|      Bahyiah Bakir      |

HIS Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, arrived in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia yesterday to attend the Installation of His Majesty the 15th Yang Di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, Sultan Muhammad V.

Prior to his departure from Brunei, a Doa Selamat was recited by YB Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Hamid bin Bakal, a member of the Legislative Council (LegCo).

Present to bid farewell to His Royal Highness were Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran-Pengiran Cheteria; Cabinet Ministers; Members of the Privy Council; Acting Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces; the Commissioner of Police; High Commisioner of Malaysia to Brunei Darussalam; and permanent secretaries.

Upon arrival in Malaysia, His Royal Highness was greeted by Dato Kamis Samin, Chief of Ceremony/Undersecretary of Protocol Department, Prime Minister’s Office of Malaysia; and Dato Kamilan Maksom, Malaysia’s Chief of Protocol, at the Subang Air Force Base (RMAF).

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, walking past the guard of honour after arriving in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. – PHOTOS: INFOFOTO

ABOVE & BELOW: His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office during the recitation of Doa Selamat by YB Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Hamid bin Bakal, a member of the Legislative Council (LegCo), prior to the departure

ABOVE & BELOW: His Royal Highness is bade farewell by high-ranking officials prior to the departure. – PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR

TOP, ABOVE & BELOW: His Royal Highness being greeted upon arrival at the Subang Air Force Base (RMAF). – PHOTOS: INFOFOTO

ABOVE & BELOW: His Royal Highness arriving at the hotel in Kuala Lumpur where His Royal Highness would be residing. – PHOTOS: INFOFOTO

Also present to greet His Royal Highness were Dato Paduka Haji Alaihuddin bin Pehin Orang Kaya Digadong Seri Lela Dato Seri Utama Haji Awang Mohd Taha, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to Malaysia.

His Royal Highness then boarded a motorcade towards a renowned hotel in Kuala Lumpur where His Royal Highness would be residing throughout the duration of the stay.

The post Crown Prince in KL for coronation ceremony appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|    James Kon    |

THE upcoming Veteran Cup and Ladies Open tournaments expected to tip off next month received a financial boost yesterday after receiving sponsorship from GRÁND.

Homeware and furniture store GRÁND contributed $3,000 as the competition title sponsor.

Eddy Ong, GRÁND executive manager, presented the sponsorship to Brunei Basketball Association secretary Wira Pori.

“The aim of this support is to help develop the game of basketball in the country,” said Ong.

Seven teams have registered for the veteran tournament and four teams for ladies open.

Registration closes on April 30.

The tournaments are open to all Brunei residents with valid IC.

For the ladies, each team is allowed eight players. Registration is free.

For veterans, participants must be born in or before 1977.

Each veteran team can have a maximum of 10 players. Registration fee is $300 per team.

Eddy Ong, GRÁND executive manager, presents the sponsorship to Brunei Basketball Association secretary Wira Pori. – JAMES KON

The post Title sponsorship for basketball tournament appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|    Khairil Hassan    |

BRUNEI Darussalam’s Target finished as runners-up at the ANZAC Singapore Dodgeball Tournament 2017 at the Pasir Ris Sports Complex in Singapore.

Despite getting hammered 9-0 in the final against Malaysia’s Immortals, Target captain Najla expressed satisfaction with her team’s effort.

“I really wanted to bring back the gold medal and the championship trophy,” she said. “But, Alhamdulillah, we managed to go this far.

“We are thankful that the other Bruneian dodgeballers and some Singaporeans supported and cheered us, giving us a boost in confidence during the matches.”

Both Brunei’s men’s teams BWN KingBees and BWN ViKings only managed to reach the quarter-finals.

BWN ViQueens came within shouting distance of making the Category B final.

They eventually settled for fourth after losing 4-2 to Malaysia’s EarthShaker in the semi-finals.

Winners pose with their medals

The post Just off Target as dodgeballers settle for second appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|      Daniel Lim      |

A CLASSIC Ten Pin Bowling Competition hosted by the Belait District Ten Pin Bowling Association (PSPBDB) was concluded on Sunday at the Grand Seria Bowling Centre.

The competition saw 40 bowlers, many of whom were local players from around the country, taking part in the hope of winning its championship title.

It was also the first competition of its kind to be held by PBSPDB this year and represented one of the association’s big events.

The championship title was won by 20-year-old Awangku Haziqquaddin Shah Wardi bin Pengiran Anak Hishammuddin Shah Mardi Al-Haj, a student from the Cosmopolitan College of Commerce and Technology in Bandar Seri Begawan.

The competition saw bowlers playing in three blocks over the course of two days to score the most points.

Each block consisted of eight games and players bowled to score the most points towards the final total.

The Chairperson for PSPBDB, Abang Haji Zamhor bin Orang Kaya Paduka Setia Diraja Abang Haji Abu Hanifah, presenting a prize to first place winner, Awangku Haziqquaddin Shah Wardi bin Pengiran Anak Hishammuddin Shah Mardi Al-Haj

A group photo of the Belait District Ten Pin Bowling Association’s competition participants. – PHOTOS: DANIEL LIM

Prizes were awarded to those who placed in the top 12.

There were also three other categories which saw four additional winners in each winning prizes.

