|     Danial Norjidi     |

DISASTER response is the collective responsibility of civilians, military, international organisations, NGOs and other non-traditional partners.

This was said by Haji Mohd ‘Abdoh bin Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Salam, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs while delivering a speech at the opening ceremony of the First Exercise Planning Team (EPT) Meeting for the Asean Regional Disaster Emergency Response Simulation Exercise (ARDEX) yesterday at the International Convention Centre in Berakas.

In his speech, the permanent secretary described Asean as one of the most disaster-prone regions in the world.

“The disasters that are hitting our region are getting bigger in scale and the responses are also becoming more complex,” he said. “Thus, disaster response is no longer a responsibility of one or two actors and it is now a collective responsibility among civilians, military, international organisations, NGOs and other non-traditional partners.”

In the region, disaster response has always been a multi-actors’ effort and Asean Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) is central in coordinating these collective responses as envisioned in “One Asean One Response”.

Haji Mohd ‘Abdoh bin Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Salam, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs (C), in a group photo with the Asean Regional Disaster Emergency Response Simulation Exercise (ARDEX) delegates. – AZROL AZMI

He highlighted that it is an honour for Brunei Darussalam to host ARDEX this year, noting that it was here in 2014 during the country’s chairmanship of the 2nd Asean Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management that ministers endorsed the concept of “One Asean One Response”.

“I’m pleased that this vision will be put to the test for the first time during our hosting of ARDEX in Brunei Darussalam,” he said.

The permanent secretary also remarked that this year’s event is a very important milestone as it is the first ARDEX to be conducted after the launching of the Asean Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Work Programme 2016-2020 during the 3rd AADMER Partnership Conference in Semarang, Indonesia last week.

He said that the primary goal of ARDEX exercises is to practice, evaluate and review Asean-SASOP (Standard Operating Procedures for Regional Standby Arrangements and Coordination of Joint Disaster Relief and Emergency Response Operations).

In addition to that, new response coordination protocols and guidelines outlined in the Priority Programme 5 will also be tested, such as the Joint Asean Disaster Response Plan, or AJDRP, and the Joint Operation Coordinating Centre for Asean (JOCCA) as well as civil-military coordination.

Addressing the participants of yesterday’s EPT meeting, he said, “As host of ARDEX, we appreciate your continued support in planning for this very important exercise for Brunei Darussalam and for our region.”

The post Disaster response a collective responsibility appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

IN LESS than a decade, Asean’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has nearly doubled to US$2.6 trillion in 2014, outpacing most of the world’s economies.

In the automotive sector alone, Asean is reported to be one of the largest markets in the world, and will continue to gain in importance as a production base for the world’s biggest car manufacturers, especially from Asia, the US and EU.

This was underscored by Pengiran Haji Mohd Zain bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Razak, Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications (MinComm), after the guest of honour officiated yesterday’s opening ceremony for the two-day 23rd Asean Consultative Committee on Standards and Quality (ACCSQ) Automotive Product Working Group (APWG) meeting held at The Centrepoint Hotel in Gadong.

In his opening address, the acting permanent secretary added that with the combined third largest population in the world (just after India and China), Asean is anticipated to continue to grow rapidly as a consumer market for vehicles.

“The establishment of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, last year was a major milestone in positioning Asean as a market with less barriers, a free flow of goods and services, investment, skilled labour and flow of capital, and hence, offering wider trade, investment and job opportunities.

Guest of honour, Pengiran Haji Mohd Zain, delivers his speech. – PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR

Delegates during yesterday’s meeting held at The Centrepoint Hotel in Gadong

Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications, Pengiran Haji Mohd Zain bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Razak, with delegates of the 23rd Asean Consultative Committee on Standards and Quality Automotive Product Working Group

“Its impact to the automotive sector is substantial, in which it will help to spur increased competition, innovations and economic dynamism in the region’s automotive market. However, as in any other sector, non-tariff barriers have remained a challenge,” he said.

He continued to highlight that this is where the APWG’s works and initiatives are relevant and important, in removing barriers and improving Asean competitiveness, as well as facilitating trade with the rest of the world.

The APWG is one of the working groups under the ACCSQ, a sectoral body under the purview of the Asean Economic Minister (AEM).

APWG was formed in 2005 with key measures to eliminate technical barriers to trade in the automotive sector through the exchange of information on standards, rules, regulations procedures and mandatory requirements in Asean member states, as well as to identify areas for possible harmonisation and Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRA).

AEM identified the automotive sector as one of the 12 Priority Integration Sectors (PIS) under the region’s economic agenda. One of the major deliverables targeted this year is the completion of the Asean MRA on Type Approval for Automotive Products.

Asean has agreed to prioritise 19 UN regulations for the initial phase of implementation of the MRA. With the implementation of the MRA, automotive firms will find it easier and less costly to export their products to Asean.

The MRA is one of Asean’s High Priority Measures under the AEC post-2015 agenda for completion in 2016. The MRA’s timely and successful implementation will contribute to the realisation of the AEC.

The 23rd APWG Meeting is preceded by the 16th Meeting of the Task Force for MRA on Type Approval of Automotive Products.

The meetings are attended by officials from member states, representing authorities or agencies from the land transport, industry, standard and certification, as well as officials from the Asean Secretariat and representatives from the automotive industries who are members of the Asean Automotive Federation (AAF).

The US Department of Commerce also attended yesterday’s meeting, sharing information on Green Chemistry in auto parts and products.

