MOSQUE committee members of Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque in Kampong Mentiri continued to implement activities to strengthen unity in local community.
The recent activities to clean the area covered by long grass and trees in the vicinity of the entrance to the Islamic cemetery area at RPN Kampong Mentiri was the focus of the programme led by Imam of Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque in Kampong Mentiri, Imam Samsul bin Haji Abdul Latiff.
Pengiran Haji Aliuddin bin Pengiran Haji Damit, the Village Head of RPN Kampong Mentiri Zone 1, also participated in the activity.
Pengiran Haji Aliuddin bin Pengiran Haji Damit, the Village Head of RPN Kampong Mentiri Zone 1, in a group photo with the mosque committee members of Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque in Kampong Mentiri. – PHOTOS: AZLAN OTHMANA mosque committee member cleaning up the entrance to the Islamic cemetery
The programme received overwhelming positive response, demonstrating the awareness of the committee members and residents about strengthening relationships that is very important to be upheld as a culture in the community life.
Imam Samsul also lauded the support and encouragement of the participants, describing it as a good guide towards unity.
“Strengthening unity, cooperation and maintaining prosperity is vital in the life of the village community. We will continue this programme as a platform to foster close ties among residents as they participate in these beneficial activities,” he said.
AS ALL pieces of antiquity or treasures discovered in Brunei Darussalam are the property of the government, anyone who fails to report of the discovery of such items can face the penalty of imprisonment of one year or a fine of $3,000, or both, under Section 37 of the Antiquities and Treasure Trove Act.
Under the same law, any person who exports or attempts to export any piece(s) of antiquity or historical object without the export permit or permission from the Director of the Museums Department can face a punishment of one year or a fine of $4,000, or both.
The need to report any discovery of items of antiquity or treasure trove as well as the prohibition of exporting local antiquity or treasure items without permission were some of the issues highlighted during the ‘Antiquities And Treasure Trove Act 1967 Revise Edition 1984, 1991 and 2002’ talk held yesterday in the Brunei-Muara District.
The talk, organised by the Secretariat of the Museum Board, Museums Department, was attended by mukim penghulus and village heads in the Brunei-Muara District, including YB Pengiran Haji Ali bin Pengiran Maon, Penghulu of Mukim Berakas ‘B’ and Acting Village Head of Kampong Sungai Hanching and Kampong Salambigar.
The talk was delivered by Aminah binti Haji Majid, the Acting Deputy Director of Museums and Head of Secretariat of the Museum Board.
The talk in session. – JAMES KON
Under Section 37 of the Antiquities and Treasure Trove Act, any person found to be carrying out business deals with items of antiquity and treasures without the approved business license from the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports can face imprisonment of six months or a fine of $2,000 or both.
Therefore, anyone who has made a discovery of any objects or monuments believed to be of antiquity must immediately inform the penghulu or village head of the mukim or the district officer of the district in which the items were found.
The discovered item(s) must then be delivered to the district officer.
Aminah also shared the four criteria needed to be met for monuments and historical sites to be gazetted under the Antiquities and Treasure Trove Act.
These criteria are as follows: the monument must be older than 50 years; possess historical value; have a unique architectural design; and hold some sort of economic value.
To date, there are 37 monuments and historical sites that have been gazetted, including 29 in the Brunei-Muara District, four in Tutong District, two in Belait District, and two in Temburong District.
In his remarks, Acting Director of Museums Haji Mohamad Jefri bin Haji Sabli urged the mukim penghulus and village heads to work together in disseminating the information given to the residents of their respective administrative areas.
THE Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) welcomed three Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ships – JS Sawagiri, JS Yamagiri and JS Yamayuki at the Muara Commercial Port on Sunday.
The head of delegation, Captain Isamu Kaji, Commander, Escort Division 11 and his 550 crew, comprising 161 officers and 389 enlisted personnel, were greeted by Commander Azrin bin Haji Mahmud, RBN, Commanding Officer of KDB Darulaman and other RBN officers and personnel. The JMSDF ships will be in Brunei Darussalam for a four-day goodwill visit until February 14, 2018.
Captain Isamu Kaji, Commander of Escort Division 11 called on First Admiral Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Norazmi bin Pengiran Haji Muhammad, Commander of the RBN yesterday.
Motohiko Kato, Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam; Commander Ryohei Kanemaru, Commanding Officer of the JS Yamagiri; Commander Mariko Tezuka, Commanding Officer of the JS Yamayuki and Commander Taro Terashima, Commanding Officer of the JS Sawagiri, were also present.
The RBN Commander welcomed Captain Kaji and the delegation to Brunei Darussalam. Both sides expressed their satisfaction with the active bilateral defence relationship and the close friendship shared by the RBN and JMSDF.
First Admiral Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Norazmi bin Pengiran Haji Muhammad, Commander of the RBN exchanging souvenirs with Captain Isamu Kaji during the courtesy call. – MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Captain Isamu Kaji will pay a courtesy call to Major General Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Aminan bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud, Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) today.
A reception was held on the JS Yamagiri last night. Present at the reception were the RBN Commander as the guest of honour as well as service commanders, deputy permanent secretaries, senior officers and officers of the Ministry of Defence and the RBAF.
The JMSDF ships will conduct a Passage Exercise with KDB Darussalam. As part of their visit programme, the ships will have an ‘open day’ and the crews will conduct a beach cleaning campaign at the Meragang Beach as well as a visit to Brunei Darussalam’s cultural sites. The JMSDF ships next port call will be Bangkok Port, Thailand.
