Headline – Borneo Bulletin Online

| Fadhil Yunus |

BRUNEI Darussalam national futsal coach Qusmaini Noor Haji Rusli will be taking a game at a time when his side makes its debut at the upcoming Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-20 Futsal Championship in Bangkok next week.

Qusmaini insisted that his newly-established side would not be pushovers and would seek to win as many matches as possible.

“We’ll try to provide a good challenge. If everything goes well, these players could win two or three matches in the group stage,” he said, adding that his players “are equipped with a winning mentality” going into the tournament.

He said he expected group opponents and host nation Thailand to provide a stumbling block.

“We will try to give a good fight,” Qusmaini added.

The players in a group photo before training yesterday. – KHAIRIL HASSAN

Brunei will also entertain Iraq, Malaysia, Bahrain and Afghanistan in Group A.

“We will go for the win against the four other teams. Bahrain is a new team and also unranked, similar to Brunei and Afghanistan,” he said, adding that Abdul Azim Bollhassan and team captain Nazirul Haziq Adeni would be Brunei’s key players.

Qusmaini said he expected the final group game match against Malaysia on May 20 to determine which team would advance to the knockout stage.

The selection process for the team had started in January, involving more than 200 players under the age of 20.

From the initial figure, 25 players were identified to undergo intensive training on February 20.

As part of their preparations, the players also took part in a team building exercise to improve their mental strength with the highlight of their exercise being a gruelling 15km kayaking trip from Serasa to Pelumpong Island.

“In terms of training, I try to apply a new style of play and create a new DNA for the new generation of futsal in Brunei,” said Qusmaini. “I try to create intelligent players.”

Brunei will play warm-up matches against Uzbekistan on May 13 as well as local clubs in Thailand before their group opener against Afghanistan on May 16.

The competition’s finalists will be given automatic berths to represent Asia in the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 2018.

Futsal will be introduced in the Youth Olympics for the first time.

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| Izah Azahari |

THE Australian High Commission in Brunei Darussalam is scheduled to host a ‘Taste of Australia’ event at the Radisson Hotel, Bandar Seri Begawan, on May 12 from 2pm to 5pm which will include cooking demonstrations by renowned Australian chef, Jake Nicolson, as well as a cooking competition by the members of the public and stalls showcasing premium Australian products available in Brunei, with free entry.

This was explained by the High Commissioner of Australia to Brunei Darussalam, Nicola Rosenblum, yesterday during a press conference held at the Australian High Commission office in Bandar Seri Begawan.

Also in attendance during the press conference was Josie Abdullah, the Senior Business Development Manager (Brunei/Sabah) of the Australian Trade Commission, Australian High Commission. The high commissioner also explained that Chef Nicolson is the executive chef of the Ghanem Group featuring the award-winning Blackbird Bar and Grill.

Chef Nicolson is renowned for his innovative dishes featuring hard-to-find high quality produce, where he is passionate about whole cookery and seasonality as well as sustainability in cooking, and during his visit to Brunei, the chef will be exploring the local Bruneian ingredients and how they can be incorporated into his cooking.

At the Taste of Australia event, the chef will demonstrate cooking techniques used in the best kitchens around the world.

Nicola Rosenblum (right), High Commissioner of Australia to Brunei Darussalam; and Josie Abdullah, Senior Business Development Manager (Brunei/Sabah) of the Australian Trade Commission at the Australian High Commission. – PHOTOS: IZAH AZAHARI

Meanwhile, the cooking competition will be open to the public where they need to simply prepare a delicious dish that uses at least one Australian ingredient and one Bruneian ingredient, and then bring the dish along to the Radisson Hotel on May 12 where the dish will be judged by Chef Nicolson and local Bruneian foodie, Thanis Lim.

There will also be an opportunity for the public to vote, and the competition categories include ‘Savoury/Adult’, ‘Savoury/Under 18 years’, ‘Sweet/Adult’, ‘Sweet/Under 18 years’, and ‘Popular Choice’. There is no limit to the number of dishes entered for the competition.

The high commissioner explained that since arriving in Brunei she has noticed that Bruneians have a passion for food where it’s quite a part of their daily life, as well as family and community life, which is quite similar to Australia’s passion for food as they are very big on clean fresh food and fantastic ingredients.

The prizes that will be up for grabs for the Taste of Australia cooking competition

In combining the idea of the passion of Australia and passion of Brunei for food, the high commissioner came up with an event which showcases Australian products but also focuses on the local aspect as well.

“I thought it would be great if people were encouraged to try and find ways to blend Australian and Bruneian products,” said Rosenblum.

Meanwhile, Josie explained that the Taste of Australia is a good platform especially for the Bruneian importers and distributors of Australian producers that are available in Brunei. They have reached out to many distributors in Brunei, in which about 15 of these companies will be taking up space and presenting the Australian produce they are importing during the event, where the general idea is to create an awareness on the products being imported and distributed in the Brunei market.

The key objective of the event, explained the high commissioner, is to create awareness of high quality Australian products so that Bruneians, particularly businesses, companies and the local public, understand that Australia is a source of high quality, fresh and reputable ingredients; as well as to create closer ties between Australia and Brunei through the shared love of food.

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| James Kon |

MINISTER of Culture, Youth and Sports Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof yesterday received a courtesy call from Labuan Corporation Chairman Datuk Rozman bin Datuk Haji Isli at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

The close geographic positions of Brunei Darussalam and the Federal Territory of Labuan encouraged the discussion under the framework of Brunei Bay as the catalyst.

The minister and Datuk Rozman held fruitful discussions and exchanged views on how to further boost cooperation between Brunei and the Federal Territory of Labuan in the areas of culture, youth, sports and tourism.

