|     James Kon     |

IN AN effort to raise public awareness on maintaining clean environment, some 20 canoe paddlers yesterday took part in a cleaning campaign drive at Sungai Kedayan of the newly launched Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas.

The cleaning campaign also coincided with the launch of Kayak Brunei event that was initiated by Universiti Brunei Darussalam.

Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, the President of Brunei Darussalam National Canoe Association (BNCA) led the cleaning campaign at the river and picked up floating rubbish like plastic bottles, plastics and others.

Major (Rtd) Mohd Talip bin Haji Mohd Tahir, the Secretary General of the association said, “As a responsible user of the river or sea, we conduct this cleaning campaign to create awareness. As we also make use of the river for canoeing, it is important that we help keep the river clean especially at Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas where it is a beautiful place for recreational activities.”

He added, “I felt that it is our responsibility to help maintain cleanliness of public areas. Rubbish is not only an eyesore but also affects the natural environment. “

Fifteen huge plastic bags of rubbish were collected in the campaign.

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COSMOPOLITAN College of Commerce and Technology (CCCT) recently held the drone technology awareness talk in collaboration with KMAS Management and My Drones Services Corporation. In line with this, selected students were given the chance to showcase the technology at the Agriculture and Agrifood Mini-Expo 2017.

During the event, CCCT students presented the technology to the guest of honour, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong.

During the presentation, it was highlighted how drones can be utilised in the agriculture industry such as Topographical surveys – 2D, 3D; Elevation and Volumetric; defining land and crop areas; analysing plant health and soil condition; high precision spraying of water, pesticides and fertilisers; surveying locations for crop development and more.

Drone technology can also be useful for various industries such as oil and gas, infrastructure and inspection management, disaster management, security and monitoring, search and rescue operations, survey mapping and more.

The drone showcase attracted the attention of guests from other ministries, government departments and embassy diplomats.

Among the guests who visited the booth were the permanent secretaries at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Home Affairs. The expo ended yesterday at the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah complex in Bandar Seri Begawan.

Radio Television Brunei also interviewed the students featuring the uses and benefits of drones in Brunei.

It was indeed an opportunity for the CCCT students to interact and gain exposure in learning by practising to be involved in events like this. The college continuously equips students to harness their communication and presentation skills in real-life scenarios and events.

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|     Lyna Mohamad     |

PEHIN Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin, the Managing Director of Goh Hock Kee Motors Sdn Bhd, and his wife, Datin Chang Nyuk Kee, hosted a reception last night at the Emperor’s Court Restaurant in the Manggis Mall, to mark their 50th wedding anniversary.

Present at the gathering were members of the Diplomatic Corps, business associates, family members and the couple’s friends from various countries.

The son of Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin and Datin Chang Nyuk Kee, Jake Goh, made a welcoming speech in which he paid tribute to his parents, while thanking the guests for their attendance.

The main highlight of the reception was the cutting of the anniversary cake by Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin and Datin Chang Nyuk Kee.

During the event, Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin also made a donation of $50,000 to Chung Hwa Middle School, Bandar Seri Begawan; Chung Hwa Middle School, Kuala Belait; Chung Ching Middle School, Seria; Chung Hwa School, Tutong; Pai Yuk School, Temburong; Chung Hwa School, Kiudang; Chung Hwa School, Labi; Chung Lian School, Sungai Liang; Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajah Maryam; and the Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei.

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|     Danial Norjidi     |

THE future is bright for cardiology in Brunei Darussalam, according to Datuk Dr Richard Ng, the President of the Asean Federation of Cardiology (AFC).

Datuk Ng said this while speaking in an interview yesterday on the sidelines of the ongoing 22nd Asean Federation of Cardiology Congress (AFCC) 2017 at The Rizqun International Hotel.

“Our Asean Federation of Cardiology has been established over 40 years, and over these four decades or so, we have been very cooperative and happy in sharing, in exchanging and in collaborating in our cardiology projects, in terms of sharing data, clinical knowledge, practice of medicine, and some research publications as well.”

All this, he said, is in order to improve the care of cardiac patients in the whole Asean region.

“The future looks even more promising, as now we have all 10 countries in Asean joining the AFC, where we hope to be able to understand the pattern of diseases, type of diseases, how they respond to certain types of treatment, devices, surgery, and other ways of preventive medicine as well.”

“In the region as a whole and in each country in particular, basically in Asean we all share the same many risk factors together.”

On Brunei Darussalam’s role in the AFC, he said, “I think Brunei, although it is a new member and relatively small in terms of cardiological numbers, is very important and it’s a very balancing community and works very well with every country.”

