Answer for Oral Question PT049

QUESTION

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Daud bin Jihan

YANG BERHORMAT AWANG HAJI DAUD BIN JIHAN asks the MINISTER AT THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE to state whether the reduction in the unemployment rate in Brunei was influenced by the participation of apprentices in the Public Service Apprenticeship Scheme (SkiPPA)? To what extent does this programme contribute to long-term employment opportunities?

ANSWER

Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

I. Kaola records appreciation and thanks to Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Daud bin Jihan for the question regarding the reduction in the unemployment rate, whether it was influenced by the participation of apprentices in the Public Service Apprenticeship Scheme (SkiPPA), and this programme's contribution to long-term employment opportunities.

II. Based on the Labour Force Survey (KTK) 2024, which has been conducted, the unemployment rate for the labour force aged 18 years and above recorded a decline to 4.7 per cent, compared to the previous year.

III. This decline was contributed by several main factors, including:

• An increase of 4 per cent in the total number of private sector workers, particularly in the Wholesale and Retail Trade; Manufacturing (especially in the Petrochemical sector); Support Services; Food and Accommodation Services; and Information and Communication Technology sectors; and
• Growth in the self-employed category, which is in line with the development of entrepreneurial activities as well as the structural shift of the economy towards the gig economy.

IV. The Public Service Apprenticeship Scheme (SkiPPA) began implementation in November 2024, with the participation of 833 apprentices in 2024. However, as the apprentices only reported to their respective agencies in December 2024 or early 2025, they were not yet counted in KTK 2024 and were still categorised as unemployed during the implementation period of KTK 2024.

V. In this regard, the participation of apprentices in SkiPPA did not directly contribute to the reduction in the unemployment rate for 2024. Nevertheless, the positive impact of this programme is expected to be more evident in the 2025 Labour Force Survey, when their participation is fully taken into account.

VI. SkiPPA was designed as a strategic initiative to empower human capital, particularly among youth, by providing a platform for real work experience in the public service sector. Through participation in this programme, apprentices have the opportunity to improve their work skills and employability; build competitiveness in an increasingly challenging job market; and gain direct exposure to the working environment and work ethics of the public sector.

VII. It is hoped that the experience gained will be fully utilised to fill vacant positions in the public service, subject to the availability of suitable positions; and excellent work performance throughout the apprenticeship period.

VIII. In addition, the experience gained through SkiPPA is also intended to broaden the apprentices' career prospects in the private sector; and increase their self-confidence to venture into entrepreneurship or self-employment. This is in line with the government's aspiration to produce a workforce that is versatile, highly skilled, and ready to face future economic challenges.

IX. Although participation in SkiPPA has not yet directly contributed to the reduction in the unemployment rate for 2024, it is a long-term investment in the development of the national workforce. With continuous implementation and close monitoring, this programme, God willing, will be able to increase employment opportunities and reduce unemployment effectively in the coming years.

That is all that Kaola can convey. Thank you.