Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Computer (centre) with representatives from Epson Malaysia posing with the business models of Epson printers last year

Epson has been very popular here in Brunei Darussalam’s market. Epson printers are known for its great print speeds and effortless high-volume printing. Last year, Epson collaborated with Concepts Computer to launch a series business inkjet printers. The other Epson printers have been a hit among students and teachers because of its economical usage.

Though Brunei is a small market, it is still an important market in the region and it’s no surprise that Epson printers have reached 15 million units and still counting. Do check out the L-Series Epson printers and they have a comprehensive range too. For more information, do contact Concepts Computer at 223 3551/2/3.

Vincent Pao and Alice Chan with associates of Concepts Computer holding a popular plush toy of ZHUAN Ji which means “Turn for the Better”

To celebrate Chinese New Year for the upcoming Year of the Rooster, Concepts Computer will be giving away a plush toy of ZHUAN JI for every purchase of $388 and above on a single receipt. ZHUAN JI is a cartoon baby chicken that is one of the first fictional character to make waves in social media for the South East Asian Chinese community for the coming Chinese new year.

The cute and cuddly ZHUAN JI is currently making waves on social media with the hashtag, “#ZhuanJi2017”, where the Chinese characters for ZHUAN JI’s name personifies the need to make a “Turn for the Better” in 2017; be it for better health, better wealth or anything that is beneficial for the incoming Chinese new year. When asked regarding the current Bruneian market in general, and specifically the future of the IT Retail industry in Brunei Darussalam, Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Computer, said, “It is in my opinion that we are currently in a slow turn for the better in terms of business, which is why I am looking forward to the year of the Rooster as it will signify a faster and better change.” He continued, “And as always, the IT Retail business in Brunei Darussalam gets more and more challenging every year, especially with savvy consumers using the internet and other sources to keep up-to-date regarding IT technological advances, which is why retailers need to focus more on providing better services for customers.”

When asked regarding how Concepts Computer as a whole would welcome customers in the Year of the Rooster, “When it comes to Concepts Computer, I always lead with a simple statement, ‘We must always do a good job’ so we will make a ‘Turn for the Better’ in 2017 when it comes to our customers.”

Also present during the launch event, Zul Abdul Rahman, Marketing Executive at Concepts Computer added, “We never miss an opportunity to better serve specific sectors of our customers, and this time around we are celebrating together with the Bruneian Chinese community by welcoming the year of the Rooster with ZHUAN JI who is currently a social media phenomenon with the hashtag ‘#ZhuanJi2017’.”

The ZHUAN JI plush toy will be available in limited quantity and will be given away FREE, while stocks lasts, for all Concepts customers who have purchased $388 and above on a single receipt. For more information, please call 2233551, 2233552 or 2233553, or visit your nearest Concepts Computer retail outlet. Images courtesy of Concepts Computer.

Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Computer holding a popular plush toy from China

Unboxing the stocks of ZHUAN JI

Concepts Computer prepping for the Year of the Rooster

All set and done

Firdaus bin Abdul Samad, Channel Sales Manager of Schneider Electric (Brunei) and Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Computer with the latest product from APC

Concepts Computer, being a distributor of quality, innovation and industry leading power protection and management products, APC (American Power Conversion) since January 2016 has been providing power protection solutions at great, affordable prices with a great backbone of customer service. APC which is a subsidiary of Schneider Electric is working diligently to improve the manageability and protection of the power systems that affects users in their daily lives, be it at home for their home electronics, or even at work for business-critical systems. Schneider Electric has an office in Brunei located in Beribi.

Made as user-friendly as possible, APC has provided three different models for use by consumers; the APC PM5 surge protector, which is the basic model and has protection for up to 918 joules and has five power outlets; the other two models are the APC PM5U and the APC PM6U, with either five or six power outlets according to model and with two USB charging ports for mobile devices. Now I must say these features are very useful for our everyday usage. Even at home, I have multiple sockets here and there just my room alone. Yes, my room is power hungry too.

All three power surge protectors will provide a master power button for all power outlets, a surge protection LED which shows that the power surge protector is capable of protecting all the connected equipment, a Ground OK LED indicator to show that the power source outlet is properly grounded, 180-degree rotating cord management, and wall mount holes for easy installation onto walls. Let’s not forget that the APC PM5U and PM6U have USB ports to charge and also protect your smartphones, tablets and even charging your own power banks.

They ranged at $28, $48 and $58

They have many stocks so don’t worry

My recommendation will be the PM6U-UK

All the three models from APC will also provide Catastrophic Event Protection where the surge protection circuitry will act instantly to protect all connected devices or equipment against wiring faults, power surges, voltage fluctuations and even lightning strikes. So there is many to love about these products brought in by Concepts Computer.

Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Computer, speaking to the media, said, “Concepts Computer has been in the fore-front of providing cutting edge solutions for businesses and personal use, and providing a larger range of APC products is another step in the right direction to bring better and greater IT solutions for Bruneian IT consumers.”

He continued, “Also, besides the other Global brands we carry, like Acer, Epson, Logitech; APC Power Management solutions are a needed addition to the range of products we can bring into the Bruneian market. It is a reliable and well-known brand that originated from the US”.

Did you know that Brunei has the privilege to be the first in SEA market to release these models? Coolio. You can check out the three models at Concepts Computer and I’m sure it will be a big hit among consumer end. I also do a review of the APC PM6U-UK on my blog soon. Stay tune.

A strong quote by Mr. Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Group – “With you, we can do it better” – during the launch of Bilster Technologies

The cutting ribbon ceremony with the management of Concepts Group and Bilster Technologies

In times of economic downturn, it doesn’t give us the excuse not to grow or not to find alternative measures. I’ve seen some posting self pity and whining messages and hoping for a miracle during bad economic times. This is not the case for Mr. Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Computer. During his welcoming remarks of the launch of Bilster Technologies, he shared that we have to be extra creative and strategic in our business direction in times of economic downturn in Brunei Darussalam.

“Tough times are for us to get tougher and not use the current climate as a negative block but rather an energising spring board for fresh direction. Bilster Technologies is a testament to the progress we want to see in Concepts Group as well as in the IT industry. With the addition of Bilster Technologies to the Concepts Group, it is directly in line with the government’s focus on the development of local SMES.

Yes, for your information, the two year old company Bilster Technologies is now under the direction of Concepts Group and this is a good strategy for Concepts Group as now they are offer more products than the usual ones you see at Concepts Computer. You will notice other brands such as Dell, HP, Canon and others being sold at Bilster Technologies.

The launch took place yesterday at Bilster Technologies at Citis Square. It was attended by the management’s families and friends, members of Wushu community, IFB, Fuzhou Shiyyi Association, business partners and members of the media.

Now Bilster Technologies have different range of holiday hampers for consumers. There is also offer on Dell products such as desktops, laptops and other products. You can follow them on Bilster Technologies Facebook Page.

Vincent Pao and family with his close friends during the launch