He said that Brunei’s contribution to the federation will also be important. “Because it is a small compact community, it is easier to be able to analyse and review the data and the treatment, and you have a very dynamic team of cardiac surgeon and cardiologists, technicians, nurses, and I see that the emphasis is not just on the modern technology and treatment, but to be able to go a step or two ahead of it.”

“I think Brunei’s emphasis on preventive cardiology, such as preventing all the risk factors that lead to heart disease is very important. Things like not smoking, not taking too much sugar and not being overweight.”

He also shared that he thinks Brunei has contributed significantly over the last three to four years to the AFC in its participation through the President of the Brunei Cardiac Society, Dato Paduka Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar, and the Organising Chairman of the 22nd AFCC Dr Sofian bin Dato Paduka Dr Haji Johar, both of whom he called “very dynamic”.

“I think they are both excellent and they have set up an excellent team and have very good results, as we have reviewed in your hospitals,” said Datuk Dr Ng, before adding, “I think your cardiac society is growing from strength to strength, and contributing in significant ways that we appreciate very much in the whole federation.”

“Brunei is very blessed in the sense that the communication from Brunei is very good,” he said. “The standard of English here is very good so it makes communication within the Asean region also very easy.”

Datuk Dr Ng went on to share, “I think the future is very bright for Bruneian cardiology, because generally you are able to provide very good healthcare at very affordable prices to all the people.”

Elaborating further, he provided the example that in Brunei the situation is such that people who need certain healthcare and certain expensive equipment get that healthcare. “And because of that you are in a much better position than many countries where the basic healthcare, even for simple medicine, is not available.”

“So your advancement and progress I think will be quite rapid, relatively speaking,” he added.

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IN CONJUNCTION with the Golden Jubilee Celebration 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’s Accession to the Throne, a fireworks display was held at the Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas, Bandar Seri Begawan last night.

The guests of honour were Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Home Affairs and his spouse; Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Bahrin bin Abdullah, Minister of Development and his spouse; Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism and his spouse; Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports and his spouse; Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Penggawa Laila Bentara Istiadat Diraja Dalam Istana Pengiran Haji Alauddin bin Pengiran Paduka Tuan Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar, Grand Chamberlain; and Pehin Orang Kaya Shahbandar Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Mohd Nawawi bin Pehin Orang Kaya Shahbandar Haji Awang Mohd Taha, His Majesty’s Private and Confidential Secretary and his spouse.

Deputy Ministers, ambassadors and high commissioners to Brunei Darussalam, permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries, department directors and senior officials were also present.

The fireworks were contributed by a group of entrepreneurs.

The event demonstrated unity to enliven events in conjunction with the Golden Jubilee Celebration of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne.

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|     James Kon     |

PARTICIPANTS of the Singapore-Brunei Youth Leader-ship Exchange Programme (SBYLEP) got the opportunity to meet His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean and his wife, Chew Poh Yim, in the capital yesterday morning.

His Royal Highness, Deputy Prime Minister Teo and his spouse were on a morning stroll at the newly opened Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas before heading for breakfast.

The SBYLEP participants comprised 30 young leaders from Brunei Darussalam and Singapore.

The SBYLEP, which ran from October 31 to November 5, allowed participants to share the best practices in Brunei and Singapore, as well as to foster closer ties between both countries.

Speaking to the Bulletin, Mohammad Amsyar Alidin, a representative from the Brunei delegation, said, “I am very grateful to have met His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and the Singapore Deputy Prime Minister. Overall, it’s been a wonderful experience for us Bruneians and Singaporeans to build on our friendship and share our experiences.

“His Royal Highness and Deputy Prime Minister Teo seem to be very encouraged about the unity between the people of Brunei and Singapore through this programme.”

Pauline Tan, the leader of the Singapore delegation, explained the benefits of the programme, “Both countries have already established a very good relationship and this programme actually brings the additional dimension of personal relations between the people of both countries.”

The theme for this year’s exchange programme is ‘Youth Empowerment.’

Mohammad Amsyar Alidin elaborated further, “We come from different backgrounds and agencies. We managed to gather ideas and exchange experiences to improve the future, especially for the youth on how they can grow to become valuable assets for both Brunei Darussalam and Singapore. The programme has been a wonderful experience for me as a government servant as it’s very eye-opening to look at different perspectives and to learn from our Singapore counterparts.”

When asked about what she will miss most about Brunei, Tan said, “Definitely the people of Brunei, who are very hospitable and gracious. We love to host Brunei delegates in the future and hope to maintain the friendships which were built over the six days of the programme.”

The next edition of the Singapore-Brunei Youth Leader-ship Exchange Programme will be hosted by Singapore in 2018.

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|     James Kon     |

HIS Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office together with Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore and Coordinating Minister for National Security, and his wife, Chew Poh Yim, went for a morning walk and breakfast yesterday in Bandar Seri Begawan.

