According to the 2025 Employers Census, more than 5,600 local employees were recorded as earning less than BND500 per month. This includes 345 individuals holding a bachelor’s degree or higher qualifications. Employers are urged to consider workers’ qualifications, skills, experience, responsibilities and contributions, while providing opportunities for salary increases and career advancement. Fair remuneration can help employers attract, develop and retain local talent, said Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Manpower and Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman.
He said this during the launching ceremony of the Jelajah Kerjaya 2026 Grand Finale at Bridex Hall yesterday. Since 2023, he said, “the government has introduced the Employment Order (Minimum Wage) in phases, which now covers seven sectors, namely banking and finance; information and communications technology; private higher education; security; medical and dental services; tourism and accommodation; and architecture, professional engineering, quantity surveying and land surveying”.
He warned that failure to comply with these requirements constitutes an offence under Section 148 of the Employment Order (Chapter 278). Upon conviction, offenders may be liable to a fine not exceeding BND3,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or both. Touching on the country’s unemployment challenges, he cited the 2025 Labour Force Survey, which recorded an unemployment rate of 4.7 per cent in 2024, rising to 5.0 per cent in 2025, representing approximately 11,600 jobseekers. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate among youth aged 18 to 24 stood at 18.0 per cent.
He emphasised that these figures “serve as a reminder that addressing unemployment and expanding employment opportunities for local youth remain key priorities that require serious attention, as well as sustained and coordinated efforts from all levels of society, including the government, private sector and public”.
He recalled that during Jelajah Kerjaya 2025, a total of 15,080 visitors attended, with 1,682 job vacancies offered. However, only 535 local jobseekers were reported to have successfully secured employment in the private sector. This outcome remains less than satisfactory, as only 31.8 per cent of the vacancies offered were filled. This should serve as a benchmark for further strengthening the implementation and effectiveness of Jelajah Kerjaya, particularly in job matching, placement and job retention, to ensure that more of the vacancies offered are successfully filled.
Therefore, he explained that “the true success of Jelajah Kerjaya should not be measured solely by the number of vacancies offered, but also by the extent to which local jobseekers secure quality and suitable employment”.
To ensure that Jelajah Kerjaya delivers meaningful results, he emphasised that every employment opportunity offered must be supported by continuity and follow-up action, rather than ending with the career roadshow itself. This includes monitoring the number of candidates called for interviews, offered jobs, placed in employment and subsequently retained in their positions, as well as ensuring that they receive the salaries promised. It is also important to identify the challenges that prevent certain vacancies from being filled.
Jelajah Kerjaya, he said, “continues to receive encouraging support and participation from various parties. This year, a total of 113 exhibitors took part, comprising 78 private companies, 20 government agencies, two statutory bodies, 11 government-linked companies (GLCs) and two foreign direct investment (FDI) companies. Together, they offered 1,448 vacancies for local jobseekers. The diversity of these opportunities reflects the continued commitment to ensuring that employment opportunities are accessible to jobseekers from a wide range of educational backgrounds, skill sets and levels of experience”.
He highlighted several improvements, including “preliminary job matching for 573 of the 1,448 vacancies offered across the four districts through open interviews or walk-in interview sessions, arranged according to the capacity and recruitment arrangements of the participating companies. Recruitment for the remaining 875 vacancies will continue after the career roadshow, in accordance with the respective companies’ recruitment procedures. A total of 236 jobseekers attended the walk-in interview sessions”.
To date, he said, “a total of 1,523 jobseekers and 952 visitors have attended Jelajah Kerjaya events held in the Belait, Tutong and Temburong Districts. A total of 199 jobseekers have registered new accounts with JobCentre Brunei, while 263 individuals have attended CV consultation sessions”.
The minister also highlighted that providing employment opportunities is not the sole responsibility of the government. It requires the commitment and coordinated cooperation of the government, employers, educational and training institutions, the community and jobseekers themselves.
He said, “Collaboration with industry players, chambers of commerce, as well as educational and training institutions is also important in identifying skills requirements at an early stage. This will enable education and training programmes to be designed in line with labour market demand, while facilitating the job-matching process between jobseekers and employers.”
