|     Hakim Hayat     |

PARENTS and guardians are urged to remind their children to be wary of the negative elements on the Internet.

The call was made by Ahmad Jefri bin Abdul Rahman, Acting Assistant Managing Director of the Brunei Investment Agency and a member of the Board of Governors of the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE), in his lecture on Internet regulation attended by students from the Institute of Brunei Technical Educations Sultan Saiful Rijal Technical College Campus yesterday.

The Internet is medium that is very difficult to monitor and regulate because it is not owned by an individual or organisation, he said in his lecture entitled ‘Internet Regulation: Fact or Fiction?’.

He also spoke about the impact of Internet on daily lives and shared the existing regulations and policies governing Internet use in Brunei.

Some 60 diploma students majoring in Information and Library Science as well as HNTec in Information Technology under the School of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) from IBTE took part in the interactive session.

Ahmad Jefri bin Abdul Rahman, Acting Assistant Managing, Director of the Brunei Investment Agency and a member of the Board of Governors of the Institute of Brunei Technical Educations, (IBTE) delivering his lecture. – HAKIM HAYAT

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|     Khal Baharulalam     |

THE 10 Korean delegates who are in the Sultanate to attend the 5th Brunei Darussalam and Republic of Korea Bilateral Youth Exchange Programme 2016 were introduced to their respective foster families yesterday in an event held at the Youth Centre in Bandar Seri Begawan.

The delegates will be in Brunei until May 19 attending various programmes and stay with their foster families for one night.

During their time with their foster families, they will be able to experience the culture, tradition and lifestyle of the locals.

They will also have the chance to try local delicacies as well as attend a Bruneian wedding.

Pengiran Anak Mohd Sofian bin Pengiran Anak Haji Ibrahim, Acting Deputy Director of Youth and Sports, in a group photo with the Korean delegates and their foster families. – BAHYIAH BAKIR

The event yesterday was attended by Pengiran Anak Mohd Sofian bin Pengiran Anak Haji Ibrahim, Acting Deputy Director of Youth and Sports.

The delegation is led by Park Jin Young, an officer from the Ministry of Gender, Equality and Family of the Republic of Korea.

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|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

PROSPECTIVE Haj pilgrims are currently attending a series of courses, which began on April 22, to help them get acquainted with basic rituals before the start of the pilgrimage season in September.

Yesterday, the Acting Minister of Religious Affairs, Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud paid visits to the Pengiran Anak Puteri Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam Religious School in Mulaut and the Lambak Kanan Religious School for a firsthand look at the Haj course.

Meanwhile in Temburong District, the Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Haji Harun bin Haji Junid, inspected a Haj course in progress at the Temburong Arabic Preparatory School.

In an interview, Haji Abdullah bin Haji Mohammad, the Acting Director of the Haj Management Department, explained that the course is intended to educate pilgrims on Haj principles (Rukun Haji) and its practical obligations.

Acting Minister of Religious Affairs, Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud, and Acting Director of Haj Management, Haji Abdullah bin Haji Mohammad, overseeing the Haj course

Some of the female participants at the Haj course. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI

He added that the course allows pilgrims to prepare themselves mentally and spiritually before embarking on their journey.

In addition, the classes serve as a medium in channelling information, practical advice and regulations stipulated by the Government of Saudi Arabia, while performing the Haj.

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THE Dental Services, Ministry of Health, strives to enhance the quality of service delivery which is effective, efficient, responsive, affordable, equitable and accessible to all in the country, with an emphasis on oral health promotion and disease prevention.

With the opening of the new Berakas Health Centre, all facilities for primary healthcare services, maternal child health services, rehabilitation services, psychia-try services, eye clinic, dietitian, healthy lifestyle clinic, radiology (x-ray), paramedics and blood collection will all be under one roof. One of the services that will be made available to the Mukim Berakas residents is the Dental Services.

Primary oral care services for both children and adults provided at Sungai Hanching Health Clinic will be relocated to the new Berakas Health Centre, Jalan 10 Selatan, Lambak Kanan National Housing Scheme effective May 16.

Oral health programmes such as antenatal programme and Toddlers, Fluoride Varnish and Rolling Toothpaste Programme (TFRTP) which target expectant and post-natal mothers as well as parents/carers of children under five years will also be provided in the new health centre.