The post Asean will continue to grow as major automotive market appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Wani Roslan     |

BRUNEI Darussalam will celebrate the Israk Mikraj of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) tomorrow at the Plenary Hall of the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.

A rehearsal for the event took place yesterday which was attended by Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara, Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar; Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman in his capacity as the Head of the Executive Committee for organising major Islamic calendar events for 1437 Hijrah; and other committee members.

The highlight of the celebration will be a special religious talk entitled ‘Sembahyang Kunci Syurga’ which is also the theme of this year’s Israk Mikraj celebration.

According to Hajah Siti Mahyana binti Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Dr Haji Awang Yahya, Deputy Secretary of the National Level Working Committee for the Israk Mikraj Celebration, highlighted that the celebration will be filled with the recitation of verses from the Al-Quran, a special religious lecture and Nasyid performance.

Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara, Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar, with the Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, overseeing the rehearsal for Israk Mikraj celebrations, at ICC yesterday. Also in the photo is Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud

A Nasyid performance being practised during the Israk Mikraj celebration rehearsal. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI

In enlivening the celebration, the Ministry of Religious Affairs will also be conducting three side events whereby the Islamic Syiar Development Division will organise a workshop on ‘Kesempurnaan Sembahyang’ that will focus on appropriate ways to perform ‘Jamak’ and ‘Qasar’ prayers as well as ways to perform prayer in vehicles.

The second event is a Mass Prayer Campaign (Kempen Solat Berjemaah) which will be handled by the Mosque Affairs Department. It will focus on mass Subuh prayer that will be conducted throughout the country.

The third event is a briefing on understanding of Zakat which will be organised by the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) and will focus on government officers, private agencies and others. The dates for the briefing will be announced soon.

The post Brunei to mark Israk Mikraj tomorrow appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Izah Azahari     |

A BRUNEIAN man and another man from Limbang, Malaysia died yesterday when the car they were travelling in collided with a compact SUV in Kampung Bambangan Tedungan.

The victims were identified as 59-year-old Pungut Tambah from Brunei and Ujan Osman, aged 53, from Limbang, Malaysia.

The driver of the other vehicle sustained serious injuries and was rushed to a hospital in Brunei.

Head of the Fire and Rescue Department of Limbang Zone, Edmund Dmahai Amboh, said that the car was said to be travelling from Limbang to Brunei when it collided with the SUV that was coming from the opposite direction.

Photo circulated via WhatsApp shows the scene of the accident

He said that it was raining heavily during the collision, which resulted in the car ending up in a ditch.

Twelve personnel in three Fire and Rescue vehicles took 38 minutes to reach the accident scene in Kampung Bambangan which is about 39 kilometres from Limbang town after the department received a call at 1.32pm, he said.

The post Bruneian among two killed in car accident in Limbang appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Siti Hajar     |

THE rising threats in the region, especially terrorism, have called for more cooperation among countries in protecting the maritime routes.

“The region has witnessed the spread of influence of some radical elements,” said Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah, during the opening ceremony yesterday for the Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) Maritime Security and Counter Terrorism Exercise that is set to conclude on May 10 in Singapore.

The combined 3,000 personnel along with military assets taking part in the exercise are capable of contributing to ensure that the region’s maritime routes are safe for the use of the global community, he said.

The rise of globalisation and rapid development of technology continue to test the capabilities of the countries, he said.

“The pressures we face today are greater than ever before as security challenges have proved to be more complex and very often cross between borders with relative ease and speed,” he said, adding that resolving challenges also carries the component of cooperation.

Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah, during the opening ceremony of Asean Defence Ministers’ Meet-ing Plus (ADMM-Plus) Maritime Security and Counter Terrorism Exercise

Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah in a conversation

Military personnel during the tasking. – PHOTOS: DEAN KASSIM

Through clear and open communication, he said, “we are able to build trust, enable a common ground to work together and forge effective partnerships and bonds of cooperation between one another,” he added.

The exercise that brings together the militaries of 18 countries is expected to reduce tensions, enhance trust and build deeper cooperation.

The Commander of the RBAF said, “God willing, this noble undertaking may become a model for others to emulate in our pursuit towards sustainable peace and security for the benefit of mankind globally.”

The exercise, which will see the simulation of maritime security and counter-terrorism scenarios at sea “is a manifestation of our solidarity to make the Southeast Asia region and beyond a safe haven, and to secure our maritime domain,” he added.

Joint Force Commander of the RBAF, Brigadier General (U) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sahat, said that a range of training exercises will be conducted at sea requiring the Maritime Security Task Force to apply the ADMM-Plus Maritime Security Field Training Exercise Standard Operating Procedures and the Code of Unplanned Encounters at Sea documents.

The subsequent Counter Terrorism phase will be conducted as the Task Group approaches Singapore.

Planning and coordination meetings held at the Multi-National Coordinating Centre (MNCC) and Force Integration Training by the participants preceded the exercise phase.

The post ADMM-Plus focuses on maritime security appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

DPMM FC head coach Steve Kean is hoping his side can keep a clean sheet when they visit Warriors at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium in Singapore tonight.

The ‘Gegar Gegar’ men lost their last two home matches against league leaders Albirex Niigata (S) and Geylang International FC and the manner of which they conceded both late goals disappointed the head coach.

“The disappointing thing from the last game was the late goal because a little bit like Albirex, they would’ve taken a point. To take a wicked deflection near the end was disappointing,” said Kean in an interview after a training session at the Jerudong Mini Stadium.

“We’ve shown that we had some difficult periods already this season but we’ve put some good results together,” he said.

DPMM FC have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six home league matches.

