|     Fadhil Yunus     |

BRUNEI Darussalam’s national cycling team secured third place in the OCBC Cycle Speedway Southeast Asia (SEA) Championship after clocking a time of 21:05.10 at the Singapore Sports Hub in Singapore recently.

The national team held ambitions to win the championship but unfortunately luck did not favour them, according to national cycling coach Yafiz Jamaludin.

“The strategy that we have implemented we only lost out narrowly on during the finishing acceleration,” said the national coach whose team trailed runners-up Malaysia who finished 21:05 and winners Philippines who posted a time of 21:04.90.

“The riders this year are more challenging because it involved eight teams compared to six teams last year.

“Even though we failed to win a medal at the SEA Games, we will definitely continue our quest as a team and continue to be motivated to achieve success in various competitions that we took part in,” said the national coach.

“With this success this can slowly lift up our spirits to continue and fight to enhance the image of the country,” he continued.

Yafiz shared that there is no confirmation but still remain hopeful to be enlisted in two major international competitions next year namely the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.

The head coach underlined that it is his plan to take part in these competitions.

“Training overseas and races at a higher level is needed in a higher level tournament to enhance the performance and capability of the rider,” Yafiz added.

The head coach underlined his plans to train in Australia with the Australia national team and guided by the Australian Institute of Sport if they are listed to the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games next year.

“My hope is that more cyclists will come to train with the national team in order to produce the best rider from the best. I also hope to be given the trust to train and guide the Brunei national team,” concluded the head coach.

Each team had to complete 10 laps over a 1km course, with the first pair of riders performing five laps before being replaced by the second pair for the remaining five laps.

Each team’s timing is taken when their second cyclist crosses the line.

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|     Khairil Hassan     |

PENGIRAN Haji Zulkefli bin Pengiran Baji Besar emerged champion of the Overall Gross category, while Haji Ajamain bin Othman was named champion of the Overall Nett category of the Terima Kasih Cikgu Golf Tournament held in conjunction with the 27th Teacher’s Day 2017 Celebration.

Present to give away the prizes were the Minister of Education, Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman and Deputy Minister of Education, Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar.

Pengiran Haji Zulkefli scored 76 points, followed by first runner-up Haji Ahman bin Haji Tusin with 78 points and Ali Rashid took third place with 79 points.

Haji Ajamain scored 65 points while first runner-up Pengiran Haji Johari bin Pengiran Haji Daud scored 67 points and Nordin bin Haji Ahmad won third place with 68 points.

The minister himself won third place in the VIP Nett category. First place went to Pengiran Haji Alihashim bin Pengiran Haji Yussof and Haji Yusra bin Haji Salleh earned third place.

In the VIP Gross category, Dato Sheikh Haji Adnan bin Sheikh Mohamad won first place while Dato Zainidi bin Haji Sidup won second place and Dato Haji Ishaaq bin Abdullah took third place.

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|     James Kon     |

AFTER suffering from a crippling stroke in July this year, Muhammad Amir bin Abdullah Tabon is confined to the use of a wheelchair and unable to provide for his family, including his four children, aged eight to 13 years.

His wife, Musfirah binti Ponddoya, has been staying at home as a full-time caretaker for him and their second daughter, who is diagnosed with autism.

Without any source of income, the Filipino family, who converted to Islam in Brunei six years ago, has been living under hard conditions for the past few months.

Last Saturday, a group of personnel from Planning and Development Urban Project Unit under the Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) Municipal Department visited the family of six at their one-bedroom house in No 8 Simpang 128, Kampong Delima Satu, Berakas, to present them with contributions in the form of daily necessities.

According to Musfirah, the family has been subsisting on provisions donated by their neighbours and friends, since her husband’s illness.

She also said that they were visited by a number of welfare organisations, which she hopes will be able to provide them with some assistance.

The contributions from the Planning and Development Urban Project Unit is part of a charity project for the underprivileged residing within the jurisdiction of the BSB Municipal Department, in keeping with its main objective of bolstering the image of the capital as a safe, friendly and secure place.

The post Family of six receives donations from BSB Municipal Dept appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

JERUDONG International School (JIS), Brunei Darussalam has been shortlisted for the Outstanding Strategic Initiative Award in the prestigious British International Schools Award (BISA) for 2018.

The award winners will be announced in London, United Kingdom on January 22, 2018.

The initiative for which the school has been shortlisted is its Outdoor Discovery Centre (ODC).

Principal Barnaby Sandow said, “I am tremendously proud to hear that JIS has been shortlisted for this award ceremony. It is testament to the dedicated students and hard working, inspirational teachers at JIS who have united to create the ODC.”