The new dental facility at the Berakas Health Centre

The Dental Services aim to provide both general and specialist dentistry to improve accessibility and quality of care to the clients of Berakas Health Centre. In addition to the services provided by a total of five dental officers, three dental hygienists and therapists, five dental nurses as well as six other supporting staff providing primary oral care services, this one-stop health centre will also provide specialist care services in various areas of expertise.

This includes Oral Surgery (including removal of impacted teeth), Orthodontics (including fitting of dental braces), Paediatric Dentistry (for children requiring complex treatment) and Prosthodontics (provision of complex dentures, crown and bridgework).

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|     Azlan Othman, Azaraimy HH & Fizah HAB     |

TO ENLIVEN the celebration of Israk Mikraj at the national level for the year 1437H/2016, the Ministry of Religious Affairs through the Mosque Affairs Department held a congregational prayer campaign during yesterday’s Subuh prayer which was conducted simultaneously at mosques across the country with focus at respective district level mosques.

The initiative was undertaken to improve the attendance of people congregating for the Subuh prayer besides glorifying the house of Allah the Almighty with the presence of the congregation for the prayer.

In Brunei-Muara District, the focus of the campaign was Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam Mosque in Kampong Jerudong. Present was the Acting Minister of Religious Affairs, Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud.

Around 1,000 people attended the congregational prayer campaign comprising senior officials and staff of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, uniformed personnel from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Royal Brunei Police Force, the Fire and Rescue Department, Prisons Department, National Service Programme participants, Mosque Takmir committees and fellow Muslims.

Acting Minister of Religious Affairs, Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud (3rd right), at Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam Mosque in Kampong Jerudong. – AZLAN OTHMAN

Permanent Secretary (Law and Welfare) at the Prime Minister’s Office, Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid (3rd right), at the RPN Lambak Kanan Mosque. – FIZAH HAB

The attendees of the congregational prayer campaign at the Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque in Tutong District. – AZARAIMY HH

After the congregational Subuh prayer, a mass recitation of Surah Al-Waqiah was led by the Imam of the mosque, Haji Kamaruzzaman bin Haji Jakar followed by a religious talk on the benefits of carrying out prayers in congregation by Yusof bin Abdul Majid, an officer from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The event ended with a recitation of special Doa.

The campaign is hoped to revive the Sunnah (teachings of the Prophet) creating a sense of equality among Muslims in performing congregational prayers as well as increasing awareness and knowledge of the public on its benefits.

It has been scientifically proven that during congregational prayers, the contact between the shoulders could balance the positive and negative electrical charges contained in the human body and make the body more refreshed and energised.

Another venue in Brunei-Muara District was at the RPN Lambak Kanan Mosque, where Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid, the Permanent Secretary (Law and Welfare) at the Prime Minister’s Office, joined other worshippers for a congregational Subuh prayer.

The prayer was led by Haji Abdul Malik bin Haji Jumat, the Imam of the mosque. It was followed by a mass recitation of Surah Al-Waqiah, led by Imam Khairul Ariffin.

The event continued with a Tazkirah (reminder) titled, ‘The Advantages of Mosque Congregational Prayers’, by an official at the Ministry of Religious Affairs

In Tutong District, the focus of the campaign was at the Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque whereby it was attended by Roslan bin Haji Taja’ah, the Deputy Permanent Secretary (Administrative and Financial Affairs) at the Ministry of Religious Affairs. A Tazkirah was also delivered after the congregational Subuh prayer by Azizul bin Ahad, a scholar from the Islamic Da’wah Centre.

In Belait District, the focus of the campaign was at RPN Kampong Pandan Mosque where the prayer was attended by the Deputy Minister of Education, Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar.

In Temburong District, the event was held at Utama Mohammad Salleh Mosque and was attended by Haji Harun bin Haji Junid, the Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

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|     Danial Norjidi     |

YAYASAN Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (Yayasan) presented donations totalling B$14,100 yesterday to four families who recently suffered from house fires.

The donations were presented in a ceremony that took place at the Headquarters of Yayasan located at Jalan Kumbang Pasang.

The donations came in the form of financial contributions totalling B$14,100. On hand to present the donations to the families was Haji Brahim bin Haji Ismail, the Managing Director of Yayasan.

The four families each suffered significant damages to their homes as a result of fires and come from villages in three different districts – one each from in Brunei-Muara and Tutong districts and two from Temburong District.

