BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah’s shopping complex is set to get a facelift, more than two decades after it was first built.
During a meeting of the foundation’s Committee of Governors on Thursday, HRH Prince Abdul Malik said the shopping complex is currently undergoing renovations.
The shopping complex, which was built in 1996, had been facing declining rental income as many shops and office lots were left vacant.
Rent arrears had also been affecting the foundation’s cash flow.
HRH, who is the chairman of Yayasan Committee of Governors, hoped the renovations will be completed based on the undisclosed time frame.
He added that Yayasan has updated its strategic plan in a bid to better manage social issues such as poverty and unemployment.
The revised strategic plan is aimed at fostering a more independent community that does not solely rely on aid from the government or other charitable agencies.
HRH said the foundation needs a “paradigm shift” towards more efficient and strategic management in order to meet its social responsibilities.
“The important thing to note here is that the strategic plan should not be static, in line with its nature as a living document that needs to be updated periodically to ensure that it remains relevant in fulfilling its commitments,” he added.
He expressed hope that the plan will provide clear direction for YSHHB’s management so that all actions will be more systematic and strategic.
Speaking on the development status of Kampung Bolkiah in the water village, HRH said a study on the condition of houses in Kampung Bolkiah had been carried out.
Earlier this year, HRH said Kampung Bolkiah residents had raised concerns on the safety of the houses built by Yayasan.
“The reforms to be carried out should not focus only on the repair works, but more importantly, being able to create a conducive environment for the local community and also generate economic activity in the village,” he said.