By Danial Norjidi

ASIA Inc Forum announced the “Billion Dollar Challenge” yesterday, which is being convened in the lead up to the upcoming 6th National Environment Conference (NEC).

The Billion Dollar Challenge seeks to provide a platform for young people in Brunei to participate in contributing ideas towards resolving global challenges, Asia Inc Forum explained in a press release yesterday.

The challenge will see participants gather in a one-day workshop on May 18 and work in teams of five on different issues pertinent to the upcoming conference, such as global warming and climate change, sustainable development, energy, water, education, health, population growth, scarcity and consumption.

The shortlisted teams will then get to present their Billion Dollar ideas to a panel of judges on a later date.

Asia Inc Forum’s Programs and Research Executive, Fatin Arifin, is quoted in the press release as saying, “The objective of the challenge is to provide young people in Brunei with the opportunity to decide how they would solve the world’s biggest problems if they had One Billion Dollars.

“We would like to instil a sense of ownership to global challenges facing our generation and future generations, and inspire them to take up a more proactive role. The one-day workshop will be filled with interactions, discussions and debate of challenges faced by humanity which is aligned with our theme this year, ‘Responding to Climate Change: How can Brunei Darussalam make a difference?’”

She highlighted that engaging youths has always been a core element of the National Environment Conference, having already organised the eco video documentary awards, green initiative awards and the eco schools competition in previous editions of the conference.

Last year’s NEC saw a young Bruneian from Sayyidina Ali Secondary School deliver an oration on how fragile our planet is.

“This year we are looking to push the envelope a little further by learning what young people would do if decisions were in their hands,” Fatin added.

The Billion Dollar Challenge is open to students and individuals between the ages of 14 and 21, and will judge the participants based on factors including clarity of vision, appropriateness of solution, impact and influence, innovation and relevance to Brunei.

The top three teams will be invited to attend the National Environment Conference on June 4 and the winning team will present their Billion Dollar Idea during one of the conference’s sessions.

The deadline for submission of interest in the challenge is May 9.

Source: http://borneobulletin.com.bn/index.php/2013/05/03/youths-invited-to-join-billion-dollar-challenge/

“Every year the UN, NGOs, and governments spend billions on improving the living conditions for people all over the world. Unfortunately, with the amount of money available, it is not possible to solve all problems, which is why the decisions on how to spend the money should be based on knowledge and facts in order to spend it where it would do the most good.” – Bjørn Lomborg

About the Challenge:

The Billion Dollar Challenge is convened in the lead up to the 6th National Environment Conference. As Brunei’s premier and largest conference on environmental and economic sustainability, the National Environment Conference continues to provide a platform for engaging the public and private sector on the issues of environmental stewardship, natural resources management, and green economy for a sustainable future. Recognizing that youth form a vital part of the global environmental equation, the challenge seeks to provide a platform for these young people to participate in contributing ideas towards solving global challenges.

This challenge is organised by Asia Inc Forum in conjunction with the National Environment Conference in partnership with Alcoa, Total and HSBC in collaboration with International School of Brunei (ISB).

Scenario:

The World Bank has announced the plan to distribute US$1 billion dollars to solve the world’s greatest problem. The fund will be given away to the NGO or social enterprise that will come up with the most innovative idea about what they would do with the money.

As an NGO/ Social Enterprise, what would you do with US$1 billion dollars?

The Objective:

To give youth in Brunei the opportunity to decide how they solve the world’s biggest problems if they have one billion dollars.

Some of the global challenges (where the teams will be divided into):

• Global warming and Climate Change
• Sustainable development
• Energy
• Education
• Water
• Scarcity and consumption

To join

1. For students: Form a team of three students per school – either by nomination or by interest.
   For individuals who are not currently in school: you may apply as an individual
2. Fill in the form to bid and tell us briefly why (in 500 words or less) you should be part of the challenge and the global issue you would like to solve.
3. Submit application via email to fatin.arifin@asiaincforum.com
4. We will notify you via email or telephone the outcome of your application.

Preliminary Process

Once you are successful,

• You will be randomly grouped into teams not exceeding 5 members and will be given a theme to work on.
• You will have the opportunity to connect online with your team members.
• You have at least three days to do your research prior to the workshop.

The Workshop

1. All participants will be assembled on 18th May at International School of Brunei and will join their team members.
2. Teams will be given a period of four hours to work on the ideas, proposals and action plan.
3. After than all teams will briefly present their plans where debate and discussion will take place.
   Participants will vote which teams should be shortlisted.
4. Judging will follow on the 27th May where shortlisted participants will be invited to present their Billion Dollar Ideas to a panel of judges.

