Cooperate, advice to shrimp farmers
UBAIDILLAH MASLI
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Key to achieving economies of scale to reduce costs, compete globally
SHRIMP farmers must cooperate to reduce fragmentation and improve the efficiency of the industry in order to expand and reach economies of scale, said the director of the Fisheries Department.
Hjh Hasnah Ibrahim made the call to local shrimp culture operators yesterday in response to the article, "Realising potential of local shrimp industry," published by The Brunei Times on November 8, 2008.
For local farmers to compete in the global shrimp farming sector, it is necessary for farmers to implement a profitable production model based on a niche product that commands premium prices, the director said in a letter to The Brunei Times.
"They must also implement more efficient production technologies that reduce costs and leverage (on) the strengths of Brunei: a well educated and bilingual workforce, excellent infrastructure and low energy costs," she added.
The Fisheries Department acknowledged the causes of the competitive disadvantages faced by the country's shrimp farmers was the switch in production of Rostris (Litopenaeus stylirostris) from a similar shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, but said that there were other factors involved which needed to be considered.
With most of the world shrimp farmers opting for the vannamei, this particular shrimp has become a low-price commodity as result of oversupply and disproportionate drop in price for the small-sized shrimp. Therefore, only low-cost producers were willing to produce large volumes, while experiencing thin profit margins so that they were able to compete in the market via the vannamei.
"This is not a good fit for Brunei," Hjh Hasnah said.
According to the department, Brunei produced less than 1,000 tonnes of shrimp annually, equivalent to less than one per cent of shrimp production of many competing countries. The director said that the lack of economies of scale in the local industry resulted in higher costs of feed and post-larvae.
She went on to say that although Brunei enjoyed lower energy costs than most competing countries, this only made up a small component of the overall operating costs.
Due to underlying factors such as high labour costs, the key issue still remained: "Brunei has higher costs of production than other shrimp farming countries in the region".
As these difficulties have grown, Brunei shrimp farmers have "retreated" from the highly competitive export markets and focused more on the local markets, which have also succumbed to the threat of vannamei, as more of this cheaper variety of shrimp are being imported into Brunei.
The department felt that the answer to the problem was not competing "head-on" with the low-priced commodity but, rather, to restructure the farming sector to reduce costs and generate high-value products.
In this effort, the Fisheries Department in a three-year agreement with US company, Integrated Aquaculture International (IAI), implemented plans to introduce the black tiger shrimp over the past two years. The shrimp, which is also known as the Penaeus monodon, could grow to a much larger size than the other two types of shrimp and could command higher prices in international markets.
However, the monodon had to be selectively bred over several shrimp generations to combat their susceptibility to disease and thus, generating a specific pathogen free (SPF) stock.
The director said that the programme was well under way and the F2 generation of SPF monodon has already been developed.
With the plans to build the Telisai Phase II farm expansion, Brunei's shrimp production could see an increase to 2,000 metric tonnes per year.
This target productivity could achieve the required economies of scale in feed, post-larvae, processing and marketing, the director said.
Apart from their cooperation in developing SPF shrimp, IAI also worked with the department in genetically-improved post-larvae, high-performing feeds, and sustainable farming systems and techniques aimed to produce quality shrimp for premium markets.
"We are hopeful that the new business model will grow, prosper and lead to other high-value spin-offs that will benefit Brunei for years to come," said Hjh Hasnah.
In an interview with a local shrimp farmer, Hj Nasrul Hakim Hj Othman of S Kota Sdn Bhd told The Brunei Times that at present, there was no particular organisation which unites the 13 local shrimp culturers.
However, he said that, under their own initiative, the farmers did meet and work together to collect data and discuss issues faced by the farmers to present to the Fisheries Department.
Hj Nasrul Hakim welcomed the formation of such an organisation but wished the department would emphasise the idea to all the farmers directly on the significance of this cooperation.
The Brunei Times
Showing posts with label industry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label industry. Show all posts
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Get ready to say hello to 'made in Brunei' mobile
Get ready to say hello to 'made in Brunei' mobile
Ubaidillah Masli
BRUNEI-MUARA
Monday, August 25, 2008
EXPECT to see mobile phones which bear the label "made in Brunei Darussalam" in the market within the near future as Dina Brunei held the launching of the mobile phone manufacturing industry. By January 2009, a factory to introduce and assemble GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) mobile phones in the Sultanate will become fully operational.
