MORE than 170 students from International School Brunei (ISB) participated in the ‘Orienteering Challenge House Competition’ at the Commonwealth Park on Thursday.

Also participating for their respective house teams were His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel, Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim ibni Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak ‘Abdul Haseeb bin Pengiran Maharaja Setia Laila Diraja Sahibul Irshad Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Rahim.

In conjunction with the ISB Year 5’s academic topic on exploration and the orienteering activities learnt during physical education, the 172 Years 5 and 6 students bussed to the Commonwealth Park in teams of four.

With markers of different letters of the alphabet placed at various coordinates throughout the park, students had to find the letters to spell a predetermined list of words. Provided with a compass, each team had to complete the orienteering course within a time limit.

ISB teacher, Jodie Fletton, remarked how “fulfilling the activity was for the students, who were able to reap the benefits of classroom knowledge in a real-life situation”. Fletton also said that activities like this “allow students to understand the importance of teamwork, as those groups who fail to work together successfully would have difficulty finishing the course”.

Photo shows His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel during the ‘Orienteering Challenge House Competition’ organised by International School Brunei (ISB) at the Commonwealth Park. – ISB

Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim ibni Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and team after finding a marker during the ‘Orienteering Challenge House Competition’ at the Commonwealth Park on Thursday

Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak ‘Abdul Haseeb bin Pengiran Maharaja Setia Laila Diraja Sahibul Irshad Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Rahim and team pose for a photo

ISB teacher Jodie Fletton explaining the activity to students. – PHOTOS: ISB

The activity tests what students have learnt in class through real-life application

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|     James Kon     |

THE Republic of Korea remained the second largest trading partner of Brunei Darussalam in 2016 with total trade worth B$1.094 billion.

“The majority of the export to Korea from Brunei Darussalam is oil and gas. Actually, the trade volume is still the same but the value shows a slight reduction compared to 2015 because of the fall in oil and gas prices,” the South Korean Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Cho Won-myung said.

In an interview at the Korean Embassy in the diplomatic enclave recently, the envoy told the Weekend Bulletin that “Korea and Brunei are very important partners of trade and our government would like to thank Brunei Darussalam for providing a stable energy source to Korea”.

With the new chancery in place, he stressed that the Korean Embassy in Brunei Darussalam is continuing its efforts to expand the volume of trade between both countries in the long term, hoping that Brunei companies would import high-quality Korean products such as building materials and food products.

Cho Won-myung cited that the potential of foreign investments from Korea in Brunei would be in medical and high-tech industry.

“Two years ago, I had invited a Korean bioinformatics company which uses DNA for medical treatment to come to Brunei to explore the potential for cooperation. As there are many pristine forests, the company will be able to utilise the flora and fauna to make natural medicine.

Cho Won-myung, Korean Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam

“As Brunei has modernised hospitals and rehabilitation centres, we can apply the bioinformatics technology here. The famous Korean bioinformatics company can set up a base here and then commercialise the technology through factories. Allied companies will be established here and in five to 10 years, the industry will flourish, developing Brunei as a leader in bioinformatics industry and providing high-end jobs to locals,” the envoy added.

Another potential investment area Korea is looking at in Brunei is Islamic financial technology, the ambassador said, adding that last year, a Korean company was here evincing interest in launching a related project.

As Brunei Darussalam has formally joined the Paris Agreement on fighting climate change, the ambassador felt that renewable energy could be another potential area of cooperation.

Touching on tourism, he pointed out that more Koreans are expected to visit Brunei with the launching of direct chartered flights from Korea to Brunei in December last year.

“This year, more tourists are expected to arrive in Brunei. Brunei travel package is one of the best tourism products being featured online as well as TV channels in Korea. With more people-to-people exchanges increasing mutual understanding, I hope that there will be more Bruneians visiting Korea.”

Last year, around 11,000 Koreans arrived in Brunei which is a huge jump from the previous year. Currently, there are more than 450 Koreans residing in Brunei, the ambassador said.

The post S Korea pins big hopes on Brunei appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

A GROUP of 25 Year 12 International Baccalaureate (IB) students of Jerudong International School (JIS) set out on an overnight trip to the Sumbiling Eco Village in Temburong. The trip was an initiative as part of the Theory of Knowledge (ToK) component of the IB course, with the fundamental aim of being exposed to indigenous knowledge and traditions of the Iban culture.

Upon arrival, the students and staff were greeted by the local guides from Sumbiling Eco Village and were given a brief overview of the history of Temburong, including a Memorial of Remembrance for the Brunei Rebellion of December 1962. Students then visited the local tamu in Bangar where they had the chance to learn more about the 21 different species of local rice cultivated throughout the district.

At the village, students had light refreshments before embarking on an educational 10km hike through the Ulu Ulu Resort National Park as well as other activities including rock painting and fishing.

The trip to Sumbiling Eco Village provided students with the opportunity to meet and have conversations with Apai, the longhouse leader and the 103-year-old woman they met called, Nenek.

They had conversations that lasted nearly two hours on several occasions which was crucial to their perception and preconceived notions of the indigenous culture.

Their discussions flowed through topics such as technology, anthropology and the importance of tattoos within the Iban culture.

Year 12 IB students trying traditional Iban costumes

Students learn fishing the traditional way on the river banks in Temburong. – PHOTOS: JIS

Students in a group photo with their host

The post JIS students visit Temburong, get to know more about Iban culture appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Wani Roslan     |

MAJU Motors Sdn Bhd officially launched the eighth generation Volkswagen Passat in a ceremony at The Empire Hotel & Country Club yesterday.

German Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam cum guest of honour Roland Grafe unveiled the new vehicles alongside Maju Motors Sdn Bhd Managing Director Stefanie Chan and Maju Motors Sdn Bhd Director Dr Chan Sui Kiat.

The launch allowed the invited guests the opportunity to witness some of the features of the new Passat, which include the keyless entry, convenient hands-free trunk opening and the Apple CarPlay.

