D’SUNLIT Sdn Bhd, organiser of the upcoming 20th Consumer Fair, held a briefing for exhibitors yesterday, at the company premises in Beribi.
The briefing was attended by over 100 companies and establishments, which are set to showcase their most popular products and services during the five-day event.
Prior to the briefing, another signing ceremony was held between D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd and the representatives from NBT (Brunei) Sdn Bhd, Hamitan Group, Oregon System, and Gintell (B) Sdn Bhd.
Signing on behalf of D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd was Jackson Ting, the Managing Director, with Ngu Tiing Siang, D’Sunlit’s Operations Manager.
NBT (Brunei) Sdn Bhd was represented by Haji Ahmad Omar bin Pehin Haji Hussin, the Deputy Managing Director, with Clovien Abdullah Timpoh, the Marketing Manager, as witness.
NBT will conduct a roadshow outside the main entrance of the International Convention Centre (ICC), and will give out special promotions during the fair.
Representatives from D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd, NBT (Brunei) Sdn Bhd, Hamitan Group, Oregon System, and Gintell (B) Sdn BhdSome of the attendees at the briefing. – PHOTOS: RAHWANI ZAHARI
Oregon System will also be involved as an official activity partner, bringing exciting rides for children, while Gintell (B) Sdn Bhd will be setting up a number of Rest ‘N’ Go massage chair stations around the halls of ICC.
During the briefing, the exhibitors were updated on the latest developments, logistic concerns, rules and regulations, and other relevant matters.
The exhibitors were also provided details of the grand opening ceremony on January 24 at 10am.
The 20th Consumer Fair, with the theme ‘Remembering the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Envisioning the Future’, will be held from 10am to 10pm from January 24-28, except Friday, where doors will be temporarily be closed from noon to 2pm for Friday prayers.
A grand lucky draw will also be held, where one lucky winner will get to drive home a brand new Toyota Vios.
COMPETITION law is gaining attention and widely recognised as the cornerstone to build on economic growth, productivity, stimulate innovation and bring consumer benefits with better choice, price and quality goods, according to Dato Paduka Eddie bin Dato Paduka Haji Sunny, Chairman of Competition Commission of Brunei Darussalam.
“Competitive markets also provide opportunities for existing and new businesses to expand and enter into the market. Therefore, there should be an effective competition regime in place for our country to stay relevant in the competitive world marketplace and align with the economic pillar of our national Vision 2035,” he said yesterday, as the guest of honour at the Japan-Asean Integrated Fund (JAIF)’s sub-regional workshop on the selection and prioritisation of sectors or industries for market studies.
The event, organised by the Department of Competition and Consumer Affairs, Department of Economic Planning and Development at the Prime Minister’s Office, is being held at the Badi’ah Hotel.
The workshop is also supported by the Japan Fair Trade Commission, the Commission for the Supervision of Business (KPPU), Indonesia and the Asean Secretariat.
Dato Paduka Eddie explained that since the appointment of the Competition Commission of Brunei Darussalam and the establishment of the Department of Competition and Consumer Affairs back in August 2017, preparatory work is ongoing in laying the groundwork for the law to be implemented in phases.
The two-day workshop is attended by 37 representatives from Asean competition authorities and government agencies.
THE Secretary-General of Asean, Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi, paid a courtesy call on Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana in Singapore on Tuesday.
According to a news item on Asean.org, Prime Minister Lee reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to Asean as well as support for the Asean Secretary-General and the Asean Secretariat. The secretary-general expressed readiness to support Singapore as Asean Chair 2018.
It was the secretary-general’s first call on an Asean head of government since taking up the association’s helm earlier this month. He was in Singapore for consultations with key government officials upon Singapore’s assumption of the Asean Chairmanship for 2018.
Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi was accompanied by two deputy secretaries-general and Asean Secretariat officers representing the Political-Security, Economic and Socio-Cultural pillars of the Asean Community.
Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi, the Secretary-General of Asean (left) with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. – PHOTO COURTESY OF MCI SINGAPORE
Apart from his call to Prime Minister Lee, Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi also had meetings with Cabinet ministers and officials, including the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan; Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade), Lim Hng Kiang; Minister for Finance, Heng Swee Keat; Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport, Khaw Boon Wan; Minister for Social and Family Development, Desmond Lee; and Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) and Second Minister for Defence, Ong Ye Kung.
The Asean Secretariat delegation also had separate meetings with Singaporean government agencies who are the focal points of the three Asean Community pillars.
MINISTER of Education Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman received a courtesy call from Professor Shahbaz Khan, Director of UNESCO Regional Science Bureau for Asia and the Pacific based in Jakarta. He is also the UNESCO representative for Brunei Darussalam.
