​The Ministry of Energy's i-Usahawan programme was the main focus of the 16^th National Youth Day 2021 that carries the theme "Future Ready Youth".  The i-Usahawan exhibition celebrates the active involvement of youth entrepreneurs that aspire to venture into new business opportunities in the Energy Sector with the main objectives to elevate their business capabilities. The exhibition is in line with the Ministry of Energy Strategic Objective 6: Supporting Socio-Economic Development Through Energy Sector Spin-Offs.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in his Titah during the 16^th National Youth Day celebration event stressed the importance of i-Usahawan programme in developing youth entrepreneurs. His Majesty also highlighted that since i-Usahawan programme's inception on 1^st August 2018, it has resulted in 35 identified contracts, in which 19 contracts were awarded to 24 youth entrepreneurs with an estimated contract value of BND 29 Million. The Titah also calls for further expansion of the i-Usahawan programme to the non-energy sectors.

During the event, His Majesty visited the exhibition which comprised of five youth vendors including three i-Usahawan entrepreneurs namely Fath-Briz Sdn. Bhd; Jezemm Services; Mohd HMS and two emerging vendors including Brudesh Management & Engineering and Everything Solar Company. The youth entrepreneurs showcased their business activities and entrepreneurial journey in supporting the development of the energy sector's spin-off activities.

In supporting the national effort to develop youth-led startups and entrepreneurs as the main catalyst of economic growth, the Ministry of Energy's i-Usahawan programme provides a government-led market intervention in the energy sector through the provision of business contracts and capacity building initiatives. The programme's training activities seek to accelerate business potential of youth entrepreneurs in four major areas of start-ups development namely i) Operational Capacity Building (better understanding of the industry); ii) Management Capacity Building (business management); iii) Financial Management Capacity Building (financial management); and iv) Personal Capacity Building.  Collectively, the programme has resulted to increased level of expertise, skills in their respective business.

As the global energy sector is severely hit by the pandemic, Brunei Darussalam's energy sector led by the Ministry of Energy continues to be resilient in maintaining uninterrupted business continuity of its operation and initiatives. The i-Usahawan programme remains uninterrupted during the pandemic with seven contracts being awarded to youth entrepreneurs. To date, three i-Usahawan entrepreneurs have successfully secured contract outside of the i-Usahawan programme. The Ministry of Energy also exhibited the "i-Usahawan Ecosystem" in collaboration with energy operators. The exhibition comprised of i-Usahawan entrepreneurs, training providers and energy operators aimed at providing public with relevant information on i-Usahawan ecosystem. For more information on i-Usahawan programme, the public may visit the Ministry of Energy website at https://www.me.gov.bn/SitePages/Pages/Energy%20In-Country%20Value.aspx.