ALTHOUGH the drug situation in Brunei Darussalam remains under control, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) continues to face new challenges with the ever-evolving drug landscape in the Asean region and beyond.
Acting Director of the NCB Haji Mohd Jaffari bin Haji Mahadi shared this information in his opening remarks during a meeting with visiting officials from the National Narcotics Control Commission (NNCC) of the People’s Republic of China yesterday.
Haji Mohd Jaffari also cited a shocking drug case that was brought to court this year: “This year in February, one local male was sentenced to death for the possession of more than six kilogrammes of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking as a result of our work, which is our biggest drug bust to date. The case is alarming considering that Brunei Darussalam is a small country with a population of just over 400,000.”
One of the continued efforts to curb the drug menace in Brunei Darussalam, he said, “is to educate and spread anti-drug messages and awareness to the public by carrying out roadshows centred around interactive activities, and install visual displays (showing anti-drug messages) in public places to reach out to all segments of society.”
The NCB, he added “also facilitates anti-drug education to students in schools and higher education institutions” and “runs workplace drug prevention programmes – which include anti-drug talks, exhibitions and random urine screening of employees – to ensure a drug-free workplace”.
The delegation from the NNCC of the People’s Republic of China was led by NNCC Deputy Secretary General Wei Xiaojun, who is also Deputy General of the Narcotics Control Bureau under the Ministry of Public Security of China.
Acting Director of the Narcotics Control Bureau of Brunei Darussalam, Haji Mohd Jaffari bin Haji Mahadi (L) with Wei Xiaojun, the Deputy Secretary General of National Narcotics Control Commission who is also the Deputy General of Narcotics Control Bureau under Ministry of Public Security of China during the meetingHaji Mohd Jaffari and Wei Xiaojun in a group picture with officials from Narcotics Control Bureau of Brunei Darussalam and National Narcotics Control Commission of the People’s Republic of China. – PHOTOS: JAMES KON
The working visit was conducted to enhance cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and the People’s Republic of China in the combating of drug crimes as well as for China to familiarise itself with the current drug situation in Brunei Darussalam.
The visit also serves to strengthen ties between the NCB of Brunei Darussalam and the NNCC of the People’s Republic of China.
In his remarks, Haji Mohd Jaffari also noted that “this inaugural meeting will set the tone and pave the way for both agencies to enhance our efforts in combating the common and shared menace of transnational drug problems.”
“I believe this renewed friendship will allow both agencies to foster a better working relationship in terms of sharing and exchanging of best practices as well as intelligent and innovative ideas to curb the drug menace in both our countries,” the acting director added.
BRUNEI Darussalam national futsal team earned their first victory at the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Futsal Championship 2017 after trouncing Philippines 5-0 at the Phu Tho Indoor Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam yesterday.
The Wasps confirmed fourth place in Group ‘A’ after registering their first goals in the competition and subsequently their first points and clean sheet.
Brunei finally got their first goal of the tournament after captain Maziri Maidin struck a fierce shot with Philippines goalkeeper Ricardo I Padilla Jr unable to keep the ball out.
Maziri also forced the Philippines goalkeeper to push the ball upwards as he unleashed a drive in the opposition’s half.
Yamin Muhammad combined well with Azizan bin Roslan with the former hitting his shot on straight at the Philippines shot-stopper who pushed the ball away to safety.
Brunei goalkeeper Nabil Maidin nearly ran the entire length of the pitch and won a set-piece for his team after Philippines’ player Alexus Judd Villacrucis was adjudged to have unfairly budged him by the referee.
The Brunei Darussalam national futsal team in a group photo. – AFF
The Azkals fashioned their best chance of the first half after Julian Pio Miranda released Francis Michael Fuentes but the latter’s shot from a tight angle was dealt with by Nabil.
Brunei’s Faiz Hasnan picked out Abi Syarillizam Sabtu whose shot was parried away by the goalkeeper.
The Wasps had a great chance to double the lead after Fakhri Bangkul laid a neat pass to an unmarked Maziri but the captain contrived to hit his shot straight at Ricardo.
The Azkals were playing on the edge after a careless play put Fakhri through but the shot had no conviction to get past the goalkeeper.
Abi Syarillizam nearly found Naqib Timbang with the return pass after both had underlined their attacking threat but the goalkeeper had a touch to deny them from doubling their lead.
Brunei could have gotten an early goal in the second half but forward Abdul Azim Boll Hassan could not keep his composure after doing fine work finding space and leaving Ryan James Haosen in his wake.
Yamin spotted the run of Naqib and flicked the ball into his path before the Kota Junior man deceived a Filipino defender by feigning a shot before taking an extra touch to coolly dispatch the ball past Ricardo.
The Bruneians suffered a setback after Maziri was hauled off the pitch due to injury.
Brunei’s third goal illustrated a rare sight of their attacking prowess as Philippines’s captain Roberto Orlandez Jr was caught out of position. Faiz showed quick reaction to spot his lack of positioning before advancing on the right hand side and latching onto a nicely weighted ball from substitute Pengiran Md Hanis Marzuqi to make it 3-0.
