The 10-part BIBD SME360 Series recently continued with a virtual forum discussing the current shape and state of the events, creative and professional consultancy industry.
The two-day event began on June 1 with a session titled ‘The New Work Order (Part 1): Evolution of Brunei’s Professional Consultancy Industry’.
The first session of Day 1 featured a panel of speakers which included Senior Business Counsellor of LiveWire Brunei Fadhiullah Haji Hassan; Co-founder and Director of Innovation and Growth, Tyne Solutions Aimi Ramlee; Co-founder of SynergenOG Puvan Balasubramaniam and Managing Director of BizAdvize Ambrose Nathan.
The panellists underscored business owners’ responsibility in recognising the skills of employees and offering training to allow for career advancements and upgrades.
Digitalisation and innovation play a big role in the growth and survival of businesses, hence the younger generation must have the relevant skills required in the current digital age.
The following session titled ‘The New Work Order (Part 2): Leading in the era of Ideas, Creativity and Rapid Changes’ was participated by Partner of Deloitte and Touche Zulfariq bin Haji Zainuddin; Founder of Firelight Marketing Devin Edwards; Co-founder of DRS Training Company Sophian Mat Suny; and Transformation Manager at Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd (BLNG) Elizabeth Kumar.
The speakers highlighted that the new norm is still a term with no clear definition, therefore leaders need to be inspirational, creative and attentive with their problem-solving approaches. Leaders should also be receptive and supportive of new ideas to enhance efficiency and productivity.
The first topic on Day 2 titled ‘Reboot of Brunei’s Event Industry: Wedding & MICE (Meeting, Incentives, Conference & Exhibition)’ featured speakers such as Founder of Atmosphere Event Management Edgar Leong; General Manager of RYS Entertainment Nurul Atikah Mumali; and Co-founder of Relentless Academy Amy Cheong.
The speakers underscored the importance of cooperation and teamwork to ensure events and programme are executed successfully and in an orderly fashion.
The next session 2 titled ‘Brunei’s Creative Industry: Challenges and Opportunities’ was participated by Founder of Origin Productions Siti Kamaluddin; Director of Strategy and Operations at Hoco Agency Joshua Lew; and Founder of Just Bruneians Liyana Hanif.
During the session, the speakers underscored the importance of gaining recognition as a result of hardwork as well as using social media to build up reputation and engage audience.
The final session carried the topic ‘The Emerging Coaching, Learning & Executive Development Industry in Brunei’ which was participated by Coaching with Lisa Ibby founder Lisa Ibrahim; President of Brunei Darussalam Counselling Association and Founder of Empowerior Sdn Bhd Major (Rtd) Rusli Bujang; and Founder and Chief Learning Officer of Mavensdotlive Goh Chai Li.
The speakers highlighted that in providing counselling and coaching to clients, coaches need to provide clarity and support in their advice and guidance. They also need to be more active and find opportunities to showcase their capabilities on social media.
All topics discussed were in line with Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam’s (BIBD) effort to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) recover sustainably following the COVID-19 outbreak in the country.
It is also part of BIBD’s commitment to educate and bring awareness on areas where businesses can learn how to carry out more environmentally conscious business practices – all within the three pillars of the BIBD Sustainability Framework – Responsible Entrepreneurship in particular.
Having recently entered the endemic phase with physical stores re-opening their doors to consumers and visitors, it is hoped that the SME360 Series acts as a platform for businesses and organisations to garner ideas that will help them rebound and recover from the impact of COVID-19.
The next forum will be held at the Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition 2022 (Brunei MYCE 2022) at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas on June 17.
Members of the public are welcome to join the next forum which will discuss the energy industry in conjunction with the ‘Energy Week’ at the Brunei MYCE 2022.
The final episode of the SME360 will also be held at ICC during the Economy Week at the Brunei MYCE 2022 on July 1.
The programme is organised by BIBD with DARe (Darussalam Enterprise) as a strategic partner, co-curated by Firelight Sdn Bhd and Curious Mind. It is jointly supported by 10 of Brunei’s major trade association partners and key market players, namely the Malay, Chinese, Indian and National Chambers of Commerce; LiveWIRE; BIMP-EAGA; Young Entrepreneurs Association of Brunei (YEAB); Royal Brunei Culinary (RBC); McDonalds Brunei; Serikandi Group; GoMamam; Ghanim International Corporation (bruneihalalfoods); Jab Gym; Hua Ho and Soon Lee.