Haji Brahim bin Haji Ismail (centre), Managing Director of Yayasan, in a group photo with the recipients of the donation. – AZROL AZMI

The recipients are as follows: Hajah Zaliha binti Haji Safar from Perumahan Kampong Rimba, Gadong; King Chiew Phang from Kampong Sungai Paku in Tutong District; Anuar bin Abdullah and Norhani binti Mohammad Salleh from Kampong Kenua, Jalan Temada, Temburong District.

In a press statement, Yayasan highlighted that one of the aims of its formation in the field of welfare is to provide care and assistance to those who are less fortunate, including those who are involved in disasters such as house fires.

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A CEREMONY for the distribution of ‘Kurma Kurnia Peribadi’ or personal gift of dates from 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 in conjunction with the month of Ramadhan 1437H/2016, for military officers and personnel under the Ministry of Defence (MinDef) and Bolkiah Garrison was held this afternoon at the MinDef Surau in Bolkiah Garrison.

According to a press release, the dates were presented by Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah, Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF).

The ceremony began with a mass Asar prayer and followed by a recitation of verses of the Al-Quran. The RBAF Commander then presented the ‘Kurma Kurnia Peribadi’ to the Joint Force Commander, RBAF, Military Directors, Heads of Departments, officers and representatives of Directorates and departments under the administration of the MinDef.

One hundred and fifty four metric tonnes of ‘Safawi’ dates in approximately 513,333 small boxes will be distributed to all Muslims nationwide for the upcoming holy month of Ramadhan.

Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah, Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), presenting the ‘Kurma Kurnia Peribadi’ to one of the RBAF personnel

Female RBAF personnel during the event. – PHOTOS: MINDEF

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|     James Kon     |

MOTIVATIONAL talks for women, basketball challenges, face-painting and an obstacle challenge are among some of the featured side-activities that have been lined up for the She Runs charity event, set to be held tomorrow morning aimed at promoting the empowerment of women.

The side-activities were announced by Wu Chun, the Managing Director of Fitness Zone, at a press conference on the Kingston Beverage & Creamery Sdn Bhd sponsorship of She Runs 2016.

The event is also being sponsored by Revive, Red Bull and Quaker Oats.

Among those present during the press conference was Kingston Beverage & Creamery Marketing Executive, Ivy Tiongco; Marketing Executive for Red Bull, Chu Hui Chiet; Business Development Executive, Faizal Rosli; and from Fitness Zone, Shelley Busque.

Hui Chiet told the assembled media, “Red Bull is proud to be back again to energise the 5km women runners of She Runs 2016. Together with Red Bull, we have the power to change the world.”

Ivy Tiongco added, “We have included Quaker Oats cereal in the race kits to give runners a kickstart.”

Representatives from Kingston Beverage & Creamery Sdn Bhd with Wu Chun, the Managing Director of Fitness Zone, and Shelley Busque from Fitness Zone, in a group photo. – JAMES KON

Wu Chun, in his turn, said, “The She Runs team is very grateful for the generosity of Kingston Beverage & Creamery in catering to the runners to re-energise and keep them hydrated.

“The runners will need lots of energy because after the run, we will be having lots of fun and exciting games, as well as prizes to be won,” he added.

Meanwhile Shelly Busque said, “There will be ample activities and surprises from our sponsors, such as airlines tickets sponsored by Royal Brunei Airlines to destinations such as Bali, Manila, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur. There will also be activities by Zen Spa, and a face-painting session by JoArt gallery.”

A total of 2,000 registered runners are set to participate in the run which starts at the Fitness Zone All-Women’s Club in Serusop.

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|     Hakim Hayat     |

THE opening of the country’s largest health centre catering for residents of Mukim Berakas ‘A’ and Berakas ‘B’ on May 16 is seen as a huge step by the Ministry of Health (MoH) in ensuring its promise for the delivery of top-notch health services to the community.

The three-storey Berakas Health Centre, a $14-million facility built under the 10th National Development Plan, is strategically located at Zone 1 of RPN Lambak Kanan and will be the first health centre in the country that will focus on providing the best customer experience, in line with the MoH’s revamped client charter.

MoH said this move is also aimed at realisation of its main strategic focus to enhance its quality of services through the consolidation of existing services, facilities and infrastructure, providing added-value to patients and the public through the optimisation of resources to avoid wastage.

Built on three main goals – giving the best customer experience, making it as a one-stop health centre and engaging in the local community activities – the consolidation of health centres in Berakas ‘A’ (Anggerek Desa) and Berakas ‘B’ (Sungai Hanching) to the new Berakas Health Centre will see a new appointment system that will add more convenience to those who wish to see a doctor.

