Courtesy of The Brunei Times
BERAKAS GARISSON, Friday 24 Januray 2014 - The Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Cooperative, KOWIRA, saw a change in leadership yesterday ahead of its Chairman’s impending retirement.
Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, Commander of the RBAF, stepped down as Chairman of KOWIRA in a handover ceremony at the Berakas Garrison Officers’ Mess.
The outgoing Chairman gave a vote of confidence to his successor, RBAF Deputy Commander Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Seri Pahlawan Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah.
“I’m confident that Pehin’s management will lead KOWIRA to achieve greater profits towards meeting next year’s set target,” said Major General Dato Haji Aminuddin Ihsan, noting that the cooperative has made significant developments over the years.
In his parting words, he expressed gratitude to the KOWIRA board as well as staff for their dedication and contribution.
He said the KOWIRA board and staff played an important role in implementing the concept of “minimal investment with high returns”, helping to yield benefits for shareholders. “Alhamdulillah, we have progressed far,” he said.
According to the KOWIRA Head of Secretariat, Lieutenant Colonel Hasmee bin Haji Abd Wahab, the cooperative recorded a positive growth with the guidance of Major General Dato Haji Aminuddin Ihsan.
Under his leadership as Chairman from 2010 to 2014, KOWIRA ventured into other avenues beyond its core business operating grocery stores in military camps nationwide. Major General Dato Haji Amimuddin Ihsan was also instrumental in the introduction of various products including the ‘Air RO’ bottled water.
Apart from its commercial aims, Lieutenant Colonel Hasmee added that KOWIRA is also focused on enhancing the welfare of its staff.
“InsyaAllah, KOWIRA will continue to expand its operations with new products that will be made available within the RBAF military camps,” he said. KOWIRA recorded a 28 per cent increase in earnings in 2012 with a net income of $355,037.18 compared to over $277,000 in 2011. Shareholders received a six per cent return in dividends in 2012, while 2011 saw a 5.5 per cent in dividends.
