Motivational talk to help youth set up business

SOME 200 students from the Youth Development Programme (PBB) and representatives of various government and private agencies yesterday attended Motivational Seminar for Youth Development Programme, held at the Chancellor Hall at Universiti Brunei Darussalam.

The programme is aimed at encouraging and assisting the Bruneian youth to set up their own business or be part of a highly skilled workforce, said Hjh Fatimah Pehin Penyurat Hj Mohd Salleh, the head of the PBB in a speech yesterday.

Three components were embedded in the programme and should be adhered to by the participants, she said, namely a motivation lecture, business and work guidance session which includes a career workshop, team-building and mentorship and finally Micro Grant Business scheme for participants who have the skills.

"I hope the students pay attention to the motivational lecture and use it to succeed," she said. Renowned Malaysian motivational speaker Hj Hashim Hj Ahmad from Fitrah Perkasa Sdn Bhd facilitated the three-session seminar which covered the topics such as identifying own self-potential, powering an integrated self-change and towards becoming successful entrepreneurs.

Haswandi Hj Osman, Assistant Head of the Youth and Sports Department, said that there has been positive response to motivational talks.

"Last year, 22 students were selected for the micro grant scheme," he said.

He said that this was realised through their self-confidence and added that it was important for the youth to be motivated, especially in terms of the country's development.

"The youth are the engine for developing the country and that is why it is important for them to know who they are," he said.

Adding that it was not easy to find a job at this time, he also said that the programme, will make them more confident, enabling them to compete with foreign workers.

"That is why we give them skills, so that they can find employment. These skills would also make them more positive when it comes to business as well as to contribute to a sustainable economy," he said.

He said that there would be a follow up of the students who have been given assistance under the micro grant scheme, to see how they were doing with their new businesses.

This marks the second year of the programme. (SHR1)

The Brunei Times