Early in 2016, the school set aside a piece of land where a group of teachers and students restored its soil quality. Since then, projects on the land have been led by students.

“I’ve come to really enjoy and appreciate the environment around us,” said Kai Jie Hii, a Year 12 student who is a leader in the ODC committee.

Since May 2016, when the boundary was established, the ODC has become an important learning space for the school community. It was officially opened in January 2017.

Botanists from the nearby Universiti Brunei Darussalam assisted in identifying plants for parts of the centre.

Since September 2016, a group of students met weekly, mentored by a local permaculture expert to focus on using garden waste in a composting project.

The infrastructure for the ODC was developed with pathways, seating, signs and fencing installed by the students, assisted by teachers.

In April 2017 during the Earth Week, the ODC has its first opportunity to showcase itself to the whole school and several NGOs.

A highlight of Earth Week was the ‘herb spiral’ project, designed and constructed by senior school students. Coco Bennett, a final year A-Level student said, “Not only had the co-curricular activity made integration possible between the different year groups, it gave me a chance to step outside my comfort zone.”

Junior school students and middle year students visited the ODC to not only discover more about the natural world but also learn from projects by their seniors.

Many of the school’s Duke of Edinburgh Award students have chosen to carry out their service or skills activities in the ODC.

The school’s eco-JIS recycling team are also looking into ways that they can use the ODC to help them recycle and upcycle waste.

Shanie Chauhan, a Year 12 student who volunteered in the ODC as part of her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, said, “It has given me an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. I am pleased to know that the ODC will continue to grow and develop.”

The senior students are using the ODC in a variety of ways. For example, physics students have an ongoing solar study to determine how to provide solar energy to the hub.

Geography students are undertaking research into issues such as “What conditions promote the growth of Brunei’s national flower Simpur (Dillenia Suffruticosa)?”

Art students regularly visit the ODC as a source of inspiration for their work.

The junior school is embarking on the ‘Farm to School’ project, sponsored by Progresif and in association with Agrome IQ. Interestingly, one of the Bruneian Agrome IQ personnel is a JIS alumnus, who also studied at Cardiff University in Environmental Science.

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|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

HER Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah yesterday graced the opening ceremony of the 6th Asean Traditional Textile Symposium, at the Rizqun International Hotel.

This year, Brunei is the host country for the biannual symposium, which carries the theme of ‘Upholding Traditions for Sustainable Future: Golden Ties that Bind’.

Upon arrival, Her Royal Highness was welcomed by Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports; Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar, the Deputy Minister of Education; Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports; and Datin Dr Hajah Anita Binurul Zahrina binti Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Aziz, the Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), in her capacity as the Co-Chairperson of the Steering Committee for the 6th Asean Traditional Textile Symposium.

Also in attendance at the opening ceremony were Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah and Her Majesty Tengku Puan Pahang Tunku Hajjah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah binti Al-Marhum Almutawakkil ‘Alallah Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj.

In his welcoming address, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports said that textiles are a cultural heritage with unique features that play a part in defining ethnic identity or traditions.

“This is not just about production and design, but also about the socio-economic benefits, which brought about the culture of traditional weaving that binds us together in the spirit of unity and diversity,” he said. “Textiles have long been a part of Southeast Asian traditions and culture, and have played a central role in societies for centuries.”

The minister however noted that the growth of modern technology has posed some challenges to the ancient craft of textile weaving.

“These challenges include ensuring a sustainable supply of raw materials; how to make our textiles relevant in a modern world and finding ways to assimilate their use in society; the need to commercialise; and most importantly, how to protect and safeguard traditional designs and their intellectual property rights.

“On the important issue of protecting and preserving traditional textiles, perhaps Brunei Darussalam’s experience can be use as an example, where the custom of traditional hand woven textiles of Bruneian Malays is well-protected and preserved at many levels.”

Later, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah officiated at the launching of the textile symposium and a coffee-table book titled, ‘Golden Woven Fabrics of Brunei Darussalam’.

The symposium, which ends on November 23, serves as a platform for traditional textile experts, researchers, students and retailers to gather and exchange ideas for the preservation and continuity of traditional textile products within the region.

A total of 300 participants have registered for the symposium, with 13 working papers to be delivered by representatives from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Myanmar, Laos, the Philippines, Cambodia, Canada and Vietnam. The five-day event also features 22 textile entrepreneurs, who have been invited to share their views on design and production methods to reach a broader market, in addition to promoting their respective products.

