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Queenie Chong
Queenie Chong Chin Yee (Chinese: 莊靜宜; pinyin: Zhuāng Jìngyí; born 1987/1988) is a Bruneian businessperson and politician of Chinese descent who was among the members of Brunei's Legislative Council (LegCo) appointed in 2023.[2] She is the CEO and co-founder of the online legacy planner Memori. She was also chosen as the inaugural Bruneian recipient of the Edmund Hillary Fellowship (EHF).[3][4] Early life and educationQueenie completed her undergraduate studies in economics at Monash University in Melbourne, and her master's degree in education at the University of Brunei Darussalam (UBD). She was a former government scholarship holder from Brunei and graduated with honours from the UBD's executive program in business.[5] She also completed DARe's Accelerate program, was instrumental in founding Startup Brunei, a venture development and business consulting firm that created the UnikLearn program's pilot to help impaired adolescents become more employable.[6] In 2018, she enrolled in the YSEALI Professional Fellowship in Seattle, US, and the YSEALI Impact eXL regional workshop in Indonesia.[7] She was the first Bruneian to be chosen as an EHF in 2020.[4] Business careerQueenie taught economics at Tutong Sixth Form Centre before starting her company,[8] and she left the Ministry of Education (MoE) in 2018 because she thought that business was essential to boosting the nation's economy and generating jobs.[9] An online platform devoted solely to environmental issues and founding Startup Brunei, a venture capital firm that provides special chances to youth with disabilities via its affiliate, UnikLearn.[1] She is on the board of the ASEAN Young Women Entrepreneurs Club, the vice president of the Young Entrepreneur Association of Brunei, and a member of her community's Village Committee.[1] She was among the participants of the National Environment Conference, representing Beach Bunch in 2014.[10] Memori/MirathMembers of an Asian royal family have contributed to Memori's second seed round of funding as it prepares for its August 2019 soft launch.[11] Memori, without an internet platform yet, raised B$158,000 (US$100,000) from 113 Venture Growth Fund. The company wants to develop into a one-stop shop for online legacy management, offering convenient ways to get memorial services, insurance, and wills. She lost her grandparents, which gave her the inspiration for the company.[12] Queenie won the Excellent Youth Award 2021 with her legacy planning business Memori, which has received two six-figure investment rounds and other local and regional honours. In 2021, she was known to be based in Singapore for a company incubation program. Memori then introduced another online platform, Mirath, which offers similarly reasonably priced will and donation planning services, to serve the Islamic market.[6] The supply of wasiat (will), hibah (gift/grant), and faraid (Islamic inheritance) in addition to the janazah or contribution kit for mosques—which has subsequently collected over B$10,000 for over 40 less fortunate families—are among Mirath's principal items. Both platforms are aimed at the Southeast Asian market, where the majority of people do not have wills in place and end-of-life planning is still considered taboo.[6] UnikLearnEver since the launch of the UnikLearn program in June 2018, more companies have shown interest in hiring UnikLearn trainees as interns, including young people with autism. Queenie highlighted that for businesses to remain competitive and keep producing high-quality jobs for residents, industries must reorganise and business models must change. According to her, the problem is not a lack of jobs but rather a mismatch in skills. According to her, "our challenge is to ensure that no Bruneians with autism are [offered] fair job opportunity, especially those that are willing to learn and acquire skills that are necessary to meet the changing needs of their current industry."[13] Political careerHer position as a committed advocate was further cemented when Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah named her as a member of the LegCo on 20 January 2023.[2] In her new role, she will be primarily focused on developing young entrepreneurship, digital and technological literacy, and a workforce prepared for the demands of the future.[1] 19th LegCo sessionQueenie commended the Manpower Planning and Employment Council (MPEC), Manpower Industry Steering Committee (MISC), and Lifelong Learning Center (LLC) for their efforts to alleviate structural unemployment among young people and job seekers on 5 March 2023, during the afternoon session of the 19th LegCo. She stressed that young people must be resilient, flexible, and able to contribute effectively in the face of technological changes. In order to guarantee that workers are aware of their rights and that companies follow ethical labour standards, Queenie additionally noted the significance of tackling labor market problems.