Patients will be given a time slot, enabling them to better manage their time and arrive at their leisure, as opposed to the conventional system that involves meticulous registrations and long-hours of waiting for a doctor.

An overview of the Berakas Health Centre, set to open its doors to the public this coming Monday. – FILE PHOTO

Members of the public, especially residents of Mukim Berakas welcomed the introduction of the new system, which they say will add more convenience and give them more time to focus on other things. “Alhamdulillah, this new system will definitely eliminate all the hassles, as we no longer have to wait long hours just to see a doctor. In the past, it can be very challenging to manage your time when seeing the doctor amidst a busy schedule like picking up children from school and other matters,” said Hajah Noraini binti Haji Ibrahim, a government servant living in RPN Lambak Kanan.

With the new system, patients may call or visit the health centre for an appointment where they will be given the earlier, or most convenient, time slot on the day itself where a staff will attend to the patient who will then screen each one before making the appointment. Only one appointment is given per patient, who will need to arrive at the facility at least half an hour before the set appointment.

MoH said the health centre aims to provide more services and facilities to the public which previously was not provided in most health centres. Some of the additional services provided in the facility built on a 4.45-hectare site will be rehabilitation services, mental health unit, radiology (X-Ray Services), emergency services, wellness clinic and bio-medical engineering.

Some of the core medical services provided in the new health centre include primary health care, women and children services, dental services, pharmaceutical services, phlebotomy services (taking of blood samples), health screening clinic, nurse-led clinic (e.g. pap smear tests and diabetes nurse educator), smoking cessation clinic, as well as nutrition , ophthalmology and vaccination services.

A father of three children residing in Kampong Anggerek Desa lauded the move by the MoH to provide a one-stop clinic for the heavily populated area. “I think it doesn’t just add more convenience, but also improves the customer experience as a whole for Brunei’s healthcare services. Apart from that, the consolidation of services will also help avoid congestion in other health centres and offer a convenient distance especially for senior citizens,” Mohd Mahdi bin Haji Azman said.

Some features unique to the new health centre include a surau, breastfeeding rooms, canteen, ambulance services, A bus stop and public car park that can accommodate over 100 cars.

As a further initiative to deliver excellent services and based on public feedback, the Berakas Health Centre will also be extending its operating hours from 7am to 9pm on Monday to Thursday and Saturday, and from 2pm to 9pm on Friday, Sunday and public holidays.

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|     Danial Norjidi     |

DRIVERS who are tired of having to spend large amounts of time looking for parking may soon be able to rest easy, as a group of students at Politeknik Brunei is working on an app that allows users to reserve parking spaces at key commercial locations.

The app called ‘Park Chaser’, is the brainchild of students Dayangku Nurul Amirah Izzati binti Pengiran Suhaini, Dayangku Nur Hazirah binti Pengiran Abdul Rahman, Nikmatul Amalina binti Ahmad, Amal ‘Afina binti Abdul Malik and Nur Hani Aqilah binti Azmi.

The app was recently featured at Politeknik Brunei’s second entrepreneurship exhibition, ENTx 2016, which took place from May 10-11.

As they explained, Park Chaser allows people to find and book available parking spaces at a number of strategic locations. While the app is still in the early planning stages, it has received a positive response, and the students are working on making it a reality.

Speaking in a recent interview, Dayangku Nurul Amirah Izzati explained, “This is a parking application that helps people to easily find parking spaces, because we provide them with maps and the exact location as to where the available parking spaces are.”

The team of students behind Park Chaser – Dayangku Nurul Amirah Izzati binti Pengiran Suhaini, Da-yangku Nur Hazirah binti Pengiran Abdul Rahman, Nikmatul Amalina binti Ahmad, Amal ‘Afina binti Abdul Malik and Nur Hani Aqilah binti Azmi. – AZROL AZMI

“They can also book the parking spaces at the chosen area so that people can easily choose the parking space that they want,” she said. They only have to pay $2 for the booking.”

Once available, it will be downloadable on both Android and iOS devices, and will feature a search function through which users can find their desired location. They can click a tab called ‘available reservations’ and choose an available parking space. Users then just need to enter some information to confirm their booking.

To make this work, they intend to rent parking spaces at key shopping areas, and then allow people to book these spaces and thus ensure that they can have a place to park when they arrive at a selected destination.

