The fourth day of the business forum, held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, was a pivotal juncture in the event’s schedule. The day began with the arrival of prominent guests, including CEOs and Managing Directors, as well as esteemed BIMP Ambassadors. There was a sense of eager anticipation in the air as the Guest of Honour (GOH), the Minister of Finance and Economy, graced the occasion with their presence. The program commenced with the GOH delivering their opening remarks, officially inaugurating the day’s proceedings.
Subsequently, a series of informative presentations unfolded, featuring influential figures and organizations sharing their expertise. Particularly noteworthy were the presentations by Yang Berhormat Senator Tan Sri Anifah Aman, Chairman of SABAH INVEST, and the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB). Labuan FSA also took the stage to discuss trade and investment facilitation in BIMP-EAGA through the Labuan International Business and Financial Centre.
The Investment Board of Bangsa Autonomous Religious Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) contributed their insights to the dialogue, followed by a compelling presentation by Hon. Benjamin T. Loong, Special Envoy Office of Chief Minister, BARMM, and Deputy Speaker for Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament BARMM, with a focus on “Rekindling Historic Trade Ties Through BIMP-EAGA.” The Ministry of Investment and OKIN delved into the economic impact of Ibu Kota Negara (IKN) Nusantara on BIMP-EAGA.
As the day transitioned into the evening, the audience eagerly awaited the arrival of a yet-to-be-announced Guest of Honour and a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony. Following this landmark moment, the event continued with another engaging presentation, this time by Associate Professor Dr. Moohamad Ropaning Sulong of the Halalan Thayyiban Research Centre at UNISSA. The final presenter of the day was SIRIM Malaysia, who discussed their Entrepreneurship – Empowerment Programme.
Notably, each presenter made themselves available for a question-and-answer session, fostering an environment of interactive knowledge exchange and collaboration. It was a day dedicated to forging connections, sharing insights, and advancing the overarching goals of the business forum. – Nurul Hanizah
