Shell LiveWIRE Bazaar promotes Bruneian entrepreneurship

Hundreds of visitors perused the entrepreneurs’ goods and services, which covered a diverse array of business sectors from clothing to furnishings and catering to horticulture, during the three-day event at the Berakas Indoor Stadium.

Opened by Hajah Rosita binti Haji Hassan, Chairperson of LiveWIRE Brunei and Head of Supply Chain Management at Shell Brunei, the bazaar forms part of the 8th LiveWIRE Brunei SME Promotion event; a collaboration between LiveWIRE Brunei, the Ministry of Youth, Culture & Sports (MYCS), the Ministry of Education, and the Oil & Gas Discovery Centre (OGDC). Its primary aim is to attract and encourage more youth cohesion in becoming involved in both youth and entrepreneurial activities, that contribute to the social and economic development of the country.

In order to attract the widest possible audience and create a vibrant, energetic youth feel, the SME Promotion incorporated 20 other shows, activities, and games ranging from a 5km fun run, half marathon and cycling expedition, to a soccer tournament and science show.

In addition to test marketing their start-ups and securing new customers, the entrepreneurs attending the bazaar also had the opportunity to attend business workshops, including: a forum and dialogue session on ‘starting an e-business’, and a workshop on copyright delivered by the Copyright section of the Attorney General’s Chamber, Prime Minister’s Office.

The bazaar was open to new and established businesses supported by Shell LiveWIRE Brunei, including members of its business network, as well as those supported by government agencies. Combining young innovative start-ups with established enterprises provides a conducive environment for the sharing of knowledge, experience and expertise, combined with healthy competition that is mutually beneficial to all.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Pengiran Redzuan bin Pengiran Haji Abbas, Programme Director of LiveWIRE Brunei said, “The first LiveWIRE SME Promotion took was held in 2007, with only 15 vendors. Today, that number has grown to 120 entrepreneurs participating from various levels and fields of business.

“LiveWIRE Brunei leads the development of an entrepreneurial culture and Brunei’s entrepreneurship community.”

Feedback to the event from participants was overwhelmingly positive and the following small selection of vendor comments reflect the general consensus:

“I would like to thank LiveWIRE Brunei for this successful event. We are grateful for your help and support for local SMEs.” Undercover Henna and The Soap Cottage Brunei.

“We are very thankful for the opportunity given to us by LiveWIRE. We made a lot of new friends and new customers.” Ummie’s Shoppe.

“We are thankful for participating in this event as we have learned so much about managing a business in the practical sense that we would not have otherwise gained. Especially useful was the interaction and presence of established business owners who participated.” A.Dough.Rable

“What a wonderful first experience! Thank you LiveWIRE for giving us the opportunity to expand our business.” Sinar Hariyah Tailoring.

Responsible SME Award Winner

Congratulations to LiveWIRE Brunei on receiving the award for the most Responsible SMEs in Asia at the prestigious Asia Corporate Excellence Sustainability (ACES) Awards 2017. The ceremony, at the intercontinental hotel in Singapore, showcases Asia’s finest responsible corporate leaders.

This enhances LiveWIRE Brunei’s roles and continuous contribution to lead entrepreneurship development and the economic, social and commercial infrastructure of business.

Besides its continuous, robust programmes and contribution to lead the national entrepreneurship development with the Bruneian government, LiveWIRE remains focussed on the enthusiastic participation of Bruneian youths in the country’s economic diversification.