THE Leaders Foundation Camp (LFC) was held at Games Village, Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium Complex from December 21 – 24.

Organised for the first time by Generasi Bekarih, the camp saw up to 60 youth participants aged 15 to 25 and hailing from all four districts discuss alternative ways to solve youth unemployment in various nations.

The camp aimed to build a generation of youth imbued with admirable moral values and outstanding leadership qualities.

It also helped them develop into ‘360 Leaders’ as well as taught them life skills as preparations for the future.

During the four-day camp, participants learnt basic leaders’ skills, ways to instil discipline in their lives, get to know each other through teambuilding exercises, and gained a better understanding of current issues.

The camp also provided participants a chance to improve their ways of communicating with the outside world valuable life lessons and experience were shared by Generasi Bekarih facilitators.

Next up after this camp is the Advanced Leaders Camp (ALC) in 2018.

The camp will be open to a limited number of applicants.For updates on the event, visit www.GenerasiBekarih.com or follow the organiser’s Instagram and Facebook accounts at Generasi Bekarih.

The post Youths leave LFC camp enriched appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

THE 67 participants of the ‘Basic Fardhu ‘Ain, Taharah and Prayers, Theory and Practical Workshop’ were presented with certificates during a ceremony at the Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque in Kampong Mentiri yesterday after completing the two-day workshop.

Handing the certificates to the participants was Acting Director of Mosque Affairs, Ustaz Pengiran Haji Haslin bin Pengiran Haji Ali, the guest of honour.

During the workshop, the participants, comprising Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque congregrants and members of the public, were lectured on three selected topics.

They also performed religious rituals relating to the topics through practical sessions. Among these were the proper method of ablution and the performance of several types of prayers, including congregational prayers, Jamak and Qasar prayers, as well as prayers for sick individuals.

The workshop, organised by the Al-Minhaaj Centre and facilitated by the centre’s co-founder, Ustaz Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ajak, aimed to, among other goals, provide participants with proper understanding of the various prayers for their and their families’ benefit.

The workshop, hosted for the first time at the mosque, will also be conducted at mosques in the Tutong and Belait districts.

The post 67 complete prayer workshop appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

DAMIT WorleyParsons Engineering Sdn Bhd’s (DWE) successful involvement in multiple projects for Brunei Shell Petroleum Co Sdn Bhd (BSP) earned it Global Shell recognition for quality.

DWE, a local company operating in Brunei since 1988 has been serving the local energy industry by working with BSP. DWE has been involved in delivering multiple projects (both Greenfield and major Brownfield contracts) and has been associated with BSP in all their success stories.

The key emphasis for the DWE team has been on project delivery and ensuring high quality products at all times, with a mindset focus on getting the job done ‘right the first time’.

To add further to DWE’s achievements over the years, BSP recently nominated them to the Global Shell Quality selection panel for consideration in the Q2 2017 Quality Recognition Awards. This saw DWE competing with other global business partners and organisations in the same category of service.

This nomination was the recognition by DWE’s customers for their efforts in showcasing the right ‘quality behaviour’ on various projects as part of their Quality Management System, in particular, the DWE Design Assurance Process with a commitment to deliver high quality products to their customers.

The Shell team was impressed with DWE’s Discipline Technical Peer Reviews and how they manage the process, including documenting the actions in Assess, Improve and Monitor (AIM) global system and their follow-ups in closing the actions.

Shell communicated that DWE should be very proud of this achievement and that they are looking forward to receiving more outstanding contributions from the company.

DWE’s achievement has been published on the Shell Global Quality Recognition Awards Page and shared across the Shell fraternity.

DWE is the only organisation selected for this award from Brunei.

The Shell Quality Recognition Award for Q2 2017 was formally presented to DWE during the BSP Quality Day held on December 12.

The post DWE bags Q2 Global Shell Quality Recognition Award appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Azlan Othman     |

THE Ministry of Communications (MinCom) in cooperation with the Brunei Darussalam Maritime and Ports Authority (PBMP) yesterday continued the campaign of highlighting the importance of using safety jackets during boat rides on the Brunei River.

The event was held at the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex jetty as a follow-up to the campaign launched on December 23. The MinCom and the PBMP will continue to organise such events in the coming weeks to create more safety awareness among water taxi operators and people using water transport services.