Professor Shahbaz Khan is on a mission to Brunei from January 16-19 as part of a series of visits to a number of UNESCO member countries.
Through this visit, he aims to strengthen the existing future partnership between the UNESCO Office in Jakarta and Government of Brunei.
Also present were Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education and officials from the ministry.
Matters discussed during the courtesy call were possible areas of collaboration on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in the effort to promote Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) – Quality Education.
During the meeting, Professor Khan emphasised on the promotion of culture and heritage, especially Brunei’s tangible and intangible heritage such as foods, textiles, and historical sites.
The UNESCO official also wished to explore cooperation in other areas such as research in science and technology, agriculture and early childhood.
Minister of Education Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman receives a courtesy call from Professor Shahbaz Khan, Director of UNESCO Regional Science Bureau for Asia and the Pacific based in Jakarta who is also the UNESCO representative for Brunei Darussalam. – MOE
After the courtesy call, Professor Khan delivered a lecture titled ‘UNESCO Initiatives to Promote Sustainable Tourism and World Heritage’ at Universiti Brunei Darussalam.
In his talk, he shared UNESCO’s plan for tourism and heritage management where cultural assets are valued and protected.
He also mentioned that UNESCO Office Jakarta has embarked on a project on sustainable tourism management in its effort to protect and conserve unique and authentic heritage values in Southeast Asia.
A meeting between Professor Khan and the Secretariat of the Brunei Darussalam National Commission to UNESCO was also held which involved relevant stakeholders from various ministries.
Professor Khan will visit the Sungai Liang Recreational Park, the Brunei Forestry, Herbarium Museum and Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park.
IN AN effort to generate more employment-ready local youth, the Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has awarded scholarships to eight students to undergo Air Traffic Officer training in Malaysia.
The first batch of students ever to receive this scholarship will undergo a one-year training programme in two phases with six months in the Malaysia Aviation Academy (MAvA) and six months locally.
The Special Scholarship Scheme for Air Traffic Officer intends to produce sufficient human resources to manage air traffic operations in the country as well as to create leaders in air traffic management services of the Department of Civil Aviation in the next five years.
Participants who obtained the licence within the specified period will be offered positions at the Air Traffic Controller Services Division, Department of Civil Aviation.
The scholarship awards and certificates were presented by Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, Minister of Communications in a ceremony held at the Amar Pahlawan Hall of the Ministry of Communications (MinCom) yesterday.
“The scholarship scheme will encourage more Bruneian students to venture into the field of air traffic management, and in a long run, it can systematically ensure that we do not have shortage of workers in the field,” the minister told the Bulletin.
“Aviation is one of the prime sectors that contributes to the national economy and is capable of providing more employment opportunities to the people in the country.
“We hope that the awardees will demonstrate high learning performance as the scholarship promises a bright career in the Department of Civil Aviation as the field requires high level of commitment,” he said.
Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, Minister of Communications presenting a scholarship award to a recipientActing Director of Civil Aviation Haji Mohammad Nazri bin Haji Mohammad Yusof delivering his speechAttendees at the eventDato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, Minister of Communications and scholarship recipients in a group photo with senior officials during the event. – PHOTOS: RAHWANI ZAHARI
The minister informed that the scholarship scheme will be implemented annually, adding that career opportunities in air traffic management exist not only in Brunei but also outside.
“In the future, we hope that parents will show more interest in this area and encourage their children to venture into air traffic management which offers many employment opportunities in Brunei and abroad,” he said.
In his welcoming remarks, Haji Mohammad Nazri bin Haji Mohammad Yusof, Acting Director of Civil Aviation, underlined that the human resources especially for air traffic services are among the priorities to ensure a smooth operation of the country’s air traffic services.
“To become qualified air traffic officers, aspirants must undergo a special air traffic training programme. The duration of the programme depends on the ability of the individual. In addition to theoretical training, every officer should undergo practical training, besides taking written exams and competency tests,” he said.
The minister shared that for the first intake, a total of 897 applications were received and 339 were invited to attend an interview of which eight applicants qualified to receive the air traffic scholarship awards.
One of the awardees, Nuur Atiqah Benjamin who is a former Advanced Diploma in Information System and Technology student of Politeknik Brunei, expressed her excitement in receiving the scholarship.
“I applied for the scholarship a week before the closing date and went through the interview. I did not expect to be selected but I was fortunate, Alhamdulillah,” she said. “I hope that all of us will excel in this programme and get our licence within the specified period,” she added.
