|     Wani Roslan     |

TO CELEBRATE Global Money Week, the Entrepreneurship and Business Unit and the Special Project Unit under the Ministry of Education (MoE) organised several activities to accompany the ‘Bijak Kewangan Showcase’ yesterday, at The Mall, Gadong.

The guest of honour was Haji Abdul Rahim bin Derus, the Director-General of Education at the MoE.

A joint collaboration with the Employees Trust Fund (TAP), with the support of Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD), the two-day showcase is intended to provide children and youths with exposure on the basics of financial knowledge and the importance of financial planning at an early stage.

In his welcoming remarks, Haji Omar bin Haji Mohd Dali, the Acting Managing Director of TAP, said that the event is meant to raise awareness among the public on the importance of financial planning, in addition to familiarising TAP as a mandatory savings institution for retirement.

He added that another key objective is to promote the importance of financial planning globally, while utilising information technology (social media) as one of the ways to promote financial literacy.

Based around the theme of ‘Learn, Save, Earn’, one of the many activities held yesterday was a one-minute Instagram competition for children and youths aged 12-24.

Haji Abdul Rahim bin Derus, Director-General of Education, presenting certificates to winners from Sultan Sharif Ali Secondary School

James Chua Pheng Kyan, Deputy Head of Treasury and Global Market Division, BIBD presenting a prize to one of the recipients. – PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR

The winner in the 12-15 age group was Md Haziq Hafizzudin bin Shahron, who was awarded a $200 savings account with BIBD.

In the 16-19 category, Muhammad Nur Husaini bin Ismail took the prize of a $300 BIBD savings account, while Abdul Malik bin Haji Abdul Razak, won a $500 BIBD savings account for the 20-24 age category.

Prizes were presented to the winners by James Chua Pheng Kyan, the Deputy Head of BIBD’s Treasury and Global Market Division.

There was also a Basic Plan competition in which the Sultan Sharif Ali Secondary School, Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien College and the Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Masna Secondary School won BIBD savings accounts of $1,000, $750 and $500 respectively. Prizes were presented to the winning school teams by the guest of honour.

Members of the public were given the opportunity to inquire about their TAP and SCP savings, e-Amanah registration and other TAP schemes.

IG competition winners

12-15 years old category:

Md Haziq Hafizzudin bin Shahron

16-19 years old category:

Muhammad Nur Husaini bin Ismail

20-24 years old category:

Abdul Malik bin Haji Abdul Razak

Basic Plan contest winners

First: Sultan Sharif Ali Secondary School

Second: Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien College

Third: Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Masna Secondary School

The post Learn, save and earn appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Azlan Othman     |

RUMOUR mongers continue to thrive in Brunei, exploiting new media technology and disregarding social etiquette.

As the social media is flooding with unfounded reports, authorities are faced with a hard task in dousing the wildfire of false news every time it starts spreading.

The latest authority to come out to battle the social media rumour mill is the Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE), Prime Minister’s Office, which yesterday issued a statement to quash a ‘report’ circulated on the Internet which claimed that prices of goods in the country are going to skyrocket soon.

The department said the social media post, which went viral causing a massive public concern, is absolutely false and unfounded.

It urged the public not to make any speculation on the prices of goods or spread unverified information through the social media, while seeking their cooperation in checking the spread of false news in the society.

In the statement, the department also reminded members of the public that it is an offence to spread false information under Section 34 of the Public Order Act, Chapter 148 which states that any person who, whether orally or in writing or by any other means, spreads false reports or makes false statements that are likely to cause public alarm or despondency shall be guilty of an offence and can be punished with a fine of $3,000 and imprisonment of up to three years.

The false report listed the new prices of daily food necessities and claimed that the rise in prices is the result of the amendments to tax rate announced by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) two weeks ago.

The report, among others, pointed out that prices of basic food necessities will see an increase of up to 30 per cent. Price of a bottle of fizzy drink will rise from $1.90-$3.90; price of popular instant noodle Indo Mie will go up from $1.70-$2.80; and chicken price will increase from $3.90-$4.50 per kilogramme, according to the price list circulated through social media which also claimed that the price of furniture items will see a 45 per cent hike.

Under the Price Control Act, Chapter 142, JPKE is mandated to control and monitor the prices of goods listed under the Act including passenger motor vehicles, formulated powdered milk, cooking oil, rice and sugar.

JPKE will take appropriate action against sellers who are found charging above the set maximum prices, the department said in the statement.

Two weeks ago, MoF announced that drinks with high sugar content of six grammes per 100 ml and above will be taxed at $4 per deca litre starting April 1. This means that a can of soft drink will cost only 13 cents more. If the sugar content is below six grammes per 100 ml, no tax will be imposed.

The move was made to improve the health and well-being of citizens and residents in the country.

The ministry further said sugar and cocoa food products will be taxed three per cent (zero per cent previously) starting April 1, while food products containing monosodium glutamate (MSG) will be taxed 30 per cent (zero per cent previously).

The post JPKE quashes price hike rumours on social media appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Azrol Azmi     |

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 yesterday afternoon received in audience Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Masidi bin Manjun, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment of Sabah, Malaysia, who is currently in Brunei Darussalam on a working visit.

During the audience ceremony, His Majesty and Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Masidi discussed bilateral relations between Brunei Darussalam and Sabah.

Accompanying the Sabah minister was Datuk Ghulam Jelani bin Khanizaman, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Brunei Darussalam.

Also present during the audience ceremony was Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II.

The ceremony took place at Istana Nurul Iman.

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 during an audience ceremony with Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Masidi bin Manjun, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment of Sabah, Malaysia, at Istana Nurul Iman yesterday

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 being greeted upon arrival by Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Masidi bin Manjun, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment of Sabah, Malaysia

His Majesty receiving a pesambah. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI

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|     Fadhil Yunus     |

BRUNEI Darussalam rising star Haji Khairuddin bin Haji Hasnan emerged champion in the HH9Ball Tournament title following a 7-4 victory over Zainal in an enthralling final at the Master Alim Pool Café in Kiulap recently.

