Twenty - six companies received their ISO 9000 certificates from Honorable Minister of Development of Brunei Darussalam at a colourful presentation ceremony on October 11th 1997. The companies, who all had their Quality Management System, certified between September 1996 and September 1997, celebrated their achievement in grand style with dinner and live entertainment.

The evening was a celebration of the commitment to quality of a large number of companies predominantly from the construction and oil and gas sectors.

The guest of Honour was pleased to note that since introducing the Standards in 1994, some eighty companies have attained ISO 9000. Whilst the majority of these firms are in the construction sectors, the Minister welcomed the spread into other sectors including some government departments who are in the process of implementing their own systems.

The presentation of certificates was held in conjunction with World Standards Day, which is celebrated in October 1 211 every year. The theme for this year's World Standards Day is 'World Trade Needs Worldwide Standards'. Having gained an internationally recognised certificate of its Quality Management System a company should be better placed to expand into BIMP-EAGA, ASEAN, APEC or world markets should it so desire. The formalisation of polices and producers will also assist the company to provide better service to domestic customers and clients.

The Honorable, Minister of Development is seen during the presentation of ISO 9000 certificates as a Guest of Honour

The function was coordinated by the Construction Planning and Research Unit, Ministry of Development assisted by local ISO certified companies.