|     Fadhil Yunus     |

DPMM FC head coach Steve Kean has set his sights to become record winners of the Singapore League Cup for a historic fourth time ahead of their first game in Group ‘B’ against Tampines Rovers FC at the Jurong West Stadium in Singapore tonight.

The Brunei-based outfit reached the final twice in the last three years collecting their third title in 2014 and losing to Albirex Niigata (S) last year.

“This is a good tournament for us because in the last three years we’ve been to the final so we’re aiming to be the first team to win it four times. We’re getting into this tournament on the back of maybe two bad results but two good performances,” said Kean in an interview with the Weekend Bulletin after a training session at the Jerudong Mini Stadium.

“Even against Albirex when we lost, we played very well. We were excellent in our last game and we had more chances than the opposition,” the head coach said.

“In my opinion, we played better. So it’s just continuing improved performances and if we can keep improving just 10-20 per cent, then I am confident we can do well in this.”

He reiterated that training has been excellent and shared his belief that they can turn their season around by performing well in the cup competition.

League performances have not been kind for the Gegar Gegar men for most of the current season but there is belief in the camp that an upturn in fortunes could be forthcoming.

“We have had poor results and honestly poor performances. We have started slow and then we just kind of had a real bad spell but I feel as though I can really see the signs that we are coming out of that last performance.

“We have to just keep improving. There is a positive atmosphere back here at the Mini Stadium in Jerudong and this is the atmosphere we are going to continue because when the atmosphere is positive, vibrant and bubbly, then I think that will brings about a good feeling that we can win games,” he said.

When asked if they have a specific target of finishing either as group winners or runners-up, Kean added that he is focusing on winning games after a long winless drought.

DPMM FC’s striker Adi Said attempts to shrugs off his marker during a training session at the Jerudong Mini Stadium. – FADHIL YUNUS

“We are just hoping to win every game that we play now because we have not won enough games this season. It doesn’t matter who we are playing. We want to win.”

With their only realistic hopes of silverware coming in cup competitions, Kean hinted the possibility of fielding a strong line-up.

“Even though it’s a cup competition and there are games coming, we obviously had to change personnel or players who are tired or picking up knocks. But at this stage in this season, it is about picking the strongest team possible and probably it will be a similar team to the one that started the last game.”

Kean praised the new players who came in the last transfer window including Chilean imports Vincent Salas and Daud Gazale and local players Haizul Rani Metussin and Hanif Hamir.

“Mimit (Haizul) the fullback, came in straight into the starting eleven and he has done fantastic,” said Kean of the former MS ABDB player.

Gazale will miss two group games against the Stags and Balestier Khalsa after picking a groin strain but could return in time for the final game against Geylang International FC.

Kean said Gazale and Rafael Ramazotti’s absence will provide opportunities for players such as Adi Said, Shahrazen Said and Maududi Hilmi Kasmi to shine.

Kean also shared his thoughts on sorting out missed opportunities which have been a recurrent theme this season.

“I think we get a little bit too excited when we get in front of goal. If you see the top finishers in any league in the world, when they are at their coolest and play with a cool head is just when they are in front of goal.

“So I think what we need to do is having a little bit more composure, don’t try and burst the net, don’t try and burst the ball, go for more placing rather than power and that’s a message I’m trying to say to the players when we get in front of goal.

“You can see the goalkeeper’s eyes and let’s go for the corners and go for accuracy over power,” the former Blackburn Rovers FC manager added.

Kean also felt that they deserved to win against Warriors during their previous outing in Singapore adding that bad refereeing decision cost them at least a point.

“If anybody seen the game, we deserved to win never mind draw. The fact that we lost was only down to some bad refereeing decision in the end because there was a clear penalty,” Kean said.

“But it is what it is and we can only control ourselves and we can’t control the referee. We hope that we can play with the same commitment, determination, team spirit and all the things that were there in abundance in our last game.”

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THE High Commission of Canada in Brunei Darussalam yesterday presented a donation of B$1,250 to the Brunei Biodiversity and Natural History Society (BruWILD), demonstrating Canada’s commitment to environmental stewardship and the fight against climate change, a press release stated.

In recognition of BruWILD’s environmental initiatives and partnership with the high commission, High Commissioner of Canada to Brunei Darussalam Marina Laker presented the donation – a gift to her by the diplomatic corps for her farewell – to the President of BruWILD Liaw Lin Ji. The funds will be used to support BruWILD’s biodiversity conservation efforts, wildlife rescue, and sustainable development education.

High Commissioner Laker said, “Brunei has a diverse ecosystem and is blessed with a rich biodiversity. It is home to over a thousand species of plants and animals, many of which are endemic to Borneo. BruWILD is playing an important role promoting the protection of Brunei’s wildlife through its rescue efforts, and by raising awareness through its educational programmes of the importance of environmental sustainability.”