As a result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Dina Brunei and Christel Technologies Singapore, a new company, Business Time Technologies Sdn Bhd had been formed to handle the production of these locally-made cell phones. The MoU was signed yesterday during the ceremony, which was held at the theatre of the Empire Hotel and Country Club.
Signing on behalf of Dina Brunei was its president, Azlan Yussuf, who stated that the factory would commence production with the introduction of its first line of PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) mobile phones as well as "everyday" handphones.
Azlan highlighted that the new industry was in line with the nation's aim of diversifying its economy and reducing its dependency on oil and gas. He expressed the hope that the manufacturing of mobile phones would place Brunei on the map as an industrial and commercial hub.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Augustine Yap, was on hand to sign the MoU on behalf of Christel Technologies Singapore. He also delivered a speech where he outlined that the cooperation of the two companies was a "clear reflection" of Dina Brunei's initiative to penetrate the global stage.
Yap said that the cooperation between Christel Technologies and Dina Brunei "fitted well". Since the Singaporean company had the necessary ICT knowledge and expertise while Dina Brunei had the "strong financial capacity", Yap expressed his belief that together, they would be able to combine their resources to "deliver the best product" to the market.
He also said that the world mobile phone industry was growing and quoted a 2006 survey which forecast an expected compound annual growth of 14 per cent. He added that in 2011, worldwide mobile phone shipment will reach a total of 1.46 billion sets.
"It is the desire of this new company to capitalise on this growing market demand," he said.
Yap also announced that once the factory becomes operational, a research and development department would be established to create new innovative products designed by local engineers. In this light, the CEO mentioned that the industry would open up a host of job opportunities, ranging from logistics to engineers.
He added that the products would be exported, targeting "high-end markets" such as oil-importing countries.
Carrying the brand, D-Time, 1,000 limited edition models of these phones would be released by the end of next month to give the customers a taste of what the company has to offer in the future. A teaser trailer was also played to give the audience of Dina group members a brief glimpse of the new product. The president of Dina Global, Hasri Md Nor, was present to launch the trailer as the guest of honour at the event.
The Brunei Times
Ubaidillah Masli
BRUNEI-MUARA
Monday, August 25, 2008
EXPECT to see mobile phones which bear the label "made in Brunei Darussalam" in the market within the near future as Dina Brunei held the launching of the mobile phone manufacturing industry. By January 2009, a factory to introduce and assemble GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) mobile phones in the Sultanate will become fully operational.
As a result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Dina Brunei and Christel Technologies Singapore, a new company, Business Time Technologies Sdn Bhd had been formed to handle the production of these locally-made cell phones. The MoU was signed yesterday during the ceremony, which was held at the theatre of the Empire Hotel and Country Club.
Signing on behalf of Dina Brunei was its president, Azlan Yussuf, who stated that the factory would commence production with the introduction of its first line of PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) mobile phones as well as "everyday" handphones.
Azlan highlighted that the new industry was in line with the nation's aim of diversifying its economy and reducing its dependency on oil and gas. He expressed the hope that the manufacturing of mobile phones would place Brunei on the map as an industrial and commercial hub.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Augustine Yap, was on hand to sign the MoU on behalf of Christel Technologies Singapore. He also delivered a speech where he outlined that the cooperation of the two companies was a "clear reflection" of Dina Brunei's initiative to penetrate the global stage.
Yap said that the cooperation between Christel Technologies and Dina Brunei "fitted well". Since the Singaporean company had the necessary ICT knowledge and expertise while Dina Brunei had the "strong financial capacity", Yap expressed his belief that together, they would be able to combine their resources to "deliver the best product" to the market.
He also said that the world mobile phone industry was growing and quoted a 2006 survey which forecast an expected compound annual growth of 14 per cent. He added that in 2011, worldwide mobile phone shipment will reach a total of 1.46 billion sets.
"It is the desire of this new company to capitalise on this growing market demand," he said.