Haji Khairuddin, who is also a national ranked player following his exploits in a number of major tournaments last year, was eligible to take part in the tournament as he was just outside of the current top six ranked players who were ineligible to take part in the competition.

The junior cueist, who has been one of the players who impressed in the national scene in recent times, was involved in a semi-final clash against fellow rival Haikal Qarin in the last-four phase to set up a final as favourites.

Zainal narrowly edged Asrizal 6-5 in the other semi-final in a closely fought affair before meeting the eventual winner.

Haji Khairuddin (left) receiving his trophy and cash prize after winning the HH9Ball Tournament

The post Haji Khairuddin takes home HH9Ball title appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Achong Tanjong     |

BRUNEI–Muara Sepak Takraw team emerged overall champion in both Inter-Regu and Regu Quad at the final of the 3rd Brunei Darussalam National Games (SKBD) Sepak Takraw championship 2017 held at Menglait Hall Complex in Gadong yesterday.

The team received gold medals and certificates.

In the Inter-Regu event, the Brunei-Muara team beat Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) by 2-0 and in the Regu Quad event the team beat Royal Brunei Police Force Sports Council (MS PDB) by rubber games 2-1.

In third place winning the bronze medals in the Inter-Regu and Regu Quad events went to Sports School and Temburong District and Sports School and MS ABDB respectively.

Two categories were contested at the final event – Inter-Regu and Regu Quad.

Prizes were presented by chief guest Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism.

The Sepak Takraw event yesterday was conducted by Brunei Darussalam Sepak Takraw Association.

Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin presents gold medals to Brunei-Muara team members

The Brunei-Muara District team members with their medals and certificates. – PHOTOS: ACHONG TANJONG

SKBD is organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports with the support of the Brunei Darussalam National Sports Association to build and develop the level and performance of athletes in the country.

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

Eight sports events were contested during the SKBD from March 25-29.

The games were Badminton, Netball, Futsal, Cycling, Boat Race, Track and Field, Tug-of-war and Sepak Takraw.

The participants are contingent from Brunei-Muara District, Belait District, Tutong District, Temburong District, Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Royal Brunei Police Force, higher educational institutions, combination of telecommunications companies, Sports School, combination of oil and gas companies, Royal Brunei Airlines and Brunei Association of Banks.

The post Brunei-Muara team top in Sepak Takraw appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Azaraimy HH     |

THE 3rd Brunei Darussalam National Games (SKBD) ended on a high note in a closing ceremony held at the Tutong Sports Complex yesterday.

Present as the guest of honour was Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.

Haji Noor Jusmin bin Haji Abdul Samad, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports in his capacity as the Chairman of the 3rd SKBD; members of the Legislative Council; deputy permanent secretaries; district officers; President and Secretary-General of National Sports Association as well as government officers were also present.

The ceremony also saw the final matches of the 100 metre sprint, 4×400 metre male and 4×100 metre male events as well as martial arts performances by athletes under the Department of Youth and Sports Scheme with disciplines comprising Pencak Silat, Kempo, Taekwondo, Karate-Do and Wushu.

The ‘Gemilangan Sukan Kebangsaan Brunei Darussalam’ was also conducted and was participated by athletes under the national sports scheme which included cycling, fencing, golfing, athletics and boat racing followed by a march-past by athletes who took part in badminton, basketball, futsal, cycling race, boat race, athletics, Sepak Takraw and traditional tug-of-war.

The event continued with medals being presented to winners of the 100 metre male, 100 metre female, 4×400 metre male and 4×100 metre male events by the guest of honour.

The winners of the Male 100 metre event were Mohd Noor Firdaus Ar-Rasyid from Institute of Higher Learning (IPT) (Gold), Mohd Fakhri bin Ismail from Brunei-Muara District (Silver) and Abdul Rahim bin Abdullah from Brunei-Muara District (Bronze).

The winners of the Female 100 metre event were Dayangku Ummi Ramizah from Brunei-Muara District (Gold), Amal Naimah binti Ahmad from Tutong District (Silver) and Chew Jee Shin from Temburong District (Bronze).

The winners for the 4×400 metre were IPT (Gold), Brunei-Muara District (Silver) and Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Sports Council (Bronze).

The winners for the 4×100 metre were Brunei-Muara District (Gold), RBAF Sports Council (Silver) and Tutong (Bronze).

Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports in group photo with the top overall contingents. – PHOTOS: AZARAIMY HH

The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports presenting the Best Male Athlete award to Mohd Noor Firdaus Ar-Rashid

The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports presenting the Best Female Athlete award to WSGT 2957 Alinawati binti Aliakbar

Medallists of the Male 100 metre sprint event

Medallists of the Female 100 metre sprint event

Souvenirs were presented to the Federal Territory of Labuan Sports Council and Sarawak Sports Council and foreign sports teams. Trophies were also presented to the Best Male Athlete and Best Female Athlete of 3rd SKBD.

The Best Male Athlete award was presented to Mohd Noor Firdaus Ar-Rashid who collected three gold medals.

The winner of the Best Female Athlete award was WSGT 2957 Alinawati binti Aliakbar from the Royal Brunei Police Force Sports Council who collected two gold medals and one silver medal.

The overall winner award went to the Brunei-Muara District contingent after collecting 14 gold, 13 silver, seven bronze medals, second place went to the RBPF Sports Council contingent with seven gold, five silver and 14 bronze while third went to the Belait District contingent with six gold, six silver and four bronze.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports and Brunei Darussalam National Sports Association as a platform towards the development of sports in the country.

