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Minister has reception with top travel agents from Korea

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|     James Kon     |

IN HOPE of further boosting the number of Korean visitors to Brunei Darussalam, Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Apong, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, attended a networking reception with 17 top travel agents from Korea who were in the country for a four-day, three-night familiarisation trip to experience the Golf and City Tour packages.

The programme was organised by Sinar Tour Sdn Bhd in collaboration with Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) and The Empire Hotel & Country Club with support from the Tourism Development Department.

Also present at the reception were Awang Wardi bin Haji Mohammad Ali, the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism; Haji Mohammad Zamree bin Haji Junaidi, Director of the Tourism Development Department; Nigel Badminton, General Manager of The Empire Hotel & Country Club, as well as Sinar Tour Sdn Bhd’s Executive Management and officers from the Tourism Development Department.

In his welcoming remarks, the minister expressed that he was pleased to see almost half of the top travel agencies from the Republic of Korea coming to Brunei, taking time to see the country and assisting the Tourism Development Department’s efforts to promote Brunei to the Korean market.

Since Sinar Tour Sdn Bhd started operating the charted flight from Incheon to Bandar Seri Begawan two months ago, they have conducted aggressive marketing and promotions through their representatives at TAMs Inc and have received over 1,500 Korean tourists. During a promotion on the home shopping channel in Korea, another 2,000 confirmed bookings between now until August 2017 have been recorded.

Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Apong, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, with the travel agents from Korea and other officials during their networking reception. - MPRT

Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Apong, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, with the travel agents from Korea and other officials during their networking reception. – MPRT

The minister also exchanged ideas and first-hand information regarding the needs and expectations of the Korean travellers.

He also shared with the group the main tourism products promoted by the ministry, including luxury travel, nature and cultural experiences set in a clean, healthy and safe environment.

In his discussions with the agents, the minister informed them that there are a lot more product offerings that could be added to the itinerary, as demand grows.

Brunei also welcomes more MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Events) groups to the country, especially in areas such as Islamic Banking, Eco-tourism as well as the Oil and Gas sectors.

The Koreans were further assured that they will get the ministry’s support to achieve their target as well as to open opportunities to invest in Brunei to build tourism infrastructures and services.

The group of Korean tourists was led by Kweon Hee Seok, the Senior Vice Chairman of Hana Tour, one of the largest travel companies in the Republic of Korea.

The post Minister has reception with top travel agents from Korea appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.


PPPBD hosts welcoming dinner for FAPW 5th General Assembly members

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|     Izah Azahari     |

HER Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah, the President of the Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam (PPPBD), graced a welcoming dinner for 93 members of the Friends of Asia Pacific Region World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (FAPW) last night, at The Rizqun International Hotel in Gadong.

Also present were the Royal Patrons of the FAPW, Her Royal Highness Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Iskandar Ismail, the Crown Princess of Pahang, Malaysia; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah; and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The event was hosted by PPPBD, as a welcome gesture for those attending the FAPW 5th General Assembly 2017 in Brunei, which runs March 12-15.

A number of programmes have already been planned, including the assembly and selection of the new FAPW Working Group, a badge presentation to the members of FAPW and an international bazaar, as well as visits to places of interest and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Her Royal Highness Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Iskandar Ismail, the Crown Princess of Pahang, Malaysia; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah, President of the Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah; and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, during the welcoming dinner. - PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI

Her Royal Highness Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Iskandar Ismail, the Crown Princess of Pahang, Malaysia; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah, President of the Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah; and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, during the welcoming dinner. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI

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PHOTOS TOP, ABOVE & BELOW: Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah presenting souvenirs to some of the participants

PHOTOS TOP, ABOVE & BELOW: Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah presenting souvenirs to some of the participants

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Participants from Australia, Cook Islands, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Maldives, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Brunei at the event

Participants from Australia, Cook Islands, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Maldives, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Brunei at the event

The participating countries are Australia, Cook Islands, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Maldives, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Brunei.

FAPW is a membership scheme that, since its establish-ment in 1999, contributes towards the development and growth of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) through funding of the development of girls and young women.

The event was also attended by PPPBD members and high committee members.

The post PPPBD hosts welcoming dinner for FAPW 5th General Assembly members appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

Brunei’s drive to excel gets thumbs up

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|     Danial Norjidi     |

THE Chair of the Council for Education in the Commonwealth has praised Brunei Darussalam for its high education attainment and literacy, as well as its drive to excel.

Sonny Leong CBE is the Chair of the Council for Education in the Commonwealth and Chief Executive of the Civil Service College.

The Council for Education in the Commonwealth is a parliament-based non-government organisation (NGO) founded over 50 years ago, at the time of the first Commonwealth Education Ministers’ Conference.

It carries the purpose of creating an informed public opinion on salient issues concerning education and training in the Commonwealth, as well as to identify appropriate ways in which Britain and the European Union can best contribute to their development.

He recently made his first visit to the Sultanate, during which he spoke in an interview with the Bulletin, facilitated by the British High Commission in Brunei Darussalam.

Sharing his thoughts on Brunei, he said, “My first impression is I love the country. It’s a very clean country, very green. The people are warm and very friendly.

“In the last few days I have been here, I’ve learnt the fantastic drive to excel in everything, where there is productivity in the public sector, excellence in the school sector and at the same time ensuring that graduates are given the opportunity to exploit the potential within either the private or public sector themselves.

“So I’m really deeply, deeply impressed,” he said.

He shared that from his visit he was briefed on the Brunei Vision 2035 and as well as the efforts in upskilling and increasing capacity within the public sector to deliver services to the citizens effectively and efficiently.

He was impressed with how ambitious Brunei is, of wanting to be in the global league of measurement, which he said is something to be praised and acknowledged.

Sonny Leong CBE, the Chair of the Council for Education in the Commonwealth. - DANIAL NORJIDI

Sonny Leong CBE, the Chair of the Council for Education in the Commonwealth. – DANIAL NORJIDI

“Like anything else, you constantly have to evolve. You can’t just create one policy and that’s it. Any developing country has to embrace new technology, has to look at how the world has changed and respond accordingly and Brunei is always at that forefront.”

On the topic of civil service, he shared, “Delivering public services effectively and efficiently is every government’s top priority, whether it’s in Brunei, in the United Kingdom, Australia or so on.

“In this present climate globally, whereby money is tight because of financial situations globally, everyone has to find a way of delivering their services effectively and looking at what is value for money.”

He also spoke on the importance of looking at how a country’s citizens can actually expect governments to deliver services effectively and efficiently, “because these days where technology citizens can actually access information readily, the government has to play its part as well in how to deliver that information accurately and timely.

“That’s a challenge not just to the Brunei Government but to governments around the world,” he said.

He highlighted that it is important for countries to learn from each other’s mistakes.

“Some countries are more advanced than others, so why reinvent the wheel when you can say, ‘Let’s not waste money doing that, because they’ve done that. Let’s try and find a way forward.’”