They also discussed activities and programmes that can further strengthen relations among grassroots communities and organisations in Brunei and Labuan. Examples of these include inter-family and youth exchange programmes, as well as sports.

Exchange of memento between Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof and Labuan Corporation Chairman Datuk Rozman bin Datuk Haji Isli. – JAMES KON

Before concluding the meeting, the minister invited the Federal Territory of Labuan to have a closer look at the facilities offered in Brunei Darussalam.

Permanent Secretaries at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil and Haji Noor Jusmin bin Haji Abdul Samad as well as officials from Labuan were in attendance.

The visiting delegation also visited the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium Sports Gallery to observe the sports development and achievements of local athletes from 1950 to 1980s.

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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 the 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 afternoon bade farewell to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, at the Brunei International Airport.

His Majesty King Hamad was in Brunei Darussalam for a two-day State Visit.

The King of the Kingdom of Bahrain and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince walked past the static guard mounted by the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

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 the 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, bade farewell to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, at the Brunei International Airport yesterday afternoon after a two-day State Visit

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, waves farewell before leaving Brunei Darussalam. – PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR

Present to bid farewell were Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Home Affairs, as the Minister-in-Attendance; Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Awang Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar, Minister of Energy and Industry at the Prime Minister’s Office; and Dato Paduka Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II.

Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohd Jammy bin Haji Muhd Shah Al-Islam, Commissioner of the Royal Brunei Police Force and Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah, Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces were also present.

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| Azaraimy HH |

BRUNEI is poised to witness another major leap in aquaculture industry with Golden Corporation Sdn Bhd setting sights on an additional production target of at least 2,500 metric tonnes of blue shrimp at its newly leased 200-hectare onshore aquaculture farm in Mukim Telisai, Tutong.

This addition, according to the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT), will make the Sultanate the largest producer of rostris blue shrimp in the world.

This was revealed during the signing ceremony for the Sungai Penyatang shrimp farming land lease and operation agreement between the Department of Fisheries under the MPRT and Golden Corporation Sdn Bhd.

Besides the signing of the land lease agreement, Golden Corporation Sdn Bhd also inked two separate memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with its marketing partners Unima Distribution SAS for exports to European Union and Aqua Star Pty Ltd for exports to Australia. These exports are expected to exceed $25 million per year and they have been made possible through the Department of Fisheries’ efforts in clearing the regulatory channels for both markets.

Present as the guest of honour at the signing ceremony was Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism.

Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, in a group photo with Loan Forgeron, Ambassador of the Republic of France to Brunei Darussalam and Nicola Rosenblum, High Commissioner of Australia to Brunei Darussalam along with other signatories from Golden Corporation Sdn Bhd, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, Unima Distribution and Aqua Star Pty Ltd

Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong and other guests taking a closer look at harvested blue shrimp at the event. – PHOTOS: AZARAIMY HH

Also in attendance were Loan Forgeron, Ambassador of the Republic of France to Brunei Darussalam; Nicola Rosenblum, High Commissioner of Australia to Brunei Darussalam; members of the Legislative Council from Tutong District YB Haji Umarali bin Esung, YB Haji Abdul Wahab bin Apong and YB Haji Ramli bin Haji Lahit; as well as permanent secretaries and deputy permanent secretaries.

Signing on behalf of the Department of Fisheries were Haji Abdul Halidi bin Haji Mohd Salleh, its Director and Mariani binti Haji Sabtu, Acting Deputy Director while singing on behalf of Golden Corporation Sdn Bhd were Richard Chuang His Shan, Managing Director and Desmond Lim, Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Amyne Hassam Ismail, Chairman and Rao Manavendra, CEO signed for Unima Distribution, France while signing on behalf of Aqua Star, Australia were Allen Wu, Director and Shang Ling Gan, a representative.

According to MPRT, Golden Corporation will invest an estimated amount of $30 million to develop these 200 hectares site to support MPRT’s five-year strategic plan of increasing aquaculture output for export markets.

For Golden Corporation Sdn Bhd, this is another key milestone that will deepen its commitment to Brunei Darussalam and provide shrimps as raw materials for its processing plants which will then be exported.

Together with its strategic partner, Semaun Marine Resources (SMR), a quasi-government corporate entity, Golden Corporation operates a Multi-Purpose Marine Resources Processing and Business Centre, located at Serambangun Industrial Site in Tutong, which is the first seafood processing plant in Brunei, operating since 2012. Golden Corporation also operates its own fishing vessels that are equipped with latest technologies, operating in deeper marine zone which are unable to reach by local fishermen.

According to MPRT, Golden Corporation Sdn Bhd has invested more than $40 million in Brunei Darussalam and its investment covers the whole value chain of aquaculture that ranges from fishing vessels, feed mill, hatchery, grow-out ponds to value-added processing plants. Currently, the company provides more than 120 jobs to locals and it expects to employ an additional 80 locals with the implementation of expansion plans.

Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Apong said increasing output is one of the four pillars of MPRT’s strategic plan launched in January this year.

“Fisheries, especially aquaculture, is a highly lucrative business venture and is an economic sector that can contribute significantly to our national GDP. It can also create meaningful employment for the locals.

“I understand that the expected production from this farm is 3,000 metric tonnes per year. This will contribute significantly towards the achievement of Department of Fisheries’ $400 million target for aquaculture industry by 2020. This would also mean that Brunei Darussalam would be one of the biggest producers of blue shrimp in the world,” he said.

The minister urged the local farmers to ensure that the Good Aquaculture Practice (GAqP) guidelines are diligently applied in their daily farm operations. “Strict application of GAqP guidelines by all farm workers will ensure the production of high quality and safer products. If all strictly follow the guidelines, then the risks of disease outbreak in Brunei Darussalam can be eliminated. This will ensure that our national productivity and economic growth agenda for the primary resources sector are kept on track.”

