THE Chief of the Army Staff of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, NI (M), arrived in the Sultanate yesterday on a three-day official visit.
Upon his arrival in the Sultanate, he was received by Brunei Government officials, High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Brunei Darussalam, Major General (Rtd) Tariq Rashid Khan and embassy staff at the airport.
In the evening, the Pakistan High Commissioner hosted a banquet in honour of the visiting Pakistan Army Chief at The Rizqun International Hotel.
Also attending the dinner were the Minister of Defence II, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof; Commanders of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Royal Brunei Land Force, Royal Brunei Navy, Royal Brunei Air Force, Joint Force; Ambassadors of China, Saudi Arabia and Turkey and High Commissioner of Malaysia to Brunei Darussalam.
The Pakistan High Commissioner highlighted various facets of strong existing bilateral relations between the two countries. He hoped that the Pakistan Army Chief’s visit to Brunei Darussalam is indicative of warmth and importance of existing bilateral relations and hoped the visit will help lay a strong foundation to further strengthen bilateral ties, especially in the field of defence.
Chief of the Army Staff of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, NI (M) with High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Brunei Darussalam Major General (Rtd) Tariq Rashid Khan, upon arrival in Brunei Darussalam
THE Ministry of Defence (MinDef) and Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) hosted several water sports and activities in the heart of the capital yesterday, as a supplement to the weekly ‘Bandarku Ceria’ programme.
The Sungai Kedayan and Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas provided the main settings for these sporting events, which included kayaking, water-ball, water-cycling and a dragon boat tug-of-war.
The participants included 1,000 personnel from the MinDef and RBAF, led by Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Minister of Defence II.
Also among those taking part were Major General Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Aminan bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud, the RBAF Commander; and Captain (Rtd) Dato Paduka Abdul Rahman bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, the Permanent Secretary at the MinDef.
The Radio Control Boat Race Association (Racobra) also showcased a radio-controlled boat display, alongside several other non-governmental organisations.
Earlier in the day, the weekly ‘Masjidku Makmur, Negara Berkat’ programme at the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque opened with mass Subuh prayer and a morning Tazkirah entitled, ‘Riadah Sebagai Satu Sunnah’, delivered by Major Ariffin bin Amit, the Assistant Head of the RBAF Religious Department.
The programme was organised by the Performance Optimisation Centre (POC), in collaboration with the Directorate of Administration and Manpower, and support from the units and departments of the MinDef and RBAF.
Among the highlights of the day was a very close race in the Inter-Ministerial Fibre-Boat Invitational Competition, won by the RBAF Sports Council, followed in second place by the Royal Brunei Land Force and in third place by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
Minister of Defence II, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof; and RBAF Commander, Major General Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Aminan bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud in a group photo during the ‘Bandarku Ceria’ programme yesterday. – PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIRMinister of Defence II participating in the boat raceMinister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof in a group photo with rowers from the Royal Brunei NavyMinister of Defence II in a group photo with rowers from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.Minister of Defence II presenting a hamper and prize to a winner of the boat race.Minister of Defence II presenting a hamper and prize to a winner of the boat race from Royal Brunei NavyWater cycling, one of the activities at the event
HER Royal Highness Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah played with Rocketeers at the Mini Netball Championship organised by Iman Syahiirah Event Management and in collaboration with Brunei Netball Association at Multi Purpose Hall of the Hassanal Bolkiah Sports Complex in Berakas.
Her Royal Highness was the Most Valuable Player of the tournament yesterday.
Spitfire were crowned champions in the finals by defeating Rocketeers. In third place was Striver XOXO.
The prizes were presented by Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Hajah Siti Radhiah binti Pengiran Maharaja Lela Sahibul Kahar Pengiran Anak Haji Muhammad Yusof.
Her Royal Highness Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah yesterday joined her Rocketeers team at the Mini Netball Championship organised by Iman Syahiirah Event Management at the Hassanal Bolkiah Nation-al Sports Complex in Berakas. Her Royal Highness was awarded the Most Valuable Player by Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Hajah Siti Radhiah binti Pengiran Maharaja Lela Sahibul Kahar Pengiran Anak Haji Muhammad YusofHer Royal Highness Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah in a group photo with the winners of the tournament. – PHOTOS: MOHAMAD ASYRAMISYANIE
AUTORITI Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD) recently hosted the 44th Meeting of the Technical Committee of the Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) at The Rizqun International Hotel.
