ISSN 1608-4977 2 Jul 2009
BERITA WBC
No.3. Jul-Aug 2009
MOU Signing Ceremony The Tourism Development Department (Brunei Tourism) awarded two organisations the authority to operate the displaying and selling of local traditional arts and handicrafts at the Kg Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery, following a signing ceremony.
The parties involved in the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) were the Tourism Development Department, Women's Business Council represented by Datin Paduka Hjh Rokiah Hj Zakiah, WBC President and Pelangi De' Mutiara, a souvenir shop. The new $3 million Kg Ayer Tourism & Cultural Gallery was opened on 19 Aug 2009 and is the latest national icon. The gallery showcases specific information to tourists including the history of Kg Ayer dating back from the 10th Century until present day. WBC coordinates the exhibition area with products made by WBC members such as kain tenun, crystal custume jewellery,. soveniors and gifts, embroideried items, handicrafts and household decorative items. The exhibits in the galleries is changed every six months. A 'live' demonstration of hand-weaving or Tenunan-making is available. The gallery has a tower to view the beauty of the surrounding Brunei landmark.
15 July 2009
Aceh business women visit to Sumbangsih Mulia
A delegation of prominent Indonesian women from the Indonesian Business Women Association (IWAPI) Aceh visited Sumbangsih Mulia in Beribi. The 65-member delegation, led by Hjh Kartini Nyak Itam, arrived in Brunei on July 13 this year and will depart for home on July 16. Datin Paduka Hjh Rokiah Zakiah, President of the Brunei Women's Business Council, greeted the delegates upon their arrival together with Hjh Mordiah Hj Jackia and the Manager of Sumbangsih Mulia, Pg Kahar Pg Mohad Salleh. The visit aims to exchange information and perspectives on the roles of SMEs in both countries and how to increase the capacity of women in the field.
Berita WBC 3/ June 2010
21 July 2009
SME Halal Workshop
Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Hamid bin Hj Mohd Jaafar, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Industry & Primary Resources, declared open the Halal SME Workshop. He said that the Halal concept businesses are big business. It is estimated to generate up to US$560 billion in revenue annually. This figure is expected to increase, as public interest and demand for such services continue to rise. Halal-oriented businesses are rapidly developing around the world, reaching two million consumers, including non-Muslims. Acknowledging the potential of the Halal industry, the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam through the Ministry of Industry & Primary Resources, Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ministry of Health, organised its first ever Halal International Expo in 2006. Brunei Halal Brand was launched in 2008. Besides introducing the "Brunei Halal Brand", the Sultanate has undertaken other initiatives to strengthen its position in the 'Halal' market. Among them is the establishment of a Halal Science Centre and Agrotech Park. WBC members were among the 50 participants, mainly entrepreneurs from the food sector, attended the workshop, which was designed to provide them with a clear perspective of Brunei's comprehensive Halal agenda. They also learnt about the different types of assistance that are available from various government agencies. The one-day workshop, which was facilitated by experts from Imarat Consultants yesterday, was the first in a series of workshops aimed at nurturing local SMEs towards achieving national standards in food production and enhancing their capability to compete in the global Halal market. Hjh Suria Hayati, the Director of Agriculture, delivered a series of talks, which highlighted opportunities in the global and regional markets, as well as other issues related to the implementation of Brunei's Halal agenda.
1-2 Aug 2009
4th IHM Conference
36 Aug 2009
14th APEC Women Leaders’ Network WBC delegation was led by President of WBC Datin Paduka Hajah Rokiah Haji Zakiah and joined by Dyg.Hajah Siti Khatijah Sh Hj Ibrahim and Dyg Haji Kamariah Haji Hasbullah. The Conference with the theme “Women and Sustainble development in APEC” was opened by Mr Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister Republic of Singapore. The welcoming address was by Mrs YuFoo Yee
Berita WBC 3/ June 2010
Shoon, Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports as the Chaiperson of the 14 th APECWLN Meeting Steering Committee.
Conference Programme: Keynote Address on "Women in APEC : Challenges and Aspirations for the Future". Plenary Day 1 - "Women and Sustainable Development in Apec" and "Women in Business". Plenary Day 2 - "Weathering the Storm: Advancing Women's Economic Opportunities in the Current Financial Climate". A panel discussion. Datin Paduka Hjh Rokiah delivered her intervention on this topic based on Brunei's perspective. Three workshops on "Women in knowledge economy", "Women in tripartism and social enterprise" and "Work-life integration". All events took place at the Raffles City Convention Centre Singapore. Brunei Darussalam hosted APEC WLN “SME as Global Traders”on 17-20 June 2000.
19 Aug 2009
Opening of the Kg Ayer Cultural and Tourisn Gallery
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office this morning inaugurated the Kg Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery. HRH was greeted by the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources
Berita WBC 3/ June 2010
Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Hj Yahya Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar. The Gallery’s aim is at preserving part of Brunei’s heritage and to rejuvenate the cottage industries in the area as well as diversify the local economy.
His Royal Highness then toured of the showcase put up by the Women’s Business Council and the Galler’s facilities. The central hexagonal stage showcases a 'live' exhibition of the traditional manufacturing methods of the Bruneian brocade 'kain tenunan' or intricately hand-woven fabric with gold or silver metallic threads. Housing five galleries furnished with antique handicraft and relics from the origins of the Kg Ayer, the centre ventures into Brunei’s past, stretching back into the 10th century to modern transitions which the Sultanate has experienced over the years. Other features include a souvenir shop, tourist information centre and viewing tower which gives visitors a panoramic view of the traditional Kg Ayer and the modern-day capital’s skyline.
Berita WBC 3/ June 2010
The Kg Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery is managed by the Tourism Development Department, Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources. (ODM1) Rehearsals were held on 17 and 18 Aug 2009. ©BERITA WBC is produced by the Women’s Business CouncilBrunei Darussalam. c/o RNCS Training Centre, Unit 2, Block C, Bgn Hj Lajim, Kiarong BE1318. Tel/Fax.2420772. email.wbc.bru@gmail.com. Editor. Nellie Sunny. Credits:Borneo Bulletin, Brunei Times, Pelita Brunei.
Berita WBC 3/ June 2010