THE Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) yesterday morning held a donation handover ceremony of the Tabung Anak Yatim Surau-Surau ABDB to the Pengiran Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah Fund for Orphans (DANA) at Surau Al-Barakah, Rimba Air Force Base.
A donation of B$13,837.82 was presented by Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah, the Commander of the RBAF to Dato Paduka Eddie bin Dato Paduka Haji Sunny, the Chief Executive Officer of DANA.
The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and followed by mass Asar prayers.
Also present were services commanders, village head of Kampong Rimba (Zone 2), RBAF officers and personnel, as well as residents of Kampong Rimba.
Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah, the Commander of the RBAF, presenting the donation to Dato Paduka Eddie bin Dato Paduka Haji Sunny, the Chief Executive Officer of the Pengiran Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah Fund for Orphans (DANA) during a donation handover ceremony of Tabung Anak Yatim Surau-Surau ABDB at Surau Al-Barakah, Rimba Air Force Base. – MINDEFPehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah, the Commander of the RBAF and Dato Paduka Awang Eddie bin Dato Paduka Haji Sunny, the Chief Executive Officer of DANA at the ceremony. – MINDEF
BRUNEI Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (BSP) continues to support the wider community with its Social Investment (SI) programmes that are designed and aligned to the objectives of Brunei Vision 2035 – to create well-educated and highly skilled individuals while also driving the development and growth of Brunei Darussalam.
Its efforts are directed towards providing a high quality life to the people and creating a dynamic and sustainable economy, the company said in a statement yesterday.
“BSP makes its social investment initiatives beneficial to the society and sustainable beyond the company’s involvement. The company is committed to supporting the community through various themes, of which education has always been given the biggest priority,” the statement added.
“The oil and gas industry is no different from many other industries that are constantly in a state of change, and being impacted by the continuous flow of new and innovative technologies. BSP is very much part and parcel of these changes. But what good would it be when you can’t share the knowledge and make it beneficial to the nation in terms of developing talent and creating highly skilled individuals who can contribute to the country.
“One of the most notable projects that BSP supported recently is the newly-launched ‘Hands-On-Training (HOT) Mini Plant’ located at Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) Jefri Bolkiah Campus School of Engineering, whereby HNTec and NTec level students will be ‘Industry Ready’ once graduated. This is a multi-company contribution which also included BSP, Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd, Total E&P Borneo BV, Brunei Methanol Company Sdn Bhd, Hengyi Industries Sdn Bhd and Mitsubishi Corporation.
“On the forefront, BSP supports IBTE’s efforts to expand and strengthen its engineering capability by sharing expertise and resources.
“It offers long-term benefits to the country by catering to the oil and gas industry. BSP is extremely proud to be part of the success in supporting IBTE’s objectives of having first class training equipment that is up-to-date and relevant to the industry and in turn to produce graduates who are highly skilled, job-ready and aligned to the industry requirements and standards,” said Yap Kong Fah, Deputy Managing Director and Technical Director, BSP.
“BSP and IBTE have a long partnership of over 50 years of collaborating in areas of technical education and capacity building.
“Over the years BSP and IBTE Jefri Bolkiah Campus has collaborated through contributing training equipment, capacity building programmes and technical advice on the oil and gas industry.
“Another Social Investment initiative that BSP has undertaken to support vocational and technical training included supporting the government through the Energy and Industry Department at the Prime Minister’s Office (EIDPMO) for the upgrade and improvement of the facilities allocated for the Centre for Capacity Building – a multi-programme skills training centre managed by EIDPMO. Programme delivery is done by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) based on approved syllabus adapted from international training or leading industry institutions,” BSP said.
“BSP believes that by investing in Brunei’s youth, the company is ultimately investing in the country’s future by providing and supporting training and skills development as it plays a vital role in the organisation that these youths will potentially work for and also to the overall national economic growth,” the statement added.
THE Fire and Rescue Department recorded a 25 per cent increase in vehicle fire cases last year compared to 2016.
According to statistics provided by the department, 101 vehicle fire cases were recorded last year compared to 78 cases in the previous year.
The estimated damages due to vehicle fire incidents stood at B$942,650 last year, the department said in a statement yesterday.
The main causes of the vehicle fire are faulty electrical component and lack of proper maintenance of vehicles, the department said, adding that poor maintenance can damage the mechanical system and result in fire.
Another cause is fuel line leakage due to lack of scheduled preventive maintenance.