Speaking on the development of education in the Commonwealth, he said, “I’ve been very privileged in my career to visit many countries within the Commonwealth. There are 52 members within the Commonwealth and 31 of the members are small nations with less than two million people.

“But at the same time they need to have an education policy that’s fit for purpose post-independence and to keep up with the pace of technology that is driving education,” he continued.

“Some countries develop their policies faster than others in terms of embracing new technology, but at the same time there are international standards.”

As an example, he shared, “Within the Commonwealth we all share common values in terms of common language – English. The school curriculum and structure is very similar – you’ve got pre-primary, primary, secondary, ‘O’ Levels, ‘A’ Levels and universities. Right across the Commonwealth it’s very similar.

“Within the Commonwealth itself you can look at all the various stages of education and say, ‘Ok, let’s try to achieve this at the primary, secondary or tertiary level.’ “Then you’ve got the international standards. Take for example the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG4), which basically says ‘Let’s have quality teachers’ and it’s important. In schools you need to have good teachers, and the quality of teachers varies quite widely between the 52 member states.

“Some spend more in training their teachers, some spend less. Some teachers are graduates, some are not. At the same time you need quality teachers.

“What I’ve seen positively in Brunei is where the Government has brought in these international coaches and mentors and embedded them in schools to ensure the local teachers meet international quality standards, and that’s fantastic; that’s brilliant.”

Asked for his opinion on where Brunei stands compared to other Commonwealth states in terms of education, he said, “Very well. The education attainment in Brunei is very high, literacy is very high, and there is this urge to learn within Brunei students. The teacher’s profession is very much a respected profession here.”

Today is Commonwealth Day, and the theme this year is ‘A peace-building Commonwealth.’

“The question now is can education deliver a peace-building Commonwealth? My take is, yes, it can,” said Leong, highlighting that, as much as it is important for schools and children to study the usual STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects, it is important to have other disciplines in place like “good citizenship”, teaching respect and acceptance.

He noted that 2018 is quite a busy year for the Commonwealth.

“We’ve got the Commonwealth Education Ministers’ Conference in February, and it’s going to be in Fiji, followed later in spring/summer where the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting will be held in the UK itself.”

He added that the Commonwealth is “a fantastic organisation”, highlighting that, with 52 countries, each member state has an equal say, irrespective of size.

The post Brunei’s drive to excel gets thumbs up appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

Over 2,000 take part in Pusat Ehsan fund-raiser

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|     James Kon     |

HER Royal Highness Princess Hajah Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah was among the over 2,000 people who gathered at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien in the heart of the capital yesterday to raise funds by participating in the 12th Pusat Ehsan Walk, Run & Cycle 2017.

In support of the Bandarku Ceria initiative on Sunday in Bandar Seri Begawan, the categories in the Walk & Run event were the 3km Fun Run, 5km Fun Run, 10km and 21km while in the Fun Cycling event, the categories fell into 12km and 21km.

The guest of honour who sounded off the 21km cycling event was YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Home Affairs.

The Minister of Home Affairs also participated in the 12km cycling event with YB Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, Minister of Education and other riders.

Also present to sound off the race were Dato Paduka Mohd Alimin bin Haji Abdul Wahab, Senior Trustee of Pusat Ehsan with Pengiran Datin Hajah Noraini binti Pengiran Dipa Negara Laila Diraja Pengiran Haji Abdul Momin, an Executive Trustee of Pusat Ehsan.

YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Home Affairs taking part in the Fun Cycling event

YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Home Affairs taking part in the Fun Cycling event

Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah at the 12th Pusat Ehsan Walk, Run & Cycle 2017 event. - PHOTOS: DEAN KASSIM

Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah at the 12th Pusat Ehsan Walk, Run & Cycle 2017 event. – PHOTOS: DEAN KASSIM

YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Home Affairs sounding off the cycling event

YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Home Affairs sounding off the cycling event

YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Home Affairs, and YB Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, Minister of Education in a group photo with other cyclists

YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Home Affairs, and YB Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, Minister of Education in a group photo with other cyclists

Participants taking part in the warming up session

Participants taking part in the warming up session

First place winners of the 12th Pusat Ehsan Walk, Run & Cycle 2017 in a group photo

First place winners of the 12th Pusat Ehsan Walk, Run & Cycle 2017 in a group photo

Adiputera bin Haji Hamid, a cyclist from the novice category in action

Adiputera bin Haji Hamid, a cyclist from the novice category in action

Photos above & below show the participants at the event

Photos above & below show the participants at the event

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Co-organised by Cycletechno Event Management Solutions, local and Miri cyclists also participated in the King of Criterium (KoC) Cycle Race as part of the Pusat Ehsan Walk, Run & Cycle 2017 event.

Haji Ahmad bin Haji Abdul Rahman, a Trustee (Policy and Planning) of Pusat Ehsan conveyed his appreciation to the sponsors, the organising committee as well as the Minister of Home Affairs and the diplomatic corps for participating in the event.

He also thanked the participants for supporting the event to help raise fund for Pusat Ehsan.

This is the 12th Pusat Ehsan Run to raise funds for services and programmes related to the training, care and recovery of special needs individuals.

The post Over 2,000 take part in Pusat Ehsan fund-raiser appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

MoF holds tax roadshow in Tutong

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|      Azaraimy HH      |

 

TO FURTHER explain the recent amendment to customs import tax and excise duties, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) through the Royal Customs and Excise Department continued its roadshow at Seri Kenangan Hall, Tutong District Community Hall Complex, Tuesday.

The briefing was facilitated by Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Permanent Secretary (Performance) at the MoF.

The objectives of the amendments are to streamline the tax structure in the country to support a number of key objectives such as to enhance the competitiveness of the business and investment climate in the country and as well as to fulfil certain commitments under the free trade agreements (FTAs) with several countries, either on a bilateral or multi-lateral basis, he said.

The amendments will take effect from April 2017.

The restructuring of the import and excise duties also focuses on specific products with the purpose of meeting certain objectives such as reducing the cost of living for specific groups; bringing down the prices of certain goods to encourage their usage and at the same time controlling the use of certain products to improve the health and well-being of citizens and residents in the country.

Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Permanent Secretary (Performance) at the Ministry of Finance (MoF) during the briefing. - AZARAIMY HH

Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Permanent Secretary (Performance) at the Ministry of Finance (MoF) during the briefing. – AZARAIMY HH

The list of goods included in the tax amendments is given in the table:

The amendments are also aimed at further enhancing the development of the private sector in the country.

The reduction of import and excise duties will be implemented on several items for certain business sectors such as industrial machinery and spare parts for heavy vehicles and heavy machinery.

In addition, the tax rates for car spare parts and tyres will be reduced, aimed at easing the financial burden and enhancing the safety of consumers in the country.

