“EmployAbility is a Brunei LNG Social Investment Flagship programme under my sponsorship as the Brunei LNG managing director, launched in February 2022. The programme aims to increase employment as well as nurture the ability, skills and competence of the local workforce through capability building,” Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd Managing Director and CEO Hajah Farida binti Dato Seri Paduka Haji Talib said at the EmployAbility’s second intake graduation and EmployAbility Enabled programme signing at Tarindak D’Seni in Subok yesterday.
“It has been a year and a half since the launch of EmployAbility and Alhamdulillah, today marks the graduation of the second intake, compromising dedicated individuals from Tendrill International Sdn Bhd and Adinin Works and Engineering Sdn Bhd,” she said.
“Their commitment and persistence throughout the programme were commendable. Notably, we celebrate a significant milestone today – the graduation of our first female in-service trainee. The achievement stands as a testament to our ongoing efforts in promoting equity and equality within our industry. It is my hope that this accomplishment will serve as an inspiration for many more women to join the programme and cultivate their professional skills in this field.
“In addition to the graduation, we gather here for the signing ceremony to kick off EmployAbility Enabled – a programme by Brunei LNG designed to provide opportunities to individuals with different abilities to gain work experience and upskill, thus enabling employment. The journey to this moment has been a year in the making, a demonstration to the commitment of our team and to the values of equity and equality,” she added.
“Through the programme, we wish to promote inclusivity among the community recognising the talents and accomplishments of those with different abilities.
“EmployAbility Enabled focuses on the non-technical discipline, and apprentices will be able to learn and earn similar to EmployAbility. They will be employed by Brunei LNG, and we will also support differently-abled businesses.”
The event also saw the signing of the letters of intent with partners Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei and UnikLearn for the apprenticeship programme as well as a signing with three individuals with different abilities as apprentices.
“This is an important milestone for Brunei LNG, as we become path finders for persons with different abilities or OKU employment in the industry. We as a company want to be the role model of diversity and inclusivity in Brunei,” Hajah Farida said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Culture) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Dr Siti Norkhalbi binti Haji Wahsalfelah, the chief guest, called on the graduates to take the chances outside their comfort zones as well as explore new things and stay up-to-date in the industry, while adapting to the changing environment landscape.
She also said Brunei Darussalam is empowering those with different abilities as they have different talents and abilities in the workplace, further enriching the community and fostering a culture of infusion.
Two apprentices who graduated from the second intake expressed their delight upon completion of the programme.
Norain binti Haji Othman from RPN Kampong Lambak Kanan underwent the marker fitter course. “Coming from a mechanical job background, it brings challenges as a marker fitter as it is hard work. The course involves six months of on-the-job training and another six months at the Lifelong Learning Centre of the Ministry of Education,” she said.
Meanwhile, Muhd Saifuddin bin Soeffrey, who took the marker fitter course, said, “The course brings challenges as it deals with piping. The programme gives new experiences and new challenges. Potential workers should take this opportunity if given the chance,” he said. – Azlan Othman