Dayangku Nurul Amirah Izzati shared that they are looking to have parking spaces at five different shopping complexes: The Mall Gadong, Times Square Shopping Centre, The Airport Mall, Hua Ho Manggis Mall and also Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Shopping Complex. Their initial target is to have 10 parking spaces at each location, which they can then offer to people through their Park Chaser app.

Should the application prove successful, they will be looking to expand it further to other locations.

Explaining how the idea came about, Dayangku Nurul Amirah Izzati said, “Every time I go out with my parents and friends, they all complain about how difficult it can be to find parking and how long they have to wait, sometimes even over 30 minutes, before they get a space.”

The app is expected to help solve this problem for its users, and make life easier, at least in finding parking.

On the response so far, she said, “We have received great feedback, and a lot of people think it’s a good idea to launch it and make it happen.”

Asked when they are looking to make this app a reality, the students shared that they are hoping to work it out during their upcoming semester break.

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|     Nuri Sufri     |

CANCER deaths in the country have increased from 299 in 2014 to 312 in 2015, while deaths from cardiovascular diseases dropped from 407 to 364 in the same period, according to statistics from the Ministry of Health (MoH).

This was highlighted by Dr Mohamad Ezam bin Emran, a member of the Brunei Cardiac Society, who noted that “cardiovascular disease and cancer are the two main killers in the world and Brunei is no exception.”

“Fitness craze in Brunei may be one of the contributing factors for the reduction in deaths from cardiovascular diseases, and recently there has been a slight decline in deaths compared 2015,” he said.

“Now we have better facilities and treatment at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital and Gleneagles Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC). Both handle cardiovascular patients, however there are certain treatments that are only available at Gleneagles JPMC,” he added.

Dr Mohamad Ezam bin Emran, a member of the Brunei Cardiac Society, talking to the Weekend Bulletin. – NURI SUFRI

Touching on the use of supplements that have been prevalent among the fitness community in Brunei, he said, “There is no harm in consuming simple supplements such as fish oil, but we advise patients not to take protein supplements and anabolic steroids because these have been proven to have negative impact on cardiac health and can cause coronary diseases and heart failure. We have recently started a database to look into these matters,” he explained.

Dr Mohamad Ezam urged those who wish to embark on a fitness regime and consume supplements to visit nearby health centres to seek advice from doctors, “We need to look at the individual ingredients to justify whether it is ok or not, but usually if that particular supplement has been approved and certified safe by MoH, then it is safe. It is the supplements that have not been approved by MoH that people should stay clear from.”

He added that in order to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, the public should maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, avoid smoking and lower their daily salt and fat intake.

“Exercise alone may not be enough, people should also include a healthy diet and avoid smoking, which is widespread in Brunei,” he added.

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|     Azlan Othman     |

DARe (Darussalam Enterprise) should assist foreign investors in establishing joint ventures with local firms and help increase productivity and national income.

This was stated by Pengiran Haji Yura Kesteria bin Pengiran Setia Negara Pengiran Dr Haji Mohd Yusof, Chairman of BIMP-EAGA (Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area) Business Council (BEBC) Brunei Darussalam, on the sidelines of the 4th BIMP-EAGA ICT Infrastructure Cluster Meeting which ended yesterday.

“Without such a long term objective, we will not be able to attract investors to the Sultanate as we are competing with businesses not only in the BIMP-EAGA but also Asean and the rest of the world,” he said. “This is especially so with so many groupings emerging nowadays like the Asean Free Trade Area which brings challenges to the country.

“DARe’s main objective is to improve the country’s ranking in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business and to assist companies that face problems like delayed payment and so on. In the long run, it should concentrate on how to facilitate business in the country, especially in attracting foreign investors,” he added.

Pengiran Haji Yura Kesteria bin Pengiran Setia Negara Pengiran Dr Haji Mohd Yusof, Chairman of BEBC Brunei Darussalam. – AZLAN OTHMAN

“If the country is not competitive enough to lure investors, they will go to other countries in the region. If the investment climate is not good, they will move away and we will lose in terms of job opportunities and experiences for the locals,” said the BEBC chairman. “If the business is very good for a long term, our children and grandchildren will also reap benefits in the future. If it is just short-lived, then only the father will benefit,” he said.

Pengiran Haji Yura Kesteria said the current drop in oil price will affect the business environment in Brunei Darussalam.

“The government budget has been slashed. It’s a wakeup call for the nation to seriously look at alternative development projects to counter the drop in oil and gas revenues,” he said.

