|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

TWENTY-YEAR-OLD Zabelina Darya from Russia and 24-year-old Pedro Gustavo Lima from Brazil may not know each other, but they share the same excitement – of being in Brunei with an academic mission.

Both of them were part of the international student contingent that turned up for the opening day of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Freshers’ Week yesterday to attend the orientation programme for the January 2018 intake.

Talking to the Bulletin, Zabelina Darya, a third year Bachelor’s Degree student majoring in Philology at the Saint Petersburg State University, said she came to UBD as an exchange student from Russia for a semester at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

Her Bachelor’s programme in Russia requires her to study Bahasa Indonesia.

“Brunei speaks Malay Language, a language which is similar to Bahasa Indonesia, which prompted me to come here and learn more about this country. With the encouragement from my teachers and my friends, I decided to choose Brunei for my exchange programme,” she said.

“Brunei is new not only for me, but the majority I know in my country. Many people in Russia do not really know about this country or even know where it is – not even my parents. But they supported my decision to come here and experience Brunei, not only in terms of academics but also the socio-cultural environment here.”

She arrived in Brunei the night before the Freshers’ Week commenced.

“I’ve never been to Brunei before and am yet to explore this country. The university has an efficient administration system which has helped us (the international students) immensely. I hope that their assistance will go beyond the enrolment procedure,” Zabelina noted.

She expressed happiness that the international students received a warm welcome for the Freshers’ Week, hoping that the well-organised orientation days and other informative sessions would assist them in understanding more about studying at UBD.

Meanwhile, Brazilian Pedro Gustavo Lima also shared his excitement as an international student.

“I’m a first time visitor here. The trip to Brunei was very long; I had to spend two-and-a-half days travelling from Brazil to Brunei, but I am glad I have arrived here safely.”

Arriving in Brunei on December 31, 2017, Pedro said that he has not had the opportunity to explore the country yet as he was busy preparing for the enrolment and orientation programme.

“I will be spending a semester at UBD. In Brazil, I study Industrial Engineering but here, I have enrolled for modules such as Manufacturing Engineering under the Faculty of Integrated Technologies (FIT).

“There are some modules here that are closely related to my programme in Brazil, so I hope that this will help broaden my academic knowledge further,” he said.

“I came here because I have always wanted to interact with the Asian people because for me, they are the best in terms of engineering. I am here not only to experience a different academic environment far from home, but also know more about the culture and people here,” Pedro added.

He also praised UBD for being well-organised and its willingness to help international students, not only in adapting to the culture and environment in Brunei, but also easing the processes and requirements for enrolling here.

“I hope to enjoy and get along with all the lecturers and be able to absorb the maximum that I can in all the modules I am enrolled to,” he said.

In an interview, Dr Sabrina binti Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Daud, Deputy Director of Global Relations at UBD, said that the university has a lot of partner universities worldwide since 2009.

“We now have more than 120 partner universities from 29 countries in six different continents.”

She informed that this is the first time UBD received Russian exchange students and most of whom would be staying in Brunei for one or two semesters.

“From Saint Petersburg State University, our new partner university in Russia, five students will be joining the current UBD intake.

“Similarly, we have a partnership with a consortium in Brazil, signed about a year ago. Last semester, we had a Brazilian student and this is the second time we are receiving another student from Brazil,” she said.

“UBD has been striving to be excellent in its internationalisation efforts, which will see more international students selecting UBD as their choice university.

“These students come to UBD not just for studying, but to learn and understand more about Brunei as well, so we hope that this will also help Brunei in terms of tourism development,” Dr Sabrina said.

The post Passion for Brunei makes them enrol at UBD appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

SOME 500 students, including international and UniBridge students, attended the opening of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Freshers’ Week for the January 2018 Intake – the second intake of the 2017/2018 academic year – at Universiti Brunei Darussalam’s Chancellor Hall yesterday.

The event began with all of the newly enrolled students taking their oaths before the senior management, principal and officers of UBD, as well as their parents.

Delivering the Vice-Chancellor’s special address was UBD’s Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr Joyce Teo Siew Yean.

In her speech, Dr Teo highlighted that UBD will be aiming to guide and mentor the new students to achieve not only academic excellence, but also the skills and solid foundation with which they can use to face challenges in their lives ahead.

“The job market nowadays places much emphasis on the need to have excellent communication skills, leadership skills, networking ability, creativity, resilience, teamwork and (the ability to) carry others along with you, as well as entrepreneurial experience, to name a few,” she said.

