The 2008 Women in Business Forum will take place on 19th August at the Empire Hotel & Country Club.  This event being organized by Asia Inc Forum is envisioned to bring together businesswomen, women leaders in government and the private sector, professionals, and entrepreneurs to learn, network and share best practices that can make a huge difference to women’s involvement in today's competitive business and the world of work.  The Forum also aims to acknowledge the key role played by outstanding Brunei women in the business and society. 

Confirmed foreign speakers include Ms Michelle Dula Asence, founder of Zen Zest Lifestyle products, a leading local brand in fragrances and body care products in the Philippines and Ms Wendy Lee, a leading professional and image consultant in Malaysia.  It will feature also some of Brunei’s leading local business figures in the panel discussions on a wide-range of women issues in the corporate world; sharing of success stories and experiences of women entrepreneurs and how women can lead a healthy lifestyle and remain fabulous from inside and out.

The “Salute to Women Leaders and Achievers” will give recognition to Brunei women who have achieved the record of being the “first woman” in their respective fields.  These awards are aimed at encouraging women to strive for excellence in their areas of work.  The awards will be presented by the Forum’s Guest of Honour.  

Allen Lai CEO of Asia Inc Forum said “We are organizing this forum as we recognize the important role that women play in our society, both at home and professionally. We hope that this Forum will contribute to the development and strengthening of women in the world of work in both the public and the private sector.”

The Women in Business Forum is a key element of the Asia Inc Forum’s 2008 SME Partnership Program in partnership with Baiduri Bank, The Brunei Economic Development Board and supported by the Ministry of Industry & Primary Resources and the Young Entrepreneur Association of Brunei.

To register or further queries, please visit our website  www.asiaincforum.com or call Nanette Ramos @ 2226555 or email nanette.ramos@asiaincforum.com

Preparations for the first gathering of Brunei’s business and working women on 19th August at The Empire Hotel are now in full swing. The 2008 Women in Business Forum themed “Empowering Women, Empowering Society” promises to be an exciting and empowering event that will bring together women leaders in the private and government, professionals, and entrepreneurs.  The Forum’s discussions will focus on various issues facing women at work and in business, sharing of best practices and learning practical tips on building a professional image for working women.  It will also provide an excellent networking opportunity to meet new friends and potential future clients.

The highlight of the Forum is the “Salute to Brunei Women Leaders and Achievers” which will give recognition to Brunei women who hold the record of being the “first woman achiever” in their respective fields eg. First Woman Judge, Female Pilot, Woman Explorer etc.  These awards are aimed at encouraging women to strive for excellence in their areas of work.  The Awards will be presented at Lunch by the Guest of Honour, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador at Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The Forum features prominent women around the region:  Dato’ Dr Jannie Tay, The Hour Glass, a leading contemporary specialist watch retailer in the Asia Pacific region, which Jannie Tay co-founded with her husband in 1979. From a one-boutique operation in 1979, The Hour Glass Group has developed into a regional network of 27 boutiques strategically located in prime shopping belts in Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. The company received numerous awards including the Singapore Business Award and Specialty Store of the Year Award; Ms Michelle Dula Asence, founder of Zen Zest Lifestyle products, a business which started from her kitchen and now boasts of 2 stand-alone stores in upscale Glorietta, Ayala Center and the Shangri-La Mall and over 80 kiosks in large malls all over the Philippines. Zen Zest Lifestyle Products is now exporting market in Brunei, Bahrain and Japan. Michelle has been honored with Women of Style and Substance Awards, one of Philippines 75 Most Admired Entrepreneurs and one of the 27 People to Watch Out for in 2007 in the Philippines; Ms Wendy Lee, founder of Chater One- Colour, Style and Image Consultancy in Malaysia.  Wendy is a fashion style critique and has been in the panel of judges of some international beauty pageants.  She has been recently appointed style advisor for Astro and image consultant for Media Prima Berhad (TV2, NTV7, 8TV and TV9); and Paula Malai Ali, a Bruneian is formerly a VJ for Channel V and now presenter for ESPN Star Sports. She is a well-known media figure in Asia.
To register or further queries, please visit their website www.asiaincforum.com or call Nanette Ramos @ 2226555 or email nanette.ramos@asiaincforum.com

The issue of climate change is now a global concern and is a key agenda in today’s world order- and Brunei Darussalam is no different. This year the world has witnessed the calamities such as the Sichuan Earthquake in May, followed by the Myanmar Cyclone and the flooding in Bihar, India and most recently, Hurricane Ike in Texas.  These calamites that hit countries have no regard to race, region and economic standing.