The meeting was chaired by Khalid Omar Al-Kharji from the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates. It was attended by Dr Bello Lawal Danbatta, Secretary-General of the IFSB, and representatives from the IFSB members of regulatory and supervisory authorities from around the globe.
The meeting focussed on strategies to promote the development of a prudent and transparent Islamic financial services industry, by introducing new, or adapting existing, international standards, consistent with Syariah principles. This is in line with IFSB’s mandate in ensuring the soundness and stability of the Islamic financial services industry.
AMBD is a full and council member of the IFSB. As of December 2017, the 185 members of the IFSB comprised 75 regulatory and supervisory authorities, eight international inter-governmental organisations, and 102 market players including financial institutions, professional firms, industry associations and stock exchanges, operating in 57 jurisdictions.
THE Ministry of Health (MoH) alerted the public to two types of cosmetic products which have been tested by the Laboratory of Pharmacy Section, Scientific Laboratory Services, MoH and found to be adulterated with undeclared, potent western medicine.
The affected health products are Goree Beauty Cream with Lycopene and Goree Day & Night Whitening Cream Oil Free. The products are manufactured by H Pharmacy Pakistan.
The adulterant found in these products can cause adverse effects that are potentially hazardous to the people using them.
Mercury is a potent ingredient that is prohibited in cosmetic products as stipulated in the Medicines (Cosmetic Products) Regulations 2007.
Mercury is prohibited in cosmetic products due to its hazardous effects on human health. It is readily absorbed through the skin on topical application and tends to accumulate in the body. Exposure to mercury can cause skin rashes, memory loss and muscle weakness while high exposures may result in damage to the brain and kidneys. It is also extremely toxic to unborn children.
Goree Beauty Cream with LycopeneGoree Day & Night Whitening Cream Oil Free. – PHOTOS: MOH
The MoH has not issued any approval for the importation for the sale of these products and/or Cosmetic Notification Acknowledgement Letter for the sale of the rest of affected products. Following these findings, the products are not allowed to be imported and sold in Brunei Darussalam.
Members of the public who 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, etc) have been 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 MoH would also like to call 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.
For information, contact the Pharmacy Enforcement Section at 2393298 extension 208; send an e-mail to pharmacy.enforcement@moh.gov.bn; go directly to 1st Floor, Department of Pharmaceutical Services’ Building, Kampong Madaras, Mukim Gadong ‘A’; or call the Darussalam line 123.
INNOVATION and creativity are key core values contributing to the existence of Intellectual Property (IP) and it is important to ensure IP rights protection for innovative and creative minds.
These were among the points made by Pengiran Jamra Weira bin Pengiran Haji Petra, Acting Permanent Secretary (Energy and Industry) at the Energy and Industry Department, while delivering a speech at the opening ceremony of the 55th Meeting of the Asean Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation (AWGIPC) and Related Meetings at the International Convention Centre in Berakas yesterday.
In his speech, he said that the last few years, particularly in 2016 and 2017, have been very significant for Brunei Darussalam towards further strengthening its Intellectual Property system.
In 2016, Brunei Darussalam acceded to the Madrid Protocol for the International Registration of Marks, which entered into force in January 2017. Brunei Darussalam Intellectual Property Office (BruIPO) also signed a Statement of Intent with the Japan Patent Office in 2017 for a new patent examination cooperation initiative called the Patent Prosecution Highway Plus (PPH+) Programme and have since received two applications under this initiative.
He also noted that today, BruIPO together with other Asean IP Offices will sign a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) to enhance and strengthen cooperation towards promoting the development of the IP system of all parties.
He said that the last few years have been very productive and progressive for Brunei Darussalam and other Asean member states.
Pengiran Jamra Weira bin Pengiran Haji Petra, Acting Permanent Secretary (Energy and Industry) at the Energy and Industry Department (centre) delivering his speech yesterday. – SYAHMI HASSAN
The acting permanent secretary went on to highlight the importance of encouraging the public and private sectors to enhance innovation in the nation in line with the Brunei Vision 2035. He also underlined the importance of stronger cooperation to promote innovation and the digital economy as key strategies to spur economic growth in line with the Asean Economic Community and the Asean Community Vision 2025.
