Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim,

Alhamdullilahi Rabbil `Alameen Wasaalatu Wassalaamu `Ala Asyrafil Ambiae Walmursaleen, Saidina Muhammadin Wa’alaa Aalihiee Wasahbihee Ajama’een

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,and a Very Good Morning.

• Yang Mulia Dr Haji Abdul Aziz bin Haji Abdul Latip, Executive Chairman, Cosmopolitan College of Commerce & Technology,

• Yang Mulia, Mr. Thomas Koh, President of the Brunei Freight Forwarders Association (BRUFA),

• Yang Mulia Awang Ridzuan bin Haji Ahmad, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary (Transport), Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications,

• Distinguished directors, senior officers and representatives from the Ministry of Education, members of BRUFA, industry stakeholders, students, honoured guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.

1. It is truly an honour and privilege to join you today at the official launch of the Logistics Operations Course: City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate. Allow me to begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to BRUFA and Cosmopolitan College for inviting me to this important occasion and for your exemplary commitment to advancing education and skills development in Brunei Darussalam.

2. I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Education for their unwavering support and guidance in bringing this course to fruition. Your dedication to strengthening Brunei Darussalam’s education framework—particularly in vital sectors such as logistics and transportation—demonstrates a strong commitment to our nation’s progress. Furthermore, I acknowledge BRUFA’s invaluable contributions in shaping this program to meet the evolving demands of our logistics and transportation industry.

Honoured Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

3. The introduction of the City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in Logistics Operations marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to develop a highly skilled workforce. Designed through the collaborative efforts of BRUFA and Cosmopolitan College, this program combines theoretical knowledge with practical training to equip students with the competencies required to thrive in the fast-paced logistics and transportation sector. From supply chain management to transportation operations, students will gain industry-relevant expertise, preparing them for rewarding careers in one of the most dynamic and essential industries.

4. Beyond its academic value, today’s launch also underscores the importance of strong partnerships. It exemplifies what can be achieved when educational institutions, government agencies, and industry leaders work together to create impactful programs that align with national priorities. This collaboration reflects the aspirations of Brunei Darussalam’s Economic Blueprint, which emphasizes a Whole-of-Nation Approach—where the private sector serves as the driving force of the economy while the government plays a facilitative role in fostering sustainable growth and development.

5. Recognizing the importance of industry-driven education, the Government—through the Manpower Industry Steering Committee (MISC) under the Manpower Planning and Employment Council (MPEC)—actively works to bridge the gap between industry needs and talent development.

6. Specifically, MISC Transportation and Logistics plays a crucial role in developing programs tailored to maritime, aviation, land transport, and logistics. Through such initiatives, our local workforce can be trained by local providers to become highly competent and skilled in these sectors. This ensures not only the sustainability of local talent but also Brunei Darussalam’s competitiveness in the evolving logistics industry.

This effort aligns with Brunei Vision 2035’s Third Goal—to build a Dynamic and Sustainable Economy by creating a quality workforce and providing meaningful, high-value employment opportunities. To achieve this, we must continue investing in education and training programs that equip our people with the right skills at the right time.

Honoured Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

7. His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien has consistently emphasized that education is a cornerstone of national progress. His Majesty urges us to ensure that education not only imparts knowledge but also aligns with industry needs, empowering our workforce to tackle evolving challenges and seize emerging opportunities. This was clearly reflected in His Majesty’s titah during UBD’s 29th Convocation Ceremony, I quote:

“Sementara institusi-institusi pengajian tinggi pula berperanan untuk mengeluarkan sumber manusia, manakala agensi-agensi lain juga diperlukan untuk membuat inisiatif-inisiatif bagi pertumbuhan ekonomi negara dan mengwujudkan pekerjaan-pekerjaan lain.”

Honoured Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

8. The logistics and transportation sector is undeniably a key driver of economic growth and international trade. The Economic Blueprint has identified five priority sectors to spearhead economic growth and diversification efforts. These include downstream oil and gas, food, infocommunications and technology (ICT), tourism, and services. Transport and logistics are among the key contributors to the services sector, which plays an essential role in Brunei Darussalam’s economy. This demonstrates the growing importance of services, particularly logistics and transportation, in strengthening Brunei Darussalam’s economic resilience and global competitiveness.

9. In today’s rapidly globalizing world, where technological advancements are reshaping logistics operations, it is imperative for Brunei Darussalam to remain competitive. To do so, we must cultivate a workforce that is not only skilled but also adaptable, innovative, and future-ready. Digitalization is transforming the logistics industry, integrating smart technologies to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and optimize supply chains. As we move forward, our workforce must be equipped to navigate this emerging digital landscape, ensuring Brunei Darussalam’s logistics sector remains resilient and progressive.

10. In closing, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to BRUFA and Cosmopolitan College of Commerce & Technology on this remarkable milestones and achievement. Your dedication to excellence in education and industry development is truly inspiring. I am confident that this program will not only enhance students’ professional growth but also strengthen the logistics sector’s contribution to Brunei Darussalam’s economic progress.

11. To all stakeholders involved, I express my deepest gratitude for your invaluable contributions. May this initiative inspire further innovation and advancement in both the education and logistics sectors. Let us continue working together to build a skilled, future-ready workforce that will drive Brunei Darussalam’s logistics industry forward.

Thank you.

With that, it gives me great pleasure to officially launch the City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in Logistics Operations course. Congratulation also for the signing of the MOU between BRUFA and Cosmopolitan College of Commerce and Technology.

Wabillahi Taufik Walhidayah, Wassalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.

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