The Department of Energy (DoE) at the Prime Minister’s Office, in collaboration with the Department of Electrical Services, hosted a half-day vendor forum centred on power and renewable energy. The event was held on 13th August 2024 at the Banquet Hall, Prime Minister’s Office Building, with the theme “Connecting Businesses with Emerging Opportunities”. The theme of the forum has a direct link to the DoE vision of “Energy Security for Brunei Darussalam’s Prosperity” which aligns with the National strategic agenda under Wawasan 2035. The overarching intent is to create the foundation for a dynamic and competitive market for power and renewable energy. The forum aims to provide both local and international contractors the opportunity to meet and form strategic partnerships as well as to widen the range of potential contractors interested to participate power projects.
Present as the Guest of Honour was Yang Mulia Dayang Hajah Farida binti Dato Seri Paduka Haji Talib, Permanent Secretary (Energy) at the Prime Minister’s Office, who also officiated the event.
In attendance were Her Excellency Caryn McClelland, Ambassador of the United States of America to Brunei Darussalam, His Excellency, Mr. Lim Hokseng, Ambassador of the Royal Embassy of Cambodia to Brunei Darussalam, His Excellency, Mr Wang Haitao, Charge d’affairs of the People’s Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam, Yang Mulia Pengiran Haji Jamra Weira bin Pengiran Haji Petra, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Energy) at the Prime Minister’s Office, senior government officials, representatives from Embassies and High Commissions, Chambers of Commerce, BIMP-EAGA Business Council, chief executive officers, managing directors and representatives of participating companies.
In her opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary (Energy) at the Prime Minister’s Office emphasised the government’s steadfast commitment to enhance the power sector to be “fit for the future”. She stated that this includes initiatives that will foster a dynamic and competitive market by allowing contractors of all sizes to participate and thrive. This forum is a visible commitment to this intent as it is as a platform to connect businesses with emerging opportunities by providing access to potential projects and services that will advance the energy sector.
The forum started with a keynote presentation from the Deputy Permanent Secretary (Energy) at the Prime Minister’s Office, which provided an overview of the power sector landscape in Brunei Darussalam. This was followed by two panel sessions where the first topic was “Growth Through Strategic Business Opportunities” presented by Awang Ahmad Ridza bin Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Rahman, Acting Director of the Department of Electrical Services, followed by “Opportunities in Renewable Energy,” presented by Dayang Shirley binti Sikun, Head of the Energy Transition Division, Department of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The forum attracted a total of 61 companies, with over 212 attendees from businesses within Brunei Darussalam, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. There was also a vendor clinic organised by the Department of Electrical Services, as part of the agenda. The clinic consisted of various stakeholders from the Ministry of Finance and Economy, the Ministry of Development, Darussalam Asset, and the Board of Architects, Professional Engineers, and Quantity Surveyors (BAPEQS). The clinic provided advice on registration, procurement processes and help for navigating the opportunities available and is an excellent resource for both new and experienced contractors looking to enhance their engagement with the power sector.