[14] On 25 March 2023, Queenie brought attention to the surge in cyberattacks in Brunei, where the bulk of victims are older people who fall prey to con artists. She was worried about the changing nature of the situation and wants to know how the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) intends to handle it, particularly with regard to vulnerable populations like the elderly.[15] In late April 2023, Queenie spoke at Chung Hwa School Kiudang, inspiring pupils to set lofty objectives and work hard to accomplish them. She led a session where students talked about their goals with their peers and used personal experiences to emphasise the value of tenacity, diligence, and optimism. During the question and answer period that followed the event, school administrator Loo Shee Yun said that the discussion had a profound effect on the pupils, assisting in the development of their faith and ambitions.[16] During the September 2023 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians in Hanoi, Vietnam, Queenie stressed that Brunei's dedication to promoting creativity and digitisation. She mentioned that the Council of Research and Advancement of Technology and Science (CREATES), founded in 2021, is one of the ways Brunei supports technological innovations including big data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and the internet of things (IoT). In order to foster innovation, assist the digital marketplace, and motivate innovators in technology toward sustainable economic growth, Brunei has also established the Brunei Innovation Lab.[17] The actions of Brunei for empowering women at the national and international levels were presented at the Coordinating Committee Meeting of Women Parliamentarians of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (WAIPA) in February 2024 in Vientiane, Laos. As delegates of Brunei, LegCo members Safiah Sheikh Abdul Salam and Queenie engaged in discussions with counterparts from other AIPA member states, sharing insights and best practices. They also took part in side activities like the WAIPA Project Workshop 2.0 and the Women Political Leaders Forum.[18] During the Ladies in Cyber event on 16 February 2024, Queenie mentioned that the Annual Census of Enterprises 2023 showed that the number of women working in information and communication in Brunei exceeded that of men, growing by 8.8% between 2021 and 2022. She underscored the critical role that women will play in cybersecurity and technology going forward, as well as the significance of cybersecurity in protecting the worldwide digital economy. Queenie also praised Jasmine Wong for being the first Bruneian to win the "Top Women in Security ASEAN" award, pointing out the underrepresentation of women in cybersecurity globally and advocating for more programs like Ladies in Cyber.[19] 20th LegCo sessionIn the afternoon of 28 February 2024, Queenie emphasised the critical role that the digital economy will play in converting Brunei into a Smart Nation. This was discussed in the 20th LegCo session. She focused on the MTIC's introduction of the Digital Economy Masterplan 2025, outlining government support for digital governance, the online economy, and the internet of things. By 2030, ASEAN is predicted by Queenie to have grown from a GDP of about US$300 billion to about US$1 trillion, making it the fourth-biggest economy in the world. She admitted that the COVID-19 pandemic had changed Brunei's social and economic environment and contributed to the growth of home-based enterprises, especially in the food and beverage industry. She highlighted the challenges of expanding the digital economy, stressing the need for thorough analysis of financial impacts and progress monitoring through national strategies. She also underscored the importance of addressing cyberthreats and developing cybersecurity plans, which can create job opportunities. LegCo Speaker Pehin Dato Abdul Rahman expressed optimism for ongoing economic growth and looked forward to valuable LegCo insights and responsive actions from the ministries.[20] Members of the LegCo debated the Ministry of Finance and Economy's (MoFE) budget proposal for the 2024–2025 fiscal year on 29 February 2024, during the meeting's 20th LegCo session. Queenie called for an evaluation of both the quantitative and qualitative impacts of the higher budget, although she acknowledged that it was pushing digital transformation. She reiterated how important it is to comprehend the anticipated return on investment from digital transformation projects as well as how they are expected to affect GDP and other important metrics like growth in the economy.[21] On 2 March 2024, Queenie inquired about initiatives being taken to promote ambuyat internationally and proposed working with other ministries to strengthen the sago sector in Mukim Ukong. In response, Minister Ahmaddin said that representatives from the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT), as well as consultative councils from Ukong and Kampong Batu Apoi, are looking into joint ventures to promote ambuyat abroad and boost the regional economy.