September 2011

Defence Adviser'

The Brunei Britain Business Forum hosted yet another talk at Laksamana College on Wednesday 28^th September, this time covering the topic of ‘Strategic Planning.’

Delivered by the Defence Adviser to the British High Commission in Brunei, Captain Alan Rycroft explained the philosophy and methodology of the UK military approach to Strategic (Highest Level) and Campaign Planning using contemporary examples and then explored how these methods can potentially be successfully employed in the non-military environment with particular emphasis on Strategic Planning, team-working and personnel training.

In a wide-ranging presentation, Captain Rycroft highlighted the variety of approaches to decision-making and commented that this was driven by many factors including cultural background where willingness to make decisions and take management risk varied throughout the world. He also expressed the view that a good leader does not necessarily make a good manager and vice versa as leadership and management are different qualities that are not necessarily the same. He believed however, that both could be developed by training and increased exposure to responsibility.

He emphasised the need for individuals to be made aware of what the ultimate aim of the task was so that team members knew when they had completed their responsibilities. Fully researching and understanding your opposition, whether in war or in business was key to producing a sensible and successful campaign to defeat them, identifying weaknesses by analysing strengths was the most productive approach.

Captain Rycroft ended by explaining the importance of a leader standing back from the detailed tasks and always maintaining the bigger picture as "when you are surrounded by crocodiles, it is easy to forget that the original plan was to drain the swamp!’

'Energising Business'

Wednesday 21st September 2011

Dato Malcolm Brinded, Executive Director, Royal Dutch Shell

The public were invited to a question and answer session (Q&A) which the Britain Brunei Business Forum (BBBF) organised in the margins of the ASEAN Ministers for Energy Meeting (AMEM). Following on from the AMEM “CEO Dialogue” at the Empire Hotel, the BBBF event entitled “Energising Business” was held on Wednesday, 21 September 2011 at the Members Grill and Lounge, Empire Country Club in Jerudong. The BBBF worked closely with the British High Commission and the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) to make this exciting opportunity happen.

The Q&A featured two visitors from the UK: Dato Seri Laila Jasa Malcolm Brinded, Shell’s Executive Director, Upstream International (Member of the Board of Royal Dutch Shell and a “Business Ambassador” for the UK); and Professor John Loughhead, Executive Director, UK Energy Research Centre.

Both these Captains of Industry were key note speakers at the AMEM CEO Dialogue, where they presented on – respectively – the gas sector and alternative energy (the role of “renewables” in the future energy mix). However, the Q&A session looked beyond the energy business, and addressed the question of “Energising Business” itself, be it in Britain, Brunei, South East Asia or around the world.

After both Professor Loughhead and Dato Brinded delivered short presentations, the panel answered a wide range of questions, from prospects for the global economy to the issue of business as a career choice – how to get started? Where to find inspiration? The British High Commissioner Rob Fenn, acted as Moderator saying “it is a great opportunity to have here in Brunei one of the UK’s “Business Ambassadors”, alongside one of our foremost experts on national energy systems. From their different vantage points, in the private and public sectors in UK, both our visitors are working to help Brunei translate its strong reputation as a reliable energy supplier, and its growing reputation as a place for serious science and research, into a knowledge economy to sustain Brunei’s prosperity far into the future. I am proud that the BBBF has given them this platform. I hope our Q&A will inspire tomorrow’s Bruneian Captains of Industry”.

Guest of Honour Dato Ali Apong giving his introductory speech. The panel consisted of BBBF Chairman Stuart Kemp, and the two guest speakers with the British High Commissioner as moderator.

His Excellency, Rob Fenn, giving his introductory speech.

His Excellency draws attention to a UBD student's artwork, which he found relevant to Brunei's vision to grow and develop.

Professor Loughhead provides his views and insight on energising business in Brunei.

A packed room of attendees.

The two guest speakers Professor John Loughhead and Dato Malcolm Brinded.