His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office in a sabda highlighted the importance of strengthening public and private sectors’ collaboration to pursue a sustainable recovery from the pandemic.
At the opening session at the recent ASEAN Business Awards (ABA) 2021 held via video recording, His Royal Highness said the public and private sectors will undoubtedly help identify economic opportunities and relevant actions to further support the businesses in developing a strong foundation and explore new innovative ways to do business.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has evolved rapidly from a health emergency to a global economic crisis and has negatively impacted the private sector. Nevertheless, the region has been showing signs of economic recovery in 2021, and the private sector has played a fundamental role in supporting the region’s efforts,” said the Crown Prince.
His Royal Highness also underscored that programmes such as the ASEAN Business Roundtables, ASEAN Business and Investment Summit and the ASEAN
Business Awards shows great things can be achieved when government and the private sector work hand in hand.
His Royal Highness further stated that rapid technological advancement is reshaping our economic environment.
“Therefore, the private sector, in particular the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), must effectively adapt in today’s globalised digital economy by upgrading their capacities, as well as by tapping into new markets abroad,” said the Crown Prince.
In closing the sabda, His Royal Highness congratulated this year’s award winners, not just for their resiliency in facing challenges brought about by the pandemic but also efforts in areas such as Sustainability, Skills Development and Women Entrepreneurs.
His Royal Highness also applauded sponsorships received from corporate; for dedicating their income for social purposes which will be recognised by the Brunei Special Award for Emerging Social Enterprises.
The Crown Prince looked forward to the continuous collaboration between the private and public sectors to achieve a more dynamic, sustainable and competitive environment.
ABA is a premier annual ceremony held to honour outstanding businesses in Southeast Asia for their achievements in sustainable growth rates and significant contributions to the prosperity of the region’s economy.
The awards ceremony provides a strategic approach for businesses to enhance their visibility so they could continue advancing their creative spirit in a time of constantly changing situations.
At the same time, businesses also have the opportunity to expand their networks within the ASEAN region and on the global business community stage. – Analisa Amu
This article was first published on 04 December 2021 in our Weekly E-Paper issue 170 |
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