A file photo of firefighters battling a vehicle on fire last year. The main causes of the vehicle fire are faulty electrical component and lack of proper maintenance of vehicles, the Fire and Rescue Department said. – JAMES KONStation Officer Andi Karmila Waty binti Haji Abdul Karim, Public Relations Officer at the Fire and Rescue Department in an interview. – JAMES KON
Other factors include arson, human errors, heavy impact from accidents and modification of vehicle – like installing a car stereo system – not in accordance with standards and by unqualified and uncertified technicians. Overheating of engine due to failure of cooling system can also cause fire.
The statistics and causes of vehicle fires were revealed by Station Officer Andi Karmila Waty binti Haji Abdul Karim, Public Relations Officer at the Fire and Rescue Department.
She also shared a number of fire prevention tips for vehicles in an interview with the Weekend Bulletin.
Vehicles should be equipped with fire extinguishers and preventive maintenance works should be carried out frequently, she said, also highlighting the need to ensure that vehicles’ electrical and electronic systems are checked during services, besides conducting frequent visual checks to make sure there are no signs of leak.
The station officer also urged the public not to keep anything that could cause a fire in the vehicle – like a PowerBank.
If a vehicle is on fire, try to extinguish it without risking life and contact the Fire and Rescue Department’s hotline at 995, she informed.
TWO senior superintendents of the Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) were promoted to the rank of assistant director during a rank insignia presentation ceremony yesterday at the Officers’ Mess of the FRD Headquarters at the Old Airport in Berakas.
Pengiran Haji Sabli bin Pengiran Damit and Shahrin bin Haji Mohd Jawie received their new rank insignias of Assistant Director from Colonel (Rtd) Pengiran Haji Maiddin bin Pengiran Haji Said, the Acting Director of the FRD.
The new Assistant Director Shahrin said, “The FRD will continue to be a professional organisation of emergency responders whom people can rely on.
“We are moving towards the strategic plan and supporting our National Vision 2035, and one of them is equipping our personnel as best as possible. It is a dynamic world and the challenges are different from 20 years ago. Training is provided in line with our capability,” he added.
Also in attendance were Lim Hock Guan, Deputy Director of the FRD; senior officials, officers, personnel and staff of the FRD.
Pengiran Haji Sabli bin Pengiran Damit, newly promoted Assistant Director of the Fire and Rescue Department, with his familyShahrin bin Haji Mohd Jawie, newly promoted Assistant Director of the Fire and Rescue Department, with his family. – PHOTOS: RAHWANI ZAHARI
IN PREPARATION for the final round of the Enduro Jet Ski Challenge 2017, the Brunei Jet Sports Association (BJSA) yesterday held an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) safety briefing with race affiliates at the Lecture Hall of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium.
Leading the briefing was Deputy Chairman of BJSA, Md Mozliano Abdullah who highlighted the race details, standby locations for safety personnel and the surrounding waters that cover the race track.
According to Md Mozliano, the final round of Enduro Jet Ski Challenge 2017 will take place on February 4 at the Serasa Water Sports Complex, Muara from 6am and scheduled to end at 6pm.
Some 20 riders from Brunei and Miri will compete in the challenge. Categories include Stand-Up Class (10laps x 2.6km); 130 Class (Normal Aspirated); 200 Class (Normal Aspirated); and 300 (supercharged) Open Class.
Also present at the briefing were BJSA Chairman, Baharuddin Zainuddin along with his race officials, personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department, Royal Brunei Police Force and Marine Police, Paramedics, Marine and Port Authorities as well as Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe) and volunteers.
The sporting event aimed to promote the exhilarating sports of jet ski in Brunei, while at the same time raising awareness on safety on the waters when taking part in such competitive sports.
The opening leg was held previously in March 2017 at Serasa Beach which saw riders from Brunei, Miri as well as Kuala Lumpur competing for podium finish.
Round 2 was held last October along Jalan Sungai in Belait District, whilst Round 3 returned to Serasa Beach the following month.
Champions in each category will be determined by allocation of points to riders who have taken part in the earlier rounds.
Deputy Chairman BJSA, Md Mozliano Abdullah (centre) and race committee members during the safety briefing. – AZIZ IDRIS
THE Brunei Darussalam Accounting Standards Council (BDASC) recently hosted a briefing for more than 200 people comprising public accountants, local businesses and representatives from government agencies and associations in the country to spread and raise awareness about the Brunei Darussalam Accounting Standards (BDAS).
