like technology and innovations while fostering partnership between local and international stakeholders,” he added.
BEBD Assistant Manager Derrick Chua also delivered a presentation on the opportunities in Brunei’s ICT sector.
Citing the overview of Brunei’s ICT industry, he said; “With the gross domestic product (GDP) of USD14.3 billion and a population of just 450,000, we are dynamic market that is perfect for innovation focus on efficiency and scalabilities.
“Currently our ICT sector contributes 2.3 per cent to the country’s GDP with the telecommunications sector as the major contributor. It also shows potential growth in other high value information communications and technology (ICT) areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), data analytic, Internet of Things and others.”
The Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) provides ICT development programmes such as the Digital Upskilling Training programme and Coding.bn, he said.
Meanwhile, Brunei Innovation Lab (BIL) Chairperson Haji Mohammad Shahnoel bin Haji Mohammad Noeh said BIL is a public private partnership initiative that serves as a core national platform to foster innovation, build digital literacy and nurture technopreneurs.
He added, “BIL aspires to foster a nurturing ecosystem for start-ups and driving innovations that support Brunei’s long term economic vision and sustainable growth. Our mission is empowering Brunei’s digital economy by nurturing tech start-up, attracting investment and fostering collaboration to position Brunei as a regional hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.”
AITI Chief Executive Ir Haji Jailani bin Haji Buntar and Director Allen On Hsien Yung of the Industry and Business Ecosystem Division, Ministry of Finance and Economy were also present. – James Kon