Yesterday’s signing ceremony marks the start of an initiative to increase the export volume of seafood products from the country. For this, the minister conveyed special thanks to Amyne Hassam Ismail of Unima Distribution SAS, France and Allen Wu of Aqua Star Pty Ltd, Australia for appreciating Brunei’s blue shrimp and agreeing to be the distributors for EU and Australian markets respectively.

“As we all know, customers will always demand new seafood. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome proposals and initiatives by any companies or farmers who wish to venture into projects to develop new hybrids. We are also open to suggestions for collaboration in areas of applied research and development (R&D),” he said.

The minister also highlighted that Golden Corporation will embark on such R&D projects this year in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries and various renowned institutions in Brunei and overseas.

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| Fadhil Yunus |

BRUNEI Darussalam national cycling coach Yafiz Jamaludin is targeting podium finishes in both the RHB Mount Bokor Challenge in Cambodia and pre-SEA Games race in Kuala Lumpur this month.

The pre-SEA Games race will be a benchmark for the riders in their bid for selection in the SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur this August.

Yafiz said the riders are well prepared to deliver results.

“We target to win or make the podium,” he added.

The cyclists pose in a group photo. – KHAIRIL HASSAN

Seven riders have been confirmed for the pre-SEA Games competition – Azmi Abdul Hadzid, Abdul Hadrie bin Morsidi, Andrew Mikha bin Sianong, Amiruddin bin Haji Mohammad Amir, Muhammad Rafiuddin bin Zikara, Muhammad Nurjamri bin Johari and Ahmad Rifa’ie bin Haji Johor.

The RHB Mount Bokor Challenge will be held for two days across three stages starting today at the Thansur Bokor Highland Resort.

The pre-SEA Games competition will be held on May 20-21 at Dataran Nilai and Putrajaya.

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| Fadhil Yunus |

A TOTAL of 26 participants from Helmi Abdullah Fitness (HAF) will do battle in the Spartan Race Singapore at Tampines Avenue in Singapore today.

The participants will take part in the Spartan Sprint and Spartan Super categories.

The youngest participant in the group is eight-year-old Muhd Hafeez Mukhtaruddin who is joining the Spartan Junior event while the eldest is a 45-year-old.

“They have been training for this race. I’m expecting good teamwork from them and a strong finish,” said Helmi Abdullah, owner of Helmi Abdullah Fitness.”The willingness from them to sign up for this race already gained my respect. Their fight always matters to me.”

The HAF team in a group photo. – FADHIL YUNUS

Helmi will be marking his debut in Singapore in the Spartan Super (Elite Division) having competed in Kuala Lumpur last March where he was placed 33rd in the Spartan Sprint.

“I have been training for this race since I got back from Kuala Lumpur,” he said. “I’m not expecting much but I’ll give my best.”

Spartan Race is the world’s best obstacle course race, with over 240 races in 25 countries.

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IN WHAT turned out to be a spectacular start to the second weekend of the Baiduri Masters 2017, Dato Paduka Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar aced Hole 12 to pocket the $20,000 cash prize.

He became the fifth golfer to strike a hole-in-one in the 22-year history of the Baiduri Masters and the second ever golfer to walk away with the $20,000 cash prize.

Kahar Bakar was the first golfer to walk away with the $20,000 cash prize in 2015.

Under sub-optimal conditions for a round of golf, Dato Paduka Haji Suhaimi, with luck on his side and armed with his trusty Maruman Majesty nine-iron, struck his Titleist NXT No 1 ball that bounced on the green and rolled straight into the cup.

A hole-in-one prize works on the premise that if there is more than one winner, the prize will be shared among the winners.

As such, Dato Paduka Haji Suhaimi will have to wait until the end of the tournament tomorrow to know if he is the outright winner of the $20,000 cash prize.

Dato Paduka Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar is all smiles after his hole-in-one

By the end of yesterday’s session, the Top 16 leaderboard saw a lot of movement with the addition of five new contenders – Khairul Khamis, Irfan Rahman, Kalali Haji Munchit, Haji Khairul Jamaluddin and Dennis Koh.

Suhaimi Ibrahim took top spot with an impressive score of 69. He improved his previous score by three strokes and moved up four places.

Tied for second, third and fourth were Ahmad Yani Haji Mohd Noor, Pengiran Haji Ahmad Zak, and Seruji Haji Setia with a gross of 71.

For fifth and sixth places, Haji Shahminan Haji Damit and 2013 Baiduri Masters champion Khairul Khamis were tied with a score of 72.

The Baiduri Masters continues today with the final round being played tomorrow morning.

The top 16 gross players at the end of today’s session make the cut to vie for the Green Jacket and Challenge Trophy.

There are also fantastic hole-in-one prizes comprising two luxury cars and three cash prizes of B$20,000 each.

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| Fizah HAB |

PROMOTING youth involvement in entrepreneurship and preserving cultural heritage was one of the key objectives at UNESCO’s ‘International Youth Forum: Creativity and Heritage along the Silk Road’ in China, from April 7-22.

The seven-day international youth forum that took place in the Chinese provinces of Changsha and Quanzhou gave an opportunity for the youth participants to voice their concerns about the creative industry and preservation of cultural heritage, as well as raising the awareness of decision-makers, the general public and entrepreneurs about youthful engagement on promoting a peaceful coexistence and sustainable development.

The forum also included plenary lectures, workshops and field experiences that were aimed at giving the future leaders and decision-makers new opportunities to discuss possible solutions to ongoing major problems in the world, including unemployment, gender inequality, heritage protection and preservation.

Nur Diyana Nasriah binti Suhaili, a member of PACE48, shared her experiences of participating in the seven-day forum.