The last JMSDF ship to visit the country was the JS Kirisame in May 2017.
THE Raja Isteri Girls High School (STPRI) recently presented a donation to one of its Year 11 S1 students, Siti Nadya Adilah binti Mohammad Aera Wadi, who lost her family home in Kampong Tamoi Ujong, when it collapsed into the river last December.
The funds came from the teachers, students and staff members of STPRI, at the initiative of its Student Affairs Section.
The school also presented a donation to the family of Ahmad Badawie bin Ahmad Aziz, a Year 11B student at the Pengiran Isteri Hajjah Mariam Secondary School, who tragically drowned during a trip to the Meragang Beach, on January 6.
The donations were handed over by Tutty Hyrneeita binti Abdul Latip, the Principal of STPRI.
The handover was witnessed by Haji Ismail bin Haji Brahim, the Deputy Principal (Administration); Norjalina binti Jaafar, the Deputy Principal (Academic); Md Shukri bin Haji Marzuki, the Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association; and Senior Education Officers Md Shahrani bin Haji Mataha and Dayangku Hajah Jailton binti Pengiran Haji Damit.
Group photo with the recipients of the donation. – SYAZWANI HJ ROSLI
ONE of the top strategic priorities of Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (BSP) is “people and country” – creating employment, developing people and helping grow Bruneian businesses.
This stated yesterday by Dr Ceri M Powell, the Managing Director of BSP while delivering welcoming remarks at the launch and signing ceremony of the BSP Credit Facility Program by BSP, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) and Baiduri Bank.
In her speech, the managing director said, “BSP’s mission is to fuel Brunei’s future, delivering the wealth of Brunei for decades past and decades to come.”
“One of our top strategic priorities is people and country; this means creating jobs for the nation, to develop people inside and outside of BSP and to help grow Bruneian businesses to become internationally competitive in support of realising Brunei Vision 2035.”
She shared that some of the recent projects from 2017 include the underwater services with SP HI JV Kreuz, E2E Rejuvenation with AmecFosterWheeler, the Regional Centre with Cameron and Onshore well abandonment with Wescot.
Dr Ceri M Powell, the Managing Director of Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd. – AZROL AZMI
“We have seen in BSP that the participation of local business partners in our more complex activities is growing,” she said.
“For example, in the marine sphere we now see that the majority of the business is executed by local companies and in BSP’s growing D&R activity we have the Flux rig delivering our onshore well abandonment programme.”
“As part of our 10 flagship projects already implemented, some of our foreign business partners with our support have moved business into Brunei,” she continued, noting that last year the Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) Pipes Threading Plant with Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation opened, creating jobs and development opportunities for Bruneians.
“Furthermore, over 5,100 additional jobs have also been created through third party contractors.
“BSP works with service companies and suppliers with a workforce ranging from 19,000–20,000. BSP has also awarded 60 SMEs their first contract in the last three years further strengthening our support to local businesses.”
“In cooperation with the government, the Energy and Industry Department at the Prime Minister’s Office (EIDPMO), the business partner community and after today, the financial community, the banks, we will continue to drive local participation in our business for the benefit of the country and BSP,” she added.
BRUNEI Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (BSP), Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) and Baiduri Bank yesterday launched the BSP Credit Facility Program – a programme that will allow current and future local contractors of BSP who meet the programme’s criteria to get fast track service in the reviewing and decision process of their respective credit applications.
A signing ceremony and launching for the programme was held at the Indera Kayangan Ballroom, The Empire Hotel & Country Club.
Dato Paduka Awang Haji Matsatejo bin Sokiaw, the Deputy Minister of Energy and Industry, was present to witness the ceremony.
The agreement was signed by Dr Ceri M Powell, the Managing Director of BSP; Mubashar Khokhar, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BIBD; and Ti Eng Hui, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Baiduri Bank.
The agreement, which is in the form of a Statement of Joint Commitment, formalises the mutual interaction and strengthens the relationship between BSP and the two banks.
Dato Paduka Awang Haji Matsatejo bin Sokiaw, the Deputy Minister of Energy and Industry, in a group photo with Dr Ceri M Powell, the Managing Director of BSP; Mubashar Khokhar, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BIBD; and Ti Eng Hui, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Baiduri Bank. – AZROL AZMIDato Paduka Awang Haji Matsatejo bin Sokiaw, the Deputy Minister of Energy and Industry, witnessing the signing ceremony. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMIThe Deputy Minister of Energy and Industry touring the Baiduri Bank boothHajah Rosita binti Haji Hassan, the Head of Supply Chain Management at the BSP
According to a statement at the programme launch, BSP, BIBD and Baiduri Bank are committed to contributing to the growth of Brunei’s economy in line with the long-term objectives of the government under Brunei Vision 2035, whereby the three will jointly work to facilitate financing to local businesses under the terms of the BSP Credit Facility Program.
A BSP press release, meanwhile, stated that the programme will operate for the benefit of the current and future local contractors of BSP who satisfy the programme’s criteria, fast-tracking the reviewing and decision arrival process for their respective credit applications.
In her welcoming remarks, BSP Managing Director Dr Powell expressed her appreciation for the proud initiative made by BSP in collaboration with BIBD and Baiduri Bank.