In the civil service sector, he revealed that “efforts are also being strengthened through collaboration with relevant agencies, such as the Public Service Department and the Public Service Commission. These include assessing existing vacancies and implementing more structured succession planning to support career development. Such measures aim to ensure that identified vacancies are managed and filled more efficiently, systematically and effectively”.
At the community level, he stressed that grassroots leaders should play a key role as intermediaries, particularly in identifying jobseekers within their respective areas and connecting them to Pusat Pekerjaan Brunei (PPB) and relevant agencies, whether to seek employment opportunities or explore entrepreneurship.
Addressing companies and employers, the minister said, “Your participation should be accompanied by a sincere and sustained commitment to providing jobseekers with opportunities to fill the vacancies offered. Experience can only be gained when individuals are given the opportunity to take their first steps. We also hope that local employees will not only be recruited but will continue to receive guidance and development opportunities to become productive and skilled members of the workforce. This is a valuable investment, not only in the future of companies but also in the nation’s economy.”
To local jobseekers, he advised that “every opportunity offered should be seized with the right attitude. Do not be hesitant to start from the bottom. Your first job does not necessarily have to be your last. It is an opportunity to learn, gain experience and open doors to greater opportunities in the future”.
Jobseekers, he added, “must also be prepared to face changes in the world of work, which is increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation and emerging technologies. Qualifications alone are no longer sufficient; we must continue to learn, upgrade our skills and adapt to changing circumstances”.
Equally important, he said, is demonstrating the right attitude and commitment in every opportunity offered.
Therefore, he reminded jobseekers who have been invited to job-matching sessions and interviews to seize these opportunities. Opportunities can only lead to successful job placements when they are met with a willingness to make an effort and demonstrate one’s capabilities. – James Kon
SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN/JAMES KON
Venues
Audience Ceremony with Coordinating Minister for Public Affairs and Minister for Defence, Republic of Singapore
His Royal Highness receives in Audience Coordinating Minister for Public Affairs and Minister for Defence, Republic of Singapore
Congratulatory Messages on Occasion of Malaysia's 68th Anniversary of Independence Day
Congratulatory Messages on the Occasion of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam's National Day 80th Anniversary
Registration for National Level Musabaqah Al-Qur'an Memorisation and Its Understanding 1447 Hijrah
Course Closing Ceremony, Pengiran Anak Puteri Muta-Wakkilah Hayatul Bolkiah Religious School
Tahlil Ceremony in conjunction with 50th Anniversary of Brunei Arts and Handicrafts Training Centre
Congratulatory Messages on the occasion of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's 95th National Day
Inauguration Of Establishment of Johor Islamic Religious Council & Multaqa Ulama' Darul Ta'zim
Congratulatory Message on the Occasion of Republic of Korea's National Foundation Day
Doa Kesyukuran Ceremony in conjunction with Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri's Birthday Celebration
Audience Ceremony with The Secretary of National Defence of the Republic of the Philippines
Khatam Al-Qur'an Ceremony in conjunction with Birthday Celebration of Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri
Audience Ceremony with Spouse of the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
Doa Kesyukuran Ceremony in conjunction with the Birthday Celebration of Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri
Khatam Al-Qur'an Ceremony in conjunction with the Ruby Jubilee of the Islamic Da'wah Centre
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Audience Ceremony
Prizes Presentation, National Preliminary Musabaqah Al-Qur'an Reading Competition for Adults
Khatam Al-Qur'am Ceremony in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Television Services, RTB
Congratulatory Message on the occasion of the Republic of Turkiye's 102nd Republic Day
Sales Festival in conjunction with the Farmers, Livestock Breeders and Fishermen Day Celebration
Message of Condolences following the Tragic Incident of a Turkish Military Cargo Plane Crash