The Passat, a global bestseller, is Volkswagen’s most successful model with its design combining stylish clarity with a high degree of power.

German Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Roland Grafe, Maju Motors Sdn Bhd Director Dr Chan Sui Kiat and Maju Motors Sdn Bhd Managing Director Stefanie Chan launching the Volkswagen Passat. – PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR

Invited guests taking a closer look at the new Passat

Three versions of the Passat have rolled into the Brunei market, with the first being the Passat 1.8 TSI Comfortline, powered by the 180 PS.

Individuals looking for a higher level of performance can opt for the Passat 2.0 TSI Exclusiveline, which boasts a 220 PS TSI engine, ventilated front seats, DYNAudio sound system, Park Assist and Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC).

The sportier model comes in the form of the Passat 2.0 TSI R-Line, with its striking R-Line bumpers, distinctive front grille with R-Line logo, chrome-plated trapezoid tail pipe trim panels, side sill extensions and a black gloss diffuser. The model also comes with steering wheel paddle shifters as standard.

The new Passat is available in two direct injection turbocharged TSI engines, and all of the drive systems are new aboard the Passat. The fuel consumption levels, and therefore their CO2 emissions, have been reduced by as much as 17 per cent.

Both the 180 PS and 220 PS models are equipped with a stop-start system and a regenerative braking mode.

The eighth generation Passat weighs up to 85-kilogrammes less than the previous model, and improvements have been made to body rigidity.

The post Marrying style with power appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     James Kon     |

MEMBERS of the Vespa Owner’s Club and SOG Brunei gathered at the launch of the iconic Italian scooter ‘Vespa’ under the Piaggio Group at the Grand Motors Sdn Bhd showroom in Beribi yesterday.

Grand Motors Executive Director Pengiran Haji Abdul Qahar bin Pengiran Sanggamara Diraja Major General (Rtd) Pengiran Haji Ibnu Ba’asith and Managing Director Frankie Ho welcomed the guests.

Over 20 riders participated in the Vespa Brunei maiden ride traversing local landmarks such as the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium and Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah in Kampong Kiarong to commemorate the event.

Grand Motors management expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support after having sold-out Vespa scooters within a few months and added that more will be coming to satisfy the strong market demand.

Mohd Rudy bin Salleh, a local Vespa owner in an interview with the Sunday Bulletin said, “Vespa is a lifestyle and I’ve always liked the vintage look of it; I purchased a Vespa 250GTV around nine years ago.”

Meanwhile, The Vespa models available in Brunei are Vespa Sprint sport, Primavera 150, Primavera 150 70th anniversary edition, PX150 and GTS300 super to name a few.

Vespa scooter owners in a group photo at the event. – PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR

Participants of the maiden ride at the event

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|     James Kon     |

A COMPREHENSIVE study and review on police training is needed to ensure the nation’s police force is able to adapt to the constantly evolving needs of the community and country.

Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) Operation Department Acting Director cum guest of honour Senior Superintendent Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Haji Mohammed Saifullah bin Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Haji Idris highlighted this yesterday at the passing out parade for Additional Police Officer (APO) Squad 1 and 2/2016 at the RBPF Police Training Centre.

In the era of globalisation and rapid technological evolution, the concept of career specialisation has become less relevant compared to the past, particularly in the police profession.

Underlining the importance for police personnel to be able to assume multiple roles, he said, “In the eyes of the community, the word ‘police’ is all-encompassing; a police personnel is still seen as a police officer in the generic sense, it doesn’t matter which department or formation within the force he belongs to, ie investigation, intelligence, security or others.”

Royal Brunei Police Force Operation Department Acting Director cum guest of honour Senior Superintendent Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Haji Mohammed Saifullah bin Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Haji Idris inspecting the passing out parade line. – PHOTOS: JAMES KON

Senior Superintendent Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Haji Mohammed Saifullah presenting an award to recruit APO 7081 Hairie anak Tuah

Pointing out the continuous changes in the criminal landscape as well as the regional and international security climate, including that of Brunei, he said, “The RBPF is facing new challenges that constantly test the capabilities and knowledge of the force. Criminals are constantly learning and adopting new tactics to evade the police. Therefore we cannot remain static.

“Policies, procedures and troop protocols should always be adjusted and reviewed, and all personnel within the force need to equip themselves with a thorough knowledge of the law and be brave in facing all challenges to ensure the police force stays relevant and respected by the country,” he said.

He also said that one of the key elements contributing to a healthy national criminal justice system is the presence of an effective and impartial law enforcement mechanism. This can be achieved with a police force that is efficient and trustworthy.

Trustworthiness, he said, “can be attained not only with words or ideas but also through action and results. Therefore, the importance of integrity cannot be stressed enough. The RBPF will not tolerate any of its personnel involving in criminal activities, corruption and misuse of power.”

Sixty-two recruits from the 1 and 2/2016 APO Male Squad who completed their training at the Police Training Centre participated in the parade.

Senior Superintendent Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Haji Mohammed Saifullah presented the Best Overall Recruit award to recruit APO 7064 Muhammad Hafizuddin bin Mardalilani, while the Best Recruit (in Law) award was presented to recruit APO 7081 Hairie anak Tuah, and the Best Recruit (Outside Training and Marching) award went to recruit APO 7095 Nazmi bin Jalani.

The post As criminal landscape shifts, so must RBPF tactics appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Azaraimy HH     |

BRAVING occasional drizzle, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism trudged through the undulated terrain and negotiated the bushy plains of Batang Mitus in Tutong to have a close look at the various farms that stretch across the area.

“It is the right time for people to take up agriculture as a lucrative business opportunity. It is one of the most effective ways to diversify the economy to reduce the nation’s heavy reliance on oil and gas and to ensure food security, food self sufficiency and employment,” Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong told the Sunday Bulletin as he stopped for some fresh air during the trail.

