|      Azlan Othman     |

THE economic deficit the nation experienced over the last three years has taught us to make changes, strive to find and exploit new sources of income, and to be more prudent in our spending.

Minister of Home Affairs YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong said this on the final day of the Legislative Council (LegCo) meeting yesterday.

“We need to face the challenges of the financial crisis and see it as an opportunity to change. We must believe there is wisdom from Allah the Almighty behind all this.

“To me, it invites us to change our attitudes, strengthen our identity to strive harder with passion and commitment, and to not give up easily.

“History has shown that those affected by the fate of hardship will be successful in the end – if armed with passion, determination and self-confidence. Those who became ‘boat people’ were not just stranded and reliant on help, but were able to survive and become successful businessmen in the country,” he said.

Minister of Home Affairs YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong. – AZROL AZMI

This year, the LegCo discussions were held amid the various challenges facing the country, particularly the government’s fiscal position with its high deficit and the global economic uncertainty.

During a previous LegCo session, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance II YB Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim had pointed out that as a strategic move, the financial focus for this year’s budget has been devoted to five matters covering prudent spending, increased national productivity, facilitating trade, building capacity and human capital, as well as preserving the welfare of the people.

Citing this, YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar noted that the problems and issues raised, as well as the views, reviews, recommendations and proposals highlighted at the LegCo session are in line with the strategic focus of the budget, though slightly swayed at times.

The feedback and knowledge shared are extremely valuable, and reflect LegCo members’ concern about matters of national interest, the welfare of society and its relation to the roles and responsibilities of the ministries, the minister said.

Matters raised were taken note of and will be deliberated on to determine their suitability for implementation, he added.

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|      Abdul Hakiim Yakof      |

THE Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) will continue to ensure rapid growth of output from agriculture, livestock, fisheries, forestry, as well as tourism.

This was stated by YB Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, in his closing remarks on the 11th day of the 13th Legislative Council (LegCo) session at the LegCo building in Jalan Dewan Majlis yesterday.

In his speech, the minister highlighted 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’s titah at the opening of this year’s Legislative Council session which called for fresh initiatives to strengthen the country’s economy.

“The decline in oil and gas output coupled with a fall in world oil prices in recent years has made a significant impact on the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Because of this, His Majesty has reminded us all to keep working hard to diversify the country’s economy. The economic growth of our country, which has long depended on revenue from oil and gas, should be balanced by ensuring output growth in sectors, especially outside oil and gas,” he said.

On this note, the minister said that his ministry’s objective is to increase contribution of agriculture, fisheries and forestry from one per cent of the GDP in 2015 to four to five per cent by 2020.

File photo shows transplanter machines planting paddy. YB Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism said in his closing remarks on the 11th day of the 13th Legislative Council session that the ministry will continue to ensure rapid growth of output in the field of agriculture, livestock, fisheries, forestry as well as tourism. – AZROL AZMI

Highlighting the efforts in reducing the dependence on government spending, especially through public-private partnership (PPP), the minister stated that the ministry is very confident that two sectors – high-technology agriculture and fisheries – will help the country increase its GDP in the next few years.

“It is hoped that these sectors will be able to generate more job opportunities in the country which is facing a high rate of unemployment.”

Touching on the tourism sector, the minister stated that the ministry constantly receives suggestions from various parties for their respective mukims and villages to be developed into tourist attractions, citing as examples Ayer Panas in Mukim Sukang, the waterfalls of Kampong Labi, the Kampong Kuala Balai area and the Anduki Recreational Park.

He also said that the ministry will continue to include destinations and products as well as activities of the mukim and village consultative councils into suitable tourism packages by taking into account tourism products and activities in nearby areas.

The minister added that in the ministry’s perseverance in assisting the advancement of mukims and villages, the ministry cannot neglect the existing main destinations such as Bandar Seri Begawan and Kampong Ayer as well as the Temburong District.

“The quality of these destinations should be constantly preserved, maintained, and strengthened so that visitors will never lose interest in visiting these places,” he added.

The minister also mentioned that the ministry will continue to develop several new destinations that are thought to have huge potential to be included in tourism packages such as beaches and recreational parks.

“To ensure success and lower the burden on the government, the ministry will continue to work on privatising public facilities at the parks,” he added.

Meanwhile, Minister of Development YB Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Bahrin bin Abdullah in his closing speech stated that suggestions raised during the LegCo session require detailed analysis to consider the bigger picture.

“We need to consider the context and reality of the situation in our country and our surroundings as a starting point,” he said, adding that “this is the method that the Ministry of Development uses in determining the projects’ priority.”