“This is (what) UBD’s GenNEXT can help instill in you (the students). GenNEXT puts much importance on developing leadership and innovation, entrepreneurship, and environmental awareness,” Dr Teo continued.

She also highlighted the third-year Discovery Year programme, another important component of GenNEXT which provides students with hands-on experience as part of their preparations and to sharpen their soft skills through overseas educational placements.

She said that UBD also provides opportunities for students to interact with international students with diverse cultural backgrounds, something which she says “will definitely enrich their educational experience”.

“This will be a good opportunity for you to share with the international students on our national philosophy of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) and our distinctive national identity as Bruneians,” Dr Teo told the new intake.

Throughout UBD Freshers’ Week, the students will be briefed on many aspects related to their academic needs such as the GenNEXT programme, module registration procedure, examination regulations, and Discovery Year programme. They will also be taught how to use the UBD online learning management system to support their learning, and how to use the library facilities.

The new students will also get to know more about the modules offered at the university as they will be introduced to their faculty members, notably the deans, deputy deans, programme leaders, as well as assistant registrars. Graduate students will be briefed separately on matters relating to their study requirements.

The fresh batch of students will be introduced to the functions of the Student Affairs Section and the UBD Students Association, with the focus being more on non-academic aspects and skills development of students, as well as extra-curricular activities being offered at UBD.

The students will also be given a walkthrough on the preparation and opportunities for their future careers by the Centre of Networking, Employment and Career Training (CoNECT), as well as a briefing on the Brunei Government Scholarship for scholarship applicants.

To raise awareness on a healthy lifestyle, the new intake will also participate in their first UBD Wednesday Activity, an activity which will be undertaken by all members of UBD. The university runs a weekly fitness session every Wednesday to promote a healthy and balanced lifestyle among its students and staff, and to improve the health and productivity of its community.

The UBD Freshers’ Week will close with a mass Zohor prayer and Surah Yaasiin and Doa Selamat recitations at the UBD Mosque to bless the commencement of the new semester.

UBD Freshers’ Week is a bi-annual event in which new students are briefed on matters relating to academic and non-academic life at the university and what it has to offer them.

The four-day orientation programme, aimed at familiarising the new students with their higher education studies at UBD, was co-organised by the Student Affairs Section and the Student Representative Council, and supported by student members and volunteers from the UBD Students Association.

Also present at yesterday’s event were UBD’s Assistant Vice-Chancellor; Students’ Dean Saidai bin Haji Hitam in his capacity as chairman of UBD Freshers’ Week for the January 2018 Intake; Special Academic Advisor, Professor Tong Chee Kiong; senior officers, officers and staff members; as well as parents and guardians.

The post 500 new students attend UBD Freshers’ Week appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

THE Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE), Prime Minister’s Office has extended the 65-day-long Brunei Salebration 2017 for a period of three weeks from February 1-21, 2018.

The much-awaited event where Bruneians can not only make wonderful deals but also contribute to nation building by supporting the local economy commenced on November 28, 2017 and was to run until January 31, 2018 as per the original schedule.

The move to extend the period is aimed to help businesses that participated in Brunei Salebration 2017 to hold a cheap sale price event in conjunction with the Chinese New Year 2018.

This will enable business participants to continue their cheap sale activities at ease without having to conform to the 14-day gap between the two planned cheap sale price activities.

Brunei Salebration 2017 participants who intend to hold a cheap sale price event in conjunction with the Chinese New Year 2018 are required to notify JPKE for the preparation of the Extension Notification Form which will need to be clearly displayed at a visible spot in the business premises, the department said in a press statement.

JPKE also urged participating businesses to use the event as a platform to support the government’s efforts to promote Brunei Darussalam as a shopping destination and contribute towards increasing local consumption and boosting business activities in the country.

More than 400 businesses registered to participate in Brunei Salebration 2017.

For inquiries, businesses are advised to contact the Department of Competition and Consumer Affairs in JPKE directly through the SmartConsumer mobile application, or through official channels.

The post Brunei Salebration extended for 3 weeks appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Achong Tanjong     |

TWO Brunei Darussalam Chainblock Muay Thai Gym representatives cinched the first and third place at the Borneo Martial Arts Expo and ISKA K1 Malaysian Championship in Labuan recently.

Awangku Mohd Khairul Bahri bin Pengiran Aliumar was crowned champion and Tan Lung Heng was placed third in the competition. Both are coached by Shahrin bin Haji Kasim, head coach, and Shahdon bin Haji Kasim, deputy head coach.