Attending the event were Dr Haji Supry bin Haji Awang Ladi, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary at the MinCom, senior officials of the MinCom, PBMP and the Marine Police.

As part of the campaign, MinCom and PBMP yesterday brought together companies selling life jackets, and Aewon Garment and Embroidery Company was one of them.

This initiative came following discussions during the previous campaign with water taxi operators who had voiced certain grievances over buying safety jackets.

Yesterday, out of the 50 water taxi operators present at the Yayasan Complex jetty, 47 bought safety jackets, while 10 passengers also purchased them.

In a survey held during the first campaign last week, it was found that only 23 out of the 40 water taxi operators at the jetty were wearing safety jackets while no passengers were using them.

According to statistics for 2017, there are 410 registered water taxis operating in the country. Of these, 225 possess Class 9 licence, while 88 registered ferry boats have not yet met the standards set.

The remaining 97 that are only temporarily registered have been given time until the end of December 2017 to register and obtain the Class 9 licence.

PBMP is planning to conduct courses and tests in the vicinity of the Yayasan Complex jetty to facilitate water taxi operators to obtain licence.

The ministry hopes that through this ongoing campaign as well as with assistance from village heads in the area, it can achieve the target to increase the number of water taxi operators and boat passengers who wear safety jackets.

For registered water taxi operators, there are certain standards set for obtaining licence. The size of the boats based on the power of the engine used has also been set.

However, authorities have found that some water taxi operators have replaced the original engines with powerful ones after obtaining the licence. Fines were imposed on such operators.

MinCom reminded water taxi operators and passengers of the importance of using safety jackets, regardless of whether the journey is long or short.

The Safety and Investigation Division of MinCom and the PBMP will regularly monitor water taxis to ensure that the operators comply with all the safety regulations, it added.

The post Life jacket campaign strikes right chord appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Aziz Idris, Daniel Lim & Azaraimy HH     |

MASS Asar and Sunnat Hajat prayers along with recitation of Ratib Al-Attas were held by the Brunei National Road Safety Council (BNRSC) yesterday to mark World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDR) and to commemorate the council’s 40th anniversary.

The ceremonies were carried out simultaneously in the Brunei-Muara, Belait and Tutong districts.

For Brunei-Muara District, the prayers were held at the Brunei International Airport Surau. Present as the guest of honour was Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, the Minister of Communications and Advisor of the BNRSC.

Also in attendance were the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Chairman of the BNRSC, Haji Azhar bin Haji Ahmad, as well as directors, heads of departments, senior officers and members of the BNRSC.

In the Belait District, the prayers were held at the Mohammad Jamalul Alam Mosque in Kuala Belait and attended by the guest of honour, Abdol Hazis bin Haji Ahad, the Acting Belait District Officer and Chairman of the BNRSC Kuala Belait.

Also present was YB Hanapi bin Mohd Siput, Village Head of Kampong Labi 1 and a Legislative Council (LegCo) member.

The ceremony began with mass Sunnat Hajat prayers followed by the recitation of Ratib Al-Attas, Surah Yaasiin and Doa Tahlil, before ending with Asar prayer.

Meanwhile for Tutong District, the ceremony was held at the Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque in Pekan Tutong and attended by government officials and residents.

Apart from remembering road traffic victims, the ceremonies were also organised to seek blessings and protection from Allah the Almighty and raise awareness on the importance of road safety.

The BNRSC urged road users to always exercise caution and practice proper etiquette and safety to avoid incidents, especially during the monsoon season.

Brunei recorded 10 road deaths out of 1,023 road mishaps since January 21 until the third week of April this year. Five cyclists and two pedestrians were also injured in these incidents.

The post Nationwide prayers held in memory of road accident victims appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

SEVERAL areas in the Temburong District are still reeling under the impact left by flash floods and landslides caused by tropical storm Kai-Tak last week.

Yesterday, a delegation led by Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, Minister of Education, visited Sultan Hassan Primary School in Pekan Bangar, Puni Primary School and Sultan Hashim Primary School in Batu Apoi to monitor the situation.

Also in the delegation was Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar, Deputy Minister of Education.

The visit was to take a closer look at the condition of the flood-stricken schools where several classrooms were affected as well as to inspect the cleaning works that were carried out there.