[22] Minister Mohd Amin Liew stated on 9 March 2024, that Brunei plans to open its digital transaction hub by the beginning of 2025. He said that to begin to construct the necessary facilities for a method of payment that will enable online and international payments while guaranteeing dependable connection and cybersecurity, the MoFE is working with regional banks. In response to Queenie's question regarding the decrease in cash transactions, the minister clarified that the centralised payment hub will combine current and upcoming payment methods, boosting the usefulness of digital wallets such as Pocket, BIBD QuickPay, and DST Pay and enabling consumers and companies to make online payments even in the absence of a bank account.[23][24] The MoE is going to keep trying to educate students for international competitiveness through a variety of programs in higher learning, Minister Romaizah pledged on 13 March 2024. In response to Queenie at the 20th LegCo session, she underlined the value of industry collaboration and cited regional programs that have received international recognition, like the civil engineering degree at Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) and the general engineering program at UBD. She also highlighted that 62 ICT programs, ranging from certificates to degrees, are offered by the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) School of ICT, and that these programs have been recognised to guarantee that students are prepared for the swift evolution of technology.[25] Minister Muhammad Juanda said that the requirement for repairing public roads damaged by development projects prior to granting occupational permits is one of the factors contributing to the delays in the issuance of these licenses on 18 March 2024. Additionally, he pointed out that the Authority on Building Control and Construction Industry (ABCi) is collaborating with other government departments to enhance the OneBiz application system. ABCi received 7,380 applications in 2023, which were handled in a first-come, first-served manner. In order to improve the business ecosystem, Queenie emphasised the significance of efficient coordination between the Ministry of Defence (MinDef), MoFE, and Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA). The minister also recognised the continued cooperative efforts made through committees like the National Land Use Council. The minister, citing a favorable developer response to a project in Jalan Pemancha, underlined the need of cooperation to realise commercial potential. He mentioned the 12th National Development Plan's continuous land use studies, as well as updates like the "Pedestrian Masterplan" and brand-new recreation areas included inside housing developments. The minister also talked about the problem of unauthorised roadside sellers, stressing the necessity for permits and continuing talks to get merchants out of residential areas.[26] Queenie stressed the value of inter-ministerial cooperation on the last day of the LegCo session on 23 March 2024, in order to avert ineffective policies and improve the effectiveness of the government. In order to get the next generation ready for a digital environment, she demanded that the MoE examine its ICT curriculum starting in elementary school. Along with her worries, she offered suggestions for better management and survey techniques for better reaching the targeted groups and prevent public misconceptions regarding government agencies' efficient use of social media platforms.[27] She also suggested to establish a college that aims to improve public relations standards.[28] Queenie stressed the value of learning electronic instruments for a future when technology will power society at the April 2024 International Women's Day - Impact the Future event. The event, which was co-hosted by Women Techmakers Brunei and Google Developer Group Brunei, witnessed the introduction of DigiThink, a program that uses virtual books and an online learning system to increase knowledge about technology in Southeast Asia.[29][30] Political positionsEnhancing ICT skills and literacyQueenie stressed the significance of developing a creative generation that will shape Brunei's identity and future economy after Wawasan Brunei 2035. She mentioned Brunei's high level of social media participation, ranking fourth globally in terms of usage per capita, citing the Digital 2023 Global Overview Report as evidence that more issues related to digital literacy need to be addressed. She emphasised the significance of combining technology to improve productivity and quality of life, preparing young people for a digitally advanced future by incorporating computer science and coding into the national curriculum, and providing local laborers with essential ICT skills through programs like the Brunei ICT Industry Competency Framework (BIICF).[31] Personal lifeQueenie and her younger brother were raised by their single mother in the Tutong District where her mother had built a wooden home for them.[32] Despite not having a lot of schooling, her mother has always valued hard work. Afterwards, they relocated to Kampong Bukit Udal as part of a government housing scheme. She said that her family's escape from poverty was made possible by Brunei's assistance system.[8] Recognition and honoursThroughout her career, she has received the following:[1] Recognition
HonoursReferences
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