Held at the Theatre Hall of the Ministry of Finance (MoF) building, the briefing was also attended by Norliah binti Haji Kula, the Permanent Secretary (Performance) at the MoF, and Chairani binti Haji Sulaiman, the Director of the Revenue Division at the MoF. Khairunnisa binti Dr Haji Hashim, a finance officer from the Revenue Division, delivered the briefing.
The BDAS was adopted in the country effective from January 1, 2018. The BDAS was issued to ensure uniformity and consistency in financial reporting among relevant entities in the country.
Enabling users of financial statements, in particular to compare and assess entities’ performance to facilitate decision-making based on quality information along with uniform financial statements, would ease processes relating to financial management such as obtaining loans from financial institutions and relevant agencies as well as facilitating the insolvency process.
A similar briefing will be conducted in the Tutong, Belait and Temburong districts.
Members of the public can obtain further information on the BDAS by viewing or downloading the BDAS material online at bndasc.org or call the BDASC Secretariat.
Norliah binti Haji Kula, the Permanent Secretary (Performance) at the Ministry of Finance; Chairani binti Haji Sulaiman, the Director of the Revenue Division at the Ministry of Finance; and attendees at the briefing. – LYNA MOHAMAD
THE 2018 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 continued yesterday, where Brunei teams entered the semifinal rounds after dominating their opponents in the group-stage and quarters yesterday.
In Group ‘A’, Brunei ‘D’ tied with Sipitang Sabah ‘B’ 0-0. Match in Group ‘B’ saw Miri Sarawak beating Kuala Lumpur 3-0 and winning over Brunei ‘A’ 4-0. In Group ‘C’, Lawas Sarawak defeated Labuan 3-0 and edged Brunei ‘F’ 1-0. Sipitang Sabah ‘A’ tied 0-0 with both Brunei ‘C’ and Brunei ‘B’ in the Group D matches.
In the quarters, top two teams of each group battled against one another. Brunei ‘D’ thrashed Labuan 9-0; Brunei ‘B’ beat Kuala Lumpur 3-0; Brunei ‘E’ fell to a 3-0 defeat to Brunei ‘F’; and Brunei ‘C’ crushed Miri Sarawak 29-0.
Today will see the semifinal matches between Brunei ‘D’ and Brunei ‘F’, and between Brunei ‘B’ and Brunei ‘C’. A third place playoff match will take place after the semis, and the final match will be played in the afternoon.
Photos above and below show Brunei ‘C’ battle against Miri Sarawak in the quarterfinal of the championship
THE Military Cadets of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF Military Cadets) reached the age of 47 years since it was first established in 1971.
In celebrating its 47th anniversary, a parade was held at the Royal Brunei Malay Reserve Regiment (ASMBD) Parade Square at Rimba Camp, according to a press release.
Present as the guest of honour was Colonel Pengiran Azmali bin Pengiran Haji Salleh, the Director of Logistics at the Ministry of Defence. Also present were the ASMDB commanding officer and Haji Azis bin Haji Nayan, the Director of Co-curriculum Education, Ministry of Education. The event began with the guest of honour receiving a salute and inspecting the guard of honour comprising members of the Secondary School Military Cadets, the Military Cadet Band and members of higher education institutions.
The event continued with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah followed by a speech from the guest of honour before concluding with recitation of Doa Selamat.
Prior to the event, a Doa Kesyukuran ceremony in conjunction with the anniversary of the RBAF Military Cadets was held on January 18 at Surau Al-Barakah, Royal Brunei Air Force Base. Present as the guest of honour at the ceremony was the Director of Co-curriculum Education.
Colonel Pengiran Azmali bin Pengiran Haji Salleh, the Director of Logistics at the Ministry of Defence and guest of honour, inspecting the guard of honour. – PHOTOS: MINISTRY OF EDUCATIONThe guest of honour with the cadets
YAYASAN Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (Yayasan) held a ceremony to hand over certificates to 29 youths who completed an assistance programme, Enhancing Socio-Economic Towards Zero Poverty Aid Project (PBSE).
The event was held at the community hall in Kampong Birau in Mukim Kiudang, Tutong. Present as the chief guest to present the certificates was Dato Paduka Haji Idris bin Haji Abas, a member of the Board of Directors of Yayasan and co-chairperson of the PBSE Committee of Voluntary Unit of Yayasan.
The participants were selected by the organisation to undergo a basic skills acquisition course at the Youth Development Centre from December 11-12, 2017. Yayasan financed the expenses of the course including the participants’ transportation costs.