The Minister of Religious Affairs YB Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman in his closing speech expressed his gratitude to the Legislative Council members who raised important religious matters during the session.

He said that the matters raised were sincere attempts of the LegCo members in assisting the government in improving the quality of religious services including religious education and Islamic propagation to ensure that member of the public are not confused and influenced by religious information in social media that are not in line with the religious understanding and practices in the country as well as streamlining mosque building plans and promoting youths to work for the advancement of mosques.

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|      Azlan Othman      |

THE government has managed to attract foreign investors to the country, and will continue striving to provide an ecosystem conducive to making Brunei Darussalam an attractive foreign direct investment (FDI) destination, in an effort to diversify the national economy, said YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Home Affairs.

In his wrap-up speech on the 11th day of the 13th Legislative Council session yesterday, the minister said it is undeniable that the presence of FDI companies has contributed to national economic growth. At present, 17 foreign companies are operating in the country, providing employment to 1,321 local workers – or 58 per cent of the total number of employees under their hire, he said.

In fact, many foreign companies hire more local employees compared to foreign workers. Examples of such companies include Brunei Methanol Company Sdn Bhd (BMC), with 203 locals under hire compared to 26 foreign workers; Simphor Pharma, with 63 per cent local employees; Beibu Ports Maintenance, 80 per cent local staff; and HLDS, with 66 per cent local employees, the minister said.

However, in certain sectors, the proportion of foreign workers is slightly higher, as in the case of Hengyi Industries Sdn Bhd, where 52 per cent (328 people) of employees are locals, and the Temburong Bridge Project with 42 per cent locals (151 people).

Meanwhile, in other employment sectors, there still exists a high proportion of migrant workers. Based on the Employers and Employees 2015 Census, across 19 job categories, 82,739 foreign workers were hired. This is broken down as follows: Agriculture (64 per cent); forestry and fisheries (78 per cent); manufacturing (79 per cent); construction (87 per cent); and activities providing shelter and food (70 per cent).

File photo shows an employee of Simphor Pharma at work. YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Home Affairs in his wrap-up speech on the 11th day of the 13th Legislative Council session stated that many foreign companies have hired more local employees compared to foreign workers. – DEAN KASSIM

This indicates that, within certain areas, Brunei still lacks a sufficiently skilled and experienced workforce. Therefore, the contribution from foreign workers to perform the necessary work to make our country more competitive is still needed, the minister said.

There is an obvious need for the local workforce to fill this void through continuous training and coaching, to hone their skills and experience in line with the Bruneisation programme – a strategic focus to increase the capacity and human capital of Bruneians.

YB Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar added that in recognising this, the government has taken steps to create several programmes and initiatives to ensure a threshold level of skills and competencies is attained by workers within certain sectors. These include the introduction of the Industrial Competency Framework and skills training programmes conducted through educational and training institutions.

“Apprenticeship programmes like i-Ready will provide valuable work experience to graduates, and improve their abilities and marketability, to reduce the likelihood of job ‘mismatching’. We hope that such opportunities will be utilised properly by graduates for their own good and to increase their own capacities,” the minister added.

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|      Fizah HAB      |

DEVELOPING human resources and promoting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) based on the principles of the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) are crucial to surviving the current economic downturn, said YB Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Awang Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar, the Minister of Energy and Industry at the Prime Minister’s Office, in his closing speech yesterday at the 13th Legislative Council (LegCo) session.

The minister highlighted the various efforts made by the Brunei Government to accommodate local MSMEs, including the recent refurbishments made to the Pasar Pelbagai Barangan Gadong and the Tamu Kianggeh, due to the direct intervention 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 through His Majesty’s Office.

He cited the significant role played by DARe (Darussalam Entreprise) in building capacity and promoting entrepreneurs, but said that access to financial help is not a comprehensive solution.

“Since 1999, the government has been offering financial help to local vendors,” he said, adding that “a total of B$142.3 million was lent to 654 vendors and as of 2017, B$45.8 million of those loans has not been repaid.”

YB Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Awang Haji Mohammad Yasmin also stated that improving ‘ease of doing business’ is a major step required to encourage business development in Brunei.

File photo of YB Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Awang Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar, the Minister of Energy and Industry at the Prime Minister’s Office. – AZROL AZMI

“Under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, and Chairman and Sponsor of the PENGGERAK Steering Committee, the state has been experiencing congenial business climate due to ‘ease of doing business’,” he said.