The visit was part of the minister’s initiative to meet farmers in the country to understand their problems and enlighten them of the importance of producing high-priced and highly demanded agriculture produce that can improve their earnings and sustainability.

The minister and his delegation visited poultry, livestock, fruits and vegetable farms located in Batang Mitus that included the Food Jungle Farm Sdn Bhd, Ladang Buah Syarikat Usaha Bersama Maju, Ternakan Batang Mitus Farm Station and Ladang Sayur Superb Agricultural Farm.

Agricultural activities at the Food Jungle Sdn Bhd include ‘free range’ chicken farming, making compost using Permaculture technique, construction of symbiotic environment for aquaponic organic vegetable farming, research on papaya and banana using permaculture technique.

Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong learns about the operations at The Food Jungle Sdn Bhd. – PHOTOS: AZARAIMY HH

The minister is briefed at the Superb Agricultural Farm

Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali and his delegation in a group photo with farmers at Ladang Buah Syarikat Usaha Bersama Maju

Permaculture is a system of agricultural and social design principles centred on simulating or directly utilising the patterns and features observed in natural ecosystems.

At the farm, the Sunday Bulletin learnt about the advantage of free range chicken farming. Unlike conventional caged chicken farming, the chicken at the farm are left to roam around in a natural environment.

The farm began its operation in August last year under the ‘Tropica Permaculture Pilot Project’ and currently employs seven locals on the five-hectare site.

Ladang Buah Syarikat Usaha Bersama Maju located in Batang Mitus produces local fruits. The farm sits on a six-hectare land and began it operation in July 2000. It has five employees comprising two locals and three foreigners, and its products are marketed at a flea market.

The production at Ladang Buah Syarikat Usaha Bersama Maju has seen a steady increase since 2014 when it produced 79,110 kilogrammes of fruits worth $59,115 which rose to 92,665 kilogrammes worth $69,100 in 2015, and 104,384.80 kilogrammes worth $141,541 in 2016.

The Ternakan Batang Mitus Farm Station has a total of 570.9 hectares of land located in Kampong Batang Mitus. A total of 53 hectare has been developed for livestock.

The farm began operation in 1982 under Brunei Shell and Department of Agriculture and Agrifood. It rears buffalos and deer.

Today, 15 officers and staff from the Livestock and Veterinary Services are employed at the station.

Located in Kampong Kiudang, the Superb Agricultural Farm began its operation in 1983 on a 4.80 hectare land site.

The post Minister on Tutong farms trail appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

BRUNEI’S tourism drive is poised to get a professional outlook as the government is set to grant tour guide licences to 67 trained individuals which will provide a fresh impetus to the Sultanate’s efforts to diversify its economy away from oil and gas, leveraging on the country’s vast natural endowments and cultural heritage.

It is also a successful realisation of one of the commitments made by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) to promote the country to the world and the licence is a blank gift cheque to Brunei’s educated jobseekers who can now proudly flash the tour guide title as a respectable entry in their job profile.

The 67 individuals completed the basic tourist guide course facilitated by Laksamana College of Business (LCB) in collaboration with the MPRT, and will soon be granted tour guide licences by the ministry.

They received their certificates of course completion from Wardi bin Haji Mohammad Ali, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Tourism) at the MPRT, in a ceremony held at LCB’s premises in Jalan Kota Batu yesterday.

The newly accredited tour guides comprise staff from travel and tourism agencies in the country as well as LCB’s hospitality and tourism course students.

Wardi bin Haji Muhammad Ali, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Tourism) at the MPRT presenting the tour guide course certificate to Nurul Izzah Hazwani

Mims Sidi, during an interview with the Sunday Bulletin. – PHOTOS: DEAN KASSIM

Tourist guide courses given to local tourist guides should integrate basic foreign language skills training to enable them to communicate better with non-English-speaking tourists to the Sultanate, said Nurul Izzah Hazwani, 30, a student who underwent the recently concluded one-month basic tourist guide course, yesterday.

In an interview with the Sunday Bulletin, she said that with the influx of tourists from the Asian region in the last few years – notably from China, Korea and Japan – incorporating a basic teaching of the native language of these tourists in the courses would be tremendously advantageous, especially when the tourists don’t speak English.

“It will make it easier for us to communicate with them,” she added.

Nurul, who is a full-time teacher and part-time tourist guide during the weekends, also shared that the language courses would increase the chances of tour guides being employed in the tourism industry, pointing out that some companies prefer to hire guides who can speak other languages.

“For example, one company which interviewed me said they prefer someone who can speak in Korean language,” she said.

Statistics released earlier this year by the Tourism Development Department revealed that the Far East region is the only market that has continued to show positive growth – at 10.4 per cent, with a large contribution from countries such as South Korea, China, Japan and Hong Kong. Tourists from China account for the second-most number of tourist arrivals in the country.

As someone new to the industry, Nurul said her working as a tourist guide has increased her knowledge about Brunei.

“I realised that as a Bruneian, I don’t have a lot of knowledge about the country – especially the interesting places, heritage and history, and through this course I have learnt a lot,” she said, adding that she loves the job as it gives her the opportunity to promote Brunei’s culture to her friends abroad.

Simon Keenan, Head of Business and Hospitality Department at LCB, in his welcoming speech explained that the month-long course, which began in November last year, has till February this year been taken by four batches of students.

Included in the course are tours to places of interest in the country (by bus or boat) such as historical places like museums, overnight stays with nature and a full first aid course.

Through the programme, Keenan said that students will be able to gain a better picture of the scope of tasks as a tourist guide, as well as increase their confidence, presentation skills and communication skills. It also gives them the opportunity to work in a team, improve time management skills and help stay up-to-date with their knowledge on Brunei, ie historical facts.

