LiveWIRE Brunei

HISTORY / ABOUT US

LiveWIRE Brunei is a Brunei Shell Sponsored community programme created for the purpose of increasing the interest of the young especially those who are unemployed, through training, mentoring and encouraging them to venture into the world of business and become the future entrepreneurs of Brunei Darussalam.

It was officially launched in Brunei on 1 st May 2001 , in response to Brunei Darussalam Economic Council (BEDC) effort to support infrastructure for enterprise development as a long-term sustainable economic development. It is officially funded by Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd; as part of its commitment towards the economic development of the country.

History (Global)

LiveWIRE is originally an international programme developed by Shell to support youth development specifically to help young people to become interested in setting up their own businesses and in working for themselves. Originally launched in UK in 1982, it is one of Shell's flagship community investment programs with a global roll out aimed at contributing towards a buoyant economy and a community of more fulfilled individuals. LiveWIRE International programmes are now running in Australia , Argentina , Abu Dhabi , Brazil , Chile , United Kingdom , Guam , Hong Kong , Hungary , Iran , Mauritius , Netherlands , Nigeria , Oman , Pakistan , Republic of Ireland , Romania , Singapore , Sri Lanka and South Africa.

LiveWIRE Chronology:

1982	Live WIRE launched in Strathclyde Scotland
	The UK is home to the original Shell LiveWIRE. Since its launch in 1982 it has helped over 200,000 young people. Live WIRE is a national scheme that targets 16-29 year olds promoting the importance of enterprise. The scheme encourages youngsters to consider starting their own business and offers help to those who want to expand. The Enquiry Service, which provides free business startup kits, and the Business Startup Awards which rewards young business help achieve these objectives.
1983	Live WIRE expanded to rest of Scotland & Northern Ireland
	LiveWIRE was started by Shell staff who recognized that job opportunities and apprenticeships for young people were reducing because of a decline in traditional industries, e.g. shipbuilding, light engineering, clothing manufacture, etc. Some young people were not waiting for others to find them an opportunity for work, they were attempting to create their own future by starting their own businesses. Shell wanted to recognize and promote this latter group to give them encouragement and to hopefully encourage others and so the first Live WIRE Young Entrepreneur Awards took place.
1984	Live WIRE expands further to England and Wales
	Awards were run in Strathclyde and then introduced into the rest of the UK by 1984. Close contact with the young people (under 25) revealed that they received very little support. As a result a network of volunteer local contacts was established to help and encourage the young person develop their ideas and in the planning of their business; and the Live WIRE Outreach and Enquiry Service was born.
1985	Live WIRE is launched in the UK
	England and Wales joined the network, and the first UK Live WIRE was launched in 1985. At the same time, a whole host of new government programmes, grants and benefits blossomed to encourage and service the rising numbers of young people coming forward to create their own work.
1987	Operation Live WIRE in Australia launched
	The longest running Live WIRE programme outside of the UK, Australia's Live WIREE operation began in 1987 and now covers most states. The programme targets 18-25 year olds and encourages them to develop and critically assess their own business ventures. Entrants receive practical assistance and guidance from Live WIRE and experienced business entrepreneurs act as mentors during their three months idea development and planning stage. Cash prizes to the value of Aus $10,000 are awarded for the top three outstanding plans in each state.
1989	Savia Neuva in Chile launched
	Savia Nueva, Live WIRE Chile, was launched in the Santiago region and in 1991 was extended to the Valparaiso region. Aimed at 18-25 years olds, Savia Nueva helps to transform ideas into viable business plans. Entrants receive advice and support from the Union of Christian Entrepreneurs and Live WIRE staff. After three months of planning an executive committee of Shell executives and the Union of Christian Entrepreneurs award cash prizes for the best plans.
1993	Életpálya, Live WIRE Hungary
	Launched in 1993 to assist in developing an advanced market economy and to reduce unemployment. The project was welcomed by the Hungarian business community who formed partnerships with young entrepreneurs to help create an environment that encourages and supports starting your own business. Through Életpálya youngsters have been able to explore their own potential and receive training and business management materials from enquiry services, residential weekends, financial support and regional and national startup awards.
1995	Live WIRE South Africa and Intilaaquah in Oman launched
	It was developed to help young people understand the importance of enterprise, start their own businesses, reward successful young entrepreneurs and raise standards of youth enterprise. Live WIRE South Africa has four programmes to stimulate interest in enterprise: Business Idea Generation Programme (workshops); Business Skills Training Programme (5 day intensive programme); Business Mentorship and Business Awards. The awards reward business operating for three or more years owned by young persons between 18-30. The launch of Intilaaqah, Live WIRE Oman, helped the Omani government achieve their aim to diversify the economy away from reliance on oil and to reduce unemployment amongst young Omanis. Intilaaqah targets young, unemployed Omani's to encourage self-employment. Once they have formulated their business ideas Intilaaqah offers a programme of training and counseling through a network of volunteer counselors. The best business plans submitted after the training are rewarded with trophies and cash prizes.
1996	Live WIRE Netherlands launched
	The Live WIRE Netherlands scheme began in 4 regions and has the support of Shell Nederland B.V., ABN AMRO Bank, Faktor Business Support and the Dutch Government /Department Economic Affairs. The programme targets 18-28 year olds and aims to raise awareness of the importance of enterprise and to help young entrepreneurs start up on their own. To help youngsters gain entrepreneurial independence, training and free counseling are provided. Business growth programmes are also available for those looking to develop their business.
1998	Shell Live WIRE International launched and LiveWIRE Ireland
	Live WIRE launched in Ireland in 1998 to provide free expert business advice to entrepreneurs aged between 16 and 29. Live WIRE Ireland works closely with the Bank of Ireland and the County Enterprise Boards to provide entrants with direct access to business advice and expertise. 1999 saw the first Irish awards event won by Noely Daly of Cork.
2000	More new Live WIRE countries
	Live WIRE Sri Lanka launched in early 2000 with results from the first six months now being collated. This was followed by the launching of the programme in Mauritius and Singapore. Many more countries are doing the feasibility studies.
2001	More new Live WIRE countries
	Brunei is the twelfth and latest country to launch the programme. This will be held on 1 May 2001. The Minister of Welfare, Youth and Sport, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Digadong Seri Lela Dato Seri Paduka Dr Haji Awang Hussain bin Pehin Orang Kaya Digadong Seri Diraja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Mohd Yusof has consented to officiate the launching.