His Majesty tours Brunei Energy Expo
By Danial Norjidi

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to visit the Exhibition Hall after officially launching the Brunei Energy Expo 2011 at the Bridex International Convention Centre in Jerudong.

More than 100 companies from 13 countries showcased their involvement in various sectors of energy and energy-related activities, ranging from upstream and downstream to services and products.

His Majesty visited various booths, speaking to the exhibitors at each one, including those at the Brunei Shell Joint Venture Companies, which comprised Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd, Brunei LNG Company Sdn Bhd, Brunei Shell Tankers Sdn Bhd together with Brunei Gas Carriers Sdn Bhd and Brunei Shell Marketing Company Sdn Bhd.

At the Brunei Shell Petroleum pavilion themed "Deepening Partnership and Pioneering Spirit", His Majesty was greeted by Dato Seri Laila Jasa Malcolm Brinded, Executive Director for Upstream International, Royal Dutch Shell and Ken Marnoch, Managing Director of BSP.

His Majesty also consented to sign BSP's special publication "Energy For Life... Fuelling Brunei's Future", as well as the commemorative plaque.

While viewing the various exhibitions, His Majesty also consented to witness the handing over of a fully electrically-powered car, called the Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle, from Mitsubishi Corporation to the government, represented by Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdullah bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, the Minister of Communications.

The beloved ruler even test drove one of the electric cars around the central dome, and looked very much happy behind the wheel of the vehicle.

The monarch then proceeded to tour the many booths in Exhibition Hall 1, which showcases the activities of 24 local schools, colleges and higher institutions promoting the use of new and renewable energies in the country as well as instilling a culture that places greater emphasis on efficiency and conservation in the use of energy.

Also on showcase in this part of the expo are solar and low fuel-consuming vehicles designed and made in-house by local technical schools.

On his way to leave the event, the benevolent monarch was greeted by schoolchildren who lined up at the entrance, all excited at the opportunity to meet His Majesty and shake the ruler's hand, amidst loud cheers and applause.

According to the organisers, the Brunei Energy Expo 2011 "seeks to showcase the various activities in Brunei Darussalam's energy sector as well as business and investment opportunities in this sector."

The exhibition is also aimed at enabling local, regional and international companies to exhibit their activities, services and products in the power sectors including those relating to green energy, such as solar and others.

The expo is now open to the public, and visitors will be able to not only view the many booths on exhibit, but also able to use an interactive touch-screen monitor to compare the amount they have to pay under the new electrical rates that will be implemented in January next year compared to existing rates.

The Brunei Energy Exhibition 2011 is open to the public until tomorrow, September 23, from 9am to 9pm, and entrance is free. - Borneo Bulletin (22nd September 2011)


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