Another course finisher, Mims Sidi, 21, a student who has been involved in the hospitality and tourism field since his ‘A’ Level and college days, said that it has always been his deep-rooted passion to work in the tourism industry. He added that his inspiration to get into the profession came from his penchant for telling stories to people, particularly visitors.

“We studied about how Brunei was formed, for instance how our relationship with the Chinese dates back centuries. It was a very interesting and fun experience because you get to learn new things everyday and this makes you better appreciate your own country,” Sidi added.

Sharing his views on how the course has benefited him, Sidi said that besides boosting his self-confidence, the course was great as he got the chance to travel to many beautiful places around the country.

“Brunei has many places that are still unknown, probably due to lack of exposure. This is where this course is helpful because we get to know these places,” he said.

Another beneficial aspect of the course, Sidi said, is that it helps boost his marketability in the job market, especially with the unemployment problem and rising job competition today.

“After graduating with my Higher National Diploma, I actually had a hard time setting foot into the workforce, but this actually helped propel me into becoming a professional tourist guide,” he said.

The post Tour guides set to give Brunei a fresh outlook appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

SOME 424 Year 1 and Year 2 students of the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (YSHHB) Primary School yesterday took part in the school’s annual ‘Kids Athletic’ held at the multipurpose hall of the YSHHB Secondary School.

During the event, the students were dressed in their respective house team colour – blue for ‘Brunei-Muara District’, yellow for ‘Tutong District’, red for ‘Belait District’ and purple for ‘Temburong District’, and took part in various athletic events set by the teachers.

The event began with the mass singing of the national anthem and the school song followed with the recitation of Doa.

The event continued with a warm-up session for the students led by the teachers prior to the start of the Kids Athletic event.

Among the six rotational athletic activities included were the Obstacle Race, Javelin Throw, Long Jump Squad, Pick-and-Put-the-ball-In race, Target Throw and Skipping.

Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Raihaanah Hanaa-Ul Bolqiah binti Pengiran Anak Khairul Khalil

Pengiran Anak Adriana Haziqah Jaida Bulqiah binti Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul ‘Ali Yil-Kabier

Mohd Ashraf As-Seddiq bin Yusrin. – SYAZWANI HJ ROSLI

Students were seen striving to collect points to win gold, silver and bronze medals for their house team during the event.

The winners of the Kids Athletic event will be announced in a prize presentation ceremony which will be held on a later date.

Participating in the sporting event yesterday were Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Raihaanah Hanaa-Ul Bolqiah binti Pengiran Anak Khairul Khalil, the granddaughter 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; Pengiran Anak Adriana Haziqah Jaida Bulqiah binti Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul ‘Ali Yil-Kabier, the grandchild of His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah; and Mohd Ashraf As-Seddiq bin Yusrin, the grandchild of Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna.

Also present were Alimas bin Haji Mohd Ali, the Acting Principal of the YSHHB Primary School, parents and guardians of the Year 1 and Year 2 students.

The objectives of the Kids Athletic event are to enhance the students’ physical and mental capabilities as well as to polish their talents in sporting activities as well.

It also aimed towards strengthening the relationship between the students, teachers and parents as well as to improve teamwork among them and to boost the students’ self-confidence at school.

The post Students show colours at Kids Athletic appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

HER Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah yesterday graced the handover of funds amounting to $53, 416.50 raised during the recent Charity Polo Day 2017, held at Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam (Pusat Ehsan) in Kampong Bengkurong.

Upon arrival at Pusat Ehsan’s new building, Her Royal Highness was welcomed by the centre’s Board of Trustees.

Her Royal Highness, who is also the Chairperson of Pusat Ehsan, presented the mock cheque to Pengiran Datin Hajah Noraini binti Pengiran Dipa Negara Laila Diraja Pengiran Haji Abdul Momin, Executive Trustee of Pusat Ehsan who received the donation on behalf of the centre.

Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah presenting a mock cheque from funds raised from Charity Polo Day 2017 to Pengiran Datin Hajah Noraini binti Pengiran Dipa Negara Laila Diraja Pengiran Haji Abdul Momin, Executive Trustee of Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam

Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah during the official launching of Pusat Ehsan’s Library

Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah takes a closer look at a programme conducted for Pusat Ehsan students. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI

Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah; Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Bahar; and Pengiran Datin Hajah Noraini binti Pengiran Dipa Negara Laila Diraja Pengiran Haji Abdul Momin, Executive Trustee of Pusat Ehsan

Some of the students with their teachers

The new Pusat Ehsan building in Kampong Bengkurong

The Charity Polo Day 2017 was at its second year organised by the Brunei Polo team led by Her Royal Highness, with the aim to help Pusat Ehsan for its growing operating costs.

After the presentation of the mock cheque, members of Pusat Ehsan performed a short performance to celebrate the occasion.

Her Royal Highness also graced the official opening of Pusat Ehsan’s Library.

The new building is the first phase of the redevelopment project of Pusat Ehsan while the next phase will be the Surau and pre-vocational and vocational buildings. It is necessary to create a meaningful impact to the lives of people with special needs as the population continues to grow.

Currently, 181 special students are registered in Pusat Ehsan Bengkurong and 53 in Kuala Belait branch. Pusat Ehsan aspires to become the prime centre for people with special needs in Brunei Darussalam.

The post Princess ‘Azemah graces charity handover to Pusat Ehsan appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

MS PDB left it late to seal a morale-boosting 2-0 victory against Lun Bawang in the Brunei DST Super League at the Berakas Sports Complex last night.

MS PDB’s Hafiz Haji Awang Ahmad’s stunner and a sublime Jasriman bin Haji Johari’s free-kick in the final ten minutes sent all three points to the police personnel.

With the game threatening to end in a stalemate, Lun Bawang’s Delson bin Jumat outmuscled the MS PDB defence but could not quite guide his shot into the bottom corner.

Hafiz’s wonderful effort flew from outside the box and into the back of the net to give the police side a well-deserved lead who have dominated large periods of the second half.