Out of 29 course participants, four took skills acquisition course in fashion design; 10 in basic computer skills and office handling; six in culinary art, banquet and pastry and confectionary skills while nine in vehicle repair.
Dato Paduka Haji Idris bin Haji Abas, centre, in a group photo with the participants. – AZLAN OTHMAN
A MOTIVATIONAL talk for officers and staff members of the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) was held at the DBP’s Sarmayuda Hall at the Old Airport, Berakas yesterday.
Present as the guest of honour was the Acting Director of DBP, Hajah Sariani binti Ishak.
Acting Deputy Director of DBP, Hajah Nortikah binti Haji Mohd Hassan; heads of departments; and more than 100 officers and staff of DBP were also present.
The motivational talk titled, ‘Ceramah Berkat’ was delivered by Assistant Training Officer from the Civil Service Institute, Haji Noor Husseini bin Haji Mohd Hussein. Haji Noor Husseini highlighted the importance and concept of self-motivation and the importance of integrity in carrying out duties and responsibilities with full ethics.
The talk concluded with a Doa Selamat.
Haji Noor Husseini, Assistant Training Officer from the Civil Service Institute speaking at the eventActing Director of DBP, Hajah Sariani binti Ishak, at the talk. – PHOTOS: SYAZWANI HJ ROSLI
SCHOOLS undoubtedly play very important roles in guiding students to achieve academic excellence, however studies indicate that parents hold the main card in helping their children realise this outcome, Minister of Education Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman noted.
The minister, who was speaking at the ‘Parents’ Care for Education’ Convention held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas yesterday, added however that even though there had been many success stories where students achieved academic excellence with strong support and guidance from their parents, there are also cases where students have failed in their studies due to lack of parental support, guidance and involvement during their schooling years.
Further emphasising the importance of strong parental involvement in their children’s studies, the minister said, “This is seen as the cause of students’ failures, where they did not have the motivation to study.
“They looked at schooling as a daily routine and were often absent. In this situation, when sitting for their examinations, it is hard for these students to achieve excellent academic results, in fact (many of such students failed in their exams).”
The minister said there were studies confirming the important role parents play in helping their children achieve academic excellence.
Minister of Education Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman during his speech. – AZARAIMY HH
“Inspecting their children’s homework, asking how their school day went or how their school activities were, sitting together with their children during homework, (participating in) reading and other academic activities (with them) are all important (in ensuring the children do well in their studies),” said the minister.
“Children will have positive thoughts towards school, feel more prepared to study, and have the confidence to face their teachers and their classmates when their parents (pay close attention to their) studies.”
During his speech, the minister also alluded to studies carried by psychologists Betty Hard and Todd Risley where they indicated that professional parents talked a lot more to their children compared to parents who were not professional (not working), causing word gaps in the children reaching 30 million words or more by age three.
The minister pointed to another piece of research at UCLA which indicated two-way interactive conversations between adults and their children was six times more effective in promoting linguistic command compared to cases where only the adult did the talking.
“What is being talked about by the parents is equally influential in aiding child development and learning. Children who are always exposed to numbers or encouraged to participate in calculation exercises at home will be better at mathematics when they begin school,” said the minister.
Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi pointed out that the Ministry of Education (MoE) has initiatives in place to improve the literacy and numerical skills of children through a special age-based coaching programme called the Literacy and Numeracy Coaching Programme (LNCP).
He stressed however that solely relying on classroom learning will not be adequate, adding that parents should continue teaching their children in this area at home.
The minister also revealed another one of the MoE’s initiatives – programmes conducted at the Brunei Darussalam Teachers’ Academy (BDTA) to improve the skills of teachers to help them achieve Grade 3 and above (Grade 3 is equivalent to a “good” grade under the MoE’s Teacher’s Performance Grade assessment system).
“We know teachers’ teaching abilities play a big role in the students’ education.
“So teachers need to have the right attitude towards students, delivering lessons with full responsibility, commitment and the appropriate pedagogical approach – by implementing differentiated teaching – as well as possess deep knowledge on their subject areas,” said the minister.
“For students who need extra attention, many schools have additional and intervention classes to help them.”
Other than efforts to ensure a conducive learning environment, the MoE has also put in place school leaders – ‘instructional’ guides – who can lead schools in all areas including monitoring children’s education in the classroom.
School leaders are given leadership training through the Brunei Programme for Senior School Leaders (BPSL) so that they can lead their schools to achieve academic excellence and realise high standards of teaching.