Presenting the winners with their prizes was Abang Haji Zamhor bin Orang Kaya Paduka Setia Diraja Abang Haji Abu Hanifah, the Chairperson for PSPBDB.

The top three winners – aside from the aforementioned championed who scored 1,781 – comprised of Pengiran Mohd Nasrul who scored 1,707 and Awangku Md Ardhi who scored 1,643 in second and third place respectively.

The winners also received $1,000, $600, and $400 for respectively coming in first, second and third place.

The post Winners of PSPBDB’s Ten Pin Bowling Competition appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|      Abdul Hakiim Yakof      |

A RELIGIOUS talk on the most historic event in Islamic history – the Israk Mikraj – took place at the National Level Israk Mikraj Celebration for 1438 Hijrah which was held yesterday at the Plenary Hall of the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.

The talk was delivered by Mohd Khairul Nazif bin Haji Awang Damit, assistant lecturer at the Faculty of Usuluddin, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA). He began with the explanation of lessons that can be learnt from Surah Isra’, the first being the observance of the night journey of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) together with Jibrai from Makkah to Palestine on the Buraq, followed by the Prophet’s (pbuh) ascension to heaven.

“Before the event of Israk, Rasullullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wassalam went through ‘Amul Huzni’ (the Year of Sorrow) with the death of his wife Khadijah, followed by the death of his uncle and protector Abu Talib, and then his expulsion from Makkah,” he shared.

“Despite all the difficulty, the Prophet (pbuh) remembered that all comes from Allah the Almighty.

Mohd Khairul Nazif bin Haji Awang Damit, assistant lecturer at the Faculty of Usuluddin, UNISSA, delivering the talk yesterday. – AZROL AZMI

“Therefore, remember that all that we go through either ease or difficulty in life, it is from Allah the Almighty, and surely ease of mind and calmness will be given to those who believe and rely on Allah the Almighty during ups and downs in life.”

Mohd Khairul said that with the Prophet’s (pbuh) patience, Allah the Almighty granted him a valuable gift – the Israk Mikraj, as it is an important event whereby the command to establish the five daily prayers was revealed, as not only a gift to the Prophet (pbuh) but also for the whole Muslim world.

Mohd Khairul then, as one of his final points, moved onto the actions in the prayer, from the Takbir, the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, the Rukuk, the Sujud, and the Tasyahud, and how the prayer accompanied by sincerity, fear of Allah the Almighty and Zikir encourage one to enjoin good and forbid evil.

The post Most significant event in Islamic history recalled appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|      Izah Azahari      |

“ALL Muslims, whatever their capacity, should always maintain purity in discernment and religious practice,” said Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, Minister of Religious Affairs, while delivering his opening remarks yesterday during the National Level Israk Mikraj Celebration for 1438 Hijrah at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.

The minister was defining the theme of this year’s celebration, ‘Strong Faith, Solid Belief’, which emphasises the importance of faith and religious observance.

“Discernment should occur in accordance with the creed of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jama’ah, which must be intensified through supervised formal and non-formal education, to avoid any deviations,” he said.

He also assured that the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) will continue to organise educational programmes through schools, religious talks and mosque Takmir programmes to further enhance knowledge and awareness of the Islamic faith among the public, particularly youths.

The Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, delivers opening remarks during the National Level Israk Mikraj Celebration for 1438 Hijrah at the International Convention Centre in Berakas. – AZROL AZMI

“Alhamdulillah, our society is so steeped in religious understanding and customs, which create an atmosphere that is very conducive to bolstering spiritual knowledge,” added the minister.

However, he also said that this posed a challenge for those with religious knowledge, in ensuring that the rest of society would continue to be guided by precepts in accordance with the country’s religious principles.

The minister concluded, “The theme of this year’s celebrations is in line with the commands of Allah the Almighty for all Muslims who believe in constantly strengthening their faith and Taqwa within the structure of the Islamic faith to bring joy to themselves, their fellow human beings and Allah the Almighty’s other creations in the universe.”

The post Knowledge, understanding vital to faith appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

HIS Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office as personal representative 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 yesterday morning attended the installation of His Majesty Sultan Muhammad V as the 15th Yang Di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, at Istana Negara, Malaysia.

Upon arrival at Istana Negara, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was greeted by Dato’ Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak, Malaysian Minister of Communications and Multimedia, as Chairman of the Special Installation Committee, and spouse; as well as other members of the committee before proceeding to the Dewan Seri Maharaja.

The ceremony was attended by Malaysia’s state rulers and royal family members; the Yang-Di-Pertua Negeri, prime minister, deputy prime minister, cabinet ministers, chief ministers, repre-sentatives of foreign nations, and local and foreign dignitaries, along with their spouses.