Highlighting the need to further develop the country’s human resources, the minister said, “Under the leadership of His Royal Highness, the Manpower Planning Council has successfully established the Brunei Job Centre which will facilitate the job search process, as well as the upcoming Apprenticeship Programme, i-Ready, with the objective of helping graduates to find jobs and improve on their skills to be industry-ready.”

The minister also disclosed four new programmes that have been allocated under the 11th National Development Plan (RKN11): ‘Learn and Grow’, which includes the Industry Competency Framework and Skills Accreditation; ‘Growth for Excellence’, which involves professional certification and the programme placement industry; ‘Up-Skilling and Re-Skilling’, for local jobseekers in mid-career; and ‘Training Grants’ to finance courses for company employees, providing opportunities for local youths to improve their competence, skills and ability as well as their placement in the private sector.

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|     Izah Azahari     |

IN A bid to promote the non oil and gas sector, CubeJunction.com – under the mentorship of the Cottage and Youth Initiative Programme (CYIP) of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Brunei Darussalam – will be holding the CubeJunction.com Packed Biscuits and Cakes Ready for Export – National Level Competition 2017.

Competition details were discussed yesterday during a press conference chaired by Advisor to the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Brunei Darussalam Captain (Rtd) Zailan bin Pehin Dato Mohd Don in his capacity as CYIP Principal Mentor.

Cube Junction Chief Executive Officer Haji Ramlee bin Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Zainuddin, Pentagram Sdn Bhd Founder and Chief Executive Officer Siti Zaleha binti Kifrawi and Cube Junction.com team members were also present at the press conference.

The competition, which hopes to tap into the potential of the matured bakery industry in Brunei, is open to all Bruneian CubeJunction.com vendors. Those who are not yet vendors must register with CubeJunction.com at a cost of $100.

It will be split into two categories. Category A will be dedicated to biscuits, while Category B will focus on cakes. Contestants can enter either or both categories.

Advisor of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Brunei Darussalam Captain (Rtd) Zailan bin Pehin Dato Mohd Don at the press conference with Cube Junction Chief Executive Officer Haji Ramlee bin Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Zainuddin, Pentagram Sdn Bhd Founder and Chief Executive Officer Siti Zaleha binti Kifrawi and CubeJunction team members. – DEAN KASSIM

CubeJunction.com vendors are entitled to one complimentary entry per category. A $20 fee will be charged for every additional entry, with a maximum of five product submissions allowed per category.

Contestants must submit two sets of each product – one for testing, the other for photography and display. All ingredients must be Halal and submitted products must be baked by the contestants themselves.

The products will be exhibited at the K-Hub, Captain (Rtd) Zailan said.

The winner of each category will receive $3,000, a certificate of recognition and also have Longrich export their product to international markets that Longrich operates in, or exported to international retail outlets.

Meanwhile, the first runner- up will receive $2,000; the second runner-up $1,000; and third runner-up $500. They will also each receive a certificate of recognition and have their products supplied to local retail chains. Contestants in fourth to 20th place will be listed on the exclusive, luxury website powered by CubeJunction.com – at a minimal listing fee.

Those in 21st to 100th place will be given complimentary listing on the CubeJunction.com website.

Competition judges will comprise renowned local and international professionals.

Registration forms will be available on March 24, with the last date of submission being April 11 at 4pm.

Product submission will be open from April 27-30 between 8am to 10pm daily.

The search for the Top 50 will run from May 1-5, while May 5-19 will see the online sales of the Top 50.

The names of the winners will be announced on CubeJunction.com at 8pm on May 19.

The competition sets out to prove that Brunei has export-worthy quality products, to find anchor products for export, locate an international outlet to serve as a gateway for Brunei exports; and to drive home the message that an online business is an excellent platform for businesses to move forward – both locally and internationally.

CubeJunction.com is a Brunei-owned e-Commerce platform promoting local products within and outside the country. It is dedicated to finding ways to achieve this by means of innovative programmes and events – such as the Biscuits and Cakes National Competition organised by Eko Kampung, which provided local biscuit and cake experts a platform to showcase their products.

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OFF the back of the recent A- (Stable) ratings affirmation from S&P Global, BIBD was recently awarded the Best Retail Bank in Brunei for the year 2017 by The Asian Banker, retaining the prestigious accolade for a record fifth consecutive year from the region’s leading financial services research, benchmarking and intelligence consultancy.

The awards ceremony took place at The Asian Banker’s annual Excellence in Retail Financial Services Convention at the Conrad Tokyo in Japan recently. Present to receive the award on behalf of BIBD was Hajah Nurul Akmar binti Haji Mohd Jaafar, BIBD’s Head of Retail Banking Group.

