|     Danial Norjidi     |

OFFICIALS from the World Bank Group have acknowledged a ‘comprehensive effort’ from Brunei through a number of reforms and initiatives to address all the areas under the ease of doing business, while highlighting the importance of the caring for the ‘socialisation part’ of the reforms by getting feedback from the private sector and ensuring they understand the changes being made.

Jean Arlet and Edgar Chavez, Operations Analysts from the World Bank Group, have been in Brunei for the past week to meet with various agencies and organisations in the country to collect information pertaining to the ease of doing business in the country, in line with the Group’s Doing Business Report.

The report provides objective measures of regulations and their enforcement across 189 economies. In the 2016 edition of the Doing Business Report, Brunei ranked 84th – 21 positions up from 2015.

Arlet and Chavez spoke in an interview with local media yesterday at the Radisson Hotel. Asked by the Weekend Bulletin what their impressions had been so far of Brunei, Chavez said, “We see a comprehensive effort to address all the areas covered by Doing Business, and we see it’s building on the experience of the past. Last year when I came here, there was a sense of urgency at raising these issues, and we see that work keeps going on; it’s not a one-time thing.”

“These reforms require medium-long term vision, so we see that the vision is on the part of the authorities that these reforms will be part of a larger process of improving the business climate.”

Edgar Chavez (L) and Jean Arlet during the interview. PHOTOS: DANIAL NORJIDI

Arlet also shared his thoughts, saying, “The initiatives by the government really span across all indicators. So what we did is we collected the information that was given to us and now we’re going to follow up with some private sector professionals to see what their experience is, because sometimes what you see is that there may be a gap between the law and practice – there might be something that’s implemented but it takes a little time for the gains to be felt.”

“But if you look at last year’s report, I think the areas where there was room for improvement are areas like enforcing contracts or resolving insolvency, two areas where there’s been considerable efforts in terms of the law or in terms of enforcing contracts and a case management system, so again, those are things that are very encouraging.”

Chavez also went on to share, “What we try to emphasise in doing business is the adoption of best practices, and I think the degree that these best practices are adopted, it becomes easier for businesses to operate.”

Considering the Doing Business Report lists information on the ease of doing business in 189 economies, when asked how Brunei compares to others in terms of efficiency to get reforms and initiatives done, Chavez answered, “What we see in terms of difference is the comprehensive agenda. I think there is also a clear understanding that many of these reforms take some time to be reflected in practice. So many of them have to do with laws, and that might have a more concrete effect, but orders that relate to the consolidation of online services or reduction in times to conduct some services takes some time. But I think the awareness from the authorities is clear.”

Arlet said, “What was also encouraging is, if you look at last year’s report, Brunei does well in some areas, with room for improvement in some other areas. We’re seeing initiatives that are improving some areas of Brunei that were already doing well as well as improving some areas that still have room for improvement.”

Asked if they had any recommendations, based on what they have seen during their working visit to the country, Arlet said, “I think what will be interesting is to see, with a lot of these initiatives and reforms, how the impacts are felt over time, because it’s often the case that when you implement a new law, then people have to adopt a law. When you implement a new electronic system, people have to get used to it.”

“So I think, given all these initiatives, what will be important is the socialisation part of the reforms, and also to continue doing workshops with the private sector so they fully understand what the new laws are, how the new systems work. So that’s very important.

“At Doing Business we often say that yes, reforms and a lot of initiatives are important, but just as important is what you do after that. So that’s something that is important to keep in mind.”

Chavez added on to this, saying, “I think involving the private sector and getting feedback from them on the new initiatives, on what’s working and what’s not working, that’s also key not only in the case of Brunei but in every country that has this agenda. Hearing back from the private sector and continuing a policy of transparency are the keys to success.”

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|    James Kon    |

THE Year 1 HNTec students of the IBTE Business Campus put their business ideas to the test and got the opportunity to practise what they learnt at the IBTE Bedagang 2016, currently being held at the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex, following its launching ceremony yesterday.

The Director of Technical Education/Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE), Dr Chin Wei Keh, was the event’s guest of honour.

Organised by the Year 1 HNTec students themselves with the theme ‘Developing Youth Entrepreneurs’, among its objectives are to provide the participants with an authentic learning approach through the entrepreneurship module, to establish a platform to assess the students based on practical work, as well as to create more awareness and generate interest in self-employment.

In addition to a variety of planned activities, there are a total of 60 booths selling food and non-food items, with 25 of them open to the public and not run by students. The IBTE Bedagang event will operate from 9am to 4pm today.

In his speech at the launch, the Principal of IBTE Central – Dr Sheikh Lukman bin Sheikh Abdul Hamid, remarked, “The School of Business has actively involved students in entrepreneurship activities as the best way to learn business-related modules.