The event organised by the International Sport Kick Boxing Association (ISKA) Borneo gave martial arts practitioners or combat sport athletes the opportunity to compete in a positive atmosphere.

The event featured a number of combat sports tournaments including kick boxing (K1), mixed martial arts (MMA), forms and weapons, and ‘breaking’.

The post Locals fight their way to top at Labuan martial arts expo appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

A GROUP of five students from the National Taiwan Ocean University (NTOU) who completed a six-month training and internship programme at Golden Corporation Sdn Bhd received certificates at an event held by the company at its production facility in Kampong Serambangun, Tutong District to celebrate them for completing the training programme.

The internship training is the result of collaboration agreement between the university and Golden Corporation Sdn Bhd, whereby the company receives technical advice about aquaculture and seafood processing. In return, Golden Corporation Sdn Bhd provides internship training to the students. Golden Corporation Sdn Bhd hosts on-going internship programmes with NTOU to help the students receive a holistic learning of the aquaculture industry, the programme requiring them to train in different departments within the company to gain hands-on work experience.

Besides foreign schools, Golden Corporation Sdn Bhd also hosts on-going internship programmes with the Department of Schools of the Ministry of Education (MoE) in Brunei Darussalam. The company works with the MoE in supporting the development of local students in terms of working skills and gaining new skills and knowledge, as well as providing them with opportunities to experience and learn something new about the aquaculture and seafood industry.

Richard Chuang Hsi Shan, the Managing Director of Golden Corporation, presented certificates of appreciation to the students.

The students, who hold National Diplomas in food science, have been undergoing training at different sections within Golden Corporation Sdn Bhd for the last six months.

There, they learnt about the processing of shrimp and surimi at the company’s fully equipped processing plant in the Tutong District, as well as the importance of food security requirements within a seafood processing plant. They also learnt about sustainability and reduction of wastage while undergoing training in the Fish Meal and Feed Department. At the end of the training, they presented their learnings to the management of Golden Corporation Sdn Bhd.

Golden Corporation Sdn Bhd is an established integrated seafood company with operational headquarters in Brunei Darussalam. The company is now the largest private employer in the Tutong District and a major player in the seafood industry in the Sultanate. It is fully committed to the development of seafood industry in the country, supporting local farmers through supply of feed, shrimp fries, training and buy-back support.

The post Fruitful internship for five students in aquaculture and seafood industry appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Fizah HAB     |

THE Strayholders programme continued the second phase with 124 students from the Awang Haji Mohd Yusof Katimahar Primary School attending a roadshow yesterday on the importance of caring for homeless animals.

Involving 70 volunteers from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) and Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE), the roadshow featured a series of talks and educational activities on the plight of local strays.

The project is run by participants of the 2nd Cohort Young Executive Programme, comprising several officers from the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Religious Affairs, including Noor Amal Azirah binti Haji Azlan, Darryl Tieng Woo Siong, Nor Amalina binti Haji Abdul Rahim, Nur Nazurah binti Haji Muhd Alizul and Ustaz Mohd Hilmy Baihaqy bin Haji Yussof.

Project leader Noor Amal Azirah told the Bulletin that the programme is aimed at raising more awareness on the responsibility of looking after pets and strays.

“The Strayholders programme is divided into two parts: the first part, the ‘Strayholders Workshop’, was held in December 2017 to educate youths about strays, apart from developing leadership skills,” she said.

“The second part is particularly aimed at young children, through a three-day roadshow at different schools.”

The post Roadshow educates children on care for strays appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Wani Roslan     |

OVER 100 Year 2 students currently undertaking their Higher Diploma in Religious Teaching Programme at the Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) are participating in the three-day Student Leadership Motivation Camp 2018.

The programme was officially launched yesterday by Datin Paduka Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports in a ceremony at the Silaturrahim Hall of the Youth Centre in the capital.

In his welcoming remarks, Ustaz Dr Haji Noralizam bin Haji Aliakbar, the Director of the Core Education Centre of KUPU SB and chairman of the launching ceremony, highlighted eight new co-curriculum programmes being introduced by the college.

These include Religious Teaching Core Skill, Self-Potential Development, Life Skill, Community Service, Intellectual Development, Physical Fitness, Leadership and Participation in Major Events in the Country and Islamic Calendar.

He added that the college has introduced the ‘One Semester One Club’, ‘One Semester One Sport’ and ‘One Semester One Community Service’ programmes.

“The six main aspects of the programme are appreciation and understanding of Islamic values, organisational management, financial management, entrepreneurship, teamwork and fitness, and mental and physical endurance,” he said.