Rules

1. Participants must be between ages 14 to 21.
2. Participants must be able to commit to team work.
3. Participants must be able to be present physically to participate in the activities and judging.

Judging Criteria

Deadline

The deadline for submission of interest is on 9th May 2013.

The Award
The top three teams will be invited to attend the National Environment Conference on 4th June 2013 and the ultimate winning team will be invited to present their Billion Dollar Idea during a session at the conference.
Each of the participants will receive a certificate of entry.
Winning teams will be awarded with an educational programme to Temburong (subject to approval by higher authorities).

For more information

Please contact Fatin Arifin, Programs and Research Executive, Asia Inc Forum at 2226555 or via email at fatin.arifin@asiaincforum.com.

To download the Billion Dollar Challenge concept paper, click here.

To download the Billion Dollar Challenge workshop, click here.

Application Forms

If you are currently a student in school, download this form.
If you are not currently a student in school and want to apply as an individual, download this form.

Note: If you are in school, you are required to get the permission from the principal and get a supervising teacher to supervise you throughout the challenge.

Friday, April 19, 2013

Programs Manager of Asia Inc Forum Delwin Keasberry (R), Michael Dale (C) from TOTAL and Elizawaty Kamaruddin (L) from HSBC during the National Environment Conference 2013 press conference held by Asia Inc Forum at Mutiara II, Radisson Hotel in the capital yesterday. Picture: BT/Yusri Adanan

Organised by Asia Inc Forum, the sixth annual conference at the Empire Hotel and Country Club on June 4, will carry the theme: “Responding to Climate Change: How can Brunei Darussalam make a difference?”.

The conference will discuss the issues and challenges of global warming, the role technology can play in sustainable development, how young people can make a difference and practical strategies for reducing carbon footprints — greenhouse gas emissions caused by an organisation, event, product or person.

An Asia Inc Forum statement said foreign speakers attending the conference include Tri Mumpuni from Indonesia, Von Hernandez from the Philippines and David Vincent from the United Kingdom.

The conference will also serve as a platform for “engaging the government and private sector in the issues of environmental stewardship and a green economy for a sustainable future”.

Tri Mumpuni will conduct a dialogue on strategic energy options under the theme “Clean Energy for a Brighter Future”, followed by an open forum attended by representatives from the business community and the public sector by asking: “How feasible is renewable energy? How relevant is renewable energy to Brunei’s energy future?”

Von Hernandez will then discuss strategic partnerships involving the government, the private sector and the community at large, under the theme “Responding to Climate Change: The need for New Partnerships and Alliances”.

In the final session, David Vincent will discuss practical strategies for reducing carbon footprints and “How does a low carbon economy fit in the context of the sustainable development of Brunei? Why does it matter? What strategies have been successful abroad? What policies will make it work?”

A “Green Expo” will also be held alongside the conference, where global and local industry leaders and the public will be able to meet, contact, network, exchange goods, services, knowledge and experiences.

The expo this year will showcase global resources for the environment, energy, water, recycling, sustainable living and green technology. It will also look at promoting sustainable consumerism in Brunei.

A number of schools will also take part in the “Billion Dollar Challenge” in the lead up to the conference, where students will be asked how they would use a billion dollars to solve the most critical problems facing the world.

Tri Mumpuni is an Indonesian agriculture engineer who founded the not-for-profit People Centred Economic and Business Institute. She actively campaigns to replace diesel power generation with renewable energy in her country.

Von Hernandez, the executive director of Greenpeace Southeast Asia, is an environmental activist who has led a number of campaigns in the Philippines.

David Vincent, is head of the British Foreign Office’s Southeast Asia Climate Change Network, and works with ASEAN countries on climate change and energy.

The Brunei Times

Source: http://www.bt.com.bn/news-national/2013/04/19/upcoming-environment-meet-focus-climate-change-issues

Delwin Keasberry, Programme Manager (Brunei) Asia Inc Forum delivers his address during the National Environment Conference at Mutiara II, Radisson Hotel yesterday. Picture: BT/Yusri Adanan

Eleena Teoh
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Friday, April 19, 2013

ASIAN cities are among those facing the greatest risk of climate change, said the programmes manager of Asia Inc Forum.

Speaking at the National Environment Press Conference yesterday, Delwin Keasberry said: “We hope that by putting out a dialogue at the National Environment Conference (NEC) and bringing in speakers who can share insights and best practices, more people will realise the vulnerability of the future of the planet so that we can put in more time and resources into coming up with solutions together.”