While the head coach has no doubts that his side will be busy creating the chances, he has already made it abundantly clear that keeping a clean sheet will be top priority in Singapore.

DPMM FC players during their training session. – FADHIL YUNUS

“I know we will make chances and hopefully the unit work we have done with our attacking in that side of the game will score.

“But first and foremost I like to go to Singapore with a clean sheet. We started with a clean sheet and we like to come back with a clean sheet,” the Scotsman asserted.

Kean added that judging on evidence of his charges’ performance, his side have created sufficient chances to take a maximum of nine points in three games.

The S League holders are currently sustaining a difficult spell in the goal-scoring department despite Brazilian striker Rafael Ramazotti rediscovering his scoring touch with six goals already this term.

Despite starting well and looked in good shape for three points against both Albirex and Geylang, they still left empty-handed largely down to a selection of missed opportunities.

After the latest setback against Geylang, Kean has made the first order of business to split the team on separate ends of the game – defending and attacking – with the attacking-minded players tasked with doing repetitions in finishing.

And Kean will be eager to revive his misfiring charges by providing new forms of threats and catching the opposition by surprise.

“I’m hoping to change the shape a little bit because I feel we need a different spark upfront and maybe change the angles of the attacking unit a little bit,” he said.

The head coach shared they have been working on two elements of fine-tuning their game, putting the emphasis on the role of goalkeeper Wardun Yussof.

“We’re working on to make sure that Wardun comes and claims his space if the ball is played behind the defence. I feel at times he can come and help the defence a little bit.

“We’ve worked on that and we also worked on the new attacking shape. Hopefully both elements will come against Warriors,” said the head coach.

He agreed that Warriors poor start from only two wins this season could serve as incentive to kick-start their campaign but his own side will be fired up to get back into winning ways.

“It is very unusual for us to lose two games on the bounce and we want to make sure it will not going to be three. We’re fully committed but the league is very tight and anybody can beat anybody,” he concluded.

The post Kean hopes to leave Warriors match with clean sheet appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

SHAH United FC will continue their quest for the Takaful Brunei Futsal Super League title but face a tricky test against Street United at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex on Sunday.

Shah United disposed newcomers NFT in a 7-3 victory but must hold nerve against a side who forced the defensively tight army personnel to concede three times in a single match.

Street United have already lost once this season to title contenders MS ABDB in a seven-goal thriller and another defeat could jeopardise their chances of at least being in the whereabouts for the country’s top futsal crown.

Having finished runners-up last year, Shah United are looking to win this year’s title though these ambitions are also shared by the people in Arbisyam and even PBDB FT.

“We finished in second place last year but we will target to finish top at the end of the season,” said Shah United owner Haji Syed Mohd Yaqub bin Haji Syed Anayatullah Shah recently during a players’ contract signing ceremony.

League leaders Kota Junior sit top of the table after two comfortable wins over newly- promoted teams Bio FT and First Five.

The Belait-based side have the chance to show their worth as title challengers if they prevail victorious over MS ABDB tomorrow.

Newcomers Bio FT were given a lesson to life in Brunei’s top futsal league but could raise some confidence against Pega Star FT whose inconsistent form saw them languishing in 8th place last season.

Arbisyam will begin their league campaign against Riz Fiz FT.

First Five, who took the place of last year Premier Cup finalists Star Madang in the Takaful Brunei Futsal Super League, have been scheduled to meet NFT next Friday.

The two newcomers started their debut with heavy defeats but now have the chance to get points off the board.

The post Shah United face tricky Street in futsal league appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Achong Tanjong     |

IN LINE with her mission of giving back to the local community, Cecilia Lee, creative director of Fun Bee Park and IA Salon, organised a food and goods drive to benefit the Seria Old Folks Home, encouraging the public to donate dry food items, household and general items for the elders at the nursing home.

With the help of local newspapers in spreading the news about the drive, and support from customers of Fun Bee Park, IA Salon and Polly Transport, donations came in huge amounts, Lee said.

As of May 1, Fun Bee Park received huge quantities of rice, dry noodles, canned goods, biscuits, powdered drinks and toiletries.

Aside from household items, generous sponsors also donated soft and comfortable blankets, face and bath towels, soft slippers and even gas cookers, kettles and water heater dispensers.

“I would like to thank everyone who extended their support towards this drive. I cannot believe the power of love Brunei has for its community. This drive would not have been possible without their help. I hope that we don’t stop or limit ourselves in giving back,” Lee said, adding that, “we aimed not only to collect donations, but also to spend some time with the old folks, clean up the house and bring cheer to them.

Cecilia Lee speaks to the media. – PHOTOS: ACHONG TANJONG

Items collected for the Old Folks Home in Seria

“We should value everyone in our community – from the very young to the old. But sadly, old people in nursing homes can often feel isolated and excluded. Developing stronger connections between the old and their community can bring positive benefits. Even those with serious memory loss or cognitive limitations can still enjoy a visit, even if they don’t remember it later,” said Lee.

The collection of donations started in April and ended on May 5. However, those who still want to send donations are welcome to do so.

Lee said the handover of donations will be held tomorrow at 9.30am at the Seria Old Folks Home. Fun Bee Park is also inviting volunteers to spend time with the elders and help with cleaning the house and assisting them with lunch.

Lee noted that the drive is the first such event being organised by Fun Bee Park, and is set to be an annual activity. She added that she used to do reach out programmes in Malaysia by sending goods to those in need.

“I think that there are a lot of people in Brunei who love to do charity work not only for the old folks but also for the orphans,” she said.