The special scholarship programme is implemented under a collaboration of the Department of Civil Aviation, MinCom and the Scholarship Division at the Ministry of Education (MoE). This scheme is also part of the steps taken by the Department of Civil Aviation in ensuring safe and efficient air transport services in Brunei Darussalam.
Also in attendance at the scholarship award presentation ceremony were Haji Azhar bin Haji Ahmad, Permanent Secretary at the MinCom; Dr Haji Azman bin Ahmad, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the MoE; Dr Haji Supry bin Haji Awang Ladi, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary at the MinCom; directors; heads of departments; and senior officials from both ministries.
A COMPANY was slapped with a $200 fine yesterday by the Law Enforcement Unit of the Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Department for dumping waste materials at a public area near a building in Batu Satu.
The company was given seven days to settle the fine.
Under Chapter 30 Section 12 of the Minor Offences Act, anyone or company found guilty of disposing rubbish in public places will be handed a compound fine not exceeding $500.
Failing to settle this, the matter will be forwarded to the courts and a further $1,000 fine will be levied against the culprit if he/she/the company is a first-time offender. A fine of $3,000 and jail term not exceeding three months will be handed for subsequent offences.
The Law Enforcement Unit regularly conducts operations to ensure that individuals and businesses comply with the rules and regulations under the Minor Offences Act.
For inquires or complaints regarding unwanted disposable waste, contact 2244151 (ext 127/253).
Rubbish dumped in a public area. – LAW ENFORCEMENT UNIT OF THE BSB MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT
THE Criminal Justice Division of the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) has successfully organised an orientation session for law enforcement officers, focussing on how they can be effective in giving evidence in court.
The one-day session, aimed at law enforcement officers and personnel with little or no experience in giving evidence in court, took place in the Law and Courts Building in the capital.
The event was organised as part of the initiatives by the Criminal Justice Division to impart knowledge to the law enforcement community in an effort to increase the standards of efficiency and effectiveness of prosecutions in the country as well as to strengthen networking among Deputy Public Prosecutors and their law enforcement counterparts.
In her opening remarks, Acting Assistant Solicitor General Aldila binti Haji Mohd Salleh emphasised the important and crucial role that law enforcement officers play as witnesses in the court process “as the success or failure of any criminal prosecution is contingent on the quality of evidence provided by them as witnesses”.
She stressed that law enforcement officers must be credible and convincing in giving evidence to ensure justice is served. Officers and personnel were reminded that mistakes when giving evidence during a trial may adversely affect a prosecution causing a criminal to walk free.
The Acting Assistant Solicitor General also focussed on the need for those in law enforcement to be fair, impartial and honest in the constant discharge of their duties in line with 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 delivered on the occasion of the 24th Civil Service Day celebration on November 22, 2017 in which His Majesty stated that “good public servants are those who serve honestly and sincerely, and not who are efficient but disloyal”.
The session also saw the launching of a Criminal Justice Division publication titled ‘Guide to Being a Witness in Court’ which has been issued in both Malay and English versions and are available for perusal at the AGC website at www.agc.gov.bn.
The session, which featured lectures by senior deputy public prosecutors on basic knowledge on giving evidence in court, also incorporated practical components such as demonstrations in a real-life court room to give added value to the participants’ training.
The workshop, which was organised in fulfilment of the AGC’s vision to be the highest quality legal service provider for His Majesty and the Government of His Majesty, concluded with the presentation of certificates to 50 participants from various law enforcement agencies.
Group photo of trainers and participants of the orientation session for Law Enforcement officials. – HAKIM HAYAT
THE newly constructed Hand-on Operation Training Skids (HOTS) Unit at the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) Jefri Bolkiah Campus (JBC) was officially opened in a ceremony held at the campus yesterday.
Officiating the ceremony was Haji Kamaludin bin Haji Bungsu, Permanent Secretary (Manpower and SHENA) at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The guest of honour, who also toured the new mini plant, was welcomed to the event by IBTE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Chin Wei Keh.
Also present at the ceremony were Pengiran Jamra Weira bin Pengiran Haji Petra, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Power, IT and E-Government) at the Prime Minister’s Office; Hajah Tutiaty binti Haji Abdul Wahab, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Management, Cooperatives and Industry) at the Prime Minister’s Office; and Dr Haji Azman bin Ahmad, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the Ministry of Education.
Others present included representatives from various oil and gas companies that funded the project and provided consultation expertise during its construction.
The plant will provide IBTE’s students an integrated authentic learning environment to help them develop their skills.
Students who will be making use of the new facility include those under the Industry Competency Framework (ICF) programmes over different levels, namely the Higher National Technical Education Certificate (HNTec), National Technical Education Certificate (NTec), and the Industrial Skills Qualification (ISQ).
