Strengthening the private sector and attracting more foreign direct investment (FDI) are key to addressing unemployment in Brunei Darussalam, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman said during the ongoing Second Meeting of the 22nd Legislative Council (LegCo) session on Wednesday.
Supporting the motion on strengthening coordination towards achieving Wawasan Brunei 2035, he said the appointment of the three Coordinating Ministers would help ensure national policies are implemented more effectively, particularly in addressing unemployment and driving economic growth.
Turning to unemployment, YB Pehin Dato Seri Setia Haji Suyoi said many jobseekers continue to face challenges despite the increasing number of graduates entering the labour market each year.
He noted that unemployment has become one of the factors contributing to a rise in applications for government assistance, while opportunities in the public sector remain limited.
Describing the private sector as the nation’s “engine of growth”, he said it has significant potential to generate employment but requires stronger government support to expand and create more attractive career opportunities for locals.
He called for policies that encourage business growth through incentives, streamlined regulations and a more business-friendly environment, including simpler procedures for company registration, licensing, employment passes, land approvals and access to utilities.
YB Pehin Dato Seri Setia Haji Suyoi also stressed the importance of attracting more foreign direct investment, saying closer coordination among relevant agencies would help accelerate investment approvals and strengthen investor confidence.
He said greater investment would not only create jobs but also introduce new technologies, expertise and skills that would benefit the country’s long-term development.
He observed that Brunei has yet to attract the same level of foreign investment as many other ASEAN countries and suggested that government media play a greater role in showcasing successful investment projects to enhance the country’s profile as an investment destination.
To support future industries, he also called for closer collaboration between the Ministry of Education, the Coordinating Ministers, the Manpower Planning and Employment Council (MPEC) and industry to develop local talent in strategic sectors such as digital technology, artificial intelligence, engineering, finance, green technology and renewable energy.
YB Pehin Dato Seri Setia Haji Suyoi described unemployment as partly a structural issue caused by a mismatch between graduates’ qualifications and industry requirements.
As an interim measure, he proposed placing unemployed graduates in temporary positions within government agencies based on their areas of expertise, including information technology, artificial intelligence, education, agriculture, finance and healthcare.
He said the initiative would help graduates gain valuable experience, improve their skills and confidence, and better prepare them for permanent employment while contributing to improved public service delivery.
Concluding his speech, he expressed hope that stronger coordination across government would lead to tangible progress in reducing unemployment, strengthening government-linked companies and attracting greater investment before the next LegCo session.
SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN/Lyna Mohammad
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