The motivational camp, held for the first time under the Leadership Co-Curriculum Programme, was organised by the Core Education Centre of KUPU SB in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

Among the camp’s objectives are to instil in the students’ knowledge and understanding on how to apply the concepts and theories of leadership based on Ahli Sunnah Wal Jama’ah and the country’s Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy.

The launching was attended by Dr Haji Adanan bin Haji Basar, Acting Ra’es of KUPU SB and Dr Abang Haji Hadzmin bin Abang Haji Taha, Acting Deputy Ra’es of KUPU SB as well as officials, students, officers and staff of KUPU SB and guests.

The post Over 100 participate in leadership motivation camp appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

THE Minister of Education, Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, recently visited Sultan Sharif Ali Secondary School and Mentiri Primary School.

Joining the minister in the visits were Deputy Minister of Education Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar; Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh; Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education Nadia Lee Siew Hoon binti Abdullah; Acting Director-General of Education Anis Faudzulani binti Haji Dzulkiflee; and other senior officers of the Ministry of Education.

Upon arrival at Sultan Sharif Ali Secondary School, the minister and his delegation were welcomed by Mohd Danny bin Aimi, the school’s Principal, who gave a briefing.

According to a press release, among the items discussed and brought up during the visit were GCE ‘O’ Levels examination results and bus services for school students. The minister also emphasised the importance of parents and teachers in educating the students.

The application of the Malay Islamic Monarchy philosophy – especially the practice of reading Al-Quran and five-time daily prayers – was also noted as important in bringing success to the students. Improving the students’ literacy and numeracy ability were highlighted as well.

The delegation led by the minister stopped by several classrooms including a literature class, a Malay Language class, and a social studies class. The school has 1,197 students and 116 teachers.

The delegation next dropped by Mentiri Primary School, where they were welcomed by Mohamad Esa bin Haji Emran, the school headmaster. The delegation toured several classrooms as well as computer labs, the library and the school’s English room.

A briefing and a discussion on the direction of the school concluded the delegation’s visit. Mentiri Primary School has 508 students and 28 teaching staff.

Similar working visits were made to Rimba Secondary School, Rimba III Primary School, Katok ‘B’ Primary School, Raja Isteri Fatimah Primary School and Dato Othman Primary School earlier this week.

The post Education minister visits SM Sultan Sharif Ali, SR Mentiri appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

THE Ministry of Health (MoH) alerted members of the public to 13 types of traditional medicines and health products which have been tested by the Laboratory of Pharmacy Section, Scientific Laboratory Services, Laboratory Services, MoH, and found to be adulterated with undeclared, potent western medicine.

The affected products are listed below:

The adulterants found in the listed products can cause adverse, potentially hazardous side effects in people using them.

Acetaminophen or paracetamol can be taken for self-medication but when traditional medicine does not declare its acetaminophen or paracetamol content, a person might unknowingly consume excessive amounts of the two substances, leading to liver damage, kidney failure, coma and even death.

Drowsiness, dizziness, lowered blood pressure (hypotension), irregular heartbeat, confusion, depression, convulsions, muscle weakness, blurred vision, dry mouth, arrhythmias, increase in appetite and weight gain are among the adverse effects that could occur from the unsupervised consumption of chlorpheniramine, cyproheptadine, and promethazine. All three are antihistamines used in the treatment of allergy symptoms.

Unsupervised long-term consumption of potent corticosteroids such as dexamethasone can cause increase in blood glucose levels leading to diabetes, high blood pressure, cataracts, muscular and bone disorders, and an increased risk of infections. Long-term use of corticosteroids can also lead to Cushing’s syndrome which is characterised by a round face or ‘moon face’, and upper body obesity with thin limbs. Consumers who have taken high doses of steroids over a prolonged period may suffer from withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, muscle and joint pain, fever, low blood sugar, low blood pressure and dehydration.

Ibuprofen is a pain-relief medicine that, if taken without supervision, may result in peptic ulcerations, gastrointestinal bleeding, nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, blurred vision, oedema, jaundice and kidney failure and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), a serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes.

Sibutramine is a slimming agent and is no longer recommended for medical use in the treatment of obesity due to its harmful effects on the heart and liver. Consuming the substance can also cause serious adverse reactions such as high blood pressure, heart palpitations, insomnia, and in the worst cases, kidney and liver damage.

Sildenafil is a drug used to treat male impotence and can only be prescribed by a qualified doctor or physician. Side effects of consuming the drug include nausea, vomiting, flushing and dizziness. In severe cases, an abnormal increase in resting heart rate, sudden loss of hearing, and seizures can occur.