He said the role of intellectual property is important, as innovation and creativity are among the key core values contributing to the existence of IP, and this must be protected. “We must protect the innovative and creative minds of our locals – not just in Brunei Darussalam, but also everywhere in the world.
“I am pleased to note that Brunei Darussalam has seen a steady growth in the creative industry and this is evident in the number of rising local IP applications,” he continued. “I believe that we can do more and we must do more to help our micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and the creative and innovative sector, in demystifying IP and creating a better understanding of its relevance in society.”
In light of the above, he commended the efforts made, both past and present, and on the positive outcomes as a result of the hard work and strong cooperation of the AWGIPC via its Action Plans since its conception in 1996, such as the launch of Asean Patentscope in 2017 – an AWGIPC initiative where Brunei Darussalam is the regional coordinator.
He also noted and acknowledged that this would not have been possible without Indonesia, who has extensively contributed to the technical requirements of this project, together with Singapore, in its role as chair of the Asean Patent Examination Cooperation (ASPEC) Task Force.
“In today’s world and today’s society, technology and innovation always go hand-in-hand, and it is pleasing to see that our regional IP laws, regulations and systems are also keeping up with this,” he said.
“Given the importance of intellectual property rights protection, there is a growing recognition of the importance of systematically informing the public on the role of IP in their daily life, as well as in achieving economic goals and developmental aspirations.
“In closing, I would like to urge and encourage all the Asean IP Offices and members of the AWGIPC to continue to keep up the pace and the good work – to continue to enhance and strengthen your IP infrastructure so that it may continue to encourage innovation and creativity – the heart of the mission of Intellectual Property,” he added.
THE 55th Meeting of the Asean Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation (AWGIPC) and Related Meetings convened at the International Convention Centre in Berakas yesterday.
Organised by the Energy and Industry Department, the meeting saw the attendance of delegates from the 10 Asean member states and officials representing their respective intellectual property offices.
Pengiran Jamra Weira bin Pengiran Haji Petra, the Acting Permanent Secretary (Energy and Industry) at the Energy and Industry Department, officially opened the meeting.
According to a press release, the 55th Meeting of the AWGIPC aims to discuss and address intellectual property issues and exchange views and updates on Asean priorities on intellectual property for 2018 and the implementation of the AWGIPC IP Rights Action Plan within the Asean member states.
The 55th AWGIPC meeting also sees the participation of various dialogue partners, namely the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), the Japan Patent Office (JPO) and the State Intellectual Property Office at the People’s Republic of China.
Established in 1996, the AWGIPC is the sectoral group responsible for Intellectual Property issues in the region, pursuant to the Asean Framework Agreement on Intellectual Property Cooperation signed by Asean member states in 1995.
Pengiran Jamra Weira bin Pengiran Haji Petra, Acting Permanent Secretary (Energy and Industry) at the Energy and Industry Department, in a group photo with delegates and officials. – SYAHMI HASSAN
The current work of the AWGIPC is based on the Asean Intellectual Property Rights Action Plan 2016-2025 which targets to transform their nationals and ensuring that the region remains an active player in the international Intellectual Property community.
The 10th Meeting of the Committee on Intellectual Property of the Asean-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) will also be held back-to-back with the 55th Meeting of the AWGIPC. The 10th AANZFTA IP Committee Meeting will discuss and exchange information and key outcomes and decisions of the AANZFTA Joint Committee.
The AANZFTA IP Committee is currently looking at an Economic Cooperation Work Programme Component Implementation Plan and Project Proposals for Intellectual Property for Post-2015, covering training and capacity building for various forms of Intellectual Property amongst the AANZFTA parties.
Protection of Intellectual Property in Brunei Darussalam is under the purview of the Brunei Darussalam Intellectual Property Office (BruIPO), Energy and Industry Department located at the Design and Technology Building in the Anggerek Desa Technology Park.
At present, the BruIPO is responsible for the registrations and renewal processes of Patents, Trademarks, Industrial Designs and Plant Varieties Protection (PCP), whereas the administration of Copyrights is under the purview of the Attorney General’s Chambers.