It proved a tactical masterstroke from national futsal coach as Pengiran Md Hanis only took 22 seconds to make an instant impression since he was introduced into the fray with an assist.
Alexus had a sight on goal but messed up his footing though he was put under pressure by a well marshalled Bruneian defence.
Nabil bravely denied Luis Miguel Cacho by leaning forward to put the player off and ended up needing treatment in the process.
Abdul Azim was unlucky not to get in the score-sheet after grazing the post from a tight angle before Raimi Rashid ballooned his attempt.
The Bruneian team was nearly punished from Fakhri’s poor control but Philippines’ Lorenzo Hermosa could not make full use with Nabil coming to the rescue.
Raimi added a fourth for the Wasps after latching onto a pass from Abdul Azim before Yamin’s attempt bound for the top corner was acrobatically saved by the Filipino goalkeeper.
Brunei completed the scoring to make it an even emphatic score-line as Faiz squeezed in a shot from a tight angle after receiving a pass from Arif Eisa.
The Azkals missed the best chance yet to register their first goal in the competition as Faiz performed his defensive duties at the back denying Dominic Ganas on the line.
UNIVERSITI Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) Library recently received book donations from Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (BSP).
BSP donated over 1,000 books related to the law included articles, journals and studies, which are relevant to UNISSA particularly for programmes offered by the Faculty of Syariah and Law, a press release stated.
UNISSA Deputy Rector Dr Haji Mohammed Hussain bin Pehin Penyurat Haji Ahmad welcomed the BSP delegation.
BSP Human Resources Director Hajah Zainab binti Haji MA Omar handed over the donation to Dr Haji Mohammed Hussain at the UNISSA Library.
BSP Human Resources Director Hajah Zainab binti Haji MA Omar handing over the donation to UNISSA Deputy Rector Dr Haji Mohammed Hussain bin Pehin Penyurat Haji Ahmad
Hajah Zainab explained that the contribution is one of BSP’s initiatives to help the community. She expressed hope that the books will improve the quality of teaching and learning of UNISSA students and researchers in the field of law.
The UNISSA Deputy Rector hoped the meeting with BSP will open up other collaborative opportunities that will benefit both parties.
THE Information Department of the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday received a delegation of Singapore officials from the Officer Exchange Programme, which comes under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Broadcasting and Information between the Singapore and Brunei Darussalam.
Deputy Director (Messaging and Engagement) at the Ministry of Communications and Information, Singapore, Shakera Stationwala led the five-member delegation.
Information Department officer Ali Termizzi bin Haji Ramlli @ Ramli briefed the visiting officers on the Information Department’s work strategy, before they viewed a presentation on ‘Ristaan Sempena Memperingati Penubuhan Jabatan Penerangan ke-65 Tahun.’
The two parties exchanged information on various issues, which was followed by a question and answer session.
The delegation also toured a mini-exhibit area and the Pelita Brunei Division.
Information Department officers with the Singapore delegationThe delegation touring the exhibition set up by the Information Department. – PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR
The Officer Exchange Programme aims to give exposure and allows for information sharing on the roles and functions of both governments of Brunei and the Republic of Singapore; and to preserve the image of the monarch, nation and the government through information that is accurate and with authority.
The Information Department, previously Brunei Information Service, was established on April 1, 1952, and is tasked with the responsibility of dissemination information and news pertinent to government policies, activities, programmes, current issues and the agenda of the mass media.
TELEKOM Brunei Berhad (TelBru) is a company that is well prepared for the future and, following a transformative five years, has great opportunities going forward.
This was highlighted by David Kay, the outgoing Chief Executive Officer of TelBru who ends his tenure with the telecommunications provider on October 31. In an interview with the Bulletin, Kay spoke on the five years he has spent with TelBru and how the company has transformed and upgraded itself.
Asked what his initial aims were upon first joining TelBru, he said, “To take stock of the situation and to take some time over that.
“You need to assess what it’s like on the ground and take time over that before making any rash decisions or come to rash conclusions,” he said, sharing that the immediate thing to deal with was the leadership.
“There were only three people in the top positions trying to manage a company of this size and complexity, so I knew something had to be done there, and set about addressing that issue.”
He highlighted there was a shortage of people and that there weren’t enough of the right people with the right skills.
David Kay, the outgoing Chief Executive Officer of TelBru. – TELBRU
“That was the first priority. If you can’t get the top layer right, you haven’t a chance down at the bottom, and I can’t do it on my own. This effort over the last five years is not me, it’s actually the whole company at the end of the day,” he said. “We got leadership in and then we were able to change things more easily. That was the very first thing.”
Another issue at the time was that they had a lot of angry customers, he said. In addition, he said that the network had lacked investment, the staff had lacked training, and the processes weren’t very efficient.
“So I realised there was a people problem at the top. There were no people coming up to take those positions. So there was a people problem, a succession problem, a network problem, a customer problem. All that to be addressed, and not one after the other, you have to deal with all of them at once.”
He shared that he recruited people to head the various functions, particularly on the network and IT, to really take stock of the situation and assess their problems and set about de-risking them.
