|     Azaraimy HH     |

THEY say being disabled is no reason to not travel the world, but Nepalese polio victim is taking this to a whole new level.

Chitra Poudel notched Brunei as his 58th destination on his world tour on bike. He arrived in the Sultanate yesterday, accompanied by his supporter and close friend, fellow cyclist Amrit Kumar Gharti.

Peddling past disability in his cycling tour, Poudel hopes to encourage others with disabilities to ‘able’ themselves. He also hopes to promote world peace through his expedition.

At the tender age of five, Poudel was afflicted by polio. The infectious disease left his right leg weakened and withered. Growing up, however, Poudel was determined to not let this hold him back in life.

He will explore places of interest in Brunei before moving on to other countries including Korea, Japan and Australia.

Their stay in Brunei is sponsored by Telamba Homestay, which covers accommodation, food and necessary logistic.

Telamba Homestay is a small, highly-affordable, family-run riverside out-of-town accommodation in Kampong Telamba, Tutong, that is becoming an increasingly popular place among foreign students and researchers in view of its in-house activities and cultural learning excursions.

This is the pair’s second tour to Brunei. During their last trip in 2010, they also stayed at the Telamba Homestay.

“We want to prove that nothing is impossible, and we want to inspire fellow disabled people,” he said.

“We started our world cycle tour in 2005 and we have visited dozens of countries. The core purpose of this is to push for ‘world peace and developing the confidence of people with disabilities. A person’s biggest asset is his confidence. We want to set an example that the disabled can also do physically and mentally enduring things,” he said.

The excursion also paves the way for them to achieve their dream of entering the Guinness Books of World Records – for travelling the world with a disability.

Back home, Poudel’s efforts have not gone unnoticed; among others, he has been presented the National Youth Award which came with a $2,000 cash prize.

The post Disabled Nepalese pedals down road less travelled appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Danial Norjidi     |

THE Singapore Rugby Union (SRU) announced Headhunter Sport, a rugby apparel maker from Brunei Darussalam, as its official apparel partner.

According to a press release from the SRU, the deal will see all national teams representing Singapore in full kit sponsored by the Brunei-based brand.

The deal covers match officials from the Singapore Society of Rugby Union Referees, and will outfit local referees across all domestic games and supply official apparel merchandise and fan wear at the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens on April 28-29 at the Singapore National Stadium.

Yusuf Flynn, Founder and CEO of Headhunter Sport, said, “We are absolutely thrilled to be appointed the official apparel partner of the Singapore Rugby Union. Headhunter Sport was launched in 2015, and we have enjoyed engagement with customers in Singapore through online sales.”

“This partnership is a huge step forward for us in terms of showcasing our commitment to help the Singapore Rugby Union and others in the community to grow the popularity and interest levels of the sport,” he highlighted. “We hope our passion will inspire everyone in Singapore to embrace the sport more than ever before.”

Jonathan Leow, Co-Chairman Marketing Commission, SRU said, “We are delighted to have Headhunter Sport on board as the Singapore Rugby Union’s official apparel partner.

“Headhunter Sport is a Southeast Asian brand grown right here in our backyard, and a high-quality supplier of rugby kit with a proven track record of creating products that optimises performance,” he added. “We look forward to working with Yusuf in partnering with him to grow not only his brand, but rugby in the region.”

The third edition of the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens will see the world’s top 16 teams in Singapore for stop eight of the 10-leg HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

The tournament aims to welcome over 55,000 fans from across the globe. The press release noted that the two-day event will be the first time Headhunter Sport products are introduced to a global audience of this magnitude as fans enjoy the biggest celebration of rugby in Southeast Asia.

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|     Danial Norjidi     |

THE Academy of Brunei Studies (APB) and Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) in collaboration with the Department of Southeast Asian Studies, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Germany held the opening ceremony for the second International Seminar on Research on Malay (SAPEMM) yesterday.

The opening ceremony took place at the Lecture Hall of the Institute for Leadership, Innovation and Advancement (ILIA) Building of UBD, and saw the attendance of Associate Professor Dr Mohammad Ayub Sadiq @ Lin Naing, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of UBD as the guest of honour.