Heavy floods also inundated roads leading to these schools where water has begun to recede.

The Ministry of Education said it will take measures to address problems that may occur due to natural calamities.

The schools, in collaboration with the Health, Safety, Security and Environment Section (HSSE) of the Department of Administration and Services under the Ministry of Education (MoE) have outlined several action plans to address matters arising from such incidents in a well-planned manner, a statement issued by the ministry said.

This is to ensure that repair and maintenance of infrastructure and facilities damaged in floods are done immediately so that the school session which begins next week, can run smoothly as scheduled, the statement added.

The Minister of Education and his entourage also visited the home of a teacher of Sultan Hashim Primary School in Batu Apoi whose house was badly affected in the flood.

The delegation also included Dr Haji Azman bin Ahmad, Acting Permanent Secretary at the MoE; Haji Azis bin Haji Nayan, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary; Dr Chin Wei Keh, Acting Director-General of Education; directors and senior officials of the MoE.

The post Flood-hit schools get set for new academic year appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Aziz Idris     |

ORGANISERS of the inaugural Brunei Film Blitz 2017 announced the secret ingredients for the 48-hour Film Blitz Category competition, happening today until tomorrow during a press conference held at the Times Cineplex of The Empire Hotel & Country Club yesterday.

Festival Director, Siti Kamaluddin told the media that participants of the 48-hour Film Blitz must submit a short film of up to six minutes within two days, and must feature scenes with these ingredients: the Borneo Bulletin and Media Permata newspapers and the Progresif Radio App.

The winner of this category will receive a $10,000 cash prize and their film will be aired on the silver screen tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the film festival will also have an Open Category competition, where local filmmakers will have the opportunity to showcase their short films.

The filmmakers participating in this category have submitted their entries beforehand and will be judged by invited film specialists from around the region. The winner will receive a cash prize of $5,000.

The winning films of each category will be announced, awarded and screened tomorrow night at the Brunei Film Blitz Gala ceremony.

“The Brunei Film Blitz 2017 aims to support aspiring filmmakers in Brunei and to encourage locals to keep making films and develop the lucrative industry,” said Siti Kamaluddin.

The ‘Yasmine’ director also added that the Brunei Film Blitz is a great start and platform to nurture the film industry in Brunei Darussalam.

“This is our first film festival and I am very thankful to the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism for supporting the film industry in their Brunei December Festival and to all our sponsors for believing in us and the creative industry in Brunei.

“What is important is that we make a start, and this is a good start,” she said.

Throughout the two-day film festival, there will also be masterclasses by film specialists Maxine Williamson, Alex Fischer and Raymond Miranda. The masterclass will cover the studies of cinematic languages, the DNA of a powerful story and the anatomy of short films.

In an interview, one of the film specialists, Maxine Williamson, advised the local filmmakers to produce movies with “your own culture, and it must be original and simple”.

“Make a film that your community wants to watch or can relate to with an original storyline and always remember to keep your film simple,” she said, before expressing her interest to view all film entries from local filmmakers. The day also saw a media screening of two short films from the Open Category.

Present in show of support was Wardi bin Haji Mohammad Ali, the Deputy Permanent Secretary (Tourism) at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism.

He expressed his enthusiasm over the film festival and believed that the event will encourage more young filmmakers to come forward and showcase their talents.

The post Brunei Film Blitz to kick off today appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Wani Roslan     |

THE Hotwheels Bike and Car Show organised by Andika Samudera Event Management was officially launched yesterday at the parking area in front of the Royal Regalia Museum in the capital.

Officiating the event as the guest of honour was YB Haji Abdul Hamid @ Sabli bin Haji Arshad, Legislative Council (LegCo) member and President of the Association of Travel Agents Brunei (ATAB).

Suherdy bin Suli, the Managing Director of Andika Samudera Event Management and chairman of the event, in his welcoming remark highlighted that the event was held for the first time with support of the Og Custom Cycles (OGCC) club and other automobile and bike clubs in the country.

“Almost 100 participants took part in two categories and it is hoped that it will be one of the annual activities to be held in the future,” he said.

At the event, the guest of honour was invited to tour and take a closer look at every car showcased at the event.