MoH has not issued any approval for the importation for the sale of these products.

Following these findings, the products are not permitted to be imported and sold in Brunei Darussalam.

Members of the public who have purchased or used the forenamed products are advised to stop using them immediately. They should also consult a medical practitioner if they feel unwell or experience any undesirable reactions as a result of using them.

Those involved in the retail and sale of these products (including through social media such as Facebook, Instagram, etc.) are reminded that it is an offence under the Poisons Act 1956 to sell any product containing any substance controlled under the said Act, with the penalty for such an offence upon conviction being a fine of $8,000 or six months’ imprisonment.

Furthermore, if a person commits an act that amounts to such a degree of negligence so as to endanger or is likely to endanger human life, then such person shall be guilty of an offence which carries a penalty of a fine of $16,000 and 12 months’ imprisonment.

MoH called upon the public for their cooperation and report to the Health Regulations Services if they find any of these products being sold in the country.

For further information and updates, the public can contact the Health Regulations Services at 2384182, send an email to health.regulations@moh.gov.bn, or head directly to the first floor of the Health Regulations Services, Ministry of Health, Commonwealth Drive, Brunei Darussalam.

The post 13 traditional meds, health products found adulterated appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Azlan Othman     |

AUTORITI Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD) held a Doa Kesyukuran at the Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah yesterday, to mark the 7th anniversary of its establishment.

Among those present were Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Home Affairs, in his capacity as the Deputy Chairman of AMBD Board of Directors, and Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Mohamad Roselan bin Haji Mohamad Daud, the Acting Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office. The event began with a recitation of Surah Yaasiin, followed with recitations of the Tahlil and Doa Kesyukuran, led by Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Mustafa bin Haji Murat, the Imam of the Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah.

The post AMBD marks 7th anniversary with Doa Kesyukuran appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Azlan Othman     |

THOUSANDS of students aged seven and above began their preschool religious classes yesterday, registering for classes, meeting new friends and familiarising themselves with their new environment.

Decked out in new school apparel and badges, the students were filled with mixed feelings of joy, laughter and fear during their first day of school.

The Bulletin, scoping out the scene at Lambak Kanan Religious School yesterday, witnessed students being asked to wear badges and line up at the school hall while their parents registered them for classes and paid their school fees. The new students were later brought to their classes.

Enrolment yesterday started at 7.30am for students attending the morning session, and 1.30pm for students going for the afternoon session.

It is mandatory for every Muslim child between the ages of seven and 15 residing in Brunei Darussalam to be enrolled in preschool and primary religious education under the Compulsory Religious Education Order 2012. The order came into force on January 1, 2013.

The post Preschool religious classes begin countrywide appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

SINCE the implementation of the Compulsory Religious Education Order 2012, there has been a significant increase in the number of students attending religious school, said the Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman.

“The Order has made it mandatory for every Muslim child between seven and 15 years to attend religious school,” he reminded while speaking to the Bulletin on the sidelines of a working visit to Pengiran Anak Puteri Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah Religious School in Kampong Kilanas yesterday.

If parents face any difficulty in registering their children at religious schools, they should seek assistance from the Department of Islamic Studies, he added.

It is essential to raise awareness among parents and guardians on the importance of sending their children to religious school, the minister noted.

The minister visited the school as part of a series of visits he has planned to make to religious education institutions in the country.

The visit aimed to observe the enrolment of new students to the religious school as well as to monitor the fresh batch of pre-school students who started their religious education yesterday for academic year 2018.

Currently, 37,748 students are attending religious schools nationwide, while 5,254 are undergoing pre-school religious education of which 40 are non-Muslim students and two are special needs students.

For the 2018 academic year, the Pengiran Anak Puteri Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah Religious School has 21 students in the morning session and 45 in the afternoon session attending pre-school religious education. Among them include Primary 1 Alif student Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Raihaanah Hanaa-Ul Bolqiah binti Pengiran Anak Khairul Khalil, the granddaughter 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.

Accompanying the minister during the visit was Haji Mohd Seruddin bin Haji Timbang, Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Upon arrival at the school, the minister was welcomed by Maladiah binti Liman, Headmistress of Pengiran Anak Puteri Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah Religious School, senior officials at the Department of Islamic Studies as well as teachers and staff of the school.

The school has 11 religious teachers and 144 students in the morning session, and 18 teachers and 379 students (from pre-school to Primary 6) in the afternoon session.