Also present were deans and directors of faculties, institutes and offices of UBD, along with representatives of government agencies, as well as sponsors supporting the SAPEMM event, namely Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam, IBIC Sdn Bhd and other individuals.

Dr Siti Norkhalbi binti Haji Wahsalfelah, the Director of the APB spoke at the event.

“The first SAPEMM was held at UBD in 2013 and succeeded in bringing together scholars from several universities in the Malay world,” she said.

“Alhamdulillah, this time the seminar has also received an encouraging response. We have received 31 papers that will be presented by speakers from within the country and overseas.”

She shared that a positive development is that they have received papers from postgraduate and graduate students who have only recently completed their studies. She also noted that there are also undergraduate students who are working together with their supervisors.

She said that the papers presented will be edited and published in line with the university’s policy which encourages research findings to be published.

“As the oldest university and always supporting the concept of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) in its educational background, I believe that this SAPEMM is important in elevating the image of the Brunei civilisation in particular, and Malays in general,” she said.

“Although there has been much research on Malay in various fields, I believe there are still many areas and aspects regarding Malay that are unexplored.”

With regards to this, she said that UBD always welcomes research on Malay by scholars – not only from academic of UBD but also those from outside, in collaboration with other universities.

“One important field of research to be conducted is regarding herbs that grow in forests in the Malay world that have been used for a long time as medicine,” she said.

“In connection to this, studies on Malay manuscripts commonly called ‘kitab tib’ containing the use of various herbs as a cure for various diseases can also help.”

This, she said, is just one example from a number of important fields that have yet to be researched widely and deeply.

“I hope that SAPEMM in the future will do this and go on to contribute to the exploration and development of knowledge of Malay, which is vast,” she added.

The post Seminar on ‘Research on Malay’ begins appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Fizah HAB     |

A NUMBER of Bruneian companies signed Strategic Alliance Agreements (SAA) with global Halal players from Malaysia during the International Halal Trade Hub and Service Trade Event 2018 signing ceremony held at the auditorium of the Design and Technology Building at Anggerek Desa Technology Park yesterday afternoon.

The signings, organised as part of the iCentre’s Cottage and Youth Initiative Programme (CYiP) and facilitated by BIMP-EAGA, were witnessed by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin as the guest of honour.

“The agreements aim to develop the country as a Halal hub not only for the local market but also to promote the production of Halal goods internationally, and to highlight the prominence of the international Halal market and Brunei’s role in it,” explained Captain (Rtd) Zailan bin Pehin Dato Mohd Don, Principal Mentor of the CYiP and advisor to the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Brunei Darussalam (NCCIBD), during the event.

“Through International Halal Trade Hub and Services (IHTHS) Brunei and with Brunei’s geographical advantages and conducive socio-economic culture, the country has an advantageous position to trade both online and offline via local e-commerce platforms and through local and international traders.”

“With BIMP-EAGA’s support we have worked with other Asean Plus Three countries to establish an Asean economic community focussed on the Halal market in hopes of achieving smooth harmonisation and collaboration within Halal trade networks,” Captain (Rtd) Zailan added.

The event saw the signing of the SAA between IHTHS Brunei and Dewan Perniagaan Usahawan Sabah (DPUS) as well as the signing of an export agreement between Koperasi Pusat Pembangunan Belia (KOPPB), Bru Trade International (BTI) Sdn Bhd and Yusa Food Production Sdn Bhd.

Following the signings, the minister visited the CYiP Gallery located at the iCentre and the International Halal Trade Hub and Service Trade Event 2018 product gallery at the Knowledge Hub (KHub), where he witnessed further agreement signings between DSM Sabah and DSM Brunei, and Zulaikha Mega Enterprise Brunei and AFCL Bio-Science Sdn Bhd Sabah.

Other guests in attendance at the event included Legislative Council members YB Nik Hafimi binti Abdul Haadii and YB Khairunnisa binti Haji Ash’ari, Brunei Darussalam BIMP-EAGA Business Council Executive Chairman Pengiran Yura Kesteria bin Pengiran Setia Negara Pengiran Dr Haji Mohd Yusof, NCCIBD Chairman Dr Haji Kamaruddin bin Dato Seri Paduka Haji Talib, foreign diplomats, members of chambers of commerce and international trade missions in the country, as well as delegates from Malaysia and Indonesia.

