26 March 2008

Brunei's first iCentre launched
in collaboration with NUS

LAUNCHING THE CENTRE: His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah with Director of KR Consulting, Mr Brian Koh (second from left) and NUS Enterprise mentors Mr Kristav Childress, Mr Reza Behnam and Mr Edmund Yong.

NUS and the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) have launched Brunei Darussalam's first Info-Communication Technology (ICT) incubator in a new collaboration. Called iCentre, its launch (26 March) was officiated by His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Brunei Darussalam.

	INNOVATIVE SYNERGY: iCentre is the first Info-Communication Technology incubator in Brunei, modelled after best practices of overseas incubators.

Dato Timothy Ong, Acting Chairman of BEDB said: "The iCentre was established by the BEDB to help Brunei companies with ambition and good ideas excel in the ICT space. We look forward to working with KR Consulting through NUS Enterprise to lay the foundation for the Brunei ICT industry."

KR Consulting Pte Ltd is a business unit of NUS Enterprise which provides consultancy in setting up high-tech business incubation programmes in the region. Startups keen to venture into the Brunei market can leverage on NUS Enterprise's close links with BEDB and iCentre.

OPENING NEW AVENUES: Dr Lily Chan, CEO, NUS Enterprise says the iCentre is a step closer to achieving greater success in a global landscape.

Said Dr Lily Chan, CEO, NUS Enterprise: "This special partnership between the Brunei Government and NUS would allow us to share our 'know-how' and models for entrepreneurial activities and initiatives with one of our country's closest neighbours. It has also opened new avenues for the ICT startups from both countries to exchange ideas, establish collaborations and business opportunities, and be a step closer to achieving greater success in today's global landscape."

iCentre is expected to house up to 16 startups and five virtual companies. It will provide its incubatees with fitted and ready office space, meeting rooms, an auditorium and a boardroom. There will also be mentorship programmes, entrepreneurship workshops and business clinics. Renowned entrepreneurs and investors from around the world would also be invited to share their experiences with the iCentre incubatees on a regular basis.