“One major problem was single points of failure. In a network, that’s a problem if you have a single point of failure, because if it goes down, there’s no network, no service. So we set about addressing those and on skillsets as well.”
He also shared that they went about getting people trained up to take over positions being vacated. TelBru has put great emphasis on investing in continuous training and learning for its people.
“We had to assess the situation and then set about improving it. As we’ve done with Human Resources, IT was the same. Investing in new equipment, or better equipment, both on the technical side and on the IT side, and then starting to get people aligned, the processes set up and people talking to each other and making sure things happen.”
He noted that one big thing was the revitalisation of the company, particularly in Kadai TelBru branches.
“One prime aim was to improve the image of the company by sprucing up the buildings and repairing them,” he said. “Sprucing them up, making customers comfortable going into them and at the same time, changing the brand, making it more prominent and then getting on with it.
“I think the important thing was ‘don’t just sit there, do something’ – trying to get people to fix these problems, and the management we brought in clearly did that, and things have gotten better.
“There were a lot of problems here, a lot of issues here and we addressed them, and now we’ve got a company that’s well prepared for the future,” he highlighted.
He noted that when he first came in, introducing new products and services wasn’t much of an option. “But now, for the last year or two we’ve been in a position where we can start thinking about launching new products and services, because the network is there. Now the fibre network is there; we’ve got a good quality network now,” he affirmed.
On TelBru’s current standing compared to when he first started there, he shared, “Consultants were coming in to help out on the training. They’d come in every eight to 12 weeks and they said, ‘I can’t believe what’s going on in this company, it’s changing so fast’. They’d never seen anything like it.
“We used to measure the progress by service, etc and various criteria. The change was significant. We didn’t realise it so much at the time, but looking back now, it’s like night and day.
“That’s why we’re here – to serve our customers. Everything is focussed towards our customers,” he said. “I know that people have seen magnificent change. People who get on fibre and can get the service and use it regularly talk very well of us, that’s for sure.”
He shared that bringing in new people has brought new energy, and also encouraged people who’ve been at the company a little longer to improve themselves further. “So it’s actually provided a stimulus to the whole organisation, the new energy, not only doing things faster and coming up with new ideas, but actually the way they present themselves, as a result of the training that they’ve had within this company.”
Speaking on the personal experience he has had with TelBru, he said, “I think this has probably been one of the most dramatic transformations I’ve been in, and therefore one of the most rewarding and valuable experiences that I’ve had.
“I’ve been through this sort of transformation, though not to the extent we have here, and it takes time for change to sink in, but you stick at it. You get the right people and you stick at it. You do what you can do, and you just continue to believe.”
Asked for his thoughts on the future of TelBru, he said, “I think there’s great opportunity now with the network there, endless opportunities. You’ll see more TV coming over the Internet, as we do already. You’ll see that more pervasive going forward.
“Internet of Things (IoT) is taking hold in other countries. It will come here; we already have a partial network here for IoT. Once people start seeing the benefits of that, it will take off.
“I think that the demand for data and the demand for information and speed will be there and we’ll be able to provide it, because we can provide the fastest speeds.”
Kay also expressed his thanks to the Board of Directors of TelBru. “The board certainly has given us room to manage the company in the way it should be managed, and it’s given us strong support in setting out the direction of the company and supporting management as it implemented that strategy, and I think that has been a major part of the success.”
AS PART of the tour itinerary for the Officers Exchange Programme in Information and Broadcasting, the five delegates from Singapore visited the Brunei Darussalam National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) in Berakas, where they gained some insights through an interactive session with senior NDMC officials.
On hand to welcome the visitors was the NDMC Director, Colonel (Rtd) Pengiran Haji Maidin bin Pengiran Haji Said; and the Acting Assistant Director, Abdul Rahim bin Haji Ismail.
The visitors were then given an overview of the NDMC by Special Duties Officer Grade 2, Muhd Syazwan bin Nordin who also briefed them on the structure of disaster management in Brunei.
One of the delegates, Syed Arafat Hussain, who is a Senior Manager at the Singapore Ministry of Health, told the Bulletin that the presentation was very “useful and informative”.
“I think they gave a very clear and organised structure of how they respond during times of crisis,” he said.
“The NDMC is impressive not just in terms of governance and support from the different ministries and state organisations, but also in its engagement with members of the community and its strong role in disaster management.
The delegates in a group photo with NDMC senior officials. – LYNA MOHAMAD
“In terms of crisis or disasters, it’s the community’s response that matters and how fast they get back, which depends on the coordination between the government and the people.
Back in Singapore, we also try to strengthen the relationship between the people and the community leaders, as well as the government.
The whole structure is very clear and thought-out. Based on its structure, the NDMC has excellent communication discipline in terms of information dissemination, as well as the actions that are supposed to be taken.”
The delegates will conduct more working visits to several government and private organisations today, as well as to places of interest around the capital.
UNIVERSITI Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) yesterday received a visit from the Lembaga Kajian Khazanah Nusantara (LKKN), Jakarta, Indonesia.