On the health front, taxes for several products that are harmful to health will be raised to control consumer demand for food and drinks that have high sugar content. This is in line with the Ministry of Health (MoH)’s effort to realise its vision of ‘Towards a Healthy Society’.

In terms of environment, the increase in excise duties on plastic products is to support the efforts of Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe) in reducing the amount of plastic waste to be disposed of, encouraging the use of recycled materials and minimising pollution that can harm the environment and health.

To balance the reduction in revenue due to these duty cuts, tax rates for certain products such as mobile phones, leather and fur skin products, video games and other items will be increased.

To balance the reduction in revenue for certain goods, tax rates for certain products such as mobile phones, leather and fur skin products, video games and other items will be increased.

Also present to provide the briefing were Mohammad Mu’inuddin bin Abdur Rahman, Acting Controller of the Royal Customs and Excise Department; Acting Assistant Director of Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE), Heidi Farah Sia binti Abdul Rahman; Acting Director of the Land Transport Department, Ali bin Haji Matussin; Senior Officer of MoH, Haji Zakaria bin Haji Kamis and Officer from JASTRe, Abdul Khaliq bin Haji Lokman.

Meanwhile, a similar roadshow was held in Temburong District.

Further information about the amendments to the tax rates can be obtained from www.bdnsw.gov.bn or www.tradingacrossborders.gov.bn and by contacting the Royal Customs and Excise Department at 2382361.

The post MoF holds tax roadshow in Tutong appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

A chance to learn best moves at Jr NBA

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|     James Kon     |

 

DRIBBLE like Kyrie Irving or shoot like James Harden and pass like Kyle Lowry – local basketball players have a chance to learn basketball skills and moves of some of the best former NBA players at the Jr NBA programme set to take place in April 2017 this year in Malaysia.

Former national coach Kevin Reece who is also the Easyway coach who holds the record for most wins through Street Roc International Basketball Services is looking to bring young local basketball players and coaches to the camp to help develop their talents.

In an interview, Kevin Reece explained on the importance of basketball development from a young age. “It is very important. It used to be only in the USA and the old Soviet Union that early development was emphasised, because it is important to have a foundation first to develop the talent then for the development to cater across the entire board meaning youth, junior, senior and national levels.

“Today every country has a strong foundation in the last 10-15 years. Countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia have benefitted from having sports development from grassroots level. Other nations that have been successful are China and the Philippines. You can advance up the ladder to reach success if your foundation is in place and solid, and it should start with coaches being trained for the areas of youth development.”

The Junior NBA programme will be hosted twice in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia this year which is in April where retired NBA players will be featured, and in July which will be attended by current NBA players. After the camp, there will also be friendly matches with players from WAMP and MVP Basketball Academies.

Coach Kevin Reece in a photo with some of the participants of the past Jr NBA programme. - JAMES KON

Coach Kevin Reece in a photo with some of the participants of the past Jr NBA programme. – JAMES KON

The American coach said, “We are in our early stages of promoting the Jr NBA in Brunei and hopefully in future with the help of Brunei Basketball Association, we can make this an annual event, and eventually develop players by getting them ready to excel, not just participating in the programme or any other events offered and hosted by Southeast Asian nations. Each year the camp grows and many of today’s stars show up normally during national selection like OKC Steven Adams and others too.”

“Kids from all over Malaysia will participate in hopes of being invited to the national selection camp for a chance to represent their country in a sponsored event to take place in China. Unfortunately, our players from Brunei cannot participate in the national Jr NBA tournament, but if chosen they would be acknowledged.”

Touching on the possibility of Brunei hosting the Jr NBA programme, Reece said, “It’s a great start for Brunei and its basketball. We have been working on this for many months. The US Ambassador and myself have corresponded with the Head NBA office and officials to try and get the opportunity to host the Jr NBA in Brunei. However, we were unsuccessful because the NBA Asia marketing team did not see Brunei meeting the requirements. But they have told us to stay in touch and a few months back we have been included in the Jr NBA in Malaysia. It is a good start and a win-win situation and at the end of the day it’s for the kids.”

Interested basketball players can email junli.lavamedia@gmail.com for further enquiries.

The post A chance to learn best moves at Jr NBA appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

Effective communication, better science

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|      Cheesheng Onn      |

 

IN A presentation that won her the best presenter of the Tutong Sixth Form Centre’s (PTET) 3rd Youth Science Symposium, a Year 13 student on Tuesday warned of the danger of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

The event saw three Year 13 girls delivering their presentations, which were preceded by a month-long literature reviews and research by the participating students into their topics of interest.

In her presentation, Normasturina binti Ibrahim explained that antibiotic-resistant bacteria emerged partly due to the overuse and misuse of antibiotics over the last few decades, adding that these bacteria can spread easily and are often more difficult to eradicate and expensive to treat.

“In some cases, the antibiotic-resistant infections can lead to serious disability or even death,” warned Normasturina. “The world urgently needs to change the way it prescribes and uses antibiotics.”

Dr Ihsan Nazurah binti Zulkipli, a lecturer from the Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences (PAPRSB IHS), Universiti Brunei Darussalam adjudicated the symposium alongside PTET’s Head of Psychology Veronica Chung Ai Wei, according to a press release issued by PTET.

A group photo of the Science Department teachers, adjudicator Dr Ihsan Nazurah binti Zulkipli and students. - PTET

A group photo of the Science Department teachers, adjudicator Dr Ihsan Nazurah binti Zulkipli and students. – PTET

Dr Ihsan, who completed her PhD at Cambridge University, are currently investigating the effects of compounds extracted from the medicinal plants of Brunei on cell division and microtubules, with her co-workers at PAPRSB IHS.

Following the students’ presentations, the adjudicators questioned them based on their presentations, trying to get them outside their comfort zones, gauging the extent of the students’ research.

In second place was Nur Syakirah Naqibah binti Muhammad Nasif, whose presentation delved into Multiple Personality Disorders and how scientific advances enabled psychologists to adopt a more scientific approach for its study.

In third place was Lina Amizah binti Isa, who was just a single point behind. Her presentation talked about Schizophrenia, focussing on key studies by several psychologists, whose findings have deciphered what contributes to the development of schizophrenia.

The chairperson of the organising committee, Head of Science Nurdiyanah Goh Abdullah, in her welcoming speech explained this year’s broad theme ‘The Enabling Power of Science’ – like in previous years – allowed students the creative freedom “to interpret and explore open-ended ideas that interest them”.

The symposium concluded with cash prize and certificate presentation by PTET Principal, Hajah Murni binti Abdullah.

The post Effective communication, better science appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

Girl on recovery after harrowing ordeal

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|      Danial Norjidi      |

 

THE prompt response and decisive action by the medical team at the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital as well as the quick thinking of a father not only saved a girl’s life, but also enabled her to keep her arm after sustaining severe injuries in a car accident.

