Darussalam Enterprise (DARe) yesterday launched the first Bruneian Made mini showcase featuring locally produced items by 20 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at the ground floor of Airport Mall.
The participating businesses are offering a wide array of locally made products including packed food and beverage, fashion, cosmetics, handicrafts and jewelry from 10am to 9pm from Friday to Sunday.
The showcase is being held under DARe’s Bruneian Made initiative, which aims to help local producers increase exposure for their products and provide new channels for sales in high traffic areas.
DARe CEO Javed Ahmad said that the current coronavirus pandemic and the accompanying travel restrictions have opened up the opportunity for local producers to increase their market share and position themselves for export in the future.
“We are already seeing a significant impact to our local business environment where our people are now spending for their needs locally,” he said at the showcase’s opening yesterday that was launched by Permanent Secretary (Industry) at the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MOFE) and DARe board member Pg Hjh Zety Sufina Pg Dato Paduka Hj Sani.
“It is also our hope that through this showcase, DARe can raise awareness about the Bruneian Made initiative and attract more MSMEs with good products to participate in this initiative.”
Men’s modest fashion brand Mudaser hopes that the showcase will help increase brand awareness as the first expo they’ve joined since the pandemic.
“Last year we participated in five expos – they are a big part of our marketing strategy,” said Mudaser’s Sales and Marketing executive Muiz Irwan, who operate a store at Yayasan Shopping Complex. “Our target for the showcase to get people familiar with our brand as well as our hantaran (wedding) packages.”
Since its launch in 2017, Bruneian Made – formerly branded as Made in Brunei – has helped 28 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) retail 132 products.
The initiative operates through two platforms: the Bruneian Made supermarket shelf stocking everyday items, and the Bruneian Made Finest display shelves and online store housing medium to higher end products.
Local and international customers can purchase the Finest items on local IT company Avensys Solutions’ e-commerce website bruneianmadefinest.gobeli.store or in person from Sunju Enterprise’s branches at the airport and The Mall as well as Aewon’s store at the Yayasan Shopping Complex.
Meanwhile the Bruneian Made supermarket shelf can be found in established stores including Hua Ho, Supa Save, Sim Kim Huat and One Station. The dedicated shelf helps MSMEs by enabling them to stock their products in lower volumes on a consignment arrangement with discounted commission.
Businesses participating in this weekend’s event are: Pusat Pengajian Kesenian dan Kaligrafi Islam Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Mahkota Crystal, Koleksi Husnaa, Mumtaz, Al Hayaah, Avensys Solutions, Perusahaan Imanputera, BruHouse, Volco Venture Co, Aisy Berjaya Company, Koperasi Samakaya, JE Restaurant (Noice), Ghanim International Corporation, Sabli Food Industries, Rumah Gelato, Taurean Bakeshop, Sapphira CakeHouse, Ukhuwwah Venture, As Salwaa Beauty and Rizqussalam.