Keasberry said the NEC aims to encourage individuals and organisations to re-think, re-design and renew as it explores how Brunei can adopt a more pro-active role in addressing the global challenge of climate change at the domestic and international level.

Keasberry said seven out of the 10 cities most at risk from global warming are in the Asia-Pacific region.

“The most vulnerable is Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka, followed by Manila and Bangkok. Kolkata and Mumbai are ranked seventh and eighth respectively,” he said.

Climate change, he said, was not something that should be taken lightly because it will impact individuals and businesses — society’s livelihood.

“Twenty million Bangladeshis would be displaced by a one metre rise in sea levels by 2050.”

He pointed out that over 60 per cent of the region’s population works in agriculture, fisheries and forestry, which are most at risk of climate change and that a “decrease in fresh water availability could affect more than one billion people by 2050″.

He also said that for every 10 per cent rise in food prices caused by climate change affecting agricultural crop yields, 64 million Asians will be pushed nearer to poverty.

Manager of Corporate Sustainability at HSBC Liza Kamarudin said during the conference that HSBC Brunei would once again take part in this year’s NEC.

“Globally, HSBC is a well-known advocate of action on climate change, and HSBC in Brunei also supports this cause by incorporating environmental concerns into the way the bank conducts its business and by ensuring the sustainability of the environment and its business as well.”

Liza went on to say that the NEC’s theme this year: “Responding to Climate Change: How can Brunei Darussalam make a difference?” is in keeping with the bank’s ongoing efforts to spread awareness on climate change.

“Tackling climate change requires a concerted effort between government bodies, businesses and also members of the public. With this conference, we hope that there will be further understanding and that those who attend will benefit from it.”

Health, Safety and Environment Manager at Total Michael Dale, in an interview with The Brunei Times, said the oil and gas giant was committed to reducing emissions.

“Whatever we do, we try to minimise our emissions. In fact, we actually measure our level of energy efficiency.”

Dale said each operator was set stringent energy limits and that Total in Brunei was already meeting those challenging targets.

“We continue to look for ways to be more efficient. Through the NEC, we can discuss what else we can bring to Brunei,” he said.

“Globally, we are in renewables with (specialisation) in solar power generation. We are going to use that expertise and bring it here, kick off a study with Institut Teknologi Brunei and find out the feasibility of installing solar power at Total in Brunei.

According to a press statement from HSBC CEO in Brunei Todd Wilcox HSBC invested US$100 million investment in the HSBC Water Programme — in partnership with Earthwatch, WaterAid and the World Wide Fund for Nature — that was launched last year. He said the programme was aimed at combating the urgent threat of climate change by inspiring action by individuals, businesses and governments worldwide.

In conjunction with the Public Works Department, that bank also participated in last year’s World Water Day.

The Sixth National Environment Conference will take place at the Empire Hotel and Country Club on June 4.

The Brunei Times

Source: http://www.bt.com.bn/news-national/2013/04/19/asian-cities-face-major-eco-crisis

By Syazwani Hj Rosli

THE National Environment Conference (NEC) 2013, organised by Asia Inc Forum in partnership with Total, Alcoa and HSBC and supported by Borneo Bulletin and Media Permata, will take place at the Grand Hall, The Empire Hotel & Country Club on June 4, 2013.

With the theme, ‘Responding to Climate Change: How can Brunei Darussalam make a difference?’, this year’s NEC will maintain their role in providing a platform for engaging government and private sectors on the issues of environmental stewardship and the green economy for sustainable future.

From left, Elizawaty Kamaruddin from HSBC Brunei, Michael Dale from Total and Delwin Keasberry at the press conference. – SYAZWANI HJ ROSLI

The conference will feature overseas speakers such as Ms Tri Mumpuni, an engineer from Indonesia who founded People Centered Economic and Business Institute (IBEKA); Mr Von Hernandez, Executive Director of Greenpeace Southeast Asia as well as Mr David Vincent, Head of the UK Foreign Office’s South East Asia Climate Change Network.

Delwin Keasberry, Programme Manager of the Asia Inc Forum Brunei, said that, “During the conference, we will explore how Brunei can play a proactive role in addressing these global challenges in the domestic and international level.”

During the conference, topics that will be highlighted by the speakers include ‘Clean Energy for a Brighter Future’, ‘How feasible is renewable energy? How relevant is renewable energy to Brunei’s energy future?’, ‘Responding to Climate Change: The need for New Partnership and Alliances’, ‘How Young People can make a difference” as well as ‘Practical strategies for reducing our carbon footprint’.