The post Agreements to see Brunei emerge as Halal hub appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

FOR Ramadhan this year, each Muslim will receive a 300g box of dates, as a personal gift (Kurma Kurnia Peribadi) from His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. Some 157.8 metric tonnes of Safawi dates from Al-Madinah Company (Tomoor) in Saudi Arabia will be distributed to all Muslims in Brunei, regardless of their age and citizenship status.

In connection with this, a meeting was held yesterday at the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex in the capital, to discuss arrangements for the allotment of dates for the fasting month.

Chaired by Dato Paduka Eddie bin Dato Paduka Haji Sunny, the Managing Director of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, the meeting covered the management and distribution of the ‘Kurma Kurnia Peribadi’.

Also discussed was the appointment of a coordinating committee secretariat, to be managed by Yayasan with the support of relevant government departments.

To ensure a proper distribution of the dates, Yayasan has circulated procedural forms among all heads of villages across the country.

The distribution of the dates as a personal gift from His Majesty is an annual project for Yayasan.

Yesterday’s meeting was attended by officials from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, the Royal Brunei Police Force, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Royal Customs and Excise Department, Ports Authority, Radio Television Brunei and the Information Department.

Also present were representatives from the four district offices in Brunei.

The post Sultan to gift 157.8MT of dates for Ramadhan appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

BRUNEI Darussalam’s lawn bowl team is aiming to demonstrate a good show and give a good name to the country in the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia from April 4-15.

The country will be represented by five male players – Abdul Rahman Omar, Ampuan Ahad bin Ampuan Kasim, Pengiran Haji Tengah bin Pengiran Haji Tejudin, Haji Naim bin Brahim and Israt Amiruddin bin Haji Abdul Ghani and three female players – Amaliah Haji Matali, Suhana binti Md Daud and Hajah Ajijah binti Muntol.

Abdul Rahman will play the men’s singles in the competition while Amaliah will compete in the women’s singles while the women’s pairs include Hajah Suhana and Hajah Ajijah.

The men’s pairs comprise Ampuan Ahad as lead and Pengiran Haji Tengah as skip. The duo will fancy their chances of medalling after a strong show at the Southeast Asian Games level and the Asian Championships level.

Haji Naim, Israt and Abdul Rahman will be making the team for the men’s triples while the men’s fours include Ampuan Ahad, Haji Naim, Pengiran Haji Tengah and Israt.

Brunei Darussalam’s men singles competitor Abdul Rahman has been handed a tough draw in Section ‘C’ alongside defending champion Darren Burnett from Scotland and World Cup Singles Indoors Championship silver medallist Muhammad Soufi Rusli from Malaysia.

The experienced national bowler will be hoping to add a Commonwealth Games to his collection of international honours which include a gold medal at the Asian Championships in 2002 and a bronze in the 2016 World Champions of Champions.

“As with every athlete, I am hoping for success. I will compete with a fighting spirit and to give my best and if we succeed in winning medals, it will be a bonus for us both as individuals and Brunei Darussalam,” said Abdul Rahman in an interview at the Lawn Bowls Centre of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex recently.

The national squad has been actively training in preparation for the Commonwealth Games since November 2017.

National lawn bowler Suhana, who with Hajah Ajijah has been grouped with Scotland, Malaysia, Cook Islands and Botswana, expressed her delight to be chosen in the team and has set an immediate aim of reaching the second round of the competition.

“I feel happy and grateful to be able to represent Brunei Darussalam at the Commonwealth Games,” said Suhana.

“Our aim is to reach the second round first and after that we can think about reaching the semi-final,” she added.

She stressed on the importance of keeping calm at the venue, especially when they are facing giants such as Malaysia and Scotland.

Meanwhile, head coach Haji Lokman bin Haji Mohd Salleh expressed his hope that the national squad will provide a firm challenge to the participating countries such as Malaysia, Scotland, and New Zealand as well as host nation Australia, who he said will be the main threat.