“It’s no longer just a problem in Brunei, but a national problem. I participated in the forum to see what solutions can be implemented on the national level and applied here in Brunei,” she told the Weekend Bulletin.

The Changsha Declaration was formed during the forum, affirming the participants’ desire to promote a peaceful coexistence and sustainable development through recognition and celebration of the Silk Road.

In the declaration, the youths called for promotion of youth organisations and the creation of cultural festivals; greater protection of cultural heritage, including the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural objects; and the promotion of sustainable tourism along the Silk Road which include programmes that provide youth employment opportunities in Silk Road countries.

“We reassert the importance of ensuring youthful engagement in creative endeavours that can bring new ideas and solutions for the benefit of all, through creative industries and arts, education, and opportunities for partnership”, were some of the key points in the declaration.

Nur Diyana Nasriah binti Suhaili (L) poses in a group photo with some of the foreign ambassadors to China attending the opening of the International Youth Fourm in Changsha province. – PHOTO COURTESY OF DIYANA NASRIAH

“What resonated with me was a quote that I heard from one of the presenters at the forum: ‘It’s not about what you can, but it’s about what you want to do’,” said Nur Diyana. “It confirms that youths can play a more active role in developing the future, including being more involved in entrepreneurship while preserving both their tangible and intangible cultural heritage.”

The participants also toured several locations, including the P8 Sustainable Innovative Community in Changsha province; and the Yuanhe 1916 Creative Park, a renovated industrial wasteland in Quanzhou province.

Both serve as incubators for young entrepreneurs in micro and small industries, to generate products, services and income based on ecologically friendly innovations.

“It’s not impossible for Brunei micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to be developed like the ones abroad and penetrate into the international market, like the ones in China’s P8 Sustainable Innovative Community,” said Nur Diyana. “We have the ability to develop our products and to be marketed abroad.

“MSMEs in Brunei should not just be focused on the food industry but can be developed into other categories, including the creative and traditional industries.

We should also play a more active role in preserving the cultural heritage in Brunei while combining entrepreneurship such as eco-tourism in Temburong.”

Supported by UNESCO and the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO, the event brought together 80 youths from over 65 qualifying Silk Road countries including Russia, Bulgaria, the Southeast Asian region and the Middle East.

The forum was organised in line with Axis III of the UNESCO Operational Strategy on Youth (2014-2021); the UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972); and the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005).

PACE48 is multinational youth-led platform under UNESCO working across 48 Asia-Pacific nations, utilising culture and cultural education as a means of facilitating intercultural and interfaith dialogue with the youths of the region; advancing youth-centred sustainable development; preserving and promoting intangible culture, as well as enhancing access to quality education (SDG 4) through the utilisation of communication and information technologies.

PACE48 has 127 members from 36 Asia-Pacific countries.

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| James Kon |

SIGNALLING massive opportunities to explore the South Korea market, a group of 123 Korean tourists who are currently in the country have given a thumbs-up to bruneihalalfoods products, during a sampling event at The Empire Hotel & Country Club yesterday.

The sampling showcase was organised by Ghanim International Corporation Sdn Bhd, the trading and marketing arm of the bruneihalalfoods brand, in collaboration with Sinar Tour Co Ltd.

At the event, the tourists were introduced to an array sumptuous food ranging from Halal meat products like peri-peri chicken wings, tikka marinated chicken thighs, southern fried chicken goujons, coconut and lime chicken goujons, lamb kofta sausages, chili nacho chicken goujons and others.

Dato Paduka Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ghanim International Corporation who was also the guest of honour at the event, said, “I am pleased to see international visitors enjoying our home-grown products. This showcase can be a platform for us to understand the various products’ acceptance, and hopefully, the event will accelerate bruneihalalfoods’ entry into the South Korean market.”

One of the Korean visitors Eun Jin Kim said, “The chicken tasted really good, I liked it. I wish I can get this in Korea.”

On her first visit to Brunei, she is impressed with the Kampong Ayer and Royal Regalia building and looking forward to visit the Ulu Temburong National Park today.

Dato Paduka Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah with some of the guests

Dato Paduka Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ghanim International Corporation presenting the lucky draw prize to the winner

Korean tourists lining up for bruneihalalfoods products. – PHOTOS: JAMES KON

Dr Nur Rahman, CEO of Ghanim International Corporation, in his speech highlighted. “We are pleased to be hosting this event for the guests staying at The Empire Hotel & Country Club, particularly tourists from Korea who are increasing in numbers as the result of the weekly chartered flights.

As bruneihalalfoods aspires to set foot in the Korean market, we view this event as an opportunity to enable tourists to experience the taste of the wide variety of bruneihalalfoods products, especially the flavoursome chicken products, award winning blue shrimp crackers and the innovative cordial syrup, among others.

“We are also excited to have a wide range of our products available for purchase at The Empire Hotel & Country Club as we continue to find ways to increase the reach of bruneihalal products not just to locals but also tourists visiting Brunei.”

Also attending the event were Cho Won-myung, Korean Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam; Karam Chand, CEO of Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) and James Park, President of Sinar Tour Co Ltd.

The famed bruneihalalfoods currently has over 30 products in the Brunei market. Its frozen breaded chicken range produced at Ghanim’s own food factory in the UK have been sold in major supermarkets and retailers across Brunei since 2016.

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| James Kon |

AUTORITI Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD) yesterday informed the public that JJPTR, a foreign exchange trading company in Malaysia, is not licensed by AMBD.

According to reports in Malaysia, JJPTR is being investigated for its dubious investment schemes in Malaysia.

JJPTR is affiliated with JJ Poor to Rich and JJ Global Network, where both were listed as unauthorised and unapproved companies on Bank Negara Malaysia’s website.