Accompanying His Royal Highness the Crown Prince were His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar, the Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara.

Upon arrival at Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was greeted by Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance II. His Royal Highness then joined Teo Chee Hean for a group photograph session, before both proceeding with a morning workout session led by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS).

After the session, His Royal Highness and Teo Chee Hean signed a special plaque to commemorate the 5^th Young Leaders’ Programme at the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque Pedestrian Bridge.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Teo Chee Hean then began their walk towards to the Darussalam Jetty, and then viewed an exhibition organised by the MCYS.

Shortly after this, His Royal Highness and the deputy prime minister attended a get-together session with participants from the 5th Youth Leadership Programme of Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Singapore. His Royal Highness then joined the deputy prime minister and the participants for a group photograph session.

After the one-kilometre walk, His Royal Highness and the deputy prime minister proceeded to the Horizons Seafood Restaurant for breakfast, before heading to Dermaga Diraja to view a cultural performance by groups from both countries and an art exhibition organised by the MCYS.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and Teo Chee Hean also went on to tour the activities held at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien for Bandarku Ceria and spoke to a few stall operators and members of the public, with some taking the opportunity to take photos with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Singapore Deputy Prime Minister.

Also joining in the tour were Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Bahrin bin Abdullah, Minister of Development; Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports; Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Zulkarnain bin Haji Hanafi, Minister of Health; Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar, Acting Minister of Education; Dato Paduka Awang Haji Jamain bin Haji Julaihi, Acting Minister of Energy and Industry at the Prime Minister’s Office; Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Hamdan bin Haji Abu Bakar, Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Mohamad Roselan bin Haji Mohamad Daud, Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; First Admiral (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Abdul Aziz bin Haji Mohd Tamit, Deputy Minister of Defence; Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Hisham bin Haji Mohd Hanifah, Deputy Minister of Finance; and Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar, Deputy Minister of Development.

Accompanying Teo Chee Hean and wife were Grace Fu Hai Yien, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth; Dato Paduka Seri Ng Chee Meng, Minister for Educa-tion (School) and Second Minister for Transport; Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) and Second Minister for Defence; Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State for Commu-nications and Information and Senior Minister of State for Education; Dr Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State of Trade and Industry and Senior Minister of State for National Development; Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development; and Lim Hong Huai, High Commissioner of the Republic of Singapore to Brunei Darussalam.

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean led a delegation of younger Singapore political officeholders to Brunei Darussalam from November 3-5 for the 5th Young Leaders’ Programme (YLP) – the third time he has led the YLP delegation to Brunei – at the invitation of His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah.

Established in 2013, the YLP is an annual exchange of visits which Brunei and Singapore take turns to host. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince led a delegation of younger Bruneian leaders to Singapore from November 27 to December 2, 2016 for the 4th YLP.

The YLP reflects the long-term commitment between Singapore and Brunei to enhance their special relationship, and includes the strengthening of ties between the next-generation leadership from both countries.

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|     Fadhil Yunus     |

THE Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) have announced their intent to defend their crown in the Inter-Ministry Football Championship Keputeraan Cup in conjunction with the 71st birthday 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 ahead of the semi-final clash against the Ministry of Defence at the Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex tonight.

“In the Keputeraan Cup, we recognise that the focus will be on us as the defending champion. However, the teams who are in the semi-final are no pushovers who carry their own strengths,” said team manager Ardi Tengah in an interview with the media recently.

“As a defending champion, it is a certainty that MoHA carry aspirations to retain the title,” he continued.

MoHA, who topped Group ‘A’ with 12 points via goal difference, will be hoping to carry their fine form in the tournament.

The team continued their training following the completion of the group stages as they bid to make a safe return to the final following a lengthy break.

Despite being tagged as favourites to defend their crown, the MoHA will be examining all possible areas to ensure that they will be in the right shape to face opposition which primarily focus on high level of discipline and fitness.

“I believe that without training it will be difficult to reach the next stage. The level of fitness is very important because we have been informed that the Ministry of Defence (MinDef) have high level of fitness and discipline.”

The MoHA have announced that all three teams still involved in the semi-finals will bring great challenge to their quest for their defence of the title adding that the competition in this edition has been the sternest compared to previous years as teams have stepped up their performances.

He said that the semi-final will provide an entertaining contest as MoHA will be keen to maintain their excellent performance and their title while MinDef will be hoping to chart history by reaching the final for the first time.

The team manager added that the Ministry of Development will want to reacquire the feeling of reaching the final as they did in previous edition while the Prime Minister’s Office will want to better their best result by making an appearance in the final for the first time.

“The competition is getting fierce, and whichever team who succeeds in setting up their strategy accurately and effectively, most certainly will be the team who will make it to the final,” said Ardi.

