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Dear Readers, welcome to the inaugural issue of iconnect!, an info e-newsletter by the BEDB which
you will receive on a quarterly basis.

While the BEDB is committed to promoting and creating new economic developments for Brunei,
we feel it is very important that our stakeholders identify with us and continue to support us along
the way. Hence, iconnect is introduced to serve as a new channel to reach out to and keep our
stakeholders informed about new developments and happenings in and around the BEDB. As we
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opment initiatives which we believe will be of great interest to many of our readers.

It is our hope that iconnect will be very useful to our readers as we navigate this important and
exciting journey towards creating new economic opportunities for Brunei and making it a
preferred place for doing business and investment. Please let us know your thoughts on iconnect
and we welcome any suggestions you may have. Happy reading and best wishes!

“ENERGIZING” ENTREPRENEURS
It is so refreshing to see our local talents who want to make a

their ventures, bring jobs and ultimately contribute to our


economic growth. Creating a supportive climate for our entre-

which begins by recognizing their importance and under-


standing their needs. Hence, in helping to create another envi-
ronment where entrepreneurship is recognized, the BEDB is
bringing the Local Enterprise Applications & Products
(LEAP) Program to the world of entrepreneurship to encour-
age local innovation and creativity, and give our entrepreneurs
a rolling start and a base from which to expand as they push to
go further in their ventures.

The LEAP Program is a B$2 million grant scheme aimed at

applications with innovative technological content, commer-


cial practicality and good export potential across a broad range
of industries. Targeted at local SMEs as well as students and
researchers of higher learning institutions, each application
with a solid business plan can obtain a grant of up to B$150,000
for the purpose of developing promising product concepts into
prototypes. For more details about the LEAP Program, please
visit www.bedb.com.bn/resource_presentations.htm
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SECURING INVESTMENTS AND PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS
ESTABLISHMENT OF METHANOL PLANT (by Brunei Methanol
Co Sdn Bhd, Japan/Brunei)

Located at SPARK (Sungai Liang Industrial Park), the US$600


million methanol plant was constructed by BMC, a joint venture
between PetroleumBRUNEI and two leading Japanese compa-
nies, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company Inc and Itochu Corpora-

a capacity of producing 850,000 metric tonnes of methanol per


year.

Brunei on 25 May 2010 in the presence of over 300 guests com-

and gas sector as well as BMC’s key stakeholders from Japan.

Meanwhile, the installation of a methanol export facility, Single


Point Mooring, by Leighton Contractors of Malaysia was com-
pleted in early 2010 to serve as a loading buoy that loads the
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ity involves the installation of a 24-inch diameter, 13.4 kilometre

water depth of approximately 24 metres, and designed to

REFURBISHMENT & UPGRADING OF ONG SUM PING APARTMENTS


(by Bina Puri Holdings, Malaysia)

Implemented on a public private partnership basis between His


Majesty’s Government, the BEDB and Bina Puri, the refurbishment and
upgrading of 3 unoccupied building blocks in Jalan Ong Sum Ping is
currently underway which will see the property’s conversion into
modern and fully-furnished serviced apartments. With an investment of
B$9.2 million made by Bina Puri, the upgrading works encompass both
interior and exterior renovations including the construction of addi-
tional facilities such as a swimming pool, business centre, gymnasium as
well as a playground.

A contract was signed between the BEDB and Bina Puri on 17 August
2010 at the Empire Hotel & Country Club to mark Bina Puri’s investment,
under which Bina Puri will also operate the property for a period of 20
years with guaranteed annual payments to His Majesty’s Government.
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DELIVERING INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
TRANSFORMATION AND REHABILITATION OF SUNGAI
AKAR RUBBISH DUMPSITE (by Jurusy Perunding,
Brunei)

The rehabilitation of Site A at Sungai Akar rubbish dump-


site which commenced in December 2008 was completed
in November 2009. The scope of work included the land-
scaping activities and the construction of a leachate treat-
ment plant and wetlands.

