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I started my career as an emergency response specialist in the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). In 2010, after six years of honing my skills in the force, I ventured out to further develop my technical expertise through stints with companies like oil and gas firm ExxonMobil and emergency response training provider Cosem. These experiences further nourished my passion in the field and motivated me to build a niche service in the emergency response sector for the region. In 2015, I founded Singapore Rescue Specialist (SRS) to train and consult various industries on safety, rescue, and emergency response. I was able to expand the company to Brunei Darussalam in 2017, where I now reside and oversee the development and operations of SRS Emergency & Rescue Solutions Sdn Bhd. We provide emergency response and fall protection services to many companies and organisations in Brunei, and across Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Oman. Why Brunei? During a previous project with oil and gas firm Brunei LNG in 2016, I saw the potential for emergency response services within the country. This eventually led to longer-term projects and setting up a company in Brunei was a logical expansion for me. Today, SRS Brunei employs eight full-time staff and serves about 70 per cent of companies here related to the oil and gas and construction industries. However, running a business in Brunei is not without its challenges. By far, the most pertinent challenge was to understand and familiarise myself with the regulatory processes in the country. I found that at times, information was not as easily accessible as in Singapore. Therefore, I had to manage my expectations and find alternative avenues to get the information I needed. There was also the challenge of finding suitable local partners and staff. For example, we actively tap Brunei's "i-Ready" programme which supports unemployed graduates in gaining work experience. However, suitable candidates are difficult to attract and retain, particularly as they are not looking for long-term employment in the sector. On the bright side, I have managed to hire three full-timers from this programme and look forward to being able to support more graduates in future. Interestingly, language was an unexpected challenge for me. Although Malay is spoken in Singapore and Brunei, there are subtle differences between the two countries. For example, the word "kita" in Singapore means “we/us”, whereas in Brunei, it means “you/your”. Another word, "kelmarin", which means “a few days ago” in Singapore, means “yesterday” in Brunei. While these language differences had resulted in funny conversations when I first came to Brunei, I now have a better appreciation of our “same-same but different” lingo and cultures. For those who are looking to start a business in Brunei, my advice would be to pick a reliable local partner, who can help to navigate the culture and norms within Bruneian society. In retrospect, there is no denying the challenges of running a business in Brunei and being away from home. I strongly believe that being adaptable and flexible in business is important; how one responds to challenges that come their way is what will determine their success in life. Brunei is a country with untapped potential. The country’s initiatives to support local businesses and enrich human capital are steps in the right direction. Likewise, I strive to hire locals and ensure that they receive appropriate training and opportunities for career development. I am grateful to be able to reach out (mostly through word of mouth) and provide services to so many companies within the short time that SRS Brunei has been set up — indeed the success of the company has been the high point of my time in Brunei so far. Being a foodie, I am also diversifying into the food and beverage industry, with the support of family and friends. One of my projects-in-motion is to bring Singaporean Malay food such as nasi sambal goreng and lontong goreng into the Brunei market. Work aside, Brunei is a veritable natural haven that I have come to enjoy in my free time. The peace and serenity in nature is an excellent escape from the hustle of city life.   I highly recommend visiting Brunei for a few days just to immerse yourself in nature and experience a change in environment. Who knows, you might even develop an idea or two worth exploring while you are here.   ABOUT THE WRITER: Mr Mohamad Nimal Zainal, 37, is managing director of Singapore Rescue Specialist, SRS Emergency & Rescue Solutions Sdn Bhd and Temasek Reliability Services in Singapore, Brunei and Oman respectively. He specialises in emergency response, fall prevention and HSE (health, safety and environment) consulting.