Asked about his hopes and advice for the players, Ardi said, “I hope that the players will be able to pay full attention to their game and keep their discipline as well as keeping in mind that cooperation of one team in football is important because we play with 11 players and it does not rest solely on individuals.

“Every player must always maintain a high level of fitness because the semi-final will be tougher than the group stages,” he further added.

He has been impressed with the level of competition stating that a lot of teams have stepped up their performances compared to previous editions adding that there have been quite a number of shocks.

“I genuinely believe that the supporters will not be left disappointed especially those who are rooting for their ministries and for the love of football in the country other than the Brunei DST Super League and the Brunei DST Premier League,” the team manager concluded.

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|     James Kon & Fadhil Yunus     |

WOLVES basketball team started their campaign perfectly after crushing Team TSL Construction 117-102 last night in the Men Open Toolbox Cup under Low San Basketball Tournament at the Brunei Basketball Association’s basketball court in Batu Bersurat.

Five Wolves’ players scored double digit for their first win in the Group ‘B’ encounter before the opening ceremony. Vincent Superio and Damel Dela Cruz each contributed 17 points, Aldrian Dela Cruz grabbed 16 points while Austeo Fullado had 12 points and Roger Pasag scored 11 points.

The game started off hot with Team TSL Construction took a four point lead by the end of the first quarter.

Keeping the score tight, both teams traded baskets in the second quarter and Team TSL Construction held on to a fragile three-point lead heading into the interval.

With height advantage and in-depth bench players, Wolves managed to lead in the fourth quarter by out-rebounding their opponents despite their star player Damel Dela Cruz fouled out with six minutes remaining.

TSL Construction couldn’t regain their hot shooting streak in the final quarter with several shots failed to make the basket. Wolves basketball team took over the match and extended their lead to double digits to win the game.

Wolves’ coach Kenny Ching expressed confidence that his team will do well in the tournament.

“Overall the team did well despite the slow start in the opening quarter.

“We feel confident of doing well in this tournament. Our team finished third place in the recent Seria Golden Jubilee tournament.”

Eighteen teams have registered for the Men Open Toolbox Cup namely: Juramas, Street Roc, Rotary, YTE TSC, Wolves, Walltique, TSL Construction, ElBombaza / Buycour, Hainan Association, Propel, Honey Carsmart, St Andrew School, 10PM, MBA, Coopt Engineering Sdn Bhd, Sabli’s, Fashion, NLPS Bamboonets. Four teams are competing for the Ladies Open Sherwin Williams Cup, which are Berrywan Company, Juramas, Brunei Shield–Mum Bakery and SSBN Honey Carsmart.

The Veteran Open of the Low San Shield Cup will see six teams: TK Teahouse, Concept/GMT, Fitness Zone, Linktech, Digimark and GHK.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Ong Tiong Oh, owner of Low San Hardware. Also present was Kwang Ming Heng, Chairman of BBA and other members of the association.

Meanwhile, Juramas secured an 89-81 win over YTEXTSC in the second Group ‘A’ game of the Low San Brunei Open 2017.

On paper, Juramas looked to be a decent contender to progress to the next round while YTEXTSC could join them if they pull a good run of victories over their sleeves.

The tie was evenly contested at the start of the first quarter with Juramas and YTE exchanging points but later midway the former created a distance.

The early Group ‘A’ favourites notched up a 10-point lead as their offensive looked a major force evident with their combination of physical strength and electric pace.

YTEXSC managed to trim the lead down to six points after one of the players snaked through the defence.

But Juramas had other ideas up their sleeves and gathered momentum to steady their lead up to 10 points up to the halfway mark. Their solid and organised defence proved difficult to break down but YTE responded by finding an angle to rake in important points.

Juramas had similar approach passing the ball to the most advanced player as well as options using the flanks and benefited from a player who had the flexibility to turn the ball into the net.

The tournament began yesterday and will run until December 3.

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|     Azaraimy HH     |

IN A country where health services are free, people can help reduce the rising costs of medical and healthcare by adopting a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a clean and healthy living environment, said YB Haji Abdul Wahab bin Apong, a member of the Legislative Council (LegCo) and the Penghulu of Mukim Tanjong Maya.

In an interview with the Bulletin on the sidelines of a dialogue session between the Ministry of Health and the grassroots leaders in Tutong District, he noted that that the residents in Tutong District are fortunate to have a one-stop centre for specialist treatment at Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah (PMMPMHAMB) Hospital in Tutong.

The hospital has a high-quality endoscopy clinic and a cataract surgery facility (under ophthalmology services). There is also a plan to develop urology services in the future at the hospital, the LegCo member added.

As a ‘Centre of Excellence,’ PMMPMHAMB Hospital renders high-quality specialised services not only for residents in Tutong District, but also for people from all parts of country, he said.