The event brought together around 1,400 participants, officers and coaches from 12 contingents, and offered 153 medals comprising 48 gold medals, 48 silver medals, and 57 bronze medals.

The event also served as an arena to select the best athletes to represent the country for regional and international sports competitions.

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|     Azlan Othman     |

THE Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) is currently hosting its first Fiqh al-Usrah International Seminar with the theme of ‘Family Education Generates a Visionary Generation’, to emphasise the importance of education for Muslim families.

The two-day seminar is aimed at identifying common issues and challenges for modern families, in addition to finding short and long-term solutions for societal problems in the 21st Century.

Last night’s talk was centred on the topic ‘Issues and Challenges of Family Education in the Info-Technology Era’.

Among the panellists were Dr Abdul Rauf bin Mohd Amin, an Assistant Senior Professor of the Syariah Faculty at KUPU SB; and Assistant Professor Dr Sharifah Hayaati binti Syed Ismail from the Islamic Education Academy at Universiti Malaya.

Panellists speaking at the seminar. – AZLAN OTHMAN

Among those present at the event was Dr Haji Adanan bin Haji Basar, the Acting Ra’es of KUPU SB.

The seminar was also attended by members of the public.

The post Family values on focus at religious seminar appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

IN ITS effort to promote clean sports, protect clean athletes and the integrity of sports by providing a safe and fair competition environment, the Brunei Darussalam Anti-Doping Committee (BDADC) conducted an anti-doping programme for the 3rd Brunei Darussalam National Games (SKBD) 2017.

The programme involved Doping Control Process in which 10 athletes were selected from various sports based on their winning positions and random selection.

These athletes provided urine samples for analysis at the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratory in India.

Another part of the anti-doping programme was the Anti-Doping Outreach.

It was developed to inform and unite both athletes and their entourage about anti-doping and the ‘Say NO! to Doping and Play True’ message and create awareness on the dangers and consequences of doping.

Outreach is a key component in WADA’s fight against doping in sport. During the SKBD 2017, many also found it interesting to play and learn about anti-doping by participating in the Play True Quiz where they had to answer at least eight out of 10 questions correctly for them to get limited edition BDADC souvenirs.

Photos above & below show atheletes and volunteers at the BDADC Anti-Doping Programme. – PHOTOS: BDADC

The Doping Control Process was conducted and supervised by WADA-trained Doping Control Officers volunteers from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and Ministry of Education (MoE), while the outreach programme was assisted by volunteers from the MCYS, MoE and Politeknik Brunei.

In a statement, BDADC reminded that all athletes have a responsibility to keep sports clean by adhering to the anti-doping rules.

Athletes are also reminded to be aware of medications and supplements which may be contaminated with prohibited and undeclared substances.

Athletes may check the prohibited list at https://www.wada-ama.org.

They may also check through The Global Drug Reference Online (Global DRO) which provides athletes and support personnel with information about the prohibited status of specific medications based on the current WADA prohibited list at http://www.globaldro.com/Home and http://www.supplement411.org/hrl/ to check high risk dietary supplement list.

The post Play true, say NO! to doping appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

GOVERNMENT agencies and social organisations play a vital role in providing services and assistance to troubled families.

This was highlighted by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman during his speech at the official launch of the Fiqh al-Usrah International Seminar 2017 yesterday.

It was held at the Tarbiyyah Hall of the Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB).

According to the minister, in addition to the court and family members, the family social service agencies are also close to troubled families, to the extent that they are even approached by families seeking counselling and advices, or even protection.

“This does not mean there is a need to increase the number of civil servants. Instead, we should give serious attention to the practical aspects where family counselling services can be provided by social volunteers,” the minister said.

He urged relevant parties to pay greater attention towards increasing the number of volunteers who are equipped with the knowledge and skills.

In relation to this, the minister highlighted the relevance of KUPU SB in expanding its scope of knowledge and skills to one which is more systematic to meet such requirements, referring to the theoretical and practical knowledge such as the Fiqh al-Usrah in family affairs.

“Postgraduates or graduates of religious teaching colleges in Brunei, especially those enrolled with KUPU SB, should undergo in-service training and be willing to provide additional services such as social services for families. This will provide them with the opportunities to establish their own association,” the minister added.

Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, speaking at the seminar

Some of the participants at the seminar. – PHOTOS: SYAZWANI HJ ROSLI

The minister went on to reveal the statistics on social ills provided by the Religious Enforcement Division of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, which showed a total of 405 complaints recorded in 2016, comprising 265 cases of general offences and 140 cases of offences falling under Islamic Family Law.

Meanwhile, he added, records provided by the Community Development Department (JAPEM) showed that there were 12 cases of incestuous relationships within a five-year period from 2011 to 2015.

During this period, the minister said that the number of divorces that have occurred within less than a year of marriage amounted to 50 cases, and divorces that happened within five years of marriage numbers 164 cases.

The overall number of divorce cases have also reached 747 over the past five years.

The minister also highlighted that a total of 3,890 orphans have been recorded between 2011 and March 2017. These orphans have been registered as recipients of aid schemes from the Pengiran Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah Fund for Orphans (DANA), which runs under the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.

According to him, from this 3,890, a total of 1,480 individuals are orphaned due to the death of their fathers, while the remaining 2,410 are abandoned children (usually born out of wedlock) who are classified as orphans.

“We need to look at the reality so that we can find a way to improve the situation if it cannot be prevented,” the minister said.

He stated further that this issue of abandoned babies or children can be traced to factors such as the efficiency of religious education, lifestyle changes, culture shock, poverty due to unemployment, or even education.

The minister hoped that the seminar will be able to produce or generate practical ideas that can be adopted in social community programmes aimed towards curing such social ills which lead to troubled families.