The post Donations pour in for Seria’s old folks appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Azaraimy HH     |

A MOBILE library was launched at Bakiau Primary School in Tutong yesterday to encourage students to explore sources of reading materials other than those available at their their school library.

The event was launched by the Village Head of Kg Bakiau Haji Burhanuddin bin Haji Hashim.

Headmaster Yakup bin Haji Abdul Rahman urged students to visit the mobile library to obtain the many benefits of reading, such as to stimulate their minds, reduce stress, increase memory as well as increase focus and concentration.

The event was enlivened with a song performance by students and was followed by a storytelling session.

Village Head of Kg Bakiau Haji Burhanuddin bin Haji Hashim tours the mobile library. – AZARAIMY HH

An exhibition was also held to showcase some of the activities such as quizzes and puzzle held by the Language and Literature Bureau.

A total of 49 students, comprising pre-school to Year 6 pupils, attended the ceremony, where they also took part in various activities organised by the Language and Literature Bureau of the Tutong branch.

The post Bakiau Primary School launches mobile library appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Faza Suraj     |

PEOPLE from all walks of life in the Belait District yesterday participated in a district-wide campaign to assist in maintaining cleanliness.

Government buildings and commercial, residential, school and other areas were included in the campaign organised to raise the level of cleanliness in both urban and rural areas.

One of the locations was the Ahmad Tajuddin Primary School in Kuala Belait where students of Year 1 to Year 5 participated with the support of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and volunteers from the Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd and IBTE Sultan Bolkiah Vocational School Campus.

Aries Yakup, chairman of the school’s cleaning campaign committee, said the event benefitted the school in terms of fostering better relationships among the parties involved.

Ahmad Tajuddin Primary School students during the cleaning campaign

An overgrown tree was trimmed at Ahmad Tajuddin Primary School

Belait District community members working together during the campaign. – PHOTOS: FAZA SURAJ

“We don’t have a problem with cleanliness in this school, but we enjoyed carrying out the cleaning campaign and we had the opportunity to mingle with everyone,” said Aries.

In a statement, the Public Relations and Research Division of the Belait District Office hoped that all parties will together carry out the responsibility of maintaining cleanliness of their respective areas at all times.

The post Belait holds district-wide cleaning campaign appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

MINISTERS responsible for the environment from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand met on the occasion of the 18th Meeting of the Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee (MSC) on Transboundary Haze Pollution on May 4 in Singapore.

According to a press release, Brunei Darussalam was represented by Dato Paduka Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar, Deputy Minister of Development, Haji Muhammad Lutfi bin Abdullah, Permanent Secretary (Administration and Finance) at the Ministry of Development and senior officials from the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation, Ministry of Development and the Department of Fire and Rescue, Ministry of Home Affairs.

The ministers noted the Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre’s (ASMC’s) forecast that dry weather conditions are expected for Sumatra and Kalimantan between June and early October 2016. With the El Niño expected to return to neutral conditions by mid-2016 and with a chance of La Niña developing in the third quarter of 2016, normal to above normal rainfall can be expected for the region during the season.

Nevertheless, the MSC countries pledged to remain vigilant and continuously monitor and step up their haze preventive efforts to minimise any possible occurrence of transboundary smoke haze from land and forest fires in anticipation of the drier weather in the coming months. The ministers emphasised that sustained and long-term efforts to prevent land and forest fires are also critical to address the overarching challenge of climate change.

Group photo of Dato Paduka Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar, Deputy Minister of Development and Asean ministers during the meeting

The ministers expressed appreciation for the substantive efforts by Indonesia in implementing its Plan of Action (PoA) in Dealing with Transboundary Haze Pollution, which included among other things the close and continuous monitoring of hotspots and enhanced coordination among local, national and regional governments, the private sector and local communities to prevent and suppress land and forest fires.

The ministers also noted the actions taken by other MSC countries to address transboundary haze pollution, including Singapore’s update on the actions taken against errant companies under its Transboundary Haze Pollution Act.

The MSC countries also reaffirmed their offer of assistance to Indonesia for emergency response when necessary and called for enhanced cooperation and coordination to ensure the timely and effective deployment of international resources for firefighting assistance.

The ministers provided further guidance on the implementation of the Strategic Review of the Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee’s programmes and activities, which involves enhancing haze control management through early warning and monitoring, fire prevention and suppression; refinement of the Fire Danger Rating System; operationalisation of Alert Levels and Trigger Points for immediate and expeditious fire prevention and suppression by including them in the existing Asean SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) for Monitoring, Assessment and Joint Emergency Response; and to build up the capabilities of Asean member states under the Regional Haze Training Network. The ministers welcomed the upcoming Train-the-Trainer Workshop to implement the Asean guidelines on Peatland Fire Management that Indonesia and Singapore would co-host in Pontianak, West Kalimantan from May 30 to June 1.

The ministers reaffirmed the commitment to effectively implement the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution to prevent and monitor transboundary haze pollution from land and forest fires through concerted national efforts and regional and international cooperation, including legislative, administrative and other relevant measures, and prompt response to requests for relevant information or consultations sought by Asean member states.

On bilateral cooperation, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore are willing to continue their cooperation in the spirit of the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution on a government-to-government basis, building upon the previous experiences.

The ministers recalled that the leaders at the 27th Asean Summit held in Kuala Lumpur on November 21, 2015 had noted the initiatives by the MSC countries and encouraged them to take the necessary actions in order to operationalise the Asean Sub-Regional Haze Monitoring System (HMS). The ministers also noted the continuing difficulties in sharing land use and concession maps by the MSC countries and agreed that in the meantime, the MSC countries continue to share information on a government-to-government basis on hotspot areas that gave rise to transboundary haze.