The chairman said that Halal food production is one sector where Brunei can attract foreign investment. “The Halal food industry worldwide is worth $2 to $3 trillion US dollars. If we could get 0.1 per cent share of this market, it is a good deal. It will also create food business spin offs in logistics, supply and so on.”

DARe (Darussalam Enterprise) is a statutory body with the aim to nurture and support local enterprises from start-up to growth.

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THE Parents and Teachers Association (PIBG) of Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Secondary School (SM RIPAS) recently convened at the school’s multi-purpose hall, for its annual general meeting.

The meeting began with a recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, led by Ustaz Hasrin bin Haji Jefrey, followed by a welcoming speech from the PIBG Deputy Chairman of 2016-2018, and a speech from Raduan bin Jamil, the PIBG Chairman of 2013-2015.

An overview report was presented by Adanan bin Haji Taha, the PIBG Secretary of 2013-2015, with a delivery of the treasury report by Marlina binti Haji Mashor.

The event continued with a casting of votes, during which Nor Rashidah binti Sani was elected as the new PIBG chairman for the PIBG 2016-2018 session.

Among the newly appointed committee members were Chung Chai Ling, as first secretary, Mohd Sofian bin Mohammad as the first treasurer, Hamdani bin Abdullah as the first finance secretary, and Norlailah binti Asang as the second finance secretary.

Adanan Bin Haji Taha, PIBG secretary for 2013-2015, presenting a report. – SM RIPAS

Hajah Amal Nuriyah binti Haji Ahmad Kumpoh, the Principal of SM RIPAS, was elected as the new advisor; Abdul Wafi Sia bin Abdullah Sia, the school’s Deputy Principal (Administration) was voted the new deputy chairman; Irene Chee Siew Ling was the new second secretary; and Haji Masrul bin Haji Jamil, the current second treasurer.

Other selected members included Hairoddin bin Abdullah, Mohd Izam bin Merali, Hajah Noormala binti Haji Abdul Wahab, Hajah Janah binti Untong, Rosmadi bin Ulang, Bantal bin Laman and Rosanizam bin Haji Juni.

Certificates of appreciation for the 2013-2015 PIBG committee members were presented by Hajah Amal Nuriyah.

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|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

STUDENTS at the Youth Development Centre (YDC) were given the opportunity to showcase their creativity and entrepreneurial skills yesterday with the launching of the centre’s biannual Entrepreneurship Week.

Around 20 stalls have been set up for the expo, which is an assessment of what the students have learned through their respective courses.

One of the most popular stall is Vanilla’s Bakery, an enterprise born from the efforts of a group of students in the Pastry and Confectionary course.

Also featured were mini-games, inventions and handiwork that the students can be proud of in their attempt at a business venture.

The three-day expo also includes a cinema which screens a variety of popular films, television dramas and cartoons.

Students showcasing their products at the expo. – ISHAN IBRAHIM

Nurhidayati, an ICT course student, told the Bulletin that there are two Entrepreneurship Weeks held every year at the centre: the first one is for students who are following the January-June course sessions, while the second caters to those in the July-December course sessions.

She said they were given a week to prepare for the event, and that she and her peers were excited to have the opportunity to design and create products using their own imagination and efforts.

She added that the experience has taught them some essential skills required to run a successful business.

The Entrepreneurship Week expo is open from 8.30am to 4.30pm, with tomorrow being its last day.

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|     Achong Tanjong     |

THE Kg Kapok Village Consultative Council (MPK Kapok) continues to receive visits from other village consultative councils (MPKs) in the country, where they hold sharing sessions on the village’s success and progress. This year, MPK Kapok has received seven different MPKs in their village, with the most recent being the MPK and Women Bureau of Kg Ukong.

The 27-member delegation that came from the Tutong District was led by the Village Head of Kg Ukong, Haji Mohd Nendaroh bin Dato Kornia Diraja Gadong.

The delegation was welcomed by the Village Head of Kg Kapok, Haji Marali bin Haji Ahmad and MPK Kg Kapok members.

Haji Marali, who is also the Chairman of MPK Kapok, delivered a briefing on the development and progress of the village’s socio-economic activities. The delegation got to see Kg Kapok’s product, ‘Kerepek Pisang’ (banana crisps), and also viewed a photo exhibition on the village’s activities.

Kg Kapok Village Consultative Council members in a group photo with the delegation from Kg Ukong. – ACHONG TANJONG

Kg Kapok launched the development of a banana plantation in April 2014 with the aim of reducing the cost of making its banana crisps, which is under the government’s ‘One Village, One Product’ initiative.