Dr Chin Wei Keh, the launching ceremony’s guest of honour, stopping at a booth manned by Year 1 HNTec students of IBTE Business Campus. PHOTOS: JAMES KON

IBTE Central’s Principal Dr Sheikh Lukman bin Sheikh Abdul Hamid delivers his speech

A booth set up at the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex

“In these modules, students are required to work in teams to organise an event where they will assess collectively the entire process from its initial stage of planning until the event’s implementation.

“The government has encouraged youths to be more pro-active in diversifying the economy, by venturing into non-oil-and-gas sectors such as business,” he added, which is also the educational institution’s intention.

IBTE further expressed utmost appreciation to Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex for providing the students a strategic venue to implement what they have been taught, and experience an authentic business setting.

As part of the institution’s social responsibility, three per cent of the IBTE Bedagang sales will be donated to Pengiran Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah Fund for Orphans.

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|     Hakim Hayat     |

A NEGATIVE workplace environment may hamper an organisation or a business’ ability to attain optimal staff productivity and earn more profits, an occupational psychologist said in a public lecture held at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) yesterday.

Katherine Koh, Occupational Psychologist and Chairperson of ST Healthcare Singapore (Head of Workplace Health Promotion) in her lecture on ‘Psychosocial Health at Workplace’ yesterday shared that mental wellbeing in the workplace is a vital aspect to attain higher productivity levels but is often neglected because most workplaces put much emphasis on taking care of physical health.

She said that a work environment that makes employees happy, respected and empowered will increase productivity levels, as less stress makes them more healthy and productive.

Psychosocial health – which is defined as a state of mental, emotional, social and spiritual well-being – was the focus of the session yesterday.

Katherine outlined each of the components and techniques to boost psychological wellness in the workplace, drawing on research on positive psychology.

Katherine Koh delivering her lecture. – HAKIM HAYAT

She also shared several ways to strengthen the pillars of psychosocial health in the workplace, including the reinforcement of social support systems like families and friends.

She said research has shown that happiness of workers is closely linked to business outcomes including sales, turnover, job productivity and accuracy, and this can be done by instilling more positive vibes in the workplace.

The lecture that was attended by over 50 participants was co-organised by the Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and the Office of Safety, Health and Environment, UBD.

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|     Azaraimy HH     |

SIX students from Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) and Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) have successfully completed Huawei’s ‘Seeds for the Future’ programme and were feted in a closing ceremony on Friday at the Huawei Global Headquarters in Shenzhen.

The students – Chua Kah Kheng, Dayangku Nur Syazwina binti Pengiran Haji Yasmin and Lim Pei Nee from UBD; Awangku Mohd Zulfakhri bin Pengiran Awang, Awangku Yura Mohd Iqbal bin Pengiran Haji Yura Mohd Abai and Naasiruddeen bin Abdul Wahab from UTB – were selected for the internship offered to engineering and ICT students from many countries.

Naasiruddeen, a Year 4 Undergraduate in Electrical and Communication Engineering, said they were given the opportunity to learn basic Mandarin to help them communicate with the locals.

Visits to different landmarks in Beijing such as the Summer Palace, Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China were conducted.

In Shenzhen, they were given the opportunity to learn about Huawei’s telecommunication system along with its range of latest technology and products.

The participants in a group photo with officials from Huawei. – AZARAIMY HH

Naasiruddeen said the training deepened their understanding on how current telecommunication technology works and gave them a glimpse of the skills needed in their future career.

Present during the ceremony was Jennifer Voon, Director of Industry Liaison Office, UTB, representing the Ministry of Education on behalf of the permanent secretary.

Jennifer Voon expressed Brunei’s appreciation towards Huawei for engaging with students from Brunei, who are the country’s future leaders in their respective fields.

‘Seeds for the Future’ is Huawei’s global CSR flagship programme. Initiated by Huawei in 2008, the programme seeks to develop local ICT talents, enhance knowledge transfer, and improve people’s understanding of and interest in the telecommunications industry.

“Recognising a critical need for skills capacity building in a number of developing markets, Huawei first launched the Seeds for the Future as a programme to expose and interest students in careers in telecommunications.

“In countries such as Malaysia, the programme has helped train over 2,000 local students to support the growth of Malaysia’s telecommunications industry,” said James Lockett, Head of Trade Facilitation and Market Access, Huawei.

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|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

FORTY members of the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) have completed a course to improve their knowledge and skills in carrying out their duties as traffic patrol officers.

They received their certificates from the Acting Director of the Traffic Control and Investigation Department (JSKLL), RBPF Senior Superintendent Haji Mohammad Hassan bin Pehin Penyurat Haji Awang Ahmad, who was the guest of honour, at a ceremony held at the JSKLL yesterday.