The 6th Asean Traditional Textile Symposium is a joint collaboration between UBD with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism; and the Traditional Textiles Arts Society of Southeast Asia, with the support of the Brunei Arts and Handicraft Training Centre and the Department of Adat Istiadat Negara.

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|     Azlan Othman     |

THE Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) is striving to increase rice productivity in Brunei Darussalam through introducing hybrid paddy varieties that are adaptable to the country’s environmental conditions and can produce at least 12 metric tonnes per hectare in irrigated areas.

This was stated by Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, at the opening of a training course titled ‘Hybrid Rice Yield Increasing Technology in Brunei Darussalam’, conducted by Yuan Longping High-Tech Agriculture Co Ltd with the support of the Ministry of Commerce, the People’s Republic of China at the Simpur Hall of the Horticulture Business Centre in Rimba yesterday.

“Brunei’s total rice production in 2016 was only 1,500 metric tonnes. The Department of Agriculture and Agrifood aims to increase this to 11,500 metric tonnes by 2020, by implementing several initiatives that include increasing the productivity of paddy per hectare in irrigated areas by using high yielding hybrid varieties,” the minister said.

“Therefore, the training plays a significant role in equipping our farmers and staff of the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood in the management of hybrid paddy production including seed development.”

The minister added that hybrid paddy technology can have a significant impact on rice production, generate more revenue for farmers and ensure sustainability of the country’s rice industry.

“My ministry, through the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood, is committed to ensure that the agriculture sector becomes one of the significant contributors to the growth of the country’s economy.”

One of the ministry’s strategic goals is to increase agriculture productivity through the use of modern technology, the minister noted.

“In Brunei Darussalam, most paddy farming activities are done by local farmers on a small scale basis. With low-yield paddy varieties, farmers are unable to optimise land use. This means that their productivity is low and their output is barely able to generate enough revenue to cover the costs,” Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali added.

Present at the event were Yang Jian, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam; members of the Legislative Council; Zhou Dan, Vice-Director of Yuan Longping High-Tech Agriculture Co Ltd; Sun Lingviang, representative of the Ministry of Commerce, the People’s Republic of China; Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, Permanent Secretary at the MPRT; Pengiran Haji Kamalrudzaman bin Pengiran Haji Ishak, Acting Director of Agriculture and Agrifood; senior officials from the departments under the MPRT; delegations from Yuan Longping High-Tech Agriculture Co Ltd; and training participants.

According to Zhou Dan, Longping High-Tech has maintained long-standing relations with Brunei. “The Government of Brunei Darussalam started cooperation with Hunan Hybrid Rice Research Center, the shareholder of Longping High-Tech early in 2009. The training cooperation was initiated after Brunei’s Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism visited Myanmar, where he found that the productivity of the hybrid paddy of Longping High-Tech was very impressive.

“For the success of the training, we have coordinated with our branches and subsidiaries to select senior experts with overseas training for the project and assigned the rice production manager of the project in Myanmar to be in charge of variety selection and field practice. Besides, we have organised two field surveys and visits,” she added.

The 45-day training course, which began on November 15, is jointly organised by the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood and Yuan Longping High-Tech Agriculture Co Ltd with the support of the Ministry of Commerce, the People’s Republic of China. It will conclude on December 30, 2017.

Nine trainers from Yuan Longping High-Tech Agriculture are conducting the training which involves 40 participants from the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood, Institute of Brunei Technical Education, and the local paddy farming community.

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|    Danial Norjidi    |

THE Department of Agriculture and Agrifood, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT), Brunei Darussalam and Yuan Longping High-Tech Agriculture Co Ltd, the People’s Republic of China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of agriculture.

The signing of the MoU, which took place yesterday at Simpur Hall of the Horticulture Business Centre in Rimba, aims to strengthen and advance cooperation in the field of agricultural development and food security for the mutual benefit of both parties.

According to a press statement issued by the MPRT, the MoU covers cooperation in promotion and demonstration of agricultural science and technology in areas such as advanced breeding, seed production and cultivation technologies with the aim of increasing Brunei Darussalam’s production of rice, vegetables and other major crops; cooperation in the areas of agricultural mechanisation through training in the operation, maintenance and management of agricultural machinery; capacity building cooperation in agricultural areas between Brunei Darussalam and the People’s Republic of China through online training courses, on-the-job training, study visit and transfer of technologies; collaboration on joint agricultural crop study and research including exchange of scientific and technical information; and cooperation to create and promote an agricultural information service platform.

“The collaboration is hoped to improve the contribution of agriculture industry to the gross domestic product (GDP) with the increase of agricultural production and productivity through the use of technology and skilled human resources,” it said.