“When a species becomes extinct, the resulting ecological imbalance can create a cascading effect that threatens other species within its ecosystem”, she added.

Canadian High Commissioner Marina Laker (left) presenting the donation to Liaw Lin Ji , the President of BruWILD. – HIGH COMMISSION FOR CANADA

“That is why we must all find ways to contribute to global action to help conserve native species and habitats.”

As Canada celebrates its 150th Anniversary of Confederation throughout 2017, the Government of Canada has committed to engage and inspire broad awareness of the importance of protecting wildlife and natural habitats, while providing leadership in the ongoing stewardship of a clean environment and sustainable economy. Canada is involved with at least seven United Nations environmental groups, and has aligned itself with 152 countries – including Brunei – by ratifying the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Last month, the High Commission of Canada partnered with BruWILD and the collective to mark World Environment Day. The event provided students and environmental enthusiasts a chance to observe and learn about the various ecosystems that exist in Brunei.

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|     James Kon     |

AS PART of KFC’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives during the festive season of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, KFC Brunei donated BN$22,000 under KFC’s Raya Charity Donation to six charity organisations throughout Brunei.

Norlyn Rufo, Market Leader of KFC Brunei presented donations to five charity organisations during a ceremony yesterday morning.

The Centre for Children with Special Needs (KACA) and the National Association for the Hearing-Impaired (OKP) received $5,000 each. Haji Abdul Alim bin Othman the Managing Director of KACA and Mohammad Nurazwan bin Haji Aziz, the President of OKP received the donations.

Meanwhile, the Children’s Cancer Foundation (YASKA), the Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei and Brunei Council on Social Welfare (MKM) received $3,000 each. Tsara’ Nawwarah binti Abdullah Chen, the Treasurer of YASKA and Malai Haji Abdullah bin Malai Haji Othman, President of SMARTER Brunei received the donations.

Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam, in a separate special Raya celebration at the centre, also received $3,000.

“KFC Brunei is happy and proud to give back to society. We owe this to our customers. We hope that our small contribution inspires more people to do their part for those in need,” said Norlyn Rufo.

Representatives of the charity organisations in a group photo with KFC Brunei officials. – JAMES KON

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|     James Kon in Japan     |

ASSISTING foreign countries in development is not easy and Japan’s assistance is more towards loans than grants which is different from Europe and America’s assistance, said Shinichi Kitaoka, the President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Kitaoka made these comments during a briefing with journalists from Asean member countries, at JICA’s headquarters in Nibancho Center Building, Tokyo.

The President of JICA said the loan is mainly for the development of infrastructure in Asean member countries. The recipient countries have to pay back the money, which provides a sense of responsibility, he said.

JICA is a major contributor to the success in development of infrastructures and human capacity of Asean member countries.

Asean will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its establishment in August. Kitaoka, during the interview with journalists in Japan under the ‘Japanese experience that can contribute to the development challenges of Southeast Asia’ programme, lauded the long standing relation between JICA and Asean.

In the past decades, Japan has contributed in the economic growth, poverty reduction, achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the promotion of peace and stability in Asean member countries through infrastructure developments through financial cooperation, Technical cooperation and human resources development.

Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Asean member countries has amounted to about 16 trillion Yen (US$160 billion).

Brunei Darussalam became a ‘graduated country’ from the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) List of ODA recipient countries in January 1996.

Shinichi Kitaoka, the President of Japan International Cooperation Agency with the Asean journalists

Hideaki Maruyama, Director of Planning Division, Southeast Asia and Pacific Department, JICA during his presentation on the latest cooperative trends with the Asean region. – JAMES KON

On the principles of providing ODA to recipient’s countries, the President of JICA said the project must be beneficial to the people of the recipient country.

Kitaoka hoped that through the infrastructure cooperation, the relations between Japan and the recipient country improve, thus contributing to further connectivity.

“Our ODA comes from tax payers’ money so we need to pay serious attention. In addition, another principle is that the assistance should also benefit Japanese businesses and economy,” he said, adding that JICA should not lend beyond its financial capacity.

“We are negotiating with the governments of Asean member countries and the Japanese Government to help build infrastructure to contribute to the further success of the region,” he said.

Responding to a question about JICA’s policy and China’s ‘One belt and One Road’ policy, the President of JICA said this policy can be more open and beneficial to the people of the recipient country, and that countries should not borrow beyond their financial capacity.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during the 23rd International

Conference on the Future of Asia in June emphasised that Tokyo is “ready to extend cooperation” with the condition that it will be in “harmony with a free and fair trans-Pacific economic zone”, that the infrastructure built will “be open to use by everyone” and “developed through procurement that is transparent and fair” and that the projects will “be economically viable and financed by debt that can be repaid, and not harm the debtor nations’ finances”.