According to a press release, the Asian Banker stated that BIBD was commended on its improved retail segments to gain new customers, which reflected on new capabilities on different products and conveniences on multiple platforms. BIBD was also celebrated for its smart branch that reflected a boost in efficiency, distribution network, and segmentation strategies to scale its business. Also highlighted was the bank’s investment on its employees to drive the business growth.

BIBD’s Head of Retail Banking Group, Hajah Nurul Akmar binti Haji Mohd Jaafar, with the award. – BIBD

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|     Achong Tanjong     |

IN conjunction with the International Women Day celebration, the Women Graduates Association of Brunei Darussalam (PSW), a non-government organisation of women professionals established 27 years ago, recently organised a group discussion session entitled ‘Kafe Ilmu PSW 2017’ at the StarLodge’s Jupiter Hall in Jerudong.

Different from previous years, the format focused on research inputs between March 8, 2016 and March 3, 2017.

Among the event’s objectives were to deepen and widen knowledge through discussions on relevant topics, create and share research materials, and gain potential mechanisms from illustrations through discussion contents.

The meeting also urged the relevant parties to review working policies, especially for the welfare of working women in the country, at the workplace.

President of the Women Graduates Association of Brunei Darussalam, Pengiran Hajah Zabaidah binti Pengiran Haji Kamaludin, in a group photo with the association’s members at the StarLodge. – PHOTOS: FARIDAH HJ IBRAHIM

The President of PSW delivering her speech

Several activities were also conducted during the session, including roundtable discussions between the invited guests, the presentation of resolutions and a speech delivered by the President of PSW, Pengiran Hajah Zabaidah binti Pengiran Haji Kamaludin.

The event was attended by officers from various ministries and government departments, the private sector and higher learning institutions.

Selected members of the association also shared their views and suggestions on how to achieve the session’s objective.

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|     Fizah HAB     |

FRENCH Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Loan Forgeron yesterday hosted some very special guests at a VIP Gastronomy Dinner as part of Francophonie Week celebrations.

Held at the ambassador’s Kampong Kota Batu residence, the event saw Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong and spouse as the guests of honour, while others on the guest list included Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof and spouse as well as members of the Diplomatic Corps.

“This edition of Francophonie Week comes with a new concept – Promoting the cultures of both France and Brunei Darussalam,” Forgeron said.

“This year’s dinner reflects the spirit of sharing between Brunei and France, as well as their will to promote their cultural roots and beauties together through the art of cuisine. The Good France Brunei Gastronomique Dinner symbolises the close friendship between both countries,” she added.

French Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Loan Forgeron with Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong and spouse as well as Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof and spouse. – FIZAH HAB

Meanwhile, the guest of honour said it was a pleasure seeing collaboration of both Brunei and French culinary heritages together.

“It is always a great pleasure to be here on this gastronomic journey, which is a unique opportunity to enjoy and share the taste of France,” he added.

The dinner aimed to promote the cuisine and showcase the cultures of both sides.

This was the third Good France edition organised by the French embassy in Brunei Darussalam for Francophonie Week. It was also the first time that Brunei dishes were featured alongside their French counterparts.

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|     Noorhamizan Haji Mohd Mosbi     |

THE National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) with the Temburong District Office recently organised a workshop on National Standard Operating Procedure (NASOP) at the Pekan Bangar Community Hall Complex.

The one-day programme aimed holistically to give attention to disaster operations at the district level, while emphasising roles and responsibilities, especially concerning the government agencies in disaster operations management.

The workshop was attended by approximately 40 participants from the District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC).

It was to ensure the NDMC’s continuous commitment that disaster operations management is effective at every stage.

The workshop and briefing session was also attended by Abdul Rahim bin Haji Ismail, the Acting Director of NDMC, Acting District Officer Haji Adnan bin Haji Adam and senior officers of Temburong District.

Government officers at the workshop

An officer from the National Disaster Management Centre giving an explanation during the programme

Attendees at the Pekan Bangar Community Hall Complex

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|     James Kon     |

A FIRE ripped through a bicycle shop in the Serusop area early yesterday morning, following a suspected incident of arson and burglary.

Nineteen firefighters from the Berakas Fire Station, led by SO Jasni, were dispatched to the scene after an emergency call was received by the Fire and Rescue Department, at around 5.07am.

The front door of a nearby tailor’s shop was also damaged in the blaze.

“On Sunday, we noticed that the locks to our shop were broken. We immediately reported the matter to the police,” the bicycle shop owner Tong told the Bulletin.