The new mini plant at IBTE JBCHaji Kamaludin bin Haji Bungsu, Permanent Secretary (Manpower and SHENA) at the Prime Minister’s Office in a group photo with other officials. – PHOTOS: DANIEL LIM
The mini plant also serves to support IBTE’s vision and mission of providing first class training equipment to help develop highly skilled, job-ready graduates that meet industry requirements and standards, as well as providing opportunities for instructors from industry to train and develop students’ skills through continuous professional development, upskilling, and competence upgrading, among other methods.
Dr Chin Wei Keh, said, “This project is a good example of a ‘whole-of-nation approach’ as it is a collaborative effort bringing together partners from across industries, ministries and government agencies, exemplifying the vital importance of increasing links between stakeholders.”
He noted as well that the mini plant represents a crucial component for IBTE to further enhance the quality of its four HNTec programmes, and that the mini plant will provide an authentic and practical hands-on training, which is a prerequisite for the students to enrol into the programmes.
“It is always our vision that our graduates, upon completion of the programmes, will be job-ready and can immediately contribute to the needs of industry,” he continued, while also expressing gratitude towards the operators and service companies that helped build the plant.
The main sponsors of the HOTS plant are the seven operator companies, which include Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd, Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd, Brunei National Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd, Total E&P Deep Offshore Borneo BV, Brunei Methanol Company Sdn Bhd, Hengyi Industries Sdn Bhd, and Mitsubishi Corporation.
In addition to these main sponsors, five consultants have also aided in the project. They are Ekobumi Arkitek, Perunding Primareka, KR Kamar-ulzaman & Associates, Petrokon Utama Sdn Bhd, and Damit WorleyParsons Engineering Sdn Bhd.
Furthermore, 20 service com-panies in the oil and gas industry have also lent their expertise in the preparation and execution of the plant.
These are QESS Energy Support Sdn Bhd, Mashhor Group of Companies, Sahid Sdn Bhd, Batamas Sdn Bhd, Fazrul Sdn Bhd, PTAS Sdn Bhd, Joffren Omar Co Sdn Bhd, Dandy Jaya Sdn Bhd, Megalift Sdn Bhd, Adinin Works & Engineering Sdn Bhd, Serikandi Oilfield Services Sdn Bhd, Mozzat Enterprise Sdn Bhd, Lift Co Sdn Bhd, Mahkota Maju Sdn Bhd, Zainal Daud Sdn Bhd, Jel (Borneo) Sdn Bhd, CJ Technical Services Sdn Bhd, PKS Sdn Bhd, Megamas Training Company Sdn Bhd, and Ishii Iron Works Co Ltd.
THE newly opened Kajal Beauty House at the Muhibbah Complex II in Kampong Menglait is proof that age doesn’t have to be a factor when venturing into the world of business.
The owner, Hajah Mehrun Nisa binti Abdul Rahman, is a 71-year-old grandmother who decided to direct her energy into becoming a full-time entrepreneur, after enduring the loss of her husband in 2015, and with her children all busy pursuing lives of their own.
Kajal Beauty House was officially launched yesterday with three guests of honour – Pengiran Datin Hajah Yura Alaiti binti Pengiran Setia Negara Pengiran Haji Md Yusof, the spouse of Dato Paduka Haji Adnan bin Buntar, the former High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to India; Ungku Datin Hajah Fanzah binti Haji Osman, the President of the International Women’s Club of Brunei; and Dr Prema Sundrapandi, the spouse of Dr Sundrapandi, the current President of the Bandar Seri Begawan Indian Association.
It is the first beauty salon in Brunei Darussalam to feature Indian beauty services, and the use of herbal hair and skin products. Offering a range of traditional beauty services such as threading, waxing and herbal facials, it is also the first local beauty salon to offer manicures and pedicures with Maya Cosmetics’ Halal Nail Polish, which is both vegan and ablution-friendly.
All of the herbal products have been registered with the Cosmetics Unit of the Department of Pharmaceutical Services of Brunei Darussalam, and are available for sale in the beauty house.
Kajal Beauty House owner Hajah Mehrun Nisa binti Abdul Rahman, right, with the guests of honour. – WANI ROSLI
The salon also offers home services for women without transport, and for those who prefer to have beauty treatments in the privacy of their homes.
According to Hajah Mehrun Nisa, business hours are from 7am to 9pm, as most housewives and mothers tend to have free time in the mornings.
She is also grateful to the Brunei Government for helping to facilitate the process of starting up her own business.
“The helpdesk at the iCentre was very helpful and so was the Department of Pharmaceutical Services for assisting in the registration of the products,” she said.