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|     Izah Azahari    |

THE Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) yesterday celebrated Hari Raya Aidilfitri with its annual charity event for 92 children with special needs of RBAF personnel, who received donations during the event held at the Punai Hall of the Royal Brunei Air Force Base.

Present as guest of honour was the Commander of the RBAF, Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah, and spouse, Pengiran Datin Nuur’Izzah Nabilah binti Pengiran Haji Ahmad Mahdi Al-Sufri.

Also present were service commanders, deputy service commanders, military directors, acting deputy commandant of the Training Institute of RBAF, senior officers and personnel of RBAF as well as the parents, guardians and relatives of the special needs children.

The RBAF Welfare Fund, the RBAF Wives Welfare Committee (BAKTI), and individual RBAF personnel donated the charitable contributions, which included monetary donations, gifts, and school stationeries, presented by the Commander of the RBAF and his spouse.

The annual event is one of the community service activities the RBAF organises in recognition of the support it receives from the RBAF community and at the same time, nurtures a culture of giving and generosity amongst the organisation.

ABOVE & BELOW: The RBAF Commander and spouse presenting donations to the special children of RBAF personnel. – PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR

Commander of the RBAF, Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah, and spouse, Pengiran Datin Nuur’Izzah Nabilah binti Pengiran Haji Ahmad Mahdi Al-Sufri with senior officers during the event

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|     Lyna Mohamad     |

TWO Bruneians have been selected out of 77 shortlisted applicants to join the 48th intake of Royal Brunei Airlines’ (RB) Cadet Pilot programme.

The signing in of Mohamad Arif bin Haji Mohd Jam Ali and Mohamad Khairol Mateen bin Haji Hashim took place yesterday at the Sejahtera Hall of the Royal Brunei Recreational Club in Berakas.

Signing on behalf of Royal Brunei Airlines were its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Karam Chand, Executive General Manager-Operations Zlatko Sirac and Executive General Manager- People and Performance Kurt Harding.

Present to witness the ceremony were the guardians of the cadet pilots Haji Mohd Jam Ali bin Haji Ibrahim and Haji Hashim bin Haji Mohd Noor, Acting Head of Scholarship, Ministry of Education Akandi bin Haji Abdul Razak as well as the senior management of RB.

The CEO in his welcoming remarks noted that the upcoming months will be an exciting period for RB with the delivery of its first A320 NEO Aircraft, adding that with this delivery, RB will have one of the youngest and modern fleets in Asia.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Karam Chand, Executive General Manager-Operations Zlatko Sirac and Executive General Manager- People and Performance Kurt Harding in a group photo with cadet pilots, Mohamad Arif bin Haji Mohd Jam Ali and Mohd Khairol Mateen bin Haji Hashim. – BAHYIAH BAKIR

The cadet pilots will undergo their cadet pilot programme called CTC Wings that will commence on July 17, 2017 with RB’s training partner CTC Aviation in New Zealand.

Currently, the national carrier has a workforce of 144 pilots and 74 per cent are locals. Thirty-four are Captains while the remaining 69 hold First Officers rank.

RB extended its gratitude to the Ministry of Education of Brunei Darussalam for supporting its Cadet Pilot programme scholarship since the establishment of RB in 1974.

Applicants who want to find out more information on the requirements of the Cadet Pilot programme can do so by visiting www.ctcaviation.com.

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|     James Kon     |

PEHIN Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Home Affairs, yesterday stressed that the ministry cannot be complacent despite past achievements.

He said it is important that everyone in the ministry works more efficiently with consistency and cooperate with relevant government agencies and the private sector to achieve Brunei Vision 2035 through a ‘Whole of Nation Approach’.

The minister was addressing ministry staff during its Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration at the Fire and Rescue Headquarters’ multipurpose hall.

He also outlined some of the matters that need to be addressed by the ministry.

From the aspect of safety, the minister highlighted, “I want to see a good level of preparation among the community when faced with any kind of natural disasters, especially for those who live in vulnerable areas.”

He said, “The preparation includes faster response time in providing assistance to those involved in the disaster.”

On the aspect of community, the minister said, “I would like to see more involvement of villagers in community activities carried out by their respective villages and mukims.

Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Home Affairs delivering his speech

Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar presenting donations to the orphans. – PHOTOS: JAMES KON

Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar and his wife cutting a cake while touring the stalls

“We can play an important role towards empowering leadership in the grassroots so that prosperity of the whole community is always maintained.”

Meanwhile on the Social Economy aspect, the minister wanted to see the ministry and departments under it to always look for the best approach to create a more conducive business environment to help the country’s economy and create employment opportunities for locals.

Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar later presented donations to some 96 orphans under his ministry.

The minister and his wife also visited stalls that offered local Raya delicacies.

Also present were Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohammad Yusof, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs and his wife as well as the ministry’s deputy permanent secretaries, Legislative Council members, heads of departments and staff.

