LegCo 2023 - Motion of Vote of Thanks

The Second Day of the First Meeting of the 19th Legislative Council (LegCo) session began with a heartfelt expression of support and appreciation for the titah (royal speech) of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzadin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

TLDR:

Let us work together to address these challenges and create a safe, efficient and productive labor market, that can expand our reach beyond borders and can persist through the times, whilst making sure that we safeguard the wealth that we generate.

Here is the full motion of vote of thanks by YB Queenie Chong:

I humbly acknowledge and commend the efforts of our esteemed agencies, such as Manpower Planning and Employment Council (MPEC), Manpower Industry Steering Committee (MISC), Lifelong Learning Centre (L3C) and more, in addressing the structural unemployment that is the most pressing issue among our youth and job seekers. The recent initiatives, particularly the apprenticeship programs in Construction and Energy sector, are commendable and a step towards empowering our workforce.

As we gather today, it's important to acknowledge the rapidly changing world and the evolving nature of work. The emergence of automation, AI, and other emerging technologies is reshaping the skills required for success in the global economy. While the government plays a crucial role, we as the Youth of Brunei have an equal responsibility to adapt and contribute. Growing up in an era of rapid technological advancement, it rests on us to educate ourselves and apply our creativity and productivity to drive step changes and improvements in society. Stay strong, commit and persevere in overcoming the challenges of communicating the benefits of these technological advances.

As we reflect on the progress we have made in education and training programs, it is important to also acknowledge the issue of labor market inefficiencies. It is crucial that employees are aware of their rights regarding fair employment practices, while employers are supported in complying with labor laws and regulations. Moreover, we must provide avenues to understand what constitutes a productive workforce and create a culture of continuous learning and improvement. By equipping our people with the necessary skills and fostering their marketability, we can ensure they can add value to our economy.

We can take pride in the recent successes of local companies, including the launch of Khalifa and the export of eggs to Singapore, showcasing our ability to compete in the global economy. As we continue to strive for excellence, it is important for MSMEs to leverage emerging technologies that can enhance their efficiency, quality, and confidence in expanding overseas. Thanks to the proliferation of emerging technology into the mainstream market and the efforts to ensure internet infrastructure reaches all corners of our country, these tools are more accessible than ever. By taking advantage of these resources, we can continue to grow and thrive without burdening our government.

As we convene today, it is important to recognise the valuable role that education and awareness play in safeguarding the wealth and resources of Brunei against increasingly sophisticated bad actors who are equipped with the latest technology to deceive and do harm. These malicious individuals do not discriminate between employees of organisations and individuals. They are motivated by financial gain and will target anyone they believe they can exploit. Let us consider the steps we can take to empower our citizens with the knowledge they need to protect our country's prosperity.

Let us work together to address these challenges and create a safe, efficient and productive labor market, that can expand our reach beyond borders and can persist through the times, whilst making sure that we safeguard the wealth that we generate.