Photo shows damage to the entrance of the bicycle shop

The aftermath of the blaze. – PHOTOS: JAMES KON

He believes that the thieves managed to break in later that night, through an air-conditioning vent, and may have started the fire after stealing seven bicycles.

Tong, whose business is uninsured, estimates that his losses are around $20,000, with the stolen bicycles worth more than $3,000.

According to the Fire and Rescue Department, the Royal Brunei Police Force has launched an investigation into the cause of fire, which is being treated as suspicious.

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|     Azaraimy HH     |

A MEETING was held at the Tutong District Civic Centre yesterday to discuss plans for the 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 in the Tutong District.

Among the main agenda was the appointment of supreme committee members and chair-persons for festive events during the royal birthday celebrations.

Proposals for sectoral events were also discussed, including those on religious, sporting and community-based events, such as the ‘71 Khatam Al-Quran’ recitations for members of the mukim and village consultative councils.

Among those in attendance at the meeting were members of the Legislative Council; Shamsul Bahrin bin Haji Mohd Hussain, the Tutong District Officer; senior government officers; members of the supreme committees and chairpersons of festive events; and the mukim and village heads of Tutong District.

Officials during the meeting to discuss plans for the 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 in the Tutong District. – AZARAIMY HH

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|     Abdul Hakiim Yakof     |

LOCAL writers and poets should produce more creative and non-creative works, said the Acting Deputy Director of the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) Suip bin Haji Abdul Wahab. The pages of magazines published by the bureau have been filled with their work, he added.

The acting deputy director also urged local young writers to submit their works to the bureau.

He made these comments at the Pantaran Sastera event titled ‘Santai Puisi’, hosted by DBP to celebrate World Poetry Day with local poets and writers at the Balai Sarmayuda of DBP in Berakas, yesterday.

Some of the attendees at the Pantaran Sastera event hosted by DBP

Acting Deputy Director of the Language and Literature Bureau Suip bin Haji Abdul Wahab delivering his welcoming remarks. – PHOTOS: ABDUL HAKIIM YAKOF

“This year the Jurnal Biraga and Mekar will celebrate their 50th anniversary. The celebration for 50 years of Jurnal Biraga will be held in May 2017, with various side events including the Malay Culture Seminar. Meanwhile, the Mekar celebration will be held in November this year. Let’s come together to make these events a success,” the acting deputy director said in his welcoming remarks.

The event continued with poetry performances by local poets. Among them were Haji Mohd Daud bin Haji Metarsat, Haji Mohd Firdaus bin Orang Kaya Kaya Haji Nordin and Maimon Abu Bakar, as well as poetry groups such as the Performance Arts Club from the Meragang Sixth Form Centre and the Putra Seni Group.

The World Poetry Day is a celebration of the reading, writing and poetry publications all over the world, marked every March 21, a date established by UNESCO.

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|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

PUSAT Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam will once again team up with RBA Golf Club, Cityneon and media partners Brunei Press to host a three-day charity golf tournament, said Seruji bin Haji Setia, Chairman of the Pusat Ehsan Charity Golf Tournament 2017.

The event is scheduled to take place from April 7 to 9 at the RBA Golf Club.

Tournament participants will win different prizes from different categories of play. Examples of these are the ‘best overall’ prize, ‘best overall net’ prize, ‘putt stop challenge’ prize, ‘nearest pin’ prize, ‘hole-in-one’ prize, and ‘bull’s eye’ prize for holes 2, 5, 12, 14 and 16. Miscellaneous giveaways and goody bags will also be given out at the event.

Tournament proceeds will be donated to Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam to help cover the centre’s monthly expenses and development plans costs, as well as for the needs of the children and youth with disabilities. Breakfast and lunch will be served to tournament participants.

Seruji bin Haji Setia (C), Chairman of Pusat Ehsan Charity Golf Tournament 2017 delivers a briefing at the press conference. – BAHYIAH BAKIR

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|     James Kon     |

IN LINE with the recently-launched strategic plan of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT), the Forestry Department has launched a slew of initiatives to create a sustainable forestry industry in the country.

The department’s latest mission is focussed on the utilisation of modern technology to increase productivity and develop products for the export market while keeping up with the continuous conservation efforts to protect the nation’s rich forest resources, said Noralinda binti Haji Ibrahim, Acting Director of Forestry under the MPRT.

“We have been able keep the balance between socio-economic and environmental interests for the prosperity of the people and nation,” she noted while speaking at an event to mark the International Day of Forests 2017 held at the Berakas Forest Reserve Recreation Park.

According to Noralinda, the strategic plan will be beneficial to the forestry-related businesses in each district.

