CSPS, UBD to organise two career briefings

BRUNEI's Centre of Strategic and Policy Studies (CSPS) and Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) will jointly organise two career briefings to help address the increasing unemployment rate among youths in the country.

In its invitation letter to employers, CSPS stated that the half-day career briefings are hoped to identify employer expectations, as well as facilitate a meet-the-jobseekers session.

Targeted at an estimated 7,000 registered jobseekers at the Labour Department and UBD students, the briefings are expected to attract some 700 applicants in the first session and 300 for the second session.

The first session will take place at UBD's Chancellor Hall on February 19, while the second session will be held at Kuala Belait's Community Hall on February 26. Participating companies will be able to meet and conduct an informal evaluation of the job applicants, as well as network with other employers.

Latest government figures have shown that Brunei is still far behind in reaching its vision of promoting a quality labour workforce, with more than 6,000 registered local jobseekers and over 85,000 foreign employees.

Based on the key indicators from the Economic Planning and Development Board, some 7,300 people were unemployed at the end of 2006, an increase from 7,200 in 2005.

Statistics have also shown that youths aged between 18 and 30 account for about 65 per cent of the estimated number of jobseekers in all districts.

The CSPS, the only think tank established in 2006, is currently conducting research on unemployment among youth in Brunei to establish an appropriate policy response by various relevant agencies, according to its website.

The research project will determine the level of youths in long term economic productivity and to ensure long term compatibility of education and skills training demand, as well as supply of job opportunities.

The Brunei Times