A CEREMONY was held at the School of Science and Engineering, Politeknik Brunei (PB), Lumut, yesterday to mark the handover of fibre optic ‘Optical Line Terminal’ (OLT) Equipment.
The contribution, a collaborative initiative between Telekom Brunei Berhad (TelBru), Huawei Technologies (B) Sdn Bhd and PB, is aimed at developing the local Information and Communication Technology (ICT) talents of the future and also to highlight the importance of the continuous evolution of the ICT industry in the country, in its journey to transition into a digital economy in the coming years in line with Brunei Vision 2035.
Presenting the donation on behalf of TelBru as the guest of honour was David Holliday, the CEO of TelBru. Welcoming Holliday to the event was Denis Ho Mun Tai, the Director of PB.
The OLT Equipment is a device which serves as the service provider’s – in this case, Telbru – endpoint in a telecommunication network, which serves as a platform to provide their customers with high-speed Internet across the nation.
It will allow PB students and staff to not only connect to Brunei’s fastest and most secure broadband network, but also gain a hands-on practical training on the equipment and a greater understanding of the fixed broadband technology currently used by TelBru to maintain the country’s Internet infrastructure.
The CEO of TelBru handing over the OLT equipment to the Director of PBDavid Holliday, CEO of TelBru; Denis Ho Mun Tai, Director of Politeknik Brunei (PB); and other guests at the ceremony. – PHOTOS: DANIEL LIM
As a partner to the joint sponsorship, Huawei was on hand to set up the equipment prior to the ceremony and provided training demonstrations on how to use the equipment. Company staff also briefed PB students and lecturers on safety guidelines while operating the equipment.
The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah followed by a speech from the Director of PB.
“This generous contribution from Telbru as a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) partner of Politeknik Brunei as well as Huawei will undoubtedly help our students from the Diploma in Telecommunications to Systems Engineering programme, providing them a platform to acquire the important industry skills and technological training which are vital to their employability after they graduate from Politeknik Brunei,” he said.
Ho hoped that the contribution will help the students to learn from hands-on experience through interaction with the OLT Equipment.
Holliday explained that the joint sponsorship with Huawei Technologies is a reflection of their commitment as private sector industry leaders to work closely with institutes of higher learning in the country.
Explaining further, he said the OLT Equipment will benefit the students by helping them “learn how fibre is pulled and how eventually it reaches a customer’s home, and by understanding the concept of providing Internet practically, as opposed to only theory, they can improve their knowledge and grasp of the technology.”
The CEO added that TelBru has inked an MoU with PB, where both parties have managed to design a three-year Diploma in Telecommunications course, with two years on campus, and one year on-the-job training with TelBru.
“I am happy to report that this is progressing very well with the 24 attached students,” he said of the programme.
Holliday expressed his appreciation to Huawei for aiding in the sponsorship initiative, providing assurances that TelBru will continue to play its part in developing local ICT talent and emphasised once again that the OLT equipment is another small step in their efforts to help realise Brunei Vision 2035.
The TelBru CEO then presented a mock cheque to PB Director to confirm the official handover of the OLT Equipment to the school.
The CEO of TelBru along with the Director and staff members of PB later viewed the newly installed OLT Equipment.
Speaking to the Bulletin on how the sponsorship will likely impact the future of the students and the country, Holliday added, “The sponsorship is an investment we made together with Huawei to help youths across the country, in addition to the 24 existing PB students who are currently attached to TelBru. We hope to continue working closely with PB on the best course to further expand the diploma in the future.”
THE Ministry of Finance (MoF) recently held a prize presentation ceremony for the Al-Quran Reading Competition at the Theatre Hall of the MoF Building at Commonwealth Drive, Jalan Kebangsaan.
The guest of honour who presented prizes and certificates to the participants and tokens of appreciation to the judges was the Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance II, Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim.
In the Qari category of the competition, Haji Muhammad Nazirulariffin bin Haji Muhammad Sani from the Ministry of Finance won first place. In second and third places were Haji Mohd Basren bin Haji Bintang and Haji Abdul Razak bin Haji Mohd Hassan, both from the Brunei Investment Agency.
In the Qariah category, the first place winner was Amal Afiqah binti Ali from the MoF. In second place was Farah Dibba binti Abu Kassim from the Employees Trust Fund (TAP), and in third place was Khairul Bariah binti Ahmad from the Royal Customs and Excise Department.
The guest of honour, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance II, Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, presenting a prize and certificate to Haji Muhammad Nazirulariffin bin Haji Muhammad Zaini. – AK ZAKI KASHARAN
The competition, an annual activity of the ministry and departments under it, is held to encourage Al-Quran recitation among Bruneians and also to serve as a medium for the scouting and uncovering of potential Al-Quran recitation talents among its officers and staff.