“Through hard work and dedicated involvement from all parties, we will be able to contribute towards the realisation of Brunei Vision 2035,” she said.

Noralinda binti Haji Ibrahim, Acting Director of Forestry, presenting a certificate to a member of the Forestry Department’s Natural Disaster Management Committee. – PHOTOS: JAMES KON

Guests at the International Day of Forests 2017 celebration

With the theme ‘Forests and Energy: Nature’s Powerhouse’, the International Day of Forests 2017 celebration aimed to raise awareness on the importance of preserving forests as well as to give a better understanding of the benefits they offer as a rich reservoir of raw energy. The theme underlines the role that forest plays in the energy ecosystem.

Brunei forests are rich in flora and fauna and have four important aspects. The provisioning aspect focuses on sources of food and medical benefits; the regulating aspect focuses on climate and water cycle; the supporting aspect highlights sustainability of the ecosystem through pollination agents and nutrient cycle; and the cultural aspect contributes to recreational value and spiritual prosperity, Noralinda said.

Brunei Darussalam has gained international acclaim for having bio-rich tropical rainforests, the majority of which are still in pristine condition and protected by effective legislation despite occupying just one per cent of the total forest in the island of Borneo.

Keeping up the spirit of the Heart of Borneo Declaration, Brunei has been effectively managing its forest resources through commendable conservation efforts over the past years.

The Sultanate recently garnered global recognition as one of the top 10 countries with most protected areas. The country took 7th place globally with 44.1 per cent of land designated as protected, according to the latest World Bank report.

In Brunei, there has been a strong political will at all levels of the society to manage and conserve its forest resources since 1934 when the Forest Act was formalised in the country.

The high appreciation for forest and the role of forestry in the Bruneian society have ensured active participation from a wider range of stakeholders in the protection and conservation of the Sultanate’s natural forests.

The celebration yesterday saw the presentation of certificates to the Forestry Department’s newly-established Natural Disaster Management Committee members who will be responsible for addressing natural disaster problems in forest areas in the country.

During the event Noralinda joined a choir to sing songs praising the forest.

The celebration was also attended by 24 sawmill companies, six permit holders under the Forestry Department, representatives of Tri Sun Sdn Bhd and Arang 88 company as well as 250 invited guests.

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|    Khairil Hassan    |

THE Brunei Darussalam Taekwondo Association (BDTA), in collaboration with the Youth and Sports Department organised the 5^th Brunei Junior Taekwondo Championship on March 21-22 at the Sungai Kebun Sports Complex.

The two-day annual event was held as part of BDTA’s initiatives to support 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’s titah to involve our youth in healthy activities and at the same time to develop and build the sport as one of the core sports in Brunei Darussalam.

Six local Taekwondo clubs were represented in the championship: Dynamic Taekwondo Dojang, Hybrid Martial Arts Academy, Unite Taekwondo Gym, Apex Martial Arts Academy, Pengiran Isteri Hajah Mariam Secondary School (SMPIHM) Taekwondo Club and Wiraseni Taekwondo Academy.

A total of 113 participants took part in four age categories – 7 to 9-years-old, 10 to 12-years-old, 13 to 15-years-old and 16 to 17-years-old categories for both boys and girls.

Participants in action at the 5th Brunei Junior Taekwondo Championship

Haji Tajuddin bin Haji Salleh, President of Brunei Darussalam Taekwondo Association in a group photo with medal winners. – PHOTOS: KHAIRIL HASSAN

The championship also gave the young talented athletes opportunities to show their kyorugi (sparring) talents at the national level, to improve the spirit of teamwork and sportsmanship among the players.

It is also a platform for the association to identify talented players that can be immersed in various sports schemes organized by Youth and Sports Department and BDTA.

Hybrid Martial Arts Academy emerged Overall Champion of the championship with 12 gold medals, six silver and nine bronze.

Runner Ups went to Unite Taekwondo Gym with nine gold medals, seven silver and 11 bronze, while Dynamic Taekwondo Dojang took 3^rd Place with seven gold medals, 13 silver and seven bronze.

Haji Tajuddin bin Haji Salleh, President of Brunei Darussalam Taekwondo Association presented the prizes.

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|     Azaraimy HH     |

TWO less fortunate members of society residing in Tutong District received donations of basic daily necessities from the Public Awareness Charity Project in conjunction with the 96th Police Day celebration.

The ceremony was held at the Tutong District Civic Centre yesterday with the Tutong District Officer, Shamsul Bahrin bin Haji Mohd Hussain, as the guest of honour.