Nur Nawal Husna binti Mohd Khirul Effendi, two years and four months old, sustained injuries to her right upper-arm and left leg in the accident. The injuries were so severe her arm was almost completely severed, according to a member of the medical team that carried out her treatment and surgeries.

The incident happened around 3pm on January 31, said Mohd Khirul Effendi bin Haji Yussof, the girl’s father, in an interview with the Bulletin.

“We were on the road, heading from Jerudong towards Kampong Rimba,” he recounted. “Our car was hit by another from behind and it turned over to the front.

“After it happened, everything was a blur. I looked for my wife and children.”

A father’s prompt response in the face of horror and the quick response and decisive action by a medical team saved a young child severely injured in a car accident. - PHOTOS: MINISTRY OF HEALTH

A father’s prompt response in the face of horror and the quick response and decisive action by a medical team saved a young child severely injured in a car accident. – PHOTOS: MINISTRY OF HEALTH

He found his nine-year-old daughter fine and had moved away from the car to the side of the road, while his wife, Haslinah binti Haji Omar had suffered a leg injury. His youngest daughter, Nawal, was seriously injured in the arm.

Upon seeing his youngest daughter’s condition, Mohd Khirul said he was first taken aback, but then took action. As a soldier, he is trained in basic first aid. He took his wife’s head scarf and used it as a tourniquet, tying it around his daughter’s wound and applying pressure to it to lessen the bleeding.

Mohd Khirul said the ambulance arrived 10-15 minutes later.

Dr Rohayati Taib, Consultant Paediatrician, commended the father’s prompt response. “What he did was really sensible. He made a tourniquet which prevented further bleeding and also covered the wound.”

There were no internal or head injuries, but Dr Sasidharan P R, Specialist Plastic Surgeon at RIPAS Hospital, described how severe Nawal’s injuries were.

“The right upper arm was almost completely cut off from the body – it was just hanging loose by a single piece of skin. A part of the bone in the middle was lost, all the muscles were badly damaged, and the major blood vessels and nerves were all cut,” he said.

“She also had an injury to her lower left leg, with the ankle bone exposed.”

Dr Rohayati and Dr Sasidharan both highlighted that Consultant Plastic and Resconstructive Surgeon Dr Chan Koo Guan took a very strong leadership role in the surgery and care for Nawal, and showed great dedication to the cause.

A number of significant procedures were carried out for Nawal’s treatment, some of which are the first of their kind to have been done on a child in Brunei, including a replantation of the arm.

On admission, a debridement was carried out to clean and remove damaged tissue. This was followed by bone fixation and the replantation of the amputated right upper limb, which took about seven hours and was done by plastic surgeons and orthopedicians. Next was the re-exploration for a blocked vein, which took three hours.

For Nawal’s leg injury, a debridement and a free gracilis muscle flap operation were done to cover the exposed right ankle, which took six hours. Further debridement and skin grafting were done for the replanted forearm, along with external fixator application, taking around three hours. Last of all, dressing changes were done, under anaesthesia.

Nawal’s condition in the hospital was constantly monitored by the medical team, whose vigilance and care allowed for a swift recovery

Nawal’s condition in the hospital was constantly monitored by the medical team, whose vigilance and care allowed for a swift recovery

The procedures were very intricate and required great precision. For the replantation, Dr Sasidharan explained, the blood vessels and nerves, muscles and tendons were reconnected under a microscope, which is very rarely done on small children because the vessels are very small, and with children, it is very difficult.

“She underwent four or five surgeries before we could gain some normalcy to the hand. The whole time she was under the care of paediatricians for life-saving measures.”

Dr Rohayati said that they made sure that not many people visited the child and exercised very strict infection control. “Management of her care was very much a team effort,” she said, noting that Nawal was monitored 24 hours a day.

Dr Sasidharan said that Nawal needed constant monitoring and the monitoring by the team had been excellent. It was highlighted that every member of the team at the hospital showed “good teamwork from the very beginning… Everything was fast, and (the team) gave the right treatment at the right time and looked after the patient well.”

In one instance, the doctor shared, “a venous congestion was noted immediately and within half an hour she was taken to the operating theatre.”

Dr Sasidharan said that this was significant “because if it is detected a little late, (the situation will be) beyond repair, nothing can be done and you’d have to amputate the hand.”

Dr Rohayati said that the first three days were “touch and go”, but Nawal is “a fighter”.

Nawal has since returned home and has begun her recovery and rehabilitation, having been officially discharged from hospital two weeks ago. Dr Sasidharan said that there is no more risk of infection, and that Nawal’s hand can now be trained to function.

Her father said that she has been making progress, and has started returning her normal self again. He said she no longer seems to be traumatised, and is happy being in her home environment and playing with her siblings and cousins.

“She’s becoming happy again,” he said.

The post Girl on recovery after harrowing ordeal appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.


Brunei Museum undergoing repair

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|      Aziz Idris      |

 

LegCo-LogoBRUNEI Museum, located at an archaeological site in Kota Batu, will remain closed to the public until further notice following a severe case of termite infestation.

The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, YB Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof shared this on day eight of the 13th Legislative Council session yesterday.

This was in response to a query by YB Haji Mohimin bin Haji Johari @ Jahari, Legislative Council member and Village Head of Kampong Limau Manis, regarding the status of the Brunei’s national museum.

The museum – the largest in the country – has been closed since January 28, 2014.

The minister noted that the termite outbreak has spread to all five galleries of the museum, affecting the electrical wiring and air-conditioning system of the building, further acknowledging that the closure has caused disappointment among visitors.

YB Haji Mohimin bin Haji Johari @ Jahari, Legislative Council member and Village Head of Kampong Limau Manis

YB Haji Mohimin bin Haji Johari @ Jahari, Legislative Council member and Village Head of Kampong Limau Manis

File photo of the Brunei Museum at Kota Batu. - PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR/ AZROL AZMI

File photo of the Brunei Museum at Kota Batu. – PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR/ AZROL AZMI

“The Brunei Museum in Kota Batu is closed indefinitely to the public. Repair works will take a long period of time while our maintenance team devises ways to solve the problem,” he added. A key issue currently faced by the Museums Department is insufficient funds for the unpredictable and high-cost of repair and replacement works.

A similar question was raised to the minister during the 12th LegCo session last year, in which the minister was quoted as saying, “The renovation and repair works are estimated to take almost five years, taking into account additions and improvements to the museum’s buildings and galleries.”

The minister suggested members of the public, particularly tourists, to visit the other galleries along Jalan Kota Batu such as the Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum, Malay Technology Museum and Kota Batu Archaeological Park in the meantime.

Upgrading and renovation works on new and existing museums have also been made by the ministry, including the recently opened Belait District Museum. The museum is a valuable addition and an interesting alternative to other tourist attractions in the district, such as the Oil and Gas Discovery Centre, Labi longhouses and Pekan Seria.

