A Town Hall Forum on “Thinking Big in a Small Market: How to Build a Successful Brunei Business” was convened by Asia Inc Forum under its TRANSFORM 2023 Program on Thursday, 21st of September 2023 at the Radisson Hotel, Bandar Seri Begawan.
More than 130 business owners, founders, entrepreneurs and managers of MSMEs from various industries attended the Town Hall Forum, constituting a diverse representation of the Brunei economy.
In his Opening Remarks, on “Thinking Big in a Small Market” YAM Pg Muda Dr Abd Fattaah, Chairman of Baiduri Bank, delivered Opening Remarks suggested the mindset and qualities needed for MSMEs to survive and thrive in a market that is small, yet plentiful in opportunity.
In the next session entitled “How to Grow a Brunei Business”, Hj Musa bin Hj Adnin, Managing Director of Adinin Group of Companies in conversation with Dato Timothy Ong, shared his entrepreneurial journey and lessons in building a business in Brunei and beyond, and the leadership needed to grow into a large operation.
In the session on “How to Stay Resilient and Find Opportunity in a Small Market”, Mari Gonzalez, Co-Founder, Ricardo’s Catering; Mizi Bahrin, Founder, Super Thirteen Streetwear; and Willy Lee, Co-Founder, Superfish Growers – three young entrepreneurs – discussed their perspectives and experiences in developing resilience as founders and the methods they employ to strengthen the resilience of their own businesses.
The next session featured Dr Raj Kumar, a certified Blue Ocean Strategy consultant and the CEO of UCSI Consulting Group from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In tackling the topic “How SMEs can Innovate and Achieve Growth” Dr Raj defined a new concept of creative non-disruption, a business strategy in which SMEs innovate and create without having to disrupt their market or industry.
The closing session on “How to Prepare for the Future” was led by Shaikh Khalid Shaikh Hj Ahmad, Chairman, Serikandi Group of Companies; Ms Jennifer Yang, Country Manager, Guardian Brunei; and Mr Leonard Lee, Head of Corporate Banking, Baiduri Bank. In his remarks, Shaikh Khalid cited key trends that might impact business in the future and what SMEs can do to prepare. The panel also explored the potential of future growth by considering opportunities offered by markets beyond Brunei.
"Embracing change is essential for businesses to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. As we consider the potential of future growth and the opportunities within and beyond Brunei's borders, it's clear that adaptability and innovation will be our greatest assets. At Baiduri Bank, we are committed to supporting SMEs on this journey, helping them prepare for the future, and navigate the exciting possibilities that lie ahead,” said Mr Leonard Lee, Head of Corporate Banking, Baiduri Bank.
The Town Hall Forum is part of Asia Inc Forum’s TRANSFORM 2023 program convened in principal partnership with Baiduri Bank as Presenting Sponsor. The annual program is designed to support Brunei business owners, entrepreneurs and managers by providing a platform for learning, networking and sharing ideas.
The TRANSFORM 2023 Program is also supported by Darussalam Enterprise (DARe) as Strategic Partner, Archipelago Group as Logistics Partner and Progresif as Associate Partner.
