The challenge of securing employment remains a critical concern in the Sultanate’s development agenda, particularly as it grapples with the issue of youth unemployment.
The most recent Labour Force Survey from 2022 highlighted a persistent trend: the national unemployment rate had risen to 5.2 per cent, translating to approximately 11,400 individuals without jobs, a noticeable uptick from the 4.9 per cent recorded in 2021.
The increasing unemployment rate has not gone unnoticed, becoming a point of discussion at the recent Legislative Council meeting, where several members raised concerns and deliberated on potential solutions.
The government stood committed to addressing the issue highlighting that despite the rising unemployment rate, the rate of long term unemployment has shown a decreasing trend, from 4.3 per cent in 2019 to 2.4 per cent in 2022.
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah in the same session emphasised the government’s long-term commitment to development and social progress under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
On the community front, a group of young individuals is taking a more empathetic approach to address youth employment. Their goal is to equip job seekers with the necessary soft skills and mindset to compete in today’s job market.
Connecting Hearts, launched in early March, is a programme designed to act as a catalyst for careers. It offers participants an immersive experience to explore potential career paths across different industries.
“We believe in the power of opening everyone’s heart to new possibilities,” said Learning and Development Officer at Mavensdotlive Zhorif Persidi.
The programme, organised in partnership with industry collaborators and the Brunei Youth Council, primarily targets youth who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET), including secondary and tertiary education students.
According to Zhorif, this group faces various challenges, such as stagnant salaries and educational attainment. Prolonged NEET status can also lead to economic non-contribution and mental health issues.
Speaking about their experiences engaging youth across the Sultanate through various career discovery programmes, Zhorif shared that many graduates have expressed anxiety post-graduation due to job search pressures.
According to the State of Southeast Asia 2024 Survey Report by the ASEAN Studies Centre at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, ‘unemployment and economic recession’ are among the top three challenges for Bruneians.
Zhorif also noted that in Brunei, several potential factors leading to NEET were identified through stakeholder interviews and research from other countries.
“Family circumstances play a significant role, especially for women who may become NEET due to early marriage, while males often drop out of education to work.
“However, whether they secure a job or not is a different story. Research from countries facing NEET issues indicates that even if they do find employment, they may remain stuck with the same salary even 10 years later.”
Another contributing factor may be that formal education may not suit some individuals, or they may not receive sufficient support from teachers. This can result in disengagement at school and eventual dropout, often without fully understanding the consequences.
Additionally, some youth, even when employed, may lack certain attitudes or characteristics, such as communication skills, perseverance, and professionalism, which can lead to dismissal.
“Parents can influence their children’s decisions and government welfare may create a disincentive to seek employment.
“However, it’s important to realise that parental support and welfare benefits are not permanent.”
Furthermore, Bruneian parents are known to pressure their children into pursuing specific careers. When young people lack a clear direction, they tend to follow their parents’ advice.
This lack of alignment with their own preferences can significantly impact their motivation and contribute to a mismatch of skills, Zhorif said.
Ultimately, the Connecting Hearts programme aims to be more than just a career boot camp.
It is designed to be a transformative experience that aligns individual passions with viable career opportunities, instilling a sense of purpose and direction among Brunei’s youth.
At its core, the programme aims to boost participants’ self-esteem. It offers clarity and direction in life, nurturing a growth mind-set to overcome challenges. It also promotes an outward mindset, helping individuals recognise the broader impact of their actions on the community and country.
Additionally, the programme aims to build the discipline and willpower needed to handle difficult situations.
“We also put great emphasis on reflection, as the fast-paced world often distracts us from contemplating life.” He explained that participants are encouraged to maintain a daily journal to record their thoughts.
Additionally, a well-being framework encompassing finance, physical, spiritual, and emotional aspects is integrated into the activities. Participants are also supported through monthly check-ins, coaching, and accountability partners.
“Connecting Hearts is designed to intervene, and help adopt or improve behaviour. One key criteria is everyone working together, from government policy, to industry players, parents, and most importantly the NEET themselves.” – Wardi Wasil