THE Ministry of Defence (MinDef) received an introductory visit from General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of the Army Staff, Pakistan Army yesterday at Bolkiah Garrison.
Upon arrival at the ministry, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who is in the country from March 25-27, went on to pay separate courtesy calls to Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Minister of Defence II, and Major General Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Aminan bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud, Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF).
During the visit, General Qamar Javed Bajwa and his RBAF counterparts discussed potential avenues to further strengthen the bilateral defence relationship between Brunei and Pakistan.
Prior to his visit to the MinDef, General Qamar Javed Bajwa paid a visit to the Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF) headquarters at Berakas Garrison where he was presented with a guard of honour from RBLF personnel.
He also paid a courtesy call to Brigadier General Khairul Hamed bin Haji Lampoh, Commander of the RBLF.
Brunei and Pakistan enjoy good defence and military relations, which are maintained through various platforms of cooperation such as the conducting of high-level visits, professional exchanges, multilateral exercises, trainings and courses.
Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Minister of Defence II, and General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of the Army Staff, Pakistan Army, during the courtesy call. – PHOTOS: MINDEFMajor General Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Aminan bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud, Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) and General Qamar Javed Bajwa pose for a photo
KEEPING UP with the ever-growing global market opportunities and fast-increasing competition, the capabilities and innovative capacities of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region must be continuously strengthened, Haji Kamaludin bin Haji Bungsu, the Permanent Secretary (Manpower and SHENA) at the Energy and Industry Department said yesterday.
He made these remarks at the opening ceremony of the 46th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Small and Medium Enterprise Working Group (46th APEC SMEWG) Meeting held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas yesterday.
As MSMEs take centre stage in our economic development agenda, the permanent secretary said, it has become more apparent and evident that efforts must lead towards ensuring that all aspects of MSME development are being taken into account and their issues are addressed within development initiatives.
“It is crucial that innovation and productivity is spurred among our MSMEs, digital connectivity is enhanced through robust infrastructure, policy and regulatory framework is conducive, access to international markets is widened and made easy through the elimination of trade barr-iers, access to funding platforms is expanded and capacity development is strengthened to allow for greater competitiveness and resilience among our MSMEs to enable them to take part in the global value chain,” he added in his opening speech at the two-day meeting.
As MSMEs account for over 97 per cent of all enterprises in APEC economies and 20-50 per cent of the Growth Domestic Product (GDP) across the region while playing a pertinent role in driving half of the region’s workforce, Haji Kamaludin said the figure is not proportionate to the direct exports contributed by MSMEs within the region, which only account for 35 per cent or less.
Haji Kamaludin bin Haji Bungsu, the Permanent Secretary (Manpower and SHENA) at the Energy and Industry Department. – PG FAIROL RMFThe meeting in progress. – HAKIM HAYAT
“In order to improve MSMEs’ export performance and for them to take advantage of the growth potential from exporting – through trade liberalisation and enhanced connectivity – we must continue our efforts and take bold steps in transforming our business landscape into an avenue that is truly conducive and enabling for our MSMEs to grow and expand, particularly by encouraging their participation in the global value chain,” the permanent secretary added further.
He also emphasised the need to continuously promote public-private partnerships and constant engagement with the business community and ecosystem to ensure the effectiveness and relevance of the working group’s discussions and initiatives.
Participants of the meeting, which is chaired by Nguyen Hoa Cuong, Deputy Director-General of the Agency for Enterprise Development from the Ministry of Planning and Investment, Vietnam, include representatives from APEC economies and the APEC Secretariat as well as dialogue partners.
Representing Brunei Darussalam at the meeting are delegates from the Energy and Industry Department and DARe (Darussalam Enterprise), which are also joint organisers of the meeting.
The meeting will see participants discussing the latest status and progress of regional projects in MSME development in alignment with the APEC SMEWG’s Strategic Action Plan 2012-2020, which is focussed on important pillars such as entrepreneurship; innovation and the Internet and digital economy; financing for business expansion and capability development; inclusive business ecosystem that supports SME growth; and market access for MSMEs.