The post Steady increase in religious school enrolment: Minister appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Khairil Hassan     |

A PRESS conference and managers meeting, held at the Brunei Darussalam Sepak Takraw Association (PESTABARU) office at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas yesterday afternoon, announced that the Yayasan Cup will be organised from January 12.

The Yayasan Cup is held 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 in cooperation and is supported by the Youth and Sports Department, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. The meeting was chaired by President of PESTABARU, Pengiran Haji Ali Hassan bin Pengiran Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Abas.

The tournament will be held at the Multi-purpose hall of Menglait Sports Complex in Gadong.

Twelve teams divided into four groups are participating in the tournament. In Group A are Sengkurong B, Royal Brunei Police Force Sports Council (MS PDB) A and Muara Spurs B. Group B consists of Sengkurong C, MS PDB B and Team 88 B. In Group C are Muara Spurs A, MS PDB C and Sengkurong A. Group D consists of Pancha Delima, Triple H and Team 88 A.

The post Yayasan Cup starts January 12 appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Daniel Lim     |

IN LIGHT of the recent amendment to the Act and Regulations for Pension and Allowance for People with Different Abilities (OKU) which was implemented from January 1, 2018, the Weekend Bulletin spoke to various penghulus and village heads in the Belait District regarding the implication of this move on the residents of their respective mukims and villages.

YB Haji Abdul Hamid bin Haji Mumin, Penghulu of Mukim Liang and a Legislative Council (LegCo) member representing Zone 1 in the Belait District, expressed his gratitude towards Allah the Almighty and 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 for enacting such an amendment to aid the OKU by lessening their burden.

“The allowance for eligible OKU recipients aged below 15 will help lessen their burden. We are grateful to His Majesty for the kind act in helping those in need, especially the OKU,” he said.

He said those receiving the allowance should be grateful towards Allah the Almighty and His Majesty, highlighting the importance of taking care of each other as well as for the OKU to use the allowance not only for the benefit of themselves but also to contribute back to the country’s economy.

Supporting the view of YB Haji Abdul Hamid was YB Hanapi bin Mohd Siput, Village Head of Kampong Labi I and a LegCo member representing Zone 2 in the Belait District, who said, “Before the amendment, only those who are 18 years and above were eligible to receive the allowance, and the fact is that many of the OKU are below that age, with some suffering from various forms of difficulty since birth.”

He added that the amendment will cover all the OKU and their families in the country who are less fortunate.

YB Hanapi also urged the public to aid the OKU as public support is just as important as the support from His Majesty, as it will help the less fortunate further enrich their lives and integrate themselves into the wider society, rather than being isolated.

“For this, interaction between the public and the OKU is vital and I believe that the mindset of the public towards the OKU must be positive, which will help them better integrate into the society,” he said.

People with different abilities are able to contribute to the economy by being a part of the small and medium enterprises (SME), either by creating one or working for one, and this will help strengthen the country’s economy in the long run.

Haji Mohd Ibrahim bin Dato Maharaja Setia Dian, Village Head of Kampong Sungai Liang and Haji Abdul Aziz bin Haji Gani, Acting Village Head of Kampong Lumut 1, also shared the same view.

Haji Mohd Ibrahim said the amendment to the Act will benefit not only the OKU above 18 years but also those below that age. “This will provide a platform for all OKU to improve their lives and help them stand on their own,” he said.

The Weekend Bulletin also sought their thoughts on His Majesty’s vision to create a business-friendly environment and boost entrepreneurship in the nation.

YB Haji Abdul Hamid spoke in length about how banks in the country can aid the micro, small and medium sized entrepreneurs (MSMEs) and encourage entrepreneurship. He referred to His Majesty’s titah in which the monarch noted the government has provided various facilities in assisting MSMEs to exploit the global market, including through the establishment of Bank Usahawan Berhad which is slated to begin its operations early this year.

“The establishment of the Bank Usahawan Berhad is a step forward in providing financial aid to potential MSMEs that are just starting out, and we hope the bank will be able to better cater to them and their products,” he said.

Meanwhile, YB Hanapi said the bank should alleviate the burden of MSMEs. “The lack of aid to MSMEs was one problem that prompted His Majesty to establish the bank. We are truly grateful to be ruled by a kind ruler who cares for his subjects and is willing to bring in changes to better benefit them,” he said.

The post Belait leaders extol His Majesty’s decision to extend OKU allowance appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Daniel Lim     |

LONGHOUSE residents of Ulu Melilas in Belait District received a pleasant surprise from members of the Dinamika Group.