Yap also announced that once the factory becomes operational, a research and development department would be established to create new innovative products designed by local engineers. In this light, the CEO mentioned that the industry would open up a host of job opportunities, ranging from logistics to engineers.
He added that the products would be exported, targeting "high-end markets" such as oil-importing countries.
Carrying the brand, D-Time, 1,000 limited edition models of these phones would be released by the end of next month to give the customers a taste of what the company has to offer in the future. A teaser trailer was also played to give the audience of Dina group members a brief glimpse of the new product. The president of Dina Global, Hasri Md Nor, was present to launch the trailer as the guest of honour at the event.
The Brunei Times
Get ready to say hello to 'made in Brunei' mobile
Get ready to say hello to 'made in Brunei' mobile
UBAIDILLAH MASLI
BRUNEI-MUARA
Monday, August 25, 2008
EXPECT to see mobile phones which bear the label "made in Brunei Darussalam" in the market within the near future as Dina Brunei held the launching of the mobile phone manufacturing industry. By January 2009, a factory to introduce and assemble GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) mobile phones in the Sultanate will become fully operational.
As a result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Dina Brunei and Christel Technologies Singapore, a new company, Business Time Technologies Sdn Bhd had been formed to handle the production of these locally-made cell phones. The MoU was signed yesterday during the ceremony, which was held at the theatre of the Empire Hotel and Country Club.
Signing on behalf of Dina Brunei was its president, Azlan Yussuf, who stated that the factory would commence production with the introduction of its first line of PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) mobile phones as well as "everyday" handphones.
Azlan highlighted that the new industry was in line with the nation's aim of diversifying its economy and reducing its dependency on oil and gas. He expressed the hope that the manufacturing of mobile phones would place Brunei on the map as an industrial and commercial hub.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Augustine Yap, was on hand to sign the MoU on behalf of Christel Technologies Singapore. He also delivered a speech where he outlined that the cooperation of the two companies was a "clear reflection" of Dina Brunei's initiative to penetrate the global stage.
Yap said that the cooperation between Christel Technologies and Dina Brunei "fitted well". Since the Singaporean company had the necessary ICT knowledge and expertise while Dina Brunei had the "strong financial capacity", Yap expressed his belief that together, they would be able to combine their resources to "deliver the best product" to the market.
He also said that the world mobile phone industry was growing and quoted a 2006 survey which forecast an expected compound annual growth of 14 per cent. He added that in 2011, worldwide mobile phone shipment will reach a total of 1.46 billion sets.
"It is the desire of this new company to capitalise on this growing market demand," he said.
Yap also announced that once the factory becomes operational, a research and development department would be established to create new innovative products designed by local engineers. In this light, the CEO mentioned that the industry would open up a host of job opportunities, ranging from logistics to engineers.
He added that the products would be exported, targeting "high-end markets" such as oil-importing countries.
Carrying the brand, D-Time, 1,000 limited edition models of these phones would be released by the end of next month to give the customers a taste of what the company has to offer in the future. A teaser trailer was also played to give the audience of Dina group members a brief glimpse of the new product. The president of Dina Global, Hasri Md Nor, was present to launch the trailer as the guest of honour at the event.
The Brunei Times
UBAIDILLAH MASLI
BRUNEI-MUARA
Monday, August 25, 2008
EXPECT to see mobile phones which bear the label "made in Brunei Darussalam" in the market within the near future as Dina Brunei held the launching of the mobile phone manufacturing industry. By January 2009, a factory to introduce and assemble GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) mobile phones in the Sultanate will become fully operational.
As a result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Dina Brunei and Christel Technologies Singapore, a new company, Business Time Technologies Sdn Bhd had been formed to handle the production of these locally-made cell phones. The MoU was signed yesterday during the ceremony, which was held at the theatre of the Empire Hotel and Country Club.
Signing on behalf of Dina Brunei was its president, Azlan Yussuf, who stated that the factory would commence production with the introduction of its first line of PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) mobile phones as well as "everyday" handphones.