The Traffic Police, Singapore Police Force (SPF) also sent trainers to participate in the training programme that ran for from May 16 to May 28.

Ten of the 40 participants were also selected to receive additional training to prepare them as trainers to ensure continuity in the application of the knowledge, skills and best practices shared by the SPF.

The guest of honour RBPF Senior Superintendent Haji Mohammad Hassan bin Pehin Penyurat Haji Awang Ahmad, Acting Director of Traffic Control and Investigation presents a certificate to a participant. – ISHAN IBRAHIM

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|    Faza Suraj    |

OVERWHELMING public response was received at the first two days of the BMW Seria Roadshow and Test Drive organised by QAF Auto at the parking lot of Supa Save Seria.

The three-day event is on its last day today, for those who wish to have a chance to experience the premium feel of driving the latest line of the German-made vehicles.

Visitors who test drive at the roadshow will also receive a free shopping voucher that they can spend at any Supa Save branch.

The event’s objective is to get members of the public to view the latest model range and experience the performance of the new BMW first-hand.

QAF Auto’s friendly staff at the parking lot of Supa Save Seria

A new BMW 7 Series model on display

BMW goodies await visitors

The stylish 7 Series’ signature interiors. PHOTOS: FAZA SURAJ

During this period, QAF Auto is offering an exclusive price on all models and special packages on the BMW 3 Series that include free three-year or 100,000km warranty, three years’ insurance coverage and three-time free servicing.

Among the cars on display are the exciting BMW 5 Series and 7 Series models that were launched recently this year.

For any enquiries about the promotions, approach any of QAF Auto’s friendly sales assistants.

The roadshow begins at 10am today and will end at 6pm.

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|     Fadley Faisal     |

THE Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) recently organised an Advocacy Training Course, aimed at increasing advocacy skills and standards amongst its officers who conduct litigation as their core work. The course took place at the Law and Courts Building from May 27-29, 2016.

This year’s course builds upon the foundations set from last year’s Advocacy Teachers Trainers Course held from August 21-23, 2015, where nine trainers from the Attorney General’s Chambers received training to be certified to teach advocacy.

The course was jointly organised by the Criminal Justice Division of the Attorney General’s Chambers with the assistance of the International Advocacy Training Council (IATC), based in Hong Kong.

This year’s course saw five local trainers, Aldila binti Haji Mohd Salleh, Norhayati binti Dato Paduka Haji Omar, Pengiran Suzana binti Pengiran Haji Abas, Shamshuddin bin Haji Kamaluddin and Karen Tan Chai Mei collaborate with Anesta Weekes QC, Vice Chair of the Advocacy Training Council of England and Wales, Recorder and Queens Counsel at 33 Bedford Row, London, United Kingdom; and Fahri Azzat of Fahri & Co and Committee Member of the Malaysian Bar Council Advocacy Committee to deliver the course which focused on case preparation, case analysis, skills in questioning witnesses and accused persons and submissions advocacy.

Some 26 officers from the Criminal Justice Division and the Civil Division of the Chambers participated in the course, which saw participants taught using the ‘Hampel Method’, a renowned advocacy teaching technique. Mock trials were also conducted which involved trainers providing constructive critique to the participant advocates on their performance in the practical aspects of the trial process.

Group photo shows Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Hayati binti Pehin Orang Kaya Shahbandar Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Salleh, Attorney General and Public Prosecutor, Anesta Weekes QC, Vice Chair of the Advocacy Training Council of England and Wales, Recorder and Queens Counsel at 33 Bedford Row, London, United Kingdom and Fahri Azzat of Fahri & Co and Committee Member of the Malaysian Bar Council Advocacy Committee together with local trainers and participants from the Attorney General’s Chambers. – AGC

Technology was also incorporated into the review process through the use of video recordings of the advocates’ performances, which allow trainers to better identify areas of improvement that can be made in the advocate’s court technique. This year’s course also included additional components on submission advocacy in light of the recent amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code, Chapter 7 which now allow prosecutors in the jurisdiction to deliver submissions with regards to sentencing.

In a press release, the AGC said the holding of the workshop signified the Attorney General’s Chambers’ commitment to provide adequate training to develop expertise amongst its officers and is the product of successful networking by officers of the Attorney General’s Chambers with foreign counterparts and contacts established during various international conferences and training workshops.

The course also realised the Attorney General’s Chambers Strategic Vision, which emphasises on Human Capacity Building, aimed to better enable the delivery of legal services at the highest quality to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and to His Majesty’s Government.

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BRUNEI Darussalam and New Zealand co-chaired the Final Planning Conference (FPC) of ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group (EWG) Maritime Security (MS) Field Training Exercise (FTX), Exercise Mahi Tangaroa ‘16’ in Auckland, New Zealand from May 23-26.