The five galleries housed within the four-decades-old Brunei Museum are the Brunei Darussalam Archaeology and History Gallery, which covers the history of Brunei Darussalam beginning from prehistoric times up till Brunei’s independence in 1984; the Art Exhibition (Brunei culture) Gallery; the Oil and Gas Discovery Gallery; the Islamic Art Gallery; and the Brunei Shipwreck Gallery which exhibits artefacts from China, Thailand and Vietnam discovered in 1997 from a shipwreck off the coast of Brunei Darussalam.

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Ministry expects increase in medal tally at SEA GAMES

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|     Wani Roslan     |

 

LegCo-LogoYB PEHIN Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports said at the 13th Legislative Council session yesterday that his ministry is expecting an increase in the medal tally by Bruneian athletes in the coming SEA Games.

The minister was responding to a query by YB Hanapi bin Mohd Siput, Legislative Council member and Village Head of Kampong Labi I, on medal target and the events to be participated by Brunei Darussalam, and also on when Brunei will host the SEA Games.

“Brunei hosted the SEA Games in 1999,” the minister reminded, adding that “hosting the event is not an easy task to shoulder, as it requires lot of planning and strategic decisions by taking into account the existing facilities, facilities to be completed and other matters.”

YB Hanapi also raised the issue of extending the Outward Bound programme to other districts that have the potential apart from Temburong District.

The minister replied that the current Outward Bound programme is presumed to be adequate and that with the completion of the Brunei-Muara to Temburong Bridge, transportation will be efficient.

File photo shows Bruneian players in a football match with a Singaporean team. At the 13th Legislative Council session yesterday, it was revealed the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports is expecting an increase in the medal tally by Bruneian athletes in the coming SEA Games. - KHAIRIL HASSAN

File photo shows Bruneian players in a football match with a Singaporean team. At the 13th Legislative Council session yesterday, it was revealed the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports is expecting an increase in the medal tally by Bruneian athletes in the coming SEA Games. – KHAIRIL HASSAN

“Outward Bound Brunei Darussalam (OBBD) Temburong received interna-tional recognition as one of the prestigious outward bound schools as it meets the necessary standards and it has enhanced the country’s prestige. Singapore, who has Outward Bound Singapore (OBS), is one of OBBD’s main clients,” said the minister.

He added that the proposal to extend the Outward Bound initiative to other districts can be considered in the future.

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Minister promises all help for local writers

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|      Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

 

LegCo-LogoTHE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) will take steps to help market books written by Bruneian authors by encouraging bookstores to display and sell local books.

The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports YB Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, said this on the 8th day of the Legislative Council (LegCo) session yesterday, while responding to concerns raised by YB Pehin Orang Kaya Putera Maharaja Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Ghani bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Dewa Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Rahim about the reluctance of bookstores to promote local books.

The minister fully agreed with the LegCo member that books written by local authors need to be marketed within the local market.

According to him, his ministry and the DBP generally do assist in marketing the local publications. He added that in every book fair organised by DBP, local writers are given space to promote their books.

The minister also added that several activi-ties had been taken for distributing local books to the members of the public through libraries as well as the Bestari centres.

YB Pehin Orang Kaya Putera Maharaja Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Ghani bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Dewa Dato Paduka Haji Paduka Haji Abdul Rahim at the 13th Legislative Council session. - AZROL AZMI

YB Pehin Orang Kaya Putera Maharaja Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Ghani bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Dewa Dato Paduka Haji Paduka Haji Abdul Rahim at the 13th Legislative Council session. – AZROL AZMI

“We will never discourage the works of local authors. Insya Allah, they will be given appropriate areas or space to display their books and hope that we will be able to get good returns for the writers,” he said.

On the issue of assisting the trips of local authors who are invited by stakeholders outside Brunei, the minister said that the authors should refer the matter to their own association.

The association can, in turn, refer such requests to relevant government parties such as DBP or the MCYS.

He said that in most cases, Brunei Ambassadors or High Commissioners send officers to accompany the visitors. “The ministry will give all help to our writers to make use of such opportunities,” he assured.

The minister also spoke of the need of developing a two-way communication system to deal with such matters.

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MCYS receives $76.33M budget

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|      Rokiah Mahmud      |

 

LegCo-LogoTHE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) has been allocated a budget of $76.33 million for the financial year 2017-2018, YB Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, announced during his budget speech on the eighth day of the 13th Legislative Council (LegCo) session yesterday.

The allocated budget for the ministry is less than $8.79 million compared to the $85.13 million which the ministry received for the 2016-2017 fiscal.

Despite the cuts, the minister said that MCYS will optimise and prioritise its multi-level mechanism for consultation, coordination, monitoring as well as programme evaluation by establishing more cooperation with other government ministries and departments, non-governmental organisations and the private sector towards achieving a higher level of success.

For the new financial year, he explained that his ministry has prioritised four main areas – culture, youth, sports and community.

In the area of culture, MCYS will strive to further preserve the nation’s culture, history and heritage that are regarded as the pillars of national unity and identity, while in the field of youth, the ministry will focus on enhancing the youth’s self-esteem so that they could be more independent and able to contribute towards the country’s development and well-being, the minister said.

File photo of YB Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports. The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) has been allocated a budget of $76.33 million for the financial year 2017-2018 it was announced yesterday, on the eighth day of the 13th Legislative Council (LegCo) session. - AZROL AZMI

File photo of YB Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports. The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) has been allocated a budget of $76.33 million for the financial year 2017-2018 it was announced yesterday, on the eighth day of the 13th Legislative Council (LegCo) session. – AZROL AZMI

For this, the minister said MCYS will carry out more engagement programmes by reaching out to as many youth as possible either through associations, Mukim and Village Consultative Council, schools and higher learning institutions.

In the field of sports, MCYS will provide sports and recreational infrastructure towards creating a healthy and active community, at the same time taking steps to achieving excellence in sports.

Meanwhile, in the area of community, the ministry will be taking initiatives in ensuring the welfare and well-being of the citizens and residents in the country and strengthening family institutions, towards creating unity and peace, he noted.

The minister added that MCYS needs to review and evaluate the progress of initiatives in the culture and arts field so that the efforts in preserving culture and heritage will be more focussed.

These efforts include among others opening up of district museums and improving the content of cultural roadshows held at schools and mukims, the minister pointed out.

As part of the effort in glorifying the Malay Language as the country’s official language, the Language Month programme will be enriched. At the same time, Book Festival Project and Reading Culture Empowerment Carnival will be updated so that the outcome will be more outstanding, he added.

During the deliberation, the minister also explained that the ministry will identify changes needed in the strategies used so that it would be more compatible with the current trends in the area of youth development to nurture today’s youth as future leaders.

In addition, MCYS is drawing up a new assistance programme in empowering the elderly and the disabled in the society. On this note, the minister said that MCYS, through the Social Issue National Council, is currently reviewing the Social Network System based on which the government gives assistance in the form of monthly welfare assistance, old age pension, disability pension and others.

