By Nurdiyanah R. –
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, NOV 19 – The Brunei Darussalam Maritime and Port Authority (MPABD), with the support of local maritime industry players and stakeholders, for the first time held Brunei Darussalam Maritime Week 2024 (BDMW) at Dewan Banquet, Bridex, Jerudong, this morning .
Present as the guest of honor to complete the opening ceremony of BDMW 2024 was the Minister of Transport and Infocommunications, Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha, who is also the Chairman of MPABD.
Themed events Technological Innovation and Sustainable Maritime Development, which lasts until November 21 is in line with the theme of this year’s World Maritime Day, Navigating the Future: Safety First. It highlights MPABD’s dedication to advancing sustainability, fostering innovation and ensuring safety in Brunei’s maritime sector.
In his opening speech, the Chief Executive of MPABD, Captain (B) Zil Husam bin Haji Abdul Rahman, emphasized the importance of BDMW as an important event in the nation’s maritime development. He also emphasized that BDMW is envisioned to be a benchmark for the maritime sector, making it an annual platform to foster local and international engagement.
Captain (B) Zil Husam further emphasized the wider objective of the event to promote Brunei Darussalam as a leading player in the global maritime industry. He stated that the BDMW aims to not only showcase the nation’s maritime capabilities but also to position Brunei as a leading hub for innovation, collaboration and excellence in the sector.
During the official launch of BDMW 2024, His Excellency Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary announced the establishment of a Maritime Emergency Response Center (MERC), equipped with advanced technology and manned by a trained team ready to face any emergency at sea. MERC aims to improve safety and improve response efficiency in Brunei’s maritime operations. In addition, another success was the launch of the project Maritime Single Window, which is in line with Brunei’s digital transformation agenda.
The Honorable Minister of Transport and Infocommunications also witnessed a live demonstration of the NOSCOP Sea Spraying Exercise conducted by Singapore’s Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL), which showcased Brunei’s preparedness in dealing with maritime emergencies.
The event also featured exhibitions by 35 exhibitors, who were also visited by Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato to witness the latest developments and innovations in the maritime industry.
In the afternoon, dialogue sessions were also held on topics such as New Technology in Vessel Traffic Services: Challenges & Opportunities; Empowering Maritime Careers: Navigating Opportunities and Challenges in Maritime Employment; and Sail Safe: Medical and Safety Training for Seafarers.
The session featured a diverse lineup of 10 speakers, including local and international experts including IALA Technical Officer and VTS Specialist from the International Organization for Marine Aid to Navigation (IALA), Thomas Southall; Director of Ship Traffic Management and Aid to Navigation Division from the Malaysian Marine Department, Mohd Hafiz bin Abdul Majid; Chief Assistant Senior Director of Ship Traffic Management and Aid to Navigation Division from the Malaysian Marine Department, Burhanudin bin Abdullah; and the President of Malaysian Marine Specialists (IKMAL), Captain Abdul Aziz Abdullah.
Present as the guest of honor for the afternoon session was the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications, Haji Mohammad Salihin bin Haji Aspar.
On the second day, BDMW will focus on career opportunities, led by the Brunei Employment Centre, which will include CV writing and an interview clinic. In the afternoon session, there are additional exhibitor-led activities, such as presentations, awards, talent engagement with the public, and maritime technology displays.
The third day will feature Maritime Quest Interactive Challengean exciting event with an educational concept that introduces participants to the maritime industry and career opportunities. The activity will involve teams from industry stakeholders, job seekers and the public, promoting teamwork and industry awareness. In the afternoon, there will be a presentation of prizes for the winners of the challenge.