In line with the upcoming conference, a Green Expo to showcase global resources for the environment, energy, water, recycling, sustainable living and green technology and at the same time, to bring together Brunei’s savvy shoppers and smart business operators to inspire sustainable consumer behaviour.

This Green Expo will also gather global and local industry leaders and the public to meet, contact, network, exchange goods, services, knowledge as well as experience.

A ‘Billion Dollar Challenge’ will also be held during the conference to provide an opportunity for young Bruneians to decide how they would solve the world’s biggest problems if they were given a billion dollars.

The NEC is a platform for dialogue between business, government environmental practitioners, civil society, educators and other stakeholders and individuals who care about the environment and aspire to make a difference.

Present during the press conference were Michael Dale from Total as well as Elizawaty Kamaruddin from HSBC Brunei; official partners for the upcoming NEC conference.

Source: http://borneobulletin.com.bn/index.php/2013/04/19/asia-inc-forum-to-organise-nec-2013/

What is the Green Expo all about?

• This year’s Green Expo aims to showcase global resources for the environment, energy, water, recycling, sustainable living and green technology. Green Expo also aims to bring together Brunei’s savvy shoppers and smart business operators to inspire sustainable consumer behavior.
• It is being held along the sidelines of the National Environment Conference, Brunei’s premier conference focused on the environment and sustainability.
• The annual Green Expo is an excellent platform to meet, network and do business, and launch products, services, initiatives and green projects to both the corporate and general consumer.

Who are expected to attend the Green Expo?

The Expo will be attended by green energy leaders, environmental experts, eco businesses, government leaders, eco-conscious consumers and general audiences from different industries who are already working or who are concerned about environmental responsibility.

What will you find in the Green Expo?

• Consumer goods and services
• Building and construction products and services
• Architectural and engineering services (sustainable/green building practices)
• Green Technology on recycling, renewable energy (solar), waste management
• Furnishings and appliances (sustainable product use and design)
• Landscaping and compost
• Government and private sector green initiatives/programs

For further information or to book a booth, please contact :

Ms Nanette Ramos
Conference Manager
Asia Inc Forum
Tel: 2226555
Email: ramos.nanette@asiaincforum.com
Website: www.asiaincforum.com

To download the info kit, click here.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

THE Sixth National Environment Conference will be held on June 4 at the Grand Hall of The Empire Hotel and Country Club.

Themed “Climate Change: the Challenge of Our Time”, the conference is organised by Asia Inc Forum in collaboration with Alcoa, HSBC and TOTAL.

It is the country’s largest conference on environmental and economic sustainability that will focus on urgent issues around climate change and how the present and the future can be transformed using knowledge and technology, said Asia Inc Forum in a press statement yesterday.

The National Environment Conference provides a platform for engaging the government and private sector on the issues of environmental stewardship, natural resource management, and the green economy for a sustainable future.

The programme will look at the foremost issues and challenges, youth empowerment, the role of technology in sustainable development and policies for a low carbon future.

Speakers from Indonesia, United Kingdom and Australia are expected to speak at the conference.

The conference will also feature a Green Expo, a gathering for global and local industry leaders and the public to meet, contact, network, exchange goods, services, knowledge and experience in the context of sustainable living.

The Green Expo will feature sustainable consumer goods and services, building and construction products and services, furnishings and appliances, eco-fashion and green IT among others, said the statement.

In the lead up to the conference, a Billion Dollar Challenge in the format of a boot camp will also take place to give young people in Brunei the opportunity to decide how they would solve the world’s biggest problems if they were given One Billion Dollars.

The National Environment Conference is also a platform for dialogue between business, government environmental practitioners, civil society, educational institutions and other stakeholders and individuals who care about the environment and aspire to make a difference.

For more information and to register for the conference, those interested can contact Fatin Arifin at 2226555 or email conference@asiaincforum.com or visit www.asiaincforum.com. The Brunei Times

Source: http://mail.bruneitimes.com.bn/news-national/2013/03/27/natl-environment-conference-june-4

Date: 4th June 2013
Venue: Empire Hotel and Country Club

This year’s theme will focus on urgent issues around climate change and how we can transform the present and the future using knowledge and technology. The programme will look at the foremost issues and challenges, youth empowerment, sustainable energy options for Brunei, role of technology in sustainable development and policies for a low carbon future.

Now on its 6th year , the conference brings together annually up to 250 key stakeholders and leading members of the public and private sectors and academia. The National Environment Conference continues to provide a platform for engaging the government and private sector on the issues of environmental stewardship, natural resource management, and the green economy for a sustainable future.

