The coffee shop was quiet on this hot summer day, with most tourists having checked out of the small hotel, and locals staying home with their families or on vacation in Miri or Sabah.
Awang Daoud, a veteran local entrepreneur, sat at a table in the corner, sipping his coffee. He was joined by his friends, Haji Usin and Awang Jaya.
"I'm not comfortable with how much we're depending on Chinese investment," Awang Daoud said, breaking the silence.
"What's your issue?" asked Haji Usin.
"We're becoming too reliant on China," said Awang Daoud. "We need to ensure that we're developing our own domestic economy and not just relying on foreign investment."
"I agree with you," said Awang Jaya. "This trend is also making it difficult for home-grown businesses to grow and compete."
Haji Usin nodded. "Chinese companies are often better capitalized and have more access to technology than local businesses. This gives them a significant advantage."
"But the government is committed to economic diversification," said Awang Daoud. "But I'm skeptical that they'll be able to reduce our reliance on China without taking some concrete steps."
"What kind of steps?" asked Awang Jaya.
"The government could put in place policies that support the private sector," said Awang Daoud. "They could also provide access to training and development programs for entrepreneurs. And they could facilitate networking opportunities between local businesses and foreign investors."
"Those are all good ideas," said Haji Usin. "But I think the most important thing is for the government to create a level playing field for all businesses, regardless of their nationality."
"That's right," said Awang Daoud. "We need to make sure that local businesses have a fair chance to compete."
The three men continued discussing the issue. They agreed that the overreliance on Chinese investment was a serious concern, but they also felt that the government was taking steps to address it. They were hopeful that Brunei would achieve economic diversification without sacrificing its sovereignty or environmental sustainability.
"I wonder if we'll ever see the day when Brunei is no longer so dependent on Chinese investment," said Awang Daoud.
"I hope so," said Haji Usin. "But I'm not holding my breath."
"Me neither," said Awang Jaya. "But it's worth fighting for."
"The three men finished their coffee and stood up to leave. As they walked out of the coffee shop, they cast hopeful glances back at the empty streets, trusting that the government would do its best to make a difference."
Disclaimer: The names of individuals mentioned in this story are entirely fictitious. However, the topics and concerns discussed by these characters are representative of the genuine concerns and issues faced by entrepreneurs in Brunei. The narrative aims to illustrate broader economic and entrepreneurial challenges without any intention to reference or depict real persons or events.