The LKKN delegation comprised 15 people including teachers, community leaders and businessmen, and was led by Sayyid Ali bin Yahya, Head of the LKKN, according to a press statement.
The delegation was welcomed by the Deputy Rector of UNISSA, Dr Haji Mohammed Hussain bin Pehin Penyurat Haji Ahmad and UNISSA’s executive officers.
The visit concluded with a dialogue session and the exchange of souvenirs as a symbol that UNISSA and LKKN will continue to work together in the field of scientific research as well as design programmes that are relevant with UNISSA.
UNISSA and LKKN officials in a group photo
The visit aimed to explore the collaborative opportunities in research involving UNISSA academic experts and scientific partnerships conducted by LKKN as well as paved a way to introduce programmes offered at UNISSA to the international community.
LKKN is an institution active in the field of information, research, documentation and publication of Islamic treasures in the archipelago.
IN CELEBRATION of World Sight Day 2017 – themed ‘Make Vision Count’, 114 students from 27 primary schools in the Brunei-Muara District were presented with eyeglasses in a ceremony yesterday.
The spectacles were a special contribution from Perfect Vision Company (Brunei).
Handing over the glasses to the students was Acting Minister of Education, Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar.
Also in attendance at the ceremony were Dr Haji Azman bin Ahmad, Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education (MoE); Nadia Lee Siew Hoon binti Abdullah, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the MoE; Pengiran Husin bin Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Rahman, Perfect Vision (Brunei) Manager; Dr Habibah binti Haji Sion, Acting Director of the Department of Planning, Development and Research at the MoE; as well as other officials from MoE.
Dr Habibah in her remarks said, “A total of 128 selected students from 27 primary schools in the Brunei-Muara District were actually given eye checkups last week. From the results of the examination, 114 students were found to have vision problems.”
Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar, Acting Minister of Education in a group photo with students and other officials
The Department of Planning, Development and Research, under the theme ‘A Clear Vision on the Children’s Potentials’, according to Dr Habibah, “is working together with Perfect Vision (Brunei) to organise charity events (such as this spectacle donation) as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives for the local community.”
The presentation of the glasses, she added, “is aimed at helping students who have vision problems carry on living better lives and assist them to concentrate on their studies and become more productive.”
FIVE visiting officials from the Republic of Singapore began their tour of Brunei yesterday, as participants of the Officers Exchange Programme under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Broadcasting and Information between Brunei and Singapore.
Among their itinerary was a visit to Radio Television Brunei (RTB) in Bandar Seri Begawan, where they were briefed on the background of the national broadcaster by Senior Producer Siti Liyana binti Haji Suhaimi and Assistant Public Relations Officer Haliza binti Kilali.
In a brief interview with the Bulletin, Shakera Stationwala, the delegation head, who is also the Deputy Director (Messaging and Engagement) at the Ministry of Communications and Information of Singapore, said that the visit was an opportunity to glean more communication skills and methods from their Brunei counterparts, while also learning to engage the public more effectively.
She said their visit to the Information Department at the Prime Minister’s Office provided insights into how it oversees the whole government communications.
A group photo taken during the visit to RTB. – RAHWANI ZAHARI
“We learned a few communication strategies from the department, which is something that we can bring back to Singapore and share with our government as well,” she said.
Stationwala said Singaporean reporters would benefit from a working visit to Brunei through the exchange programme. “Likewise, Brunei reporters should come to Singapore too, and experience what our media landscape has to offer,” she said.
During the remainder of their stay until November 1, the Singaporean delegates will be visiting other government agencies and private organisations, including a tour of the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) in Anggerek Desa.
“CLASSROOMS are battlegrounds in which school leaders and teachers work to produce students who excel in studies and possess characters to become valuable assets for the country,” stated Acting Minister of Education Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar in his speech as guest of honour during a ceremony to hand over official appointment letters to some 95 school leaders nationwide.
The event, held recently at the Multipurpose Hall of Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB), was organised to confirm the appointment of new school leaders – comprising school principals, headmasters, deputy principals and deputy headmasters – to replace those retiring or moving on to other schools, and to fill the needs of the Department of Schools.
The Acting Minister of Education said the Ministry of Education (MoE) hopes to see the country’s school leaders play important roles as effective “instructional leaders”.
The event saw a sharing session titled ‘Growth Mindset and Instructional Leadership’ by Mathew Eric Letham, Headmaster of Dato Marsal Primary School, a Cluster 3 school.
Also present at the event was Acting Permanent Secretary at the MoE, Dr Haji Azman bin Ahmad; and Acting Director-General of Education, Zaman bin Haji Gapar – the ceremony chairman.
In his speech, Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom said the event is particularly important as school leaders are the focus point and the fulcrum that ensure the proper running and administration of schools.
“They are the guides, the ‘motivators’ to their fellow teachers, the ones who reflect upon the identity and image as well as create the direction of their respective schools,” he said.