The ministers highlighted the discussions of the 6th Meeting of the MSC Technical Task Force (MTTF) in October 2015 on developing a set of guidelines for information exchange, and noted that Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand had agreed to share the details of hotspot information as specified in the Asean Standard Operating Procedure for Monitoring, Assessment and Joint Emergency Response. The ministers tasked the MTTF to further work on the modality for sharing the hotspot information among MSC countries and urged them to continue working towards operationalising the HMS.

The ministers recognised that it is timely for a regional study to be conducted on the economic, health and social impact of haze in 2015 on the Asean region. This study is crucial for Asean to assess the implication of the 2015 haze incident and enable countries to have a baseline economic, health and social data to understand the impact of transboundary haze. The ministers agreed to task the Asean Secretariat to collate the necessary information initially from MSC countries in accordance with their national laws and regulations.

The ministers noted the intention and steps taken by Indonesia to host the Asean Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control (ACC), including the Workshop on the Preparation for the Establishment of the ACC that was hosted by Indonesia on April 28 in Jakarta. The ministers looked forward to faster and more effective implementation of all aspects of the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution after the ACC is operational.

The ministers noted the substantive progress of the development of the Asean Programme on Sustainable Management of Peatland Ecosystems 2014-2020 (APSMPE), and the encouraging response and support from Asean dialogue and development partners. The ministers renewed their commitment to implement this regional programme through Asean mechanisms, enhanced national level efforts and multi-stakeholder partnership.

The ministers noted the progress of the development of the Roadmap on Asean Cooperation towards Transboundary Haze Pollution Control with means of implementation, from the 1st Task Force Meeting to draft the roadmap that was hosted by Thailand in Chiang Mai on March 7-9. The ministers looked forward to the adoption of the roadmap by the conference of the parties to the Asean Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution in August 2016 for notation by the Asean leaders that would guide Asean member states towards achieving the vision of a haze-free Asean by 2020.

The ministers expressed their appreciation to the government of Singapore for organising the 18th MSC Meeting and the excellent arrangements made and hospitality provided.

The post Asean ministers meet on transboundary haze appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

THE ongoing multi-national maritime security and counter-terrorism military exercise under the Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) framework comes timely given the challenges maritime nations are facing today, not just in terms of conventional threats but also terrorism and piracy, a senior military official from Singapore said yesterday.

Speaking on the sidelines of the culmination of the exercise’s leg in Brunei waters at the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) base yesterday, Brigadier-General Desmond Tan, Director Joint Operations of Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), said these are relevant areas where the military can come in to cooperate, as seen in recent times such as search and rescue for aircraft and counter-piracy operations.

“These are areas that we have been cooperating in, and given the current situation, I think it is even timelier. When we talk about counter-terrorism, we all know what is happening in the world and in the region and other countries – it does demonstrate the commitment of the countries in dealing with this,” he added.

Some 3,000 troops, 17 ships, 15 helicopters, two maritime patrol aircraft along with Special Forces from the 18 nations under the ADMM-Plus Maritime Security and Counter Terrorism Exercise have been deployed in the exercise co-hosted by the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) and the SAF.

Director Joint Operations of Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Brigadier-General Desmond Tan speaking to media representatives

Desmond also praised their counterpart for what he calls the “very professional and top class” abilities in organising such a big scale event. “I must say that with the total number of assets and troops involved it does go to show that Brunei, as a country and host, has been more than capable of mustering the exercise together,” he added.

He also said the previous exercises Brunei and Singapore were involved in such as the ADMM-Plus Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief and Military Medicine (HADR & MM) Exercise in 2013 have helped in enhancing mutual understanding and supported each other in conducting the exercise. “I think Brunei has done a fantastic job and has set a very high bar for the second part of the exercise in Singapore,” he added.

He later said that they welcome any form of cooperation to deal with common challenges, adding that the exercise does show that both countries have the desire to cooperate with other countries, as long as the interest is alive and the ability to work together is there.

“This is really a milestone exercise for people in uniform both professionally and personally. This is one of the largest exercises that I have taken part in, so besides Brunei and Singapore who co-direct the exercise, the Expert Working Group partners – New Zealand and Australia – have done a tremendous job this time,” he said.

“All the other countries that are taking part are committed to make sure this exercise comes to pass and ensure we have a successful, professional and useful exercise; that is something that we encourage as part of the steering committee after planning this for a year,” he added. “I hope that in the Singapore phase of the exercise we can do as well as what has been done in Brunei, which is really fantastic, and we look forward to a great exercise.”

The post ADMM-Plus drill timely as maritime challenges galore appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Siti Hajar & Hakim Hayat     |

ILLEGAL fishing as well as human and contraband smuggling are main issues that have been encountered by the country’s enforcement agencies, Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah, the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), said yesterday.

Speaking on the sidelines of yesterday’s visit 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, the Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of the RBAF, to the Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) exercise at the naval base and Brunei waters, he said the country has had its fair share of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing activities with the use of explosives within the Sultanate’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

He assured that “we are still able to take action” against illegal fishermen with a number of them brought to court.

An international report described IUU fishing as a contributing factor to the depletion of fish stocks with the use of explosives severely damaging corals that can in turn affect the habitats of marine wildlife whilst at the same time taking a toll on the incomes of local fishermen.