The ceremony began with the arrival of His Majesty Sultan Muhammad V at the Balairung Seri, accompanied by Datuk Maharaja Lela and panglimas carrying the Cogan Alam and Cogan Agama – two silver ceremonial staffs which are part of the Royal Regalia symbolising the Malaysian Government.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office as personal representative 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; His Majesty Sultan Muhammad V, the 15th Yang Di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia; Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor at the installation of His Majesty Sultan Muhammad V as the 15th Yang Di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia

His Majesty Sultan Muhammad V with His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah. – PHOTOS: BERNAMA/INFOFOTO

His Majesty Sultan Muhammad V, the Sultan of Kelantan was appointed as the 15th Yang Di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia for a five-year term with effect from December 13, 2016, during a special meeting of the Conference of Rulers in October last year, succeeding His Majesty Almu’tasimu Billahi Muhibbuddin Tuanku Al-Haj Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Badlishah, whose term ended in December last year.

Yesterday’s ceremony marked the official start of the reign of His Majesty Sultan Muhammad V as the 15th Yang Di-Pertuan Agong.

His Majesty Sultan Muhammad V was born on October 6, 1969 at Istana Batu, Kota Bharu, Kelantan. His Majesty acceded to the throne as the 29th Sultan of Kelantan on September 13, 2010. Prior to being appointed as the 15th Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, His Majesty had held the appointment of the 14th Deputy Yang Di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia since December 13, 2011.

The post Crown Prince attends installation of Malaysia’s 15th Yang Di-Pertuan Agong appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

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 attended the royal banquet held in conjunction with the coronation of His Majesty Sultan Muhammad V as the 15th Yang Di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia at the Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur yesterday night.

His Majesty Sultan Muhammad V himself was present to grace the dinner which also saw a number of Malay rulers in attendance.

Also present were Prime Minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, cabinet ministers, foreign ambassadors and senior government officials.

During the event, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, His Majesty Yang Di-Pertuan Agong and the guests were entertained with songs rendered by Datuk Siti Nurhaliza, Datuk Jamal Abdillah and Datuk Andre Goh who were backed by the Radio Television Malaysia’s (RTM) orchestra; a Dikir Barat performance led by Halim Yazid; and cultural dance performances by the children of Permata Seni and the National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN).

His Majesty Sultan Muhammad V, 47, ascended the throne as the 15th Yang Di-Pertuan Agong to replace His Majesty Almu’tasimu Billahi Muhibbuddin Tuanku Al-Haj Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Badlishah whose tenure as the 14th Yang Di-Pertuan Agong ended on December 12, 2016.

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 with His Majesty Sultan Muhammad V, the 15th Yang Di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia during the coronation banquet at Istana Negara, Malaysia

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and His Majesty Sultan Muhammad V during the banquet

His Majesty speaking with other guests

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 with His Majesty Sultan Muhammad V, the 15th Yang Di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, at the royal banquet held in conjunction with the coronation of His Majesty Sultan Muhammad V as the 15th Yang Di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia at the Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur yesterday

His Majesty arriving at the royal banquet

Earlier, upon arrival at the Subang Air Force Base (RMAF) in Kuala Lumpur, His Majesty was greeted by Datuk Dr Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Malaysia. Also present to welcome His Majesty were Dato Paduka Haji Alaihuddin bin Pehin Orang Kaya Digadong Seri Lela Dato Seri Utama Haji Awang Mohd Taha, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to Malaysia.

His Majesty then boarded a motorcade towards a renowned hotel in Kuala Lumpur where His Majesty would be residing throughout the duration of the stay.

Earlier in the day, prior to His Majesty leaving Istana Nurul Iman, Doa Selamat was recited by Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti. Present at His Majesty the Sultan’s Flight Hangar to bid farewell to the monarch were His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel, Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah, and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Also present at His Majesty the Sultan’s Flight Hangar to bid farewell were Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran-Pengiran Cheteria; Cabinet Ministers; members of the Privy Council; deputy ministers; the Commissioner of Police; the Acting Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces; and the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Brunei Darussalam.

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, waves before his departure to Malaysia

His Majesty and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik reciting the Doa Selamat

His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel, Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, bidding farewell to His Majesty. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI/INFOFOTO

Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti, reciting the Doa Selamat

The post His Majesty attends coronation banquet appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|      Abdul Hakiim Yakof      |

VENDORS were yesterday thrilled to receive 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 and other members of the royal family at the ongoing Local Products and Halal Products Bazaar at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.

Haji Junggal bin Jumat, a representative and head of MPK Kampong Putat, was delighted that the monarch took the time to mingle with the vendors and enquire about their products, adding that he felt great pride at being able to show His Majesty that he is able to make a living by selling raw bee honey and handicraft – despite being a senior citizen.

“It is very meaningful when His Majesty shows appreciation for us, the small entrepreneurs, and in what we do,” he said.

Nur Haziyah binti Abdul Rahman, the treasurer and representative of MPK Kampong Sumbiling, said His Majesty had queried about MPK Kampong Sumbiling’s products, including Temburong salted eggs and handicraft.

The demand for salted eggs has been encouraging, and in time, the business can be expanded, she told the Bulletin.

His Majesty and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel touring the bazaar

ABOVE & BELOW: 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 touring the Local Products and Halal Products Bazaar at the International Convention Centre. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI

His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah in conversation with a vendor

His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik takes a closer look at local products displayed at the exhibition

“I would like to thank the Ministry of Religious Affairs for inviting all the MPKs and local entrepreneurs. It’s great that we do not have to pay rent for this bazaar, and it helps us promote and sell our products,” she said.

