KUCHING: The chairmanship of BIMP-EAGA Business Council (BEBC) changed hands from Brunei to Indonesia with Dr Sayid Irwan being announced as the new chairman.
Sayid, the country director of BEBC Indonesia, has reiterated his commitment to champion the cause of the business council in his inaugural speech.
“I hope that we will spearhead an effort to a more prosperous and interconnected BIMP-EAGA, where businesses thrive and communities prosper by nurturing partnerships, fostering innovation, and addressing the unique economic needs of our sub-region,” he said.
He was speaking as the new chairman during a brief ceremony after the BIMP-EAGA strategic planning meeting here on Mar 14.
Earlier, its outgoing chairman Pengiran (Dr) Haris Pengiran Duraman passed the baton to Sayid, in a symbolic gesture to signify the handing over of the chairmanship.
According to a press statement, by tradition, the chairmanship of BEBC is rotated every three years among the four-member countries.
Malaysia is currently the vice chair of BEBC and will helm the organisation in 2027 when Indonesia’s term expires.
Presently, BEBC Malaysia is represented by three country directors, namely Nobel Pang (chairman), Azhar Othman and Datuk Susan Chang.
Meanwhile, BEBC Sarawak chairman and the local host of the business council Nobel Pang, who was there to witness the ceremony together with other country directors from BIMP- EAGA, congratulated the new chairman and hoped that the auspicious occasion will bring about a more united front as well as progress to sub-regional cooperation.
The business council under BIMP-EAGA has always been acknowledged and holds a special position compared to other multilateral organisations.
The members of the board of directors of BEBC are not merely representatives of the private sector but also appointed by the largest business association or business federation from their respective province or state to ensure their impartiality and the relevance of their knowledge as far as private sectors are concerned.
