As Brunei eases into a post-pandemic chapter following the disruptions caused by Covid-19, InfoCom Federation Brunei (IFB) reminded its members of the federation’s responsibility in strengthening Brunei’s ICT landscape against unprecedented challenges.
Speaking at the IFB Charity and Networking Dinner 2022 recently, IFB President Hj Mohd Radziman Haji Abdul Rahman, reminded Brunei’s ICT community the pandemic demonstrated the ICT community has a responsibility to build a more resilient future.
“It goes without saying that Covid-19 was a turning point in our development as a nation. As the leaders in digitisation, we must continue to discover ways to fortify our ICT ecosystem in preparation for another life-altering disruption,” he said.
Haji Mohd Radziman also applauded the ICT community for their work, describing them as “unsung heroes”.
“As front liners during the pandemic, the ICT community also actively ensured that the necessary support was available for Bruneians as the nation transitioned online,” he said.
The president further said that an upsurge of innovation took place requiring internet connectivity and tools to access essential services such as education, employment, finances as well as maintaining social interactions that resulted in a wider adoption of technology in the country such as cashless transactions, QR code scanning and online schooling and work.
“Without your passion, commitment to innovation, and unwavering faith that hope was just beyond the horizon, all that we overcame through ICT during the pandemic would not have been possible,” he concluded.
On her part, IFB Chairwoman Pg Sarimah Pg Hj Abdul Latif also highlighted that IFB members had generously supported His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s government’s drive for digital inclusivity by donating laptops, peripherals as well as data to underprivileged students in cooperation with Ministry of Education.
She also shared that this year has marked several significant events and activities related to ICT co-organised by IFB which include the Digital Week with the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications, the Brunei ICT Awards (BICTA) Ceremony as well as the second BICTA Alumni gathering that took place at the International Convention Centre.
In the coming months, IFB will also be organising community events and other engagements that aim to benefit IFB members as well as Bruneians in general, she added.
The event also saw the presentation of donations to Non-Government Organisations, the Children’s Cancer Foundation Brunei (YASKA) as well as Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam, with each receiving $3,000.
The event was attended by Deputy Permanent Secretary (Infocommunications) at the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) Hj Hairul Mohd Daud Hj Abdul Karim.
Attendees also included senior members of Brunei’s ICT and non-ICT community ranging from CEOs as well as managing directors with 10 tech startups that were given the opportunity to connect with IFB members to provide opportunities for growth and development.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