Another initiative, the minister noted, to improve the school-home link between schools and parents is the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA). “All these initiatives, either at the primary or secondary level, will not be successful if parents are not playing an active role in the process, or not supporting those initiatives,” stated the minister.
He said that Brunei still has a lot of room for improvement in academic achievement, highlighting the country’s deficiency in subjects like Mathematics.
“The low level of numeracy and literacy skills among students is deterring them from understanding questions that need ‘higher-order thinking skills’ (HOTS) which involve a ‘multi-step approach’ in the solving process, making it difficult for them to answer questions in good order,” said the minister.
“The poor standard of these skills, coupled with the lack of close support from parents, has caused students to become demotivated to learn and do their own self revisions at home.”
The Minister of Education noted further that based on these findings, “it is clear that most of the problems and challenges that are being faced involve families and parents.
“Thus it is important for all parties to chip in and identify their respective roles and priorities, and work together to devise a strategy and take appropriate actions to overcome (this student-parent education gap).”
The minister finished off by sharing findings from studies which have demonstrated the positive impact of parental involvement in their children’s studies.
These include scoring highly in exams; increased inclination towards registering for higher education programmes; inclination towards attending additional classes; lower dropout rates; higher graduation rates; and higher probability of enrolling into tertiary education institutions.
EIGHT-YEAR-OLD Muhd Nazrul Hadi bin Kamis’ dream was to become a policeman and yesterday it was realised when he was bestowed with the ‘Honorary Policeman’ recognition certificate by the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF).
Muhd Nazrul Hadi is suffering from eye cancer, also known as Retinolblastoma.
The special ceremony to award the recognition was coordinated by the Public Relations Unit of the RBPF with consent from His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
At the ceremony, Commissioner of Police Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohd Jammy bin Haji Muhd Shah Al-Islam presented Muhd Nazrul Hadi with the ‘Honorary Policeman’ certificate.
Looking handsome and stylish in his police uniform, Muhd Nazrul Hadi saluted the Commissioner of Police before receiving his certificate.
Muhd Nazrul Hadi bin Kamis holding his honorary certificate in a photo with the distinctive white and blue RBPF squad carMuhd Nazrul Hadi bin Kamis in a group photo with his parents and Commissioner of Police, Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohd Jammy bin Haji Muhd Shah Al-IslamDato Paduka Seri Haji Mohd Jammy, presenting the honorary certificate to Muhd Nazrul HadiMuhd Nazrul Hadi and his parents, Kamis bin Haji Ajak and Juralina binti Haji Jabidin. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI
It was a tearful yet memorable moment, thanks to the efforts by Children’s Cancer Foundation (YASKA) in fulfilling its patient’s dream.
The moment left Muhd Nazrul Hadi speechless yet with a big smile on his face. His comment was brief yet impactful: “They said my dream is too big, and I said they think too small.”
Sharing the family’s joy with the Sunday Bulletin, Muhd Nazrul Hadi’s father Kamis bin Haji Ajak expressed gratitude to the RBPF for what it has done for their son.
“No words could describe our happiness. We thank the RBPF for this honour,” he said.
“Muhd Nazrul Hadi always shared to us his wish to serve the country as a policeman,” he added.
Muhd Nazrul Hadi’s mother Julinah binti Haji Jabidin was seen elated, seeing her son’s dream turning a reality. “This would be the most memorable moment in his life which will make him happy despite his suffering,” she told the Sunday Bulletin, holding tears.
Muhd Nazrul Hadi is their third son with a quiet and pleasing personality.
It was in December 2013 the family was struck by news that Muhd Nazrul Hadi was diagnosed with eye cancer stage 4. His left eye had to be removed and replaced with an artificial glass eye.
Since then, he has been regularly visiting the hospital for medical treatment including chemotherapy. However, he endured all the pain to realise his dream in achieving success in life.
It was during a casual talk with his doctor who asked what he wanted to be after he finished his education, he shared his dream of becoming policeman someday which was finally realized yesterday.
The rare occasion also highlighted that the RBPF is not only stern in enforcing the laws and maintaining the country’s peace and harmony but also could influence the society by giving people motivation and enthusiasm to achieve success in life and realise their dreams.
TO MAINTAIN high quality education nationwide, the Ministry of Education (MoE) will begin implementation of the School Self-Evaluation (SSE) in government schools, this year.
The SSE report should be completed by September 2018, with the action plan of each respective school ready by October this year.