The guest of honour presenting the appointment letter to a recipient. – PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIRGuest of honour, Acting Minister of Education Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar speaking during the eventAttendees at the ceremony
He emphasised that school principals and headmasters “play important roles in interpreting and implementing the national education policy for the MoE at the school level, and are also sources of reference and inspiration serving to strengthen the spirit and morale of teachers”, adding that “they also inculcate noble values to students and influence their successes, in line with the national education policy (SPN21) aspirations, which is incorporated with the Malay Islamic Monarchy concepts”.
“Principals and headmasters are main players and engines in the implementation of changes, initiatives and policies put in place by the MoE toward realising the aspirations of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam of developing and inculcating a high-calibre, robust and resilient generation of youth, a generation which is capable of carrying the nation to reach Brunei Vision 2035,” he said.
He also thanked those from the ministry who were involved in enlivening His Majesty’s Golden Jubilee Celebration, saying, “the best way to show our appreciation to His Majesty for ruling the country benevolently is to show a positive mindset, and work harder sincerely to educate the country’s youth.”
He stated his belief that the appointed leaders are fitting, committed and competent candidates, able to meet the long-term objectives and expectations of the MoE.
“Among the biggest challenges faced by school principals and headmasters is how to transform teachers’ mindset to one that is more positive, innovative, committed, productive, responsible, high-integrity and accountable. To those school leaders who are assiduously implementing changes and improvements, I thank and congratulate them,” he said.
FOREIGN tourists, departing Brunei through the international airport, can now purchase a variety of unique locally made products at the One Village, One Product (1K1P) shop.
Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Home Affairs, as the guest of honour officially opened the shop at the Departure Hall of the Brunei International Airport yesterday.
The 1K1P retailer is under Syarikat Seri Nova Food Industries.
It is one of the many initiatives carried out by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) to market the goods under the 1K1P project. It is hoped that the 1K1P retailers would be competitive and resilient to achieve the objective of the Mukim and village consultative council (MPMK).
The council’s goal is to help the local community improve their well-being and socio-economy.
Syarikat Seri Nova Food Industries was given the permission by the Civil Aviation Department to carry out its business at the Departure Hall under the ‘Brunei Pavilion’ initiative, which encourages the promotion and selling of locally made products.
Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Home Affairs launches the One Village, One Product shop at Brunei International Airport yesterdaySome of the products on display at the shop. – PHOTOS: JAMES KON/MOHA
The shop focusses on selling food products and handicrafts from the 1K1P as well as food products by the private sector under the micro, small and medium enterprises.
The products comprise prawn crackers, Madu Kelulut, Herbal tea, Kuih Sapit, banana crackers, Kuih Jala and Kuih Bahulu, while the handicrafts include handmade basket and young bamboo basket.
It is hoped that the partnership between the private sector and government agencies would eventually take the goods under the 1K1P to overseas market.
Also present were Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof, Permanent Secretary at the MoHA; Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism; Haji Idris bin Haji Md Ali and Haji Mohammad Sunadi bin Haji Buntar, Deputy Permanent Secretaries at the MoHA; head of departments and diplomats.
BRUNEI Darussalam’s runner Sefli Ahar of Sketchers reigned supreme at the Beach Bunch’s Night Trail Challenge 2017 after winning the 20km category which started at Jerudong Beach recently.
The runner clocked an unbeatable time of 1:31:13 followed by Shah Azahar who posted a time of 1:34:50 as first runners-up and Mohammad Samsul Zamri of Victory Squadron with a time of 1:41:55 as second runners-up.
Meanwhile in the women’s 20km category, Canada’s Emilie Tan of Compressport Singapore clinched the title with a winning time of 1:55:38 followed by Netherlands’ Yvette Kortekaas of Victory Squadron with a time of 2:08:16 and Brunei’s Airince Liam with a time of 2:15:58.
Brunei’s Muhammad Nor Risman Ismail claimed the men’s 10km title after registering a time of 46s while New Zealand’s Kirsty Witkowski-smith won the women’s 20km title after posting a time of 1:05:20.
Organised by Beach Bunch for the second time with the previous night race held in 2016, nearly 500 participants from 14 nationalities including a few regional elite runners from Singapore and Malaysia took part in the race.
Sefli Ahar (C) standing on top of the podium with his prize. – BEACH BUNCH
BRUNEI Darussalam’s national Under-18 (U-18) team prevented an attacking onslaught in the final 30 minutes of play but the damage had already been done following a 5-0 defeat to Indonesia in their opening fixture of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-19 Championship qualifiers at the Paju Public Stadium in Paju, South Korea yesterday.
Indonesia raced to a 1-0 lead in the 13th minute courtesy of forward Rafli Mursalim who nodded home a cross from Firza Andika with Brunei U-18 goalkeeper Abdul Mutalip Awang failing to punch the ball away.
Indonesia’s captain Egy Maulana Vikri sped past the Bruneian defence before unleashing a shot which ended wide off the mark.
The Medan native tormented the Brunei defence with his close dribbling but his finishing was not accurate to trouble Mutalip after his side flew wide just past the half an hour mark.
Indonesia midfielder Muhammad Iqbal was booked for simulation in the 34th minute which turned out to be the only mischief in the match.