Ustazah Hajah Radhiah binti Haji Gani, Director of Fiqh al-Usrah Research Centre, meanwhile, said the seminar is conducted for the first time as part of an effort to support the research centre’s objective of delivering services and academic contributions towards the developing families that are “Sakinah, Mawaddah Warahmah”.

The seminar’s closing ceremony will take place today at 2pm.

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|     Azlan Othman     |

THE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) yesterday presented Long Service Medal (PKL) to 23 officers and staff to mark 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 70th birth anniversary.

The medals were presented by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof.

The Permanent Secretary at the MCYS Haji Mohd Noor Jusmin bin Haji Abdul Samad said that the officers and staff who received PKL comprise those who have contributed meritoriously and excellently to the government for the last 20 years.

They received the medals for showing unwavering support and loyalty to His Majesty, for their good track record in services as well as for their decent character and commendable personality along with good performance, he added.

“The ceremony is meaningful and significant as we celebrate and reward the excellence of those who have fulfilled the aspiration of the ministry and the nation. The ministry congratulates the recipients and believes that the awards will stimulate the ministry to be more focused on performance management as it is directly related to the success of an organisation,” he noted.

Photos above & below show the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports presenting the medals to recipients

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof in a group photo with medal recipients. – PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR

Haji Mohd Noor Jusmin added that regular performance management is required to assess the strengths and weaknesses of staff and it gives immediate feedback. Such feedback will help the officers deliver more productive and high quality services.

Also in attendance at the ceremony was the Permanent Secretary at the ministry Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil, heads of departments, senior officers and staff of the ministry.

The post MCYS presents Long Service Medal to 23 appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Azlan Othman     |

GIVING a fresh impetus to tourism development between Brunei and Sabah, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between national carrier Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) and Sabah Tourism Board (STB) on Tuesday.

It is the first of its kind tourism initiative between the Sultanate and the Malaysian state.

The memorandum, which aims to develop joint promotional activities for the inflow of tourists from Melbourne into Borneo, was signed by RB Executive General Manager Brett McDougall and Sabah Tourism Board General Manager Gordon Yapp.

The signing was witnessed by RB Chief Executive Officer Karam Chand and the Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Masidi bin Manjun.

“STB has worked with RB before on several joint promotions, be it for Australian market or long haul markets like UK, therefore this cooperation will further intensify and cement our working relationship for future mutual benefits,” said Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Masidi.

As part of the cooperation, the two parties agreed to cost-share the promotional activities that will centre around stimulating the increase of Australian tourists into Brunei Darussalam and Sabah.

Selected Australian travel agents will be appointed to sell special packages within a time frame, which includes a dedicated Return and Services Leagues (RSL) package to attend the Sandakan Day Memorial Service in Sabah this year.

For higher destination awareness on both Brunei and Sabah, the document also agreed to work with Australian online writers and media to produce online content as well as a promotional e-book.

“Brunei is our closest neighbour from where we received one of our top international arrivals last year. Some of our long haul arrivals, particularly from Australia, traditionally use the Melbourne-Kota Kinabalu route, a connection they have been enjoying for the past few years.

“We are seeing positive results from fresh strategies and new marketing approach, continued awareness on the correct platform combined with the convenient air accessibility by RB, that arrivals from Australia last year increased by 8.7 per cent compared to 2015.

“It is only right that we embark on this memorandum right now to further develop this market segment for both countries. On behalf of the state government, I wish to congratulate both parties on this historical partnership,” added Masidi.

The post RB, Sabah in pact to develop tourism appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

DESPITE a perceived higher awareness about food hygiene, the country continues to be plagued with food poisoning cases.

From 2005 to May 2016, there have been a total of 67 food poisoning outbreaks affecting 1,645 individuals.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that worldwide, one in 10 people are affected by food-borne diseases each year, causing an estimated 420,000 deaths, of which one third (125,000) are children.

According to Pengiran Nur Halimatussaadiah binti Pengiran Haji Mohd Alias, Officer-in-Charge of Standard Unit under the Food Safety and Quality Control Division of the Public Health Services, Ministry of Health, food poisoning is the main cause of disease outbreaks in the country that mostly occur though the use of contaminated cooked food or packed beverages by schoolchildren.

“The major causes of food poisoning are poor food handling practices and lack of proper sanitation,” she added, underscoring that “everyone is responsible (for their own and the society’s health) and can contribute their efforts in ensuring food safety”.

“Food is such an integral part of our daily grind that we often take it for granted. Often times, we do not realise the health risks that we are exposed to when we eat and if we prepare food carelessly, it could lead to food-borne diseases.

“Food-borne illnesses are diseases spread via food consumption, usually due to improper handling, cooking or storage. The symptoms of food poisoning include weakness, fever, chills, appetite loss, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain and diarrhoea. In some cases, it can cause severe dehydration, long-term complications such as kidney failure, arthritis and brain or nerve damage that can even lead to death,” Pengiran Nur Halimatussaadiah said.

As food borne illnesses represent one of the significant threats to public health and can cause substantial social and economic burden, authorities worldwide have included food safety clauses in national and international laws and policies to ensure preparedness for the surveillance and control of food-borne disease outbreaks, she noted.

In recognition of its importance, Brunei Darussalam also has implemented preventive and proactive measures including the publication and enforcement of several national legislations to ensure food safety in the country, the official pointed out.

Measures have been implemented to ensure food safety in the country, which will be beneficial to the local food industry in gaining consumer trust. – AZROL AZMI

Examples of such legislations are the Infectious Disease Act (Chapter 204), 2010 and the Public Health (Food) Act (Chapter 182) and its Regulations (R1, Chapter 182).

