Brunei Energy Hub

Last updated

Brunei Energy Hub
Hab Tenaga Brunei
Bandar Seri Begawan 31 December 2022 06.jpg
Brunei Energy Hub at night in 2022
Brunei Energy Hub
Established23 October 2022 (2022-10-23)
Location Dermaga Diraja, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Coordinates 4°53′13″N114°56′35″E / 4.88687°N 114.94316°E / 4.88687; 114.94316
Type Historical and art museum
Collections History
Technology
Art
Visitors2,800 (2022)
Owner Government of Brunei
Nearest parkingOn site (no charge)
Website museums.gov.bn

Brunei Energy Hub Dermaga Diraja (Malay : Hab Tenaga Brunei Dermaga Diraja) or Brunei Energy Hub in short, is a gallery and museum located in Pusat Bandar of Bandar Seri Begawan. It was originally initiated in 1952 and completed in 1956 as the Royal Customs and Excise Building, [1] a wharf for administrative purposes. Over time, its function has evolved to showcase historical and economic significance of Brunei's energy sector while preserving its blend of colonial and constructivist architectural styles. [2]

Contents

The renovation project, which was entirely sponsored by Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP), has been transformed into Brunei–Muara District's interactive oil and gas museum. It is located at the Dermaga Diraja Bandar Seri Begawan and has the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Bridge as a backdrop, seeks to act as a knowledge centre for the oil and gas sector and a venue to encourage the growth of Brunei's artistic scene. [1]

History

One of the country's oldest government agencies is the Customs Department (present day Royal Customs and Excise Department), which was founded in the early 1900s to oversee the import and export of products under the authority of British Residents. Built at the end of Jalan Sultan between the 1920s and 1930s, the original wharf was mostly composed of wood and lanting (pontoon). An essential first step in stabilising Brunei's infrastructure, social growth, and economy was the establishment of the department. Plans to extend the customs wharf started in the middle of the 1950s, and by 1956, a new, bigger facility next to Jalan McArthur had been built. [2]

Given that it allowed ships to dock and made it easier to load and unload cargo, the wharf was important to Brunei's commercial activity. The importance of the customs facility steadily diminished when Muara Port was created and inaugurated in 1972 in response to Brunei's growing demands. The department relocated to a new location by 1998, leaving the former structure empty. In the end, it was designated as a historical monument and used as a visitor center, cafés, and an art gallery. [2]

The structure was converted into an art gallery in 2007 and included to the waterfront and Dirgahayu 60 Monument after it was gazetted in 2006 under the Antiquities and Treasure Trove Act. [3] The building was turned over to the Public Works Department on 1 December 2019 as the project executor for renovations to transform it into an interactive oil and gas museum. [4] On 5 May 2021, it was officially announced that the building would become a new oil and gas exhibition hall. [3] It would then serve as the location for the official introduction of the Brunei Energy Hub Dermaga Diraja by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah on 23 October 2022. [5] [6] Approximately two weeks since its opening, the hub has accumulated over 2800 visits. [7]

Exhibits

The hub contains information regarding the oil and gas sector in the country. It has a canteen, a gift shop, an observation deck, and four exhibition halls. The fourth gallery is organised by the Museums Department of the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, whereas the first three galleries are organised by BSP. It includes: [8]

Design and features

When it was finished in 1956, the old Royal Customs and Excise Building was intended to be a two-story concrete building that was 400 feet (120 m) long and 30 feet (9.1 m) wide. It was constructed by the Sino-Malayan Engineer, who was also in charge of Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, and was situated alongside the Brunei River. The building had a flat roof and rectangular, boxy features that were typical of colonial Southeast Asian building design. Iron grilles in the Victorian style graced the doors and windows, and a little tunnel marked "H.H. Customs House" in the middle allowed cars to enter. For security reasons, the area was gated off in 1958, and the structure was enlarged to contain more administrative offices and warehouses. The structure's architecture, which combined utilitarian needs with colonial elements, emphasised its significance as Brunei's main administrative and customs facility. [2]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bandar Seri Begawan</span> Capital and largest city of Brunei

Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) is the capital and largest city of Brunei. It is officially a municipal area with an area of 100.36 square kilometres (38.75 sq mi) and an estimated population of 100,700 as of 2007. It is part of Brunei–Muara District, the smallest yet most populous district which is home to over 70 per cent of the country's population. It is the country's largest urban centre and nominally the country's only city. The capital is home to Brunei's seat of government, as well as a commercial and cultural centre. It was formerly known as Brunei Town until it was renamed in 1970 in honour of Omar Ali Saifuddien III, the 28th Sultan of Brunei and the father of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Omar Ali Saifuddien III</span> Sultan of Brunei from 1950 to 1967

Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien was the 28th Sultan of Brunei, reigning from 1950 until his abdication in 1967 to his oldest son, Hassanal Bolkiah.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Belait District</span> District of Brunei

Belait District or simply known as Belait, is the largest as well as the westernmost district in Brunei. It has an area of 2,727 square kilometres (1,053 sq mi) and the population of 65,531 as of 2021. The administrative town is Kuala Belait, located at the mouth of the 32 kilometres (20 mi) long Belait River. The district is commonly associated with the oil and gas industry of the country, mainly concentrated near the town of Seria.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brunei–Muara District</span> District of Brunei

Brunei–Muara District or simply known as Brunei–Muara, is the smallest as well as the most populated district in Brunei. It has an area of 571 square kilometres (220 sq mi) and the population of 318,530 as of 2021. The district is also home to its administrative centre is Bandar Seri Begawan, as well as the Brunei International Airport and Muara Port, the country's only international airport and deep-water port respectively. The Brunei River flows within this district and is home to Kampong Ayer. As the administrative center of Brunei is located in the district, it remains the most developed in the country with the most up-to-date infrastructure, despite not being the center of Brunei's main economic activity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Muhammad Jamalul Alam II</span> Sultan of Brunei from 1906 to 1924

Muhammad Jamalul Alam II was the 26th Sultan of Brunei from 1906 until his death in 1924. He was succeeded by his eldest son Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kuala Belait</span> Town in Brunei

Kuala Belait or officially the Kuala Belait Town, and colloquially referred to as KB, is the administrative town of Belait District, Brunei. The population of the town proper was 4,259 in 2016. Kuala Belait is officially a municipal area, as well as a village under the mukim of the same name. The town is located 85 kilometres (53 mi) west of the country's capital Bandar Seri Begawan, and 20 kilometres (12 mi) west of Seria, the district's other town. It is also in the westernmost part of country, near the mouth of the Belait River.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seria</span> Town in Brunei

Seria or officially known as Seria Town, is a town in Belait District, Brunei. It is located about 65 kilometres (40 mi) west from the country's capital Bandar Seri Begawan. The total population was 3,625 in 2016. It was where oil was first struck in Brunei in 1929 and has since become a centre for the country's oil and gas industry. The town's bazaar, officially opened on 19 September 1954, has few retail establishments, fresh food markets, supermarkets, banking services, tourist information centers, and a range of restaurants, including Malay, Chinese, Indian, Indonesian and Italian ones as well as outdoor dining in somewhat rustic settings. For processing documentation related to owning a car and hiring domestic helpers (amahs), government offices are located in Kuala Belait.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Muara, Brunei</span> Town in Brunei

Muara or officially known as Muara Town, is a port town in Brunei-Muara District, Brunei, about 28 kilometres (17 mi) from the capital Bandar Seri Begawan. The population of the town proper was 2,102 in 2016. It is home to Muara Port, the country's primary deep water port.

The administrative divisions of Brunei Darussalam mainly consist of daerah (districts), mukim (sub-districts), and kampung or kampong (villages). They are organised hierarchically in Brunei Darussalam, with daerah being the largest first level, and kampong the smallest third level.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gadong, Brunei</span> Commercial area in Bandar Seri Begawan

Kampong Pengkalan Gadong or commonly known as Gadong, is a village in Brunei–Muara District, Brunei, as well as a neighbourhood and commercial area in the capital Bandar Seri Begawan. The population was 3,147 in 2016. It is one the villages within Mukim Gadong 'B'. The postcode is BE3719. It is a popular shopping and dining area in the city as well as in Brunei, with several shops, restaurants and cafes establishing their presence in the area. Notably, the area was formerly a rubber estate and was called Gadong Estate or Gadong Rubber Estate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pusat Bandar, Brunei</span> City centre of Bandar Seri Begawan

Pusat Bandar is the city centre of Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. It is home to a number of national landmarks, important government offices, and commercial and financial establishments.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Transport in Brunei</span>

Transport in Brunei consists of air, land, and sea transport. Previously there was some rail transport in Brunei, but eventually most of it was closed down. Several public and commercial sector organizations are in charge of creating and overseeing these networks and infrastructures. The Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) is in charge of overseeing the maritime and aviation industries, as well as planning and regulating all kinds of land transportation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kampong Tungku</span> Village in Brunei