Signing for and on behalf of the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood was Pengiran Haji Kamalrudzaman bin Pengiran Haji Ishak, Acting Director of Agriculture and Agrifood. Meanwhile, signing on behalf of Yuan Longping High-Tech Agriculture Co Ltd was its Vice-Director Zhou Dan.

The guest of honour Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism witnessed the signing. Also in attendance were Yang Jian, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam; Sun Lingxiang, repre-sentative from the Ministry of Commerce, the People’s Republic of China; Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, Permanent Secretary at the MPRT; a representative from the Department of International Trade, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; senior officials from MPRT departments, delegations from Yuan Longping High-Tech Agriculture Co Ltd as well as senior officers and officials of the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood.

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|     Bahyiah Bakir     |

HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) yesterday received in audience Lieutenant General Nicholas Pope, Deputy Chief of the General Staff and Colonel Commandant Brigade of Gurkhas of the United Kingdom.

Accompanying Lieutenant General Nicholas Pope at the audience ceremony were Richard Stephen Lindsay, the British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam and Colonel James Robinson, the Colonel Brigade of Gurkhas.

Also present at the audience ceremony were First Admiral (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Abdul Aziz bin Haji Mohd Tamit, Deputy Minister of Defence; Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah, Commander of the RBAF; and Captain (Rtd) Dato Paduka Abdul Rahman bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence.

Lieutenant General Nicholas Pope and his delegation were in Brunei Darussalam for three days from November 18-20, to discuss bilateral defence cooperation and visited the 2nd Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles (2RGR) in his capacity as the new Colonel Commandant Brigade of Gurkhas.

He also visited the British Forces Brunei and met with the British Loan Service Team. He delivered an address during a session with the Junior Staff Course at the Defence Academy of the RBAF.

Brunei Darussalam and the United Kingdom enjoy a strong and longstanding relationship, including in the field of defence. This relationship encompasses various interactions such as exchange of visits, military exercises, trainings and courses.

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|    Bahyiah Bakir    |

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, yesterday received in separate audiences outgoing foreign envoys to Brunei Darussalam, at the Istana Nurul Iman.

His Majesty first received in audience Nurul Qomar, the outgoing Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Brunei Darussalam. Nurul Qomar presented her Letter of Credence to His Majesty on February 25, 2014. His Majesty then received in audience Loan Forgeron, the outgoing Ambassador of the Republic of France to Brunei Darussalam. Loan Fergeron presented her Letter of Credence to His Majesty on September 13, 2014.

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THE Third Regional Technical Training on the Development and Applications of Statistical Business Registers (SBR) was officially opened by Pengiran Hajah Siti Nirmala binti Pengiran Mohammad, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Economy and Finance), Prime Minister’s Office.

Organised by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on November 20–25, the regional technical training is conducted by expert consultants from ADB, The United Nations Statistics Nation (UNSD) and The United Nation Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). Participants are officials from Brunei Darussalam, Bhutan, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia and Sri Lanka.

In her opening speech, Pengiran Hajah Siti Nirmala highlighted that effective economic policymaking requires rigorous analysis of high quality data, and hence the roles of the participants are key to the collection, compilation, storage, management, analysis and dissemination of economic information related to their countries.

According to a press release, many countries in Asia and the Pacific are in the process of modernising, strengthening and improving their SBR, with ADB support. The benefits of having well established and functioning SBR are to provide information on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as well as large enterprises, enrich the depth of knowledge about these enterprises and thus further improve the quality of economic and business statistics.

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|     James Kon     |

MEMBERS of the public recently came together to take part in the Brunei Darussalam National Canoe Association (BNCA) cleaning campaign at Sungai Kedayan in Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas in an effort to raise public awareness on maintaining a clean environment.

Led by Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji

Bakar, the President of BNCA, his spouse and participants rode on canoes and boats combing the river to collect rubbish.

Also taking part were members of various government agencies.

Dozens of bags were filled with rubbish which included plastic bottles, plastics and others.

As members of the public and citizens of the country, Major (Rtd) Mohd Talip bin Haji Mohd Tahir, the Secretary General of the association, highlighted that “it is our responsibility to help maintain the cleanliness of public areas as well as rivers, because rubbish is not only an eyesore but (it) also can harm the natural environment”.

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|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

WINNERS of different Jawi calligraphy competitions received awards during a ceremony at the Information Department of the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday.

Haji Ali Yusri bin Haji Abdul Ghafoor, Acting Director of Co-Curriculum Education, Department of Co-Curriculum Education, Ministry of Education delivered a welcoming address.

The guest of honour, YB Iswandy bin Ahmad, a member of the Legislative Council, presented prizes to the winners.