These legislations cover the following measures:

• If a medical practitioner is alerted or receive information of a possible food poisoning outbreak, it will have to be reported immediately for further investigation;

• Inspection of premises to ensure that manufactured food is stored and packed in sanitary and safe conditions and that good food handling are practised to reduce the risk of contamination;

• Screening of imported food products via Food Import Registration to ensure they contain safe ingredients;

• Health education for food handlers, awareness programmes for food safety and ensuring that food handlers have been vaccinated for specific communicable food-borne illnesses;

• Other control measures to ensure that the public practise safe food handling and hygiene, whether at home, in a restaurant or at work.

Pengiran Nur Halimatussaadiah said that the Ministry of Health (MoH) hopes to instil not just hygienic and sanitary habits, but a healthy perspective when it comes to food choices and preparation.

“This will be beneficial to us as a nation not only in reducing the economic and social burden to the country by cutting the significant medical costs and increasing productivity at work, but also assist in enhancing consumer trust on our locally prepared and manufactured food.

“This will in turn gain international reliance, heightening opportunities for exportation of products. The ministry hopes the public will rise to this challenge of battling food-borne diseases, take initiatives to ensure food safety and pave a way towards a better, safer and healthier future.”

According to Pengiran Nur Halimatussaadiah, food poisoning is caused either by contamination by physical, chemical, viral or microbiological agents, and that the most common contamination is microbial that usually occurs due to improper food handling, unsatisfactory hygiene during food preparation and inappropriate food storage.

The WHO has published a manual to ensure safer food preparation called the ‘Five keys to safer food’ which can be utilised both domestically or commercially.

The manual emphasises on:

Keeping clean

Before preparing a meal, ensure that our hands are thoroughly washed before touching any food. Wash often during the process of preparation and especially after going to the toilet. Make sure that all utensils, surfaces or equipment in the kitchen are cleaned and sanitised and that the kitchen is not accessible to any insects, pests or other animals.

Separate

Special care must be taken especially when cooking raw meat, poultry, seafood and fresh vegetables.

If they are not properly washed and cooked, they have the highest risk of cross-contamination and food poisoning.

It is recommended that different knives and cutting boards be used for raw meat, raw vegetables and ready-to-eat foods.

When storing raw and cooked food, place them in separate containers to avoid contact and segregate them appropriately in the fridge or freezer.

Cook thoroughly

When cooking or reheating food, especially meat, poultry, eggs and seafood, make sure that they reach a temperature of at least 70 degrees Celsius and that the juices are clear, not pink.

Keep food at safe temperatures

Do not leave food at room temperature for more than two hours as this will increase the risk of multiplying harmful bacteria and when storing cooked and perishable food, it is preferable to keep them below five degrees Celsius.

Frozen food should not be left to thaw at room temperature and it is advisable to not store the food for too long in the refrigerator.

Use safe water and raw materials

For any food preparation, make sure that safe and clean water is used to cook or wash raw fruits and vegetables.

Choose fresh wholesome ingredients or foods that have been processed for safety such as pasteurised or Ultra Heat Treatment (UHT) milk.

Always check for the expiration date of the food and do not consume over the date.

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|     Fadhil Yunus     |

SETIA Bakti ‘B’ and ASMDB FT possessed the chance to jump right in the mix of the qualifying places in Group ‘D’ when the pair clash in President 2 of the DST National Veteran Football League at the JKR Sports Complex today.

The Group ‘D’ strugglers are in dire need to get off the mark with a win following their opening day losses and will hope to apply pressure to second-placed MBS United.

Setia Bakti ‘B’ surrendered a two goal lead against table-toppers Jerudong Veteran in their first game and hope to tighten their defence, while ASMDB FT made their season debut in a 3-1 defeat to MBS United.

Setia Bakti currently lie third with newcomers ASMDB FT in fourth with only goal difference separating both sides.

ASMDB FT (right) are in the hunt for their first victory in a crucial Group ‘D’ clash against Setia Bakti ‘B’. – VFA

A draw for either side will dent their qualification hopes especially if Jerudong and MBS pull away even further.

Currently, Jerudong are three points clear from MBS after collecting a perfect record and stay in contention of progressing to the knockout stages.

Meanwhile in Group ‘E’, former winners PSJD are hoping to erase last year’s poor campaign in the league with victory over basement dwellers Media FC at the Bengkurong Community Hall Field.

KPPKSK are the current Group ‘E’ leaders following their 7-1 rout over Media FC on March 3.

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|      Fizah HAB      |

THE seventh edition of the Food and Fashion festival will be launched at the Indoor Stadium in Berakas today.

The one-week festival, organised by Star Bugs Event Management, will showcase a variety of food including the King of Fruits, Durian, to be served to visitors at the festival.

The festival will also showcase several products including branded hijab, raya clothes for children, shoes, handbags and many more.

“We request the people to come to the event,” said Dayangku Rina binti Pengiran Ahmad, Event Project and Marketing Manager in a press statement. “We will also give out special gifts including 500 pieces of roti kosong with curry and complimentary hot drinks at the launch of the event.”

Traditional rickshaw rides, pedal kid carts, bouncers, mascot appearances, a cat show and an animal showcase will also be featured at the festival.

Borneo Bulletin and Media Permata are the official media partners of the festival.

Vendors setting up for the festival. – FIZAH HAB

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|      Abdul Hakiim Yakof      |

UNIVERSITI Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) recently renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) of Malaysia, during a ceremony witnessed by Acting Minister of Education Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar.

Held at the Ministry of Education, the ceremony opened with a recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat.

In his welcoming remarks, UNISSA Rector Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal noted that since the inking of the MoU in 2012, various programmes and activities have been carried out, including the Borneo Islamic International Conference (KAIB) which has been led by UiTM Sarawak since 2008.

The conference was organised twice in Brunei Darussalam. In 2012, it was held at Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) and at UNISSA in 2015, he said.

“UNISSA has been invited to become a permanent organiser for KAIB every year, together with UiTM Sabah, KUPU SB and the host institution for the year. I understand that the 10^th KAIB will this year be held at Universiti Mulawarman, Samarinda in North Kalimantan, Indonesia,” he added.