According to YB Haji Abdul Wahab, some of the issues raised during the closed door session included matters related to delivery wards that have been transferred to Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital, issues related to emergencies and those affecting residents living in remote parts of the district.

The dialogue session was held to recap the development of healthcare services in Tutong District and address issues that have emerged since the dialogue session held last year as a result of the consolidation and rearrangement of healthcare services.

Meanwhile, PMMPMHAMB Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Sofian bin Dato Paduka Haji Johar highlighted that as a Centre of Excellence, the hospital offers several specialty treatments.

PMMPMHAMB Hospital is a one-stop centre where patients are registered, diagnosed and treated under one roof, and offered specialist cataract surgery, endoscopy and gastroenterology services, he added.

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SEFLI Ahar of Brunei notched yet another record-breaking triumph at the trail running competition under the Asia Trail Master (ATM) Championship in Indonesia.

He entered the 102km category of the Bromo Tengger Semeru Ultra Run, East Java, Indonesia, alongside 155 participants made up of 14 nationalities, four others of whom are Bruneians.

In total, 995 people participated in the event, split into the 30km, 70km, 102km and 170km categories.

“At the start of the race, I was with the lead runner from France. We both got lost at the 10km point due to poor marking, but managed to get back on track together at Ranau Pane, which is around the 18km mark. It was here that I started to experience Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or altitude sickness. I faced difficulty breathing from a lack of oxygen at the high altitude of 2,400m.

“This continued until the 38km mark, where I experienced a mental wall several times – I wanted to DNF (Did not finish) at Ranu Kumbolo, but I overcame it by thinking of my loved ones, family, relatives and supporters back home.

“I maintained my lead between positions one and two throughout the race. When I hit the 63km point at Mountain Bromo, another challenge surfaced. The gas from the active volcano made it difficult for me to breath throughout this section of the race. There was also the loose sand of the volcano’s soil that I had to deal with.

“It was a beautiful scene to be on the crater of the volcano. This is where I overtook the lead runner as the sun was out and weather was hot, ideal to my normal running conditions. The lead French runner gave in at Bromo due to blisters. It was here that I took the lead and finished the race first.

“I would like to thank my loved ones, my wife and son, sponsors, Skechers  Brunei, the Royal Brunei Police Force and all my supporters for giving me the opportunity and believing in me and I hope to bring the champion of the ATM to Brunei,” Sefli said.

Sefli finished at a total time of 19:06:13hr, breaking the previous record for the same route by 1hr 45mins (by Andrew Coats of United Kingdom in 2016). The first runner up, from Australia, finished at 20:29:13hr. Of the 155 participants, only 69 completed the route this year.

This is Sefli’s third win of this year under the ATM championship, which includes Brunei’s Beach Bunch’s Trail Challenge (1st) and Malaysia’s The Magnificient Merapoh Trail (1st). Under the championship, Sefli is currently with 1,550 points and ranked eighth with the latest win. This win will bring him closer as the champion under ATM, where the best five results are taken into account for the final points.

His next race will be at Clark-Miyamat Falls Trail Ultra in the Philippines at the end of November, and the final deciding factor race in Japan’s Izu Trail Journey in mid December.

The Bromo Tengger Semeru Ultra Run race is a trail race affording participants the magnificent natural beauty and environment of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java – Indonesia at various altitudes.

Running through the high altitude region of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, participants experience tracks with various sceneries in the background, such as sea of volcanic sand (2,200 masl) with low temperature and strong wind. They also run through rural back roads, forest path and prairie with a distant majestic view of the highest mountain in Java, Mount Semeru (3,676 masl) and the tranquility of Lake Ranu Kumbolo (2,400 masl).

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UNIVERSITI Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Moscow Islamic Institute (MII) in a signing ceremony at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Moscow.

The MoU was signed between Dr Damir Mukhetdinov, First Deputy Chairman of the Religious Board of Muslims of Russian Federation, and Dr Abdul Nasir bin Haji Abdul Rani, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Islamic Finance of UNISSA.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin, the Russian Mufti who is also Chairman of the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation, and Dato Paduka Haji Haini bin Haji Hashim, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to Russia.

The MoU is aimed to provide opportunities for cooperation in academic, educational, specialist services and research. The cooperation was an initiative of the Russian Federation of Islamic Religious Institutions which invited UNISSA to attend and subsequently deliver papers in the 10th International Theological Scientific and Educational Conference under the theme ‘Islamic Theology and Academic Islamic Studies: Cooperation and Prospect of Development’.