The meeting will be followed by the APEC Online-to-Offline Forum (APEC O2O Forum) which will be held tomorrow.
The results of the 46th APEC SMEWG meeting will be reported at the APEC SME Ministerial Meeting which is scheduled to take place later this year.
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, Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) yesterday received in audience General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff, Pakistan Army, at the Istana Nurul Iman.
Accompanying General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the audience ceremony were Major General (Rtd) Tariq Rashid Khan, High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Brunei Darussalam and Commodore Jawad Ahmed TI, Defence Adviser of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan accredited to Brunei Darussalam.
Also present were Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Defence II, and Major General Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Aminan bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud, Commander of the RBAF.
Brunei Darussalam and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan have enjoyed close and long-standing defence relations since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in Defence Cooperation on May 19, 2004.
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, Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces receives in audience General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff, Pakistan Army, at the Istana Nurul Iman. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMIHis 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, Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces received in audience General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff, Pakistan Army, at the Istana Nurul Iman yesterday
A delegation from the 47th Pakistan Navy Staff Course recently visited Brunei Darus-salam as part of their study tour from March 5-9.
Both armed forces also benefitted from a secondment programme of Pakistan mili-tary medical officers to the RBAF.
The bilateral defence relations between the two countries have been fostered through various interactions and programmes such as high-level visits, policy exchanges, trainings, courses and exercises.
General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s three-day official visit, from March 25-27, is aimed to further enhance defence cooperation between the two armed forces.
THE stars are aligned on the likelihood of a dream VFA Cup final between DST National Veteran Football Championship giants XN FT and Al Idrus FT after the pair avoided facing each other during a fifth round draw at the Syarikat Rahonizah Restaurant and Catering Services in Jerudong yesterday.
All four teams who made it through learnt their fate in the semi-finals as XN FT were drawn against I-Team, while Al Idrus FT face KB Warriors.
XN FT and Al Idrus FT have been eternal rivals having contested numerous finals in both the premier cup and league competitions with the former enjoying vast success.
The separation in the semi-finals paved the way for a potential reunion of the league’s biggest rivalry, and standing in both their ways are teams who are in unchartered waters.
It is not the first time that the veteran giants have avoided from facing each other with either of them not guaranteed of an early exit after seeing their names in different ends of the draw.
File photo shows an I-Team player (left) in action. XN FT will play against I-Team in the semi-final of the VFA Cup. – FADHIL YUNUS
KB Warriors’ win over Al Idrus SC on Sunday means that the last-four featured all President Cup 1 teams.
However, with four-time President Cup winners XN FT heavily fancied to make another appearance in the final, I-Team, which can be said the same of KB Warriors, are no pushovers having also progressed to the President Cup 1 final.
I-Team are having a decent year and their progress in both the VFA Cup semis and President Cup final represents the chance to break the duopoly between XN FT and Al Idrus FT, who have been dominating the league for numerous seasons, in a single season.
Meanwhile, Al Idrus FT will play a KB Warriors side, who wiped out the possibility of a possible meeting with their ally Al Idrus SC, after knocking them in the quarter-finals.
ENFORCEMENT officials from various government agencies yesterday conducted a joint operation across three districts in the country to ensure peace and security during the school holidays.
According to a press statement, ‘Operasi Sepadu’ saw the involvement of 126 officers from the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), along with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Land Transport Department (JPD), and the Religious Enforcement Division (BPU).
Head of Enforcement Unit, Assistant Superintendent of Police Pengiran Omar Ali bin Pengiran Haji Manshor led the operation in the Brunei-Muara District, while in the Temburong and Belait districts, the operations were led by their traffic investigators.
The three-hour operation resulted in the issuance of 32 compound fines by JSKLL, while JPD recorded six offences.
The inspection being conducted during the operation. – RBPF
THE French Bruneian Business Association (FBBA), with its patron, Ambassador of France to Brunei Darussalam Christian Ramage held its annual general meeting at the Radisson Hotel yesterday afternoon.
Also attending the meeting were Pierre Imhof, the President of the FBBA with the executive committee as well as members of the association. The meeting aimed to discuss ways to help improve the association to move forward.
