SUNGAI LIANG – Today, Brunei Methanol Company sendirian berhad (or “BMC”) reached another significant milestone in the history of the nation’s industrial progress with the Official Opening Ceremony of Brunei Methanol Company’s Brunei Darussalam methanol plant (located within the Sungai Liang Industrial Park (SPARK) at Sungai Liang). The Ceremony which was held in BMC’s office was officiated by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam. Also present during the ceremony were government ministers; deputy ministers; foreign diplomats; as well as senior officials and members of the business community who were involved with the methanol plant project.

During the Ceremony, Mr. Kinya Tsuji, Chief Executive Officer of Brunei Methanol Company Sendirian Berhad, in his speech highlighted that Brunei Methanol Company is a joint venture company established on 13thMarch2006, with the sole objective to build, own and operate Brunei Darussalam’s methanol plant. Construction works of the methanol plant was completed in 2009 and has successfully produced its First product methanol on 27thApril 2010. Also in his speech, he emphasized that methanol manufactured from Brunei Darussalam will have its place of prominence in the global methanol industry. Domestically, it will continue to strive to contribute towards the positive enhancement of the country’s social and economic landscape.

Mr.Hideki Odaka, Chairman of Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company Incorporated (MGC) in his welcoming remarks acknowledged the various support and assistance that has been provided by the Japanese Government, the financial lenders, such as Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and its project contractors. He also underscored that in terms of production process and plant operations, they constantly improve and develop thier technology in terms of production process and plant operations especially in central Asia, where methanol demand is rapidly growing.

Mr. Eizo Kobayashi, the Chairman of ITOCHU Corporation, in his speech also added that “BMC” owes its successful operation today to Brunei’s other resources such as electricity, water, infrastructures and the Bruneian locals itself. As one of the shareholders, ITOCHU Corporation since its establishment has practiced the policy of “Sanpou-yoshi” which means ‘Good for the buyer, Good for the seller and Good for the Society, This policy has since been adapted in the current Corporate Credo of “ITOCHU”, committed to the global good, social, economic and individual benefits. They also hope to uphold the same spirit of “Sanpou-yoshi” through the participation of this project.

As part of its ceremony program, His Majesty was invited by Mr. Kinya Tsuji to consent for a tour of the Methanol Plant which included the Central Control Room where a presentation was given by Mr. Kinya Tsuji pertaining to the process of producing methanol. After the plant tour His Majesty was invited for a group photo with BMC staff.

The methanol plant project  promises  exciting  opportunities   in  terms  of  accelerating the country’s efforts towards further industrialisation, additional  foreign  direct  investment, new  business  streams for small and medium enterprises,  as well as opening up more job and career opportunities  for  the  people  of  Brunei  Darussalam in-line  with  His Majesty’s  wishes  to have  a knowledgeable  society  in  any  field  that  will  benefit  the  nation.  BMC will be the flagship of Brunei Darussalam’s future industrial development.