AMBD reminded the public to be cautious when participating in any scheme, companies or websites that is not licensed nor authorised or approved under any laws or regulations administered by AMBD.

JJPTR is also on the updated Alert List in the AMBD website.

In the list are also JJ Global Network and JJ Poor to Rich under unlicensed entities.

The list of persons and institutions licensed by AMBD can be obtained through the AMBD App.

It can be downloaded free of charge on both ‘App Store’ for iPhone users and ‘Google Playstore’ for Android users.

Visitors can also check AMBD’s website at http://www.ambd.gov.bn.

The AMBD Alert List shows JJPTR, JJ GLOBAL Network and JJ Poor to Rich in the list under unauthorised Entities/Website/Products. – AMBD

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| James Kon |

FROM January to April this year, the Muara Port Company Sdn Bhd (MPC) has seen a 25 per cent increase in container handling to 35,000 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) from 28,000 TEUs in the same period last year.

MPC started its operation in February 2017.

Muara Port Company Sdn Bhd, a joint venture company formed by Darussalam Assets Sdn Bhd and Beibu Gulf (HK) Ltd of Guangxi, China is looking at a significant increase in growth of container handling by end of this year.

The container handling details were revealed by Zhou Yan, CEO of MPC, in an interview on the sidelines of the China-Asean Expo (CAEXPO) Brunei Exhibition 2017 which is scheduled to be held at the Bridex Hall, Jerudong, from today.

Currently, MPC has 106 employees, of which 88 per cent are locals.

“When we first established MPC, we set our priority of providing employment to locals. In the long run, we hope that capable local employees can take over senior and important positions within the company after undergoing proper training and mentoring.”

MPC is the first company from Guangxi that has successfully kick-started its business in the country in collaboration with Darussalam Assets Sdn Bhd, following the establishment of Brunei-Guangxi Economic Corridor (BGEC).

Following its initial focus on upgrading the equipment, MPC hopes to improve the efficiency in port operation and enhance the level of port services in the short-term.

Zhou Yan, CEO of Muara Port Company Sdn Bhd (7th from left) in a group photo with staff members. – JAMES KON

“The future plans for MPC are improving the capacity for handling container vessels, upgrading of shipping line service, reinforcing the connection between Brunei and neighbouring countries as well as exploring the port industry industrial park to attract investment to boost the economy of Brunei,” Zhou Yan said.

He also highlighted that there is also a plan to expand Muara Port in the future, however, it will depend on the growth in handling cargoes at the port.

Touching on MPC’s participation in the CAEXPO Brunei Exhibition 2017 along with with some 70 Chinese companies, he said, “Brunei and Guangxi have a very meaningful relationship. At this year’s CAEXPO, Brunei is the country of honour. Through the exhibition, we hope to share our achievements and experience with the Bruneian public as a Guangxi company which is willing to come and venture into Brunei.

“We hope that we can also serve as a bridge for Bruneian companies interested in exploring business opportunities in Guangxi so that there will be increasing bilateral ties between Brunei and China,” he added.

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| Azlan Othman |

BRUNEI Darussalam has been named the 13th best destination across the globe for Muslim travellers in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries, according to a research survey.

The Sultanate scored full mark (100) in safety aspect and prayer space access and gained 90 in dining options in the latest Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) for 2017, which covered 130 destinations globally.

Brunei also fared better in visa requirements with a score of 74, but scored low in air connectivity (37) and Muslim travel needs awareness and reach-out (26.2). On the whole, the Sultanate scored an average of 64.4.

The Sultanate was in the 12th place in the index last year with an average score of 64.6.

According to the latest GMTI, Malaysia is the top destination for Muslim travellers, followed by Singapore in second and Indonesia in third. Singapore was also ranked as the top non-OIC destination.

The report also found that, in total, Muslim travellers made 121 million international trips last year, up from 117 million in 2015. And this is forecast to grow to 156 million by 2020 representing 10 per cent of global travel. By this time, the sector is expected to be worth $220 billion, up from $155 billion in 2016.

Fazal Bahardeen, CEO of CrescentRating and HalalTrip, said that the growth of Muslim travel is being driven by new types of travellers.

“We are definitely seeing the influence of a new breed of young travellers, millennials and Gen Z who are combining technology with a real desire to explore the world while still adhering to their faith-based needs. They will be the driving force for the next phase of growth,” Bahardeen noted.

“These younger travellers want greater choice, unique experiences and constant connectivity which can be seen with the growth of other Muslim lifestyle segments such as Halal food and modest fashion that link perfectly with the travel market.

“As Muslim travel continues to diversify, keeping on top of the demographics of the travellers though these insights from the GMTI will be paramount for destination management teams and decision makers who are ultimately sourcing solutions for this market,” he added.

Safdar Khan, MasterCard’s Division President for Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei, commented, “With an overall expenditure of around $155 billion in 2016, the Muslim travel market remains a strong driver for continued growth in travel across the world. It’s constantly evolving with major forces such as changing demographics and digitisation shaping the way the industry is progressing.”

Asia remained the top region in the world in terms of attractiveness to Muslim tourists with an average GMTI score of 57.6, based on factors such as accessibility, communication, environment and services. Africa took second place at 47, followed by Oceania (43.8), Europe (39.9) and the Americas (33.7).

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| Wani Roslan |

DART Taxi, Brunei’s first taxi booking app, was officially launched by the Minister of Communications Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, in an event held at the Progresif Cellular Headquarters in Gadong yesterday.

The most-awaited app, operated by the DART Logistics Sdn Bhd, serves as an IT platform which offers a wide range of services including ride booking and private hire with the click of a button.

The prime objective of the initiative is to partner with local taxi operators and encourage them to use the DART smartphone app as well as increase the opportunities for locals and tourists to use taxis conveniently. Using the app, taxi operators can access passengers’ demands throughout day and night, while still utilising the mandated metered fares.