Christian Ramage, who arrived in Brunei three months ago, said, “Thanks to the FBBA, it was easy to connect to the relevant individuals to gain a better understanding of Brunei. I would also like to thank the association for organising activities and talks.”
He also vowed to work together with FBBA and Alliance Française to promote France’s value, education and trade.
Pierre Imhof hoped the members of the associations would come up with new ideas and suggestions to help the association to grow further.
Ambassador of France to Brunei Darussalam Christian Ramage in a group photo with executive members and members of the French Bruneian Business Association during the annual general meeting. – JAMES KON
THE visiting Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and members of his delegation were seen off by high-ranking Brunei Government officials and the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Brunei Darussalam Major General (Rtd) Tariq Rahid Khan and embassy staff at the Rimba Airbase.
The visiting dignitary thanked the Brunei Government for making excellent arrangement and display of great warmth and hospitality during his visit. He added that he was leaving with great memories of his visit and hoped that Brunei-Pakistan relations, especially in the field of defence will grow from strength to strength.
Meanwhile, the Pakistani community living in Brunei Darussalam arranged a lunch for the Pakistan Chief of the Army Staff and his delegation at The Empire Hotel & Country Club yesterday.
A large number of professionals, businessmen, and notables of the community attended the lunch. The president of the community Feroz Khan thanked General Qamar Javed Bajwa, for visiting the Sultanate and appreciated his efforts to make Pakistan a very peaceful, secure and strong country. He hoped that his visit to the Sultanate will bring the two nations more closer to each other.
General Qamar Javed Bajwa thanked the Pakistani community for getting together to arrange the lunch and the warmth and hospitality for him and his delegation. He added that Brunei and Pakistan are bound together by fraternal relations, rooted in common faith, belief and shared values.
Pakistan Chief of the Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, is seen off at the Rimba Airbase
XIAMEN, a city in Fujian province, China, is hoping to establish direct air links with Brunei Darussalam to increase tourist arrivals in both countries, said a senior official from the city.
Zhong Hai Lin, Deputy Director-General of Xiamen Municipal Tourism Development Commission, said he submitted a proposal in this regard to the Tourism Development Department under Brunei Darussalam’s Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, during a meeting yesterday.
“People in Xiamen do not have much idea about Brunei Darussalam. A direct flight between Xiamen and Brunei will definitely help boost tourism in both countries,” said Zhong Hai Lin, who is in Brunei in connection with a cultural tourism marketing event to promote Xiamen which is currently underway at the Parkview Hotel, while speaking to the media.
The Xiamen delegation arrived on a cruise liner that docked in Brunei for a day. The ship Costa neoRomantica carries some 1,800 passengers and more than 1,000 crew.
“This is the second ship that docked in Brunei. The first arrived on March 8, 2018. The tickets for these cruise liners were selling like hotcakes in Xiamen, demonstrating Chinese people’s interest in travelling to this part of Asean, including Brunei Darussalam,” Zhong Hai Lin noted.
Zhong Hai Lin, the Deputy Director-General of Xiamen Municipal Tourism Development Commission and officials in a group photo with members of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce BSB. – JAMES KON
“Upon arrival in Brunei we experienced the warm hospitality of Bruneians and saw the prosperity of the country. Both Brunei and Xiamen attach great importance to maritime culture and have maintained close contacts with each other.”
“Brunei has made vigorous efforts to develop its tourism industry. It has rich and unique tourism resources which can attract tourists from all over the world. With frequent cultural exchanges and closer tourism interaction between the two countries, more Chinese tourists can be attracted to Brunei, and vice versa,” the Chinese official said.
Xiamen, he explained, “is one of the most dynamic special economic zones in China. It was hailed by Chinese President Xi Jinping as a high quality city of innovation and entrepreneurship. Last year, Xiamen received 78.3052 million tourists and gained RMB116.852 million of income.”
Besides the world-famous heritage site Kulangsu, Xiamen has beautiful beaches, fishing villages, delicious food and distinctive folk customs for tourists to enjoy.
Present at yesterday’s event were members of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce BSB and Brunei Hokkien Association as well as representatives of leading travel agencies and hotels.
A HANDING over ceremony of the sponsorships for the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy for the Asean Youth Football Championship 2018 was held yesterday at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium. The sponsorship amounted to $122,600 from 77 sponsors.