The first place winner in the female category of the National Jawi Writing Competition 2017 for Primary School Level was Pengiran Qaiyimah Nurul Bolkiah binti Pengiran Haji Mohammad Hakimmuddin from Arabic Preparatory School, Bandar Seri Begawan followed by Laraski Marwah binti Agus Dida Gustiawan from Chung Hua Middle School, Kuala Belait and Nur Syahmina Aqilah binti Abdullah Muhd Nur Ariffin from Sultan Hashim Primary School, Batu Apoi.

In the male category, Muhammad Amin bin Pengiran Behrin from Chung Hua Middle School, Kuala Belait won first place followed by Abdul Hakim bin Japar from Panaga Primary School and Md Akmal Amirul Raziman bin Md Saiful Rizal from Rataie Primary School.

The first place winner in the male category of the National Roman Calligraphy 2017 for Secondary Schools and Colleges Competition was Abdul Izz Wafiy bin Md Nur Adile from Sayyidina Hasan Secondary School followed by Mohd Aizzulfadly bin Tuddin from Sultan Hassan Secondary School and Alzam Muhd Danish bin Yahya from Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College (MSPSBS).

The first place winner in the female category was Nurul Hamizah binti Mohd Khairul Arifin from Chung Hua Middle School, Kuala Belait followed by Ann Vanessa Ang Ziqi from MSPSBS and Nur Farahiyah Nadhirah binti Md Nor Faidzal from Sayyidina Hasan Secondary School.

There were no first and second place winners in the male category of the National Jawi Calligraphy 2017 for Sixth Form Centres and Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) Competition 2017.

Zulhanizam bin Jamil from IBTE Agro-Technology Campus won third place.

In the Female Category, Aiman Zahidah binti Ahmad Hilmi from MSPSBS won first place followed by Rabi’atul Fathin Afiqah binti Ahmad from IBTE Agro-Technology Campus and Elsa Diyana Fitri binti Azman from Sayyidina Ali Secondary School.

The competitions aimed to produce a young generation proficient in reading Jawi and Al-Quran which is in line with the National Education System for the 21st Century (SPN21).

It also sought to instil nationalism among participants by promoting Jawi writing as a cultural heritage in accordance with Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB).

The competitions also aimed to support the titah 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 during the National Al-Quran Reading Competition (Adult Level) on January 14, 1991 where he underscored the importance of Jawi writing and calligraphy proficiency in developing the creative arts industry and fostering a passion for the craft.

A total of 118 entries from 61 schools and institutions from all four districts were submitted for the competitions.

These included 92 participants from 46 primary schools, 17 participants from 10 secondary schools and colleges and nine participants from five sixth form centres and IBTE.

The competitions were held at Perdana Wazir Secondary School, Kuala Belait on August 19, Muda Hashim Secondary School, Tutong on August 21, Sultan Hassan Primary School, Temburong on August 22, and MSPSBS on August 28.

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|     Achong Tanjong     |

A BOOK by local author and poet, Haji Mohammad Firdaus bin Orang Kaya Haji Noordin, was officially launched yesterday.

The book ‘Serumpun Kata – Perjalanan Seni Firdaus HN – Mengangkat Batang Terendam Di Sungai Pendaruan’, was launched by guest of honour YB Pehin Orang Kaya Putera Maharaja Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Ghani bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Dewa Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Rahim, member of the Legislative Council (LegCo) in conjunction with the 2017 Assembly of Prominent Literary Figures and Experts (PSBNS), at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

Meanwhile, the five-day gathering of authors and literary experts from Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia came to an end with a closing ceremony at the International Convention Centre (ICC), in Berakas.

The main highlights were provided by stage performances representing each member countries, such as ‘Jong Batu’ and ‘Dang Mengalai’ from Brunei; ‘Selayang Pandang’ from Malaysia; ‘Tanjong Katong’ from Singapore; and ‘Ayo Mama’ from Indonesia.

This year’s assembly was organised by PSBNS and the Brunei Darussalam Association of Writers (Asterawani).

The annual event provides a medium for the exchange of views and thoughts on the development of literature and culture in each of the member countries, while encouraging participants to be more active through the Creative Writers Club (CWC).

It also aims to encourage more involvement and feedback from reading enthusiasts by way of the Forum Group Discussions for Readers’ Response (FGDRR) or the Readers’ Response Club (RRC).

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THE Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Zulkarnain bin Haji Hanafi last week announced four mandates for the Ministry of Education (MoE) during a launch event.