Egy then tested Mutalip with a fierce drive after a touch and go with the goalkeeper pulling off a decent stop.
From the ensuing corner, Asnawi Mangkualam Bahar rose for a header which came off Hariz bin Herman who then accidentally headed the ball into his own net a minute before half-time.
Brunei Darussalam’s U-18 defender Muhammad Nur Aiman tries to stop Indonesia’s Firza Andika. – KOREA FA
Iqbal raced into the box and combined with Rafli before producing a delicate lob over Mutalip to extend his side even further in the 51st minute.
Egy, who is reported to have been linked with a host of European clubs, showed his nifty footwork before applying a calm finish in a crowded box to make it 4-0.
Indonesia substitute Saddil Ramdani struck a venomous shot from the edge of the box after being set up by a team-mate in the 61st minute to complete the scoring.
That would spell the end of a nightmare for the highly spirited Bruneians though they had short ambitions in attack.
Syahrian Abimanyu played a pass to Iqbal but the latter skied his effort wide while Saddil fired wide after the ball bounced off Muhammad Salleh Emzah with Muhammad Rifad Marasabessy getting no access in the box.
Muhammad Salleh was taken off the pitch on a stretcher after requiring treatment and was replaced by Khairul Alimin bin Muhd Ali.
Rifad’s penetrating run in the box caused mayhem to the Bruneian defence but could not get his pass through.
Saddil burst into the box with a powerful run and laid the ball for Egy who skewed his effort.
The Indonesian talent could have easily scored a hat-trick in a matter of minutes as he contrived to shoot wide following an excellent cutback by substitute Samuel Christianson.
Indonesia had the ball at the back of the net but the referee had already blown the whistle as Egy was found to in an offside position.
Brunei Darussalam national U-18 head coach Takao Fujiwara told AFC, “We recognised the match against Indonesia would be a tough challenge. In the first half my players did their best to keep the stalemate, but failed. The next game will be more challenging, but we will keep fighting to reach our goal.”
THE Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE), Prime Minister’s Office will organise the Brunei Salebration (BSb) 2017, which is a yearly national sales event from November 28 to January 31, 2018.
The Brunei Salebration (BSb) 2017 which will be held for 65 days is part of the Government’s on-going efforts to promote Brunei Darussalam as a shopping destination and contribute towards increasing local consumption and boost business activities, a press release stated.
The participating stores will only have to give discount on minimum 50 per cent of the goods in their stores during the sale to further facilitate and encourage more retailers from different categories to be on board, This is as opposed to the previous requirement of at least 60 per cent of the goods. Meanwhile, a minimum discount of 20 per cent will be offered during the event. However, retailers are encouraged to offer better deals with creative and attractive offers to help draw shopper traffic and boost tourist spending.
The annual Brunei Salebration in 2016 attracted 179 stores and 414 branches, including department and retail stores, house furnishing shops, clothing and footwear shops, health and beauty salons, jewellery shops and many others.
JPKE encourages more retailers such as food and beverage operators, hotels and bookshops to take part in the annual sale activity this year to ensure wider offerings of products and services to attract tourists and locals to shop in Brunei Darussalam.
The start of the Brunei Salebration is to coincide with the beginning of the year-end holiday and is extended to January 31, 2018 to embrace the opening of new school terms to help parents to prepare their children with school supplies and essentials.
Participating retailers will be offered an added platform to reach out and gain visibility through JPKE’s SmartConsumer mobile application to advertise their offers to generate increased sales. The SmartConsumer application can be downloaded free on Apple Store and Google Playstore.
Businesses participating in the Brunei Salebration (BSb) 2017 will receive a Participation Notice issued by JPKE that has to be clearly displayed at a visible spot in the business premises.
The Brunei Salebration (BSb) 2017 Notification Form and the conditions for participation can be downloaded from JPKE’s website through the SmartConsumer mobile application. It can also be obtained from the counter at the Department of Competition and Consumer Affairs, Department of Economic Planning and Development.
The completed Notification Form and Price List can be submitted through e-mail at sales@jpke.gov.bn or to the address above not later than November 14, which is 14 days prior to the commencement of the Brunei Salebration (BSb) 2017.
THE British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, Richard Lindsay shared that he is looking to explore opportunities to further the economic relationship between Brunei Darussalam and the United Kingdom.
During an interview with the Borneo Bulletin, the high commissioner said the relationship between Brunei Darussalam and the United Kingdom is incredibly strong with a long history.
He said one of his personal goals is to broaden this relationship, “particularly in the economic sphere, to look at other areas where the UK can help Brunei on its journey towards achieving the Vision 2035 goal.
“We’ve got particular areas of expertise that we’d like to share with Brunei, and I’d look for more areas where we can build our economic partnership in a range of different ways.”
Elaborating further, the high commissioner said, “One of the areas that I’m very keen to push forward is on Islamic banking and finance, and the development of Brunei’s capital market, where clearly UK and TheCityUK has collectively has a lot to offer, a lot of experience, a lot of expertise, and we see that there’s a great opportunity for us to work with Brunei as it pursues those objectives.”
TheCityUK is a representative body for the UK-based financial and related professional services industry.