This includes restructuring programmes and projects based on the needs and capabilities of different groups such as persons with disabilities, taking into account the resource position in addressing their issues.

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Her Majesty receives Crown Princess of Pahang

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|      Azrol Azmi      |

 

HER Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam, the Royal Patron of the Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam (PPPBD) yesterday consented to receive Her Royal Highness Tunku Hajjah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Iskandar Ismail, the Crown Princess of Pahang, Malaysia, who is the Royal Patron of the Friends of Asia Pacific World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (FAPW) at the Istana Nurul Iman.

Present during the audience ceremony was Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah, the President of PPPBD who received the Royalty Membership Pin recently from the Crown Princess of Pahang, Malaysia.

Also present during the audience ceremony were members of PPPBD and FAPW.

The ceremony concluded with the exchange of gifts between the royal patrons and members.

Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam yesterday consented to receive in audience with Her Royal Highness Tunku Hajjah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Iskandar Ismail, the Crown Princess of Pahang, Malaysia at the Istana Nurul Iman

Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam yesterday consented to receive in audience with Her Royal Highness Tunku Hajjah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Iskandar Ismail, the Crown Princess of Pahang, Malaysia at the Istana Nurul Iman

Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam, the Royal Patron of the Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam (PPPBD), with Her Royal Highness Tunku Hajjah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Iskandar Ismail, the Crown Princess of Pahang, Malaysia, who is the Royal Patron of the Friends of Asia Pacific World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, during the audience ceremony at the Istana Nurul Iman. Also seen in the photo is Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah, the President of the PPPBD. - PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI

Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam, the Royal Patron of the Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam (PPPBD), with Her Royal Highness Tunku Hajjah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Iskandar Ismail, the Crown Princess of Pahang, Malaysia, who is the Royal Patron of the Friends of Asia Pacific World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, during the audience ceremony at the Istana Nurul Iman. Also seen in the photo is Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah, the President of the PPPBD. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI

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$323.8M for health

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|      Azaraimy HH      |

 

LegCo-LogoTHE Ministry of Health (MoH) has received a budget allocation of $323.88 million, including $7,766,900 for development expenditure, for the 2017-18 financial year.

This was stated by the Minister of Health YB Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Zulkarnain bin Haji Hanafi in his opening speech on the eighth day of the 13th Legislative Council (LegCo) session yesterday.

The minister expressed his gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for the allocation and His Majesty’s leadership which gives a high importance to matters concerning health.

Quoting from His Majesty’s titah, the minister said, “Health is the most important factor for all. If the body is healthy, all works can be carried out well. This is the secret or value of health.”

He added, “As it was said during the 12th LegCo session in 2016, the expenditure for the Ministry of Health during the 2015-2020 period is focused on three strategies: Inculcating the idea that health is everyone’s business; preventing and controlling non-communicable diseases; and providing excellent services through consolidation and realignment of healthcare services.

File photo shows the Outpatient Clinic  of the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital. The Ministry of Health (MoH) has received a budget allocation of $323.88 million, including $7,766,900 for development expenditure, for the 2017-18 financial year, it was announced yesterday on the eighth day of the 13th Legislative Council (LegCo) session. - AZROL AZMI

File photo shows the Outpatient Clinic of the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital. The Ministry of Health (MoH) has received a budget allocation of $323.88 million, including $7,766,900 for development expenditure, for the 2017-18 financial year, it was announced yesterday on the eighth day of the 13th Legislative Council (LegCo) session. – AZROL AZMI

The minister said several efforts in line with these three priorities have been implemented including the consolidation of several health centres to provide services on a one-stop centre basis; amalgamation of EMAS (Emergency, Medical and Ambulance Service) with the Department of Fire and Rescue; reducing waiting time for several health services; and establishment of ‘Centre of Excellence’.

He also highlighted international standard recognitions such as ISO 17025 for lab services and the Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation for Pengkalan Batu Health Centre, the first health centre in the country to get the accreditation.

Despite these achievements, the ministry is aware that much still needs to be done and challenges need to be overcome in order to fulfil the expectations of all the stakeholders, he added.

Customer-friendliness, long waiting time at the medicine counters, obtaining treatment at emergency departments as well as shortage of medicines are some of the issues that have been lamented over by the public, the minister said.

He pointed out that the recent meetings held in every district with internal and external stakeholders including members of the Legislative Council focused on seven themes – customer-friendliness, food safety, communication, health promotion, access to services and facilities, medicine retrieval and quality services including provision of appointment system.

Highlighting some of the health studies carried in the country, the minister said the integrated Health Screening 2007-2011 revealed that 70 per cent of the civil servants do not have adequate physical activity. The Global School Health Survey (GSHS) 2014 showed that about 87 per cent of children in the country do not have enough physical activity.

At the same time, the minister pointed out that the incidence of diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes are now occurring at a much younger age of around 20-30 years, adding that “this is an alarming situation”.

Furthermore, the Global Nutrition Report 2016 has placed Brunei Darussalam as having the highest obesity rate among adults in the region. Excessive weight can cause non-communicable diseases such as cancer, coronary ailments, diabetes and stroke – the main causes of death in the country, he noted.

The minister said that the health ministry allocation for 2017-2018 will be used effectively to reduce the high rate of obesity and incidence of non-communicable diseases in the country. Nearly $196 million, or 62 per cent, of the allocation is for secondary and tertiary treatments. This amount does not include the allocation for sending patients to The Brunei Cancer Centre (TBCC), Brunei Neuroscience, Stroke and Rehabilitation Centre (BNSRC) and the Heart Centre at the Gleneagles Jerudong Park Medical Centre (Gleneagles JPMC).

He said the allocation to finance preventive programmes including basic healthcare is only 14 per cent, which is less but it enough to give a big impact, adding that it would be better if we can focus more towards enhancing a healthy lifestyle, ensuring that people will stay healthy for a longer period.

On the other hand, the minister also highlighted that there has been an increase in the number of people who are health conscious and doing physical activities. The National Non-Communicable Diseases Steps Survey 2016 has proved this as it found that the percentage of adults in the country who are physically active has increased from 65 per cent in 2011 to 75 per cent in 2016.

Citing the Bandarku Ceria initiative, the minister said that it is a good example which has proved the efficacy of the whole of nation approach.

He said the government is only a facilitator, while individuals and groups are the drivers to ensure that Bandarku Ceria continues to be successful, promoting a healthy lifestyle.

He also highlighted that changing people’s food habits is the biggest challenge the country is currently facing. On this note, the minister welcomed the Ministry of Finance’s decision to raise excise duties on food products that have high sugar and monosodium glutamate (MSG) content.

The minister urged that all efforts should be taken in inculcating a healthy lifestyle among the people towards achieving Brunei Vision 2035.