The event aimed to provide opportunities for car and bike enthusiasts to showcase their cars and at the same time support the Brunei December Festival 2017 organised by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism in to encourage the public to spend their holidays and money in the country.

The post Hotwheels Bike and Car Show launched appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Azaraimy HH     |

THE Brunei December Festival 4×4 Jamboree 2017 kicked-off yesterday in a welcoming ceremony at the main campsite held at the oldest forest in Brunei-Wasai Bedanu.

The jamboree is a two-night four-wheel drive gathering aimed at bringing together enthusiasts from Brunei and around the region. Participants gathered at the main campsite at Bedanu in Mukim Kiudang.

During the event, participants are expected to participate in an off-road adventure, navigating through some of the challenging trails in Ladan.

About 120 participants, from as young as seven to 67, made the camp, mingled around and exchanged stories and experiences related to four-wheel driving.

The guest of honour Wardi bin Haji Mohammad Ali, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Tourism) at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT), officiated the jamboree by setting up the main campfire.

Present were Atiqah Norsauzelah binti Haji Abdullah, the Event Director for Brunei December Festival 4×4 Jamboree, and senior officers from the MPRT.

The event – managed by EnTee Event Management – saw the guest of honour presenting tokens of appreciation to participants.

The first acknowledgement – for the biggest team joining the jamboree – went to Team TTK 4×4, which has seven vehicles and 16 members.

The award for the furthest overlander went to Diver Patrick who came all the way from Sabah, Malaysia. A token of appreciation was also given to the oldest participant, Leong Yoke Foon from Sabah, who was 67.

The guest of honour also received a token of appreciation for his effort in the Brunei December Festival 2017 from the Event Advisor, Mohamad Noh.

The post Brunei 4×4 Jamboree kicks off at old forest appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Daniel Lim     |

THE Oil and Gas Discovery Centre (OGDC), a social investment flagship of Brunei Shell Petroleum Co Sdn Bhd (BSP), is hosting a life-size animatronic Stegosaurus, Triceratops, Tyrannosaurus Rex and many other world-famous dinosaurs in its latest high-end ‘Explor-a-saurus’ exhibition from Scitech, Australia.

Scheduled to run until April 2018, with the support of the Tourism Development Department and the Brunei Tourism Board, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, the exhibition also features complete specimens of dinosaur skeletons and eggs, ancient plants, insect fossils and a ‘dinosaur theatrette’, in which visitors can watch how dinosaurs became extinct.

Some of the displays allow for a more interactive experience, such as the ‘Robosaurus’, which enables visitors to control different parts to make the dinosaur model move; the ‘Dinosaur Dig’, in which visitors can dig through ‘dirt’ to uncover dinosaur bones; and the ‘Might of a T-Rex Bite’, where visitors can step inside the jaws of a T-Rex and cast their strength.

Explor-a-saurus has been developed to engage children from five to 12 years, although it provides a broader appeal to fascinate people of all ages.

The main takeaway of this exhibition will be the use of concepts such as paleontology and forensics in uncovering the remains of dinosaurs; the learning of biology in discovering how dinosaurs thrived in their environment; and the utilisation of maths skills to test the strength of a T-Rex bite.

Complementing the exhibition are table-top science activities on weekends and scheduled science shows by OGDC science communicators. Visitors can even request for a guided tour and extra assistance.

In the meantime, the OGDC has announced that the exhibition will be temporarily closed on January 8-10, 2018, to make way for minor refurbishments for the comfort and convenience of the public.

Operations will resume as usual, on January 11, 2018.

The post Prehistoric flora and fauna come to life in ‘Explor-a-saurus’ exhibition appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     James Kon     |

THE Royal Brunei Armed Forces’ Wives Welfare Committee (BAKTI) held a donation ceremony at the Bolkiah Garrison yesterday, for the primary schools within the RBAF camps.

During the ceremony, Pengiran Datin Nuur ‘Izzah Nabilah binti Pengiran Haji Ahmad Mahdi Al-Sufri, the President of BAKTI, presented $100 vouchers to representatives from Pantai Berakas Primary School, Tentera Laut Diraja Brunei Primary School, Tutong Camp Primary School and Binturan Primary School at the Penanjong Camp.