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|     Hakim Hayat     |

IT WAS worth braving the long queue for Salinah binti Haji Mohd Yusof at a bank in the capital yesterday as she managed to obtain two of the brand new $50 notes, released by Brunei and Singapore to mark the golden jubilee of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement between them.

“The last time we had a commemorative note was a decade ago when Brunei and Singapore celebrated 40 years of the agreement,” said an elated Salinah, a government servant.

People in large numbers yesterday queued up at retail banks in the country to get their hands on the new $50 Brunei and Singapore commemorative notes that were launched three days ago in Singapore.

The new polymer $50 notes began circulation through banks effective yesterday.

Most retail banks in Brunei reported high demand for the notes, which the public can exchange at face value for both the $50 notes issued by Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD) and Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

The notes were launched on Wednesday to celebrate the milestone Currency Interchangeability Agreement which took effect on June 12, 1967 to facilitate improved economic and trade relations between the parties, and is a key economic cooperation between them.

Under the agreement, AMBD and MAS will accept the currency issued by the other, and exchange it at par and without charge, into their own currency.

The new $50 commemorative notes. – INFOFOTO

Banks in both countries will accept for deposit from the general public and businesses, currency issued by the other country at par.

Through the years, the agreement has brought about economic benefits and strengthened the financial links between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore.

Each set of currency notes is accompanied by a complimentary folder to commemorate the occasion and is available from branches of Baiduri Bank, Bank of China (Hong Kong), Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam, Maybank, RHB Bank, Standard Chartered Bank, UOB, and Perbadanan TAIB.

A staff from one of the leading local banks in the capital said customers began queuing up early in the morning before the bank opened for business and quickly snapped up the limited edition notes.

Many have called the bank to make their bookings but the notes are only available on a first-come first-serve basis, the employee added.

In 2007, the 40th anniversary of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement was marked with the launch of $20 Brunei-Singapore polymer notes, which are rare to see in circulation nowadays and is often sold at very high value by collectors. One million pieces of B$50 and two million pieces of S$50 commemorative notes will be available for public exchange at face value, MAS said in a statement.

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|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

FROM early January to May this year, 198 individuals have chosen Islam as their faith and new way of life.

According to the statistics released by the Islamic Da’wah Centre, the Brunei-Muara District recorded the highest number of Muslim converts with 91 people followed by Tutong District (63), Belait District (36) and Temburong District (8).

Out of the total figure, 132 are locals while 66 are non-locals.

According to the statistics, those converted to Islam from January to May comprise 58 people from the Dusun community, 55 from Iban community, 44 Filipinos, 29 Chinese, eight from other ethnic groups, two from Murut community and two Europeans.

From January to May last year, Brunei saw 231 new converts from all four districts.

The Islamic Da’wah Centre plays an important role in further strengthening Islamic propagation in the country.

The centre provides a number of courses and programmes to deepen people’s knowledge in understanding Islam, teach them a new way of life as a Muslim and maintain their hidayah for staying on the right path.

Upon embracing Islam, the new converts are required to complete a 10-day guidance course during which they will have the opportunity to learn how to perform prayers, recite Al-Quran, and strengthen aqidah, besides learning about Halal and Haram as well as other related Islamic teachings.

The course aims to refine their understanding of Islam and train them to lead any religious ceremonies or activities, apart from providing them basic information on Dakwah methodology, especially for sharing their experience and knowledge with non-Muslims.

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|     Aziz Idris     |

THE spirit of togetherness and warmth was felt during the first Hari Raya open house hosted by China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC), a world-renowned construction company currently spearheading the Pulau Muara Besar (PMB) Bridge project.

Well-wishers, comprising government officials, authority bodies, project partners and clients thronged Nur Wanita Restaurant, Serasa to celebrate the joy of Aidilfitri with CHEC management and staff.

The venue provided a perfect backdrop for the occasion – guests were able to view the progress of the 2.7km bridge connecting the mainland to the western shore of PMB.

Among the prominent figures present were 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 Yang Jian, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam.

A representative from CHEC noted that Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a joyous time not just for Muslims, but also for their new friends and colleagues in Brunei – made up of different races and various backgrounds – to come together and join in the celebration.

On March 20, 2015, CHEC successfully won the bid for the Brunei PMB Sea-crossing Bridge Project, which is currently at 70 per cent completion and scheduled to be opened by 2018.

The project encompasses a new 2,680m-long two-way four-lane sea-crossing bridge connecting the Brunei-Muara District to Pulau Muara Besar, a 3.1km-long land road, infrastructure such as water supply, power supply and communication facilities provided to Pulau Muara Besar through the bridge.

CHEC is a world-renowned construction company with over 35 years of experience in the field of infrastructure construction including bridges and roads, marine engineering, dredging and reclamation, railways and airports.

