The Telecommunications Department, JTB, is now known as Telekom Brunei Berhad, or TelBru, following its official corporatisation in a function that took place Saturday at the International Convention Centre in Berakas.

According to the Minister of Communications, Pehin Dato Seri Setia Haji Abu Bakar who officiated at the event, the corporatisation was in line with the development of the telecommunications industry in the region and in many member countries of the International Telecommunications Union. The Pehin added the move was also to give a bigger role, to strengthen and to increase the efficiency of the private sector.

The Minister continued to say that in the context of Brunei Darussalam, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has emphasised the importance of the private sector’s role in the development of the country’s economy. With the establishment of TelBru, all the supervision and licensing of telecommunications services and ICT in the country would be implemented by the Authority for Info-Communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam, AiTi. As an autonomous government body, AiTi will examine the policy for service provision and price control for use of the telecoms services and ICT. It is hoped that the corporatisation of TelBru is good for users and will also open the opportunity for upgrading the quality and innovative strength through the supply of products at more competitive prices. The gathering witnessed the presentation of documents on the handover of JTB’s duty to TelBru and AiTi. These marked two separate authorities of service provision and regulatory duties which were previously handled by JTB. The documents were handed over by the Minister of Communications.

The involvement of TelBru in together developing the country’s economy, is not confined to providing services for the local market only, but is expected to fulfill the need for further expansion by exploring business opportunities at the regional and international levels, in line with the government objective to make Brunei Darussalam a service hub of the future. Contributions of the telecommunications sector and the Info-Communications Technology, to the overall economic development of the country are significant. The industry is worth more than three hundred million dollars with an average increase of ten percent annually. According to the Minister of Communications, revenue from the telecommunications sector in the last two years alone was almost one hundred million dollars.

Meanwhile, the public is welcomed to view the Telecommunications Exhibition that will be held until Thursday from 8 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon. The exhibition is being held at the International Convention Centre in Berakas. On display are products and services provided by TelBru, AiTi, DST Communications, B-Mobile Communications, ICT sales representatives and other industrial entrepreneurs

The Ministry of Home Affairs acts as a two-way bridge between the government and the rakyat and residents of Brunei Darussalam. It also has a close relationship with the people in the country through the role and functions of the institutions of the Penghulu Mukim, Ketua Kampung and Ketua Rumah Panjang and the District Offices. Based on this scenario, the ministry needs to strengthen its role and enhance its capability in heeding the interest, and well-being of the people in the country by continuing to reassess the administrative methodologies and operation of every department under it.

As such, the Ministry of Home Affairs is drawing up strategic planning for the next 20 year period in line with its vision and mission. Speaking at the launch of the ministry’s Strategic Planning Book 2005 through 2025, the Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Dato Paduka Awang Haji Adanan said strategic planning is an important document and guideline. However, it will not be meaningful without being implemented with full commitment, dedication and responsibility in order to achieve the desired objective.

The Minister launched the Ministry of Home Affairs Book on Strategic Planning 2005 through 2025 and handed copies of the book to heads of department under the ministry. The book underlines a road map to be used as a comprehensive guideline and quick reference for all levels within the ministry over the next 20 years. There was also a presentation of certificates of appreciation to members of the ministry’s committee of strategic planners.

Also present were the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Dato Paduka Haji Dani and the Permanent Secretaries at the Ministry of Home Affairs. The function took place Saturday in Jerudong.