Naval officers onboard KDB Daruttaqwa. – PHOTO: BAHYIAH BAKIR

The country’s participation and organisation of this year’s ADMM-Plus exercise that focuses on Maritime Security and Counter Terrorism will improve the RBAF’s response to such threats.

“We know that maritime areas are very critical seeing that they are our lifeline, where most economic activities transition, for oil and gas to pass through and for the sustainability of the fishing industry,” he said.

The country’s military is also in the midst of preparations to face the possibility of maritime piracy and terrorism that have plagued neighbouring states.

While acknowledging the absence of these incidents in Brunei, he said that complacency is not an option. He noted that these criminal acts can happen anywhere.

The RBAF will also continue to work alongside its allies within the region and beyond to ensure the security of maritime areas.

He also said that Brunei has yet to make a decision on a proposal tabled by Malaysia whose defence minister last month lobbied Brunei, the Philippines and Indonesia for a quadrilateral joint patrol and surveillance of the Sulu Sea.

The proposal is aimed at tackling kidnapping cases in the area which not only affect Malaysia but also neighbouring states.

The post Brunei well-prepared to take action against IUU fishing, smuggling appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Azlan Othman     |

THE main focus of this year’s National Savings Day is to foster the practice of prudent financial management and savings among students from an early age.

This was said by Hajah Nurliati binti Haji Mohd Idris, Acting Managing Director of Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD), in her welcoming remarks at an event to launch the National Savings Day 2016 held at the Perpindahan Lambak Kanan Primary School yesterday.

The guest of honour, who also launched the event, was Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, the Minister of Education, who is also the Deputy Chairman of AMBD Board of Directors.

Hajah Nurliati added that the first National Savings Day was declared by 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, on May 28, 2015 as Chairman of AMBD.

The theme for this year’s National Savings Day – ‘Financially Literate Generation’ – describes the goal towards creating a generation that can be prudent of their finances and inculcating the practice of saving.

The theme also supports the goal of ‘Vision 2035’, especially in improving the quality of life of the people of Brunei.

Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, the Minister of Education, who is also the Deputy Chairman of AMBD Board of Directors, launching the National Savings Day 2016 at the Perpindahan Lambak Kanan Primary School. – AZLAN OTHMAN

AMBD also plays a role in the efforts to protect and preserve the financial prosperity of the people such as through implementing a number of rules to prevent the habit of collecting excessive debt.

“The attitude of saving can be promoted if it is used and accompanied by the practice of planned and prudent spending at a young age. Insya Allah, it can lead to financial wellbeing,” Hajah Nurliati added.

Therefore, initiatives such as this will promote financial management and prudent spending, improve the financial literacy and awareness of financial products and services offered in Brunei Darussalam and awareness on the attitudes of spending within their means, especially in an increasingly challenging world economic environment.

During the month of May, a number of programmes and activities including roadshows to several schools in the four districts, a financial funfair at Jerudong Park and a financial planning seminar will be held.

The AMBD and the Ministry of Education organised the Global Money Week 2016 on March 2016, with the same purpose.

Hajah Nurliati hopes that the ongoing initiatives towards cultivating the habit of saving will produce results that can be utilised to improve knowledge of financial management in all levels of society in the country and thus foster a financially literate generation.

Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Employees Trust Fund (TAP) and related agencies participated in the event.

The minister later toured all the booths put up by AMBD, TAP and participating financial institutions, where they showcased various interactive financial management game activities especially designed for primary school students.

Also present were the Deputy Minister of Education Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar, Syariah High Court Judge Dato Seri Setia Haji Metussin bin Haji Baki, members of AMBD Board of Directors, permanent secretaries, senior government officers, chief executives of financial institutions in the country, teachers and students of selected primary schools.

AMBD in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and TAP will continue its roadshows in all four districts on May 9 in Temburong, on May 11 in Brunei-Muara, on May 16 in Belait and on May 18 in Tutong.

Other events planned in conjunction with National Savings Day include the Financial Planners’ Day organised by the Centre for Islamic Banking Finance and Management (CIBFM), AMBD’s training arm, on May 26, followed by the Financial Planners’ showcase on May 28.

The post AMBD eyeing a generation that saves appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Hakim Hayat & Siti Hajar     |

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, Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), yesterday morning took a closer look at the multi-national joint military drill currently taking place under the Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) framework.

Approximately 3,000 troops, 17 ships, 15 helicopters, two maritime patrol aircraft along with Special Forces from the 18 nations are taking part in the ADMM-Plus Maritime Security and Counter Terrorism (MS & CT) Exercise which will run until May 12.

Co-hosted by the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), this is the first maritime security and counter-terrorism exercise under the ADMM-Plus framework after the success of the ADMM-Plus Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief and Military Medicine (ADMM-Plus HADR & MM) Exercise in 2013.

This edition of the ADMM-Plus MS & CT Exercise aims to facilitate collaboration in maritime security and counterterrorism as well as promote information-sharing in responding to various exercise scenarios.

ADMM-Plus comprises all 10 Asean member states and its dialogue partners – China, the US, India, Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Russia.