Alongside the conference, a Green Expo will take place gathering global and local industry leaders and the public to meet, contact, network, exchange goods, services, knowledge and experience in the context of green living. This year’s Green Expo will showcase global resources for the environment, energy, water, recycling, sustainable living and green technology.

In the lead up to the conference, a Billion Dollar Challenge in the format of a boot camp will also take place to give young people in Brunei the opportunity to decide how they would solve the world’s biggest problems if they were given One Billion Dollars.

Convened by Asia Inc Forum in collaboration with Alcoa, HSBC and Total, the National Environment Conference is a platform for dialogue between business, government environmental practitioners, civil society, educational institutions and other stakeholders and individuals who care about the environment and aspire to make a difference.

By TAKING PART, you will benefit from:

• Learning from overseas resources who bring new ideas and insights on what our nation can adopt and achieve
• Identifying opportunities from innovative practices and cutting edge environmental technology
• Recognizing how major environmental events around the world might impact our livelihoods and society
• Realizing the importance of policy in creating a sustainable future.

Who should attend:

• Senior government officers
• Environmental practitioners
• Business leaders and key corporate figures
• Civil society
• Executives and Professionals
• Entrepreneurs
• Students
• And individuals who aspire to make a difference

The Early Bird Individual Discounted Rate of B$250 applies for registrations received before May 3. Regular Individual Rate of B$325 will apply thereafter. Save B$75 by signing up before May 3!

Alternatively, avail of group savings with a group of five delegates from your organization to avail of the Group Rate of B$250 per delegate.

To download the brochure, click here.
To view the tentative programme, click here.
To view the speakers, click here.
To view The Green Expo 2013, click here.
To view the Billion Dollar Challenge, click here.
To read last year’s summary of discussion, please click here.

Corporate Partners 2013

By Danial Norjidi

WINNERS of the Youth Eco Video Documentary Awards in last year’s National Environment Conference went on an educational trip around Berambang Island recently.

The trip was organised by Asia Inc Forum in collaboration with ShavezCheema from 1StopBrunei and supported by corporate partners from 2012 CPP programme, HSBC, Total, Butra Heidelberg Cement and Alcoa.

A group photo before setting off for the trip. – ASIA INC FORUM

According to Asia Inc Forum, the trip was an opportunity for the students to experience nature and witness wildlife such as seeing the proboscis monkeys, snakes and crocodiles in their natural habitat.

It included a tour around one of Brunei Darussalam’s most pristine mangrove ecosystem that supports these animals which in turn provides the students a better understanding of the importance of conservation.

The students who joined the trip were from Sekolah Menengah Masin, Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Hasan, PTE Meragang and Maktab Sains.

However, students from Sekolah Menengah Awang Semaun who also won the awards were unable to join.

The youth awards competition received 36 entries from schools in Brunei last year.

It aimed at providing a platform for young people to showcase creativity and critical thinking in identifying environmental problems that impact the Sultanate.

Asia Inc Forum will convene the 6th National Environment Conference, Brunei’s premier and largest conference on environmental and economic sustainability in June this year. The exact date will be announced soon.

Source: http://borneobulletin.com.bn/index.php/2013/03/01/youth-eco-video-award-winners-visit-berambang-island/

Venue: Sheraton Beijing Dongcheng Hotel, Beijing, China
Date: 12-14 July 2013

Website: www.apecchinaceoforum.com
Email: info@apecceohina.com
Contact: waihong.fong@asiaincforum.com

ABOUT APEC CHINA CEO FORUM
As global business leaders continue to understand the emergence of China, to build and strengthen relationships, and to cooperate in achieving its goals and challenges of sustainable development, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and Asia Inc Forum, the Strategic Partner for the majority of the APEC CEO Summit’s over the past decade, decided to convene the inaugural APEC China CEO Forum in June 2012.

The APEC China CEO Forum is a China centric business event complementary to APEC’s business goals and the region’s most important and influential business summit, APEC CEO Summit, which is held in conjunction with the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Summit which gathers the 21 leaders of the 21 APEC economies. The purpose of the Forum is to raise the profile of the Summit by highlighting China centric issues that can be further discussed at the Summit.

The Forum intends to build relationships between the Chinese business community and that of the Asia Pacific. Essentially, the Forum aims to bring together key stakeholders, both from within China and internationally, who want to better understand the opportunities and challenges of doing business with and in China.

APEC China CEO Forum will also provide an exclusive platform for Chairmen, CEOs and Senior Executives to interact and network, for a better common future.

For more information, visit us at www.apecchinaceoforum.com.