MPK Kapok aims to mass produce their banana crisps. The banana trees planted are of the ‘Pisang Sabah’ variety, which are of better quality when compared to other varieties.

The MPK Kapok also hosted a visit from the Women Bureau of Kg Puni Consultative Council from the Temburong District.

The post MPK Kapok shares success with counterparts appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Khal Baharulalam     |

SOME 400 posters were released for distribution to mark the 55th anniversary of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) this year.

The open-to-public event, which has been highly anticipated by members of the public annually, will take place at the newly-established Defence Academy RBAF in Tanah Jambu on May 31.

A handover ceremony was held yesterday at the Wira Seni Concert Hall of the RBAF Band building at the Bolkiah Garrison.

The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by a welcoming speech by Colonel Haji Muhammad Haszaimin bin Bol Hassan, Deputy Commander of the Royal Brunei Land Forces (RBLF), in his capacity as chairman of the RBAF 55th anniversary celebration committee.

In his speech, the chairman explained that the RBAF 55th anniversary poster and logo symbolise the concept of a generation with a vision, essentially displaying the RBAF’s high hopes for leaders and future military personnel of the current generation “to become the pillars of support of the defence institution, with the ultimate goal to uphold the momentum of the country’s aspirations”.

Mawardi bin Haji Mohammad, Acting Director of the Information Department at the Prime Minister’s Office, and Colonel Haji Muhammad Haszaimin bin Bol Hassan, Deputy Commander of the Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF), during the poster handover ceremony. – MINDEF

“While equipped with modern technologies, the main thrust of the country’s defence lies in its quality,” he said, adding that this generation needs to be “committed and dedicated in implementing their role and trust” fostered towards the country’s development.

Touching on the theme of the celebration, ‘RBAF Generation with Vision’, the concept of this year’s celebrations is also heavily geared towards the disclosure of knowledge, particularly the role of the RBAF as main element of diplomacy on an international level, in addition to the RBAF’s public duties.

The celebration’s Executive Committee had also highlighted an additional programme this year – religious special lectures to be conducted in all four districts.

The new programme essen-tially aims to convey knowledge on the importance of military institution and its relationship with a sovereign Muslim country and the military’s role as its stronghold.

The RBAF 55th Anniversary posters were handed over by Mawardi bin Haji Mohammad, Acting Director of the Information Department at the Prime Minister’s Office, to the RBAF 55th anniversary celebration committee chairman, whom later presented the posters to representatives of various government agencies, the Brunei Ex-Soldiers Association (PBPNBD) and the local media agencies.

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|     Achong Tanjong     |

THE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) yesterday held a celebration for Israk Mikraj which was conducted by the Language and Literature Bureau, MCYS at the Digadong Hall of the ministry.

The event was attended by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof.

The highlight of the event was a special religious talk presented by an invited speaker from Islamic Da’wah Centre, Ustaz Haji Mail bin Haji Besar.

Also present at the event yesterday were the Permanent Secretary at the MCYS, Dato Paduka Dr Haji Affendy bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, senior officials, officers and staff members of the MCYS and the departments under it.

The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof (right), at the event yesterday. – AZROL AZMI

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|     Wani Roslan     |

IN enlivening the celebration of Israk Mikraj, the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) yesterday organised a religious talk at the Law and Courts Building at Jalan Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha.

The event was graced by the presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Muta-Wakkilah Hayatul Bolkiah.

Also in attendance were Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Haji Mohammed Al-Mokhtar bin Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz; the Attorney General, Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Hayati binti Pehin Orang Kaya Shahbandar Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Salleh; and Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid, the Permanent Secretary (Law and Welfare) at the Prime Minister’s Office and Solicitor General as well as the officers and staff of the AGC.

Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Muta-Wakkilah Hayatul Bolkiah; Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Haji Mohammed Al-Mokhtar bin Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz; Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Hayati binti Pehin Orang Kaya Shahbandar Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Salleh, the Attorney General; and Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid, the Permanent Secretary (Law and Welfare) at the Prime Minister’s Office and Solicitor General at the AGC, at the event yesterday. – AZROL AZMI

The event commenced with a recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah by Muhd Adi Faisal bin Haji Omar, followed by a welcoming remark by Pengiran Khairul Hisham bin Pengiran Haji Ismail, chairman of the ceremony.

