Bandar Seri Begawan: His Majesty the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and the Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday morning consented to launch the Energy Week 2014 at the BRIDEX International Conference Centre in Kg Jerudong, ©BRUDIRECT.COM reported.
At the ceremony, His Majesty also consented to launch the Brunei Darussalam Energy White Paper and a book entitled “Brunei Oil and Gas: You Can Make a Difference Where Opportunities Await You”.
The monarch was greeted upon arrival by the Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Yang Berhormat Pehin Dato Singamanteri (Rtd) Colonel Dato Seri Setia Dr Awg Hj Md Yasmin Hj Umar.
The ceremonial proceedings began with the recital of Surah Al-Fatihah, led by the State Mufti, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Dr Ustaz Hj Awg Abd Aziz Juned.
The Energy Week 2014 carries the theme “Sustainable Energy for Brunei Darussalam Prosperity”. Several events and activities have been lined up for the festival, most notably the Brunei National Energy Research Institute (BNERI) International Annual Conference. Shortly after the official launch, members of the BNERI International Advisory Board as well as speakers for the conference comprising international experts were introduced to His Majesty.
The ruler of oil-rich Sultanate then consented to proceed to BRIDEX Exhibition Hall Two, where the monarch took a closer look at the exhibits on display at the pavilions of the Energy Department at the Prime Minister’s Office and the Brunei National Energy Research Institute.
The Brunei Darussalam Energy White Paper set by the Energy Department targets a rise in the Energy Sector’s contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from BND$10 billion in 2010 to BND$42 billion by 2035.
Energy is the main pillar of the national economy. The sector encompasses oil and gas exploration and production, petrochemicals and refineries, fuels, energy efficiency and conservation – and renewable energy. The energy sector contributes to more than sixty percent of the country’s GDP.
Currently, the sector provides jobs to twenty four thousand people, more than half of which are foreign expatriates while greatly contributing to government revenue which in turn enables the government to invest further in the country’s socio-economic development. Despite the multi-billion revenue, the government refuses to raise the salary of those working in low paid jobs that are notable for doing almost ninety eight percent of the work while the credit is often due to the officials who may not actually deserve it at all.
His Majesty also consented to view exhibits describing energy efficiency, energy conservation efforts and renewable energy, as well as an exhibit on Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE).
On the whole the Energy Week 2014 exhibition is participated by a number of government agencies, key oil and gas companies, local and international vendors, non-government organisations and the Secondary Schools Energy Club.
Also on display were environmentally friendly vehicles and cars designed and built for the Eco-Marathon. The Energy Week 2014 exhibition involves more than seventy participants, both foreign and domestic. Among the prime objectives of the Energy Week is to disseminate the Brunei Darussalam Energy White Paper as a form of direct support for Brunei Vision 2035.
The Energy White Paper contains a comprehensive strategic policy framework that could steer development in the country’s energy sector based on three strategic goals. The strategic goals are namely strengthening and advancing upstream and downstream oil and gas activities; ensuring the safe and reliable supply and consumption of energy; and guaranteeing a high level of participation from the local workforce. The Energy Week also aims to raise societal awareness on the importance of energy resources and on the need to conserve such valuable resources.
Next stop was BRIDEX Exhibition Hall One where the monarch viewed exhibits showcasing areas of skill and expertise in the Energy Industry in the Energy Industry Competency Framework (EICF) Pavilion, as well as an exhibit on the Brunei Marine Academy and subsequently toured the Energy Sector Careers and Jobs fair. The exhibition provides visitors the chance to obtain information on career opportunities, as well as opportunities in courses and training in fields related to the energy and energy services industries.
The exhibition is open daily until Saturday, from 9 in the morning to 6 in the evening, except for Friday, when the exhibition is open from 9am to 11.30am in the morning and from 2.30pm to 6pm.
Among the other activities to be held in conjunction with Energy Week is the Local Business Development Forum which focuses on current issues and the latest developments in opportunities in regards to commerce, technology, regulations and business initiatives.
Also set to be held is the Youth Energy Dialogue, which opens the opportunity for youths to interact with the Minister of Energy at the PMO and discuss energy-related matters, in the interest of enriching and eventually realising their hopes and dreams for the future.