The first mandate announced is the implementation of the Teaching for English Literacy and Mathematics Mastery Frameworks. Developed by the Literacy and Numeracy Coaching Programme (LNCP), these frameworks are designed to bring about transformational change in the teaching of literacy and numeracy across Brunei.

The LNCP came about as part of the ministerial efforts towards Brunei Vision 2035 – which is to increase the number of well-educated and highly skilled people by the highest international standard, a press release said.

Effective teaching will enable students to achieve high learning outcomes and in this respect, good quality teaching in literacy and numeracy has the potential to improve students’ attainment. These frameworks are the attempt to clarify the expectations for effective teaching in Brunei in relation to the pedagogical themes of structuring and organising lessons, teaching content dialogically, designing effective learning tasks, and assessing learning continuously.

These four aspects of pedagogy practice are the means through which teachers should teach and students learn the content described in the curriculum. The main focus of lessons should be on securing good learning, so teachers should teach students and enable them to progress.

The frameworks will also help to improve teacher professional development and this is the second mandate: the alignment of the Teacher Professional Development (TPD) Framework with the Teaching for English Literacy and Mathematics and Mastery Frameworks.

This should bring a more strategic approach in creating custom Professional Developments (PDs) and professional development of Literacy Coaches (LCs) and Learning Partners (LPs) in schools by ensuring positive changes to teaching in the form of more reflective method of teaching, enhancing higher order thinking skills and varied approach to inciting a love for learning, critical thinking and greater interaction in the classroom.

While the first two mandates focus on systematic improvement of students’ literacy and numeracy levels and how teachers’ skills can be better enhanced, the remaining two mandates the sharing of relevant data and monitoring of programmes. These were included to improve transparency which will lead to better decision-making in the classroom and directions of programme implementation.

The use of data effectively during the delivery process to track progress or regress is essential to ensure the provision of the right support needed by teachers and students. This is pertinent for a data-driven decision-making process and allow more accurate execution of strategies.

Subsequently, continuous monitoring of the imple-mentation is also necessary in making the programme a success. As for the LNCP, a modular approach is employed to achieve a successful delivery and provide a safe environment to monitor, evaluate and review individual classroom practice, which in turn should contribute to the cultural change in the classroom by embedding transformational change within the Bruneian educational system.

These mandates signify critical areas to further improving the quality of teaching in line with national aspirations.

All stakeholders, especially the MoE, will also continuously review the quality of literacy and numeracy teaching and learning in ensuring the target for Brunei Vision 2035 is reached.

To the children in schools, these mandates will mean that they will have a better qualified teacher whose teaching skills are more engaging and incite interest to greater teacher-student interaction and learning. – Ministry of Education

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|     Achong Tanjong     |

THE underprivileged in the country continue to receive attention and assistance from the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB), mainly through the donation of Zakat (tithe) funds or items of necessity.

The latest example of this was the handing over of machinery and woodworking tools amounting to $7,494 to Ajis bin Dollah in a ceremony held at Simpang 77 of Jalan Manggis Dua.

Present at the event to hand over the equipment was Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud, who is also Deputy Chairman of MUIB.

The donated equipment was purchased using funds from the council’s Zakat Asnaf Fakir Miskin fund.

The council hopes that the contribution will raise the recipient’s spirit and encourage him to strive harder to improve the living standards of his family.

Ajis, who makes his living fabricating furniture such as cupboards and tables, as well as Keris (Malay dagger), expressed his heartfelt gratitude to MUIB for the donation, reassuring them that he will continue upgrading his furniture making skills to increase his income.

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|     James Kon     |

THE Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) ship, KDB Daruttaqwa concluded its participation in the First Asean Maritime National Exercise (AMNEX) in Pattaya Bay, Thailand, together with 13 ships from the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and 24 other international ships.

The exercise was held in conjunction with the Asean International Fleet Review (IFR) 2017, which took place on November 19-20, following an opening ceremony at the Dusit Thani Pattaya Hotel to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Asean.

The ceremony was officially launched by General (Rtd) Prawit Wongsuwon, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.

Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha presided over the ceremonial inspection at the IFR 2017, while sailing past all the participating ships on board the HTMS Thalang.

RBN Commander First Admiral Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Norazmi bin Pengiran Haji Muhammad attended the ceremony alongside other distinguished chiefs of navy and their representatives.

KDB Daruttaqwa also took part in the sea phase of the exercise yesterday.

Other events included the 11th Asean Navy Chiefs’ Meeting on November 19, and the Asean Night Reception, a day prior to the IFR.

KDB Daruttaqwa will depart from Pattaya today, and is scheduled to arrive in Brunei Darussalam on November 29.

