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 delivered a sabda at the Opening Session of the ASEAN Business Awards (ABA) 2021 in Brunei Darussalam via video recording.
His Royal Highness in the sabda said 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.
His Royal Highness stressed the importance of strengthening the collaboration between the public and private sectors to pursue a sustainable recovery from the pandemic. His Royal Highness added that 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.
His Royal Highness highlighted 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.
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 applauds sponsorships received from corporate; for dedicating their income for social purposes which they will be recognized by the Brunei Special Award for Emerging Social Enterprises. His Royal Highness 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.
MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND ECONOMY
Commonwealth Drive
Bandar Seri Begawan BB3910
Brunei Darussalam