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Moh Hack & Partners, Valor Property Agency launch Sungai Hanching Promenade

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MOH Hack & Partners in collaboration with Valor Property Agency will launch the Sungai Hanching Promenade situated in Jalan Muara, Kampong Sungai Hanching, on March 17 to 18 at 10am to 6pm in the Valor Property Agency Office.

Designed to provide the public a convenient and comfortable shopping experience amidst the busy street of Jalan Muara, this six-block project is inclusive of a commercial and residential complex, a promenade, varieties of restaurants, a supermarket and capacious car parks.

Unlike a typical commercial shop house, this Sungai Hanching Promenade boasts its unique promenade which provides a strong link between the blocks and all the commercial units in the complex, overall promoting a comfortable and shaded pedestrianised area for the shoppers to enjoy and socialise.

Sungai Hanching Promenade has several special features, functions and activities to make the entire complex a lively and inviting urban realm for the users. Being located strategically with road frontage, this shopping complex ensures high exposure and high potential to attract customers.

An artist’s impression of Sungai Hanching Promenade. - MOH HACK & PARTNERS, VALOR PROPERTY AGENCY

An artist’s impression of Sungai Hanching Promenade. – MOH HACK & PARTNERS, VALOR PROPERTY AGENCY

According to a press release, the covered promenade is designed to be a car-free zone, promoting a lively street-like atmosphere for the pedestrians. It also provides a ‘See-through Effect’, allowing visual connections not only with the main road but also throughout the entire complex. This very promenade also allows the shoppers to walk freely, protected from sun and rain in the lower ground floor.

With a total of 62 units, 50 per cent of it has already been booked by various businesses and an anchor tenant has been confirmed for the supermarket.

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Call for Sultan’s Scholars to combine talents, intellectual capacity

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|     James Kon     |

 

YAYASAN Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (Yayasan) hopes that members of the Sultan’s Scholar Alumni, comprising graduates who received the prestigious Sultan’s Scholar scholarship, to immediately be mobilised to make use of their skills, share experiences and exchange of new ideas as well as opinions to be applied to various projects that will be beneficial to the local community.

The call was made by Haji Brahim bin Haji Ismail, the Managing Director of Yayasan, in his remarks at the retreat session and meeting of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah’s Sultan’s Scholar scholarship scheme alumni yesterday morning.

Sultan’s Scholar scholarship alumni was established in 2014 with the appointment of office bearers of the alumni, however following its establishment, Yayasan has yet to see any progress in achieving its objectives, which are to combine the talents, intellectual capacity and skills of graduates to promote and provide opportunity for the alumni to implement welfare and beneficial social activities, to become a channel and medium for the alumni to contribute idea, expertise, experience to any parties that need assistance, organised activities towards the development of a balanced physical, spiritual and intellectual graduate, to instil integration, unity and closer ties among members of the alumni and in supporting the vision and mission of Yayasan.

Haji Brahim said, “Sultan’s Scholar alumni comprise inte-llectual individuals and are expected to be able to bring huge potential impact of progress for a targeted community.

Haji Brahim bin Haji Ismail, Managing Director of Yayasan,  delivering his remark at the retreat session of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah’s Sultan’s Scholar scholarship scheme alumni yesterday. - JAMES KON

Haji Brahim bin Haji Ismail, Managing Director of Yayasan, delivering his remark at the retreat session of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah’s Sultan’s Scholar scholarship scheme alumni yesterday. – JAMES KON

“Members of the alumni are seen as the next generation who will be leadership successor in a governmental or private organisation as stipulated in the document of rules and rules of Sultan’s scholar scholarships.”

Yayasan, he said, “puts high hopes on members of the alumni who are recipients of the prestigious scheme to be dedicated in giving back to the community and help Yayasan to achieve its vision to become a competitive, high-achieving and well known organisation in giving assistance and contribution to the citizens of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji

Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.”

He believed that members of the alumni are able to balance daily and voluntary work addressing various issues and challenges faced by the country.

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Queen’s Baton Relay to pass through Brunei in October

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|     Aziz Idris     |

 

THE Queen’s Baton Relay, which will travel around the world prior to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, will pass through Brunei Darussalam in October.

Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Nicola Rosenblum yesterday revealed this in her remarks during an event to mark Commonwealth Week in Brunei Darussalam, held at the Sports School.

Minister of Education YB Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman was the guest of honour at the event.

British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam David Campbell, high commissioners from Commonwealth nations to Brunei Darussalam, as well as officials from the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports also attended the event.

Rosenblum expressed excitement in welcoming athletes of the Commonwealth, including Brunei Darussalam, to Gold Coast next year.

Minister of Education YB Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Nicola Rosenblum and British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam David Campbell with other officials at the event. - PHOTOS: DEAN KASSIM

Minister of Education YB Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Nicola Rosenblum and British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam David Campbell with other officials at the event. – PHOTOS: DEAN KASSIM

Students wave miniature flags at the event

Students wave miniature flags at the event

“The games tie nations of the Commonwealth together through peaceful and friendly competition. Australia is proud that the Queen’s Baton Relay for the 2018 Games will be the longest and most diverse in the games’ history, visiting all nations and territories of the Commonwealth during its 388 day journey.

“The High Commission looks forward to working with the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Committee to welcome the Queen’s Baton Relay to Brunei in October this year,” she said.

Campbell, in his opening remarks, touched on the Commonwealth, its values and the Commonwealth Day theme, ‘A peace building Commonwealth’.

“As members of the Commonwealth family, we should be thankful for the inheritance received from those before us. Through consensus and cooperation, great things have been achieved,” he said.

“We can find further reward and fulfilment by continuing to collaborate with others in a spirit of goodwill to build a peaceful and abundant future for all Commonwealth citizens,” he added.

Her Majesty the Queen officially launched the Queen’s Baton Relay at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day – March 13. It will travel to 71 countries and across over 200,000 miles before reaching the Gold Coast.

The day also saw a talk and sharing session by four Brunei Commonwealth Games athletes, followed by a questions-and-answers session moderated by Sports School Assistant Principal (Sports) Azrin bin Aji.

The athletes are Muhammad I’maadi bin Abdul Aziz who represented Brunei Darussalam at the 2014 Commonwealth Games; Muhammad ‘Ammar Safwan bin Haji Zaidin and Ernie Sahrina binti Abdul Fattah who represented Brunei at the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games; and Muhd Wafiq bin Kepli.

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Curtains raised on Brunei’s online pet store

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|     Danial Norjidi     |

 

BRUNEI’s first online pet store, Nimanja Enterprise, was officially launched yesterday.

The launch took place at the Radisson Hotel, and saw the attendance of US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Craig B Allen as the guest of honour.

Nimanja aims to bring convenience to pet lovers in the Sultanate by offering them a wide selection of quality pet supplies through an online platform.

Established in July 2016, Nimanja Enterprise began as a marketing solution for the Petlink Group of pet stores.