The parents and guardians of special needs students at the Gurkha Reserve Unit also received vouchers for the purchase of school essentials.

In her welcoming remarks, the President of BAKTI said, “In August this year, BAKTI held a family day aimed at raising funds to help orphans, special needs children and underprivileged students of schools within the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) camps, in addition to strengthening ties among the families and communities in the RBAF.”

She added, “Thanks to the support of the families participating in the event, as well as individual contributions, we have successfully raised more than $4,000.

“Members of the BAKTI administrative committee also contributed to the fund, to help ease the burden of parents preparing their children for school in 2018.”

The President of BAKTI also presented certificates to Samima Sdn Bhd and Oddbox Pictures Sdn Bhd, as a gesture of appreciation.

The post BAKTI donates vouchers to RBAF primary schools appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Azaraimy HH     |

A PERSONNEL from the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) Able Rate (AB) Armizam bin Yaping and his brother, Armirol bin Yaping, a personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department, recited their Syahadah at their parents’ residence in Kampong Bukit Beruang yesterday.

The guest of honour was Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah, Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF).

Also present at the ceremony were YB Haji Ramli bin Haji Lahit, member of the Legislative Council; First Admiral Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Norazmi bin Pengiran Haji Muhammad, Commander of the RBN; Haji Shamsul Bahrin bin Haji Mohd Hussain, Tutong District Officer; officers from the RBAF and the Islamic Da’wah Centre as well as the family members.

The ceremony began with the recitation of verses from Al-Quran and the declaration of Syahadah led by an officer from the Islamic and Conversion Guidance Unit, Islamic Da’wah Centre.

Highlighting the ceremony was Dikir Marhaban as well as the sprinkling of scented flowers and gift presentation to the new converts.

AB Armizam bin Yaping, now known as Muhammad Armizan bin Abdullah Yaping, is the fifth RBAF personnel to convert to Islam this year.

Meanwhile Kupun/Kupon bin Lakim, a father of five, and his wife, Rineh binti Likap, with their three daughters embraced the Islamic faith yesterday in a conversion ceremony at RPN Bukit Beruang.

Kupun/Kupon, is now known as Muhammad Khairul Amirin bin Lakim, and his wife chose her Muslim name as Nur Rahwani binti Abdul Yaakub.

Of their three daughters, Rozeysuzairianey chose her Muslim name as Nur Zahirah Zi’ Zaryannie, Rozeysuzainey chose her name as Rozey Khadijah, and Rozeysuzulianey as Na’imi Mahfuzah Elyanie.

The guest of honour was Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dato Paduka Haji Mohammad Irwan bin Haji Hambali.

Also present were Legislative Council members, YB Pehin Orang Kaya Pendikar Alam Dato Paduka Seri Haji Hasrin bin Dato Paduka Haji Sabtu and YB Haji Ramli as Penghulu of Mukim Telisai, and the Tutong District Officer, as well as high-ranking officials from the Royal Brunei Police Force.

According to the statistics from the Islamic Da’wah Centre, in Tutong District, 113 people embraced Islam in 2017 until yesterday.

The post Seven people embrace Islam appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|    Fadhil Yunus    |

SITI Nurafiqah binti Haji Omar Ali Ra’aie hit her ticket to the World Traditional Archery competition in Kuala Lumpur next year after emerging victorious in the Bendahara category of the 1st Annual Ar-Rafi Archery Tournament 2017 at the Royal Brunei Recreation Club yesterday.

The Bruneian archer accumulated a total of 94 points over three distances including the 10m, 15m and 20m to win the event by two points with Adi Wardi bin Idris in the runner-up finish having 92 points and Muhammad Zulazizi bin Bujang in a distant third with 75 points.

“I think this is very memorable because it is my first time. I didn’t actually get any target in class so it’s shocking that I can be part of the international archery,” said Siti Nurafiqah in an interview with the Weekend Bulletin.

With training taking place outdoors, she said the wet and muddy conditions made it difficult, adding that she trained at night.

“I only attended three classes in training due to the heavy rain. I had to commit myself.”

The win was even more shocking considering that Siti Nurafiqah, who was introduced to the sport by her sister, did not have her shooting target on during training.

“It was very shocking because I got so many bottles today (the event).”

Siti Nurafiqah revealed that she is interested in doing sports and her sister has encouraged her to join a class.