In the conference, Dr Abdul Nasir shared information on the prospects and developments of Islamic Finance studies at UNISSA. Also shared during the information sharing session were further information on the internationalisation of faculty, programmes offered, knowledge innovation, and accreditation of programmes offered. The session also stated the faculty’s efforts to enhance student knowledge and skills as well as the academic activities of the faculty in enhancing research efforts for its academic staff.

Dr Abdul Nasir also visited the Moscow International Higher Business School (MIRBIS), where a meeting was held between him and Maksim Zhivaev, Rector of MIRBIS, and Natalia G Pecheritsa, Director of the Center for Asia and the Pacific MIRBIS. The objective of the meeting was to hold a working consultation between MIRBIS and UNISSA in a one-year study abroad programme for UNISSA’s Business Management Programme for third year undergraduate students.

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|     James Kon     |

THE 23rd Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) maritime exercises was officially opened following a ceremony held yesterday morning at the Nakhoda Hall of the Royal Brunei Navy Training Centre, Muara Camp.

The five-day exercises will see some 100 marines and sailors from the United States (US) Navy and Marine Corps working together with personnel from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) to address common maritime priorities, develop professional relationships and enhance cooperation.

It will also feature comprehensive shore-based and at-sea training drills jointly officiated by RBAF Joint Force Commander Brigadier General (U) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sahat and Captain Matthew J Jerbi, Deputy Commodore of Destroyer Squadron 7 of the US Navy.

Present during the opening ceremony were Scott E Woodard, Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy; Colonel Newman Yang, Defence Attaché of the US Embassy in Brunei Darussalam; and senior officers from both countries.

“This year’s exercise is the 23rd CARAT, and in the last two decades, CARAT has been a platform to enhance and develop interoperability between Brunei and the United States,” said Brigadier General (U) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Hamzah in his address. “CARAT has always been the highlight of our militaries’ interaction and it is an annual interaction that we always look forward to. It has been instrumental in capacity-building in this region, especially through the sharing of best practices. It has also served well in enhancing interoperability and ultimately fostering a close relationship between our armed forces.” Meanwhile, Captain Jerbi highlighted, “We are pleased to have another opportunity to operate with our friends and partners from the Royal Brunei Navy. We have built meaningful relationships at the operator level with our Royal Brunei Armed Forces counterparts through CARAT, which enables our navies to work effectively together and learn from each other in ways that benefit both nations.”

This year’s CARAT Brunei, he revealed, will also involve other Brunei Government security agencies through additional exercise programmes, with participation from the Royal Brunei Land Forces (RBLF), Royal Brunei Navy (RBN), Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF), the Military Police, the Military Legal Unit, RBAF Medical Services, the RBAF Band and Public Relations Unit.

Other government agencies such as the Royal Customs and Excise Department, Royal Brunei Police Force, Fisheries Department and Narcotics Control Bureau will also join in.

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|     Danial Norjidi     |

THE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) held a reception for participants of the 2017 Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Korea Bilateral Youth Exchange Programme yesterday.

Held at DiGadong Hall of the MCYS building, the event saw the attendance of Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports and Cho Won-myung, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Brunei Darussalam.

Also present were Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil and Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid, Permanent Secretaries at the MCYS as well as senior officers from the ministry.

The visiting delegation from the Republic of Korea for the youth exchange programme has 10 members, and is led by Baek Hyeonseok, an officer from the country’s Ministry of Gender, Equality and Family. The delegation has been in Brunei Darussalam since October 31, and will be in the country until November 9.

According to a press release, the relationship between the two countries is strengthened further through the Brunei Darussalam and Republic of Korea Bilateral Exchange Programme, which is one of the programmes under the Arrangement on Cooperation on Youth Matters that was signed and agreed between the two governments on February 10, 2010.

The programme was first implemented in 2011 and this year is the seventh time the programme has been held. On August 7-16, 2017, a delegation from Brunei Darussalam made an exchange visit to the Republic of Korea.

To date, 70 youths from Brunei and 70 youths from the Republic of Korea have participated in the bilateral youth exchange programme.

The press release goes on to note that the bilateral youth exchange aims to foster friendship and understanding among the youths of the two countries in a harmonious and peaceful environment through a healthy interaction as well as sharing and exchanging views and useful experiences in the areas of socio-economic, socio-political, traditions and culture.

The programme’s itinerary for the delegation from the Republic of Korea includes visiting the Youth Centre in Bandar Seri Begawan, the Youth Development Centre, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, the Malay Technology Museum, the Maritime Museum, the Royal Regalia Building, the Sports Gallery, International School Brunei, DARe (Darussalam Enterprise), seeing the activities at Bandarku Ceria and more, as well as including a homestay with host families for two days.

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|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

FIRST Admiral (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Abdul Aziz bin Haji Mohammad Tamit, Deputy Minister of Defence yesterday received an introductory visit from the Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) and Second Minister for Defence of the Republic of Singapore, Ong Ye Kung at the Bolkiah Garrison, Ministry of Defence (MinDef).

