A recently launched accelerator programme in Singapore aims to help startups and small and
medium enterprises (SMEs) from Brunei to expand to Southeast Asia. The programme, Start-Up Boot Camp, has been launched by Singapore’s Golden Equator Consulting (GECo) and Darussalam Enterprise (DARe) of Brunei.
The main goal of the program is to equip Bruneian startups and SMEs with the skillsets they
need to establish scalable and sustainable businesses. Ideas, products, or services with a
strong export potential will get further mentorship and access to international markets,
especially in Southeast Asia. The 100-day programme will focus on F&B, agriculture,
healthcare, cosmetics, and technology.
Javed Ahmad, the CEO of DARe hopes this will help Brunei open up. “Startups and SMEs
are the way forward for our nation to grow and diversify our economy from oil and gas while
providing more expansive employment opportunities to our local talents and graduates,”
Ahmad said.
Shirley Crystal Chua, Founder and Group CEO of Golden Equator Group explained that this
programme is part of an effort to connect with the frontier markets of Asia’s startup scene.
“This partnership with Brunei Darussalam’s national SME body is to further a testament to
our constant effort in connecting with the regional technology and investment community to
create a stronger startup ecosystem for Asia,” she said.