“Our preparations have actually started from the SEA Games after we took a month-long rest,” the head coach said.

“We are prepared to take part in the Commonwealth Games and the pitch there in Gold Coast will be quicker.

“I hope the players can show a good fighting spirit and can compete against the participating teams in the Commonwealth Games,” he said.

The post National lawn bowlers aim good show in Commonwealth Games appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|    Rokiah Mahmud    |

PURI Ayu Total Beauty Skin Saloon yesterday officially opened its new Puri Ayu Martha Tilaar Saloon and Spa (Sariayu) at Hua Ho Manggis Mall.

The new beauty centre provides spa and beauty services including massage and facial treatment, health care from head to toe including pre and post-natal treatment.

Launching the saloon was Zainab binti Haji Morsidi, a representative for Datin Nurhayana Janis binti Abdullah Lim, spouse of 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.

Lee Moi Ngoh from Braun On Sdn Bhd, official distributor of Sariayu beauty range, thanked the clients for their support in making Sariayu a successful beauty line in the country.

Sariayu entered the local market in 1990 led by Raden Hajah Pipih Supriah and later opened several branches in several departmental stores nationwide.

Puri Ayu Total Beauty Skin also inked Memorandum of Understanding with the Youth Development Centre (PPB) where trainees get attachment placements and will gradually be appointed as beauticians.

The post Health care from top to toe at new beauty centre appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

TWO Bruneian teachers were selected to represent Brunei Darussalam at the Microsoft Education Exchange Summit (E2) from March 13-15 in Singapore.

Tan Been Tiem, Assistant Principal of Chung Hwa Middle School (CHMS), Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) and Hidayatallah Waqiuddin bin Haji Mohiddin from Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah School represented Brunei.

Led by Nadia binti Abdul Kadir, Education Business Development Manager, Microsoft Brunei Sdn Bhd, around 400 educators and school leaders from 91 countries gathered at the annual event.

The event served educators an opportunity to come together and explore industry trends, including emerging technologies that sup-port teaching, skills development, modern pedagogies, safe school environments, and predictive analytics that identify at-risk students.

The educators showcased their project to the global audience on how they adapt innovative ways and integrate Microsoft technologies into their classroom at the Learning Marketplace. There were also many activities such as keynote address, professional learning workshops etc.

During the event, teachers participated in the Educator Challenge where they worked in teams with teachers from other countries to create a lesson plan template that included computational thinking. The less-ons were judged based on four categories: communication, innov-ation, collaboration and equity. On the last day, they shared ideas on integrating Microsoft technologies into their classrooms in innovative ways.

Educators were also introduced to the latest Microsoft tools including Teams, Minecraft’s Chemistry Addition, Paint 3D and Mixed Reality to unleash creativity and curiosity in class.

The post Two represent Brunei at Singapore summit appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Daniel Lim     |

THE Fire and Rescue personnel, along with paramedic officers stationed at the Seria Fire Station, participated in a Khatam Al-Quran ceremony held in conjunction with the 58th anniversary of the Fire and Rescue Department at the Surau of the station yesterday.

The guest of honour was Colonel (Rtd) Pengiran Haji Maiddin bin Pengiran Haji Said, the Acting Director of the Fire and Rescue Department. He was welcomed by Muhammad Ali bin Hassan, the Acting Superintendent of the Fire and Rescue Department who is also the Acting Station Commander.

Also present was STKRJ Lorong Tiga Selatan Seria Village Head, Haji Saidin bin Haji Ibrahim.

The recitation of Al-Quran began on January 18, and the Fire and Rescue personnel and the paramedic officers and family members continued reading Al-Quran from the first Juzuk everyday until the 30th Juzuk, which was read on the day of the ceremony.

In addition to celebrating the 58th anniversary of the Fire and Rescue Department, the ceremony was also an opportunity to present donations to the family members of the officers stationed at the Seria Fire Station.

Various donations were presented to not only help enliven the Surau of Seria Fire Station, but also various necessities, such as wheelchairs and portable fire extinguishers to senior citizens.

