Enterprise Growth Connect (EGC) 2025 Strengthens Local Participation and Collaboration

Bandar Seri Begawan, 20 November 2025 – The Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) successfully hosted Enterprise Growth Connect (EGC) 2025 at the Indera Samudra Grand Hall, The Empire Brunei, on Thursday, 20 November 2025, under the theme “Powering Local Participation.”

EGC, a flagship event powered by DARe LINKS and an initiative by BEDB, serves as a premier avenue for facilitating purposeful client–vendor (B2B) engagements that drive in-country value, private-sector growth, and economic diversification. The one-day event brought together over 300 participants, including local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and 28 partners across various agencies and industries, featuring over 140 business opportunities, aimed at strengthening Brunei’s local supply chain and enterprise ecosystem. Open to all locally registered businesses, the event provided direct access to networking and partnership opportunities.

In his keynote address, the Guest of Honour, Yang Mulia Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Khairuddin bin Haji Abdul Hamid, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Economy) and Co-Deputy Chairperson of BEDB, stated “This annual initiative is significant as it brings together local enterprises, government agencies and the private sector partners in a concerted effort to strengthen capabilities and unlock new growth opportunities. This is at the heart of the Economic Blueprint, which emphasises innovation, enterprise development and stronger integration between the public and private sectors. It is my hope that this initiative will continue to bring us closer to an economy that is dynamic and sustainable.”

Delivering the welcome address, Director of Enterprise Development (DARe), Yang Mulia Norlela Suhailee, highlighted BEDB’s continued commitment to fostering collaboration and empowering Bruneian businesses to participate and contribute meaningfully in the country’s economic development. “EGC provides a platform for MSMEs to connect directly with clients, build readiness, and seize real opportunities. This year’s theme ‘Powering Local Participation’ reflects our shared vision of ensuring that our MSMEs are not only included but they are also actively positioned to contribute, deliver and lead with capability and confidence in building stronger domestic supply networks.”, she said.

This year’s event featured a comprehensive line-up of interactive, knowledge-driven sessions designed to help businesses identify new opportunities, expand their network and identify capability requirements to strengthen competitiveness. The programme included the Opportunities Outlook Session to provide insights on upcoming projects and industry trends, Vendor Readiness Talks to provide insights on project requirements, Focus Group Discussions to share insights and challenges, Advisory Clinics for one-to-one consultations with experts, Business Matching and Linkage Sessions to connect MSMEs with clients and partners, and Exhibitor Showcase to highlight business opportunities.

Nurul A’in Haji Jaafar, Senior Manager and Head of Relationship Management of DARe emphasised, “Strong in-country value outcomes can only be achieved when the public and private sectors work in close partnership. Enterprise Growth Connect facilitates these critical conversations and linkages, ensuring that local businesses are better positioned to supply, collaborate, and remain competitive within Brunei’s evolving economic landscape.”

A participating MSME representative shared, “The Opportunity Outlook sessions were incredibly valuable. Hearing directly from industry leaders about future projects and vendor requirements helped us understand where the market is heading and how we can position our business to meet upcoming demand.”

Another MSME representative reflected, “EGC brought together everything we needed from industry insights, capability requirements, business connections and real opportunities under one roof. We are leaving the event with greater clarity, stronger networks, and a better understanding of how to grow in Brunei’s evolving economic landscape.”

A business owner who attended the clinics said, “The Advisory Clinics were one of the most beneficial parts of EGC. Being able to sit down with experts and get personalised advice helped us identify clear next steps to upgrade our operations and enhance our competitiveness.”

BEDB continues to support Bruneian enterprises through ongoing initiatives to ensure that the partnerships and insights forged at EGC 2025 lead to measurable and sustained enterprise growth.

For more information on BEDB’s enterprise development initiatives and upcoming programmes, visit www.bedb.gov.bn. Stay connected by following @bedbbrunei on social media for event highlights, success stories, and the latest updates.