RB awarded 2026 APEX Four Star Major Airline & 2026 APEX Best in Seat Comfort Award for East Asia
Meeting of the Steering Committee with the Sectoral Committees for the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations
Silver Jubilee Celebration, 25th Anniversary of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah watches Fencing Event of Islamic Solidarity Games 2025
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah presents the Gold Medals, Islamic Solidarity Games 2025
Certification Application for Religious Teaching, Al-Qur'an, and Lectures 1st Session of 2026
Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs Republic of Singapore Audience Ceremony
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China Audience Ceremony
Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs Republic of Singapore Audience Ceremony
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China Audience Ceremony
Launching of Guideline Book on Addressing Harassment at the Workplace in the Public Service
Messages of Condolences following the recent fire at Wang Fuk Court Residential Complex
Congratulatory Messages on the occasion of the National Day of the Kingdom of Thailand
Nine To Four Run in conjunction with 'Ke Temburong Bisai Programme: Borneo Bike Gathering Edition'
Message of Condolences following the Terrorist Attack at Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
Their Majesties will attend a Get-Together Ceremony with Citizens and Residents in United Kingdom and Ireland
Get-Together Ceremony with Citizens and Residents of Brunei in United Kingdom and Ireland
Doa Kesyukuran Ceremony in conjunction with the 42nd Anniversary of Kampung Sungai Besar Mosque
Message of Congratulations on the occasion of Republic of the Union of Myanmar's 78th Independence Day
Working Visit by Ministry of Religious Affairs Delegation for the Admission of Sanah 5 Students
Exhibition Match in conjunction with Peak x UNIKLEARN Pickleball Charity Championship 2026
His Majesty will be Taking Rest, Limited Presence at National and Official Ceremonies
Sovereign's Parade Ceremony of the 24th Intake of the Officer Cadet School, Defence Academy, RBAF
Discipline and Self-Resilience are the Core of the Success of 24th Intake of Officer Cadets
Sunat Hajat Prayer, Reading of Surah Yasin and Special Doa, Brunei Darussalam Students Overseas
Official Academic Visit by Muslim Scholars Association of Malaysia at Islamic Da'wah Centre
Commemorative Products Press Conference in conjunction with Diamond Jubilee Wedding Anniversary
Brunei-Cambridge G.C.E. 'O' Level and IGCSE Examination Results for October/November 2025 Session
Agreement Signing between Warisan Shipping Line and DP World Logistics Malaysia Sendirian Berhad
Message of Congratulations on Occasion of the Islamic Republic of Iran's National Day
Tahlil Ceremony and Appointment Letter Presentation, Jubli Perak Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque
Presentation of Appreciation Certificates and Apointment Letters, Selangan Mosque Takmir Committee
Distribution of His Majesty's Personal Gift of Dates, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism
Urgent Treated Water Pump Valve Replacement Works at Bukit Barun Water Treatment Plant Stage 4 & 5
Enforcement of Control of the Capture, Importation of Small-sized and Egg-Bearing Lobsters and Crabs
Congratulatory Message on occasion of Appointment as the New Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh
Religious Ceremony Awaiting the Results of the Sighting of the New Moon of Ramadhan 1447 Hijrah
Temporary Half Lane Road Closure at Jalan Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha and Tungku Highway
Doa Kesyukuran Ceremony in conjunction with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's 52nd Birthday
Doa Kesyukuran Ceremony in conjunction with the Crown Prince's 52nd Birthday Celebration
Prohibition of Offering Ramadhan Buffet for Premises that have not obtained Halal Certificate
Flag Handover Ceremony to the National Contingent competing at the 6th Asian Beach Games
Brunei's Commitment to Fostering Peace, Promoting Social Harmony & Advancing Sustainable Development
Book Launching Ceremony, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkiye
Audience Ceremony with the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, FAO and Delegation
38th Session of Food and Agriculture Organisation Regional Conference Launching Ceremony
Signing of Agreement between Kedai Kampung & Agrodynamics Antarabangsa Brunei Sendirian Berhad
27/04/2026 Opening of the Final of the National Musabaqah Al-Qur'an Reading for Adults 1447 Hijrah/2026