His Majesty The Sultan in his Titah on July 15, 2008 highlighted some concerns related to this present global phenomena especially on its impact on the environment.  He emphasized on some important issues e.g. the importance of energy conservation for every citizen to shoulder the responsibility, proper disposal of waste and the impact of global warming to the environment.

In line with this Titah of HM The Sultan of Brunei, the National Environment Conference 2008 is being organized to bring the public and private sectors together and create a platform for integrated ideas and policies on environmental sustainability and stewardships with a focus on energy conservation, waste management and climate change issues. The theme “Building a Cleaner, Brighter Future” outlines key strategies, programs, policies and initiatives that will help sustain a clean and healthy environment for Brunei Darussalam. The program stream will include discussions on green buildings, green sustainable supply chain, climate change, alternative energy, collaborative initiatives and waste management. This conference is organized in line with the objective set out in the National Development Plan (RKN 2007-2012) that emphasizes on addressing the environmental and resource management issues.

Confirmed overseas speakers at the National Environment Conference 2008 include Dr Kenny Tang, referred to by Merrill-Lynch as “Asia’s Al Gore” and Author of WASTEnomics; Dr Terry Yosie, CEO of World Environment Centre; Mr Tom Paladino, a nationally recognized leader in green building industry and founder and president of Paladino & Company from USA and Ms Teresa Au, Head of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Asia Pacific Region, HSBC.

The National Environment Conference 2008 is organized by Asia Inc Forum in partnership with TOTAL, HSBC, ALCOA and BLNG.

This conference is possible because of a strong partnership forged over the years with key industry, government and business players with the aim of offering a forum and program that seeks common ground for solutions to environmental challenges facing the people of Brunei Darussalam. 

To register and obtain more information on the event, please contact Ms Nanette Ramos or Mohd Hadi Shafie @ 222 6555 or email nanette.ramos@asiaincforum.com or visit

 

www.asiaincforum.com

The American Alumni Association in cooperation with the US Embassy and Asia Inc Forum is hosting a luncheon keynote address with Robert J. Herbold, the former COO of Microsoft and current author and consultant. The aim of the luncheon is to raise awareness of the American Alumni Association as well as provide an opportunity for the alumni to engage in dialogue with a well renown speaker and to network and build relations amongst each other.

The American Alumni Association was formed last February and aims to promote and maintain friendship and cooperation and to foster social, cultural, educational and business links and activities among its members. The Alumni boasts a group of leading figures from both the public and private sector.

The luncheon address featured Robert J. Herbold, former COO of Microsoft and author of the book Seduced by Success. During his eight years as Chief Operating Officer of Microsoft, his disciplined approach to streamlining operations drove a seven-fold increase in profits while the company’s revenues increased four-fold. Bob can claim some considerable credit for this twofold premium in profitability.

Robert Herbold’s luncheon address is entitled ‘Seduced by Success: How companies and countries succeed and stay driven’. The lunch brought together over 100 members of the alumni and senior figures from the public and private sector to learn how to constantly experiment with new ideas, processes, and business models to remain relevant.

“I am proud to be joining the American Alumni Association and Asia Inc Forum in bringing a distinguished speaker like Robert Herbold to Brunei.  I found his book on how to keep a successful organization in top form a great resource and look forward to hearing how his lessons learned can be applied in Brunei.” said U.S. Ambassador His Excellency Emil M. Skodon.

“Microsoft is one of the most successful companies in the history of the world and it is an honour to be able to learn first hand from Robert Herbold how Brunei companies and how Brunei as a country can get on top and most importantly stay motivated and driven” said Allen Lai, CEO of Asia Inc Forum.

The luncheon keynote address is partnered by TOTAL, BLNG, HSBC and ALCOA with RBA as the official airline. For more information on membership and the American Alumni Association please contact Ms. Megan Porter on 2229670 ext 2132 or email at PorterML@State.Gov