The three-day bazaar showcases the products of 17 entrepreneurs from the village consultative councils (MPKs) from across all four districts, as well as four local companies.

Also participating at the bazaar are government agencies such as the Halal Food Control Division (BKMH), Health Promotion Centre (HPC) and DARe (Darussalam Enterprise), as well as Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) and Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei (TAIB).

Aside from the local Halal product display, yesterday’s event also saw prayer and Surah Al-Fatihah recitation clinics held, allowing visitors the opportunity to sharpen their recitation skills. The Surah Al-Fatihah recitation clinic was facilitated by Institut Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, while the prayer clinic was handled by the Islamic Studies Department.

The bazaar, which looks to promote local products and enliven the National Level Israk Mikraj Celebration 1438 Hijrah, operates from 8am to 4.30pm and will come to a close tomorrow.

The post Vendors thrilled over royal visit appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|      Izah Azahari      |

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 consented to attend the National Level Israk Mikraj Celebration for 1438 Hijrah yesterday at the Plenary Hall of the International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas.

Accompanying His Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel.

His Majesty and Their Royal Highnesses were greeted by Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, Minister of Religious Affairs, in his capacity as Chairman of the Executive Committee for the 1438 Hijrah Major Islamic Event Celebrations, and other Executive Committee members.

The National Level Israk Mikraj Celebration for 1438 Hijrah began with a recitation of verses from the holy Quran by Mohammad Sa’adun bin Suhaili, champion of the National Musabaqah Tilawah Al-Quran for Youths Competition Finals for the 1437 Hijrah, while the verses’ corresponding meanings were recited by Mohammad Zamery bin Haji Nayan, a Religious Education Officer at the Department of Islamic Studies, Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA).

ABOVE & BELOW: 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; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel during the Israk Mikraj celebration held at ICC

His Majesty and Their Royal Highnesses during the event

ABOVE & BELOW: Some of the members of the Legislative Council and the Diplomatic Corps attending the Israk Mikraj celebration at ICC yesterday

The event continued with the Minister of Religious Affairs delivering his opening remarks, followed by a titah from His Majesty.

A special lecture titled ‘Iman Teguh, Aqidah Kukuh’, loosely translated as ‘Strong Faith, Solid Belief’ – which is the theme of this year’s celebration, further enlivened the event. This was presented by Haji Khairul Nazif bin Haji Damit, an assistant lecturer in the field of Hadith from the Usuluddin Faculty of Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA).

The event concluded with a Doa Selamat recitation by Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti.

His Majesty then consented to tour the bazaar at the foyer of the ICC, which was held in concurrence with the Israk Mikraj celebration for 1438 Hijrah.

Reciting Al-Quran verses during the Israk Mikraj celebration

ABOVE & BELOW: Among those that attended the Israk Mikraj celebration at ICC yesterday. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI

The post His Majesty, Their Royal Highnesses grace Israk Mikraj celebrations at ICC appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|      Rokiah Mahmud      |

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 has called upon all relevant parties to uphold religious education and propagation (Dakwah) as a main priority.

His Majesty made the call yesterday, while delivering a titah at the National Level Israk Mikraj Celebration for 1438 Hijrah, at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.

In the titah, His Majesty also emphasised on Iman (belief) as a critical characteristic in everyday life, which prevents the truly faithful from falling into moral corruption and depravity.

“The concept of Iman is not something to be taken lightly. It must constantly be refined, and one way of achieving this is through the empowerment of religious education, which should be excellent in all aspects,” said the monarch.

“Religious education should not only look good on paper; it needs to be well-formed in practice, including in terms of learning, schedules, school hours, subjects, teachers and so on. These are all crucial, to ensure the effectiveness of learning.”

At the same time, His Majesty also called for more attention to be given to the welfare of students, including their diet and physical health.

“Both of these factors contribute to their general well-being and development. If they are overlooked or neglected, then the students’ development will be severely compromised.

“If their development is poor, then surely their academic accomplishments will also be poor.”

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 delivering the titah

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; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel during the Israk Mikraj celebration ceremony held at ICC. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI

His Majesty also emphasised that an inferior mode of religious education would have a negative, or adverse, effect upon the country as a whole.

Touching on the subject of Aqidah (faith), His Majesty said, “Our country needs to produce more Ulama (Islamic scholars) as the mainstay and guardians of Aqidah, which should be preserved for the mutual good of all, or else our religious faith will diminish altogether.”

His Majesty therefore called for the empowerment of dakwah, as part of the efforts to preserve Aqidah.

“Apart from education, the empowerment of dakwah or religious propagation is also critical. This is because dakwah plays a major role in introducing religious awareness and faith. If the dakwah is mediocre, then the spiritual wellness of the Ummah will also follow suit,” said the monarch.

“All relevant parties should treat religious education and dakwah as their main priority, and not merely as a matter of routine. Both require urgent attention for constant improvement and care,” said His Majesty, concluding the titah.

The post Uphold religious education, propagation as key priority appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

MALAYSIA’S pair Fauzan Lufti and Mohd Razif Mohd Salleh etched their names in the history books of the MTB Challenge Lugu Chapter 2017 after dominating the male elite category recently.