“We are already working with a number of different authorities here to build those links, and bringing in experts from the UK, whether it’s from the Bank of England or from TheCityUK, to share expertise and look for ways in which we can cooperate and develop.”
Richard Lindsay, British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, speaking to the Borneo Bulletin during the interview. – AZROL AZMI
On whether Brunei’s geographical position in the Asean region could appeal to UK businesses, the High Commissioner said, “Absolutely. This is right in the centre of Asean.”
He noted that there are hundreds of millions of people within a very short flying time of Brunei, and that the country has a very impressive airport.
“Indeed UK companies have been involved in helping to develop the civil aviation in this country, so again, another area where the UK has helped put Brunei into the very enviable position it is in now.”
“That’s part of the development – how can we help Brunei, and how can we find additional areas where the UK can help Brunei to exploit that geographic position and its infrastructure and the existing advantages that it has.”
On the potential trade delegations, he said, “We focus on trying to identify the opportunities and then bring in specific companies that are interested in specific opportunities.”
The appointment of the new trade envoy to Brunei Darussalam, Paul Scully, was recently announced in a press release from the British High Commission. The appointment is part of a whole-of-government approach to boosting bilateral trade, with a focus on priority markets and sectors. The press release included a comment from Scully, who said, “I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed as the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Brunei. I see huge potential to build on the longstanding economic relationship between the UK and Brunei, and I look forward to maximising new opportunities in this exciting market.”
Meanwhile, the British High Commissioner said, “The appointment of a new trade envoy is a very clear demonstration of the UK’s commitment to broadening our economic partnership with Brunei.”
He also noted that total trade between the UK and Brunei was valued at £407m in 2015 and said that he would be working closely with Paul Scully to develop areas of bilateral economic cooperation in line with the economic development of Brunei Vision 2035.
THE involvement of government agencies in the development of the Quality Control Convention (QCC) saw “low level” participation in recent years raising the question whether other Government agencies have taken seriously the efforts of achieving public service transformation agenda.
This matter was highlighted by the guest of honour, Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Mohamad Roselan bin Haji Mohammad Daud, Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) during his speech at the 20th National QCC Convention Closing Ceremony yesterday at the Banquet Hall, PMO Building.
He advised that all relevant parties should tackle this matter holistically to ensure that government agencies can handle any unforeseen circumstances and be ‘future ready’ especially in the current wave of change that prevails towards the digital era.
The deputy minister shared a recent figure obtained by the Government Effectiveness Index which saw Brunei leaped 12 steps to reach the top 50 countries and current at the 42nd spot out of 137 countries.
However, Brunei is still further down the list when it comes to quality of ‘core innovation’ based on the same index with a grade of only 3.3 over seven (3.3 par 7).
“This signals that innovation is a critical element that should be taken seriously by every public administration in the government and serves as a major mission for us to jointly coordinate through a whole-nation approach,” he noted.
The guest of honour, Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Mohamad Roselan bin Haji Mohammad Daud, Deputy Minister at the PMO, delivering his speech. – PHOTOS: AZIZ IDRISDato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Mohamad Roselan bin Haji Mohammad Daud, Deputy Minister at the PMO and Hajah Norezan binti Haji Hambali, Director of the IPA in a group photo with winner of the Best Performance Award, Team Mu@kad from the Survey Department
Ten groups from seven government departments participated in this year’s Convention comprising the Audit Department, Radio Television Brunei and the Civil Service Institute (IPA) representing the PMO; the Royal Customs and Excise Department from the Ministry of Finance; the Fire and Rescue Department from the Ministry of Home Affairs; Survey Department from the Ministry of Development and the Technical Equipment Maintenance Section, Directorate of Administration and Manpower, Ministry of Defence.
This year Best Performance Awards was open to three winners with Team Mu@kad from the Survey Department winning the competition followed by Team 3GS from the Survey Department and Team Tekad from the IPA.
The Audit Department won the QCC Most Active Department Special Award while the Best Facilitator Award went to Haji Md Zulkifli bin Md Said representing the Royal Customs and Excise Department.
Now in its 20th instalment, the QCC is hoped to improve the weakness and insufficient in the government agencies through logical and practical methods apart from fulfilling the public’s expectation in acquiring efficient, excellence and attentive services.
The group presented their projects before a panel of judges led by Zubaidah binti Haji Mahmud on October 21 during the Open Session of the 20th National Quality Control Convention 2017.
Also present was Hajah Norezan binti Haji Hambali, Director of the IPA together with government officials and participants of QCC 2017.
The prize presentation for the winner of this year QCC Project will be held at the 24th Civil Service Day celebrations.
UNIVERSITI Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) yesterday received a visit from the Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to Brunei Darussalam, Marcal Avelino Ximenes.
The ambassador accompanied by the Deputy Chief of Mission of Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to Brunei Darussalam, Erminio da Silva Pinto, was welcomed by the Rector of UNISSA, Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal.
The visit was to explore opportunities for cooperation in the field of education not only in the field of Islamic studies but also in areas such as economics, management, law and Halal researches.
