(Bandar Seri Begawan, 25th) The 31st Consumer Expo was grandly inaugurated this morning at the International Convention Centre in Berakas, with the opening ceremony officiated by Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy, Dato Khairuddin.
This year’s expo is organized by D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd and runs for five days (June 25-29). The theme is "Ascend," symbolizing growth, ambition, and continuous progress.
The organizers state that this theme highlights the event’s dedication to serving as a catalyst for advancement—empowering businesses, building connections, and encouraging cross-industry innovation and cooperation.
The deputy minister's presence at the ceremony symbolizes the government’s firm support for business development, regional trade, and inclusive economic progress.
At the opening ceremony, D’Sunlit’s Corporate Communications Manager Chuisan Ting gave a welcome speech, followed by a speech from Abdul Saman, President of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Brunei Darussalam (NCCIBD). Both emphasized the importance of the Consumer Expo as a platform for regional economic cooperation, especially its significant meaning for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The highlight of the opening was the hosting of the 2nd Consumers Fair Conference (CONFAC). Held concurrently with Brunei’s largest and oldest trade exhibition, CONFAC aims to promote investment dialogue, innovative initiatives, and inclusive development within the Brunei–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
This year’s conference invited Dr. Diana Cheong, Executive Director and Chief Researcher at the Centre for Strategic and Policy Studies (CSPS), and Malaysia’s former Minister of Health Khairy Jamaluddin to deliver keynote speeches, sharing their strategic insights on regional economic resilience, transformation, and leadership.
This conference brings together representatives from MSMEs, policy makers, investors, and industry leaders across sectors to jointly discuss regional trade opportunities, infrastructure cooperation, and entrepreneurship development.
Additionally, under the CONFAC framework, the “Ascend” series of themed events are being held, including keynote speeches, regional panel discussions, and special seminars on youth entrepreneurship and smart cities, to promote knowledge exchange and strategic business networking.
As an important part of the Brunei Consumer Fair & Trade Expo, the 31st Consumer Expo will continue to strengthen its role as a vibrant marketplace and international trade platform.
This exhibition also collaborates with the Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) to set up the Orange Zone, Delima Hall, and International Zone, providing dedicated spaces for local start-ups to showcase their innovations and actively supporting local business growth.
Another highlight of this year’s expo is the highly anticipated Lucky Draw, where visitors have the chance to win abundant prizes, including a brand-new Toyota Rush car sponsored by Toyota Brunei—NBT (Brunei) Sdn Bhd.