The group, under the Young Executive Programme (YEP), in a recent visit set up a mini library for the villagers. For the Dinamika members, it was part of their community service, as well as a continuation from the success of their other initiative known as the ‘Book Charathon’.

Dina Safawanah binti Muhammad Murat, a Dinamika Group member, said books for the mini library were donated through the various events it organised.

An example was the KBku Ceria which saw members of the public giving away books comprising genres from children to adult.

During the visit, the group also conducted a cleaning campaign. Present was Muhd Shahrin bin Muhd Halim, an instructor from Melilas Primary School.

Besides encouraging the residents to read, the mini library is also a convenient place for book storage and learning.

Additionally, such a project further enhances the relationship between Dinamika Group and the longhouse residents.

The post KB’s Ulu Melilas gets mini library appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Daniel Lim     |

A 21-YEAR-OLD man was apprehended by the police in connection with a theft at Pandan 4, Kuala Belait on January 4.

The Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) is continuing its search for another man, who is believed to be the suspect’s accomplice. The case is being investigated under Section 379 of the Penal Code, which carries a sentence of three years in prison or a fine or both, if convicted.

The RBPF issued a reminder for all vehicle owners to adopt the following precautionary measures: park in well-lit areas and secure all doors and windows of the parked vehicle.

The post Man detained for alleged theft appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

THE Brunei Darussalam National Anti-Drug Association (BASMIDA) hosted a Maulidur Rasul celebration yesterday at the residence of Pengiran Laila Kanun Diraja Pengiran Haji Bahrin bin Pengiran Haji Abas in Kampong Jerudong.

Present at the event was Datin Hajah Masni binti Haji Mohammad Ali, the President of BASMIDA.

Also in attendance was Hajah Linda Aini binti Abdullah, the Vice President of BASMIDA and chairperson of the event.

In her welcoming remarks, Hajah Linda Aini expressed hope to see the religious event continued on a regular basis.

Datin Hajah Masni, in her speech, said continuous participation at such gatherings would motivate them to revere Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) more, in addition to gaining blessings from Allah the Almighty.

She also congratulated the male Dikir group of BASMIDA for its active involvement in the nightly prayer sessions at the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque, prior to the Maulidur Rasul celebration on December 2, 2017.

The gathering continued with a religious talk entitled ‘Rasulullah Qudwah Pemimpin Adil’ by Ustaz Dr Andus Haji Ismuhadi bin Haji Abdullah, a guest speaker from the Islamic Da’wah Centre.

Later, there was a performance from BASMIDA’s male and female Dikir groups, which was followed by the recitation of Doa Selamat and Surah ’Asr, marking the end of the event.

The post BASMIDA hosts Maulidur Rasul gathering appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Achong Tanjong     |

HAPPINESS clearly shines on the faces of students comprising orphans and the less fortunate of RPN Kampong Panchor Mengkubau.

For yesterday the Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei (TAIB) donated gifts in the form of school items.

A total of 80 students received the gifts at the residence of the Head of Community and Relation Bureau of the Village Consultative Council (MPK) of RPN Kampong Panchor Mengkubau in Jalan Bukit Pandayan.

The gifts were presented by Acting Managing Director of Perbadanan TAIB, Hajah Noorrafidah binti Sulaiman and Acting Head of Retail Banking of Perbadanan TAIB, Haji Kalong bin Haji Hussin to the students.

Present at the event was YB Pengiran Haji Mohamed bin Pengiran Haji Osman @ Othman, member of the Legislative Council and Village Head of Kampong Masjid Lama, Pekan Muara, Sabun and Pelumpong.

The donation was in support of the ‘Drop Box Project – Back to School Campaign’ organised by the Women Bureau of MPK RPN Kampong Panchor Mengkubau.

According to Bolhassan bin Haji Abu Bakar, Secretary of the MPK, the event was the first of its kind in the village.

Since the project started in 2016, various parties comprising financial firms, non-governmental organisations, as well as individuals have contributed school items such as exercise books, pencils, pens, school bags, school uniforms and religious school uniforms.

Bolhasssan expressed his appreciation to Perbadanan TAIB on behalf of the executive community members.

The MPK RPN Kampong Panchor Mengkubau was established on May 29, 2016 to care for its residents’ welfare.

The post Perbadanan TAIB leaves a trail of smiling children appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     James Kon     |

ILLEGAL dumping of rubbish in public areas by individuals is on the decline while the number of companies committing this offence is rising sharply.

In 2017, the Law Enforcement Unit of the Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Department recorded 56 cases of illegal dumping of rubbish in public areas involving 12 individuals and 44 companies.

