I delivered a nervous but passionate speech this morning to the new Minister at the launch of our new venture. One that holds great conviction that all partners deeply believe in. I hope it transpires.
Opening Speech for an “Integrated Kids Development Centre”
by Shaun Hoon
Our Guest of Honour Yang Berhormat, Retired Major General Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin.
Mr Wu Chun, Managing Director of Fitness Zone
Our Fellow Partners
Pengiran Pengiran, Pehin Pehin, Dato Dato, Tuan Tuan, Puan Puan, Ladies and Gentlemen.
My name is Shaun Hoon. I am the founding partner of Tomato Kidz Furniture Shop and Nori Dori kids lifestyle store in Brunei. And, I am also married to the founder of Yippy Tune Music School, Deon.
As a result, I received the most number of votes from the partners to speak on their behalf this morning.
Today is a celebration of 4 different businesses coming together to serve the community of Brunei through Arts, Music, Home & Lifestyle, Fashion and wonderfully Delicious and Healthy food.
On behalf of Energy Kitchen, Yippy Tune Music School, Yippy Juice Boutique, Jo Art, Tomato Kidz and Nori Dori, I would like to thank all of you for attending our opening ceremony.
9 months ago, Wu Chun came to me with an idea of converting the ground floor of Fitness Zone into a kid development centre. I thought it was an interesting idea, but didn’t take it too seriously because I couldn’t envisage how it could work.
Having 4 different businesses under one roof in a completely open concept posses way too many practical challenges, I thought to myself.
However, Chun was able to convince us as parents of the simple, yet practical idea of being able to drop off our kids to art or music classes, while going to the gym. A win-win situation for all, especially for an era when no body have time for anything anymore.
From business point of view, while the parents are waiting for their kids, they can buy some furniture or have some healthy food. Which is not a bad business proposition at all.
So, despite our fears and concerns, the opportunities seem to out weigh the costs. But we’d never know how it would turn out until we go ahead and do it, so we decided to take the plunge on this adventure together.
After all, doing business is all about taking calculated risks.
Fast forward 9 months later, we are here together as a team to start the first ever integrated kids centre in Brunei, thanks to the vision of one man, and the common passion of 4 different business partners.
What is our Passion?
Beyond business, each of us shares a deep sense of mission to develop the next generation of Brunei through Art, Music and Health.
To produce the next Wu Chun.
And to influence a better lifestyle with inspiring home ideas for kidz.
Yang Berhormat Dato, ladies and gentlemen – today, you will be proud to witness some of the most astounding home-grown young talents produced by our music and art school, orchestrated by the immensely talented art directors, Mardi & Amy, from Relentless.
I promise you, as good as you think these performers are, these are just the tip of the ice berg, as we begin our quest to uncover the potentials of many more outstanding talents here in Brunei in the future.
Today, we come together to pledge our commitment to make a positive impact to the community and to influence the youths of Brunei through art, culture and health.
And we take the opportunity to thank each one of you for all your support.