Azlan highlighted that the new industry was in line with the nation's aim of diversifying its economy and reducing its dependency on oil and gas. He expressed the hope that the manufacturing of mobile phones would place Brunei on the map as an industrial and commercial hub.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Augustine Yap, was on hand to sign the MoU on behalf of Christel Technologies Singapore. He also delivered a speech where he outlined that the cooperation of the two companies was a "clear reflection" of Dina Brunei's initiative to penetrate the global stage.
Yap said that the cooperation between Christel Technologies and Dina Brunei "fitted well". Since the Singaporean company had the necessary ICT knowledge and expertise while Dina Brunei had the "strong financial capacity", Yap expressed his belief that together, they would be able to combine their resources to "deliver the best product" to the market.
He also said that the world mobile phone industry was growing and quoted a 2006 survey which forecast an expected compound annual growth of 14 per cent. He added that in 2011, worldwide mobile phone shipment will reach a total of 1.46 billion sets.
"It is the desire of this new company to capitalise on this growing market demand," he said.
Yap also announced that once the factory becomes operational, a research and development department would be established to create new innovative products designed by local engineers. In this light, the CEO mentioned that the industry would open up a host of job opportunities, ranging from logistics to engineers.
He added that the products would be exported, targeting "high-end markets" such as oil-importing countries.
Carrying the brand, D-Time, 1,000 limited edition models of these phones would be released by the end of next month to give the customers a taste of what the company has to offer in the future. A teaser trailer was also played to give the audience of Dina group members a brief glimpse of the new product. The president of Dina Global, Hasri Md Nor, was present to launch the trailer as the guest of honour at the event.
The Brunei Times
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Priming the industrial pump
Priming the industrial pump
Helping build Brunei: The Butra Heidelberg (Brunei Cement) factory in Muara is one of many projects initiated by Hamidjojo Development. The business strategy and development firm aims to help build industries in Brunei Picture: BT/Zamri ZainalDebbie Too
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Saturday, August 23, 2008
HAMIDJOJO Development's founder and chief executive Rubyanto A Hamidjojo enjoys building a business, and more specifically developing an industry.
"(It) doesn't just develop projects, we develop industries and then sell (a business project) off to other companies to manage," says Hamidjojo project manager Joseph Sequeira who has been in the company for more than 15 years. To this day, Sequeira still feels the same rush and anticipation he had in the beginning.
Commitment is said to be one of the most important ingredients in a successful business. However, once a business has reached a certain level of success, it is hard to not fall into a routine trap which can make even the most exciting of tasks seem dull. The rush, excitement and anticipation that someone in business feels in the beginning soon starts to wear off and may even result in boredom. But not at Hamidjojo, says Sequeira.
"In the past 15 years being in the company, every new project we have done has always felt like something new because it's always something different."
The company has narrowed its niche down to being a business strategy and development company, which Sequeira explains is due to the nature of the business. It involves developing a company, running it for a couple of years, and once the project has reached its peak, it is sold off to other businessmen.
"Our first project was the first ... mineral water plant, which cost $5 million, and was built and developed in Lumut in 1985," says Sequeira. After a few years, the company was sold off and Hamidjojo started looking to develop another industry, cement.
"Our founder has experience from Indonesia, and he always sees the potential in developing industries in Brunei, so the next feasible project we developed was the cement plant, previously known as Butra Djajanti but sold off to a German company and now called Butra Heidelberg cement." The cement plant cost $90 million to build and was completed in 1993.
Since there are many industries to develop, Sequeira says that the company decides what projects to develop based on two points: Brunei's available resources and whether the products will have export potential.
"Other than the oil and gas industry, Brunei hardly has any industries in manufacturing, and since the (bigger) garment factories closed down, the other big player in manufacturing is the cement plant. Brunei has the potential to develop more industries with its available resources, so one of the projects we were in the midst of developing was a glass factory."
Sequeira says one of Brunei's natural resources is silica sand found in abundance along the main roads connecting the Tutong district to the Belait district. However, due to the lack of power available to support such a plant and other technical difficulties, Hamidjojo Development decided to put that project on hold. The company's current project involves the development of a thin film solar plant, which costs €30 million ($62.6 million).
"In this day and age, with oil prices going up and the limited amount of energy resources, people are looking towards renewable energy, and solar power is becoming more and more popular," he says.