MS PDB’s veteran Jasriman came on a substitute and curled a stunning free-kick leaving the Lun Bawang goalkeeper absolutely no chance.

Players in action yesterday

However, there was drama in the end after a Lun Bawang player’s header crashed against the crossbar before Yunus bin Lupat scuffed his shot wide deep into stoppage time.

MS PDB head coach Staff Sgt Sahrin Mohamad Jaya said that only three points mattered during their opening game of the season.

“We only target three points for our first game in the Brunei DST Super League. We’re not concerned with how many goals we’ve scored as long as we end the match with all three points,” Sahrin told the Sunday Bulletin.

The police personnel boast a new look side following a major overhaul with three to four players retained from the previous season.

The post MS PDB edge Lun Bawang 2-0 in league opener appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

WORLD Rugby and Asia Rugby have encouraged the promotion of rugby in schools as means to boost the popularity in the country with ministries playing a key role in driving the sport.

The world governing body for rugby supported the initiative made by the Brunei Rugby Football Union (BRFU) to help promote mass participation and accelerate the growth and development of rugby in Brunei Darussalam.

World Rugby has also placed emphasis on strengthening the administrative role and governance within the union.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof met with and Ridzal Saat, Rugby Services Manager- Asia and Benjamin Van Rooyen, Coordinator of Get Into Rugby Asia recently.

“Brunei Rugby is a member of Asia Rugby and Asia Rugby is a regional association for World Rugby. Basically Get Into Rugby is the development tool that World Rugby/ Asia Rugby uses across the world,” said Benjamin Van Rooyen on Thursday.

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 picture with Ridzal Saat of World Rugby and Benjamin Van Rooyen of Asia Rugby. – FADHIL YUNUS

“We have a grassroots programme that grows organically”, he further added.

“Secondly, the key message to the minister is not about the game itself. We’re talking more about the values of rugby and we’re talking about getting children active in schools and in the community.”

“Brunei Rugby is currently an associate member of World Rugby. There’s about 30 member unions in Asia plus the regional body which is Asia Rugby so my role within Asia is work with individual unions to see how they can improve the governance and administration of the game and then in line with the various programmes that we have which includes growing the game and get into rugby,” said Ridzal Saat.

“Team sports build friendships and teamwork. I think the major difference is one of our values is respect so it resonates very well with the Asian culture which is respect your eldest.”

“In rugby, it is about respecting authority, the referees, the match officials, your opponents, your coaches and more importantly your team-mates. Values are very important to us and increasingly we are not only selling the sport but we’re actually selling our values what it brings to children, youths and beyond adults the field of play.”

“What we hope for Brunei rugby is working very closely for the people of Brunei to have rugby within the school system so obviously our first port of call is with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. Getting it (rugby) into the curriculum, working with teachers so that they are in a position to deliver entry level rugby which is modified games which can be touch or tag rugby.”

“You’ll build a base and it takes a very strong plan which we are confident with Dr Haji Kamaruddin bin Dato Seri Paduka Haji Talib (President of BRFU) and the two ministries which is the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports as well as the Ministry of Education.”

In order to be moving forward with the times, the rugby services manager also called for the involvement of full-time professionals and administrators within the union to help administer the game.

He also hoped that a “strong plan” could be arranged which could be the initiation of a pilot project on a select number of schools and introducing rugby in the CCA programme immediately.

“The next step is from the meeting putting in a really strong plan. It could be a pilot project with an x number of schools or if Brunei is ambitious it could be in the CCA programme straight away.”

“We look at six months, one, and two or three years what are the achievable goals for Brunei rugby.”

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|     Khairil Hassan     |

BRUNEI Darussalam Schools Sports Council (MSSSBD), led by Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Raheemah Sanaul Bolkiah binti Pengiran Maharaja Setia Laila Diraja Sahibul Irshad Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Rahim, remained undefeated to emerge as champions of the Fun Netball Friendlies Series 2017 at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium Sports Complex in Berakas yesterday.

Five teams participated in the tournament – Brunei Darussalam Schools Sports Council (MSSSBD), Baiduri Bank Berhad (BBRC), Standard Chartered Bank (SCB), Top Fighters and Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College (MSPSBS).

Baiduri Bank finished second followed by Standard Chartered Bank.

Attiyah As’ad binti Pehin Dato Haji Mohd Jaafar presented the prizes.

Coach of MSSSBD, Rosni binti Yahya, said she was happy with the team’s performance.

The champions in a group photo. – KHAIRIL HASSAN

“The players are from the Co-Curriculum Education Sports Scheme.

“We hope the team can develop with more training.

“Then we could be ready to join future tournaments.

“The girls are much improved since the exposure matches, especially after the friendly match against Sri Lanka recently.”

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|     Fadhil Yunus     |

BRUNEI Darussalam Petanque Federation (BDPF) has encouraged local participants to heighten their preparations for the second season of the Brunei Petanque League 2017 to maximise their chances of lifting the title amid stern competition from foreign participants.

With the Brunei Petanque League returning for a second edition at the Petanque Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex, Brunei Darussalam Petanque Federation president Abdul Ghani bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Ali said this year had attracted a number of Malaysian and Thai participants who are currently based in the country.

“We hope that the locals are prepared to compete but actively undergoing training,” Abdul Ghani told the media during the launching of the league.

“It is possible that in the coming months there will be more overseas participation.”

“So increased competition will be seen. We hope local participants are prepared everytime the competition opens each month,” he added.

Officials in a group photo during the launch of the Brunei Petanque League 2017. – KHAIRIL HASSAN

Abdul Ghani said BDPF would be col­labo­rating with the Department of Schools to unearth young talent.

He said schools would be used to absorbing talent at the grassroots level.

Abdul Ghani said it was encouraging to see that participation rate had steadily increased between July and December last year.

He hoped there would be a bigger pool of young players this year for national team contention.

