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Borneo Bulletin Yearbook 2021
I-USAHAWAN
Launched in 2018, the i-Usahawan programme is
an initiative by the Ministry of Energy to support
young Bruneians to start and grow their business.
Through this programme, participants may secure
a contract with the government, government-
linked companies (GLCs) and statutory bodies for
a minimum of three years.
During the contract execution period,
entrepreneurs are mentored to develop their
business and entrepreneurial skills. Participants
undergo training facilitated by the Energy
Business Academy and Industry Business
Academy.
The former is managed by the Brunei Shell Joint
Venture (BSJV) companies, while the latter is under
the purview of Darussalam Enterprise (DARe).
Training modules include procurement process,
human resource management, government
tendering process, and health, safety, security and
environment (HSSE) management. Also available
are the Micro Bootcamp and Start-Up Bootcamp
by DARe. The ministry continuously monitors
the development of these businesses through
quarterly engagements with the entrepreneurs
and contract owners.
The programme reached a milestone on March 6,
2019 when it signed with three local businesses.
Syarikat Amira Barakah was awarded a contract
to provide Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn
Bhd (BSP) with a canteen and vending machines.
Meanwhile, Munch Brunch Canteen and Mortar
Eventswere awarded contracts to provide cleaning
and event management services respectively for
Brunei Gas Carriers Sdn Bhd (BGC).
Eleven more contracts were signed shortly after.
On August 1, 2020, theMinistry of Energy reported
that over 170 locals have found employment
through the 14 contracts.
The programme has assisted numerous local
entrepreneurs to kickstart and manage their
business.
One of these young entrepreneurs is Mohd
Muammar Aiman bin Haji Sharif, Managing
Director of SB Kani Company, which has been
with the i-Usahawan programme since 2019. His
company provides grass-cutting services, ditch-
cleaning and light regrading services for non-
hydrocarbon areas for BSP.
In July 2020, he shared that his company has
a total of 79 staff, all of which are local. Grass
cutters make up the majority, totalling 61. The
rest are contracted drivers, foremen and office
staff.
He also added that with the programme support
and mentorship under BSP, SB Kani as a start-up
has a chance against large companies that are
veterans in their respective elds.
Another entrepreneur under i-Usahawan is
Hajah Haryanie binti Haji Bujang, Managing
Director of Munch Brunch Canteen.
The company started out as a small business
that focussed on selling pre-made meals from
offices in Belait District.
After signing with BGC under i-Usahawan, the
company expanded its services to cleaning and
the provision of sundries and consumables for
BGC.