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, Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, with 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; First Admiral (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Abdul Aziz bin Haji Mohd Tamit, Deputy Minister of Defence; and Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah, Commander of the RBAF viewing the multi-national joint military drill

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, Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, in a group photo

His Majesty at the Operation Centre of the Multi-National Coordination Centre. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI, BAHYIAH BAKIR & DEAN KASSIM

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, Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, receiving a pesambah

His Majesty with Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Awang Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar, the Minister of Energy and Industry at the Prime Minister’s Office; and First Admi-ral (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Abdul Aziz bin Haji Mohd Tamit, Deputy Minister of Defence, during the luncheon

ABOVE & BELOW: Scenes during the Maritime Security and Counter Terrorism Exercise

On arrival at the Multi-National Coordination Centre (MNCC) near the Muara Naval Base, His Majesty was welcomed by 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; First Admiral (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Abdul Aziz bin Haji Mohd Tamit, Deputy Minister of Defence; and Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah, Commander of the RBAF; as well as leaders of Asean Defence Senior Officials Meeting (ADSOM) and its dialogue partners.

At the MNCC, His Majesty witnessed coordination work between military personnel from different countries in tacking crisis situations played out in the exercise scenarios.

The monarch later heard a welcoming remark by the RBAF Commander as well as an exercise briefing delivered by Exercise Co-Director (Brunei), Brigadier General (U) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sahat, Joint Force Commander of the RBAF.

His Majesty later boarded an RBAF S-70i Blackhawk helicopter to have an aerial view of all the ADMM-Plus naval vessels involved in the exercise in the Brunei waters before landing on Brunei’s navy vessel KDB Daruttaqwa which is also taking part in the exercise.

Onboard the KDB Daruttaqwa, His Majesty was welcomed by the Co-Chair (Brunei) of ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security (EWG MS), Lieutenant Colonel (L) Haji Othman bin Haji Suhaily @ Suhaili, Deputy Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN). While onboard the ship, His Majesty witnessed the simulation of a ship assault involving the Special Forces of the ADMM-Plus countries.

After the simulation exercise, His Majesty took another flight and landed on the Japanese JDS Ise DDH-182, the second of two Hyuga-class helicopter destroyer of the Japanese Navy that is on anchor in Brunei waters.

The monarch concluded his visit with a luncheon with Defence Executive Committee members, ADSOM-Plus leaders and representatives, heads of delegation of the ADMM-Plus MS & CT Exercise and senior officials involved in the drill.

His Majesty also received a pesambah and signed on a parchment to mark his visit.

During the exercise, some tactical operations will be conducted at sea en-route to Singapore where the drill will conclude with a Counter Terrorism scenario.

The post Sultan observes ADMM-Plus joint military drill appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

BRUNEI Darussalam national coach Shaiful Azli bin Abdul Rahman has called stakeholders to be patient in the long-term rebuilding process of the hockey squads following their recent outing in the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Hockey World League in Singapore.

“The stakeholders should practice a lot of patience because gaining the expected outcomes in this sport cannot be done over a short term. We need to develop the sport with thoughts in the long term,” Shaiful Azli said on the sidelines of an appreciation dinner on Wednesday.

“The other countries who have enjoyed success did not take a short-term approach for one or two years but rather takes a long term which in a minimum the very least four years”.

The head coach referred to an article that it took a period of three or four Olympic cycles which is equivalent to 12 to 16 years to yield desired results of grooming a well-nurtured Olympian gold medallist.

He added that national teams should not be hurried into producing immediate results which prompted the need for the changing of mind-set.

The national head coach felt that they have achieved their targets after an eight-year absence from international competitions.

Brunei Darussalam national coach Shaiful Azli bin Abdul Rahman (R) presents the Most Valuable Player award to Mohamad Alisam bin Haji Awang Momin. – MOHAMAD ASYRASYRAMIE

The men and women teams competed against a number of top Asian hockey teams in the world but the performance that stood out was the men’s 3-0 defeat to Hong Kong in the second day of the tournament.

“In terms of results, obviously it did not favour to the team and in terms of rankings, we are unranked as opposed to nations like China, Sri Lanka and others who are among the elites of Asia,” he continued.

“But in terms of performance and the commitment that the players gave, I felt that, as a coach, this team carries huge potential to go farther from where they have now.”

The former Malaysian international pointed out that the heavy loss in that game did not entirely reflect on his side’s overall performance as he thought it was well balanced between the two teams regardless of size and experience.

“When we lost to China 11-0 who is 19th in the world. We succeeded in going forward and came agonisingly close of producing a goal where we also enjoyed a penalty corner.

Shaiful Azli noted the positives after seeing his charges limiting China to only three successful conversions from a total of 19 penalty corners.

He also expressed his intention to lead the team during the SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur next year.

The post National hockey coach calls for patience appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

DPMM FC are still in search of a win in the second round of the S League after being held to a 1-1 draw by Warriors FC at Choa Chu Kang Stadium in Singapore last night.

The reigning holders have previously lost twice against league leaders Albirex Niigata (S) and Geylang International FC.

The visitors were left off the hook in the ninth minute after Warriors striker Jonathan Behe fired wide with only DPMM FC’s goalkeeper Wardun Yussof to beat.

The Gegar Gegar men had to wait till the 16th minute for a sniff on goal when Portuguese forward Paulo Sergio glancing header flew wide from an Azwan Ali cross.

Sergio unleashed a fierce drive seven minutes later but his effort was parried away by Warriors alternate goalkeeper Zainol Gulam.

Despite head coach Steve Kean lamenting his misfiring side, the holders were clearly not bereft of opportunities nor confidence as Azwan Ali possessed the audacity to test Zainol from distance who had to be in full stretch to deny the DPMM FC winger.

Zainol was called into action again in the 26th minute by pushing away Brazilian striker Rafael Ramazotti’s header.

Azwan Ali laid the ball for Azwan Salleh but his shot was turned away by the despairing foot of Zainol.