A month later, it expanded to become a distributor and the first online retailer for pet supplies in the country.

US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Craig B Allen and Nimanja Managing Director Anderson Lim launching Nimanja Enterprise. - PHOTOS: DANIAL NORJIDI

US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Craig B Allen and Nimanja Managing Director Anderson Lim launching Nimanja Enterprise. – PHOTOS: DANIAL NORJIDI

The Managing Director of Nimanja Enterprise is Anderson Lim, who represented Brunei as a swimmer at the 2012 London Summer Olympics.

“I started Nimanja last year as a summer project before going into my final year at the University of Rochester,” he said.

“Prior to starting Nimanja, I was working on a financial technology platform that would help local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with access to capital, but at the time, Brunei was not ready for such a platform so we halted the project.

“That experience, however, did not stop me from venturing into another technology sector – e-commerce.”

He said that his parents started Petlink in 1985 as pioneers in the Brunei pet market.

“I have never met anyone with such strong work ethics as the both of them. They are my motivation and inspiration and the reason I started Nimanja.

“It is my goal to extend their legacy and continue creating and delivering value to pet lovers in the country.”

He shared that since retiring from his swimming career, he has put his full focus and energy on Nimanja and his studies.

Having been in the United States for the last five-and-a-half years, he has had the privilege of meeting diverse, talented people, spanning from professional athletes to serial entrepreneurs, including the founder of Priceline.com and the co-founder of MySpace.

“Through meeting those individuals, I am eager to apply the knowledge and skills gained to Nimanja, and I want to share my experience with the people in Brunei in the hope that I will inspire other young entrepreneurs in the country,”

In addition to the official launch of Nimanja itself, yesterday’s proceedings also saw the launch of Nimanja’s latest range of pet food from the United States, and a showcase of the first-ever Bruneian brand of cat litter.

Nimanja’s products on display

Nimanja’s products on display

Wafi Diah, supply chain associate of Nimanja Enterprise gave a presentation at the event, in which he shared that Nimanja has over 3,000 products on offer, with 47 local and international brands, including from the US, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Malaysia and Thailand.

The product range includes pet food, supplements and medication, accessories and cat litter.

Currently, Nimanja has two methods of payment – cash on delivery and online payment. Soon there will be the option to make payment by card upon delivery.

They offer free same-day delivery for areas in the Brunei-Muara District. There is also free delivery to Tutong and Belait with a minimum purchase.

The US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam officiated the launch, alongside the Nimanja Managing Director.

Speaking at the event, the ambassador congratulated Nimanja on its official launch.

“As technology increasingly becomes a part of our daily lives, e-commerce has introduced many exciting opportunities for businesses. Today’s launch is an example of how one young man saw an online business opportunity and seized it,” he said.

“As Anderson considered the needs of the market, in this case, the needs of pet lovers, he was able to grow and develop Nimanja into one of Brunei’s biggest online retailers.

“I believe today is also a celebration of entrepreneurship and enabling youth to pursue their goals around the world. Supporting our young leaders as they work with determination toward realising their goals as entrepreneurs will only serve to build a stronger economy: an economy that everyone benefits from, and an economy that encourages other young visionaries to pursue their own passions,” he said.

The post Curtains raised on Brunei’s online pet store appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

Spend moderately for royal birthday celebration

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|     Azlan Othman     |

 

CHAIRPERSONS and Executive Administrative Committee for 71st birthday celebrations of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for the Brunei-Muara District were urged to practice moderation in their spending for the upcoming royal birthday.

This was said by Misle bin Haji Abdul Karim, the Acting Brunei-Muara District Officer at the first meeting of the Executive Administrative Committee for the royal birthday for the Brunei-Muara District held at the Brunei-Muara District Office building.

The Acting Brunei-Muara District Officer added that the get-together ceremony with His Majesty for the Brunei-Muara District will take place on July 23, 2017 and that side events for the royal birthday celebration must be held before September 30.

In this context, chairpersons of events are required to have proposed working papers not later than a month after the meeting yesterday and to state the format of the budget asked for and date of implementation.

Misle bin Haji Abdul Karim (2nd R), the Acting Brunei-Muara District Officer, delivering his speech at the first meeting of the Executive Administrative Committee for the royal birthday for the Brunei-Muara District. - AZLAN OTHMAN

Misle bin Haji Abdul Karim (2nd R), the Acting Brunei-Muara District Officer, delivering his speech at the first meeting of the Executive Administrative Committee for the royal birthday for the Brunei-Muara District. – AZLAN OTHMAN

He added that it was important for the events to run effectively and smoothly to attract the public and tourists.

For the allocation given, the committee was also advised to adhere to the financial guidelines set when spending the allocation. Similar to last year, the allocation given will not be necessarily distributed. The department will also hand-over allocation in rotation.

The meeting was attended by senior government officials and members of the private sector and discussed the appointment of the administrative committee, financial report, post mortem report of last year’s royal birthday celebration and the format of this year’s 71st birthday celebrations of His Majesty.

The post Spend moderately for royal birthday celebration appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

Minister lauds efforts to develop arts and culture

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|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

 

RESPONDING to an issue raised by YB Khairunnisa binti Haji Ash’ari regarding the local creative industry, YB Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, said that cultural spaces have been provided for the staging of visual arts and exhibitions, while the Dermaga Diraja area has been converted into an ‘arts market’ during the weekly ‘Bandarku Ceria’ event.

“The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports commended the efforts of the private sector and certain individuals for establishing ‘cultural spaces’ in a bid to promote the arts, which is an effective step in developing the creative industry,” he said yesterday, during the 13th Legislative Council (LegCo) session.

“The role of the government includes preparing the policy for the creative industry. The growth of this industry is the sole responsibility of the relevant parties in the country’s development.”

LegCo-Logo

File photo shows an aerial view of Bandar Seri Begawan. YB Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, revealed during the 13th Legislative Council (LegCo) session that cultural spaces have been provided for the staging of visual arts and exhibitions, while the Dermaga Diraja area has been converted into an ‘arts market’ during the weekly ‘Bandarku Ceria’ event. - AZROL AZMI

File photo shows an aerial view of Bandar Seri Begawan. YB Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, revealed during the 13th Legislative Council (LegCo) session that cultural spaces have been provided for the staging of visual arts and exhibitions, while the Dermaga Diraja area has been converted into an ‘arts market’ during the weekly ‘Bandarku Ceria’ event. – AZROL AZMI

The minister also mentioned that plans are under way for the establishment of a ‘Culture Hall’, in support of the local arts scene.

Currently, cultural spaces for arts are being provided by International Convention Centre, the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex, community halls, shopping malls and halls owned by the government and private sector.

“This will generate employment opportunities as a consequence of the cooperation between the government and the private sector,” said the minister.

The post Minister lauds efforts to develop arts and culture appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

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