Upon arrival, Ong Ye Kung inspected the guard of honour mounted by personnel from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF).

Welcoming him was Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah, Commander of the RBAF; Captain (Rtd) Dato Paduka Abdul Rahman bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, Permanent Secretary at the MinDef; Service Commanders; deputy permanent secretaries; and both military and civilian directors.

According to a press statement, the deputy minister reaffirmed the mutually close and special ties between the two defence establishments, which has flourished across a range of extensive interactions.

They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concerns, and emphasised their continued commitment towards supporting defence initiatives in securing peace and stability in the region.

The visit is an extension of Ong Ye Kung’s working visit under the 5th Singapore Young Leaders’ Programme (SYLP) as part of the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore and Coordinating Minister for National Security of the Republic of Singapore, Teo Chee Hean’s delegation.

Ong Ye Kung was accompanied by Lim Hong Huai, the Republic of Singapore’s High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam and Colonel Lee Yong Heng, Singapore Defence Attaché.

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|     Azlan Othman     |

THE State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, yesterday officiated the launching of ‘As-Siyásah Asy-Syar’iyyah’, a compilation of Fatwas (legal pronouncement) related to management, administration, legislation and other religious issues faced by members of the Muslim community.

Consisting of 55 selected fatwas from 2004 to 2015, the book is divided into seven sections – administration, buildings, labels, statues and emblems, education, state and legislation, societies and associations, places of worship, and restaurants and eating-houses – which allows readers and researchers to look up certain topics for needed clarification.

In addition, the book also enables its readers to gain a more comprehensive understanding on how specific issues and doubts are resolved through detailed explanations and analysis of relevant passages from Al-Quran and Hadith.

The book is currently on sale at the Darul Ifta lobby of the State Mufti’s Office.

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|     Azaraimy HH     |

THE aspirations and ideas of grassroots leaders of the society play a crucial role in supporting the government’s mission towards enhancing the healthcare system in the country.

This was stated by Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Zulkarnain bin Haji Hanafi, Minister of Health on the sidelines of a dialogue session between grassroots leaders in the Tutong District and the Ministry of Health (MoH) which was held at the Main Hall, Tutong Civic Centre Complex yesterday.

“Expectations, thoughts and ideas of mukim penghulus and village heads who are the grassroots leaders in the society are immensely useful in supporting the aspiration of the health ministry to continuously working towards raising health standards in the country,” he said.

The minister said the dialogue provided an opportunity for both sides to recap the efforts that have been implemented since last year and identify issues that are needed to be addressed in order to improve the quality level of services.

“This is in line with the titah 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 delivered during the monarch’s visit to Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital on September 27, 2016, where His Majesty called for continuous work to enhance healthcare services. Among the issues touched by His Majesty included customer friendliness, waiting time and shortage of medicines.”

Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Zulkarnain assured that the ministry will continuously address issues that are currently affecting the public or any of its stakeholders and ensure that the Ministry of Health deliver the optimum level of healthcare through a delivery and outcome-based approach.

“The ministry will continuously strive to provide high quality healthcare services to the public that are safe, cost effective, efficient and innovative, in line with present and future needs as well as the three strategic priorities of the health ministry – which are: inculcating the concept of ‘Health is Everyone’s Business’; preventing and controlling non-communicable diseases (NCDs); and delivering excellence through alignment and consolidation of healthcare services.

The dialogue session was attended by some 26 mukim penghulus, acting mukim penghulus, village heads, acting village heads from Mukim Pekan Tutong, Mukim Keriam, Mukim Kiudang, Mukim Rambai, Mukim Ukong, Mukim Telisai, Mukim Tanjong Maya and Mukim Lamunin, led by YB Haji Abdul Wahab bin Apong, member of the Legislative Council and the Penghulu of Mukim Tanjong Maya.

The session started with an opening remark by Shamsul Bahrin bin Haji Mohd Hussain, Tutong District Officer which was followed by the minister’s speech.

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|     Fizah HAB     |

THE Brunei Equestrian Centre Sdn Bhd (BEQ) recently held its annual competition, ‘The BEQ National Horse Show 2017’ at Block ‘E’, Royal Stables in Jerudong Park. The Dressage Competition was the first part of a two week event.

Alexander Bell emerged as the winner of the Introduction Junior Class, while Jovan Tang won the Introduction II Junior class. Siti Nur Afiqah binti Haji Abdul Samad of BEQ, riding Ricardo, won first place in the Introduction Senior.

In the Preliminary Class Junior and Senior categories, Muhd Nur Ali bin Haji Ali Hakbar, riding Taquila, and Helen Jane Boughey on Blu-ray won first place respectively.