“I really like doing sports but I just don’t really get along with people. I keep telling myself and my sister always comforts me saying ‘you should go, go with other people and get along’.

“She brought me to Ar-Rafi for the very basic course and from there I started to learn that I should go outside and get more exposure,” she further added.

“I thank the coaches because I will be nothing without them as they always provide motivation and also my family for encouraging me to just shoot.

“The coach always said we have to be patient. It will always go out no matter what (the arrows). You have to be patient, you have to calm yourself and you don’t have to rush. It is putting yourself towards what you target for,” she said.

Meanwhile, Tan Chai Hong emerged winner in the Laksamana category after collecting a total of 134 points.

Presenting the prizes was Pengiran Haji Radno bin Pengiran Haji Md Tahir, Chairman of Ar-Rafi Archery Brunei.

According to Pengiran Haji Radno, the World Traditional Archery competition will feature participating countries from Turkey, Bulgaria, China, Korea, Hungary and France.

The post Siti Nurafiqah shoots to victory in archery tourney appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

THE Brunei Water Festival 2017 was launched at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.

The festival kick-started yesterday as a 500-feet-long water slide that stretches over one of the steep roads of the ICC was opened to the public in a ceremony.

Launched by guest of honour Haji Mohammad Zamree bin Haji Junaidi, Director of the Tourism Development Department, the festival will run until January 7, 2018.

In his opening remarks, Aaron Goh, Managing Director of event organiser Heroes Event Management, said, “The main objective of this festival is to attract tourism to Brunei through this water park-themed event.

“The event also aims to create a platform for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Brunei to take part in the vendor area, cultivate volunteerism, as well for families and friends to enjoy a day out together throughout their year-end holidays,” he added.

Heroes Event Management, which is known for its charitable activities in the country, is dedicating one of the festival’s game vendors, the ‘Water Dunk Machine’, to raise funds for Pengiran Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah Fund for Orphans (DANA).

The launching of the event yesterday saw people giving the 500-feet water slide a go.

Equipped with inflatable tubes and hoses sprinkling water, the slide offers a wet and wild experience before a puddle greets the riders at the end.

“Other than the giant slide for kids and adults to enjoy the ride as well as fun carnival games, the event’s main attraction is the friendly and cute mascot, Perry the Penguin, who will be seen around the event to entertain the visitors during their outing,” Aaron said.

The post Giant slide big attraction at Brunei Water Festival appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

THE innovative optical security feature on the commemorative notes for the 50th anniversary of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore won the Best Applied Security Product award at the recent Excellence in Holography Awards 2017.

The security feature also received a Commendation Award in the Innovation in Holographic Technology category. The Excellence in Holography Awards are conferred annually by the International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA) to recognise the outstanding and effective use of holography.

The commemorative notes were jointly launched on July 5, 2017 by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of Singapore.

Both the Brunei Darussalam and Singapore commemorative notes feature a diffractive, see-through security window that depicts the Sultanate’s Istana Nurul Iman and Singapore’s Istana. The feature uses nanoparticles to create special diffractive and colour-shifting optical effects which are visible to the naked eye but extremely difficult for counterfeiters to replicate.

The IHMA noted in its award citation that “this feature represents a significant technological advancement as the science behind its development is a real step change for both polymer substrate and holograms”.

For more information on the commemorative notes, visit Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD)’s website or MAS’ website, download the AMBD app through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or view MAS’ video on the commemorative notes.

The post Holography award for commemorative Brunei-S’pore notes appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Fizah HAB     |

SOME 200 cyclists participated in last night’s Brunei Council on Social Welfare (MKM) ‘Kayuhan Riadah Amal Berbasikal 2017’, held at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, Berakas, for charity.

The 18km cycle ride was flagged off by MKM President Datin Paduka Hajah Intan binti Haji Mohd Kasim.

Supported by Awang Tum Tum Cycles, a leading distributor of bicycles in the country, as well as Starbucks Brunei, Taurean Bakeshop Café and a number of other organisations, the event was organised by MKM to raise funds for the less fortunate families under its care.

A lucky draw was also held, with a total of 40 prizes on offer, including two Nexus bicycles, one return ticket to Kuala Lumpur as well as electrical goods sponsored by various agencies and companies.