Following the completion of the Khatam Al-Quran ceremony, a similar ceremony will be held in the future to further enliven the fire station during the month of Ramadhan, as well as in celebration of the 44 years of operation for the Seria Fire Station in November.

The post Khatam Al-Quran, donation mark Fire Dept anniversary appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Abdul Hakiim Yakof     |

THE Public Works Department through the Department of Water Services under the Ministry of Development celebrated World Water Day 2018 with a Doa Kesyukuran, Tahlil and Doa Arwah ceremony held at Ash-Shaliheen Mosque yesterday.

The ceremony is held annually in conjunction with World Water Day which falls on March 22.

The ceremony was attended by Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar, Minister of Development as the guest of honour.

Also present were the Permanent Secretary of Technical and Professional, Acting Permanent Secretary of Administration and Finance, Acting Director General of Public Works, head of departments, senior officers and officers under the Ministry of Development, officers and staff from the Public Works Department as well as members of the public.

The ceremony began with a mass Maghrib prayer and Sunnat Hajat prayer led by the Imam of the mosque followed by a recitation of Surah Yaasiin, Tahlil and Doa Arwah for the department’s departed officers and staff.

As a blessing and to mark World Water Day 2018, a Doa Kesyukuran was read by the Imam of the mosque. The ceremony ended with a mass Isyak prayer.

World Water Day is celebrated in Brunei Darussalam as a means of focussing attention on the importance of water and advocating for the sustainable management of water resources. This year’s theme – Nature for Water, explores how nature can be used to overcome the water challenges of the 21st Century.

The post Prayers to mark World Water Day appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Aziz Idris     |

SOUTH Korea’s flag ship carrier Korean Air appointed Grace Travel Agency as its General Service Agent (GSA) in Brunei Darussalam.

A signing ceremony at Radisson Hotel saw Korean Air being represented by Country Manager Jeon Young Do and Grace Travel Agency by Manager Kelvin Goh.

Present at the event were South Korean Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Cho Won-myung and the Director of Grace Travel Agency Pengiran Hajah Mariam binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Bendahara Pengiran Muda Haji Hashim.

Grace Travel Agency has acted as Korean Air’s local representative, managing its sales, marketing, and reservation activities in Brunei since January 2018.

Kelvin Goh said the newly established air travel agency and tour operator is committed to its strong visions to build on its experience through partnership and alliances with like-minded global and regional industry partners.

The agency looks forward to maintaining this partnership “as a step in building bridges between Brunei Darussalam and Korea,” he added.

“We will do our utmost to establish the combination of our strong local knowledge and expertise with Korean Air’s extensive network and service-oriented culture, so we can penetrate the market even further,” he noted.

The recent opening of Incheon International Airport’s new Terminal 2 will provide a seamless travelling experience for passengers with its latest smart technology, including roaming information robots, self-check-in kiosks, full-body scanners, automatic boarding systems and solar panel roofing, Korean Air and Grace Travel Agency said in a joint statement.

Travellers thinking of going to South Korea and beyond can now access more than 123 cities in 43 countries, including 13 airports in South Korea, via Korean Air’s network, the statement added.

The post Korean Air appoints local agent appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Achong Tanjong     |

SOME 150 individuals comprising farmers and agriculture entrepreneurs yesterday attended the ‘Chemical Fertiliser’ talk at Simpur Hall of the Rimba Horticulture Centre in Gadong.

The participants attended the event under special invitation from the Agriculture and Agrifood Department, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism.

The talk, conducted by FertiWorld, a local fertiliser company operating at Kampong Pengkalan Batu, was held to educate local farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs on fertiliser and fertiliser systems.

The event was organised in support of the titah of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam calling for more locals to get involved in agriculture and for more assistance to be given to new agriculture entrepreneurs in the country.

The chief guest was Pengiran Haji Yura Kesteria bin Pengiran Setia Negara Pengiran Dr Haji Mohd Yusof, Chairman of Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia Malaysia-the Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Business Council Brunei Darussalam. The talk was delivered by speaker from Sabah, Alex Tan, Sales Director and Senior Marketing Manager at Softwoods Hybrid Fertilizer Sdn Bhd.

Following the talk, a question-and-answer session led by an agriculture expert Dr Haji Amzah bin Haji Abdul Rahman was hosted for the participants.