Defending champion Mazlan Yahya will be sitting out from the competition this year to give opportunity to younger participants to compete against senior players.

“This year there are more talented players. The tournament will provide an opportunity for young players to rise and compete,” said Abd Ghani.

Mazlan will instead be involved in another aspect of the game – assuming a role as an umpire arbitre throughout the competition.

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|     Fadhil Yunus     |

BUSIIDO BJJ impressed in the regional stage of the Copa de Bangkok at Chantanayingyong Indoor Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, over the weekend.

The Brunei-based club bagged three gold, two silver and four bronze medals.

Head coach Eazy Anuar led the way in inspiring fashion, clinching gold in both the weight and absolute divisions.

“We expected a tough day and we got it,” said Eazy.

Eazy, who enjoyed a successful outing in the Pan Asian Jiu-Jitsu International Open in Manila last month, indicated that perseverance was key to their success.

With a host of clubs from all around the globe competing for the same prize including the prestigious Nova Uniao, the Brunei played their part in upsetting the odds.

“Opponents were tough, all from various training camps and gyms,” said Eazy. “But we persevered and executed what we trained.

“It was a good result overall. For those who are going to bigger competitions, this is a good warm-up.

Eazy Anuar (centre) standing on top of the podium after winning one of the events at the Copa de Bangkok

“For the ones who just started competing, let it be a stepping stone and learning process. There is no losing, only learning regardless of the results.”

Dayangku Norfaziah Abas was the other competitor who struck gold in the weight class and also took home bronze in the absolute division.

Abi Umamah Ali clinched a silver and bronze while Haji Abdul Hadi Bakir took home the other silver.

The remaining bronze medallists were Nobel Lee and Malek Ali.

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|     Danial Norjidi     |

BRUNEI has been an attractive market and the company believes the Sultanate has a bright future, says Dr Armin Bruck, President and CEO of Siemens Pte Ltd.

Siemens sees a good future for Brunei, and is ready to support potential foreign direct investments (FDI) in the country by offering efficient and productive implementation of projects.

Dr Bruck recently in an interview with the Borneo Bulletin discussed Siemens’ activities and plans in Brunei as well as what it can do to support the implementation of FDIs.

Siemens has been in Brunei for nearly 20 years and is active in all its divisions, especially Power and Gas, Power Generation Services, Health, Energy Management, and Building Technologies.

They are represented locally through a local office and also have a team of local business partners.

Following are Dr Bruck’s responses to Bulletin’s queries.

Q: What can you say about Siemens’ presence here in Brunei?

A: Basically, it’s always a similar approach we have in new countries. One of the first businesses to enter is nearly always healthcare. Our healthcare business is probably what established Siemens’ business in this country, and up to today it’s pretty successful, and all of your hospitals are more or less equipped with Siemens technology.

As we go up the value stream in our business, usually the next one to come, because you need it for each and every economy, is power – power generation and power distribution. This was the same here in Brunei, where we are since many, many years. And going forward, we had a lot of business also with Shell, which is a key account not only in Brunei, but is a global key account.

So now in the last years we decided to invest a little bit more in terms of people and in terms of a dedicated country manager, which is Kamaljit Singh, to also take care of the many other businesses Siemens has which are energy management and building technology. Maybe going forward on a long term basis there might also be for mobility and traffic management solutions, because traffic and crowded roads is a picture you find everywhere in Asia nowadays, which also hamper the success of modern economy.

This is a little bit of the vision we have going forward. So the main business is still healthcare, energy, power generation and distribution, and then as I said, business to come is probably building technology.

As we have highlighted during our 15th anniversary celebrations in 2014, we are always looking for an opportunity to offer Siemens as a development partner of Brunei.

We see Brunei as a very important market for us in the region and it plays an integral part in our growth strategy. Since our last milestone, we have been engaging more with private and governmental stakeholders, doubled the number of partners and to accommodate this growth have also moved to a new and bigger facility to address these engagements.

Dr Armin Bruck, President and CEO of Siemens Pte Ltd. – BAHYIAH BAKIR

Q: What does Siemens have to offer in terms of urban infrastructure development?

A: Siemens’ intelligent infrastructure systems improve efficiency, lower cost, increase resiliency and bring environmental benefits. Our intelligent technologies can boost the performance of Brunei’s infrastructure systems like transportation, water, electricity and buildings.

Some examples of what these intelligent infrastructure systems can do are: Intelligent urban transport solutions can reduce congestion, accidents and CO2 emissions by up to 20 per cent; building management systems can reduce energy consumption of buildings by up to 40 per cent; smart energy management technologies can reduce transmission losses and balance loads in order to accommodate increasing demand without the need for extra power generation capacity. They also enable the integration of decentralised power at 40 per cent less cost.

Q: How can Siemens support foreign direct investments?

A: We provide the full value chain for these customers who bring the FDI, be it in the factory setup, be it in electrification, be it in the automation of their factory to make their factories highly efficient and productive.

Siemens are represented across the value chain – from power generation, energy management down to an industrial plant’s building safety and security system and can play a part to provide value and optimised solution for any part of the process line – be it in oil and gas, food processing, chemicals etc.

Not only technically, but if a development fits Siemens’ long term plans, we’d be open to have a discussion and consider being an equity partner. This is not new to us, and we have committed to joint developments not only in the region but worldwide.

Q: What would you say about Brunei as a prospective destination for FDIs?

A: I understand it’s, first of all, from a geostrategic position which is quite interesting for many investors. It’s also supported by a lot of government initiatives to make it financially viable and attractive for investors.

Having oil and gas by nature attracts certain industries, like the fertiliser industry for example, or whatever is combined with refinery industry. For such industries, Brunei could be a good destination.

And then, coming from there, automatically a second level of industries might follow.

Q: Going forward, what can we expect from Siemens in Brunei in the future?