Currently, a small section of the site (Site B) has been


allocated to serve as a temporary rubbish dumping area
until the completion of an integrated waste management
facility at Sungai Paku, which is being implemented by a
Singapore/Brunei Consortium, ST Marine/QAF.

The integrated facility will include the construction of an

District. Once Sungai Paku is operational, Sungai Akar will North Wetland
be completely closed for rubbish dumping activities and
will be developed further into a recreational park.

[More updates on integrated waste management facility in


the next issue of iconnect!] Leachate Treatment Plant

CONSTRUCTION OF TELISAI-LUMUT HIGH-


WAY (by Surati Construction/Xing-An-Ji Engi-
neering, Brunei/China)

The construction of a major 18.6km dual

Telisai to Lumut is currently underway, with

between Bandar Seri Begawan and Kuala


Belait as well as in the Sungai Liang area. The
scope of work includes site clearance and
earthworks of approximately 7 million cubic
metres, construction of permanent surface
Location Plan
signs, road markings, guardrails, landscaping,

Site Clearance is targeted for completion by 2013.


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PILOT SCHEME TO BUILD 2000 HOUSES WITHIN 24 MONTHS IN KG PANAGA, KUALA BELAIT (by Bina Puri Holdings,
Malaysia)

Built under the National Housing Scheme, the development of 2000 houses on a 180-hectare site in Kg Panaga is currently on
track. Targeted to be completed in the 2nd quarter of 2011, the development is expected to help reduce the long waiting list
for houses under the Scheme. The construction includes 800 semi-detached and 1200 terrace units.

Terrace Units Semi-detached Units

Interior Showcase

Other infrastructure projects which are currently being implemented by the BEDB include the development of 4000 houses in
Kg Mengkubau, Mentiri by UEM Builders from Malaysia; 1500 houses in Kg Bukit Beruang, Tutong by TEE International from
Singapore; and the transformation of Brunei International Airport by Changi Airport International/AECOM, also from Singa-
pore. [More updates in the next issue of iconnect!]
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DEVELOPING LOCAL BUSINESSES
ESTABLISHMENT OF iCENTRE (by Akitek SAA Consortium, Brunei)

with the objective to help develop and nurture local entrepreneurs

program. Launched in March 2008 by HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah,

of Singapore, iCentre has to date incubated over 15 ICT companies in


areas such as mobile phone content, barcode and RFID applications,
as well as software and public portal development.

The iCentre is equipped with fully wired plug-and-play work spaces


which can accommodate up to 16 full-time and 5 virtual companies
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ing rooms, a conference room, an auditorium as well as a prayer
room and a cafeteria.

ESTABLISHMENT OF KNOWLEDGE HUB (by


Putera Permai Consortium, Brunei)

The Knowledge Hub, or shortly known as

building located right next to iCentre which


serves as a technology-based research and
development centre.

Completed in January 2010, the K-Hub today


houses an ICT leadership and management
training centre, ILM Academy, which is run by
TelBru and a showcase centre managed by Tech
One Global for the latest Microsoft technolo-
gies.

Both tenants signed their tenancy agreements


with the BEDB at the premises on 5 May 2010.

building with part of its energy requirements


met by solar power generation and incorporat-

motion sensors for lighting and energy saving


Signing with Tech One Global Signing with TelBru
elevators.
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ESTABLISHMENT OF ACCEL-X VENTURE CAPITAL FUND

In May 2009, the BEDB invested B$5 million in Accel-X Pte Ltd, a
Singapore-based venture capital fund with the objective to support the
development of promising Brunei-based high-tech companies through
access to equity capital, extensive overseas networks as well as mentor-
ship programs.

company to have received the funding. A signing ceremony between

venture capital funding by Accel-X to support the company in expanding


beyond Brunei.