Co-Chairman of the Sponsorship and Advertising Committee of the tournament, Pengiran Haji Manshor bin Pengiran Haji Jaya in his welcoming remarks explained that the tournament was significant in upholding the country’s name internationally and regionally.
He also thanked the sponsors for making the tournament a success.
Receiving the sponsorships was 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 who later handed them over to Pengiran Haji Manshor.
The 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 receiving a cheque from Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin, Managing Director of GHK Motors Sdn Bhd and the Sponsorship Committee Advisor for the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) 2018. The handing over ceremony of the sponsorship for the Asean Youth Football Championship 2018 was held yesterday at the Hassanal Bolkiah National StadiumMinister 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 receiving a sponsorship from an NBT Brunei representativeA representative from DST Communications Sdn Bhd handing over the sponsorship to the ministerA representative from Royal Brunei Airlines handing over the sponsorship to the ministerA representative from Progresif Cellular Sdn Bhd handing over the sponsorship to the minister. – PHOTOS: KHAIRIL HASSANA representative from Aewon Garment and Embroidery handing over the sponsorship to the minister
THE signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between heads of the intellectual property offices of Asean member states and the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) will contribute to deepening cooperation between Asean and Korea.
Sung Yunmo, the Commissioner of the KIPO, said this at the MoC signing ceremony yesterday.
“It is an honour to join you today at the Asean Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation (AWGIPC) in Brunei Darussalam for the first time,” he said. “Today is all the more special because we will be concluding the Korea-Asean MoC which has been under discussion for several years. I believe that this MoC will contribute to deepening the Korea-Asean cooperation for years to come,” he said.
Yunmo noted that Korea and Asean have been gradually developing a cooperative relationship over the past few decades.
He said that in recent efforts to deepen relations with Asean member countries, President Moon Jae-in of Korea unveiled his ‘New Southern Policy’ while visiting three Asean member countries this past November.
“This is part of the Korean Government’s initiative to increase trade volume between Korea and Asean to be comparable to the amount between Korea and China by 2021 as well as to elevate the Korea-Asean level of cooperation to that of Korea’s cooperation with the four powerhouses surrounding the Korean peninsula, namely the US, China, Japan and Russia,” he explained.
“I believe a key area envisioned for this future-oriented partnership under the New Southern Policy is intellectual property,” he said. “Through the Korea-Asean IP cooperation, the KIPO aims to create an IP environment that supports our growing economic partnership and contributes to the development of the IP system of Asean.
“It is a way KIPO can contribute towards achieving prosperity in Korea and Asean… I hope our meeting today will provide us an opportunity to identify a shared vision for the Korea-Asean IP cooperation and discuss possible cooperative programmes,” he added.
Sung Yunmo, the Commissioner of Korea Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) speaks at the event
THE heads of Asean intellectual property offices, including Brunei Darussalam, and the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) yesterday.
The agreement is for the establishment of an institutional framework for structured cooperation towards promoting the development of IP systems of the parties as well as strengthening bilateral exchange and cooperation in the field of intellectual property.
The signing ceremony took place at the International Convention Centre in Berakas and was witnessed by Pengiran Jamra Weira bin Pengiran Haji Petra, Acting Permanent Secretary (Energy and Industry) at the Energy and Industry Department.
Representing Brunei Darussalam and the Brunei Intellectual Property Office (BruIPO) was Shahrinah binti Yusof Khan in her capacity as the Deputy Registrar and Head of BruIPO, Energy and Industry Department.
The Korean Intellectual Property Office was represented by its Commissioner Sung Yunmo while the other Asean intellectual property offices were represented by their respective heads and official representatives.
The exchange of Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) and Asean Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation (AWGIPC). – RAHWANI ZAHARIPengiran Jamra Weira bin Pengiran Haji Petra, Acting Permanent Secretary (Energy and Industry) at the Energy and Industry Department witnessing the signing of Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between Dr Freddy Harris, the Chairman of the Asean Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation (AWGIPC) and Sung Yunmo, the Commissioner of Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). – PHOTOS: RAHWANI ZAHARI
According to a press release, the MoC was the result of discussions between the KIPO and the Asesan Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation (AWGIPC) on Asean IP Rights Action Plan 2016-2025.