This year’s competition was organised by the Brunei Investment Agency.
Others present at the prize giving ceremony were Deputy Minister of Finance, Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Hisham bin Haji Mohd Hanifah; deputy permanent secretary at the MoF; heads of departments and divisions, as well as officers and staff of the MoF and departments under it.
MOST retail shops in the country are facing an acute shortage of one of the most popular brands of baby milk powder, causing concerns especially to low income parents.
With the disappearance of the affordable Nestle Nan Kid Optipro HA Step 3 baby milk powder from shop shelves since late last year, parents have been going around in circles to find an alternative to their preferred brand.
A father of three said he has been searching for this milk powder for the past two weeks at 10 shops along Jalan Sengkurong and Jalan Muara, but in vain.
“I tried other milk brands including Nan Ha (box type) for my child. But she refused to take it as it tastes differently. Nan Kid 3 is popular as it is recommended for babies who are hypoallergenic,” he said.
The price of Nan Kid 3 which is meant for children aged above one year is also reasonable – costing around B$27-28 compared to other brands such as Nan Kid Optipro HA Step 2 (for babies aged six months and above) and Nan Kid Optiopro HA Step 1 (for babies below six months) both cost above B$30. It is the low price that makes it (Nan Kid 3) popular among parents.
Nestle Nan Kid Optipro HA Step 3 baby milk powder. – AZLAN OTHMAN
According to a baby milk powder supplier, not all shops are selling this brand. He cited some recent changes in the distribution network as the main reason for the current shortage. “Since December last year, Nestle Malaysia has appointed another company based in Brunei Darussalam to sell this baby milk powder to department stores,” he noted.
“It has (the shortage) nothing to do with shipment problems, but due to the transfer of distributorship of this product to another company. As the new company takes charge of this product, it needs to be registered again,” he added.
When contacted, health authorities said they cannot comment on baby milk products as it is against the marketing code of breast milk substitutes. It is the policy of health authorities to implement the international code of marketing on breast milk substitutes which is an objective under the national Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) strategy.
A retailer said, “Many parents are asking for Nan Kid 3. We have been out of stock since December last year and we are not sure when the next stock will be arriving.”
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 afternoon presented Letters of Credence to Brunei Darussalam’s newly appointed ambassadors and received Letters of Credence from the newly appointed envoys to Brunei Darussalam.
His Majesty first presented Letters of Credence to Pengiran Haji Mustapa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the Arab Republic of Egypt; Haji Harun bin Haji Junid, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the United Arab Emirates; Haji Ahmad bin Haji Jumat, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to Kuwait; and Mohd Shafiee bin Haji Kassim, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the Republic of Turkey.
His Majesty then received Letters of Credence from Caterina Ventura, High Commissioner of Canada to Brunei Darussalam; and Christian Ramage, Ambassador of the Republic of France to Brunei Darussalam.
Following the ceremony, His Majesty received in audience Brunei Darussalam’s newly-appointed ambassadors.
Pengiran Haji Mustapa, formerly held the post of Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the State of Kuwait.
Haji Harun was previously the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Haji Ahmad formerly held the post of Acting Deputy Director of the Department of Protocol and Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Meanwhile, Mohd Shafiee was previously the Acting Director of the Department of International Organisations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
His Majesty then received in separate audiences the newly appointed envoys to Brunei Darussalam.
Caterina Ventura formerly served as the Senior Advisor to the Partnership for Development Innovation Branch of Global Affairs Canada.
Christian Ramage was previously the Head of Diplomatic Security at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of France.
The ceremony took place at the Istana Nurul Iman.
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, with the newly appointed envoys Pengiran Haji Mustapa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the Arab Republic of Egypt; Haji Harun bin Haji Junid, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the United Arab Emirates; Haji Ahmad bin Haji Jumat, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the State of Kuwait and Mohd Shafiee bin Haji Mohd Kassim, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the Republic of Turkey. – RAHWANI ZAHARIHis 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 receives in audience Caterina Ventura, High Commisioner of Canada to Brunei Darussalam at the Istana Nurul Iman yesterday. Also seen is Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade IIHis Majesty receives in audience Christian Ramage, Ambassador of the Republic of France to Brunei Darussalam at the Istana Nurul Iman yesterday. – PHOTOS: RAHWANI ZAHARI
THE International School Brunei (ISB) Swimming team comprising 22 students aged nine to 17 years left the country for Bangkok yesterday to compete in the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA) Swimming Championships 2018.