Kampong Tungku is a village in Brunei-Muara District, Brunei, about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from the capital Bandar Seri Begawan. The population was 1,689 in 2016. It is one of the villages within Mukim Gadong 'A'. The postcode is BE2119.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kianggeh River</span> River in Brunei

The Kianggeh River is a small tributary of the Brunei that flows through Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kumbang Pasang</span> Neighbourhood in Bandar Seri Begawan

Kampong Kumbang Pasang, or simply Kumbang Pasang, is a village within Mukim Kianggeh in Brunei-Muara District, Brunei. It is also part of the municipal area of the capital Bandar Seri Begawan. The population was 563 in 2016. It has the postcode BA1511. The village formerly hosts a rubber plantation and was named Kumbang Pasang Estate. Notably the village was once its own Mukim, known as Mukim Kumbang Pasang.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ministry of Energy (Brunei)</span> Cabinet-level government ministry of Brunei

The Department of Energy, previously known as the Ministry of Energy and Ministry of Energy, Manpower and Industry, is a cabinet-level ministry in the Government of Brunei which oversees the country's energy industry. The department is led by the incumbent Deputy Minister of Energy, Mohammad Azmi bin Mohd Hanifah. The ministry is headquartered in the capital Bandar Seri Begawan, currently within the Prime Minister's Office building at Jalan Perdana Menteri.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ministry of Defence (Brunei)</span> Bruneian government ministry responsible for military and national security

The Ministry of Defence Brunei Darussalam, officially abbreviated as MinDef, is a cabinet-level ministry of the Government of Brunei. It is responsible for the national security and its military forces within the sultanate of Brunei Darussalam; the latter collectively known as the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF); Angkatan Bersenjata Diraja Brunei, (ABDB). MinDef is Brunei's ministry of defence; and was established on 1 January 1984, when Brunei Darussalam achieved independence from the United Kingdom. The Ministry of Defence leadership presently consists of a minister ; its incumbent is the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, who is also the Supreme Commander of the RBAF / ABDB. A deputy minister is second-in-command at the Ministry of Defence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kampong Melabau</span> Village in Brunei

Kampong Melabau is a neighbourhood in Brunei–Muara District, Brunei, as well as the capital Bandar Seri Begawan. The population was 288 in 2016. It is one of the villages within Mukim Kianggeh. The postcode is BA2511.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery</span> Cultural and historical museum in Brunei

The Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery is a museum in Kampong Ayer of Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. The gallery features exhibits on its handcrafted goods, including ceramics, woodworking, and weaving.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dermaga Diraja Bandar Seri Begawan</span> Waterfront and former wharf in Brunei

The Dermaga Diraja Bandar Seri Begawan, simply known as the Royal Wharf, is a 1.8 hectares waterfront site located in Bandar Seri Begawan. Originally known as the Royal Customs and Excise Wharf, it has a rich history as both a port and an entry point for passengers and imported goods arriving by sea. The significance of this wharf, along with the former customs building, lies in its role as a historic gateway to Brunei. This importance was further emphasised with major renovations completed in April 2011, solidifying its status as the primary port of entry for both passengers and cargo. During the early 1950s, trade between Brunei and other countries saw substantial growth, further highlighting the wharf’s crucial role in the nation’s economy.

References

  1. 1 2 activ8bn. "Hab Tenaga Brunei Dermaga Diraja (Brunei Energy Hub)". Brunei Tourism. Retrieved 1 January 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Dermaga Diraja". Universiti Brunei Darussalam . Archived from the original on 23 September 2024. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  3. 1 2 Bakar, Rasidah Hj Abu (5 May 2021). "Former Royal Customs building to house new oil & gas exhibition hall". The Scoop. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
  4. ↑ "Latest News - Colonial Era Architecture". www.rtbnews.rtb.gov.bn. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
  5. ↑ "Energy hub launched to educate public » Borneo Bulletin Online". Energy hub launched to educate public. 24 October 2022. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
  6. ↑ Yani (25 October 2022). "Brunei Energy Hub Dermaga Diraja : A gift to nation". www.bsm.com.bn. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
  7. ↑ "Oil And Gas Industry Knowledge Centre | Brunei's No.1 News Website". www.brudirect.com. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
  8. ↑ activ8bn. "Hab Tenaga Brunei Dermaga Diraja (Brunei Energy Hub)". Brunei Tourism. Retrieved 1 January 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.