The philosophy of DART is to be able to travel around Brunei anytime while being safe and affordable, said Zul ‘Amali bin Dato Paduka Haji Idris, founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DART Logistics Sdn Bhd.

“DART is a platform that offers solutions for many of the travel needs in Brunei. We need to fill in the gaps in everyone’s transport needs. You can find the same services that we are offering in our neighbouring countries; what we offer is about connecting people,” he said.

Gone are the days when Bruneians had to wait for hours and in queues for grabbing a taxi. Their ride now is just a click away with the launch of DART Taxi, Brunei’s first taxi booking app, which was officially launched by the Minister of Communications Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, in an event held at the Progresif Cellular Headquarters in Gadong yesterday

Minister of Communications Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, at the event. – PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR

He also pointed out that DART aims to be the most trusted transport option, while at the same time creating more jobs for locals and improving passenger experience.

“With a fare estimate available before their intended trip from the app, passengers can now know in advance the cost of the journey and how long the taxi will take to arrive at their doorstep,” he added.

He also mentioned that evolution of the market structure and new demands in Brunei’s transportation have pushed them to the creation of the app and it is not only limited to transport but also aims to enhance the efficiency of our daily routine.

The service will start from today and the application can now be downloaded via Apple App Store or Google Playstore.

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| Abdul Hakiim Yakof |

BRUNEI will soon be free of abandoned vehicles that have become an eyesore with the launching of a nationwide environmental clean-up project yesterday.

The project, which was kick-started by removing two vehicles from a workshop area in Menglait, aims to seize and deregister forsaken vehicles in the country.

A clean-up committee, formed by municipal departments and district offices nationwide, Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), Land Transport Department (JPD) as the coordinator and secretariat of the campaign’s committee, Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe) as well as finance and disposal companies, is spearheading the first-of-its-kind initiative.

The drive began following a warning letter issued by the Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Department, and the abandoned vehicles will be removed under Section 84, Chapter 68 of the Road Traffic Act.

A total of 24 vehicles have been listed as abandoned for a long period in the Menglait area.

Dr Haji Supry bin Haji Ladi, Director of the Land Transport Department in conversation with an owner of an abandoned car during the clean-up project

An abandoned car. – PHOTOS: DEAN KASSIM

Owners of 11 vehicles have informed the clean-up committee that they will move the vehicles, while the 13 unclaimed vehicles will be relocated to temporary storage areas and their fate will be decided later.

The campaign will be carried out in three ways to ensure the clean-up work is carried out not just by the government but to also make it a responsibility of the vehicle owners who simply leave their vehicles at workshops and public areas, with assistance of mukim penghulus and village heads nationwide.

Twenty-six other vehicles were also identified in the area, two of them believed to be from a neighbouring country.

Regarding this, the second approach is to issue a warning, based on the Minor Offences Act, from the Municipal Department to workshops or owners of the vehicles to move these vehicles within 14 days.

Failure to do so will result in the owner or workshop facing a fine of $500 for each vehicle.

Companies appointed to the clean-up committee have been given clearance to move vehicles that have been identified as abandoned through complaints made by the public.

These companies will remove the vehicles starting immediately until the end of the campaign which will be announced at a later date.

Members of the public are urged to cooperate in the efforts to make the campaign a success to safeguard the image, collective peace and prosperity of the country.

As a third approach to ensure smooth running of the clean-up drive, all penghulus and village heads in the country will be asked to assist in monitoring their respective village areas and urge owners of abandoned vehicles on road sides or public places in their areas to relocate their vehicles.

They can report such vehicles to the JPD.

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| Danial Norjidi |

THE topic of enabling access to the digital economy took centre stage as the 1st MSME Innovation Conference and Expo was held yesterday.

The conference featured prominent and successful entrepreneurs from the region who were invited to talk about how small enterprises can leverage on e-commerce and the vast opportunities it presents to further develop their businesses.

It was aimed at showing that products and services can be sold online to a market beyond Brunei as well as to increase the awareness of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to utilise e-commerce platforms and look into venturing into e-commerce support services such as payment gateway and logistics. It was also aimed at showing MSMEs can also be a part of the global value chain through e-commerce.

The objectives of the conference are in line with the determination and effort of the Government 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 to empower the private sector, especially the local MSMEs to explore and expand their market reach by leveraging on existing regional and international trade mediums such as the BIMP-EAGA and Asean and even beyond.

The proceedings saw a keynote address delivered by Javed Ahmad, the CEO of DARe (Darussalam Enterprise).

An overview of the MSME Innovation Conference and Expo panel discussion at the BRIDEX International Conference Centre. – AZROL AZMI

“We now live in a world that was once thought possible where everything you want to know about is at your fingertips using the World Wide Web. With e-commerce, a click of a button, an URL, and a secure e-payment gateway, all these variables open up the opportunities to businesses anywhere in the world to customers globally, and not just in their home markets.

“As a business living in today’s modern day society, online presence is a must, as your entire global market is now available on your mobile phone.”

He went on to share that when we talk about innovation, generally there is a feeling of apprehension among small business, and a bit of concern in terms of what small businesses offer to the business community at large.

“In reality, if you look at small businesses, they are the ones who have been leading innovation over the last 20-30 years,” he highlighted. “If you look at large businesses, they are struggling with coming to terms with the unleashing of the huge potential that’s going on around the world, and they’re struggling in terms of how they cope with it.

“Unfortunately what’s happening is that a lot of established businesses, particularly the large businesses around the world, are too much entrenched into their own investments, into their own customer base, into their own commitments that it is virtually impossible for them to move to the next phase in terms of opportunities.”