UNISSA Rector Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal noted that since the inking of the MoU in 2012, various programmes and activities have been carried out, including the Borneo Islamic International Conference (KAIB) which has been led by UiTM Sarawak since 2008. – ABDUL HAKIIM YAKOF

UNISSA was also recently invited by UiTM Melaka to collaborate in organising the International Islamic Heritage Conference (IsHeC) 2017 to be held from November 14 – 15.

This MoU renewal signing between UNISSA and UiTM shows the solid collaboration ties that will produce unity and loyalty to increase advancement and development in the exploration of knowledge and research, he said.

UiTM Vice Chancellor Professor Emeritus Dato Dr Hassan Said noted that of the 26 faculties found at UiTM, the Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies (ACIS) is one of the academic centres that play an important role at UiTM.

“Until now, ACIS has more than 800 students participating in programmes such as Diploma in Halal Management, Diploma in Muamalat, Bachelor in Muamalat, Bachelor in Halal Industry Management as well as Masters and Doctorate in Contemporary Islamic Studies,” he said.

The UiTM vice chancellor believes the MoU is a commitment between UiTM and UNISSA to cooperate in various fields of research and publication, resource sharing, lecturer and student mobility as well as external examination.

The ceremony continued with the MoU renewal signing between Dr Haji Norarfan and Professor Emeritus Dato Dr Hassan Said.

The MoU renewal hopes to increase and improve work relations between both institutions of higher learning.

With the existence of UiTM Sarawak and UiTM Sabah campuses, which make up the 35 UiTM campuses across Malaysia, the two campuses are a factor that drives to expand the cooperation.

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|      Daniel Lim      |

THE ‘Bah Kemari Tah’ expo was launched yesterday at the STKRJ Kampong Lorong 3 Selatan in Seria. More than 12 local booths have been set up around the field in STKRJ Lorong 3 Selatan selling products such as clothing, food, drinks and more.

It was hosted by the Village Consultative Council (MPK) of STKRJ Lorong 3 Selatan, with the support of the Belait District Office and Kuala Belait and Seria Municipal Department.

The aim was to encourage the local communities to liven up the surrounding area as well as gathering funds for the MPK.

In an interview, Hassan bin Haji Masri, Secretary from the MPK STKRJ Kampong Lorong 3 Selatan, mentioned that the expo consisted of a variety of booths besides activities for friends and family.

“Over the past several years, very few events were organised here and hosting this event will enliven the community,” added Hassan. It is hoped that the event will draw people to visit and support local businesses as well as the MPK.

The guest of honour Haji Jamail bin Haji Linap, Penghulu of Mukim Seria, officiating the event

Group photo of some of the vendors at the expo. – PHOTOS: DANIEL LIM

One of the booths at the expo

The sales expo began with an opening ceremony in the afternoon. The guest of honour Haji Jamail bin Haji Linap, Penghulu of Mukim Seria officiated.

The ceremony saw the guest of honour cutting the ribbon which held 33 balloons, followed by visits to the various booths.

Several activities and services were organised by the MPK for attendees. These activities and services include riding ATV in closed course, various sport activities for children, parents and guardians and football match.

The expo is slated to be held until April 2. It is also hoped that this event will provide a venue for the public to spend their time during school holidays.

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|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

UNIVERSITI Teknologi Brunei (UTB)’s seminar on ‘Innovation for Sustainable Economy’ was launched with a welcoming address by Professor Lars Ingvar Bergkvist, Professor of Marketing at UTB’s School of Business yesterday.

Professor Bergkvist was also a moderator at the seminar.

The event was held in conjunction with the Crown Prince CIPTA Award Competition 2017.

Associate Professor Dr Chong Wen Tong from the University of Malaya gave the first prese-ntation titled ‘Green Innovations in Product Design and Research’.

He has filed 12 intellectual property rights, won first prize at the National Intellectual Property Award 2016 (patent category) and was awarded the ‘Energy Invention Order of Merit’ at the World Inventor Award Festival 2012.

In his presentation, Dr Chong introduced a green innovation design as a new concept widely accepted in western developed countries.

The design makes full use of renewable energy resources while ensuring that the products consume the least energy sources in their whole life cycle.

The concept also focuses on eliminating or minimising pollution, taking into con-sideration the economic benefits of the created product from the standpoint on sustainable development.

Dr Chong also shared a few green innovations that he developed which include the Cross-Axis Wind Turbine which won the first prize at the National Intellectual Property Award (AHIN) 2016 in the Patent Category, an Eco-Greenery Outdoor Lighting System, an Eco-Living Green Wall System and a Solar-Powered Turbine Ventilator.

One of the speakers at the seminar. – PHOTOS: ISHAN IBRAHIM

Attendees at the seminar

The next presentation was delivered by Professor Stephen Tyson, a Chair Professor of Petroleum Engineering at UTB, titled ‘30 Years of Innovation in the Petroleum Industry – Where Are We Heading?’

Professor Stephen Tyson was previously the Chair of Subsurface Modelling at the School of Earth Sciences, Chair of Geosciences at the Centre for Coal Seam Gas, and Director of the Centre for Geoscience Computing at the University of Queensland.

He is also a Chartered Mathematician and a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE).

Professor Tyson spoke on several changes in the petroleum industry over the last 30 years and their implications for engineering students.

He also spoke about the future of innovation in the industry while also offering suggestions on anticipated skill gaps and career opportunities.

Meanwhile, Professor Mah-moud Moghavvemi from the University of Malaya delivered a presentation titled ‘Our Humble Journey Towards Innovation’.

Professor Moghavvemi is the founder and current director of the Centre for Research in Applied Electronics (CRAE) at the University of Malaya.

