As published in Borneo Bulletin dated 18th May 2011;

"The demand for professional services is gradually increasing as there is a growing number of infrastructure projects both in the construction and oil and gas industries."

Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awg Haji Suyoi Bin Hj Osman, Minister of Development, said at the PUJA AGM Mid-Term 2011 Dinner at the Radisson Hotel last night.

The Minister praised PUJA’s Green Initiative commitment as it is a timely effort and will certainly push the nation’s agenda towards green growth and sustainable development.

He said that there was a need to find ways on how to minimise the environmental impacts of projects and address the issue of waste and emissions and scarcity of resources adding that the professionals would take the lead to overcome these problems during the implementation of the projects.

The minister added that at present there are 208 members that are currently registered under PUJA and was confident that all could contribute as agents of change that the country envisages.

PUJA does not limit itself to certified professionals but is also open and should encourage non-members to improve themselves, not just for eligibility purposes but also to increase their professionalism so that they too can play a role in nation-building, he added.

"Professional services do not only concern the safety aspect and welfare, social impact, quality and ability to communicate with clients and the public but also how to use the resources in a sustainable way," he said.

With Brunei producing a record number of graduates each year both in the country and abroad, the minister called on PUJA (Brunei) to set up a platform for the participation of these young professionals.

The minister added that PUJA is not only locally known but also recognised internationally by other professional bodies and institutions.

This is evident, he said, as PUJA Brunei will be hosting international events namely the Conference for Association Federation of Engineering (CAFEO) in November this year and the Pacific Association of Quantity Surveyors (PAQS) in July 2012.

Last night’s ceremony also saw Yang Berhormat Pehin being honoured with Fellowship  by PUJA for his outstanding contribution to the nation and his immense support to architecture, engineering and surveying in the construction industry.

Later guest speaker Dr Colin Ong gave a talk on "Arbitration and Common Problems Encountered In The Construction Industry of Brunei Darussalam".

Also present at the event were Dato Paduka Hj Idris Bin Hj Abas, PUJA President and Permanent Secretaries Hj Md Rozan Bin DP Hj Md Yunos and Hj Suhaimi Bin Hj Gafar who also holds the position of a Vice President of PUJA (Brunei) Engineer Division.