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|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

THE ‘Karnival Semarak Seni & Budaya (KSSB) 2018’ was launched yesterday at the Menglait Sports Complex.

The carnival, running from March 29 to April 1, and open from 10am to 5pm, showcases local art and culture and promotes made-in-Brunei products.

It also features activities such as martial arts demos, paintball, bowling, cosplay and bouncer games, a maze, children talent activities such as colouring contests, the KSSB Run 2018, as well as a Hulk Obstacle Challenge, among others.

The event was officiated by 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.

During his speech at the launch, the minister expressed his appreciation for the country’s youth on their role in entrepreneurship and commitment in preservation of local heritage, and these will be on display throughout the four-day event.

“Karnival Semarak Seni & Budaya 2018 will showcase arts, culture, sports, tourism and entrepreneurship in Brunei, and will generate more interest among the public in entrepreneurship,” he said.

“Silat is one of the key martial arts to be showcased at the event, it being an important component of the heritage of Brunei Darussalam which should be appreciated and preserved for future generations.

“The carnival additionally contributes to the socioeconomic development of the nation based on the Malay Islamic Monarchy, and is meant to encourage more youth to participate in entrepreneurship to aid the development of the nation,” he continued.

Vendors participating in the event include My Place Café, Thai Kitchen, Jollibee, DKM Korean Food and The Coffee Bean Brunei, while Inspirasi Seni Entertainment, SMARTER Brunei, and Tarbiyah Project participated in the exhibition.

Also in attendance at the opening were Karnival Semarak Seni & Budaya 2018 chairperson Nur’izzatul Atiqah binti Zakaria; Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Haji Amer Hamzah bin Pehin Orang Kaya Amar Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Zakaria; heads of departments and senior officers of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports; as well as representatives from event sponsors and participating companies and vendors.

The post A feast of local arts, culture and products as carnival begins appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Izah Azahari     |

THE Competition and Consumer Affairs Department in the Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE), under the Prime Minister’s Office recently conducted a dialogue session in collaboration with DARe (Darussalam Enterprise) to create more awareness on the Competition Order 2015.

The event held at the Auditorium Workshop of the Design and Technology (D&T) Building in Anggerek Desa was attended by members of the Brunei Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in addition to officials from DARe and JPKE.

In her opening remarks, Heidi Farah Sia binti Abdul Rahman, the Acting Director of the Competition and Consumer Affairs Department, spoke on the importance of competition laws in promoting a fair and healthy market place, which is a foundation for economic development and achieving the goals of Brunei Vision 2035.

The Competition Order 2015 prohibits businesses from forming agreements that may bring harmful results to consumers, such as fixing prices and limiting supplies. Within this context, business and the government are also consumers.

The session was particularly aimed at creating awareness on the rules and regulations for businesses and promoting a fair business environment, while the law calls for businesses to set prices free from any coordination or agreements among competitors.

Some business practices which may seem harmless, such as enabling the exchange of prices or sensitive market information, are actually prohibited by the Order, as they may lead to price increase at the expense of consumers.

A senior officer from the Competition and Consumer Affairs Department also delivered a briefing on the three key prohibitions under the Competition Order 2015 – Anti-Competitive Agreements, Abuse of Dominant Positions and Anti-Competitive Mergers – along with case examples from around the region.

The enforcement of these prohibitions will commence in phases, beginning with the prohibition on Anti-Competitive Agreements, once adequate preparations such as advocacy and capacity-building have been established.

The briefing was followed by an interactive dialogue with the members of the Chamber and media personnel on questions such as an enforcement timeline, bid riggings, and the application of the law.

The session concluded with a show of support from the media, as well as from the Chamber of Commerce, in the bid to promote a fair and healthy competition culture in Brunei.

The post JPKE, DARe hold dialogue on fair business practices appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

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, on Wednesday attended the graduation ceremony of His Royal Highness Captain Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

The ceremony was held at the RAF Shawbury, United Kingdom.

Accompanying His Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince Haji ‘Abdul ‘Azim, Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah and Her Royal Highness Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah.

