Yang Mulia Dato Seri Paduka Hj Khairuddin bin Haji Abdul Hamid, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Economy), and Chairman of Darussalam Pilotage Services Sdn Bhd;

 

Your Excellency, Raja Dato' Reza bin Raja Zaib Shah, High Commissioner of Malaysia;

 

Deputy Permanent Secretary;

 

Yang Mulia Captain (R) Zil Husam Bin Hj Abdul Rahman, General Manager, Darussalam Pilotage Services Sdn Bhd;

 

Yang Mulia Mohd Denny bin Mohd Isa, MD/CEO, MISC Maritime Services Sdn Bhd (Representative of President & Group CEO of MISC Berhad);

 

Yang Mulia Eddie bin Ahmad Khodzali, CEO of Malaysia Maritime Academy Sdn Bhd (MMASB);

 

Board of Directors of Darussalam Pilotage Services Sdn Bhd;

 

Chief Executives, Managing Directors, Senior Government Officials;

 

Distinguished Guests, scholarship recipients and proud parents;

 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

1. I’m honoured to stand before you today at this morning’s momentous occasion - to mark another milestone achieved by Darussalam Pilotage Services (DPS) Sdn Bhd since her inception in 2018 as the provider of pilotage and towage services in Brunei Waters. 

2. As a leading marine services provider with flagship operation in Brunei, I’m pleased with the initiative by Darussalam Pilotage Services to offer their scholarship and cadetship programme, and to consequentially provide a career path in the marine industry for our Bruneian talents. 

3. This commendable and meaningful programme is in line with The Government of His Majesty The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s aspiration to creating a thriving maritime industry that is safe and sustainable. This is important, as logistics, that includes the maritime logistics, play an important role to support the existing and growing logistics requirements in support of our country’s diversification efforts. 

4. In 2023, we saw the highest number of inbound and outbound ship traffic coming into our ports, amounting to twelve thousand eight hundred and one (12,801) ships. This shows that the shipping sector, has been one of the beneficiaries of the growth and developments in the downstream and export-oriented industries. 

5. These, with also with the planned expansion and renovation of Muara Port as well as development of an Integrated Marine Maintenance and Decommissioning Yard will further grow the shipping requirements in country as well as attract more traffic into our port and facilities. Undoubtedly, this will also grow the demand for Darussalam Pilotage Services (DPS) pilotage and towage services. 

6. In this connection, the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications and through the Marine and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD) is tasked to look at further improving the local content aspects of the maritime sector. With the observed growth and further growth opportunities, the industry has the ability to grow the available job opportunities for locals. In addition, MPABD is to also to look at reassessing and sustaining our capabilities, through the likes of the Brunei Maritime Academy (BMA), for example, to be able to develop and cultivate a highly skilled maritime workforce that supports and can drive our economic diversification and sustainable development efforts. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

7. The true measure of an organisation’s potential also lies in the caliber of their human capital. In this regard, I’m pleased to note that in recognising this that Darussalam Pilotage Services (DPS) have embarked on their scholarship programme. I have been informed that Darussalam Pilotage Services (DPS) vision for their scholarship program is geared towards nurturing a new generation of maritime pilots sustainable and innovative future. 

8. Towards this end, I wish to congratulate Darussalam Pilotage Services (DPS) and Malaysia Maritime Academy Sdn Bhd (MMASB) for fostering their collaborative relationship that transcends mere strategic alliance. This collaboration also stands as a testament to the shared vision and commitment of both organisations in investing into the future leaders of our maritime industry. 

9. The scholarship recipients, are poised to become future maritime leaders, are expected to epitomize excellence and uphold the highest standards of maritime safety and operations. It is my fervent hope that this program will serve as a beacon of inspiration for others. The objective I believe extends beyond talent cultivation; but also aim to ignite a passion for a career in the maritime industry – a sector of pivotal significance to our nation’s progress. 

10. To the young scholars, at a personal level, I can claim that you are joining an industry where I have seen and experience first-hand, one of the highest-level of professionalism, dedication and resilience. As you embark on this remarkable journey, you will also assume the mantle of responsibility as torchbearers of our maritime future. The path ahead may be fraught with challenges, but it is one of noble significance. Embrace every opportunity for learning, challenge yourselves, and relentlessly pursue excellence. 

11. Before I conclude, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those involved in making this initiative a reality. Your dedication and contributions are deeply appreciated. 

12. With that, thank you and may today’s proceedings yield fruits of your labour that benefit not only the present generation but also generations to come. Wabillahitaufik Walhidayah, Wasalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh. 

 

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