Brunei Darussalam is gearing up for potential foreign direct investment, but there is a looming concern about a shortage of graduates with Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Higher National Diploma qualifications. During the recent 20th session of the Legislative Council (LegCo) meeting, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah highlighted this issue in response to a query from LegCo member Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim.
According to the minister, there is a lack of graduates with the necessary qualifications to meet the demands of future industries, especially in light of planned economic development and potential foreign direct investment. This shortage could hinder the country’s ability to fully capitalize on investment opportunities and drive economic growth. Additionally, the minister pointed out that there are approximately 1,800 school dropouts in Brunei, highlighting the importance of providing opportunities for skills acquisition through TVET to increase their employability.
In addressing concerns about the local workforce’s ability to meet industry demands, Minister Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew emphasized the importance of investing in TVET and Higher National Diploma programs to bridge the skills gap. By equipping individuals with the necessary technical skills and qualifications, Brunei can better position itself to attract and retain foreign investment, create job opportunities, and reduce unemployment rates.
LegCo member Yang Berhormat Zainol bin Haji Mohamed raised the issue of high unemployment rates in Brunei, particularly in relation to underemployment and low-paying jobs. The minister acknowledged the challenges but highlighted a positive trend in long-term unemployment rates, which have decreased from 4.3% in 2019 to 2.4% in 2022. This indicates progress in addressing unemployment issues and improving job prospects for the local workforce.
Furthermore, discussions during the LegCo meeting also touched on government strategies to support individuals who have completed programs like i-Ready and ensure they transition into sustainable employment opportunities. The Manpower Planning and Employment Council is actively working to prevent individuals from returning to unemployment after completing their training by tightening company selection processes and securing conditional job offers for apprentices. As a result, 70% of apprentices in the private sector have already been offered employment by companies, demonstrating the effectiveness of these initiatives in facilitating job placement and reducing unemployment rates.
In conclusion, the challenges and opportunities facing Brunei’s workforce underscore the importance of investing in education and skills development to meet the demands of evolving industries and attract foreign investment. By prioritizing TVET and Higher National Diploma programs, the country can equip its workforce with the necessary skills and qualifications to drive economic growth, create job opportunities, and reduce unemployment rates. Through strategic government initiatives and partnerships with the private sector, Brunei can build a strong foundation for sustainable economic development and prosperity.