The event saw a special religious talk on ‘Sembahyang Kunci Syurga’ delivered by an invited speaker from the Islamic Da’wah Centre, Ustaz Isham bin Ismail as well as the presentation of souvenirs in appreciation of excellence in service to retired officers and staff transferred from the AGC.

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|     Nuri Sufri     |

THE integration of the Children Development Centre (CDC) into the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital is an initiative by the Ministry of Health (MoH) to continuously improve and provide better services and care to its patients.

This was highlighted during a press conference yesterday held at the Women and Children’s Centre hospital block by a panel of representatives from MoH and RIPAS Hospital, namely Dr Hajah Maslina binti Haji Mohsin, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Professional) at the MoH; Haji Muhammad Jamal bin Haji Tersad, CEO of RIPAS Hospital; Mohammad Sabri bin Haji Anuar, Head of Operations and Services at MoH; Dr Haji Ahmad Yazid bin Haji Abdul Wahab, Medical Superintendent of RIPAS Hospital; Dr Hajah Taib; Dr Sylviana binti Haji Moris, Head of Planning Services; and Tsara’Nawwarah Abdullah Chen, Senior Occupational Therapist.

As part of the integration, the CDC will officially be known as ‘Developmental Paediatrics Services’ and will commence operations at RIPAS Hospital from June 1. However, other services will be available as early as May 16 which include the community paediatric clinic, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, dietetic, medical social work, clinical psychology, podiatry and prosthetist, as well as orthotist and optometrist.

The panel of representatives from the Ministry of Health and RIPAS Hospital during the press conference. – NURI SUFRI

In an effort to provide better services with more focus on the care of patients, the consolidation expects to reduce wastage; improve clinical effectiveness and efficiency; provide better value for patients/clients; optimise resources including manpower; and offers a one-stop centre that will enhance clients’ experience and improve client engagement, according to a statement from MoH.

The ministry aims to facilitate and support families and children with disabilities by providing services that will detect abnormality of development in children at an early stage; provide provisions of ongoing treatment, support therapies, services and reassessment to ensure children’s optimal health and development, and planning of the child’s transition stage to adult services; provide knowledge and encourage parents to actively participate in managing their children with developmental delays and disabilities; raise awareness and educate the public and health professionals on learning, behavioural and developmental issues in children; and build cooperation between government agencies and community organisations.

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|     Izah Azahari & Abdul Hakiim Yakof     |

AS PART of the itinerary of the house key plaque presentation ceremony for the Bukit Beruang National Housing Scheme, 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 paid a visit to the Tanjong Maya Secondary School and the Abdul Rashid Tanjong Maya Primary School in Tutong District.

Upon arrival at the Tanjong Maya Secondary School, His Majesty was greeted by Hajah Norzan binti Haji Meludin, the school’s Principal.

His Majesty was given a tour around the school that began with a short Dakwah performance by the school’s students who participated in this year’s Dakwah competition.

His Majesty later visited academic and non-academic booths that included a handicraft booth, and an art booth which showcased paintings where His Majesty received a ‘batik painting’ pesambah from the students, an entrepreneurship booth, a booth of handcrafted goods by special needs students from the school’s pre-vocational class, and a booth of the ‘Formula 1 club’ where His Majesty consented to launch mini Formula 1 cars.

The monarch also officiated the school’s Asean corner through a signing ceremony, followed by a viewing of the Motivational Wall and a presentation of two pesambahs by Tanjong Maya Secondary School to His Majesty.

A student of the Abdul Rashid Primary School solving a mathematical puzzle in front of His Majesty

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 arriving at the Tanjong Maya Secondary School. PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR/ABDUL HAKIIM YAKOF

His Majesty later visited the Abdul Rashid Tanjong Maya Primary School, where the monarch was welcomed by Cabinet Ministers, permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries, the school’s Headmistress, Siti Nurhidayah binti Abdullah Tujoh, teachers and staff.

The headmistress led His Majesty on a tour to classes of the school’s Years 1, 3, 4, and 6, where students showed their capabilities in subjects such as English and Mathematics.

In the Year 2 class, the students demonstrated the usage of a Vertable – a form of interactive learning technology.

His Majesty’s class tour concluded with a visit to a class of pre-school students which performed a Nasyid song.

His Majesty then proceeded to the school’s library where a conversation with the school’s headmistress took place, mainly on the student progress and the school’s achievements, followed by a signing of a royal parchment. The monarch also received a pesambah in the form of a locally-made basket called ‘Bahai’.

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