The Korea-Brunei Friendship Association (KBFA) has submitted a few development proposals to the Ministry of Home Affairs, eyeing collaborations in the fields of tourism, manufacturing and halal industry.

The association’s plans include a proposal to develop a “marina” at the Jerudong beach and the revitalisation of Jerudong fish market, its newly appointed permanent advisor Hjh Normah Suria Hayati PJDSMDSU (Dr) Haji Awang Jamil Al-Sufri disclosed.

Also in the pipeline is the establishment of “Little Korea” at Pavo Point — the new 10-storey shopping mall and office building in the capital. Other areas identified include a resort, market and cultural centre in Kg Ayer as well as the possibility of developing Tasek Ikas Bandung Tutong as a tourism product.

Hjh Normah was speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Korea-Brunei Friendship Association (KBFA) and Brunei-Korea Association for Friendship yesterday, aimed at enhancing relations between Brunei and South Korea by promoting greater cultural and economic cooperation and exchanges.

According toJames Park, Sinar Tour Sdn Bhd president, the KBAF members have met with government ministers, however there is no firm timeline for the start of the development.

“There are many things which need to be taken into consideration and we are taking it one step at a time,” he said, adding that he is positive that with Korean technology and know-how, any development and collaboration between the two countries would be a success.

Other potential areas of collaboration have also been identified, including food and cosmetics manufacturing at the Bio-innovation Corridor (BIC), and a Teddy Bear museum and kids play centre at The Empire Hotel and Country Club.

The MoU signing was the culmination of a two-day visit from 15 Korean businesses, which covered a diverse portfolio from education, food and beverage, as well as the pharmaceutical industry.

KBFA’s chairman, Lee Sang Won, who is also the president of cosmetics and beauty company, BNK, said Brunei has big potential to manufacture halal cosmetics.

Meanwhile, Lee Keum Bong, CEO of TERRA — a wedding and cosmetics company — said she still needs to learn more about Brunei’s culture and traditions, as there are clear differences between Brunei and Korean weddings. However, she believes that Bruneians will benefit from the quality and variety of choices offer by the company to those seeking to tie the knot.