While Hamidjojo seems to land multi-million projects one after another, Sequeira says it is not without its own set of challenges. Apart from the technical challenges that it faces when working on projects, on a whole the project manager says that decision making in Brunei is slow.
"Sometimes it gets frustrating, but we have to live with it and so we try our best to work around it.
"I have been with this company for a very long time and one of the best things is being able to do something new all the time. With new projects, we learn new things, we read books and magazines to learn more about our project and it's just like being back in school and studying."
The most important thing that has kept Sequeira loyal to the company is the job satisfaction from seeing a project flourish.
"Even though we have sold off our developments, there is always a satisfaction knowing that I was a part of building those factories. Every time I see a Butra Heidelberg cement bag, I think to myself that I helped build that plant. I am not a Bruneian, so eventually, I will have to go back to India, but knowing that I was part of developing certain industries and building the plants and factories is good to leave me happy," he says.
The Brunei Times
Helping build Brunei: The Butra Heidelberg (Brunei Cement) factory in Muara is one of many projects initiated by Hamidjojo Development. The business strategy and development firm aims to help build industries in Brunei Picture: BT/Zamri ZainalDebbie Too
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Saturday, August 23, 2008
HAMIDJOJO Development's founder and chief executive Rubyanto A Hamidjojo enjoys building a business, and more specifically developing an industry.
"(It) doesn't just develop projects, we develop industries and then sell (a business project) off to other companies to manage," says Hamidjojo project manager Joseph Sequeira who has been in the company for more than 15 years. To this day, Sequeira still feels the same rush and anticipation he had in the beginning.
Commitment is said to be one of the most important ingredients in a successful business. However, once a business has reached a certain level of success, it is hard to not fall into a routine trap which can make even the most exciting of tasks seem dull. The rush, excitement and anticipation that someone in business feels in the beginning soon starts to wear off and may even result in boredom. But not at Hamidjojo, says Sequeira.
"In the past 15 years being in the company, every new project we have done has always felt like something new because it's always something different."
The company has narrowed its niche down to being a business strategy and development company, which Sequeira explains is due to the nature of the business. It involves developing a company, running it for a couple of years, and once the project has reached its peak, it is sold off to other businessmen.
"Our first project was the first ... mineral water plant, which cost $5 million, and was built and developed in Lumut in 1985," says Sequeira. After a few years, the company was sold off and Hamidjojo started looking to develop another industry, cement.
"Our founder has experience from Indonesia, and he always sees the potential in developing industries in Brunei, so the next feasible project we developed was the cement plant, previously known as Butra Djajanti but sold off to a German company and now called Butra Heidelberg cement." The cement plant cost $90 million to build and was completed in 1993.
Since there are many industries to develop, Sequeira says that the company decides what projects to develop based on two points: Brunei's available resources and whether the products will have export potential.
"Other than the oil and gas industry, Brunei hardly has any industries in manufacturing, and since the (bigger) garment factories closed down, the other big player in manufacturing is the cement plant. Brunei has the potential to develop more industries with its available resources, so one of the projects we were in the midst of developing was a glass factory."
Sequeira says one of Brunei's natural resources is silica sand found in abundance along the main roads connecting the Tutong district to the Belait district. However, due to the lack of power available to support such a plant and other technical difficulties, Hamidjojo Development decided to put that project on hold. The company's current project involves the development of a thin film solar plant, which costs €30 million ($62.6 million).
"In this day and age, with oil prices going up and the limited amount of energy resources, people are looking towards renewable energy, and solar power is becoming more and more popular," he says.
While Hamidjojo seems to land multi-million projects one after another, Sequeira says it is not without its own set of challenges. Apart from the technical challenges that it faces when working on projects, on a whole the project manager says that decision making in Brunei is slow.
"Sometimes it gets frustrating, but we have to live with it and so we try our best to work around it.
"I have been with this company for a very long time and one of the best things is being able to do something new all the time. With new projects, we learn new things, we read books and magazines to learn more about our project and it's just like being back in school and studying."
The most important thing that has kept Sequeira loyal to the company is the job satisfaction from seeing a project flourish.
