We are in injury time. Decades of talk, studies, and promises have done little to break the cycle of struggle faced by Brunei’s Malay entrepreneurs. The challenges are known; the solutions are clear. What remains is the will to act—decisively and urgently. Without it, another two decades of stagnation await. The stakes have never been higher. Will we rise or let the clock run out?
Voices from the “Bual Bicara Ekonomi Melayu” Forum
By Malai Hassan Othman
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, November 9, 2024 – The atmosphere at the Serikandi Banquet Hall was charged with anticipation and purpose. The “Bual Bicara Ekonomi Melayu” forum was no ordinary gathering; it marked a pivotal moment in Brunei’s journey toward economic transformation.
Sharing the stage with Dr Haji Abdul Latif, President of the Federation of Malay Entrepreneurs (Persekutuan Peniaga-Peniaga Melayu Brunei/PPPMB), was both an honour and a call to action.
Moderated by Tuan Haji Junaidi, a veteran information officer and respected voice in the community, the forum brought together Malay entrepreneurs from across the nation, eager to confront the realities and opportunities of their economic future.
As a journalist who has spent years chronicling Brunei’s socio-economic landscape through my “Kopi Talk with MHO” forum, I felt compelled to share findings from two pivotal studies: one, a 2004 paper by the Dewan Perniagaan dan Perusahaan Melayu Brunei (DPPMB), and another, a 2019 study by Li Li Pang of UBD’s School of Economy.
Both underscored a troubling reality: the challenges facing Malay entrepreneurs have persisted, virtually unchanged, over two decades.
Facing Old Demons in a New World
In my opening remarks, I highlighted the stark fact that limited market access remains a significant burden for Malay entrepreneurs.
Back in 2004, the DPPMB paper warned that local businesses were being outmanoeuvred by non-Bumiputera and expatriate competitors.
Today, Li Li Pang’s study confirms that these struggles endure, with entrenched barriers and limited networks stifling growth.
“The playing field is anything but level,” I told the audience.
“And unless we confront these systemic issues head-on, we will continue to face the same challenges.”
Dr Haji Abdul Latif, a powerful advocate for regulatory reform, spoke with conviction: “Complex procedures and weak enforcement leave local businesses at a disadvantage. We need clear rules and strong enforcement to create fair competition.”
His words echoed through the hall, a clarion call for change.
A Familiar Voice, an Unchanged Struggle
Among the voices that rose during the discussion was that of Haji Razali, affectionately known as Lord Joe—a figure who needs no introduction to those familiar with Brunei’s entrepreneurial challenges.
As a former President of the DPPMB (Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry), he has long championed local businesses.
When he stood to speak, his presence alone commanded attention. Drawing from his experience and reflections on a paper he presented at the Knowledge Convention in 2004, he delivered a stark reminder: “What we face today mirrors what we highlighted two decades ago. Without genuine reform and comprehensive support, we are destined to repeat the past.”
His voice, resolute yet tinged with frustration, served as a rallying cry for everyone present.
Beyond Dependency: A Call for Self-Reliance
The forum made it clear that over-reliance on government contracts is a double-edged sword.
The solution? Diversification and a move away from dependency.
However, breaking free from old patterns demands more than policy change—it requires a shift in ‘mindset, mentality, and motivation.’
“We can no longer afford to operate with a fixed mindset,” I stressed.
“To thrive, we need to be adaptable, innovative, and resilient.”
Building Strong Foundations: The 7Ms of Success
While the 3Ms ignite the inner drive for change, the 7Ms —Money, Manpower, Materials, Machines, Method, Market, and Management —form the external structure for success.
From securing access to capital to adopting new technologies and refining business methods, these fundamentals are critical.
Dr. Haji Abdul Latif emphasised the need for capacity-building initiatives and training programs that prepare entrepreneurs for modern challenges.
“Our businesses must be equipped to compete not just locally but on a global scale,” he asserted.
A Shared Vision for the Future
As the forum drew to a close, it became evident that the journey ahead would be neither easy nor short.
However, the commitment to change was clear.
“The clock is ticking,” I reminded the attendees.
“We are in injury time, and the stakes are higher than ever.”
The room fell silent, the weight of those words lingering in the air. Brunei’s Malay entrepreneurs have the potential, the drive, and the will. What they need now is a path unburdened by old obstacles and a shared commitment to seize the opportunities ahead
(MHO/11/2024)
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