Whereas in 2016, it recorded 117 cases that involved 76 individuals and 41 companies.

It is an offence under Chapter 30, Section 12 of the Minor Offences Act to dispose items in public places.

The continuous effort in promoting awareness by the Law Enforcement Unit of the BSB Municipal Department is one of the main reasons for the steep decline in the number of cases, the department said in a statement.

Through various campaigns and operations, public awareness of the Minor Offences Act has increased. This is evident from the drastic drop in individual cases in 2017 compared to 2016, the statement added.

Since the environment and facilities provided by the government are shared publicly, there should be shared responsibility to care for it. Cleanliness must start from home, the department said.

The department also reiterated that under Chapter 30 Section 12 of the Minor Offences Act, any person or company found guilty disposing rubbish in public places will be slapped with a compound fine not exceeding $500.

In case of failure to settle the fine, the matter will be referred to court and if found guilty, the punishment will be a fine of B$1,000, or a month’s imprisonment for the first convicted offence. For the subsequent offence, the punishment will be a fine of B$3,000, or up to three months’ imprisonment.

The enforcement unit is currently active in bringing the offenders who do not pay the compound to prosecution.

Meanwhile the Law Enforcement Unit issued compound fines to two companies last Thursday for dumping rubbish in public areas.

The two companies operating in Serusop area were slapped with fines of B$500 and B$200 respectively.

The Law Enforcement Unit said it will regularly monitor and conduct operations from time to time to ensure that individuals and businesses comply with the rules and regulations under the Minor Offences Act.

The post Rubbish dumping in public areas by individuals drops, companies still careless appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Azlan Othman     |

THE new Secretary-General of Asean Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi urged all member countries to stay united as different challenges lie ahead, saying the grouping must ensure it advances towards inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Over the years, Asean has made outstanding progress, with the region enjoying continued peace, stability and security, Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi said in his speech during the transfer of office at the Asean Secretariat in Jakarta yesterday.

He succeeds Le Luong Minh from Vietnam who completed his five-year term on December 31, 2017.

“The constantly evolving global and regional landscape means that the challenges and opportunities facing Asean today are different compared to its early days,” the new secretary-general said.

As an inter-governmental organisation, its 10 members have occasionally had a hard time in finding a common voice on sensitive national issues. But the principle of non-interference has been a useful glue to maintaining unity amid any disparities that arose from time to time.

“The world is looking at Asean and will measure its success on Asean resilience, how it stays on course in its integration efforts and how it responds to emerging issues and developments arising from the interconnected world,” he said.

“With the new and emerging challenges, the immediate tasks for Asean would be to prepare the people of Asean for the new technological age, and to ensure the region advances towards inclusive growth and sustainable development.”

He added that it is also important for the Asean Secretariat “to be more proactive and savvy in order to serve Asean member countries” and improve its capability to prepare member countries on issues that will affect Asean the most.

Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi also took the opportunity to thank former Secretary-General Le Luong Minh for his valuable contribution to Asean from 2013 to 2017.

The transfer of office ceremony coincided with the ground-breaking for the new Asean Secretariat annexture.

On the building expansion, Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi said, “Greater demand on the role of the Asean Secretariat coincides with the expansion of the Asean Secretariat building. Once completed, the new home of the Asean Secretariat will greatly elevate Asean’s profile as an important institution on the international stage.”

Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi agreed with Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi, saying that “the global role of Asean must be strengthened. This requires the unity of Asean. With its unity, the centrality of Asean can be maintained”.

Marsudi also said that this year, Asean is entering the second phase of another 50 years, and this second phase calls for a modern, responsive, effective and better-equipped Asean Secretariat.

“Aside from continuing to strengthen its sense of community, bring benefit to its people and maintain its role in peace and stability in the region, Asean must also be able to contribute more to the world,” she added.

On the tropical storm that battered the southern Philippines last month leaving at least 240 dead and tens of thousands displaced, Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi said Asean needs to beef up its disaster management efforts.

“Our region is disaster-prone,” he said, adding that this underscores the need to strengthen Asean cooperation in disaster management and humanitarian assistance.

“Asean must be more proactive and improve (its) capabilities in disaster-relief efforts. It is therefore incumbent upon us all to enhance the resilience of our communities through disaster risk reduction interventions, climate change adaptation strategies, as well as conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity and natural resources,” he added.

Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi was until recently a permanent secretary at the Brunei Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He served as Brunei’s chief negotiator during the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade talks.

The post Stay united to be strong, Asean told appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.