Go Digital ASEAN Impacting 4000 Youth and MSMEs in Brunei

Go Digital ASEAN will deliver training to 4,000 micro-entrepreneurs and underemployed youth in Brunei, including those from ethnic minorities and those with disabilities. The program addresses Brunei’s rising unemployment rate and expands economic opportunity to minimize the negative impacts of Covid-19.

On July 16, The Asia Foundation held a country launch and joint press conference with representatives from Google.org, Darussalam Enterprise as Brunei Darussalam’s focal agency representative to the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (ACCMSME), and local implementing partners, Big Begawan Project and Young Entrepreneur Association of Brunei.

Big BWN Project plans to train 2,500 youths in Brunei, with a specific focus on those from ethnic minorities and with disabilities, to be more digitally literate so they can access better employment opportunities. Young Entrepreneurs Association Brunei is targeting 1,500 MSME-owners and employees to increase their digital literacy to participate in the digitalization of businesses in Brunei. The training will empower individuals to start or expand their businesses and help enterprises access resources to continue operations throughout the pandemic. Training will be held in all four districts: Brunei-Muara, Belait, Tutong, and Temburong.

Endorsed by ACCMSME and with support from Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm, the initiative demonstrates synergy in public-private partnership to broaden participation in the digital economy. The Go Digital ASEAN regional program is designed to equip 200,000 people as well as micro and small enterprises across 10 ASEAN Member States—including 60% women and 40% youth from rural regions and underserved communities—with crucial digital skills and tools.