The FPC EWG Co-Chairs were Deputy Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN), Lieutenant Colonel (L) Haji Othman bin Haji Suhaily @ Suhaili, and the Director Asia, Ministry of Defence New Zealand, Mike Thompson.

The aim of Exercise Mahi Tangaroa ‘16’ is to promote cooperation and inter-operability, as well as information sharing among the ADMM-Plus member countries in addressing global common non-traditional Maritime Security threats.

The exercise is expected to take place from November 13-17, followed by an International Naval Review, to commemorate Royal New Zealand Navy’s 75th Anniversary.

A group photo taken on the event. – MINDEF

The conference was officially opened by Captain David McEwan, Captain Fleet Operational Readiness, and closed by the Maritime Component Commander, Commodore Jim Gilmore.

Exercise Mahi Tangaroa ‘16’ is expected to incorporate the ADMM-Plus FTX Standard Operating Procedures and the document of Code of Unplanned Encounters at Sea.

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|     Nuri Sufri     |

FARMING is a profitable business that will not only benefit and diversify Brunei’s economy, but it will also improve the livelihood of its people, decrease the unemployment rate by building on human capacity and enable the country to reach its aspiration to food self-sufficiency.

This was stated by Hajah Suria Zanuddin, Head of Agricultural Development Unit, during a ceremony presenting certificates to 26 farmers who have successfully completed a course in the Rice Farmers Field’s School (RFFs) yesterday at the Agricultural Development Unit Brunei-Muara District, the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism.

Present as guest of honour was Hajah Khartini binti Haji Musa, Acting Deputy Director of Agricul-ture and Agrifood, who presented the certificates to the participants, as well as the head of develop-ment, officers and employees of the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood and teachers of RFFs.

The initiative aims to enhance bilateral relations between the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in the development of human capacity in technology transfer management of rice plantation.

A group photo taken at the ceremony with the guest of honour Hajah Khartini binti Haji Musa, Acting Deputy Director of Agriculture and Agrifood, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism. – NURI SUFRI

Since its inception in 2010, the Rice Review System (SP) is applied to RFFs as a guide to improve and update the farmers’ knowledge on the selection of seed quality, land preparation, plant growth, nutrient management, water harvesting and post-harvest rice, as well as managing the production of quality rice via Agro-ecosystem Analysis (AESA).

The department also monitors the collection of rice data of 120 farmers from the Brunei-Muara District, 53 from Tutong, 74 from Belait and 43 from the Temburong District, in an ongoing effort to improve on best practices and management of the rice yield in the country.

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|      James Kon     |

IN AN attempt to enhance financial literacy among Bruneians through better understanding on the importance of financial planning, Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, the Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance II, launched the Financial Planning Association of Brunei Darussalam (FPAB).

The launching ceremony was held yesterday at the Ministry of Finance.

The pro tem President of FPAB is Hajah Siti Suhaila binti Dato Paduka Haji Kani and the pro tem Vice-President is Ang Kian Guan. Other pro tem committee members include Hajah Raeidyah binti Haji Bujang as Secretary and Ida Nazrena binti Haji Bujang as Treasurer.

Besides raising awareness on the importance of financial planning, the FPAB will represent financial planners in Brunei Darussalam by providing a common platform for those involved in the field of financial planning to conduct useful dialogues and to establish financial planning as a recognised profession.

Currently, there are around 230 professionals in the country with financial planning certification including those from banks, insurance agencies, capital market services and social security organisations.

Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, the Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance II, during his speech. PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI

Ang Kian Guan in an interview highlighted, “The establishment of the Financial Planning Association of Brunei Darussalam is very important because the public needs to understand the significance of financial planning. We need to educate the public that saving and planning for the future are important.”

The association can also help disseminate initiatives of Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD) to the public. To further promote the role of the association, a number of roadshows will be organised to recruit members and organise courses to help future financial planners.

Photos above show Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman in group photos with officials from various financial institutions participating in the showcase

A group photo of the Financial Planning Association of Brunei Darussalam staff during the Financial Planning Showcase

Those interested to be a member of the association can send enquiries through e-mail at askfpab@gmail.com.

One of the highlights of the event was the ‘Financial Planning Showcase’, which aimed to raise awareness on financial planning and the services that are provided by financial institutions in Brunei Darussalam. Each financial institution was given a financial planning theme – Income Protection, Credit Health, Savings for a House, Education Planning and Retirement Planning. Takaful Brunei Keluarga (TBK), the Credit Bureau, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD), Baiduri Bank Berhad and the Employees Trust Fund (TAP) participated in the showcase.

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|     Azlan Othman     |

THERE is a need to craft education curricula and innovative teaching practices and techniques that respond to the advances in technology and continually inspire our students to meet the challenges faced in the 21st Century.

This can be done through the teaching of lifelong skills in which the content is well rooted in commendable values as stipulated in the nation’s Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy which should permeate in all levels of education.

This was said by Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, the Minister of Education, at the official opening of the 2nd Politeknik Brunei International Symposium 2016 at Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah (PAPRSB) Institute of Health Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD).

“At the Ministry of Education, educational innovation is one of the key priorities. The sharing of educational innovation offers avenues for producing quality teachers and educators in all areas and at all levels. Our educators need to be able to fully utilise ICT in teaching and should not fear its use,” the minister added.

Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi added that in order to ensure relevance and competitiveness in the 21st Century, “it is imperative for us to have the drive to continually innovate and improve education practices. Thus, I would like to encourage educators to continue to improve the quality of their teaching and teaching programmes and to work closely and build strong relationships with one another.”

Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, the Minister of Education, delivering his speech. PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI

Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, the Minister of Education, in a group photo

“In today’s globalised world that we live in, with a multitude of web tools that are easily available, a student with sufficient motivation could now basically learn what he wants, when he wants and from who he wants. I also believe we need to push boundaries by challenging the traditional assumptions and it gives the students the opportunities to do all these things and we indeed need to change,” he added.

The minister said over the years, the ministry has progressed much in raising the standards in quality of teaching and learning largely through education innovation. Education innovation is certainly one platform for providing quality education which essentially should be shared by all education institutions, private, public, mainstream or specialised.

Education through digital learning technologies should evolve through innovation and target to help our students cope with technological changes. The students of today should be independent and be equipped with problem solving skills, to become creative thinkers and think outside the box. More importantly, they need to be innovative and ready for the future.

It is also crucial for education practices to harness advances in new technologies to enhance the learning experiences of students.

“It is through technology that we can develop deeper understanding of other cultures around the world and connect with these cultures outside the comfort of the classroom, which is easily done with a swipe on our IT devices. This is what we mean by development in today’s technology. It is not happening in the future but is happening today,” the minister added.

Meanwhile, Denis Ho Mun Tai, the Acting Director of Politeknik Brunei, said Politeknik Brunei will continue to work towards embracing whatever changes brought about by the continuous changes in the use of technology, by ensuring that innovative teaching and learning approaches are adopted effectively by all lecturers in the delivery of their lessons.

“We are optimistic that the participants will be able to explore and adopt some of the best practices in innovative teaching and learning used to keep their students engaged and engrossed in learning,” he said.

The symposium is held for two days (May 28 and May 30) and is organised by the Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning of Politeknik Brunei and supported by PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam as a platform to promote continuous professional development of the teaching staff.

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|     Wani Roslan     |

MABOHAI Shopping Complex celebrated creativity yesterday with a one day special event, ‘Crafty Planners Event’ held in partnership with A Shannon and Create with EM at the complex’s Event Stage.

The event featured several workshops and activities, including Modern Calligraphy, Brush Lettering and Contemporary Khat.

Local businesses such as Brunei Planners, Crafts that Delight, Plan with FBDS, Oh! So Kiyomi!, Kids n Dreams and Charis Decoupage, Pnuts Merchandise, Mummyrawk, Yul’s Kitchen, Homemade Macaroons and Real Halo Halo also participated during the event.

The workshop attracted a total of 20 participants for the whole day, with nine participants in the morning session and 11 participants in the afternoon session.

Some of the vendors at the ‘Crafty Planners Event.’ PHOTOS: WANI ROSLAN

A workshop participant practising modern calligraphy

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|     Danial Norjidi     |

INNOVATIVE practices in nursing have been shown to improve both patient outcomes and job satisfaction among nurses, and as such nurses should strive towards generating innovative ideas and working with academics to realise them.

This was highlighted by Professor Dr Munikumar R Venkatasalu, a Professor in Cancer and Palliative Care at the Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences (PAPRSB IHS), Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), during his lecture, ‘Innovations in Nursing Practice: Possibilities and Pitfalls’, which he recently delivered at the university in conjunction with International Nurses Day.

Speaking in an interview with the Bulletin after the lecture, Dr Munikumar said of the current state of nursing in the country, “I think we are in a big transition phase. UBD has a very strong desire to increase research and innovation from academics. We are able to see the seeds and plants now, and very soon we can see the fruits of nursing innovation in this country.”

“Our curriculum is matched with the international curriculum. One thing in particular is that research and innovation is a core in nursing education,” he said, adding that this has developed beyond even some UK universities. “For example, out of 67 nursing universities in the UK, only three or four are running research projects within the undergraduate curriculum, but Brunei has empirical research projects ongoing in its nursing curriculum. So that is going to have a huge change. We just started empirical research. In the past they would only do systematic reviews or paper-based work. Now they’re doing action-research, in the field. So things are changing.”

Dr Munikumar said that he feels that, among the nurses and nursing students he has met, the characteristics required to be innovative and want to be innovative are there.

Professor Dr Munikumar R Venkatasalu from the Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences (PAPRSB IHS), Universiti Brunei Darussalam delivering his talk. – DANIAL NORJIDI

“I’ve observed the clinical areas of Brunei, and people there are ready for opportunities. They have ideas; they’re looking for opportunities and avenues. They have ideas and now they’re waiting for academics to join with them to create and realise these ideas. So I don’t see any problem with their attitudes.”

“Every little effort helps. They’ve got the ideas and they need to know how to voice them out and come forward,” he said, urging nurses to work with academics to realise their ideas.

Speaking further on the topic of his lecture in the interview, he said, “Innovation is very popular in engineering and other studies, but innovation in nursing is still a very new concept, because still many think of the debate about nursing being an art or a science.”

“The innovative practices can be directly related to job satisfaction among nurses as well as patient outcomes,” he continued, highlighted that international studies have shown that “when the patients are happier with your innovation, that directly impacts on your job satisfaction.”

“The nursing actions most commonly go invisible. Now it is a time for us to quantify what the invisibility is to the visible outcomes, then you can say nursing is a science and that your innovation works.

“When there is a challenge we need to turn the challenge into opportunities. Now there is a challenge – how nurses can contribute. Now we should be awake as nurses and try to go with the mainstream on how nurses can contribute.”

“It’s a big opportunity. As nurses we can do that. Every day you can do innovations in the way you treat patients and make it a project,” he added.

In the public lecture itself, Dr Munikumar spoke on the concept of innovation in nursing practice, touching on opportunities for innovations in everyday nursing practice, sharing some examples of such innovations and the impact they have had on quality of care.

He highlighted that for nursing to take its “rightful place” in the development of health knowledge, nurses need to be further engaged and encouraged to pursue innovative and cutting edge research that challenge prior assumptions and that present new, intellectually challenging perspectives.

Dr Munikumar also called on nurses to be innovative by being open to experience new devices that advance patient care, new tools that measure patient care outcomes and to experiment with new service designs such as nurse-led clinics.

Such innovations, he affirmed, are pivotal in today’s changing and challenging healthcare arena as, globally, innovations in nursing have proved to improve patient satisfaction rates, quality care, service improvements and cost effectiveness while also helping job satisfaction and an enhanced professional identity for nurses.

Dr Munikumar went on to stress that nursing innovations cannot occur without organisational support, and asserted the need to develop a centre for nursing innovations and nursing research labs.

He also said there was a need to develop prototypes of nursing innovation for participation in national competitions such as the Crown Prince Creative, Innovative Product and Technological Advancement (CIPTA) Award.

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|     Wani Roslan     |

ABOUT 200 members of the Brunei Malay Teachers Association (PGGMB) from throughout the country attended the 66th PGGMB Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2015-2016 session yesterday at the Main Hall of PGGMB School in Kg Sungai Akar.

The 66th AGM was officiated by the guest of honour, Haji Harun bin Haji Junid, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA), followed by the launching of a book titled ‘Kerana Mu PGGMB Saya Menulis’, written by Cikgu Haji Antin bin Ahad, the President of PGGMB. The book depicts the three eras of the historical formation and development of PGGMB since it was established in 1937 as an organisation for Malay teachers.

According to the deputy permanent secretary in his speech, the goal of PGGMB covers all aspects of life and remains relevant with current needs of today’s generation. PGGMB has successfully implemented and achieved its goals despite facing several challenges and obstacles, particularly in the field of economy, he said, and the most important is the ability of PGGMB to further continue its educational and community activities in accordance with current development.

He also added that since its establishment, PGGMB has provided high quality services on par with government and private educational institutions in the country. He also believed that PGGMB is still able to produce outstanding students despite the current level competition.

Haji Harun bin Haji Junid, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA), in a group photo with executive members of the Brunei Malay Teachers Association (PGGMB). – WANI ROSLAN

“PGGMB School in Kg Sungai Akar for instances, was able to maintain 100 per cent or above 98 per cent passes in Primary School Assessment (PSR) for 36 consecutive years from 1980 to 2015. This achievement would not be easily obtained without the efforts, cooperation and dedication of teachers as educators in providing guidance,” he added.

The AGM continued with discussions of the main agenda, which included revisions on last year’s minutes, reports on financial, capital and investment statements welfare as well as social, religious and educational activities. The meeting also included a question and answer session as well as presentation of proposals from the representative members to further develop PGGMB.

The meeting concluded with an announcement on election results of PGGMB’s five top executive posts for 2016-2019 session, comprising the posts of the President, Deputy President, Secretary-General, Permanent Chairman and Secretary of Finance.

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|     Fadhil Yunus     |

IN DEMONSTRATING the commitment of Baiduri Masters in making a difference to society, a total of $85,000 collected from golf tournament proceeds was generously donated to charity organisations during the prize presentation of the 21st Baiduri Masters at the Indah Hall of the Royal Brunei Recreation Club yesterday.

The first cheque was presented to SMARTER Brunei and was received by its President Malai Haji Abdullah bin Malai Haji Othman while Children’s Cancer Foundation (YASKA) was represented on behalf by its Treasurer Tsara’Nawwarah binti Abdullah Chen.

Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam was the third beneficiary to be presented with the cheque which was received by Haji Ahmad bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Policy and Planning Trustee at Pusat Ehsan.

Albert Lau (centre), Chief Executive Officer of QAF Brunei in a group photo with the sponsors

Pierre Imhof (left), Chief Executive Officer of Baiduri Bank with the recipients of the donation. PHOTOS: MOHAMAD ASYRAMISYANIE

The other organisations were the Developmental Paediatric Services which was received by Dr Saquib Jalees, Senior Medical Officer and Learning Ladders Society which was received by its President Dr Sharina Yunus.

All the donations were presented by Pierre Imhof, Chief Executive Officer of Baiduri Bank.

A cheque was also presented to the Community Development Department (JAPEM) and was received by Haji Rosmadee bin Haji Mohd Daud.

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|     Fizah HAB     |

THE Al-Khalil and Majeedah Tausyeh groups emerged as champions in their respective categories – Under-12 and teenage – in this year’s Radio Televisyen Brunei (RTB)’s Tausyeh Competition held at Raya Hall of RTB yesterday. The final round was broadcast live over the RTB 2, RTB 3 and RTB 5 channels, as well as Nur Islam and National FM radio broadcast channels.

Both groups received cash prizes of $3,000 each, trophies and certificates of participation.

For the Under-12 category, Khairun Nida and Sautudz Dzahabiati placed second and third respectively, while in the teenage category, the first runner-up went to Nurul Ittihad and second runner-up went to Az Zahraa.

The first runners-up received cash prizes of $2,500 each while second runners-up received $1,500. The prizes were sponsored by Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei (TAIB), Insurans Islam TAIB and Darussalam Holdings Sendirian Berhad. All participants received trophies and certificates of participation.

Majeedah was also announced to be the best tausyeh group and won an extra $1,000 cash prize as well as a trophy.

Champions of the Under-12 and the teenage categories in a group photo. – FIZAH HAB

Present as the guest of honour to present the prizes was the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Haji Harun bin Haji Junid.

The event aimed to support the vision 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 wish to turn Brunei into a Zikir Nation. This is the eighth Tausyeh competition organised by RTB.

There were a total of 71 participations, mainly comprising students from religious and Arabic schools throughout the country, including from the Institut Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah as well as youth organisations and private individuals.

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THE Ministry of Health alerted members of the public to six cosmetic products, which have been tested by the laboratory of Drug Quality Control Section, Pharmacy Services, Ministry of Health and found to be adulterated with undeclared substances.

The products were found through post-marketing surveillance activities conducted by the Pharmacy Enforcement Section at retail outlets, the press release said.

The affected products are as listed:

– DNARS Skincare Normal/Jeragat-Day Cream which contains mercury and DNARS Skincare Normal/Jeragat-Snow Cream containing Hydroquinone and Tretinoin, both product manufactured by Rohban Trade Sdn Bhd (988565-K), Shah Alam, Selangor;

– Walet 2 in 1 Super Whitening Cream with Herbal Complex (both white and yellow-coloured) containing mercury, manufactured by Co Ltd Taiwan;

Adulterated product, ‘Nouvelles Visages-NV Cream AHA & UV’

Adulterated product, ‘Walet 2 in 1 Super Whitening Cream with Herbal Complex.’ PHOTOS: MINISTRY OF HEALTH

Adulterated product, ‘DNARS Skincare Normal/Jeragat-Day Cream’

– Nouvelles Visages-NV Cream AHA & UV which contains Hydroquinone, manufactured by Nouvelle Beauty Centre Sdn Bhd, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia;

– Tia Amelia-Krim Elvira which contains Hydroquinone, manufacturer unstated.

The adulterants found in these products can cause adverse effects that are potentially hazardous to those using them.

The Ministry of Health has not issued any approval for the importation and/or Cosmetic Notification Acknowledgement Letter for the sale of these products. Following these findings, the products are not allowed to be imported and sold in Brunei Darussalam.