Upon arrival at the RAF Shawbury, His Majesty was welcomed by Sir Algernon Heber Percy, Lord Liuetenant of Shropshire; Air Marshal Sean Reynolds, Deputy Commander Capability and Air Member for Personnel and Capability; Air Vice-Marshal Warren James, Air Officer Commanding 22 Group; Air Commodore David Bentley, Director of Flying Training; and Group Captain RS Norris, Station Commander, RAF Shawbury.

His Majesty then proceeded to the lobby of the Officers’ Mess of the RAF Shawbury to sign the guest book following which the monarch was invited to the Library Room for light refreshments and a briefing about the graduation ceremony by Group Captain RS Norris.

His Majesty later proceeded to Hanger 2 for the Certificate and RAF Wing Badge presentation ceremony.

The ceremony began with His Majesty receiving the salute from the static guard of honour and colour guard. The monarch was subsequently invited to inspect the static guards and colour guard.

This was followed by a welcome speech by Group Captain RS Norris.

The ceremony continued with a blessing to the RAF Wing badges that will be presented.

His Majesty then presented the RAF Wing Badge and Certificate to His Royal Highness Captain Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

His Majesty also presented certificates and RAF Wing badges to the course participants comprising six Single Engine Rotary Wing participants including His Royal Highness Captain Prince ‘Abdul Mateen; two Joint Aircrewmen; eight Multi-Engine Rotary Wing Series 167 participants; and 11 Multi-Engine Rotary Wing Series 169 participants.

The ceremony continued with a speech by Air Vice-Marshal Warren James.

His Majesty was then invited to view the exhibition of latest helicopter models which will be used for the next course series as well as a flypast demonstration.

Before leaving the ceremony, His Majesty joined His Royal Highness Captain Prince ‘Abdul Mateen and other course participants for a group photo.

At midday, the monarch was invited to the dining hall of the Officers’ Mess of the RAF Shawbury to attend a luncheon.

Prior to that, course participants and families had the opportunity to mingle with His Majesty at the Ante Room, Officers’ Mess of the RAF Shawbury.

The event began with a welcoming speech by Wing Commander Holly Steel, Commanding Officer of the Defence Helicopter Flying School.

During the luncheon, officers and attendees offered a toast to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, followed by the national anthems of both the United Kingdom and Brunei Darussalam. Afterwards, His Majesty presented awards to the best course participants.

The monarch, as the Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, also presented the Ministry of Defence plaque to Group Captain RS Norris.

The luncheon concluded with a speech by Air Marshal Sean Reynolds.

The post Sultan graces graduation ceremony of Prince Mateen appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

PUSPA United Academy organised a Kids Futsal Clinic 2018 which was conducted by an internationally certified local trainer Haji Puspa bin Haji Muhammad at the Multipurpose Hall of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex yesterday.

Haji Puspa, who is certified by FIFA, AFC and Gol Brasil, said that the vision of the academy is to make Brunei Darussalam as one of the leading futsal nations recognised for technical competence and having their own signature futsal playing style.

The academy envisions in promoting futsal excellence in the country and provides opportunities to talented football players essentially through training and nurturing them by providing tools and expertise which is needed in order to become a professional footballer.

The futsal clinic has been conducted in the past and Haji Puspa shared that he was driven by the encouraging response and requests from parents and futsal enthusiasts in the country especially under-12 players who have taken part in previous series.

He also added that the futsal series has also been integrated to the planning of the academy.

“The course helped to provide exposure, experience and knowledge of grassroots futsal coaching to coaches who have joined the futsal coaching and development programme which has been organised at the end of 2017,” said Haji Puspa in an interview with the media.

The FIFA grassroots football instructor noted the differences compared to previous editions with the addition of methodology used from Gol Brasil.

“The differences are quite significant because this time the training or station to station training find two or three coaches who will monitor the participants in a more coordinated and direct manner,” he said.

“In previous series, we have introduced methodology and futsal system from FIFA and AFC but this time we introduced methodology and system from Gol Brasil which is widely used in every training or drilling in futsal.

“However, the system which is present from FIFA and AFC will be maintained such as the three-part component training system which is basic training, functional training and advance training and lastly game situation,” Haji Puspa continued.