The SSE scheme is not new as the Department of Schools Inspectorate introduced the initiative back in 2014, and the system is already in its initial stage of implementation in seven schools.
The implementation of the SSE in government schools was officially launched with a ceremonial lecture titled ‘Whole School Evaluation: the Drive For School Drive Evaluation’, at the MoE yesterday.
The event was officiated by guest of honour Nadia Lee Siew Hoon binti Abdullah, the Deputy Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the MoE.
Zainal Abidin bin Haji Kepli, the Acting Director of Department of Schools Inspectorate presenting the guide book on Whole School Evaluation to Nadia Lee Siew Hoon binti Abdullah, the Deputy Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the Ministry of Education. – JAMES KON
The deputy permanent secretary pointed out in her keynote address that “the School Self Evaluation has undeniably played a vital role in raising the quality of education in many education systems in the world.
“International findings have shown that the involvement of schools in implementing self-evaluation schemes is very significant in strengthening the action plans of schools towards school improvement.”
She continued: “The initiative has been proven successful in education systems in the region like in Singapore through the School Appraisal Board which has introduced a school self-evaluation scheme a long time ago. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region meanwhile has utilised the evaluation process since 2003. Both regions possess an established education system.”
On the SSE, Nadia Lee Siew Hoon said that “it can play an important role in planning and ensuring schools’ action plans are more strategic and systematic as well as more focussed on the aspects that need improvement, and can also help to achieve the schools and Ministry of Education’s targets”.
It is hoped that the SSE can help support the various initiatives of the MoE to achieve its 1.1 and 1.4 national Key Performance Index, which is to increase the number of quality teachers, education standards at schools, literacy and numeracy of students, and performance of students in public examinations – all of which are aligned with the objectives of Brunei Vision 2035 of producing an educated generation who are highly skilled and able to measure up against high international standards.
The implementation of the SSE is based on the Whole School Evaluation framework that stresses on four main domains which need to be assessed: leadership and management; learning and teaching; ethos and environment; as well as students’ learning outcomes.
The deputy permanent secretary also explained that checks and support mechanisms are needed to ensure the validity and effectiveness of the SSE in the schools. The effectiveness of the system will be gauged further with an external review carried out by the Department of Schools Inspectorate as the appointed quality assurer to make sure that the school self-evaluation is implemented more effectively and efficiently.
She also urged for unity in terms of collaboration and support from all relevant stakeholders to help achieve the objectives of the MoE in raising the quality of education in Brunei Darussalam.
Zainal Abidin bin Haji Kepli, the Acting Director of Department of Schools Inspectorate meanwhile highlighted that “the rationale behind the introduction of the SSE is (because internal) evaluation can help principals and school leaders identify the strengths and weaknesses in each school. From (the system), more focussed planning can be prepared to further improve schools by optimising their strengths and overcoming challenges”.
Also present at the ceremony was Hajah Anis Faudzulani binti Haji Dzulkiflee, the Acting Director General of Education.
THE five-day 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament 2018 organised by Times Square Shopping Centre concluded yesterday.
A press statement said that 41 teams participated in the tournament, divided into five categories. In the Boys Under-16 Category were Aces, Aeroplane, And One, Ballerz, Ballup, Banana Shaker, Bang Baller, Big Ballers, Chin, Execration, Hornne-Bonnes, Kaiser, Knickers, Phantoms, Rush Hours, Swek Bunnies, Wolves Basketball and YAB.
In the Boys Under-18 category were Aeroplane, Gucci Gang, Mamba, Matadors, Road Blockers, Rose, Splash, Team Extrarice, The Ozzies and XTC; while Cincau Susu, Conviction, Golden Eagles, SK Basketball, Splash and SSB (Sunning Sdn Bhd) made up the Boys Under-23 Category.
Girls Under-16 Category comprised Ball of Duty, Crusaders and Hot Shotz, and in the Girls Open Category were Ball of Duty, Emerald, Honey Carsmart and Team Wolves.
YAB won the Boys Under-16 Category after beating Swek Bunnies 12-10. Wolves settled for third. YAB’s Dublin Ting was selected as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the category.
Gucci Gang edged Rose 14-13 to win the Boys Under-18 Category, with Matadors in third. The MVP award went to Gucci Gang’s Devon Lim.