"Even though we have sold off our developments, there is always a satisfaction knowing that I was a part of building those factories. Every time I see a Butra Heidelberg cement bag, I think to myself that I helped build that plant. I am not a Bruneian, so eventually, I will have to go back to India, but knowing that I was part of developing certain industries and building the plants and factories is good to leave me happy," he says.
The Brunei Times
Monday, March 31, 2008
Monodon project to boost local shrimp industry
Monodon project to boost local shrimp industry
Into global market: A local fishmonger showing off his catch for sale. Picture: BT file photo
IZAM SAID YA'AKUB
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Monday, March 31, 2008
THE anticipated arrival of a Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) Black Tiger shrimp being bred in Brunei could carve a niche in international high value seafood markets.
During the Sixth Aquaculture Seminar organised by the Fisheries Department on Saturday, the local shrimp industry was informed that the SPF process is nearly complete with genetically improved post-larvae available in September.
Dr George Chamberlain, Technical Director of Integrated Aquaculture International (IAI) disclosed the information in his update of the three-year project which has seen the IAI develop advanced aquaculture technology to produce large black tiger shrimp for export.
Stocks of black tiger shrimp have been established and moved from primary quarantine to secondary quarantine toward potential SPF status.
Once established, the breeding of SPF black tiger shrimp will be set to begin, marking a new chapter in the history of Brunei's fairly infant shrimp industry.
The importance of the SPF black tiger shrimp, which is also known as Penaeus monodon, to Brunei shrimp industry revolves around the challenges faced by the local shrimp farmers.
High costs for post larvae, feed and labour, coupled with low international prices for shrimp means that for exports will need to target a different market.
During the seminar, Dr Chamberlain outlined that the industry needs to "produce large high value shrimp for the premium markets".
The Monodon is a larger shrimp and even locally is sought after, however despite being on the verge of something potentially big, Brunei will also need to convince the International market.
Plans to acquire Hazardous Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) and EU Certifications are also in the pipeline, with continuing contacts with large buyers in North America and participation in international seafood shows and markets are also ongoing to further develop the brand image of Brunei's shrimp.
The results of the venture between IAI and the Department of Fisheries are not mutually exclusive to specific-pathogen-free shrimp but also genetically-improved post-larvae, high-performing feeds, and sustainable farming systems and techniques aimed to produce quality shrimp for premium markets.
The Brunei Times
Into global market: A local fishmonger showing off his catch for sale. Picture: BT file photo
IZAM SAID YA'AKUB
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Monday, March 31, 2008
THE anticipated arrival of a Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) Black Tiger shrimp being bred in Brunei could carve a niche in international high value seafood markets.
During the Sixth Aquaculture Seminar organised by the Fisheries Department on Saturday, the local shrimp industry was informed that the SPF process is nearly complete with genetically improved post-larvae available in September.
Dr George Chamberlain, Technical Director of Integrated Aquaculture International (IAI) disclosed the information in his update of the three-year project which has seen the IAI develop advanced aquaculture technology to produce large black tiger shrimp for export.
Stocks of black tiger shrimp have been established and moved from primary quarantine to secondary quarantine toward potential SPF status.
Once established, the breeding of SPF black tiger shrimp will be set to begin, marking a new chapter in the history of Brunei's fairly infant shrimp industry.
The importance of the SPF black tiger shrimp, which is also known as Penaeus monodon, to Brunei shrimp industry revolves around the challenges faced by the local shrimp farmers.
High costs for post larvae, feed and labour, coupled with low international prices for shrimp means that for exports will need to target a different market.
During the seminar, Dr Chamberlain outlined that the industry needs to "produce large high value shrimp for the premium markets".
The Monodon is a larger shrimp and even locally is sought after, however despite being on the verge of something potentially big, Brunei will also need to convince the International market.
Plans to acquire Hazardous Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) and EU Certifications are also in the pipeline, with continuing contacts with large buyers in North America and participation in international seafood shows and markets are also ongoing to further develop the brand image of Brunei's shrimp.
The results of the venture between IAI and the Department of Fisheries are not mutually exclusive to specific-pathogen-free shrimp but also genetically-improved post-larvae, high-performing feeds, and sustainable farming systems and techniques aimed to produce quality shrimp for premium markets.