The post Puspa United Academy holds futsal clinic appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     James Kon     |

BRUNEI Rugby Football Union is looking at working with the Japan Embassy in Brunei to promote Rugby World Cup in Japan which is set to take place in 2019.

The cooperation came during the courtesy call made by President of Asia Rugby, Aga Hussain to Motohiko Kato, Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam recently.

Dr Haji Kamaruddin bin Dato Seri Paduka Haji Talib, the Acting President of the Brunei Rugby Football Union expressed his gratitude to the Japanese government for the opportunity for local rugby players to take part in the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) programme.

Motohiko Kato hopes that many Bruneians will go to Japan to watch rugby in 2019 and that rugby in Brunei will improve by having a pro league, good management and facilities.

It was noted that Japan Rugby Football Union is looking at the possibility of bringing in a coach to promote rugby.

The post Promoting Rugby World Cup in Japan appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

THE Centre for Islamic Banking, Finance and Management (CIBFM) hosted its annual stakeholders retreat recently at the Radisson Hotel, Brunei Darussalam.

The event began with a recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by a welcoming remark from Hajah Sufinah binti Haji Sahat, the Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer of CIBFM.

The event continued with a presentation by Prashant Chadha, Managing Director, Aon Hewitt Malaysia and Philippines on the topic, ‘Redefining Workspaces of the Future – Employees’ View’. Aon Hewitt was specially invited by CIBFM for their insights on career development and effectiveness of human resource development and management.

The presentation was followed by an open discussion among participants regarding challenges in the workspace and working environment.

Among the challenges brought up were the constantly evolving work environment and the organisations’ roles in facilitating their workers in adapting to these changes.

The objectives of the event were to foster better relationships between CIBFM and its stakeholders, as well as to share the latest developments in human resource performance and management.

Among those who attended were chief executive officers, deputy chief executive officers and Human Resource officers from different financial institutions.

CIBFM is a training institution under the purview of Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam. CIBFM offers a variety of learning and development programmes ranging from financial literacy to leadership and management.

The post Retreat focusses on evolving work environment appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

THE Brunei-Laos co-production, ‘RINA2’, received a nationwide screening in commercial cinemas across the Lao People’s Democratic Republic recently.

On March 27, a launching ceremony was held at the International Trade Exhibition and Convention Centre (ITECC) Mall Cineplex in Vientiane, which was witnessed by Savankhone Razmountry, the Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism; and Haji Na’aim bin Haji Mohamad Salleh, the Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to Lao PDR.

Unlike most foreign movies shown in Lao cinemas, ‘RINA2’ is being screened with the original Brunei, Lao and English dialogue, along with Lao and English subtitles.

“Lao audiences are used to watching movies dubbed into Thai or Lao dialogue,” said Joe Sirisackda, the Vice-President of Lao Art Media Co, Ltd.

“We never imagined that they would be entertained by reading subtitles.

That’s why we were very surprised to see Lao audiences enjoying ‘RINA2’. They laughed all the way through, which is something new to Lao movie-going culture.”

‘RINA2’ is a timely joint project to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Asean in 2017, Visit Laos Year 2018, and the 25th anniversary of Brunei-Laos diplomatic ties in 2018.

The movie was released in Brunei cinemas on July 27, 2017, and selected for the first Asean-China Film Festival in December 2017, where it received the Special Jury Award.

‘RINA2’ was also selected for the Luangprabang Film Festival 2017, and the Cambodia International Film Festival 2018.

The post ‘RINA2’ a big hit in Laos appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     James Kon     |

THE Pra Letop 2018, themed ‘Empowering Youth Entrepreneurship’, was launched by 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 at the Indoor Stadium, Berakas on Thursday.

Over 40 local and overseas entrepreneurs, mainly youths, are participating in the expo from March 29 until tomorrow.

Aside from the stalls, the event also offers visitors opportunity to win an Asean Dream Trip, with any purchase from the vendors in Pra Letop 2018 and AkuManang.com.

There will also be other activities such as a Surah Al-Fatihah recitation competition, a Surah Yaasiin memorisation competition, and a blood donation campaign.

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