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, in a group photo during the CHEC Raya open house

Yang Jian, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam (C) together with the managemnet of CHEC. – AZIZ IDRIS

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|     Azlan Othman     |

THE Ministry of Finance (MoF) held a Hari Raya celebration at the main lobby of the ministry’s building yesterday.

The event also coincided with the presentation of souvenirs to 33 officers and staff of the ministry and departments under it who retired between July 2016-June 2017.

The chief guest, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance II, Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, presented souvenirs to the recipients.

Deputy Minister of Finance, Dato Paduka Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries, heads of departments, officers and staff of MoF were also present.

The ceremony coordinated by the Royal Customs and Excise Department is an annual activity of the ministry aimed at celebrating the festive occasion and to interact and forge closer ties.

The chief guest, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance II, Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, presenting a souvenir to a recipient. – AZLAN OTHMAN

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|     Wani Roslan     |

IN ENLIVENING the festive season of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) hosted its annual Mesra Ria Aidilfitri celebration with the theme, ‘Raya Sederhana In Style’ at the Jubli Emas Hall, Law and Courts Building at Jalan Raya Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha yesterday.

Present as the guest of honour was Attorney General, Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Hayati binti Pehin Orang Kaya Shahbandar Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Salleh.

The Solicitor General, Dato Paduka Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji A Rashid as well as officers and staff of the AGC along with their family members were also present.

The Attorney General thanked the Chambers for successfully organising the event. She also expressed her sincere appreciation to all officers and staff and reminded them to never compromise their obligations to discharge their duties with full commitment, integrity, perseverance and professionalism.

‘Pondok Style’ stalls served various selections of dishes ranging from Nasi Briyani to pastas, desserts, drinks and others. The event was also enlivened with a ‘Best Pondok’ stall competition.

The event aimed to strengthen ties and enhance goodwill.

The event was organised by the Legislation Drafting and Research Division of the AGC in collaboration with the other divisions.

Attorney General Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Hayati binti Pehin Orang Kaya Shahbandar Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Salleh with senior officers from the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC). – PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR

The Attorney General tours a booth made from recycled water bottles and other plastic items

Participants at the event

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|     Daniel Lim     |

THE Pusat Bahagia Eric Goh through the ‘Eric Goh Kiat Yong Trust Fund’, in collaboration with GHK Motors Sdn Bhd, recently organised and hosted a Hari Raya open house at its premises in Kuala Belait to further spread the joy of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

The open house at Pusat Bahagia Eric Goh is the 12th time the annual celebration had been held. It is meant to gather guests, comprising students at Pusat Bahagia Eric Goh and their parents and guardians to enjoy Hari Raya celebrations together.

Guest of honour Noridah binti Haji Ishak, Head of the Community Development Department (JAPEM) in the Belait District was welcomed by students and instructors at Pusat Bahagia Eric Goh.

Also present was Jake Goh Kiat Hing, the representative of GHK Motors Sdn Bhd, who handed out small green packets – contributed from the ‘Eric Goh Kiat Yong Trust Fund’ – to the centre’s students.

The celebration saw various activities held for the guests, including dance and singing performances by the Pusat Bahagia Eric Goh students, as well as a short practical quiz activity where guests were asked to learn sign language – an effort by the centre to bridge the communication gap between the public and those with hearing disabilities.

Jake Goh Kiat Hing, the representative of GHK Motors Sdn Bhd, practising sign language with a student and the centre’s instructor

ABOVE & BELOW: Students from Pusat Bahagia Eric Goh preforming during the centre’s Hari Raya open house. – PHOTOS: DANIEL LIM

Guest of honour Noridah binti Haji Ishak, Head of the Community Development Department (JAPEM) in the Belait District, presenting a prize to a student for participating in a quiz

Jake Goh presenting a green packet to a student

Speaking to the Sunday Bulletin, Winnieyati binti Haji Sunny, a therapist for the disabled at Pusat Bahagia Eric Goh, said the event was organised for the attendees – particularly those who are underprivileged – to celebrate and enjoy Hari Raya Aidilfitri together with each other and in a much better spirit.

Asked about the preparation for the event, Winnieyati said the students and instructors at the centre started their practice before the month of Ramadhan until the days leading to the open house.

She hoped the event will get people outside of the close-knit community to appreciate and be more understanding towards those who are less fortunate, as “they share similar thoughts with us and (like us) want to be social, especially during the Raya celebrations, where they want to enjoy and celebrate together with other people”.

She also extended her gratitude to those who had attended, especially the guest of honour and Jake Goh, and hoped that similar events will be held in the future for the students at Pusat Bahagia Eric Goh.

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|     Achong Tanjong     |

THE Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof yesterday attended the ministry’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration luncheon at the Indoor Stadium, Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.