The Brunei Times
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Skills development, private-public partnership vital for Brunei ICT growth
Skills development, private-public partnership vital for Brunei ICT growth
SOBRINA ROSLI
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
BRUNEI's ICT industry is foreseen to grow further during the next few years, subject to proper collaboration efforts, local companies initiative to expand and the nurturing of local ICT skills and expertise.
At a dialogue session between the Prime Minister's Office and the local ICT industry held yesterday,
Pengiran DP Ismail Mohamed, permanent secretary of the Prime Minister's Office told The Brunei Times that though local ICT companies could build upon opportunities offered through the E-government initiative, companies need to also play a role and be more proactive in achieving growth through other areas.
"The prospect of Brunei's ICT industry looks good for the next 3 to 5 years...however the companies must not only look for projects on the government sector alone.They must also be proactive in terms of positioning themselves outside the government industry as well as outside Brunei," he said.
By going regional or even international, they would enrich their experiences and knowledge.
"Companies which are proactive can position themselves in any environment in the competitive world...what is important is the self-motivation and an urge to grow and prosper," he added.
He highlighted government initiative to support local ICT companies such as through the Ministry of Industry, Primary and Resources (MIPR) and the i-Centre of the Brunei Economic Development Board but reminded that such services only provide basic fundamentals and knowledge and that ICT is up to the companies to strive.
Human resources in the field of ICT is also an area of concern for Brunei and efforts are being made to address the issue.
Pengiran Mohammad Pg Kamaluddin, chairman of InfoCom Federation Brunei(IFB) said that non-profit organisation can have a role in developing human resources.
"The main challenge is how they want to implement ICT infrastructure and the human resources development, human resource development covers many areas from specialised skills set to end users at a globally accepted scale...because there is quite a large number to cover, IFB can only play a role in development of specialised ICT skills as well as general ICT end users" he said.
Haslina Taib, the chief financial officer at BAG Networks stressed the need for the continuous training of Brunei's graduates within and outside the country.
"They can be exposed to other management skills and business processes in a different environment, you do need to keep educating and training these human resources," she said.
She said dialogues sessions between relevant agencies and the local ICT industry are very important.
The Brunei Times
SOBRINA ROSLI
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
BRUNEI's ICT industry is foreseen to grow further during the next few years, subject to proper collaboration efforts, local companies initiative to expand and the nurturing of local ICT skills and expertise.
At a dialogue session between the Prime Minister's Office and the local ICT industry held yesterday,
Pengiran DP Ismail Mohamed, permanent secretary of the Prime Minister's Office told The Brunei Times that though local ICT companies could build upon opportunities offered through the E-government initiative, companies need to also play a role and be more proactive in achieving growth through other areas.
"The prospect of Brunei's ICT industry looks good for the next 3 to 5 years...however the companies must not only look for projects on the government sector alone.They must also be proactive in terms of positioning themselves outside the government industry as well as outside Brunei," he said.
By going regional or even international, they would enrich their experiences and knowledge.
"Companies which are proactive can position themselves in any environment in the competitive world...what is important is the self-motivation and an urge to grow and prosper," he added.
He highlighted government initiative to support local ICT companies such as through the Ministry of Industry, Primary and Resources (MIPR) and the i-Centre of the Brunei Economic Development Board but reminded that such services only provide basic fundamentals and knowledge and that ICT is up to the companies to strive.
Human resources in the field of ICT is also an area of concern for Brunei and efforts are being made to address the issue.
Pengiran Mohammad Pg Kamaluddin, chairman of InfoCom Federation Brunei(IFB) said that non-profit organisation can have a role in developing human resources.
"The main challenge is how they want to implement ICT infrastructure and the human resources development, human resource development covers many areas from specialised skills set to end users at a globally accepted scale...because there is quite a large number to cover, IFB can only play a role in development of specialised ICT skills as well as general ICT end users" he said.
Haslina Taib, the chief financial officer at BAG Networks stressed the need for the continuous training of Brunei's graduates within and outside the country.
"They can be exposed to other management skills and business processes in a different environment, you do need to keep educating and training these human resources," she said.
She said dialogues sessions between relevant agencies and the local ICT industry are very important.
The Brunei Times
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