Seek out private sector, job applicants urged

LOCAL jobseekers were advised not to constantly depend on the public sector for employment, change their mindset and attitude, and prepare to work in the private sector.

Acting Commissioner of Labour, Hjh Rosliah Hj Hasbollah, made the call during the opening of Survey Day on 'Unemployment Issues Amongst Registered Job Seekers in Brunei', at Universiti Brunei Darussalam, yesterday.

The acting commissioner expressed her hope that the meeting between job-seekers and potential employers would provide them with guidelines on choosing a future career.

Hjh Rosliah also praised the companies for their participation, which "showed that they were prepared to work together with the government in enhancing involvement of locals in the development of human resource in the country."

She suggested that the best way of promoting trust between employers and workers was by having the 'letter of appointment', which outlines job description and responsibilities as an employee and the roles and responsibilities of employers, including payday, working hours and any other facilities or accommodations offered.

Hjh Rosliah cited the international supermarket chain, 'Giant' as an example, which gives locals the opportunity to undergo 'on the job training' at the supermarket and for its managers to be trained at its KL regional office to gain experience on how to do their jobs effectively and efficiently.

"With training and opportunity such as these, I believe more local employees could become progressive and competitive," she added.

A career talk was also delivered by Ali Yusri Hj Abdul Ghafor, from the Ministry of Education who spoke about a number of individuals, who despite their academic and physical limitations, managed to achieve success due to strong determination and motivation.

Some 20 booths were set up for private companies who conducted walk-in interviews.

Participants were also provided with questionnaires aimed at collecting information on unemployment problems in Brunei which will be made as the basis for the organiser to seek solutions. The event was co-organised by CSPS and UBD.The Brunei Times