The i-Usahawan Programme was launched by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam on 1st August 2018 in conjunction with the 13th National Youth Day Celebration, as a new initiative to provide business opportunities for aspiring local youth entrepreneurs to competitively participate in low risk (ring-fenced) contracts or tenders. The program began with 30 contracts from the oil and gas industry, and has since grown to include 42 energy sector contracts, from Government, Government Linked Companies (GLCs) and Statutory Bodies. Several more are also being identified for other sectors. The awarded contracts are run and managed by 100% locals, from the owners down to the management and employees of the businesses.
The programme was initiated by the Ministry of Energy and its activities in the energy sector continue to be spearheaded by the Ministry to support the nation's efforts towards fulfilling the Brunei Vision 2035 (Wawasan Brunei 2035) goals of enhancing the economy and developing local capability, by prioritizing local business participation within the energy sector.
Through the i-Usahawan programme, the participating youth entrepreneurs would undergo SME Training prior to participating in the tenders. The training is facilitated by either the Energy Business Academy, managed by the Brunei Shell Joint Venture companies (BSJV), or the Industry Business Academy, under the purview of Darussalam Enterprise (DARe). Some of the training modules include procurement process, human resource management, government tendering process, HSSE management, and several others. The entrepreneurs are also encouraged to register and attend various entrepreneurship programmes offered by DARe such as the Micro Bootcamp and Start-Up Bootcamp, among others.
The i-Usahawan programme reached a milestone on 6th March 2019 with the first signing ceremony involving three local businesses. Syarikat Amira Barakah was awarded a contract to provide canteen and vending machine services for Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd whilst Munch Brunch Canteen and Mortar Events were awarded contracts to provide cleaning services and event management services respectively for Brunei Gas Carriers Sdn Bhd, which were then followed by 11 other contracts awarded under this programme.
Through the 14 awarded contracts, over 170 locals have been employed. During the contract execution period, the entrepreneurs were given proper mentorship to assist in the development of their businesses and entrepreneurial skills, as well as to ensure any challenges are managed strategically. The ministry also conducts continuous monitoring of the development of the businesses through quarterly engagements with the entrepreneurs and the contract owners.
Any Bruneian youth interested in participating in the programme must be within 18-40 years old, have no prior contracts with the Government, Government Linked Companies (GLCs) and Government Statutory Bodies within the last five years and must be actively involved in the daily operations of the business. The successful business must also be incorporated as Private Limited Company upon award of the contract. More information on the i-Usahawan programme can be found at the Ministry of Energy's website at http://me.gov.bn/iusahawan/Home.aspx.
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam launching the i-Usahawan Programme on 1st August 2018 in conjunction with the 13th National Youth Day.
Syarikat Amira Barakah – Provision of canteen and vending machine services at Brunei Shell Petroleum Co. Sdn Bhd Headquarters
S.B. Kani Company – Provision of grasscutting services
Provision of Landscape Maintenance and Horticulture Services for
BSP Non-Hydrocarbon Areas by Jezemm Services.