Also present were the permanent secretaries, heads of department, senior officers and staff of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS), and guests including those from the Youth and Sports Association and the National Service Programme (PKBN) Alumni Association.

The minister mingled with the officers and staff during the Raya gathering, held specially during the weekend so that more staff could join.

A wide range of dishes, Hari Raya cakes and cookies, and drinks were served, with live Hari Raya song performance by MCYS staff to entertain guests.

The Hari Raya gathering is a display of the ministry’s goal to uphold the practice of visiting friends, families and the community. Nearly 400 people attended the celebration.

The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof mingling with officers and staff. – ACHONG TANJONG

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|     Lyna Mohamad     |

AS PART of its responsibility as an international company, Total E&P Borneo BV is committed to giving back to its host country’s community through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.

“Our CSR has four main pillars, which are protecting the marine environment, contributing towards local competency development in the oil and gas industry in the country, promoting education in the country, as well as engaging with the Brunei community,” said Total’s Head of Corporate Communications and CSR Muhd Rasimoon bin Haji Adinin.

He added that Total E&P Borneo BV’s CSR activity is usually linked to their operations, and their main focus is usually towards protecting the environment and supporting the development of education in the country.

One major involvement of Total under marine environment protection is a collaboration with the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) in the conservation of coral reefs, with both parties being heavily involved in the discovery of shipwrecks in Brunei waters recently.

“Once shipwrecks are discovered, we will collaborate with the Brunei government and Brunei museums to excavate the artefacts; those that have been recovered are currently on display at the Maritime Museum,” Muhd Rasimoon told the Sunday Bulletin during a treasure hunt activity for children with cancer at the Women and Children’s Centre of Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital yesterday.

Total E&P Borneo BV members and YASKA children with doctors and staff at the Children Oncology Ward of the Women and Children’s Centre of Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleh (RIPAS) Hospital in a group photo. – PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR

Maisara and family receiving a hamper from Total E&P Borneo BV

Exhibitions showcasing these Bruneian shipwrecks and artefacts have been held in Australia and Paris long time ago.

In an effort to continue promoting and creating awareness among the younger generation and locals of the wrecks, the company has developed an iPad app called ‘Brunei Shipwreck’.

Available for free download, the educational app package consists of a documentary of the discovery of the shipwreck, a teachers kit, student handbook, and exercises relating to the preservation and appreciation of the shipwrecks and their history.

“We have been engaging with schools since a few months ago and have got support from Jerudong International School (JIS) to roll out the programme and curriculum in JIS, but we intend to roll it out in other local schools as well, of course with support from the Museums Department,” Muhd Rasimoon noted.

“We came up with something different this time round as we are trying to encourage our employees to be part of societal activities. This is also part of what we call our EPV (employee voluntary programme), in which they also take part in (the company’s) CSR activities.”

He also pointed out that yesterday’s activity was a follow-up to an activity they organised during Ramadhan last month: a book campaign in which Total contributed books for the use of both the children and patients of the ward.

“So what you see today, we set aside some time for the children and engaged in a treasure hunt activity. We also had a lunch get-together with the kids; some of the food were contributed by our staff,” he added.

This activity is different from what they have done previously, where they helped underprivileged families by donating food items and helped repair their homes.

Hari Raya hampers were presented to the children’s family, while packaged food – supplied by a local private vendor Andy’s Deli – was provided for the children. Hospital staff volunteers, doctors, nurses and staff from the Children Oncology Ward also participated in the activity.

“We definitely hope that this will not be our only CSR activity, so we intend to continue encouraging employees to partake in this kind of programme – we will identify other members of society or children in need of support,” Muhd Rasimoon said.

“We started off with YASKA (Children’s Cancer Foundation) with yesterday’s activity and hopefully we will continue to support other social bodies in the future.”

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|     Hakim Hayat     |

OVER 1,000 invited guests were feted during the Serikandi Group of Companies’ annual Hari Raya open house held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas yesterday.

The event was organised in appreciation of the group’s clients, partners and staff for their support throughout the year and in fostering closer ties.

The event also coincided with the company’s 43rd anniversary this year.

The event which started at 11am and lasted throughout the day, saw invited guests including Cabinet Ministers, senior government officials and prominent members of the business community greeted with festive songs and a lively decoration to fit the occasion.

Also gracing the event was Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Nor’ain and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Qudduus bin Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Azi and spouse.

Traditional Malay dishes were served, especially made by the group’s main subsidiaries Serikandi Cafe and Restaurant, Ya-Nur Restaurant and Catering and Ya-Nur Trading Company. Shaikh Haji Khalid bin Shaikh Haji Ahmad, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Serikandi Group of Companies, expressed his utmost gratitude for the support and patronage to Serikandi Group and mentioned that the celebration was their way of saying thank you to everyone, apart from fostering closer ties with their clients and staff.

Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Nor’ain (c) in a group photo with CEO of Serikandi Group of Companies (3L) and other senior management of Serikandi during the Hari Raya open house celebration

CEO of Serikandi Group of Companies with Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Qudduus bin Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz (2L) and spouse during the Serikandi Hari Raya Open House

Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Home Affairs and the CEO of Serikandi Group of Companies during the event

Guests in a photo during the Serikandi Group of Companies Hari Raya open house. – PHOTOS: HAKIM HAYAT

The post Princess graces Raya celebration appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     James Kon     |

THIRTEEN teachers from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) will be heading to Vietnam to teach English language for two years at the UBD-FPT Global Centre in Da Nang, the first campus of Brunei’s prestigious university outside the Sultanate.

The centre was established with the aim of becoming the main English language training facility in Asean.

UBD’s mission to Vietnam comes following the signing of the Teaching Abroad Programme yesterday at a ceremony which was witnessed by the guest of honour, Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, the Minister of Education.

“UBD-FPT Global Centre located in Da Nang Vietnam is UBD’s first campus or institution outside the country.

It is also the first overseas campus established in the region by an Asean university,” said Datin Dr Hajah Anita Binurul Zahrina binti Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Aziz, Vice-Chancellor of UBD, in her remarks at the ceremony.

Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, the Minister of Education and Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar, the Deputy Minister of Education in a group photo with the 13 member teaching force as well as officials

Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, the Minister of Education presenting the signed agreement to one of the members of the teaching force

Datin Dr Hajah Anita Binurul Zahrina binti Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Aziz, the Vice Chancellor of UBD during her remark. – PHOTOS: JAMES KON

“FPT University is a partner university of UBD. It is the first private university established by FPT Corporation, the biggest info-technology company in Vietnam which has more than 20 branches globally,” she added.

“The signing of a memorandum of understanding between UBD and FPT University in 2012 marked the start of student exchange programmes whereby a number of students from UBD has carried out the Discovery Year programme at one of the three campus of FPT University in Vietnam while UBD has also received students from FPT for its one-semester and Intensive English Proficiency Course (IEPC),” the vice-chancellor noted.

She revealed that UBD-FPT Global Centre will start offering English language training in hopes of becoming a well-established English language centre in Asean. This is also in line with the aspiration of the Government of Vietnam to establish Da Nang as the first English-proficient and start-up city in Vietnam, she added.

“UBD-FPT Global Centre aims to provide the opportunity for local graduates to be trained and gain exposure to become marketable individuals. In addition, the establishment of UBD-FPT Global Centre is an international development initiative of UBD which is hoped to raise the academic profile and reputation of the university globally,” Datin Dr Hajah Anita Binurul Zahrina said.

The 13 teachers heading to Vietnam are Ng Mei Ping, Dayangku Nur Afiqah binti Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahman, Naomi Melissa Choo, Pengiran Hanisah binti Pengiran Haji Bakar, Dayangku Nurul Hazimah binti Pengiran Haji Mumin, Siti Anisah binti Haji Yussof, Muhammad Adi Aiman bin Haji Rusli, Mohd Danial Wang bin Mohd Ziffrey Wang, Lim Ya Hui, Norsyafiqah Amira binti Kharin, Lim Chai Hui, Mohd Shafi’ee bin Yakob and Muhammad Adlan Mursyid bin Haji Abidin.

The successful teachers were selected through a stringent process.

They will be leaving for Vietnam tomorrow.

Also attending yesterday’s ceremony were Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar, Deputy Minister of Education; Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh, Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the Ministry of Education (MoE); Dr Haji Azman bin Ahmad, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the MoE and Nadia Lee Siew Hoon binti Abdullah, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the MoE.

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|     James Kon     |

DESPITE having trained for only a month, Brunei Men’s National Basketball Team put up an improved showing at the 19th Borneo City Invitational Basketball Tournament taking place in Miri after winning against Kota Kinabalu 55-45 in their second match of the tournament yesterday and losing only a point to Miri 55-54 on Friday night.

Brunei’s men’s team are represented by a good mix of senior and young players namely Lim Aik Hock, Benjamin Lim, Choo Yung Jian, Ahmad Termizi, Soon Kian Leong, Khoo Chin Kai, Darren Yap, Samuel Jong, Ching Wei Ming, Lim Jia Hom, Cheong Yan Shing and Yeo Chun Kiat.

Coach Xavier Fong Yen Leong of the Brunei team in an interview said, “I am very proud of our team because despite training only a month, our team played well in this tournament.”

On the Miri match up, he recalled, “Brunei were actually leading all the way until the last quarter where we got a number of bad calls and lost the game. Our team played with a heart of a champion and never gave up.”

Coach Xavier Fong also acknowledged that the team will need to improve their shooting form and be prepared for next year’s tournament.