The Malaysian cyclists left Brunei’s highest finisher Mohd Radzi Tamat, who managed to clock 2:15:54s, in their wake.

Brunei’s rider Cheu Ming Fah provided some cheer for the home nation.

She emerged victorious in the female elite category, sweeping aside the Malaysian pair of Pennysia Lim Chew Nee and Nora binti Timbau.

Meanwhile, Nurhasniti Juin was crowned the winner in the women’s novice event.

The Masters category was won by Marzan Haji Mohd Jamin who was closely trailed by Chung Kwei Ming in second. Ali Mustapha Haji Abdul Hamid settled for third.

Rozaine Haji Ratu clinched the male veteran category while Imanizayidi Haji Yunaidi emerged winner in the men’s novice category.

Marzan said Brunei riders managed to match the challenge despite the tough competition from neighbouring countries.

Some of the cyclists in action during the MTB Challenge Lugu Chapter last weekend. – MOHAMAD ASYRAMISYANIE

He added that the Lugu challenge served as preparations for the Ipoh meet on April 28-29.

“I will continue to increase my training and focus on the next race,” he said.

CEO of Tum2Cycles Event Management & Sports Tourism Rafiuddin Zikara expressed his gratitude over the encouraging response, not only from the locals, but also from overseas participants such as Malaysia, the Philippines and the United Kingdom.

He added that there were plans to hold races in the Temburong District in July and at the Berakas Forest Reserve in September.

President of Brunei Darussalam Cycling Federation Dato Haji Roni bin Haji Rosli gave away the prizes.

The post Malaysian cyclists in show of wheel-power appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

THE US Embassy in Brunei Darussalam celebrated the 47th Earth Day by opening a vegetable garden in the embassy’s compound, said a press release.

Earth Day is widely viewed as the anniversary of the birth of the modern US environmental movement.

In previous years, the embassy had celebrated the annual event by picking up rubbish at Tasek Lama Recreational Park or Tutong Beach, and working with local environmental, non-government organisations.

“Every year, our embassy does something special to commemorate Earth Day,” said US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, Craig Allen.

“This year, I’m excited that our embassy’s Green Team has come up with something really special that will make us both happier and healthier.

“So far, the embassy’s ‘green thumbs’ have focused on planting healthy vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, okra, chillies and pumpkins.

“The idea is that they will eventually enjoy cooking and eating the food together.

“But the health benefits of gardening also go way beyond the healthy eating that it encourages.”

US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, Craig Allen, with staff of the embassy and members of its Green Team. – US EMBASSY

“We started the garden as a way to promote happiness,” said Perni Cosca-Reese, the head of the embassy’s Green Team.

“We also thought it would provide a good opportunity for teamwork and stress reduction.”

Lim Siew Ping, a member of the Green Team, added, “It’s been interesting for me to learn new skills, such as how to plant seeds and use fertiliser.

“It was also fun to hang out with colleagues from other sections that I don’t normally get to interact with.”

The team continues to expand the garden to include a variety of other plants.

One American member recently planted sunflowers that are reminiscent of those at his home in the United States.

“How big this new garden will grow remains to be seen, but it has certainly already contributed to the blossoming of an eco-friendly and healthy attitude at our embassy,” concluded Ambassador Allen.

The post US Embassy celebrates Earth Day appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|      Achong Tanjong      |

THE Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei has raised a total of $28,194.89 from the recent World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) celebration – the 10th in Brunei, which was held on April 2, 2017.

This was highlighted by Malai Haji Abdullah bin Malai Haji Othman, the President of SMARTER Brunei yesterday at a certificate of appreciation presentation ceremony held at SMARTER BACA Gift Centre in Sungai Hanching, Jalan Muara.

The ceremony was held to acknowledge the efforts of all stakeholders, sponsors, volunteers and participants for making the event a success.

Malai Haji Abdullah in his brief speech expressed gratitude and appreciation to all involved in the event. He said SMARTER Brunei has been in existence for 16 years now.

“During this time we have experienced and faced challenging situations, especially with regard to finances. In terms of services however, SMARTER has been progressing very well,” he said.

The president also gave thanks to Allah the Almighty for the event’s success and the funds raised.

He noted that 67 out of the 109 donation cards distributed were returned during the event.

He expressed hope that other companies that have received the donation cards will return them within this month for auditing purposes.

This year’s WAAD celebration, with the United Nation theme ‘Towards Autonomy and Self-Determination’, was a collaborative effort between SMARTER Brunei and three major ministries playing major roles in the lives of Individuals with Autism (IWA).

Malai Haji Abdullah bin Malai Haji Othman, the President of SMARTER Brunei, in a group photo with major stakeholders, sponsors and volunteers of the World Autism Awareness Day celebration in Brunei. – ACHONG TANJONG

These three are: the Ministry of Health – which provides the assessment, diagnosis, referral, and continuous medical care of IWAs; the Ministry of Education’s Special Education Unit – which complies with Article 25 of the UNCRPD to ensure IWAs have equal access to primary and secondary education, vocational training, adult education and lifelong learning, and the CRC Article 29 to ensure education is directed towards the best interests of the IWAs, geared to their personal interests, talents and other aptitudes; and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports through its Welfare Department, which ensures that everyone including IWAs are provided with all the basic needs for their welfare as they transition into adulthood and old age.

