‘Why is private sector 2nd choice?’

Abdul Aziz Ismail and Ak Md Khairuddin Pg Harun
BRUNEI-MUARA

SEVERAL companies expressed their frustration as Bruneian jobseekers continue to view the private sector as a stepping stone to securing government jobs.

During an interview on the sidelines of the Brunei Job Fair 2015 at BRIDEX Hall, Yong Chee Seng, general manager of First Emporium & Supermarket, said locals should be encouraged to seize every opportunity by working hard and be committed to the company they are employed with.

“Why are we (private sector) the second choice? We offer long-term jobs, but we are treated as just a stepping stone. If you want to work, you have to be committed.

“We are only accepting local applications because we are local, I’m local, and we want to help the nation by offering jobs with low requirements to prevent unemployment, but they have to be committed for the long term,” he added.

Jay Choo Jun Lee, Hua Ho Department Store manager, said it is understandable that the private sector is seen as a stepping stone in getting government jobs.

“We consult the locals to stay longer, but if they were given a chance in the government sector and leaves, we understand and respect their decision.

“Locals have been raised with the mindset of getting a government job, because it’s more secure and believed to have more benefits,” he added.

Mohammad Fairuz Ibrahim, training manager of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, said Bruneians should consider staying in the private sector as companies are now improving their work perks.

“We have been trying to lure jobseekers by providing benefits too, changing into flexible working hours, increasing the salary and more,” Fairuz added.

A Legislative Council (LegCo) member said Bruneians should see working in the private sector as an opportunity to develop their entrepreneurship skills.

In an interview on the sidelines of a meeting between Ministry of Development officials and LegCo members yesterday, YB Hj Ahmad Morshidi POKDSDDLU Hj Abdul Rahman said some companies have trained employees with the skills to become entrepreneurs.

However, he noted that locals overlooked this opportunity as they are more concerned with the salary in the government.

“Take the example of a recycling company. The employees would learn about waste products and how to make it into a business. Through this experience, he will be able to open his own recycling company. This type of business doesn’t require you to import raw materials because the rubbish that needs to be recycled is readily available,” said YB Hj Ahmad Morshidi.

He reminded young Bruneians that the recent decline of oil and gas exports affects the country’s gross domestic product.

“Developing the country does not only mean working in the government sector. Working in the private sector also helps the nation’s development,” he added.

YB Hj Ahmad Morshidi urged Bruneians to become business owners instead of being workers.

“Of course you need to be patience. You need to start small and your business will develop. In the end, you will be able to hire people instead of being hired.”


Sumber - The Brunei Times