Despite the current economic developments, Brunei Darussalam faces challenges posed by low oil prices.

This was stated by the Acting Minister of Energy and Industry at the Prime Minister's Office, Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mohamad RoseIan bin Haji Mohamad Daud, during the official opening of the 5th Executive Secretaries and Administration Professional (ESAP) Conference at Starlodge in Jerudong yesterday.

"Job creation is linked to these economic challenges. In the past, jobs were easier to come by. Today, the job market is more limited," he said.

"It will take some time before our efforts to develop the economy will bring about rich and diverse opportunities our people desire.

"For now, opportunities will be limited but they still exist. I encourage you to look for opportunities, be ready and feel empowered to take risks, and think creatively about how positives can come from the current situation," he added.

"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 has reminded all of us several times how important it is to improve performance and productivity," Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mohamad Roselan noted.

"In addition, we also need to move as a team to achieve any goal that is targeted; be it in the public or private sector."

He also highlighted some of the on-going initiatives undertaken by the Government of His Majesty in its effort to stimulate the economy.

"In the area of ease of doing business for example, Brunei is ranked 84th out of 189 economies, according to the 2016 Doing Business Report by the World Bank," he said.

Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mohamad Roselan noted another positive change whereby business registration can now be done online within a day, and a business is allowed to begin operations immediately compared to taking several months previously.

The acting minister said that the government's focus is on potential growth sectors such as tourism, agriculture and food.

Meanwhile, Awang Hafriz Musa, General Manager of CONFEX, a local training service provider, said this year's theme - 'Embracing your new professional power', focuses on enhancing confidence which is required to harness today's demanding and competitive workplace.

Around 50 executive secretaries and administration professionals attended the conference.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

If you have any stories or news that you would like to share with the global online community, please feel free to share it with us by contacting us directly at [email protected]