Girls Under-16 (above) and Boys Under-23 (below) winners with Lim Yee Liang, Marketing Manager of Times Square, and Ken Han, Founder of Shooting Stars. – PHOTOS: KHAIRIL HASSAN
From top: Boys Under-18; Girls Open and Boys Under-16 winners
SSB took the champion’s title for the Boys Under-23 Category after defeating Golden Eagles 12-10. Cincau Susu settled for third. Matthew of SSB was the MVP of the category.
Crusaders emerged winners of the Girls Under-16 Category, followed by Hot Shotz and Ball of Duty in third. Crusaders’ Chloe Chen was named MVP.
In the Girls Open Category, Team Wolves were named champion, with Honey Carsmart in second and Emerald in third. Izzah Sandoral of Wolves was named MVP.
Lim Yee Liang, Marketing Manager of Times Square and Ken Han, Founder of Shooting Stars presented the prizes.
The tournament was organised in collaboration with Shooting Stars, Fitness Zone and Brunei Basketball Association.
BRUNEI ‘B’ emerged winners of the Cross Gasing Regu event in the 2018 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 defeating Brunei ‘F’ in the final at the Gasing Court of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex yesterday.
Brunei ‘D’ settled for third place after beating Brunei ‘C’ in the playoff.
Meanwhile, Saidi Haji Ismail was crowned winner in the Cross Gasing Open with Mohd Sofian Haji Lamudin taking second place.
In the Gasing Traditional Gurau 25-27 inches final, Yakop Haji Asmat took full honours with Alimin Haji Talip finishing as runners-up and Abd Rahman Haji Badar settling for third place.
Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Home Affairs in a group photo with the winners. – FADHIL YUNUS
Guest of honour at the event, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Home Affairs presented the prizes.
In his speech, Dato Paduka Haji Puasa bin Orang Kaya Seri Pahlawin Tudin, President of Brunei Darussalam National Gasing Association said the competition was participated by 12 teams, namely Kuala Lumpur, two teams from Sipitang Sabah, Miri Sarawak, Lawas Sarawak, Federal Territory of Labuan and six teams from Brunei Darussalam.
JAMRI Johari clocked 14:18.71 to win the Special Stage Best Overall Time of the Brunei Enduro Series 2018, which concluded yesterday at the Berakas Forest Reserve Recreational Park.
Jamri was also crowned the champion of the Elite Category, followed by Md Imadi as runner-up (14:21.62); and Muhd Al Waie Haji Aini as second runner-up with 14:24.01. Fourth place went to Muhd Rafiuddin Zikara with the time of 14:28.81, and Muhd Nur Rahimin Haji Abdul Amin trailed in fifth with 15:11.00.
In the Exclusive Category, Mazwee Yaakub of Team 673 Cyclist was named champion after finishing the race in 17:50.03. Christina Fah was second (19:03.59), and Haji Khairul Azmi Haji Bidin in third (19:39.10). In fourth place was Haji Jamil Haji Karim (19:44.42) and Pengiran Md Ezul fifth (20:18.44).
Meanwhile, Haji Hamdani emerged as the winner of the Open Category clocking 14:47.38, while Mazran Haji Jamin trailed in second with 15:05.31. Muhd Al Qayyum Haji Aini was placed third after crossing the line in 15:32.19, followed by Wilfred Dalinog Jr in fourth (16:09.92) and Haji Hady fifth (16:39.01).
Brigadier General (U) Dato Seri Pahlawan Shahril Anwar bin Haji Ma’awiah, Commander of the Royal Brunei Air Force presented the prizes.
Brigadier General (U) Dato Seri Pahlawan Shahril Anwar bin Haji Ma’awiah, Commander of the Royal Brunei Air Force presents the Special Stage Best Overall Time to Jamri JohariWinners of the Elite CategoryWinners of the Exclusive CategoryWinners of the Open Category. – PHOTOS: KHAIRIL HASSAN
THE winners of the Inter-Mukim Dikir Syarafil Anam competition (Tutong District) were awarded prizes during a ceremony held at the Official Residence Hall of the Tutong District Officer over the weekend.
This year saw seven teams competing in the event, held in conjunction with the Maulidur Rasul celebration.
Tutong District Officer Shamsul Bahrin bin Haji Mohd Hussain attended as the guest of honour.
The event commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah by Head Imam of Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque Mohd Fauzi bin Haji Anuar and continued with a speech by Mukim Pekan Tutong Acting Penghulu cum competition co-chairperson Haji Mumin bin Abdul Razak.