A: Once a foreign direct investment is ready to start, we are definitely there to support them, to make the implementation highly efficient and productive for them, which is important.

Siemens is always open to play a consultancy role, this is something I have offered before and my team here has also walked the talk and engaged various stakeholders here in Brunei providing useful information and updates of technology availability that is being introduced rapidly. We will continue to do so directly or with our valued partners representing our various markets.

We are always on the lookout for more local presence and will continue to build this base with local partners and distributors.

Q: Do you have any advice for SMEs in Brunei?

A: The advice is to get in touch with us, because Siemens has launched a new initiative called next47. It is to support SMEs, especially star-tup companies to get in touch with Siemens, where Siemens might think about minor investment in the start-up, not touching them too much but offering them advice and to go to market in the months and years to come. So it’s to have early enough contact with promising SMEs and start-up companies and to profit from one another.

We find start-ups all over the place, so it’s not so much about the geography, it’s about smart ideas. It’s about having smart ideas which probably somehow interconnect with vision for the future technologies, and this is a fantastic collaboration.

It’s about autonomous driving, it’s about artificial intelligence. These are two examples of key industries and technologies where we are interested.

SMEs can find it on our website, but they can also contact our country office, and we will connect them with the right people.

Q: Is there anything you’d like to add?

A: Brunei has been an interesting and attractive market for us and usually Siemens likes to stay for a long while, and normally comes to stay, so we believe in the future of Brunei. Maybe the actual time is a little bit challenging connected to the oil price but we strongly believe and we see certain indications in the market that this might improve in the near future.

So we are here, we are ready to support government stakeholders as well as investors in your market and together we can probably make a really viable and promising business.

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AS PART of the Coffee Bean Brunei franchise’s effort to reduce its environmen-tal impact, its Caring Cup Initiative, the Eco-Bean Campaign launched the ‘Ground-to-Ground’ Programme that focuses on recycling used coffee grounds.

The programme supports the United Nations 7th goal for sustainable development: Affordable and clean energy. Celebrated annually on April 22, Earth Day. It focuses on raising public awareness on environmental issues.

The programme offers schools and customers comp-limentary bags of used coffee grounds as a natural plant fertiliser or to create a balanced compost pile.

Although this has been an ongoing practice by The Coffee Bean Brunei, many customers are still not aware of the use of used coffee grounds as fertiliser.

General Manager, Fairuz bin Ibrahim said, “As part of our initiative to reduce landfill waste and to give back to the community, since the opening of our very store we started donating our used coffee grounds to local farmers who would use it for their plantation. However at the end of the day, we still had more used coffee grounds that we could donate to the public.”

Over 40 kilogrammes of coffee extracts were donated to IBTE, JIS and ISB

As part of the official launch of ‘Ground-to-Ground’ Programme, over 40 kilogrammes of coffee extracts were donated to three schools, Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE), Jerudong International School (JIS) and International School Brunei (ISB).

Although usable when moist, it is recommended for coffee grounds to be dried out before storing it for long periods to avoid any molding.

Customers who wish to collect moist coffee grounds can request for a bag from any of The Coffee Bean Brunei outlets.

For those wishing to collect large quantities should contact the marketing department at marketing@coffeebeanbrunei.com. Other initiatives to reduce their environmental impact includes encouraging customers to bring reusable cups so they can enjoy 50 per cent off on black coffee, tea or iced tea.

Marketing Manager, Ida Nabila binti Haji Patera said, “Although we’ve been reducing our environmental impact in all of our stores, our Eco-Bean Campaign creates a formal platform for The Coffee Bean Brunei to explore more environmental friendly solutions while giving back to the public.”

The franchise will also begin to initiate the availability of reusable recycle bags in all outlets and will be implementing ‘no plastic bag’ on weekdays starting today.

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|      Achong Tanjong      |

PERMANENT Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil, officially launched the World Book Day 2017 celebration at the multipurpose hall of the Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association headquarters, in Gadong, on Saturday.

The event was organised by the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) in collaboration with the Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association via its Cub Scouts Section.

Acting Director of Language and Literature Bureau Suip bin Haji Abdul Wahab said the event aimed to gather Cub Scouts aged seven to 12 from government primary schools and private schools to convey the importance of reading as well as to promote the importance of protecting the environment through reading.

The event also aimed to foster closer ties among the Cub Scouts and their leaders from different schools.

The Cub Scouts participated in various activities such as a cartoon drawing workshop, storytelling session, library membership signup, colouring sessions and sahibba games.

Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil at the event. – PHOTOS: ACHONG TANJONG

Scout leaders at the celebration

Cub Scouts participating in a colouring activity

Cub Scouts taking a closer look at the books at the event

Awang Suip said the event helped enhance the comm-unication skills and physical and intellectual development of the scouts.

A total of 400 Cub Scout members comprising students from seven government primary schools and nine private schools participated, he added.

He said the event also featured a roadshow to introduce DBP’s magazines ‘Majalah Naindung’ and ‘Majalah Mekar’.

According to Cikgu Hajah Noraini binti Haji Saidi, Scouts Commissioner for the Cub Scouts Section and Cub Scouts leader at Orang Kaya Besar Imas Primary School, government primary schools involved in the day’s event were: Orang Kaya Besar Imas Primary School, Kampong Mata-Mata Primary School, Tungku Primary School, Pulaie Primary School, Sungai Kebun Primary School, Anggerek Desa Primary School and Sultan Hashim Batu Apoi Primary School from the Temburong District.

The private schools involved were: Tunas Jaya PGGMB Lambak School, Tunas Jaya PGGMB Sungai Akar School, Sinaran Mas School, Stella’s School, Fairview School, Tadika Jaya Malai Hajah Rogayah School, DES School, Kesuma Mekar School, Nusa Laila Puteri School Jangsak/Gadong branch, Nusa Laila Puteri School Kiulap branch and Nusa Laila Puteri School Sungai Buloh branch.