He noted that generally a very familiar discussion in boardrooms is “if we go to a particular market segment, are we cannibalising our own customer base?”

“The moment you have that thought in terms of cannibalisation, you’ll never have the opportunity to go out and innovate, and here comes the opportunity for the MSMEs to truly go out and innovate,” he said.

He touched on examples of innovation, noting the launch of Brunei’s first taxi booking app, DART Taxi, on Friday, as well as AirBnB. “These are not businesses created by the hotel industry or the automobile industry. These are individuals who had a vision and the ability to look at some of these and come up with truly innovative solutions.”

Several well-known international e-commerce platforms such as DHGate, eBBQ, Facebook, Ogilvy and Avana as well as local names such as Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam, 3G Media, Mumtaz Collection, CubeJunction, Storkitani, and Bruvera were invited to share their experience and knowledge as well as their experience in building loyalty, growth and brand equity.

The conference saw number of presentations, speeches and panel sessions, discussing topics such as ‘eCommerce: Understanding Potential Opportunities and Challenges’, ‘eCommerce Platform Opportunities in Brunei’, ‘eCommerce, ePayments, eCommerce: Enabling Brunei to Asean’, ‘eCommerce for today’s Digital Industry” and ‘Logistics in the 21st Century’.

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A TOTAL 202 golfers competed on the penultimate day of the Baiduri Masters for a spot in the Top 16 to play in the final round today.

Unlike previous days of the edition, the Top 16 leaderboard saw the addition of only three players, two of whom occupied the top three positions.

New Baiduri Masters leader Qawim Haji Aslimon played a terrific 18 holes to top the leaderboard with a gross of 68.

Qawim was followed closely by Friday’s leader Suhaimi Ibrahim, who is also tied with newcomer Pengiran Adam Pengiran Atan at 69.

Tied for fourth, fifth and sixth places were Ahmad Yani Haji Mohd Noor, Pengiran Haji Ahmad Zaki and Seruji Haji Setia with a gross of 71.

The top 16 players listed above will compete for the Baiduri Masters Green Jacket and Challenge Trophy.

Besides the coveted Baiduri Masters Green Jacket and Challenge Trophy, today will be the last chance for the golfers to score the hole-in-one prizes comprising two luxury cars and three cash prizes of B$20,000 each.

Other than the BMW 320i M Sport at Hole 14, other hole-in-one prizes on offer this year are the Mini Cooper S for Hole 5, and B$20,000 cash each for Holes 2, 12 and 16.

One of the golfers readies himself during the Baiduri Masters yesterday

A participant putts during the penultimate day of the Baiduri Masters

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| James Kon |

WITH the consent 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, 21 police officers were promoted to new ranks in a ceremony held yesterday at the Banquet Hall of the Officer’s Mess of the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) Headquarters in Gadong.

The ceremony was officiated by the guest of honour Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohd Jammy bin Haji Muhd Shah Al-Islam, the Commissioner of Police.

The Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police, SAC Mohammad Irwan bin Haji Hambali, senior police officers and directors were also present.

Ten Probationary Assistant Superintendent of Police (P/ASP) officers were officially confirmed as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) beginning March 1, 2017. These officers are: P/ASP Haji Muhammad Helmi bin Haji Abdullah, P/ASO Dennie Adli bin Haji Sulaiman, P/ASP Muhammad Wafiy bin Zakaria, P/ASP Mohd Izzudin Hanis bin Haji Md Salleh, P/ASP Haji Mohd Baihaqi bin Pehin Orang Kaya Maharaja Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Tarif, P/ASP Haji Muhammad Noor Fadzil bin Haji Suhaimin, P/ASP Yapp Giam Eing, P/ASP Dayangku Siti Munirah binti Pengiran Haji Damit, P/ASP Hajah Nur Amni Alyani binti Haji Abdul Rahman, and P/ASP Haryatie binti Mohammad Antin.

Three officers were promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Police starting March 1. They are: Senior Inspector of Police Mohd Isa bin Haji Mohd Lot, Inspector of Police Muhammad Amerol bin Haji Metusin, and Inspector of Police Hajah Roszaffina binti Haji Ahmad. Inspector of Police Mohammad Fadhilah bin Ibrahim was promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Police beginning May 1.

Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohd Jammy bin Haji Muhd Shah Al-Islam, Commissioner of Police presenting the insignia to ASP Mohammad Fadhilah bin Ibrahim. – JAMES KON

Senior Inspector of Police Aprizam bin Haji Mohammad was promoted to Chief Inspector of Police beginning March 1.

Meanwhile, five Inspectors of Police were promoted to Senior Inspector of Police beginning March 1. These officers are Muhd Izzat bin Haji Ramli, Mohd Zaini bin Haji Diris, Morshidi bin Haji Bujang, Ibrahim bin Haji Saili, and Aslin bin Masri.

Inspector of Police Haji Azwan bin Dato Paduka Seri Haji Abdul Rahman was promoted to Senior Inspector of Police starting May 1.

In an interview with the Sunday Bulletin, ASP Mohammad Fadhilah said, “It’s an honour to receive the promotion and I’m thankful for this blessing from Allah the Almighty. I would like to convey my gratitude to His Majesty as well as the Commissioner of Police, senior police officers and my family.”

ASP Mohammad Fadhilah, who has been with the force since 2008, added that this promotion motivates him to work even harder to serve His Majesty’s Government and maintain peace and order in the country.

Meanwhile, ASP Hajah Roszaffina said, “I feel blessed and very excited to be promoted. With the promotion, I hope to work even harder in my policing duties. I also hope that I can be given the chance to be attached and exposed to different departments under the force to gain more experience.”

ASP Hajah Roszaffina joined the force on May 1, 2010 as a Cadet Police Inspector and currently works in the Women and Child Abuse Investigation Unit at the RBPF’s Criminal Investigation Department.