This year marks the first time SMARTER Brunei and the three ministries have worked together to organise the WAAD celebration.

Among the activities organised for the celebration were a 16km Charity Walk from SMARTER EDGE in Mata-Mata to BACA in Sungai Hanching – signifying SMARTER Brunei’s 16th anniversary; and a 100km Cycling Challenge, also beginning its course from SMARTER EDGE and ending at BACA – signifying the IWAs growing into old age.

The April 2 walk-and-cycle event was jointly launched by Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, the Minister of Education; Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports; Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Zulkarnain bin Haji Hanafi, the Minister of Health; and Dato Paduka Haji Mohammad Alimin bin Haji Abdul Wahab, Chairman of the Council on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (MKOKU).

SMARTER Brunei is a non-government organisation (NGO) run by parents and family members for parents and family members with IWAs, providing care and support for these individuals to ensure they transition seamlessly from childhood to old age.

The family support body has been celebrating WAAD since 2008.

The post Over $28K raised through WAAD activites appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|      James Kon      |

MORE than 100 people attended a pre-dawn service at the Brunei-Australia Memorial on Muara Beach yesterday, in a solemn remembrance of the servicemen and women of Australia and New Zealand on Anzac Day.

The memorial at Muara Beach marks the site where the Allied Forces, led by Australia’s 9th Division, landed in Brunei on June 10, 1945, as part of the campaign to liberate Borneo.

In a speech, Nicola Rosenblum, the Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, said, “Anzac Day is not a commemoration of the victories or defeats of Australia or New Zealand at war. Rather, we honour the ordinary men and women who have made personal sacrifices, many giving their lives for the freedom we enjoy today.”

The Brunei-Australia Memorial, she said, “marks the place where Australian troops landed on June 10, 1945, during the Oboe 6 Operation. This operation formed part of the broader Australia-led Campaign that ultimately liberated Borneo.”

In remembering the women who also rendered their services to their countries, Rosenblum said, “Women have served in the Australian Armed Forces since 1899. In 1944, almost 50,000 women were serving in the military, and thousands more had joined the civilian Australian Women’s Land Army.”

The first bravery awards for Australian women, she said, “were given to four nurses: Sisters Clare Deacon and Dorothy Cawood, Major Alice Ross-King and Staff Nurse Mary Derrer each received the Military Medal for risking their lives to rescue patients trapped in burning buildings after a German raid on the Western Front in France, in 1917.”

Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Nicola Rosenblum in a group photo with Sauven Jawa, Jagalang Umut’s grandson, and West Macowt, a nephew of Lance Corporal Colin Giffen, as well as other invited guests at the 1945 Brunei-Australia Memorial. – JAMES KON

She also mentioned Grace Wilson, a high-ranked nurse in the Australian Army during WWI and WWII; and Nancy Wake, who played a key role in the French Resistance during WWII.

Since then, said Rosenblum, “Australian women have been deployed to combat zones in Iraq, the Western Sahara, Rwanda, Timor Leste and Afghanistan.

“The spirit of Anzac is as relevant today, as it was when it was forged more than 100 years ago. It has taught us that we have the ability to face challenges to gather and overcome them, to put community before self, to be courageous, determined, self-reliant and strong.”

The service included a prayer of remembrance and poetry readings by government and military officials from Australia and New Zealand.

The Malaysia-based Rifle Company Butterworth, 2nd/30th Training Group and Her Majesty’s New Zealand Ship Endeavour provided the Catafalque Party (ceremonial guard), while the Gurkha Reserve Unit of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces provided pipers and buglers for the ceremony.

Holly Canton and Ryan Moran from the Jerudong International School (JIS) participated as flag orderlies during the service.

The post Over 100 gather for Anzac Day service appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|      Azlan Othman      |

AS ONE of the early pioneers of Islamic finance, Brunei Darussalam has plenty of potential to develop it further, said Professor Dato’ Dr Mohd Azmi Omar, the Director-General of the Islamic Research and Training Institute Islamic Development Bank (IRTI/IDB), based in Malaysia.

Professor Dato’ Dr Mohd Azmi was speaking yesterday at the Islamic Development Bank (IDB)’s ‘Sukuk (Islamic bonds) Model Law’ workshop at The Empire Hotel & Country Club, during which he recalled being personally involved as a consultant in the 1990s, to convert the Development Bank of Brunei to the Islamic Development Bank of Brunei.

The workshop is bringing together representatives from within the Asian region such as Sri Lanka, Maldives, the Philippines and Cambodia, to learn about the legal aspects of Islamic finance from Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia and Indonesia.

“Islamic financial institutions were less affected by the 2008 financial crisis, and the interest in Islamic finance has spread to non-Islamic countries such as Hong Kong, which issues Sukuk,” said Professor Dato’ Dr Mohd Azmi.

Islamic Research and Training Institute Islamic Development Bank (IRTI/IDB) Director General Professor Dato’ Dr Mohd Azmi Omar delivering his speech. – AZROL AZMI

“The whole idea of this workshop is to have impactful discussions, and we hope this will lead to a series of workshop on enhancing Islamic finance. This project is meant to develop a set of guidelines and laws to help develop Sukuk in IDB member countries, and develop it globally. This is our mandate in assisting in the implementation of Islamic finance.