The swimming meet is hosted by Bangkok Patana School, the British International School in Thailand. More than 550 swimmers will be participating from international schools in Asia including China, South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia. The 2017 FOBISIA Swimming Championships was hosted by ISB where its team won third place.
According to ISB head coach, Jeremy Salisibar, “The team will go for a better medal haul as well as personal bests in the competition.
“Swimmers from Thailand as well as South Korea and China will be our strongest competitors.”
On the success of the ISB swimming team, the head coach said, “It came from the passion, hard work and dedication of the students. They have been training at least five times a week. Some swimmers even train twice a day.”
The two-day championships will kick off today and will see ISB’s athletes in action alongside teams from 16 other international schools.
TEAM Pancha Delima emerged champion of the National Regu Takraw Championship for Yayasan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy organised 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.
The competition, held yesterday afternoon at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Menglait Sports Complex, was organised by Brunei Darussalam Takraw Association (PESTABARU) in cooperation with the Youth and Sports Department, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
Pancha Delima was named Champion of the tournament after defeating defending champion Team 88 A with the score of 2-0 (21-18, 21-14) in the final.
Joint third place went to Royal Brunei Police Sports Council (MS PDB) A and MS PDB C.
Managing Director of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Dato Paduka Eddie bin Dato Paduka Haji Sunny presented the prizes to the winners of the tournament.
KUALA Lumpur got off to a perfect start in the Gasing Championship being 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 after registering a 9-3 victory over Brunei Darussalam ‘A’ in the preliminary round at the Gasing Court of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex yesterday.
With the win, Kuala Lumpur moved to the top of Group ‘B’ while Brunei ‘A’ faced the danger of elimination with the tie against Miri Sarawak, drawn.
The visitors were off to a strong start after collecting three points before a decision was awarded in their favour for three new points as Brunei were left trailing by some distance.
The hosts finally got off the board to take some consolation before the referee signalled the end of the tie.
While six teams from Brunei Darussalam participating in the championship, visiting teams are Kuala Lumpur, Lawas, Sipitang ‘A’ and ‘B’, Miri Sarawak and Federal Territory of Labuan.
Group A’s Brunei Darussalam ‘D’ playing against Brunei Darussalam ‘E’. – KHAIRIL HASSAN
Split into four groups of three, the top two will advance to the knock-out stage with the winners playing the runners-up of the group and vice versa.
Brunei ‘A’, who missed out on a chance of pulling back in the tie, will be hoping to bounce back against Miri Sarawak to remain in contention for the next round.
The other matches yesterday also saw two all-Brunei Darussalam battles as well as ties between Brunei Darussalam ‘F’ and Lawas and Brunei Darussalam ‘E’ and Sipitang ‘B’.
The competition will resume today as the opening-day winners look to cement their place in the knock-out stage.
Each team has four players with both sides taking turns of spinning the top and hitting the top.
The referee decides whether the hitting aspect of the game is deemed legitimate and if it is ruled out, then the opposing team will receive their opportunity to be on the hitting end.
The losing semi-finalists will compete in a third place playoff. The final will be held tomorrow at the same venue.
BRUNEI’S international star Wu Chun broke new ground by acting with some of the big stars from Hollywood.
Besides him, ‘Guardians of the Tomb’ features Chinese actress Li Bing Bing and American actors Kellan Christopher Lutz and Allen Kelsey Grammer.
The science fiction horror thriller started screening in China yesterday and will be heading to the region’s cinemas by end of this month.
The movie, embellished with CGI (computer-generated imagery), revolves around a team of scientists who, while making a discovery of the century, lose a colleague in an ancient labyrinth. The group must battle its way through a swarm of deadly, man-eating funnel web spiders and discover the secret behind the arachnids’ power and intelligence.
Filmed on Australia’s Gold Coast and in China’s Dunhuang and Beijing, the ‘Guardians of the Tomb’ is the largest Chinese-Australian co-production.
Wu Chun during the press conference in China with Li Bing Bing showing her pet spider crawling on her arm. – YUE KAI ENTERTAINMENT CHINA
Wu Chun, who plays Luke, said in an interview that the movie started filming at the end of 2015 and within three months, was completed. For excellent and realistic scenes, the CGI effects were added and it took two years to refine them.
On working with Li Bing Bing who has starred in Hollywood blockbusters ‘Resident Evil: Retribution’ (2012) and ‘Transformers: Age of Extinction’ (2014), Wu Chun said, “I was really excited and yet nervous to work with superstar Li Bing Bing. As I get to know Li better on the movie set, I felt really comfortable working with her. She is a very nice person to work with.”