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|     James Kon     |

TEAM HIO from Politeknik Brunei (PB) will represent Brunei Darussalam in the grand finale of the CIMB Asean Stock Challenge 2.0 scheduled to take place in Jakarta, Indonesia on January 15, 2018.

The team comprising students Ismail Hazim bin Haji Armi Noor (leader), Awangku Mohd Ishammudin bin Pengiran Zainal Abidin and Awangku Mohd Osman bin Pengiran Haji Mohd Isa grabbed the national champion title yesterday, with their well-prepared strategy papers on stock trading.

The competition challenges students to demonstrate their investment and analytical skills by trading with a virtual start-up capital of $80,000.

The team will get a chance to compete for the $12,000 grand prize and a study trip to Tokyo Stock Exchange if it wins the regional champion title.

The second-year Business Accounting and Finance students hope to try their best in the regional competition and do the country proud.

In an interview, Ismail Hazim said, “We are grateful to be able to take part in this investment challenge as it has opened our eyes and exposed us to real life trading. In addition, it has enabled us to better understand the theoretical aspects of finance and investment that we have learnt so far at PB. One important lesson we have learnt is on the importance of mental strength and readiness when dealing with live stock trading.”

Recalling the team’s performance in the national level competition, he said, “At first, we faced some issues with the log in, and then we did our analysis on which stock to trade. We managed to start trading with our best analysis.”

Brian Wong, Country Manager of CIMB Investment Bank Berhad, in his remarks said, “Brunei had 143 teams comprising 358 participants registered for the CIMB Asean Stock Challenge, a higher number than Thailand (107) and Cambodia (124), despite both countries having more eligible universities as well as more years of participation experience in the competition.”

He also acknowledged the support of Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD) and local universities and institutions of higher education for the competition.

“From the discussions and roadshows conducted in the weeks leading to the start of the competition, we were overwhelmed by the interest, energy and commitment from everyone we approached,” Brian noted.

The guest of honour, Mardini bin Haji Eddie, Acting Assistant Managing Director and Executive Director, Treasury and Investment Management Unit, AMBD highlighted that the Brunei Darussalam Financial Sector Blueprint 2016-2025, which was published earlier this year by the AMBD, recognised the importance of human capital development in raising financial literacy standards in Brunei Darussalam.

He urged financial institutions and other stakeholders in the country to continue instilling skills and practical knowledge in students so as to help them survive and thrive in today’s world.

“We need our students, our future workforce, to be properly equipped with a more holistic regional mentality, to have high financial literacy and be well-engaged with the current environment, from knowing how capital markets work to understanding the geopolitical landscape that shapes the economic climate,” he added.

In addition to efforts to promote financial literacy, he said, “AMBD is supportive of all similar efforts by market participants to encourage Bruneian students and youths in increasing their knowledge about capital markets in general. I also note that the Brunei Darussalam Capital Market Association (BCMA), established earlier this year has also been active in its effort to promote financial and investment literacy, through initiatives such as BCMA Investment Challenge (on stock trading) and BCMA Radio Challenge (on financial planning and awareness on investment), all of which are very relevant as Brunei Darussalam prepares for the establishment of the local securities exchange.”

Paul Taylor, CEO of Progresif Cellular, highlighted, “We firmly believe this project will help students to discover new things about themselves, as individuals and business people, and about the world of regional investment management. What is very important here is not so much about winning but accumulation of knowledge.”

Compared to last year, this year’s participation saw a seven per cent increase to over 3,700 teams from 200 universities across six Asean member states.

Mardini presented certificates and prizes to the top three teams of the competition while Paul Taylor distributed prizes to the remaining of the top 10 teams.

Edwan Zukri bin Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Adanan, a member of the Board of Directors of Progresif, the official telecom sponsor of the competition as well as other officials were also present.

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|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

A TOTAL of 1,215 students from low-income families across Brunei Darussalam have benefited from the Breakfast for School (BFS) programme, which first began as a pilot project in 2016, involving 200 students from four schools in the Brunei-Muara District.

The initial efforts to keep underprivileged students from going hungry would go on to produce positive results for the participants in terms of school attendance, discipline, sense of well-being and self-esteem.

For the 2017 BFS Programme, Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (YSHHB) partnered with Ideal Multifeed Farm Sdn Bhd to provide 131,538 eggs that were distributed to the students twice a week.

Additionally, YSHHB also provides 65,769 packs of full cream milk for the students involved.

Moreover, contributions from school staff, community members and private individuals have enabled the breakfast provisions to take place on a near-daily basis, with some variations to the menu.

In view of the project’s success, a certificate presentation was held yesterday for Multifeed Farm (Brunei) Sdn Bhd, along with the organising teachers of the BFS Programme, private donors and transport service coordinators.