Warriors midfielder Hafiz Nor ventured forward with interest before setting up Behe but the striker contrived to fire straight at Wardun.

DPMM FC took the lead on the hour mark as Paulo Sergio produced a clean strike from close range.

The hosts came close to finding an equaliser after Croatian forward Marijan Suto shot rattled against the bar.

But that close shave proved to be an inspiration as Suto, who made the step-up from the Prime League, nodded home from close range to rescue his side a point in the 89th minute.

Meanwhile, in the other game, Geylang International FC beat Garena Young Lions 3-1 at the Bedok Stadium in Singapore.

The post DPMM FC salvage draw in dying minutes appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Siti Hajar     |

AROUND 3,000 military personnel aboard 17 battleships departed for Singapore yesterday, where they will continue the second phase of the maritime security and counter-terrorism drill until May 8.

At the front and centre of this multinational fleet is the Royal Brunei Navy’s KDB Darussalam, which is carrying 60 Brunei participants, for the Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) Maritime Security and Counter Terrorism Exercise in the South China Sea.

The ships left the Muara Navy Base at approximately 7.20am yesterday, assembling in military fashion as they slowly made their way out of Brunei Bay.

Once out in the open seas, the ships formed five columns, signifying the skill and professionalism of each ship’s ability to take stations safely within very close proximity of each other.

A crewman from Royal Brunei Airforce overlooking the vessel getting into formation for the PhotoEx

The picture shows one of five formations out at sea following the fleet’s departure from the Muara Naval Base. – PHOTOS: DEAN KASSIM

From an initial 2,000 yards or 1.82 kilometres apart at 44 kilometres from shore, to a tight 500 yards, or 450 metres, the fleet was led by Brunei’s KDB Darussalam, before separating into two tactical formations, which will later converge at the Changi Naval Base in Singapore for a land-storming counterterrorism exercise and a closing ceremony on May 10.

Until the battleships reach the second half of their journey, Brunei’s Multi-National Coordination Centre will pay close attention to the fleet’s mission, before handing over responsibilities to co-host Singapore, whose military personnel joined Australia for the Counter Terrorism Expert’s Working Group, while Brunei joined New Zealand for the maritime security aspect of the exercise.

Following Brunei’s 2013 hosting of the ADMM-Plus Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief and Military Medicine Exercise, this year’s ADMM-Plus exercise is the second gathering of this magnitude combining Asean naval forces together with counterparts from Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation and the United States.

The post 17 battleships head out for maritime security drill in Singapore appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Fizah HAB     |

A SPECIAL lecture titled ‘Sembahyang Kunci Syurga’ or prayers are keys to heaven was delivered by Acting Deputy State Mufti at the State Mufti’s Office, Dr Haji Mazanan bin Haji Yusof, during the Israk Mikraj celebration yesterday at the Plenary Hall of the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.

Gracing the celebration was 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. Accompanying His Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; 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.

In his lecture, Dr Haji Mazanan underlined the importance of prayer and how it is beneficial not just for one’s self but for the nation. He also highlighted the importance of finding solutions during this time of economic instability.

Dr Haji Mazanan bin Haji Yusof delivering his special lecture

A section of the attendees. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI

The post Special lecture held to mark Israk Mikraj appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Danial Norjidi     |

DARUSSALAM Enterprise (DARe) held a dialogue with the Brunei Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DPPMB) on Wednesday evening.

The dialogue took place at the Design and Technology Building, Anggerek Desa Technology Park, and was aimed at allowing the DPPMB as a voice of the Malay community in Brunei to present to DARe the issues businesses face.

Leading the panel was the Minister of Energy and Industry at the Prime Minister’s Office, Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Awang Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar.

The proceedings began with a presentation from DARe by Dayangku Hajah Siti Normadinah binti Pengiran Haji Omarali.

She spoke on the functions of DARe, explaining how the statutory body looks to nurture and support local enterprises with the aim to foster their growth in order to enable them to contribute to the country’s GDP.

DARe develops local enterprises by assisting in capacity building, facilitating access to funding, access to international markets as well as providing industrial spaces for small and medium enterprises (SME) to grow.

Minister of Energy and Industry at the Prime Minister’s Office, Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Awang Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar, leading the dialogue panel

Members of the Brunei Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the dialogue session. – PHOTOS: DANIAL NORJIDI

This was followed by a presentation from the Ease of Doing Business Unit (EODB) under the Prime Minister’s Office by Zulfadli bin Abu Bakar on the current improvements that have been made to start a business in the country.

The President of the DPPMB, Dr Haji Kamaruddin bin Dato Seri Paduka Haji Talib in his remarks at the event thanked DARe for inviting them and providing an opportunity to have a dialogue.

Speaking to the Bulletin after the dialogue, the Minister of Energy and Industry at the Prime Minister’s Office described the DPPMB as being “an extremely important group of people”.

He said that the DPPMB is important because of “the number of membership they have” and “the number of local business entrepreneurs they have”.

Sharing his thoughts on the dialogue session itself, the minister said, “The dialogue was very constructive, and there were issues that were highlighted that weren’t on our radar.”

“These issues were highlighted sincerely and constructively by the members of the DPPMB,” he added.

Around 90 people attended the talk, with the attendees including representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Education, the Prime Minister’s Office, Energy and Industry Department at the Prime Minister’s Office, Registry of Companies and Business Names under the Ministry of Finance, Women’s Business Council, financial institutions and DARe board members.

The dialogue was the sixth of its kind to be held, with five DARe Dialogues having been conducted previously.

The post DARe holds dialogue with Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.