Officers from DBP, principals and headmasters of schools involved, Chief Executive Officer of the Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association Haji Mohd Zali bin Haji Arsad, scout commissioners, scout officers and scout leaders were also present.

The permanent secretary presented prizes and certificates to representatives of the par-ticipating schools. The event also saw a song performance from the Cub Scouts from Sinaran Mas School.

World Book Day, implemented by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), is celebrated every April 23. It is a celebration of authors, illustrators, and books, and an opportunity to highlight the power of books to promote the organisation’s vision of knowledge societies that are inclusive, pluralistic, equitable, open and participatory for all citizens.

First celebrated on April 23, 1995, the annual World Book Day aims to encourage children to explore the enjoyment of book reading, and is celebrated by over 100 countries.

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|      Izah Azahari      |

UNIVERSITI Brunei Darussalam (UBD) recently hosted the ‘Incu Festival 2017’, an entrepreneurship showcase from students who are undergoing the ‘Incubation Programme’ in their Discovery Year.

A joint collaboration between UBD’s School of Business and Economics (UBD SBE), the Centre for Lifelong Learning (C3L) and the University Incubation Programme (U.Inc.Startups), the event was coordinated by the Entrepreneurship Village (EV) – the university’s platform for an entrepreneurial education and ecosystem.

UBD Assistant Vice Chancellor (Global Affairs) Dr Joyce Teo Siew Yean attended as the guest of honour.

In a speech, Adna Shatriremie bin Haji Abdul Rahman, the Head of UBD’s Entrepreneurship Village, pointed out that the university has set its sight on a multi-disciplinary incubation programme to allow students to come up with more fruitful and sustainable ideas.

Dr Teo also in a brief speech noted that when the Entrepreneurship Village was first launched in 2014, many of the participants were still unfamiliar with the business environment.

“The goal of the Entrepreneurship Village is to instil an entrepreneurial mindset in each and every one of our participants,” she said.

“What we are very glad to see, nearly three years later, is a group of very dedicated young entrepreneurs in the country.”

The guest of honour observes displays at the Kava booth

ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show UBD Assistant Vice Chancellor (Global Affairs) cum guest of honour Dr Joyce Teo Siew Yean in conversation with participants at the exhibition. – PHOTOS: IZAH AZAHARI

UBD Entrepreneurship Village Head Adna Shatriremie bin Haji Abdul Rahman delivering his speech

A section of the attendees at the event

There was also an IncuFest Coffee Chat session featuring a line-up of speakers including Hiro Tien, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Social Deal and Escape Square; Ikmalina Hakimah binti Haji Md Yunus, a DARe (Darussalam Enterprise) board member and CEO of Itsybytes; Saedah binti Haji Hasnal, the CEO of BRUVERA; and Javed Ahmad, the CEO of DARe.

Eight of the incubation students also delivered talks on topics such as ‘Incubation Journey: The Real Story’, and ‘The Hardship in Entrepreneurship’.

Meanwhile, under the theme ‘Multidisciplinary Incubation at the University’, the students’ entrepreneurial efforts – both pragmatic and theory-based – were gathered under one main event, with more than 70 ideas and businesses including app development, videography, logistic services, food and beverages, and retail and fashion (including KAVA which will be representing Brunei Darussalam during the KL Fashion Week in September 2017).

The main goal of the one-day event was to provide a public platform for these newly-founded ventures to reach their target markets, while also conveying the message that the students are gearing towards self-sufficiency through entrepreneurship.

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|     James Kon      |

DATO Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism; Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, and Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar, Deputy Minister of Education, joined over 2,000 others yesterday in the National Run 2017 to mark Brunei Darussalam’s 33rd National Day celebrations.

The run, flagged off at Dermaga Diraja in the heart of the capital and ended at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, saw participants being split into three run categories: Male 5km Run, Female 5km Run, and 2km Fun Run.

The running route encompassed roads in the capital such as Jalan McArthur, Jalan Masjid Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, Jalan Stoney, Jalan Dato Ibrahim, Jalan Sumbiling, Jalan Haji Basir and Jalan Kumbang Pasang.

This also serves to enliven Bandarku Ceria’s car-free Sunday as these roads are closed for the Sunday no-car activity.

Organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports in collaboration with the Brunei Darussalam Athletics Association, National Run 2017 aims to foster closer ties among the youths and the various stakeholders in the country as well as to promote a healthy lifestyle within the local community.

Prior to the start of the event, the two ministers and other senior officials joined the 2,000 runners in a warm-up session led by instructors Mohd Fakhri bin Haji Ismail – a sprinter who represented Brunei in the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics last year – and Maziah Mahusin – Brunei’s first female Olympian.

Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, Minister of Primary Resourses and Tourism, and Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, ready to start the event

The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports and Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar, Deputy Minister of Education joining the fun run

The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports presenting the prize to Venessa Lobb, first place in the Female 5km Run

Participants of the National Run 2017 during the warm-up session yesterday

Photos above & below show runners set off from the starting line following the sounding of the horn. – PHOTOS: JAMES KON

This was followed by Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali sounding the horn for participants of the Male 5km Run, and Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi sounding off the Female 5km Run.

After this, both ministers proceeded to sound off the 2km Fun Run. The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, and the Deputy Minister of Education also participated in the run.

For the Male 5km Run, Moroccan runner Ammouta Youmes was placed first with a finishing time of 20:43. Local favourite Sefli Ahar – a marathon runner – clocked in more than a minute behind Ammouta to take second place with a time of 21:57. Third place went to Mohammad Waiz Rusyadi bin Mohd Shahrun who completed the race in 22:40.

In the Female 5km Run, Venessa Lobb crossed the finish line in 27:25 to capture first place. Seconds behind was Jenny Muslim who claimed second place with a time of 27:52. Third place was bagged by Leong Sheo Yee who finished the race in 28:05.

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