He currently teaches in the Department of Electrical Engineering and published more than 250 articles in scholarly journals and conferences.

He also earned 53 medals from national and international exhibitions with more than 40 patents to his credit in the areas of invention and innovation.

His latest project involves the usage of brain signals to form commands, helping paralysed individuals to communicate with electronic items around them.

In his presentation, Professor Moghavvemi made the distinction between invention and innovation, in which invention is the first occurrence of an idea for a new product, while innovation is the creative solution to carry it out into practice – a process of transforming new ideas into new products and services to enhance people’s lives.

The three speakers were also members of the judging panel during the Participant’s Presentation and Evaluation Stage of the Crown Prince CIPTA Award Competition 2017 at UTB on March 28 and 29.

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|      James Kon      |

THE first-of-its-kind OzSports Festival held at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien over the weekend was well received by parents.

The success of the event – organised by Sports Camps Australia (SCA) together with the Australian High Commission in Brunei Darussalam – marks the start of SCA sports programmes in the Sultanate.

SCA Chief Executive Officer Mark Wilton was pleasantly surprised by the turnout as well as the collaboration among SCA partners (local coaches, clubs and associations) who turned up to be a part of the event – at their own cost.

“This is fantastic and clearly the foundation for sports development growth in Brunei,” he said.

SCA Country Manager Ken Han said, “Sports development is, first and foremost, the most important component in sports. It is like the first step for a child when he learns to walk.

“Not many coaches and associations like to spend time or finances in this area. Everyone wants to be associated with the sportsstars, high-profile sportsmen and sportswomen…. but not with development.

“SCA has mastered the art of delivering foundation sports programme through our Phizz Kidz programme,” he said.

The whole Phizz Kidz concept is to expose sports to children under 10 years using modified equipment.

Han said, “In the past, when we wanted to have our children pick up a sport, we would send them to a coach for private lessons. The coach would teach them a specific sport, using standard approved equipment, which the child would find hard to manage and thus not enjoy the session.

Tennis coach Aiman giving pointers to young participants during a tennis workshop. – JAMES KON

“Phizz Kidz’s objective is fun. If the kids have fun, they will want to come back and partake regularly.”

The SCA Phizz Kidz programmes have various stages.

He explained, “The Phizz Kidz long-term programme runs once per week for 12 weeks. We have a systematic approach on what we teach them each week and how the kids progress.

“After 12 weeks, the kids will progress to the next level of the programme. This means that after every 12 weeks, there is a test for the kids to progress to the next level.

“Some coaches also use this test to move kids to a different sport completely – based on the child’s capabilities. The child might be in a basketball programme, but the coach might feel that he/she has the physical built, agility and hand-eye coordination to excel in tennis. You can say that Phizz Kidz is also a TID programme,” Han said.

“As you know, most parents tend to send their children for sports they feel could be right for the child.

“Most importantly, with this programme, parents are not required to invest in equipment for their child. All our participants just show up in their sports attire and we provide them all the necessary equipment,” Han added.

SCA’s long term goal is to establish a platform for kids who are part of the long-term programme to compete. There is no point in them training when there is no friendly competition.

“As such, it is our vision to organise a Phizz Kidz Carnival in 2018,” he said.

“We will begin planning and talking to all our partners about this in the near future. Brunei has some fantastic sporting facilities and we hope with our camps and programmes, all these facilities will be utilised fully and that Bruneians will take this opportunity to expose their children to sports and help them develop a sporty lifestyle from a very young age. SCA is all about kids having ‘serious fun,’” Han added.

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|      Aziz Idris      |

TWO local youth leaders were awarded a mini-grant from the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) SEA Camp held in Coron, Palawan, the Philippines, recently for their winning project ‘Saving Kampong Ayer’.

Nineteen-year-old Shima binti Haji Misli, 2^nd-Year Biology student from Universiti Brunei Darussalam and Hizaam bin Haji Abdul Haris, 22, an environmental science graduate from Washington DC won the hearts of the YSEALI SEA Camp mentors and will use the funding to conduct the environmental project in Kampong Ayer by mid May 2017.

‘Saving Kampong Ayer’ is a one-day environmental education workshop on waste management involving 30 elementary school students aged 10-11 year residing at the water village.

The 30 school students will automatically become “eco-prefects” and teach their peers on the importance of conserving Brunei’s most valuable heritage as well as educate students on proper waste management.

According to Shima, during an interview held at Starbucks, Mabohai Shopping Complex yesterday, the project was based on useful information obtained during the camp which focused on conservation and climate change from mentors and environmental specialists from the region.

“The camp taught us leadership and training programmes that empower youth to take action on environmental issues through fun-filled activities,” she added. The project also has a deeper meaning for them, as both their grandparents originated from Kampong Ayer.

Shima binti Haji Misli and Hizaam bin Haji Abdul Haris hoisting the Brunei national flag on top of Mount Tapyas, Coron, Palawan Island, the Philippines. The two Bruneian youth leaders were recently awarded a mini-grant by the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) SEA Camp held in Coron, for their project ‘Saving Kampong Ayer’

Hizaam bin Haji Abdul Haris and Shaima binti Haji Misli during the YSEALI SEA Camp media debrief. – DEAN KASSIM

Hizaam recalled the stories told by his grandparents reminiscing about the old days when growing up in the water village. “Kampong Ayer was cleaner back then, with less trash, less pollution. Sometimes the water was clear, you can see the fish,” he sighed.

“We want our young participants to realise that sustainable living, even in urbanised setting, can still be achieved, and that progress and conservation of the environment can go together,” added Hizaam.

Overall, the goal is to promote an eco-friendly culture starting from primary schools and produce the country’s next generation of environmental leaders. There will be a workshop on project planning where the students will be expected to present solutions to various environment-related problems, he added.