Prior to the presentation of the donation, the Commanding Officer of Tutong Police District, Superintendent Pengiran Haji Abdul Salam bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Ghani, in a speech said that the charity project was one of the initiatives made by the Royal Brunei Police Force through the Tutong Police Station for the 96th Police Day this year.

The project was in tune with the theme of this year’s celebration, ‘Solidarity and Harmony Strengthen Peace’.

“Solidarity and harmony in this context means working together, helping each other and equipping one another,” he added.

Superintendent Pengiran Haji Abdul Salam also urged the Tutong Police District and local community to be united and stand shoulder-to-shoulder in forging close working relations and taking responsibility in the prevention of crimes.

Presentation of donations from the Public Awareness Charity Project

Commanding Officer of Tutong Police District Superintendent Pengiran Haji Abdul Salam bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Ghani, and Tutong District Officer Shamsul Bahrin bin Haji Mohd Hussain with other attendees of the celebration. – PHOTOS: AZARAIMY HH

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A GROUP of officials from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MYCS) yesterday made a round of visits to the venues of 3rd Brunei Darussalam National Games (SKBD) which will be held from March 25 to 29.

The venues for SKBD are in a satisfactory and conducive condition for the conduct of the matches.

SKBD will run a total of eight sports events; Badminton, Netball, Futsal, Cycling, Boat Racing, Track and Field, Sepak Takraw and Tug of War.

Two sports events Futsal and Badminton are currently ongoing.

The SKBD official opening ceremony will be held this Saturday 3.45pm, at Track and Field of Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex on March 25.

The SKBD closing ceremony will be held on Wednesday March 29 at 2pm at the Tutong Sports Complex. SKBD is organised by MCYS with the support of Brunei Darussalam National Sports Association, to build and develop the level and performance of athletes in the country.

Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports officials during the visit to a venue

The game also serves as a means of unearthing talented athletes through healthy competition and building on the spirit of competitiveness.

Among the participating contingents are contingent from Brunei-Muara District, Belait District, Tutong District, Temburong District, Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Royal Brunei Police Force, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali, Politeknik Brunei, KUPU SB, KIGS, Cosmopolitan, Micronet, Laksamana College of Business), combination of telecommunications companies (AITI, TelBru, DST and PCSB), Sports School, combination of oil and gas companies, Royal Brunei Airlines and Brunei Association of Banks.

The organiser welcomes the public to watch and give support in all events during the championship.

Need more details?

Visit the championship official website at http://SKBD2017 / www.belia-sukan.gov.bn

The post Gearing for 3rd Brunei’s National Games appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Aziz Idris     |

COME one, come all to the first Bruneian-ised musical dubbed ‘After All’, featuring a double bill of two, one-hour plays: ‘Emily’ and ‘Untitled’, which will be performing by a talented local cast from Sutera Memento on Tuesday, March 28 at 2pm, at the Main Conference Hall, International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas.

Sutera Memento is a start-up theatre company founded as part of a business incubation programme in Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD).

The ‘After All’ musical is also supported by local incubation student entrepreneurs and Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) students, mak-ing it the first and largest local performing arts production involving local talents and UBD students.

The two original plays – collaborations between Sutera Memento and UBD AM-3402/AL-3305 Theatre Production – will be staged outside UBD for the first time to cater to the growing interest in performing arts within the sultanate.

“Sutera Memento has always been a supporter and creator of performing arts in and around UBD and with the outstanding collaboration it fulfils the dream of bringing fresh local talents to the forefront and hopefully, on a larger scale, the international arena,” chimed CEO and founder of Sutera Memento, Hajah Kartini Dewi binti Abdullah during a press conference yesterday.

She said that she believes that drama and theatre studies will be key in producing upcoming talents who can be scouted and polished by Sutera Memento; elevating the local performing arts scene onto the world stage.

A short scene performance during the press conference

Cast members and the production team of ‘After All’ in a group photo with local media. – PHOTOS: AZIZ IDRIS

‘Emily’ entails the story – with an original Bruneian twist – of an iron-willed, kebaya-clad woman of Peranakan (Babu Nyonya) descent, who will captivate audiences with her tales of joy, heartbreaks, struggles, and triumphs.

Meanwhile, ‘Untitled’ depicts multiple storylines of struggling performers living their passions “underground”, with no initial connection to one another but eventually crossing paths as their respective stories unfolded.

Low Kok Wai, a lecturer from the Drama and Theatre Studies, FASS, commented during the press conference that there are lot of creative talents in Brunei, especially youths who are excited and passionate about self-expression in a performative way.