ESTABLISHMENT OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT


RESOURCES

The Youth Development Resources (YDR) is a

the BEDB in 2008 with the objective to help start


small businesses by the young people of Brunei.

Programs run by YDR include the Youth Skills


Development Program (YSDP) in partnership
with Alcoa Inc and the Ministry of Culture, Youth
& Sports; the Local Handicraft Development
Program in partnership with Petroleum Geo
Services and the Village Consultative Council of
Kampong Lumut I; and the Business Micro Credit
Scheme in partnership with Bank Islam Brunei
Darussalam.

To date, YSDP, through its Micro Grant Scheme,


has disbursed grants in the form of equipment to
45 recipients from Pusat Pembangunan Belia and
Taman Nurhidayah.

The types of businesses undertaken through this


grant scheme include bakery, tailoring, weaving,
food kiosk and catering, car washing as well as
air-conditioner maintenance. Other key activities
run by YSDP are motivational talks as well as
business mentorship programs. [More updates on
Youth Development Resources in the next issue of
iconnect!]
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CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP PROGRAM (CCP)
Aligned with the BEDB’s mission to provide opportunities for its people and all investors, the Corporate Citizenship Program
has been created with the objective to connect BEDB contractors with the community.

PERMANENT BRIDGE AT JALAN SUNGAI LIANG KECIL (by Bina Puri Holdings, Malaysia)

The construction of a permanent concrete bridge at Jalan Sungai Liang Kecil was completed in December 2009. The bridge
construction was aimed to provide a greater degree of comfort and safety for the road users travelling in the area.

GERAI TAMUNEKA (by Bina Puri Holdings, Malaysia)

The construction of Gerai Tamuneka in Mukim Liang was completed in July 2010 to replace the Gerai Wawasan previously
located at SPARK’s main access junction. This facility consists of 27 stalls, 2 prayer rooms and 45 car parks.

Both of the above projects are an important part of Bina Puri’s corporate social responsibility initiative for the community of
Mukim Liang.
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NEW BEDB BOARD MEMBERS

With the consent of His Majesty The Sultan of Brunei, the BEDB welcomes the appointment of Dr Grahaeme Henderson, Manag-
ing Director of Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP), and Mr Ainadin Cader, Fund Manager of Aureos-BICB, to the board of the BEDB.

Dr Grahaeme Henderson has led BSP’s strategic direction and operations since April 2005. Dr Grahaeme
He has contributed to many key Brunei initiatives including road safety, the environment Henderson

honours degree and PhD in Mathematical Analysis from the University of Southampton.

Mr Ainadin Cader is the Fund Manager with Aureos-BICB, a joint venture between Aureos,
a leading global private equity fund manager and the Brunei Investment and Commercial
Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Brunei Investment Agency. He has extensive
experience in working with SMEs in Africa and other parts of the developing world,
including more recently in Brunei. Mr Cader has an Accounting background with a degree
in Accounting from the University of South Africa. Mr Ainadin Cader

The BEDB Board comprises nine members from government and the business community including Permanent Secretaries

With its outstanding record of political and economic stability, rich natural
resources and highly educated population, Brunei has emerged in the eyes

> 1st in the world for its Macroeconomic Stability


(The Global Competitiveness Report 2010-2011, WEF)
> 1st in the Islamic countries for its Human Development Index
(The Human Development Report 2009, UNDP)

In particular, it was a very powerful reminder of the importance of stability


as a prerequisite for economic progress.”
Dato Paduka Timothy Ong, Acting Chairman of the BEDB
in The Report: Brunei Darussalam 2009

For suggestions and views on iconnect and to subscribe, please email to iconnect@bedb.com.bn

Stay Connected! with us at:


THE BRUNEI ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD
Block 2K, Bangunan Kerajaan, Jalan Ong Sum Ping
Bandar Seri Begawan BA1311, Brunei Darussalam
Tel: (673) 2230111 Fax: (673) 2230063

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