The YSEALI SEA Camp held from March 15 to 22, is one of the US government’s programmes to promote ocean conservation.

Some 30 youth leaders from across Southeast Asia underwent a week-long intensive environmental education and leadership programme with outdoor activities, workshops, and panel discussions.

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|     Abdul Hakiim Yakof     |

BRUNEI brains are fast cracking the codes to take the country to the forefont of the current global technology revolution. As the Sultanate’s diversification efforts gather momentum, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has emerged as yet another prospective money spinner for the country.

Amply proving the country’s capability to join the global ICT bandwagon, a group of dedicated young Bruneians have started spearheading an ambitious entrepreneurial drive focussing on ICT development, which has seen a slew of mobile applications coming under global spotlight recently.

As part of efforts to grab global attention and market, the latest technological feat of Brunei will be on showcase at the Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) 2017, a premier event to be held on April 2-4 at the Dubai World Trade Centre in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Two Bruneian mobile applications – ‘Islamic Mind’ developed by Mindplus and FarmIQ created by Vanessa Teo – will be showcased at the AIM 2017, which focuses on foreign direct investment (FDI) in growing markets.

Participants from more than 40 countries will be in attendance at the prestigious event.

In an interview, Pengiran Mohd Khairi bin Pengiran Haji Metussin, one of the founders of Mindplus, an IT solution company based in Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia, confirmed that he will be presenting the company’s flag-ship mobile app ‘Islamic Mind’ at the FDI event.

Launched in Indonesia last year, the app has received awards from the Asean ICT Awards, the Brunei Info-Communication Technology Awards (BICTA), the IGNITE Entrepreneurship Challenge and the Stevie Awards.

Mindplus is also looking at launching the app in Brunei, Singapore and Malaysia this year. “It will be the same product, but with settings specified to suit each country,” said Pengiran Mohd Khairi.

Pengiran Mohd Khairi bin Pengiran Haji Metussin and Vanessa Teo at the iCentre. – ABDUL HAKIIM YAKOF

The app, available on both iOS and Android, serves as an online platform for free Islamic education to everyone.

Its Islamic curriculum content caters to children aged five to 12, using animated characters to model social cues and demonstrate Islamic behaviour in everyday context.

Pengiran Mohd Khairi said that the contents have been approved and endorsed by several Islamic associations such as the Islamic Da’wah Centre and the Islamic Studies Department under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Brunei and the Muhammadiyah Islamic organisation of the Republic of Indonesia.

“Our vision for this app is to make it free for everyone to learn about Islam in a fun way,” he said.

He also described the app’s community feature, which stores user information such as their names, schools and the points accumulated from participating in quizzes.

“We received $300,000 in funding for the development of the application from Syariah banks, institutions, foundations and also telecommunications,” he said.

“The CIMB Bank of Indonesia is sponsoring us to access Muslim communities in Indonesia; we have more banks coming in to support us in the coming months for the Indonesian market. With our partnership with the Muhammadiyah NGO in Indonesia, it has been easy for us to raise funds with their membership of 40 million.

“We also received support from the Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam, which has contributed a lot financially and sponsored us in the development of this app, trusting our vision of making Islamic education free for everyone.”

On his expectations of AIM 2017 in Dubai, he said, “The event itself is focussing on investment, so my objective of being part of the event is to explore more on the investment side of things: how categorised investments are over there, as investors can come in the form of venture capitalists, impact funders and CSR investors. I want to explore these series of fundings that I might have the opportunity of tapping into.

“We hope to get more support from the user community in helping us enhance our existing content by spreading it and helping us grow,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, Vanessa Teo, the creator of FarmIQ, explained that the app is an agricultural business intelligence and data analytics platform focussed on helping planters increase their farm productivity.

The app provides a range of services and products that enable identification of yield gaps in the farm management process, while creating market access.

The holder of a PhD in Agricultural Modelling, a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Microbiology, and a Masters in Environmental Technology, Vanessa Teo said that she has always had an interest in understanding how the environment works and how the ecosystem provides for the human civilisation.

“Towards the end of my PhD, I wondered whether all the research I had done would impact the lives of farmers who stood to benefit from this information,” she said, adding, “I decided that I wanted to create a solution that would bridge the gap between academic research and providing information that farmers would be able to easily understand and use.

“I wanted to create a platform where information would be sent to farmers in an easy and straightforward way, so after my PhD, I travelled to Canada where I took part in a programming boot camp, as I did not have any background in computer programming. I formed a development team for FarmIQ after that.”

Vanessa Teo said that first-time farmers can utilise the app to acquire information on how to set up their respective plantations.

Two weeks ago, the FarmIQ app was officially rebranded, and the development team is currently in the phase of negotiating with potential customers from Brunei, Malaysia, Myanmar and the Philippines.

“We have also considered an Internet of Things (IoT) startup, which means collecting data, performing the analytics and manipulating access to devices on farms,” said Vanessa Teo. “For instance, if we arrive at a conclusion that more water is needed on a particular farm, then a water switch can be activated from that farmer’s device.”

On AIM 2017, Vanessa Teo said that she would be willing to learn from other competitors at the event, but ensured that her app has a unique selling point.

“We are an agricultural business intelligence at the end of the day,” she said. “We gather knowledge from academic researchers and institutes. We have our own platform and system, which we deploy to the farms and we help the farmers reach certain standards. So if you are a medium-sized farmer who wants to get into the export trade, this app will guide you through the certifications and processes.

“We offer a customised solution for you, as opposed to a generic farm system. A farm management system merely collects data – but in terms of converting the data into a beneficial guide, that is where our app comes in, as we have the resources and the skills to do so.”

Vanessa Teo concluded that the next phase for the development team will be a partnership with the Royal Agricultural University in the United Kingdom, a strong agricultural research institute since 1845, with ties to many agricultural companies across Europe.

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