“Bruneians can act and their talents are raw. They have a natural affinity towards the performing arts,” he said, adding that the performing arts field needs to have in place a dedicated space, and these hidden talents should be given proper guidance to bring the performing arts of Brunei onto the world stage.

Some 30 local talents have been involved in the production of ‘After All’, which comprises script and music lyric writing, song composition, costume designing, and stage decoration.

The ‘After All’ production team will be in KB Sentral today as part of their ongoing promotion for the upcoming plays.

KEEP A DATE

‘After All’, featuring a double bill of two, one-hour plays: ‘Emily’ and ‘Untitled’, will be performing on Tuesday, March 28 at 2pm, at the Main Conference Hall, ICC, Berakas

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|     James Kon     |

THE 6th National Family Day for Brunei Darussalam is set to fall on May 7 this year, under the theme ‘Keluargaku Penyayang Negara Gemilang’ or ‘Caring Family, Prosperous Nation’. The first Sunday of May is designated as National Family Day in this country.

The Executive Committee for National Family Day held its first meeting to discuss preparations for the event yesterday morning at Digadong Hall of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. The discussion was chaired by Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports – also the chairman of the executive committee.

The meeting was also attended by Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud, Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, permanent secretaries and deputy permanent secretaries, head of departments and officers from various government agencies, as well as representatives from the private sector and non-government agencies.

As with previous years, National Family Day will begin with blessing ceremonies throughout the main mosques nationwide on May 6.

Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, chairing the event

This is to be followed by the main event: a family cycling and recreation activity in the morning of Sunday, May 7, and a family gathering ceremony later in the afternoon of the same day. The ‘My Child My Love’ event will take place on May 8.

The focus of this year’s National Family Day celebration is to create an awareness on harmonious hou-seholds as important foundational units for building a caring community – fundamental to the harmony of the country as well.

The post Several activities planned for National Family Day appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

THE Fiqh al-Usrah Research Centre of the Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) will be hosting its first Fiqh al-Usrah International Seminar 2017, themed Family Education Generates Visionary Generation, on March 29 and 30.

Addressing a press conference at the At-Taqwa Room yesterday, Ustazah Hajah Aisyah Radhiah binti Haji Abdul Gani, Director of Fiqh al-Usrah Research Centre, said that the two-day seminar will highlight the important role of the family institution in creating a harmonious family that is ‘Sakinah, Mawaddah Wa Rahmah’, and that parents are key agents in providing a healthy and Islamic environment for their children and cultivating desirable characteristics within them.

She added that the failure of parents to properly carry out their duties and responsibilities are factors contributing to the disintegration of the family institution.

According to her, the objectives of the seminar are to strengthen family education among the Muslims today, and at the same time, to identify issues and challenges in having families.

It is also aimed towards achieving short and long term solutions for social problems faced by today’s society, so that they can achieve harmony in the future.

Topics to be discussed during the seminar include: early education and practices for children/youth, pre-marriage and post-marriage, the role of the family institution in shaping an excellent generation, issues on family and child education, the role of organisations and associations in handling family issues, and the comparison of family education and research at the international level.

Ustazah Hajah Aisyah Radhiah binti Haji Abdul Gani, Director of Fiqh al-Usrah Research Centre, speaking at the press conference yesterday

The seminar will feature 49 working papers delivered by various academics from both Brunei and overseas – such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Maldives, which will be presented in Malay, English and Arabic.

The highlight of these presentations will be three main working papers to be delivered by three speakers: Dr Haji Adanan bin Haji Basar, Acting Ra’es of KUPU SB, with his topic ‘Bi’ah Keluarga Sakinah Asas Pembangunan Masyarakat’, and two speakers from Malaysia.

Dr Abdul Rauf bin Mohd Amin, Assistant Senior Professor of the Syariah Faculty; and Dr Sharifah Hayaati binti Syed Ismail, Associate Professor at the Siasah Syar’iyyah Department of the Islamic Education Academy of Universiti Malaya – who will be delivering talks on ‘Issues and Challenges of Family Education in the IT Era’, are among the panelists for the seminar.

To further enliven the event, the seminar’s organising committee will be holding a Nadwah Fiqh al-Usrah for members of the public at no cost on March 29 at 8pm at the Tarbiyah Hall of KUPU SB.

A fee is required to attend the seminar, and registration forms can be obtained from the Fiqh al-Usrah Research Centre up till March 25.

For further information, contact Mohammad Muslihuddin Syah bin Haji Mustafa, Secretary of the Fiqh al-Usrah International Seminar 2017 at 8628213 or email @usrah_kupusb@hotmail.com.

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