“This BSP Credit Facility Program is one of [BSP’s] many initiatives to support the growth of local businesses,” said Dr Powell. “I am confident we will be jointly successful and I am grateful to our partner banks BIBD and Baiduri Bank today as they have subscribed to our joint BSP Credit Facility Program. I look forward to the implementation and success of the programme.”
Also giving a speech at the event was Rob Van Velden, BSP’s Finance Director. Van Velden highlighted that the key driver behind the programme was the desire to see improvements in ease of doing business with regard to local companies executing contracts for BSP.
“More often than not financing is required to enable the execution of BSP contracts by local businesses,” he said.
“Under the credit facility program, BSP, Baiduri Bank and BIBD believe that we can deliver credit to local businesses faster and cheaper than today and more robustly by working more closely together on the cash flow forecast that a contract will deliver to the business partner.”
He affirmed that this additional clarity which will come as a result of BSP joining the credit conversation reduces the credit risk for the banks and will allow them to work faster and cheaper with business partners.
“In addition BSP will drop for eligible contracts the ‘termination for convenience’ clause,” he continued.
“This means that for contracts under the programme we are more confident that we will want to see them through to the end of the contract, and this additional certainty in turn creates confidence with the banks which [means they will be more ready to] deploy more favourable credit terms.”
Van Velden added, “Obviously, banks remain banks and will have to run their own credit risk assessment processes and take decisions accordingly and the banks will also continue to require assignment of contract proceeds as long as there is a debt situation which is reasonable, and we will accommodate this as good as we can in close cooperation with the business partner.
“All this in my view is good news for business partners, the banks and BSP and will make our business easier to execute.”
Speaking to the Bulletin yesterday, Hajah Rosita binti Haji Hassan, the Head of Supply Chain Management at the BSP, explained further on the BSP Credit Facility Program.
“This is a programme which will help local companies get easier access to financing. There is already a pre-agreed template between the banks and BSP and between BSP and the business partners. Therefore it will be easier access [to financing], and it will take a shorter time to get approval, and also the best thing is that the rates will be more attractive than perhaps if the business partners go to the bank themselves,” she said.
Hajah Rosita added that the financing process will be based on the contracts that BSP has with its business partners.
“So between BSP and the business partners, we have the contract, and within the contract, we encourage them to go for local financing, [in this case at] BIBD and Baiduri Bank. Between the banks and the business partners, of course they will have their own agreement, and between the banks and us, the Memorandum of Understanding,” she shared.
“It’s a win-win situation for everyone. For us, we will see our business partners, their cash management will be much better and they can start the work much faster, and they can mobilise the activities easier. For the banks, they get customers, and for the business partners, they get approval faster and cheaper.”
The launch concluded with a tour of booths set up by BSP’s Supply Chain Management (SCM) team, BIBD and Baiduri Bank.
Among those present at yesterday’s event were senior government officials, bank representatives, BSP leaders, and representatives from over 100 companies registered as BSP vendors.
THE Ta’aruf programme for Kampong Sungai Besar Mosque youths was held yesterday, with the intention of instilling a love for the mosque among the younger generation, and fulfilling the mission of having Brunei become a Zikir Nation.
Head Imam of Kampong Sungai Besar Mosque cum Programme Advisor Pengiran Mohd Salehin bin Pengiran Tajudin hopes the programme serves as a platform, bringing youths closer to the mosque.
“We are confident this will enable them to become youths active in mosque activities, and cultivate awareness that the mosque is not just a place to perform prayers but also to perform spiritual activities,” Pengiran Mohd Salehin explained at the closing of the Ta’aruf programme yesterday.
Mosque Affairs Officer of Zone 2A of the Brunei-Muara District cum guest of honour Haji Aziz bin Haji Mohd Yassin presented certificates to 60 participants of the inaugural one-day programme.
Programme participants in a group photo
Programme Chairman Abdul Wafi bin Ismail noted that the programme was very useful to the Kampong Sungai Besar youths, allowing them to strengthen ties and work with better effectively alongside each other in the future.
“As the youths are an important asset to the country, we need to continuously guide them towards becoming useful youths in the future, so they can achieve the goals of advancing the nation,” he said.
The programme included dawn prayers, religious talks and activities centred around strengthening the values ??of understanding in cooperation, as well as building self confidence.
THE Engineers Division of the Institution of Surveyors, Engineers and Architects (PUJA) recently conducted its annual general meeting where new committee members for the term 2018-2020 were elected.
Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar, Minister of Development who is also the adviser to the Engineer Division, attended the meeting.
Haji Amer Hishamuddin bin Pehin Orang Kaya Amar Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Zakaria, Director-General of the Public Works Department (JKR) who is also a member of PUJA and a Chartered Engineer; Haji Mohd Nazri bin Haji Mohd Yusof, Acting Director of Civil Aviation who was the previous chairman and the previous President of PUJA; and Lim Sui Kau (Alice), Director of Water Services, were also present.
Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Suhaimi told PUJA members that as a professional institution, they must conduct its examination for professional engineer qualification and to work together with the Ministry of Development to develop and train engineers through dialogues with young engineers and to assist engineers to achieve professional qualification which is on par with international standard. The Chairman of the Engineers Division Haji Mohd Zin bin Haji Salleh added that PUJA’s Engineers Division has the responsibility to uplift and serve members by providing professional technical training through continuous professional education.
The newly elected committee members of Engineers Division consist Lim Sui Kau, the Vice Chairman, Chin Lee Tuck as the Secretary; Hajah Rosmeta binti Dato Haji Noordin as the Financial Administrator while Mathius Belayan was elected the Chairman of Young Engineer Section.
Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar, Minister of Development in a group photo with newly elected committee members. – PUJA
THE committee members of Saudaraku Kampong Setia held a Doa Kesyukuran in honour of their participation at the Maulidur Rasul celebration recently.
The team was placed third under the village and mosque category held late last year.
The Village Head of Kampong Setia ‘A’, Haji Asli bin Haji Mamut thanked Allah the Almighty for their success, and noted that it came from the earnest efforts and close cooperation of those involved.
Group photo of the participants at the event. – HAJI AHMAD BIN HAJI SALIM
They emerged as the second place winner in 2016 and also came in third place during their inaugural participation in the same category the year before.
Haji Asli also highlighted the importance of one’s love and devotion to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to gain blessings and assistance from the Prophet.
Some 126 teams took part in the Maulidur Rasul celebration procession, where over 12,000 people marched for 3.7km around the capital.
NEARLY 186 Year 8 students from Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam Secondary School (SMJA) attended the ‘Get To Know
Asean’ roadshow by the Information Department through its International Affairs Unit as the secretariat for the Sub-Committee of Information Committee (SCI) of the Asean Committee on Culture and Information (Asean-COCI), at the school yesterday.
The roadshow, carried out in a talk and quiz sessions, served to disseminate and provide exposure in raising awareness and sense of belonging among secondary school students in upholding one Asean Community in line with the Asean motto of ‘One Vision, One Identity, One Community’.
Mufidah binti Haji Abdul Hakim, an Information Officer, delivered the talk on Asean while Dayangku Siti Ummikalthum binti Pengiran Haji Muhd, Assistant Information Officer Grade I, presented the Asean quiz. The roadshow concluded with an animation video on Asean.
Also taking place at the event was a talk on Nationhood, attended by 182 Year 7 SMJA students.
Information Officer Hajah Hamsah binti Datu Kerna Haji Jaya of the Nationhood Unit (left) delivering the Nationhood briefingHaji Juma’ata Sonadey bin Haji Mornie, the Principal of Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam Secondary School, giving his remarks during the event. – PHOTOS: RAHWANI ZAHARIStudents at the event
Information Officer Hajah Hamsah binti Datu Kerna Haji Jaya delivered the talk with Assistant Information Field Officer Mohammad Nor Amirudin bin Haji Brahim conducting the quiz session.
The Nationhood talk aimed to instill patriotism among the students in honouring and appreciating the national anthem and national flag.
The students also saw a talk presentation on ‘Raja Kita’, national flag and procedures in hoisting the national flag and appreciating the national anthem.
An animation video on methods to hoist the national flag was presented following the quiz session.
The programmes concluded with a prize presentation by the guest of honour, Haji Juma’ata Sonadey bin Haji Mornie, the Principal of SMJA.
DPMM FC yesterday confirmed most of its squad and with two import slots to be filled for the upcoming Singapore League (S League) during a signing ceremony held yesterday afternoon at The Centrepoint Hotel in Gadong.
The squad comprises a good mix of experienced and young players. They are Md Wardun bin Yussof, Azwan bin Muhamad Saleh, Muhd Azwan bin Ali Rahman, Mohd Hendra Azam bin Mohd Idris, Adi bin Said, Mohammad Shahrazen bin Said, Mohammad Helmi bin Zambin, Abdul Aziz bin Tamit, Awangku Mohd Fakharazzi bin Pengiran Hassan, Awangku Yura Indera Putera bin Pengiran Yunus, Md Nur Ikhwan bin Othman, Mohammad Najib bin Haji Tairf, Awangku Md Muizzuddin bin Pengiran Ismail, Muhammad Hanif @ Abdul Hadi bin Hamir, Reduan bin Haji Petara, Abdul Muiz bin Sisa, Md Azim Izamuddin bin Haji Suhaimi, Haimie anak Nyaring, Suhaimi anak Sulau, Abdul Hariz @ Amani bin Herman, Abdul Azizi bin Ali Rahman, Muhammad Shafie bin Haji Mohd Effendy and Iranian import Mojtaba Esmaelzadeh.
The signing was witnessed by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin.
Signing on behalf of DPMM FC were club manager Pengiran Haji Muhd Waslimin bin Pengiran Setia Jaya Pengiran Haji Abdul Momin and team manager Mohammad Ali bin Haji Momin.
Head coach Rene Weber of DPMM FC said, “It is important to have the confirmed local players for the squad and one import Mojtaba Esmaelzadeh who signed for the club. We have six players under 21 years in line with the regulation of the S League.
The new home (R) and away kit for DPMM FC’s S League campaign. – KHAIRIL HASSANABOVE & BELOW: Photos show the DPMM FC club manager Pengiran Haji Muhd Waslimin bin Pengiran Setia Jaya Pengiran Haji Abdul Momin and team manager Mohammad Ali bin Haji Momin signing agreements with the new squad members. – PHOTOS: KHAIRIL HASSAN
“We have a good mix of players. Some experienced players like Shahrazen, Azwan Ali, Adi Said and young players like Hariz, Shafie and Suhaimi so I expect we can improve.”
The young players, he said are also for the future of the club and he believes that the confirmed squad can play out a good season and compete within the top four of the league.
In top four, he said, “is within the striking distance for first and second place.”
On the final two imports that are yet to be decided, he said, “We are trying out a number of players now. We will need to decide in the coming days as we need to be ready for the start of the S League in March.”
Commenting on S League and the top teams, Coach Rene said, “I have seen the recordings of 15 games in last season. I know the level of competition and I also know that Albirex Niigata are strong and winners of last two seasons. Tampines Rovers finished in second place while there are young club like the Young Lions. I believe we can compete and finish with good result in the upcoming season and do the country proud.”
The only import player that has signed for DPMM FC, Mojtaba Esmaelzadeh from Iran, said, “I am really happy for being here and joining DPMM FC.
“I want to convey great thanks to His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and also head coach Rene Weber for giving me the chance to join the club.”
The 27-year-old player felt that the team comprises good local players and good coaches that can really compete in this season’s S League and become the champion of the league.
The signing ceremony also saw the launch of the new DPMM FC home and away kit for the S League.
CHUNG Ching Middle School in Kuala Belait yesterday received 89 food hampers produced by former trainees of the Youth Development Centre (PPB) in a handover ceremony at the Knowledge Hub in Anggerek Desa.
Chung Hua Middle School, Kuala Belait Chairman Lau Shiew Yuen accepted the hampers from Koperasi Pusat Pembangunan Belia (KOPBB) Deputy Chairman Saiful Rizal bin Haji Ariffin.
Captain (Rtd) Zailan bin Pehin Dato Mohd Don, Advisor to the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Brunei Darussalam (NCCIBD) and the Principal Mentor of the Cottage and Youth Initiative Programme (CYiP), said that the former trainees are currently marketing their products at Cube Junction, an e-Dagang Brunei platform.
He also expressed hope the handover would provide more public exposure to locally-produced goods with a quality that meets international standards.
National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Brunei Darussalam Advisor Captain (Rtd) Zailan bin Pehin Dato Mohd DonKoperasi Pusat Pembangunan Belia (KOPBB) Deputy Chairman Saiful Rizal bin Haji Ariffin presenting the hamper to Chung Hua Middle School Chairman Lau Shiew Yuen. – PHOTOS: WANI ROSLAN
Lau Shiew Yuen said, “I was so impressed with the taste of these young entrepreneurs’ food items, that I ordered more for my colleagues to enjoy.
“These youths have demonstrated their commitment and spirit, and I believe that we should support them.”
Lau Shiew Yuen also suggested that a strategic venue with a steady flow of consumer traffic be allocated for the sale of local goods, while emphasising the importance of networking for aspiring entrepreneurs.
“I believe that locally made goods can compete with those from neighbouring countries, since they have quality and improved packaging,” he said.
ELEVEN students from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) yesterday penned scholarship agreements with Hengyi Industries Sdn Bhd for its joint Chemical and Process Engineering Scholarship Programme between UBD and Zhejiang University, China.
The Chemical and Process Engineering Scholarship Programme was established by Hengyi Industries with UBD and Zhejiang University to sponsor outstanding UBD students to undertake the latter part of their academic studies and industrial training at Zhejiang University for one and a half years.
The programme will see the students being attached to a petrochemical plant in China to gain firsthand experience in a real-life operational refinery environment. Upon completion of the programme, the students will be offered employment at Hengyi Industries Sdn Bhd.
Yesterday’s scholarship agreement signing, the fifth for Hengyi, was held at the Chairman’s Lounge of Hengyi Industries’ offices at The Empire Hotel & Country Club.
Witnessing the event was Dr Haji Azman bin Ahmad, the Deputy Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the Ministry of Education.
Dr Haji Azman bin Ahmad, the Deputy Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the Ministry of Education, and Chen Lian Cai, the CEO of Hengyi Industries Sdn Bhd, in a group photo with the scholarship awardees. – PHOTOS: ROKIAH MAHMUDThe Deputy Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the Ministry of Education witnessing the signing of scholarship agreementThe CEO of Hengyi Industries Sdn Bhd delivering his speech
Signing the agreements on behalf of Hengyi Industries Sdn Bhd was the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chen Lian Cai, while the students signed their agreements in the presence of their parents as guarantors.
In his welcoming remarks, Chen noted that Hengyi will continue to be actively involved in the development of human resources in Brunei.
“Today the fifth scholarship signing ceremony involving 11 scholars dem-onstrate our continued commitment in further ensuring the right skill sets and employment opportunities are made available to young aspiring Bruneians,” said Chen.
“Our first and second batches of scholars have completed their studies and are employed by Hengyi. The third batch has competed their studies and industrial training in China and will begin their six-month internship with Hengyi. The fourth batch of scholars is in China and will complete the programme in July 2018.
“This annual joint scholarship programme between UBD and Zhejiang University has produced 68 scholars in total. The 11 scholars have spent one and a half years at UBD and will spend another one and half years at Zhejiang University in China.”
These students, Chen added, will undergo six months of industrial placement at one of Hengyi’s plants in China to gain firsthand work experience. Upon completion of the course, the students will be offered employment with Hengyi Industries in Brunei.
“With ongoing construction work at Pulau Muara Besar and in preparation for the commencement of operations, we take this opportunity to train and equip ourselves with the skill sets,” said the CEO.
He added that as a company, Hengyi has placed much emphasis on human capacity development with particular focus on developing locals.
“Having laid our foundation in Brunei, Hengyi Industries is excited to contribute to the economic growth of the country. Hengyi will endeavour to comply with every regulatory and technical requirement to ensure that our plant facilities and operations comply with local and international standards,” Chen said.
Muhammad Muiz bin Haji Ahmad, one of the scholarship recipients, explained to the Bulletin that the scholarship will be one of his key successes in his academic life.
“Having to study for one-and-a-half years in Zhejiang University will not be a problem, the language barrier will not be a hindrance as we’ve already taken a Mandarin course for three semesters [at UBD] and will continue learning the language while studying in China,” said Muhammad Muiz.
“I hope that our learning journey will be smooth and we will be able to adapt to the locals there.”
Twenty-one-year-old Wong Jun Hong, a second year chemical engineering student under the Faculty of Integrated Technologies (FIT) at UBD, expressed his gratitude at being awarded the scholarship.
“I hope that I will be able to contribute back to the country once I finish my studies,” he added.
The 11 signing the agreements yesterday are the fourth batch of students under the scholarship arrangement with UBD and Zhejiang University.
THE Community Development Department (JAPEM) and the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) yesterday launched the Bestari Community Centre (PMB), at the DBP building in Kampong Pandan, Kuala Belait.
The newly-established community centre will allow senior citizens to continue an active lifestyle and form networking opportunities among members of the local community, particularly youths.
The guest of honour at the official launching of PMB Kampong Pandan was Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.
The event began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat, led by Haji Aminorddin bin Haji Muhd Yusuf, Mosque Affairs Officer of Pekan Seria.
This was followed by a speech from Damit bin Haji Chuchu, Chairman and Manager of the Senior Citizens’ Division at Kampong Pandan, in which he outlined the various objectives and aims of the community centre as a place for social interaction and networking among senior citizens and youths.
The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports hits the gong to officially launch the Bestari Community Centre. – PHOTOS: DANIEL LIMThe Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports signs the plaque marking the official launch of the Bestari Community Centre in Kampong PandanMajor General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports in a group photo with other officials at the event
“Insya Allah, with the establishment of the Bestari Community Centre, various activities will be hosted at the venue, in accordance with the principles of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB),” he said.
The guest of honour then officially launched the centre by hitting a specially prepared gong, accompanied by the signing of a plaque, to mark the special occasion.
Later, the guest of honour toured the booths set up by several government and private agencies at the venue, showcasing traditional culinary delights and handicrafts.
“We are very fortunate to achieve another milestone today, with the establishment of the centre as a platform to help bridge ties between the residents of the Belait District and various communities. It is part of a government initiative set forth by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, in establishing a one-stop centre,” the minister told the media.
Prior to the official opening, several activities were held at the PMB Kampong Pandan last December, including Surah Yaasiin recitations, handicraft activities, aerobics exercises and Dikir sessions.
Also present at the event was YB Haji Abdul Hamid bin Haji Mumin, a Legislative Council (LegCo) member and the Penghulu of Mukim Liang; YB Hanapi bin Mohd Siput, a LegCo member and the Village Head of Kampong Labi I, and Acting Penghulu of Mukim Labi; Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports; Abdul Hazis bin Haji Ahad, Acting Belait District Officer; Abdul Rahman bin Haji Apong, a representative of the Acting Director of JAPEM; and Hajah Sariani binti Haji Ishak, Acting Director of DBP.
THE Minister of Haj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr Mohammed Salih bin Tahir Bentin, lauded the Brunei Darussalam Haj Management Department for their efficient management of pilgrims during the previous Haj season.
He made these remarks during the annual ministerial-level Haj management meeting for 1439 Hijrah, at the Ministry of Haj and Umrah in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The Brunei Government was represented by Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, Minister of Religious Affairs.
Dr Mohammed Salih added that Brunei’s Haj pilgrims were easy to manage and willing to comply with the rules set down by the Saudi Government.
“The Saudi Government will always provide assistance to all pilgrims, including those from Brunei Darussalam; and in accordance with the order given by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, to provide the best services and comfort to Brunei Darussalam’s pilgrims,” he said.
Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, Minister of Religious Affairs during the meeting with Dr Mohammed Salih bin Tahir Bentin, Minister of Haj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. – MORA
The Minister of Religious Affairs responded by thanking the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its Ministry of Haj and Umrah, for the excellent services provided to Brunei pilgrims during the 1438 Hijrah Haj season.
He also welcomed the Ministry of Haj and Umrah’s invitation to hold regular meetings on Haj management affairs, to discuss the welfare and best interests of Brunei’s pilgrims.
At the meeting, Dr Mohammed Salih reaffirmed the efforts being undertaken by his ministry and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to improve accommodation, transport and air passage for the 1439 Hijrah Haj season and beyond.
Earlier in the day, the Minister of Religious Affairs paid a visit to Dr Mohammed Salih, with the aim of strengthening the existing relations between the two countries, in addition to exchanging views on the well-being and comfort of all pilgrims, especially those from Brunei Darussalam.
Also present at the meeting were Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yusoff bin Haji Ismail, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to Saudi Arabia; Pengiran Haji Irman bin Pengiran Haji Othman, Acting Consul-General of Brunei Darussalam in Jeddah; Haji Abdullah bin Haji Mohamad, Acting Director of Haj Management; and Haji Abdul Nasir bin Haji Bolhassan, a representative of Royal Brunei Airlines.
BRUNEI Darussalam’s national equestrian athlete Pengiran Mohd Nasir bin Pengiran Anak Ja’afar has been awarded bronze in the individual jumping event of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Kuala Lumpur last year after Philippines rider Colin Syquia was stripped off his gold medal.
Pengiran Mohd Nasir also created history by becoming the first athlete from Brunei Darussalam to win an equestrian medal in jumping at the SEA Games.
The national athlete and his horse Hunters Canatano Z was upgraded from fourth place to a podium finish after Colin’s horse Adventure ‘E’ was tested positive for a banned substance Clomethiazole, a sedative, during the competition.
International Federation of Equestrian Sports (FEI) suspended Colin and his horse last year after a decision on prohibited substance cases was issued.
Pengiran Mohd Nasir’s result at the SEA Games in Kuang Rawang has also been officially updated in FEI’s website.
Pengiran Mohd Nasir bin Pengiran Anak Haji Ja’afar. – HORSEMOVE
The Belgium-based rider, who had a perfect run clearing all hurdles in the final without incurring any penalties, was visibly pleased after receiving the confirmation that he had won bronze.
“Of course, I was very pleased to hear the news especially after the disappointment of coming so close to a medal. Also considering this was one of the toughest SEA Games yet with a field of such strong competitors it makes this achievement that much more special,” said Pengiran Mohd Nasir in an interview with the Bulletin.
The field included a strong contingent from Malaysia with defending champion Sharmini Ratnasingham gunning for a consecutive gold medal.
Despite the casualties of proven riders who failed short of a final berth, the Bruneian still had three medallists from the previous SEA Games for company in addition to those who already enjoyed a podium finish.
Pengiran Mohd Nasir had also trained extensively in Europe in preparation for the major tournament.
“In the end, all the effort and hard work from the team and myself has paid off. Of course winning the medal on the day itself would have been much more special but in the end this result will stay in the record books.”
Six months on after the disappointment of missing out on a podium, the SEA Games bronze is the biggest accomplishment in the national rider’s career.
“Yes, this is indeed perhaps my best performance so far, and this has to be amongst the top highlights, as one
as one of my major goals was to win a championship medal at a championship event,” said the newly-awarded bronze medallist.
Medalling at a major competition will significantly increase chances of selection in a higher level tournament especially with the Asian Games in the horizon which will be co-hosted by Jakarta and Palembang in August later this year.
“The Asian Games in Jakarta was always in our plans and with this boost of confidence the team and myself can go into the Games with a strong mind.
“So hopefully all goes well with athlete selection for the Games,” said Pengiran Mohd Nasir who finished 11th in the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou.
Asked if his bronze-winning exploits will lift his confidence, he said, “I always go into any major competition with a confident and positive mind whether or not my previous results were good or bad.
“Like we say a lot in this sport you’re only as good as your last round, and tomorrow is a new day. So I always keep myself positive.
“A big thanks to all those support me all this way and especially to my family, and team! Without them, none of this would be possible,” the national rider said.
Meanwhile, Sharmini has been confirmed a successful defence of her win in Singapore after her silver position was elevated to gold while team-mate Mohd Qabil Ambak Dato’ Sri Mahamad Fathil was upgraded to silver.
IT WAS a beehive of activity across all Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) campuses yesterday, as they kicked off the first of their two-day ‘Open Day.’
The Open Day continues today from 8.30am to 4.30pm, with the intention of enlightening prospective July intake students on the programmes offered at each campus.
At the IBTE Jefri Bolkiah Campus (JBC) in Kuala Belait and IBTE Sultan Bolkiah Campus (SBC) in Seria, booths disseminating information on the various programmes offered by IBTE Satellite at each of the two campuses as well as its faculties were set up.
The event is aimed at prospective students who might be interested in pursuing a technical education at IBTE. It also gave visitors a chance to check out both the IBTE JBC and IBTE SBC campuses to learn more about the facilities.
At IBTE JBC, information on the programmes offered by the various schools of the campus such as the School of Energy and Engineering Satellite (SEES), Brunei Maritime Academy, and School of Information and Communication Technology was provided.
Prospective students make queries at the IBTE JBC Open Day. – DANIEL LIMA student works on a project at one of the campuses. – IBTE
The Bulletin had the chance to speak to a group of Year 11 students from Chung Hua Middle School, Kuala Belait. The students were accompanied by their teacher at the event. “Some of the programmes on offer are relevant and beneficial,” said the students. Asked if they would consider pursuing their studies at IBTE, many noted that it is a possibility.
At IBTE SBC, similar booths were set up to showcase the various programmes. These include programmes from the SEES, School of Business (Branch), and School of Information and Communication Technology (Branch).
IBTE Nakhoda Ragam Campus and the IBTE Sultan Saiful Rijal Campus also set up booths and programme instructors were on hand to help with queries from students.
Other activities included tours to acquaint the prospective students with the facilities at the campuses, consultations, workshops and kitchen demonstrations.
The IBTE Nakhoda Ragam Campus houses the School of Building Technology Services as well as the School of Energy and Engineering Central, offering programmes such as HNTec in Construction Engineering, HNTec in Design and Draughting, HNTec in Geomatics, NTec in Building Craft, HNTec in Electrical Engineering, and Ntec in Electrical Technology.
Meanwhile, the IBTE Sultan Saiful Rijal Campus houses the School of Aviation; School of Information and Communication Technology; and School of Hospitality and Tourism.
A PRELIMINARY draw for the BeliHelix Promotion was held at the Brunei Malay Teachers Association (PGGMB) Building yesterday, in which media representatives took turns to draw five names from 19,943 entries.
The grand draw will take place on February 25, at the Times Square Shopping Centre’s Atrium, with attractive prizes in the form of a brand-new BMW118i, a Dubai tour package for two and a $2,500 cash card.
An overwhelming 8,460 entries were received for January 2018, in response to the promotional campaign launched last October, by Brunei Shell Marketing Co Sdn Bhd.
Officials from Brunei Shell Marketing Co Sdn Bhd in a group photo with media representatives. – JAMES KON
THE 1st Writers Conference was launched yesterday by the Cottage and Youth Initiative Programme (CYiP).
The two-day conference features an exhibition, coffee chats, workshops and pop-up booths at the Knowledge Hub (KHub) Lobby in Anggerek Desa.
CYiP Principal Mentor Captain (Rtd) Zailan bin Pehin Dato Mohd Don delivered welcoming remarks during the launch at the Design and Technology Building.
Meanwhile, in her speech Norhayati binti Haji Abu Bakar, Senior Mentor of Social Economy at CYiP, shared that CYiP – established in November 2016 – aims to create market access for quality Brunei products to penetrate the global market, with the objective of producing successful business leaders by creating a business environment and influencing the export products for other people to participate, to create high quality products by promoting sales brands and facilitate supply chains for sustainable production.
It was also explained that the 1st Writers Conference was held to promote socioeconomic development through writing and media.
Haji Mohd Rozan bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos, a local writer and adjunct professor at Universiti Brunei Darussalam, touring the exhibition. – DANIAL NORJIDI
This was followed by a speech from Major (Rtd) Hajah Sopiah binti Haji Husaini, Cluster Leader of Writers and Media, CYiP who said, “Among us in the audience are established writers, budding writers, unknown writers and those who are still searching themselves whether or not they should become writers.
“Today, we create a platform which we call the Writers and Media Cluster,” she said, before adding, “It is high time that we opened up a writing industry, where writers expand on their talent and their career until they become very successful in their life.”
Attending as the guest of honour to launch the 1st Writers Conference was Haji Mohd Rozan bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos, a local writer and adjunct professor at Universiti Brunei Darussalam.
In a keynote speech, he said, “I understand that this event will be a sharing session so as to allow writers to move forward towards writing and publishing a book as well as sharing among writers, tips and challenges of being a local writer.
“All this will no doubt help contribute towards Brunei’s efforts in our Vision 2035, but also importantly it will help writers become more independent and maybe able to earn a living from it, thus helping towards the nation’s efforts in diversifying the economy.”
Adding on, he said, “I am really hopeful that this gathering and future gatherings will encourage more writers to come forward and create a positive climate where writings can be conducive. I am sure your writings will definitely enrich our cultural heritage.”
After launching the conference, the guest of honour toured the gallery exhibition.
The conference continued in the afternoon with a session entitled ‘UF Akademi – Responsibility as a writer’, before continuing with a talk on ‘Reaching Out to the World (Travel Log Book)’ by Norhayati bin Abu Bakar.
In the evening, an authors meet was held, featuring a panel comprising Haji Mohd Rozan, Dr Aamton Alias, Ikhtiyar Group, Sophia Ali, Siti Nurdahlia Dollah and Hajib Sarhan.
The event will continue today with a coffee chat on ‘creative writing industry development and growth in Brunei Darussalam,’ followed by workshops on calligraphy, copywriting and creative writing, before concluding with a sharing session on inspiration for writing children’s books.
THE Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Girls Arabic Religious Secondary School (SUAMPRIPAHS) at Kampong Katok held a Khatam Al-Quran ceremony for the One Week One Juzuk programme yesterday.
The guest of honour was Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Religious) at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Haji Mohd Serudin bin Haji Timbang.
The attendees also included religious teachers, parents and family members of the participating students.
The event began with the recitation of Al-Quran verses led by the guest of honour, and the reading of the Surah Adh-Dhuha to An-Nas by the participants of the ceremony.
This was followed by the reading of the Takhtim by the teachers from Zone Brunei III, reading of the Doa Khatam Al-Quran by a participant and a Dikir Marhaban presentation from the teachers from Zone Brunei III.
Photo shows Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Abdul Hafeez bin Pengiran Anak Khairul KhalilYang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Abdul Hafeez bin Pengiran Anak Khairul Khalil at the ceremony. – PHOTOS: ISHAN IBRAHIM
Eighty-four students from Pre (seven years) to Primary 5 (12 years) participated in the One Week One Juzuk programme, representing 17 religious schools from Zone Brunei III.
They were feted after completing the reading of 30 Juzuks of Al-Quran (Khatam Al-Quran) that began in February to December 31, 2017.
The selected participants also included the son of Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah, Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Abdul Hafeez bin Pengiran Anak Khairul Khalil.
The guest of honour handed over the certificates to the participants, and sprinkled scented flowers on them, followed by the parents and guardians of the participants.
The programme emphasised the importance of religious education and literacy, in tune with the aspirations 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.
The ceremony was held as part of the annual activities of religious schools and aimed to enhance cooperation and relations with parents and guardians.