“We are assisting member countries in developing Islamic finance through technical assistance and support such as banking, Takaful and so on. Working together is very important in the development of Islamic finance.”

IDB has 57 member countries as far as two countries in South America, namely Surinam and Guyana, besides Southeast and Central Asia, GCC countries and Africa.

The challenge in these member countries is to develop Sukuk, which is increasing in demand by the year.

The post Brunei among pioneers of Islamic finance appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|      Azlan Othman      |

IT IS Brunei Darussalam’s aspirations to further develop its capabilities in the arena of Islamic finance and realise its vision of becoming a renowned hub for Islamic finance, said Dato Paduka Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, the Deputy Minister of Finance, yesterday.

He was delivering the keynote address at the opening of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB)’s ‘Sukuk (Islamic bonds) Model Law’ workshop at The Empire Hotel & Country Club in Jerudong.

The workshop is an initiative of the IDB and the Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI), with the goal of providing a platform for an exchange of views that could assist in the enabling of a robust legal framework that supports the issuance, regulation and monitoring of Sukuk.

“These aspirations are being lauded by 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,” said Dato Paduka Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew, in his address.

“The Brunei government’s Sukuk Al-Ijarah was introduced in 2006 with the objective of developing the Brunei Government Securities Yield Curve as a benchmark for Corporate Sukuk, and to provide for a safe and liquid investment instrument for domestic financial institutions.

Dato Paduka Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, the Deputy Minister of Finance, speaking at the event. – AZROL AZMI

“Since the maiden issuance of the Brunei government’s Sukuk Al-Ijarah in 2006, we have had 144 short-term Sukuk issuances, which amounted to $10.7 billion as of April 13, 2017.”

The deputy minister added that the recognition of Sukuk as an alternative mode of financing has continued to increase globally.

“According to the Sukuk Global Report published by Malaysia International Islamic Financial Centre (MIFC) in 2016, Global Sukuk issuance recorded an encouraging growth of 13.2 per cent from the previous year, amounting to $74.8 billion,” he said.

“In the coming years, I am sure that the global primary Sukuk market will continue to grow. Countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) have continued with active Sukuk securities issuances, and we look forward to seeing more issuances coming from other jurisdictions.

“The Sukuk Model Law consultation event over the next two days plays an important role in assisting countries with the prerequisites and infrastructure to develop their domestic Sukuk market. It also serves as a platform for practitioners, academics, regulators and potential issuers in exchanging knowledge and experience, in pursuit of a good Sukuk model that supports an individual country’s needs.”

Dato Paduka Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew also said that there are opportunities for domestic institutions to participate in new issuances, as well as in trading activities in the secondary market.

“Insya Allah, we will also be looking to issue long-tenure Sukuk in the near future, with the hope of providing the financial market with better benchmarking tools for their products and services and therefore creating a more dynamic and competitive financial sector,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD), Yusof bin Haji Abdul Rahman, said, “Brunei Darussalam sees strong potential that the financial services sector brings towards gearing greater growth momentum. And in ensuring the growth is stable and sustainable against the rising global uncertainty, the foundations of the ecosystem must be dynamic and be able to weather such headwinds.

“As Islamic finance continues to grow, Brunei Darussalam aims to leverage such unique characteristics to evolve into an Islamic finance and fund management hub, serving the fast-growing Asean region and the global market, where there is an uptrend in the demand for more innovative Islamic financial products and services including the utilisation of Sukuk as a mode of financing.”

Yusof added, “Upon its introduction in 2006, the Brunei government’s Sukuk Al-Ijarah programme was intended to be one of the means to activate the domestic capital market. The framework that it exists in mostly caters for that purpose.

“However, to ensure its cross cutting applicability and multifunctional roles, the legal framework that administers Sukuk must be robust. If I may assimilate it in simpler terms, the aircraft built are always bound for take-off, but it can only do so if there is a runway that can facilitate its size and capabilities.”

The workshop is organised by AMBD, in collaboration with IDB.

Yesterday’s launching was attended by over 100 participants representing regional and international central banks, as well as officers from the local financial industry.

The post Sultanate has great potential to develop Islamic finance, says deputy minister appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|      Rokiah Mahmud      |

THE time is ripe for the Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB), to have established Al-Quran courses as fundamental learning for its students, along with the correct Tajwid (rules of pronounciation), fluency and skills.

This matter was highlighted yesterday by Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud, the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, during the opening ceremony of the Regional Seminar on Al-Quran and Kitab Turath Education at KUPU SB.

The two-day seminar is being held in conjunction with the college’s 10th anniversary in August this year.

In his speech, the deputy minister also said that KUPU SB students should be required to master the Kitab Turath for them to become knowledgeable educators in accordance with the principles of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jama’ah.

“To empower the learning of Al-Quran and Kitab Turath, KUPU SB has taken the initiative of not merely offering courses to students but also academicians and non-academicians, especially those in need of further education,” he said, adding that this demonstrated the institution’s level of commitment in upholding the importance of Al-Quran teaching and learning among its staff members.

Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud, Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, officiating the ceremony

The Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs delivering his speech

A section of the attendees. – PHOTOS: ROKIAH MAHMUD

“The implementation of those programmes is also part of the efforts taken towards improving and strengthening Al-Quran recitation, so that people can practise it in their daily lives,” said Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Mokti.

“Aside from that, the learning and teaching of the Kitab Turath is also open to members of the public, along with a number of mosques in the country.”

The deputy minister concluded with the hope that KUPU SB, through its Core Education Centre, would enliven the culture of Al-Quran recitation with Tarannum (melody) among its students, to produce skilled Qaris and Qariahs of international merit.

Among the main objectives of the regional seminar is to establish KUPU SB as the only institution of higher learning with courses in Kitab Turath, which was made possible by efforts of its academic staff in upholding the teaching and learning of the Kitab Turath throughout its 10-year history.

During the seminar, 13 working papers will be presented by guest academics, including those from Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Around 400 participants attended yesterday’s opening ceremony, comprising staff from several government ministries and departments; students from various schools and institutions of higher learning; and members of the public.

The post KUPU SB launches regional seminar on Al-Quran and Kitab Turath Education appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|      Danial Norjidi      |

UNIVERSITI Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and St Petersburg University signed an agreement to promote exchange of students and faculty members as well as to cement mutual cooperation.

Vladlen Semivolos, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Brunei Darussalam, announced this in an interview with the Bulletin yesterday.

“In the context of mutual relations between Brunei and Russia, education is of high priority for us. Just recently, in the second week of April, an agreement was signed between UBD and St Petersburg University on the cooperation,” he said.

“I would like to specify that this agreement in particular will promote exchange of undergraduate and postgraduate students. It will also promote the exchange of faculty members, for such purposes as visits, discussions, research, teaching, training and also the exchange of academic, scientific, historical and research publication literature.

“And the two universities, as specified by the agreement, could also explore possibilities of developing joint or collaborative research. So this is a very wide document covering specific areas of cooperation and possible areas of cooperation in the future.”

He shared that St Petersburg University is the first university in Russia, which was established in 1724.

He noted that it is listed among the world’s top 100 universities in the Times Higher Education rankings, and it is rated 64 in the Financial Times European Business School ranking 2016. In Russia, it is in the top five.

The envoy said that the agreement brings an opportunity for Bruneians to study various subjects like applied mathematics, biology, chemistry, economics, earth sciences, history, international relations, law, mathematics and mechanics, medicine, arts, philology, physics, and a lot more.

“We have a number of bachelor and master programmes that are being taught in English, so there won’t be any language barriers for foreign students.”

Vladlen Semivolos, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Brunei Darussalam. – SYAHMI HASSAN

The university has altogether around 38,000 students and 6,000 staff members.

It has 263 doctoral programmes, and annually it accepts more than 3,000 international students.

The ambassador said that UBD has joined a list of renowned foreign universities to have direct links and contacts cooperation with St Petersburg University, since the university has established 400 partner universities in 70 countries. The university also has 1,200 cooperation agreements with employers, not just from Russia but also from other countries, like IBM, Carl Zeiss, Microsoft, Sun Microsystems, Intel, Adobe and others, he said.

“In November 2009 it was awarded the special status of unique scientific and educational complex in Russia. This is one of the biggest now in our country. It has a research park, laboratories, museums and even a publishing house. So it is a great complex which can be used by foreign students, and I invite Bruneian students to be part of activities of the St Petersburg University.”

He went on to highlight that St Petersburg is a very unique city, and that a person studying at St Petersburg has an opportunity also not just to study, but also has an opportunity to visit very well-known places including theatres and museums such as the Hermitage Museum.

St Petersburg also has a very well-known mosque called the Blue Mosque, he said, sharing that it was founded in 1910 and is one of the oldest mosques in the northern area of Russia.

He noted that Russia has a large Muslim community, and finding halal food is not a problem, with a lot of halal food available there.

“We very much value this first step of having bilateral documents between our two very renowned institutions,” he said. “I would like to say that we very much appreciate having this agreement because we see it as a way to expand people-to-people contact, a way to increase mutual understanding between our two nations, and this is not the only document we are looking into this year.

“We are now also in the process of discussing an agreement on cooperation between UBD and MGIMO University in Moscow. It is an academic institution under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia,” he shared.

“We also have in mind an agreement with another very renowned institute in Moscow – the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration.

“So we have in mind three documents altogether with UBD.”

Highlighting the agreement between UBD and St Petersburg University, the ambassador said, “We consider this document to be a single step in the context of developing very strong ties between the institutions of Brunei and Russia, because we can see that this will be a major step.

“We haven’t done this before, and this will be very much important in the context of developing bilateral cooperation on the whole, very important for the creation of friendly relations, of building up mutual understanding between our two countries, and of course people-to-people contact,” he added.

The post UBD, top Russian varsity ink deal appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

HIS Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Deputy Sultan, received in audience David Campbell, the outgoing British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam yesterday.

David Campbell presented his Letter of Credence to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam on October 2, 2013.

The audience ceremony took place at Qashr Al-Meezaan. – PHOTO: INFOFOTO

The post Deputy Sultan receives outgoing envoy appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.