Meanwhile, Ella Goodman of the Novice Junior category bagged gold. In the Senior category, Berakas Saddle Club (BSC) rider Odile Leprovost and BEQ’s Jacqualine Chin were tied at first place, with the latter riding Taquilla.

The Dressage Competition – the first part of a two-week event – saw young BEQ riders as young as three years old participate.

During the Dressage Quadrille performance, young riders were seen showing their love for riding as they work to develop their skills in dressage and show jumping, which included BEQ members Mikaela Jade Keasberry, Abigayle Chin Jia Yuan and Ryan Chin Jhun Hyne.

Forty-three riders from BEQ and BSC participated in the competition, which helped provide the avenue for local riders to polish and showcase their riding skills.

BEQ thanked sponsors for the event, which are SKK Freight Services Sdn Bhd, Hung Yang Logistics Company, TCY Motors Sdn Bhd, Kenwood Furniture Trading Co, San Woan Dressmaking & Ready Made, Montree911 Taxi Thailand and Phoenix Inter Freight Co Ltd (Thailand).

BEQ is also inviting the public to attend the Show Jumping competition on November 12, which will see riders from different clubs such as Brunei Shell Riding Club (BSRC), BSC and more.

“The Show Jumping competition will be judged by Brunei Darussalam’s National Rider, Pengiran Mohd Nasir bin Pengiran Anak Haji Jaafar Alam and will be held at the Block E Royal Stables, Jerudong Park,” a representative of BEQ said.

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|     Fadhil Yunus     |

MINISTRY of Home Affairs (MoHA) made a successful return to the final after edging Ministry of Defence (MinDef) 3-2 in an enthralling encounter in the Inter-Ministry Football Championship Keputeraan Cup in conjunction with the 71st Birthday Celebration 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 at the Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex last night.

MoHA’s star man Hamizan Aziz bin Sulaiman grabbed the match winner on the hour mark after MinDef have pulled level twice including a good team move in the opening seconds of the second half.

Hairol Azaman Shah opened the scoring for MoHA in the fourth minute but MinDef responded after Haneef bin Zainal belted a stunner in the 16th minute.

Haneef threatened again merely minutes later after taking aim and struck a good drive which flew just wide.

Hamizan received a neat ball in the box who stroked a decent effort but MinDef goalkeeper Abdul Latip bin Haji Omar tipped the ball away to safety.

MoHA regained the lead after Muhammad Abu Bakar bin Mahari dribbled from the centre circle before unleashing a stunning strike and sent the net bulging.

The goal-scorer made some nice touches in the box coolly taking a player out but was unable to keep his cool as he fired wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.

With the second half barely starting, MinDef showed real hunger and desire to get back into the game as the lethal combination between Dahlan bin Haji Zainuddin and Haneef proved effective as the former calmly latched on to the latter’s assist.

The reigning holders looked to hit back instantly as Hamizan found space at the edge of the box before firing his shot just wide off the left-hand post.

A MoHA player had a poor first touch after receiving a long ball but somehow kept the ball in and managed a decent cross at the same time as Hamizan who had a slight but sufficient touch to direct the ball home past Abdul Latip.

MoHA head coach Sairol Sahari highlighted that it is their main target to defend the title from the start of the tournament. The team boast a number of experienced players representing clubs in the DST Super League which Sairol indicated that could help them translate their series of appearances there towards reaching the last four and subsequently the final.

“It is good that the players show good character and deliver well,” Sairol told the media.

The head coach also shared they will analyse their own performance as part of the preparations for the final and added they will focus on their own team than their potential opponents.

Ministry of Home Affairs will meet the winner of the semi-final between Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Development tonight in the title showdown.

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|     Daniel Lim     |

FOLLOWING the previous visit by the Lions Club of Belait to Chung Hwa School, Labi, held early last month to raise awareness on the importance of eye care, the Lions Club of Belait has once again visited the school to hand the students their respective prescribed glasses.

The event was held in conjunction with the World Sight Day, with the objective to raise awareness on blindness and vision impairment. This year’s World Sight Day theme was ‘Make Vision Count’, and the event organised by the Lions Club of Belait was made possible with the sponsor from VisionCare, Kuala Belait.

In total, eight students from Years 1 to 6 of the school receive prescription glasses to assist them. The organising chairperson and secretary, Joseph Teo, was present at the event to hand the students their respective prescribed glasses.

Also present were members from the Lions Club of Belait, which includes Membership Chairperson, Raymond Lee; Director, John Chin; Shawn Ho, Edmund Chee, Chong Yu Khiong and Clarence Tham as well as members from the Lions Club of Lambir Miri (2), Treasurer, Aini Kho; and Friend-of-Lion, Sally.

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