Three male Dikir teams from Mukim Pekan Tutong, Mukim Telisai and Mukim Kiudang, and four female teams from Mukim Pekan Tutong, Mukim Telisai, Mukim Keriam, and Mukim Ukong participated in the competition. The champions received a cash prize, trophy and a round trophy.
Photos above and below show Tutong District Officer Shamsul Bahrin bin Haji Mohd Hussain with the winning teams. – PHOTOS: AZARAIMY HH
Legislative Council members, senior government officers, Mukim penghulus and village heads from the district were also in attendance.
The male category saw Team Firqah Khairul Mu’minin from Mukim Kiudang emerging as victor, followed by Team Ibadurrahman from Mukim Pekan Tutong and Team Al-Wafa from Mukim Telisai.
Meanwhile, the female category saw Team Khairul Husna from Mukim Pekan Tutong taking first place, followed by Team Az Zahrah from Mukim Telisai, Team Ahlam Najha from Mukim Keriam, and Team Nidaa Ut Taqwaa from Mukim Ukong.
DONATIONS in the form of daily necessities were handed to five police officers and their families residing at the flooded barracks of Bukit Puan Police Station, Labi.
The donation, contributed by the Belait Police District of the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), were distributed to the officers by Supt Mohammad Azrie bin Haji Talip, Officer-in-Charge of the Kuala Belait Police Station, along with a group from the Police Headquarters in the Brunei-Muara District led by Supt Hajah Rosnie binti Haji Ali, Head of the Internal Audit for Discipline, Welfare and Counselling Division of the RBPF.
Three police officers and 20 staff members from the Belait Police District Headquarters, Sungai Liang Police Station, Labi Police Station, and Internal Audit for Discipline, Welfare and Counselling Division of the RBPF were present.
Floodwaters in the area have reached depths up to one metre.
A police officer receiving the donation from Supt Mohammad Azrie bin Haji Talip at his residenceSupt Hajah Rosnie binti Haji Ali speaking to one of the police officersDonations being offloaded from a van to be handed to the police officers stationed at Bukit Puan Police Station. – PHOTOS: DANIEL LIM
SEVEN auto workshops were issued compound fines for disposing waste material in a public area, which is a violation of Chapter 30 Section 12 of the Minor Offences Act.
Personnel from the Law Enforcement Unit of the Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) Municipal Department issued the fines following an operation – codenamed ‘Operasi Bersih 58/2018’ – targetting the light industrial area of Anggerek Desa over the weekend.
Two of the workshops were each issued a $500 fine, while the remaining five were each fined $200. Under Chapter 30 Section 12 of the Minor Offences Act, any individual or company found guilty of disposing rubbish in a public place 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 for a first offence. A $3,000 fine and jail term not exceeding three months will be handed for subsequent offences.
The Law Enforcement Unit regularly conducts operations to ensure individuals and businesses comply with the rules and regulations stipulated under the Minor Offences Act.
Members of the public can lodge complaints or report of any company or individual littering in public by contacting 2244151 (extensions 127 or 253).
An official from the Law Enforcement Unit of the BSB Municipal Department inspects waste material disposed off in a public area. – LAW ENFORCEMENT UNIT OF THE BSB MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT
NUMEROUS labour and immigration violations were detected over the weekend during a joint operation codenamed ‘Ops Terjah 68/2018’ led by the Law Enforcement Unit of the Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) Municipal Department at the Tamu Selera area.
The operation also saw the involvement of enforcement personnel from the Labour Department, Immigration and National Registration Department, and other related divisions.
Most of the violations involved foreign employees working in different jobs to what is stated in their foreign employment licences. In a stern reminder, the Law Enforcement Unit also warned tenants at Tamu Selera to not abuse their tenancy agreement pertaining to a number of issues, particularly with regard to employing immigration and labour offenders as workers.
The unit gave a sharp warning to local tenants suspected of abusing their tenancy agreements by “selling” or renting out the government facilities to third parties because the facilities are owned by the government.
It is an offence to employ immigration offenders and rent government assets to third parties – which constitutes a misuse of government service facilities. Offenders face having their rent revoked.
During the surprise check, the Law Enforcement Unit also issued fines to one company and three individuals for littering in public places, a violation of Chapter 30 Section 12 of the Minor Offences Act.
Members of the public can lodge complains of any company or individual suspected of abusing government facilities by contacting 2244151 (extensions 127 or 253).
Foreign workers being questioned at Tamu Selera. – LAW ENFORCEMENT UNIT OF THE BSB MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT