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

Members of the public involved in the retail of these products – including online retail such as through Facebook – are hereby reminded that it is an offence under the Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations, 2007 to import and market cosmetic products in the local market without a Cosmetic Product Notification Acknowledgement Letter issued by the authority, where the penalty for contravening these regulations upon conviction, is a fine not exceeding $5,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or both.

The Ministry of Health also calls upon the public for their cooperation to report to the Pharmacy Enforcement Section if any of these products are still found on the market in this country.

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|     Azaraimy HH     |

THE 18th Consumer Fair – featuring Food Fest concluded last night after recording over 130,000 visitors over five days of the event.

Jackson Ting, Managing Director of D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd, the organiser of the event, thanked various government agencies for their years of support, especially the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism and the Ministry of Home Affairs. He said the government support is vital for such an event.

The next consumer fair is scheduled for January next year, he said.

The fun-filled event showcased culinary arts and different categories of products and services from local and international exhibitors.

For this year’s edition, D’Sunlit also invited international award-winning chefs from Taiwan to conduct a baking class with Bake Culture. Four award-winning chefs from Malaysia were flown to Brunei to demonstrate culinary arts in front of massive crowds.

Photo shows Jackson Ting, Managing Director of D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd, with Sahran bin Mohd Safar, grand prize winner

The crowd during the closing ceremony of the 18th Consumer Fair. PHOTOS: AZARAIMY HH

At the closing ceremony held last night, tokens of appreciation were presented to the chefs by Jackson Ting.

Some 25 lucky consumers brought home fantastic prizes last night during a grand draw. They received their prizes from Jackson Ting; Ngu Tiing Siang, the Operation Manager; Mike Chia, the Sales Manager; and Gavin Chai, the Assistant Sales Manager.

The winner of the grand prize of $2,388 cash was Sahran bin Mohd Safar.

The second grand prize of $1,288 cash went to Megawati binti Haji Bolhassan.

Jackson Ting, Managing Director of D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd presenting the second prize to Megawati binti Haji Bolhassan

Jackson Ting presenting the third prize to Shariwadi binti Haji Naim

Jackson Ting presenting an award to one of the chefs of Bake Culture

The third grand prize of an Akira 58-inch LED TV sponsored by Intracorp (B) Sdn Bhd was won by Shariwadi binti Haji Naim.

The grand prize winner, Sahran who works at Kampong Tamoi Mosque said he had never expected to win. He said it was the first time he had won such a prize. He said he was notified that he was shortlisted for the grand draw through SMS.

D’Sunlit thanked all the exhibitors, consumers, supporters, international award winning chefs, the media people, activity and event partners who had made the event another success.

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|     Nuri Sufri     |

THE Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) marked its 68th anni-versary yesterday, in conjunction with the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day which is annually celebrated on May 8. This year’s theme was ‘Everywhere for Everyone’.

The ceremony was held at Al-‘Afiah Hall at the Ministry of Health and was attended by Haji Zakaria bin Haji Serudin, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, who was the guest of honour. Also attending the event were members of the board and special guests from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) who are based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

A total of 100 officers from the Ministry of Health, youth school cadets and Red Crescent volunteers from all four districts attended the event.

In his speech, the permanent secretary lauded the efforts of the volunteers and board members representing BDRCS, IFRC, and ICRC, as it is complimentary to the Ministry of Health.

Haji Zakaria bin Haji Serudin, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, with other guests at the event. Photos: NURI SUFRI

Martin Faller, Head of Operations at IFRC giving his opening remarks

He highlighted the non-governmental organisation’s contribution to the country since it was established in Brunei in 1948 that was in line with the ministry’s three priorities, which include promoting health as everyone’s responsibility, to improve the quality of service delivery and preventing and controlling non-communicable diseases.

He also lauded the volunteer’s training in ‘First Aider’ through the ‘Emergency Medical Ambulance Services’ (EMAS) and hoped that BDRC will develop to be on par with “international best practices”, and to continue to train local volunteers in “continuous professional development based on evidence-based best practices”.

The event commenced with a recitation of prayers and presentation of tokens of appreciation to members of the board and the special guests.

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|     James Kon     |

THE Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) is seeking the public’s assistance in a murder investigation after a body was found behind an old clinic in Kampong Sungai Teraban last Saturday.

According to police statement, personnel from the Kuala Belait Police Station discovered a car with blood stains behind the clinic at 11.20am. Further investigations led them to the discovery of the body of a foreigner in bushes near the vehicle.

A post mortem found injuries on the body yesterday, resulting in the RPBF classifying the case as murder under Section 392, Chapter 22 of the Penal Code.

The Special Investigation Unit under the Criminal Investigation Department which is conducting an investigation is asking members of the public who have any information about the case to contact 2459500 or the nearest police station.

A photo circulating on social media shows police personnel combing the scene for evidence

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