Brunei partners with Microsoft Services to create innovative program to fast track local talent into skilled technical positions. The Government of Brunei’s BSDC Program Links to case study: https://customers.microsoft.com/en-US/story/fast-tracking-the-future Summary: The Deputy Permanent Secretary for IT recognized a local need for technology education and teamed up with Microsoft Services to build the BSDC—an innovative program that would fast track local talent into skilled technical positions. With government support and the efficient work of Microsoft Services, the BSDC is flourishing. It has already successfully launched an online recruitment system that has trimmed months from the formerly paper-based process and produced the first two Microsoft Certified Developers in Brunei. Microsoft Services fostered The growth of Brunei’s IT workforce, and its rapid growth has nowhere to go but up. The future looks bright for technology in Brunei. Business and Technology Need: Brunei needed local business and technology specialists to ensure Brunei’s future. Solution: Building a tailored program was the most efficient and concentrated way to achieve specific needs. Microsoft Consulting Services worked hands-on with government officials in Brunei to build a custom solution. It is scalable, has a quick ramp-up, and it is easy to get new users attuned to it. Students are having success after success, and the turnaround time for older processes has been greatly reduced. Benefits: Online recruitment system has trimmed months off the paper-based process BSDC students are able to model business skills and behaviors directly from Microsoft consultants Local vendors also benefit from the program, with graduates applying their BSDC and Microsoft skills directly to the local economy First two BSDC graduates are Microsoft Certified and actively working in the Brunei tech sector Project turnaround time has gone from over two years to six months “A new graduate has the opportunity to work with experienced consultants. Because of that opportunity, they learn and understand what software development culture is all about.” Zainurrijal Bin Hj Abdullah Program Manager, BSDC Government of Brunei