Fun-filled SBVS bazaar takes off!

Guest of honour checking out a prototype vehicle designed by SBVS students

Sultan Bolkiah Vocational School (SBVS) yesterday launched a three-day bazaar at Seria OGDC to boost entrepreneur spirit among students.

Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources Mohd Riza bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos was on hand to launch the bazaar, which was organised by the Business and Commercial Department of the school.

In his welcoming speech, Principal Akandi bin Hj Abd Razak said the bazaar is organised to promote school efforts and provide awareness among students to consider a business as a career option. At the same time, it is only being held in the name of charity and to raise funds for SMARTER Brunei.

A host of activities await visitors, among them an exhibition, outdoor games, entertainment and other exciting to-dos, while food stalls are readily available to ensure visitors are not left hungry.

The bazaar is a continuation to the school SLP Project which commenced mid last year to establish the school cooperative as well as to expand students' business capabilities in order to achieve quality and relevant teaching and learning experience.

He highlighted, the project demonstrates a positive and significant outcome. The cooperative project acts as a learning tool or mechanism for students as school members to sell or offer their goods or services through this platform.

The project also supports His Majesty's aspirations for the strengthening of business training programmes for youths, particularly those in the field of business management, finance, technical and marketing. Therefore, the business programme is developed to get students involved in the field of entrepreneurship through training programmes whether formal or not. Additionally, it equips students with skills as it prepares them for competitions and challenges outside.

The slogan for the bazaar is 'Hooray Hooray' and it opens opportunity for students to gain experience, interact with the public as well as compete with each other as well as other established vendors at the bazaar. The students will be assessed by their respective teachers throughout the bazaar and their evaluation will be based on the production of sale items, booths and others.

A rental fee of $225 is imposed on participating vendors and the funds will be fully donated to SMARTER organisation. SBVS has also collaborated with Giant Hypermarket for the sale of recycled bags. Half of the proceeds will go to the SMARTER charity organisation.

Side events include performances by a karate group, local singers and bands, as well as traditional dancers, while a colouring competition and games (bouncer, nerf, flying fox, etc) will keep the kids entertained.

The bazaar will also include exhibition by Agriculture and Agri-Food Department, Anti-Corruption Bureau, Narcotics Control Bureau Belait, Business Development Centre, Business School, SMARTER Brunei, IET, HRD Services and IGS College among others.

Meanwhile, SMARTER Brunei students will perform tomorrow afternoon for the closing ceremony, which is expected to be done by Belait District Officer Matusin bin OKS Haji Tuba.