In the winning game against Kota Kinabalu, he said, “Despite the disadvantage in height, our team managed to get the crucial win because each of the players were in good form and played well. Our players worked hard on defence with man-to-man defence as well as deployed fast break strategy.”

Touching on the last game against Labuan, he said, “I wish that we would be victorious against Labuan and if we win and Miri lost to other team, we still have a chance to be the champion for this year’s tournament. We will need to play our best against Labuan.”

In other results, Brunei women’s team were winless in both their matches in the tournament after being defeated by Miri 49-34 in the first game on Friday and then losing to KK 92-34. The Brunei veteran men’s team lost to Labuan 54-46 on Friday.

Group picture of Brunei Men’s Basketball Team at the 19th Borneo City Invitational Basketball Tournament currently taking place in Miri. – JAMES KON

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|     Fadhil Yunus     |

DPMM FC announced their intent of winning the Singapore League Cup after cruising to a 5-1 victory over Tampines Rovers FC in their Group ‘B’ encounter at the Jurong West Stadium in Singapore last night.

The three-time League Cup winners produced easily their finest performance of the season in the win and subsequently in the process snapped an eight-game winless drought.

The Gegar Gegar men put aside their current league form and showed signs of revival which echoed head coach Steve Kean’s sentiments that they could indeed turn their season around by performing well in the cup competition.

The visitors created the first meaningful chance of the game as Shahrazen Said’s cross was only cleared to the path of Azwan Ali whose shot was parried by Tampines back-up goalkeeper Joey Sim.

However, DPMM FC did not have to wait long to open the scoring as a minute later Adi Said steered home Maududi Hilmi Kasmi’s cross.

Kean has earlier indicated that the absence of Daud Gazale and Rafael would enable players such as the trio to grab their chance to make a positive impact.

DPMM FC’s Azwan Ali skips Tampines Rovers FC players during a Group ‘B’ game in the Singapore League Cup. – S LEAGUE

Adi spurned a chance to add a second after he contrived to fire wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.

A loose ball off a Tampines corner fell to Danish Uwais, who was promoted to the first team from the Prime League squad, but the midfielder’s shot was well wide.

DPMM FC doubled their lead after Maududi fired home an Azwan Ali’s corner in the 31st minute.

The rampant visitors showed no signs of slowing down in attack as Maududi poked wide after getting onto Adi’s cross.

The Gegar Gegar men extended their lead after Azwan Ali latched onto an Adi pass before firing a left-footed finish past a hapless Sim four minutes before the break.

Shahrazen Said joined in the act to make it 4-0 to DPMM FC after connecting to a Maududi’s cross in the 48th minute.

With DPMM FC creating the majority of chances in the game, Azwan Ali went through on goal but fired just wide of Sim’s right hand post.

The hosts pulled one back in the 67th minute after Jamil Ali took down a long ball before hitting a volley which flew past goalkeeper Mu’izzuddin Ismail.

Maududi Hilmi Kasmi scored their fifth of the night after guiding the ball onto goal with Azwan Ali’s corner only half-cleared.

Kean made good changes to conserve some energy for their next game against Balestier Khalsa by withdrawing Nurikhwan Othman, Azwan Ali and Maududi Hilmi Kasmi in the final 10 minutes of play.

Meanwhile in the other group match, Geylang International FC defeated Balestier Khalsa 2-0 with goals coming from Amy Recha and Ricardo Sendra.

DPMM FC will entertain Balestier Khalsa next at their adopted Jalan Besar Stadium on July 11 knowing victory will put them in the hat for the knock-out stage.

The post Five-star DPMM FC run riot in Tampines win appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     James Kon     |

BRUNEI Men’s National Basketball Team came in second spot of the Men’s Category at the 19th Borneo City Invitational Basketball Tournament in Miri after winning their second match of the tournament by disposing Labuan 50-76.

The team led by coach Xavier Fong nearly won the championship if only Kota Kinabalu had beaten Miri team with the point difference less than 20.

However, the Kota Kinabalu team defeated Miri 90-70 and managed to snatch the championship from Brunei.

Coach Xavier Fong Yen Leong expressed his satisfaction and was very proud of the team for clinching second place.

“My team is the champion in my heart. I am very proud of my team for getting second place. I see there are also a lot of potential in the team,” the national coach said.

Ang Han Then, Deputy Chairman of Brunei Basketball Association receiving the tournament flag from a Miri representative. – JAMES KON

He hopes the team will continue to train hard to be ready for next year’s tournament and make Brunei proud.

Brunei will become the host for the 20th Borneo City Invitational Basketball Tournament. Yesterday saw Ang Han Then, Deputy Chairman of Brunei Basketball Association receiving the tournament flag from a Miri representative.

Meanwhile, the Brunei Women’s Team settled for third place, and the Brunei Veteran Team finished fourth in the tournament.

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