MKM is a non-government organisation that works purely on a voluntary basis to raise funds to support its many projects that aim to help single mothers, vulnerable children and orphans, persons with disabilities, vulnerable senior citizens who live on their own and families belonging to the low income group.

The post 200 ride to raise funds for the less fortunate appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Daniel Lim     |

AROUND 20 participants recently participated in a singing competition organised by the Kampong Baru Mutual Aid Association, Seria.

The competition was held at their main building.

The competition was organised with the aim of promoting a healthy lifestyle among the residents and also to instil in them a sense of friendship .

Present at the event to oversee the competition as the guest of honour was Yang Chow Min, President of the Kampong Baru Mutual Aid Association, Seria,

who was accompanied by Yue Thai Nga, Vice President of the Kampong Baru Mutual Aid Association, Seria.

Also present were the various committee members of the association who aided in organising and conducting the competition at the venue.

The guest of honour presented the winners with their prizes.

The event concluded with a group photo.

The post Singing competition ends on a high note appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     James Kon     |

FOLLOWING the success of the charity sales and fund collection for the Rumah Sinar Sejahtera of the Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre at Kampong Kiarong, an appreciation ceremony was held yesterday to honour sponsors and volunteers of the event.

The charity sales and fund collection held on November 4 at the Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD)’s Chancellor Hall received encouraging response from the public.

Present as the guest of honour was Siti Mardiyah binti Haji Besar, Chief Planning Officer at the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital, who also presented certificate of appreciation to students who carried out the project from UBD’s Centre for Lifelong Learning.

The recipients included Muhammad Nur Ariffin bin Haji Rosli, Md Mustaqim bin Hariah Mohamed, Mardhiyyah @ Nurul Syazana binti Sofri and Dayangku Za’imah Aqilah binti Pengiran Samsulbahri.

The charity project was part of the students’ Project Management course in UBD.

The project is hoped to help the students gain and improve their management skills and networking ability by working with other agencies.

Dayangku Hajah Nadirah binti Pengiran Haji Ahmad, a Project Officer from UBD’s Centre for Lifelong Learning, said, “The project aimed at raising public awareness and also was an avenue for the public to contribute to the Rumah Sinar Sejahtera.”

She conveyed her gratitude to the sponsors and volunteers who helped made the event a success.

The money raised from the project was used to purchase various items needed by Rumah Sinar Sejahtera, and the items were handed over at the ceremony.

The post Sponsors, volunteers appreciated for charitable endeavour appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Wani Roslan     |

DOZENS of families came to have fun in the ‘Hello 2018 Family Fun Day Event’ organized by Mabohai Shopping Complex in collaboration with Best Eastern Bookstore yesterday near the event stage of the shopping complex.

Together with their family members, the children enjoyed numerous activities such as finding items, a magic show, an interactive mini game show, Neo Classic Music School and a Disney costume competition.

The event aimed to strengthen the ties between the children with their parents, even as they enjoyed the holiday season with fun activities.

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|     Daniel Lim     |

A GROUP named ‘Sejadah Fajar’, which consists of more than 53 Muslims from Sambas Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia, has recently visited Brunei to learn more about the mosques and the surrounding history associated with the mosques in the Belait District.

The visit was organised as part of an initiative to not only strengthen the ties between the two countries, but also to share their knowledge of the history.

Haji A’san, S’pd, who led the group from Sambas to Brunei, said, “The visit was an opportunity to learn about the history of the mosque found in the country, as well as taking part in the various activities that each mosque conducts for their residents.”

He also said that it was the first time the group had visited Brunei and it was a good experience for all.

“We have only heard stories about Brunei, and it has been a fruitful experience for us as we were able to learn more about Brunei and its unique culture.

“Being able to visit the mosques was not only an opportunity to learn about the history, but also to take those teachings back to our hometown and to share them with others as to educate them on the unique culture and history of the mosques found in Brunei,” he added.

The group visited all the eight mosques in the Belait District, learning from the members of each mosque of its history, and the activities the mosque conducts for its surrounding residents.

The group was also able to share their own history of mosques in Sambas.

Both parties also expressed interest in conducting future visits as part of an exchange programme, with those from Brunei visiting Sambas and their mosques.

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