Mass Sunat Hajat Prayer in conjunction with the World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2026
Final of National Level Musabaqah Al-Qur'an Reading for Adults 1447H/2026M, Final Night
Audience Ceremony with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia
Conferment of State Honorary Medals in conjunction with His Majesty's 79th Birthday Celebration
Establishment of Tilawah Al-Qur'an Scheme for Children as Foundation for Noble Morals and Personalities
Reading, Deepening Understanding and Expressing Internalisation of Al-Qur'an in Shaping Morals and Behavior
Appointment & Confirmation of Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Management), Ministry of Health
Advance Party of Brunei Darussalam Haj Management Office meeting with Syarikat Holiday Inn Bakkah
Bilateral Meeting With His Excellency Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
Flowmeter and Valve Replacement Works at the Agis-Agis Water Treatment Plant, Belait District
Bilateral Meeting with the President and the Vice President of the People's Republic of China
Customs Case, An Indonesian Woman possessing Cigarettes of Various Brands without a Valid Permit
His Royal Highness left Shenzhen after concluding Official Visit to the People's Republic of China
Long Service Medal Presentation in conjunction with His Majesty's 79th Birthday Celebration
Religious Ceremony while Waiting For the Result of the Moon Sighting for Zulhijjah 1447 Hijrah
Ensuring every Citizen possesses Homes that are Comfortable, Safe and of Reasonably High Quality
Establishment of the National Committee on Addressing the Impact of the Middle East Conflict
Special Titah in conjunction with the Reshuffle and Appointment of New Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers 2026
His Majesty consents to Appoint and Promote the Deputy Director of Anti-Corruption Bureau as Director of Anti-Corruption Bureau
Swearing-In Ceremony for the Newly Appointed Judicial Commissioner of the Supreme Court for the Court of Appeal of Brunei Darussalam
Message of Condolences following the recent earthquake in Southern Mindanao, Republic of the Philippines
Courtesy Call by the Non-Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Brunei Darussalam
Talk Programme “Meneladani Tokoh Wanita Islam Zaman Rasulullah Shallallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam"
Congratulatory Message on the Occasion of the Republic of the Philippines' 128th Independence Day
1448 Hijrah New Year with the National Level Reading of End of Hijrah Year and Hijrah New Year Doa
His Majesty will attend the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan, Russian Federation
The Pillars to the Country's Stability, Prosperity and Resilience Must Always Be At a Strong and Secure Level
His Majesty Hope Goverment-Linked Companies Will Be Able to Contribute to a More Sustainable Economic Growth
Strengthening Religious Education and the Field of Da'wah or Propogation is Necessary
Gala Dinner in Honour of Heads of State and Government of ASEAN attending the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit
Congratulatory Messages on the occasion of His Majesty King Charles III's 77th Birthday Anniversary
In Audience with the Outgoing Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Brunei Darussalam
'Kampungku Cergas' Recreational Activity in conjunction with the National Family Day Celebration
'Quit2Win' Campaign becomes an Important Platform to Quit Smoking and Stop using Electronic Vape
BDFA Responsible for the Food Safety Services in the Tutong District and Temburong District
Maintenance Works of Mengkubau Water Treatment Plant & Cleaning Works of Bukit Ambok Water Tank
Doa Kesyukuran Ceremony in conjunction with His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik's 43rd Birthday
Giant-Sized Flag Hoisting Ceremony in conjunction with His Majesty's 80th Birthday Celebration
Kejohanan Bola Sepak His Majesty The Sultan's Cup : Memperkukuh hubungan persahabatan NBD, UK
Haj fare grant applications open; registration begins for National Maulidur Rasul celebration
Brunei Insurance & Takaful Represented in the 31st East Asia Insurance Congress (EAIC) Tokyo 2026
Maraburong Prison Phase 4 building handed overMaraburong Prison Phase 4 building handed over
Landmark Sukuk supports financial innovation and capital market development in Brunei Darussalam
Their Majesties attend funeral for late HRH Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah
Designation of Private and Confidential Secretary to His Majesty is a Deputy Ministerial level position
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