Wu Chun highlighted that one of the most challenging tasks during filming was the four to five hours of make-up session almost every day. That meant he had to be at the filming set five hours early to put on his special effect make up. After filming, he needed another one-and-a-half hour to remove the make-up.
When asked about the ‘huge spiders’ during filming, Wu Chun disclosed that he is particularly terrified of the eight-legged creature. Fortunately, the huge spiders were only CGI effects. He recalled, “In a press conference about the movie on January 15, Li Bing Bing placed a real huge spider on my hand. It was a really unforgettable moment; I can feel the spider crawling on my skin.”
With this first movie alongside some of the megastars from Hollywood, Wu Chun hopes to be involved in more films to gain new experience as an actor.
After last year’s disappointment of not having any local cinemas showing ‘My Other Home’ (another movie that he acted in), Wu Chun hopes that Brunei’s cinemas will be screening the ‘Guardians of the Tomb’.
JERUDONG Park Medical Centre (JPMC) held a prize presentation ceremony for its Video Contest yesterday at the JPMC CME Room.
Present to give away the prizes to the winners was Chris Carvalho, Hospital Administrator of JPMC. Taking first spot in the In-Vitro Fertilisation Category was Anas Afandi bin Haji Md Hussain while Siti Seri Leila Imelda Farrah Zohre binti Haji Abdullah won in the Health Screening Video Category, with both winners walking away with B$5,000 cash prize each.
Mohammad Suhardy bin Haji Hambali and Adam Groves won B$3,000 each for winning second place, while Mohammad Solehin bin Haji Masri and Siti Nurfaziraah binti Abdul Manaf won B$1,000 each for finishing in third.
The video contest gave an opportunity to the local creative industry to showcase individual talents, which saw over 30 entries featuring three categories to choose from – In-Vitro Fertilisation, Health Screening and Varicose Vein.
The videos were also part of the promotion on health services in JPMC during the 14th China-Asean Expo (CAEXPO) in Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China last September.
PANAGA School and Microsoft Brunei announced the launch of an Internet Safety Top Tips contest which is open to primary and secondary students across the country, as part of an initiative to help instill a smart and tech savvy mindset among the youths and encourage students to be safe and Internet- friendly.
In its first year, the competition aims to encourage students to highlight the importance of Internet safety and being good digital citizens. Students are invited to create, innovate and submit their top tips for staying safe online by simply visiting bit.do/toptip and filling out an online form.
Neil Lynch, Digital Educational Specialist teacher at Panaga School, said, “We can’t wait to see what the students have in store for us. The contest is a platform to enable Bruneian students to become good digital citizens and empower their friends and families to have a safer and meaningful digital experience.
“This is a student-led competition which is run by the Middle Years students at Panaga School, and we are grateful to Microsoft for their support,” he continued.
The deadline for submitting the entries for this year’s contest is February 15. Winners in each category stand to win a range of prizes sponsored by Microsoft Brunei.
Panaga School students participating in the contest. – PANAGA SCHOOL
MD ZULHILMI bin Haji Yaakub was the winner of one air ticket to Kuala Lumpur yesterday at the second consolation prize presentation ceremony held at TK Asco Workshop for the #BeliHelix promotion that was launched October 28, 2017.
Ramon R Lacson won a Panasonic 32″ television, Kamsari received a Samsung Galaxy J5 Prime, Haji Shahrul Khanafi bin Haji Othman won a Samsung Galaxy Tab A7.0 and Muhd Bon Al-Hakeem bin Abdullah Paryata received a Garmin Watch Forerunner 30.
They were the five lucky winners out of more than 6,000 participants for December, whose names were drawn on January 12 by media representatives, witnessed by Brunei Shell Marketing Co Sdn Bhd (BSM) management. All five winners also received a bottle of 4L Shell Helix Ultra each.
The prizes were presented by Dominic Ng of TK Asco and Hajah Siti Kurshiah binti Haji Anuar, Head of Commercial at the BSM.
The consolation prize winners who purchased the eligible products (Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40, HX7 10W-40 and HX5 15W-40 in bottles (4L) in November and December will still be eligible for the grand draw to win a unit of BMW 118i, Dubai tour packages for two persons, or a $2,500 cash card.
Customers will still have the chance to participate in the #BeliHelixpromotion by purchasing a pack of 4L Shell Helix Motor Oil to be entitled to one entry form. The form should be completed and returned together with the official receipt at drop boxes available at 190 participating outlets comprising car dealers, independent workshops, highstreets and petrol stations.
The promotion will end on January 31 and the grand draw will be held in February.
Group photo of the winners and the organisers. – ACHONG TANJONG