The brief visit also touched on the programmes offered at UNISSA for Timor-Leste students as well as the opportunity for Timor-Leste Muslim students to pursue their studies at UNISSA.
The Rector of UNISSA, Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal; Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to Brunei Darussalam, Marcal Avelino Ximenes and officers in a group photo. – UNISSA
Even though the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste is still developing, with the basis of democratic experiences, it has the potential to build relationships with regional and international countries and utilise them to build their human resources.
A country with a population of approximately 1.2 million, the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste has about two per cent of Muslims who speak mostly Indonesian.
Also present were UNISSA’s deputy rector, acting assistant rector and director of the International and Public Relations Centre.
THE Deputy Permanent Secretary (Finance and Administration) at the Ministry of Defence (MinDef), Pengiran Hajah Zety Sufina binti Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Sani received a courtesy call from the Deputy Director (Messaging and Engagement), Ministry of Communications and Information of Republic of Singapore, Shakera Stationwala at the MinDef yesterday.
Both parties exchanged views, communications strategies and best practices.
The Singaporean delegation was briefed on the Media SOP (Policy and Guidelines) of MinDef followed by a question and answer session. The delegation was also briefed on media strategies employed during two Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) major exercises – the ADMM-Plus Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief and Military Medicine Exercise in 2013 and the Hikmat Bersatu V Exercise in 2016.
The Singaporean delegation also described how they utilise media to disseminate information and reassure the public during the Zika virus outbreak.
The delegation toured a gallery in the RBAF Museum.
The visit to the country is part of an exchange visit programme under a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Singapore in the field of Information and Broadcasting.
A group photo during the visit. – PHOTOS: MINDEFMembers of the delegation from Singapore tour the RBAF MuseumParticipants during the briefing
MINISTER of Education Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman is in Paris, France attending the 39th United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) General Conference at the UNESCO Headquarters.
The conference was yesterday officially opened by Stanley Mutumba Simataa, Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology of the Republic of Namibia, in his capacity as the President of the 38th UNESCO General Conference.
The Chair of the UNESCO Executive Board, Michael Worbs, a representative of Germany to the Executive Board, and UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova also delivered remarks at the opening ceremony.
The main agenda of the conference is the national statements by all member countries due to take place starting this afternoon until November 4.
There was a General Policy Debate yesterday which included a Leaders Forum, to debate a number of issues on education, around the theme ‘SDGs and UNESCO’s Role in the Multilateral System.’
Minister of Education Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman and Brunei Darussalam Ambassador to France Datin Paduka Malai Hajah Halimah binti Malai Haji Yussof with other officials at the 39th UNESCO General Conference. – UNESCO
Leaders from all parts of the world shared their views on the ways in which UNESCO can best serve its member states in leading forward the SDGs.
The forum also served as a platform for sharing member states’ policy approaches and best practices in the implementation of the UNESCO-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi was accompanied by Brunei Darussalam Ambassador to France Datin Paduka Malai Hajah Halimah binti Malai Haji Yussof in her capacity as the Brunei Darussalam Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh as well as officers from the MoE.
ALEX Ong was close to tears yesterday when the Brunei Fuzhou Shiyyi Association presented him with a $30,000 cheque to help pay for his wife’s cancer treatment.
Earlier this month, Ong made a public appeal for $40,000 to fund further treatment for his wife, Ann Hii Pik In, at the Fuda Cancer Hospital of the Jinan University School of Medicine in China. The treatment will include five cycles of intervention chemotherapy, along with cryosurgery and an iodine particles i125 seed implant.
In January last year, Hii was diagnosed with stage 3B non-small cell lung carcinoma. Apart from the life-threatening cancer, the 48-year-old hairdresser was also found to have right adrenal gland metastasis, pleural metastasis, lymph node metastasis and an ovarian cyst.
Ong was forced to give up his job to care for his wife and their two children. He also borrowed money from friends and relatives to pay for Hii’s medical expenses.
On hearing of their plight, Jackson Ting, the President of the Brunei Fuzhou Shiyyi Association, along with members of the executive committee, paid a visit to the couple’s home at Kampong Kiarong.
Brunei Fuzhou Shiyyi Association President Jackson Ting (5th L) with its executive committee presenting a cheque for B$30,000 to Alex Ong and his wife Ann Hii Pik Ing to help pay for Ann Hii’s cancer treatment at China’s Fuda Cancer Hospital of the Jinan University School of Medicine. – JAMES KON
After the visit, the association decided to render financial assistance to the couple.
Both Hii and Ong told the Bulletin, “We are overwhelmed by the gesture. We don’t really know what to say. We can only offer our gratitude to the Brunei Fuzhou Shiyyi Association, and to members of the public who have helped us.”
Ong added, “We are grateful for the assistance. Together with the contribution from Brunei Fuzhou Shiyyi Association, we have managed to collect $37,920, which is a good amount to pay for the treatment.”
Hii described the months of medical treatment as “unbearable”, saying, “I wanted to give up, but I told myself that I need to live on for my children and husband.”
Her advice to everyone “is to have a CT scan once a year for early detection.”