The certificates were presented by Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud, the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, in his capacity as a member of the YSHHB Board of Directors.

In her speech, Hajah Donnaliza binti Abdullah Puasa, the Assistant Managing Director of YSHHB, thanked Ideal Multifeed Farm for donating and delivering eggs for 46 days to the Tutong District; 53 days to the Brunei-Muara District; 58 days to the Belait District; and 46 days to the Temburong District.

In 2016, the pilot project was jointly organised by YSHHB and the Department of Schools of the Ministry of Education, with the collaboration of Royal Brunei Catering Sdn Bhd, Gardenia Food Industries Sdn Bhd and the 4WD Association.

This year, 13 schools were involved in the BFS Programme: Awang Semaun Secondary School, Masin Secondary School, Lumapas Primary School and Junjongan Primary School in the Brunei-Muara District; Sayyidina Othman Secondary School, Tanjong Maya Secondary School, Pehin Kesuma Negara Bukit Beruang Primary School and Perpindahan Kampong Bukit Beruang Primary School in Tutong District; Perdana Wazir Secondary School, Anthony Abell College, Pengiran Setia Negara Pengiran Muhammad Yusof Primary School and Muhammad Alam Primary School in the Belait District; and Sultan Hassan Secondary School in the Temburong District.

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|     Azlan Othman     |

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 yesterday consented to attend a Kesyukuran ceremony, held in honour of the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the monarch’s Accession to the Throne.

The event was hosted by mukim penghulus, village heads and longhouse chiefs from all four districts in the country at Tarindak D’Seni in the capital.

Also present at the ceremony were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.

His Majesty and other members of the royal family were greeted upon arrival by Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Home Affairs; Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism; and Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, in their capacity as co-chairpersons for Jawatankuasa Sektoral Keraian dan Acara-Acara Daerah Mukim of the Golden Jubilee Celebration.

Also present to greet His Majesty were members of the Legislative Council.

Also in attendance were 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; Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti; and Pehin Orang Kaya Shahbandar Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Mohd Nawawi bin Pehin Orang Kaya Shahbandar Haji Awang Mohd Taha, the Private and Confidential Secretary of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, as co-chairpersons of the Executive Committee for the Golden Jubilee Celebration.

During the ceremony, His Majesty and other members of the royal family posed for a group photograph with mukim penghulus, village heads and longhouse chiefs.

In his speech, YB Haji Tahamit bin Haji Nudin, a member of the Legislative Council and Penghulu of Mukim Gadong ‘A’, expressed gratefulness, on behalf of penghulus, village heads and longhouse chiefs, for the celebration to mark the Golden Jubilee of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne on October 5, 2017 which had been held successfully, and reiterated their undivided loyalty to the monarch.

“Under the reign of His Majesty over the past 50 years, mukims, villages and longhouses in the rural areas have been enjoying peace and stability,” he said.

Expressing unwavering support to His Majesty’s titah during the Golden Jubilee Celebration at Istana Nurul Iman, YB Haji Tahamit said, “The sovereign is responsible for solving the problems of his people, while the people are obliged to be responsive towards their sovereign. This is a mutual obligation for the wellbeing of all.”

The event also saw His Majesty receiving a pesambah. Before leaving the ceremony, a Doa Selamat was read by YB Awang Haji Emran bin Haji Sabtu, a member of the Legislative Council and Penghulu of Mukim Bokok in Temburong.

His Majesty and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince later received greetings from mukim penghulus, village heads and longhouse chiefs across the district and other guests.

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THE Parliament of Australia is set to host delegates from across Asean in a bid to strengthen relationships between regional parliaments and provide insights into Australia’s political system.

YB Khairunnisa binti Haji Ash’ari, a member of Brunei’s Legislative Council (LegCo), will represent the Sultanate in this year’s programme, taking place from November 22 to 29, with delegates visiting Melbourne, regional Victoria and Canberra.

The annual programme will include meetings with various Australian parliament members and senior government officials. Delegates will also attend ‘Question Time’ in both the House of Representatives and Senate, where ministers are called upon to explain government decisions and actions.

Nicola Rosenblum, the Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, said, “The programme is designed for younger or newly elected Members of Parliament with the objective of helping them build Asean-wide networks that will benefit them throughout their careers.”

She added, “Brunei has been an enthusiastic participant in the past and we are honoured that its Legislative Council has once again nominated another strong candidate to contribute to this year’s programme.”

The high commissioner was present at the Brunei International Airport to bid farewell to YB Khairunnisa, who left for Melbourne on November 21.

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