As for climbing the career ladder, ASP Hajah Roszaffina advised Bruneians and her peers to work hard, be dedicated and committed in carrying out assigned tasks or duties.

Senior Inspector of Police Haji Azwan in a separate interview said that he was “delighted to receive my promotion”, and thanked His Majesty, and the support received “from senior officers, my family and friends”.

Senior Inspector of Police Haji Azwan joined the force in 2003, following in the footsteps of his father.

When pressed for career advice, he said, “Work hard and smart, always follow instructions, and don’t forget to pray.”

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| Hakim Hayat |

IN A rapidly changing environment, the presence of dynamic leaders are vital to lead the civil service in its evolution and in attaining its desired goals, said Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mohamad Roselan bin Haji Mohamad Daud, the Acting Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) yesterday.

“Thus, identifying potential talent is important for succession planning purposes,” he noted in his speech as guest of honour at an event held at the PMO Building to commemorate the conclusion of three leadership development courses conducted for some 88 civil service executive officers.

The acting minister further said that an excellent organisation is one that can create a group of leaders who can take over its leadership at any given time, highlighting that leadership quality is one of the most essential elements of the Civil Service Framework 2016-2020 initiative by the PMO.

As part of the initiative, the Civil Service Leadership Pipeline (CSLP) was made as one of its mainstay and it seeks to assemble a group of potential leaders in the civil service.

“This can be considered as an effort to manage talents of the civil service on a whole level as opposed to management at the ministry or department level. Leaders with high potential will be listed in the talent pipeline and will be monitored continuously by giving them training and development programmes designed for leadership and management,” he explained, adding that the CSLP can be regarded as a systematic talent management and succession planning platform for the whole of the civil service.

The acting minister presenting a certificate to a participant of the YEP programme. – PHOTOS: HAKIM HAYAT

Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mohamad Roselan bin Haji Mohamad Daud, the Acting Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) delivering his speech

To achieve a great impact, he urged the strong support and cooperation from all ministries for the CSLP.

“We expect all ministries to identify their officers who are regarded as high-performers and have great potential to be absorbed in this programme. Insya Allah, through this programme, all officers will have wide opportunities to steer and develop their leadership qualities,” he said.

During the event yesterday, 24 participants from the 24th Executive Development Programme for Senior Government Officers (EDPSGO), 35 from the 24th Executive Development Programme for Middle Management Officers (EDPMMO) and 26 from the first cohort of the Young Executive Programme (YEP) received their certificates for finishing the respective leadership programmes.

The best participants from the EDPSGO and EDPMMO also received tokens of appreciation from the guest of honour.

According to a press statement from the Civil Service Department (JPA), the executive development programme for government officers is a collaboration between JPA and the Institute for Leadership, Innovation and Advancement (ILIA) of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and aims to enhance the leadership and credibility capacities of senior government officers. It said the programme will also help renew the participants’ willpower and resolutions towards efforts to handle challenges in the civil service.

The first-ever YEP, a 10-week programme, is a collaboration between JPA and the Civil Service Institute (IPA) and aims to develop potential leadership skills of newly appointed officers who are in service for two years or below.

“It emphasises basic needs in the service to the government and focuses on the understanding of policies, management system, government regulations as well as national customs and traditions,” the statement added.

The YEP programme sheds more light on the roles of a leader, skills in development and the utilisation of appropriate and effective management methods to accomplish improvements and also global best practices in the private and public sectors.

To date, over 1,000 government officers have attended the EDPSGO and EDPMMO programmes, while the YEP programme is a new programme introduced this year.

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| Hakim Hayat |

LEADING local ICT consulting and outsourcing services provider BAG Networks is eyeing online expansion for its business management software Cendana following its success since launching a year ago.

Cendana is Brunei’s first fully-comprehensive and integrated business management software designed for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and large corporations.

At the ongoing Made in Brunei Market Fair held at the Bridex Hall in Jerudong where Cendana is being showcased, Dayangku Siti Farhana binti Pengiran Pura, Cendana’s Product Lead, told the Sunday Bulletin that following the encouraging response since its launch – evidenced by the number of local companies signing up for the platform’s services, BAG Networks’ main focuses now are to enhance the software’s online presence by venturing into the area of e-commerce and working on continuously expanding the product’s offerings to make it more comprehensive.

She shared several new projects that the company has recently been involved in, including working with several local banks to set up e-payment gateways for the ease of doing business, and also setting up credit card payment platforms.

According to Dayangku Siti Farhana, an e-commerce platform – already part of the software’s module – is currently in its development phase. “We believe the online platform will benefit MSMEs in cross-border business, helping them to showcase their products and services outside Brunei,” she said.

Dayangku Siti Farhana binti Pengiran Pura, Cendana Product Lead demonstrating the business health check questionnaire available for business owners at their booth in the Made in Brunei Market Fair. – HAKIM HAYAT

Dayangku Siti Farhana also shared that Cendana has recently closed an exciting deal with a company in the defence industry, offering its fleet management software (this is still currently in the development phase).

Since launching in April last year, Cendana has attracted a number of subscribers from different industries such as oil and gas, pharmaceuticals and military services.

“Certain statutory bodies are also inquiring about our software and we still have a lot of leads out there, especially in terms of understanding more on how to satisfy their human resources system and inventory management requirements,” she said, adding that the latter is the most sought after product today for Cendana.

When asked about how Cendana could benefit businesses, Dayangku Siti Farhana explained that data analytics is important in a business’s operations, to enable them to gauge their performance.

During the expo, the Cendana booth offered visitors who owned businesses the chance to fill in a business health check questionnaire which gave their businesses a baseline score, enabling them to gauge how well their businesses are doing.

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