It is designed to meet the goals of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) by transforming Asean into an innovative and competitive region through the use of intellectual property and ensuring that the region remains an active player in the international IP community.
Dr Freddy Harris, Chairman of the AWGIPC and Director-General of the Directorate General of Intellectual Property Indonesia delivered remarks at yesterday’s signing ceremony.
He said Asean and Korea share a warm partnership, noting that in the last 10 years, trade between them doubled from $61 billion to $125 billion. He also noted that Asean and Korea recently celebrated several milestones, including the 50th anniversary of Asean and the 10th anniversary of the Asean-Korea Free Trade Area (AKFTA) in 2017.
“Today’s signing marks the launch of our cooperative efforts in intellectual property as we work together to support the goals of the Asean Community,” he said.
“We would like to thank the Korean IP Office for taking the initiative to propose and explore a partnership with the Asean member states through the AWGIPC, and we look forward to an exciting and fruitful partnership with you.
“Under this MoC, we hope to be able to expand our knowledge in the different fields of IP as well as share our experiences on topics such as IP protection and management, IP automation system development, IP valuation and IP commercialisation.
“The Asean IP offices thus look forward to cementing our relationship through this MoC in the coming years,” he added.
THE Brunei U21 football squad will face Timor-Leste in the opening ceremony of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) for the Asean Youth Football Tournament 2018 at Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium on April 23.
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 made the announcement at the 2nd executive committee meeting for the HBT for Asean Youth Football Tournament 2018 at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium yesterday.
Present at the meeting was His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, the President of the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD), who is also the advisor for the executive committee HBT 2018 and the executive committee of the tournament.
The minister said preparations for the tournament are on track.
The minister highlighted that seven teams – Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Brunei Darussalam – will participate in the tournament. The minister added that Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam will not participate in this year’s tournament due to commitments in their national leagues.
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah the President of the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD), who is also the Advisor of the Executive Committee for the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) 2018 attended the second Executive Committee Meeting for the HBT for Asean Youth Football Championship 2018 at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium yesterday. Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports said preparations for the tournament are on track and highlighted that seven teams – Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Brunei Darussalam – will participate in the tournament. – INFOFOTOHis Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, President of the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam; 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; and officials in a group photo. – BAHYIAH BAKIR
Speaking on the preparation of the Brunei U21 squad, the minister said, “The national squad returned to Brunei following warm-up games with the Sabah team and team President Cup Sabah Under-21 in Kota Kinabalu from March 22 to 27. Despite some challenges, I believe the exposure prepared the national squad for the tournament.”
The minister said, “Preparations for the tournament include the upgrading of scoreboard and floodlight.”
The HBT for Asean Youth Football Tournament 2018 organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports in cooperation with the NFABD will be held from April 23 to May 5.
Brunei U21 is placed in Group A with the defending champion Myanmar and Thailand as well as Timor Leste. Group B comprise Lao PDR, Singapore and Cambodia.
The public is urged to support the teams especially the Brunei Darussalam football squad in the tournament.
‘THE 4’ emerged as champions of the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) Satellite’s second board game tournament held at its IBTE Sultan Bolkiah Campus (SBC) on March 26.
Second place was won by team ‘ZD’, while team ‘Daydreamer’ took home third spot.
The tournament’s ‘Most Valuable Player’ awards were awarded to Airol Ezwan bin Asmalee and Mohammad Erman bin A Ramlee.
The competition, managed and funded by IBTE SBC, follows the previous e-sport tournament held at the same campus. It was sponsored by Nerdee Cafe and supported by PerryPlay – one of the main distributors of board games in Brunei.
Six teams participated in the tournament.
Participants in a group photo. – DANIEL LIM
The game is unique in that, instead of competing against other teams and their players, each team is essentially playing against themselves in a test of cooperation and tactical efficiency.
The tournament seeks to introduce more people to modern board and tabletop games, as well as to encourage socially active students, especially those heavily absorbed in the digital world.
The event was also part of the campus’ yearly activities before the school break. It was meant to benefit students, as modern games are often highly strategic and tactical, helping exercise participants’ brains and stimulate their mental faculties.
