|    Fizah HAB     |

THE Land Transport Department hosted a farewell dinner for participants of the 35th Asean Transport Facilitation Working Group (TFWG) meeting last night at The Horizons Seafood Restaurant, Bandar Seri Begawan.

The TFWG meeting began last Tuesday and ends today, at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas.

Dr Haji Supry bin Haji Awang Ladi, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications as the guest of honour delivered the opening speech at the dinner.

Also in attendance was Pengiran Mohammad Amirrizal bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud, Acting Director of Land Transport and Chairman of the 35th TFWG meeting.

Delegates from Asean member states, Asean Secretariat, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan (MLIT), and the Asean Regional Integration Support by the EU (ARISE) as Asean Dialogue Partner; as well as Asean transport associations, namely Asean Federation of Forwarders Association (AFFA) and Asean Trucking Federation (ATF) were also present at the dinner.

The guest of honour expressed gratitude to TFWG leaders and delegates for the commitment, support and unity in implementing transport measures towards realising the Asean Connectivity 2025 vision, to achieve a seamless and comprehensively connected and integrated Asean that will promote competitiveness, inclusiveness and a greater sense of community.

The meeting deliberated on the implementation of the newly signed Asean Framework Agreement on Cross-Border Transport of Passengers by Road Vehicles (CBTP), which will facilitate seamless cross-border mobility of passengers between and among Asean member states, further enhancing people-to-people connectivity and promote tourism and investment.

Issues discussed during the meeting included the progress by Asean member states in implementing the goods and transport facilitation framework agreements, and implementing protocols to meet the timeframe given.

The agreements include the Asean Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Goods in Transit (AFAFGIT); the Asean Framework Agreement on the Facilitation of Inter-State Transport (AFAFIST); and the Asean Framework Agreement on Multimodal Transport (AFAMT).

The meeting also deliberated on the progress on the pilot testing of the Asean Customs Transit System (ACTS), particularly the ACTS Roll-Out implementation in the North-South Corridor, comprising Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, and the East-West Corridor, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand.

The delegates also presented their ongoing cooperation programmes and proposals in support of the Asean transport actions.

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|     Daniel Lim     |

THE body of a man who committed suicide by hanging in an empty room at the first floor of B4, Barrack 370, Lorong Tiga Selatan, Seria, was discovered by the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF).

At a press conference by the RBPF yesterday afternoon, it was revealed that the Seria Police Station responded to an emergency call through 993 at around 6.30am yesterday, with regard to a suicide by widower Jimmy anak Japar, 44.

Present at the crime scene was Belait District Police Crime Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Pengiran Abu Naba’a bin Pengiran Haji Yusof.

He was accompanied by Officer-in-Charge of Seria Police Station, ASP Pengiran Haji Md Saiful Ariff bin Pengiran Haji Duraman and police officers from the Seria Police Station and Crime Scene Assistance Unit, Belait District Police Headquarters.

Investigations revealed that the man used a rope tied to the ceiling to hang himself. He had been staying at his friend’s house on the ground floor of the same barrack.

Investigations revealed that the man committed suicide without the knowledge of others. The victim was also believed to be stressed, as he was unemployed and had problem with alcohol.

The RBPF reminded the public to seek help from any authorities if facing stress in life, as well as to not make any reckless decisions under stress, such as committing suicide.

The RBPF also reminded that attempts to commit suicide is an offence under Section 309 of the Penal Code, Chapter 22, and that the offence carries a sentence of one year of imprisonment or a fine, or both.

The post Man takes own life at Seria Barrack appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

A MALAY Islamic Monarchy (MIB) corner has been set up at the Brunei Studies Collection of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) to provide a user-friendly facility for students, researchers and members of the public conducting a detailed study of the MIB concept.

The corner was assembled by five final-year students at the Academy of Brunei Studies (APB), with the support of the UBD Library and the Secretariat Office of the MIB Supreme Council.

The students were supervised by APB Lecturer Pengiran Dr Khairul Rijal bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahim.

A launching ceremony took place on the third floor of the Brunei Studies Collection yesterday, seeing Legislative Council member YB Pehin Orang Kaya Pendikar Alam Dato Paduka Seri Haji Hasrin bin Dato Paduka Haji Sabtu attending as the guest of honour.

Project Chairman Mohammad Fadzli bin Hussin explained that the MIB Corner was in accordance with the strategic action plans of the Secretariat Office of the MIB Supreme Council.

“The corner has a collection of MIB-related titles, and we hope that there will be yet more from other sources,” he added.

Among the collection are two recently published books – ‘Melayu Islam Beraja Dalam Sistem Pendidikan Negara Abad 21’, written by Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, and ‘Calak Bangsa: Brunei Kekal Sebagai Negara Melayu Islam Beraja Kerana Brunei Tetap Mengekalkan Peganganya Yang Kuat Kepada Ajaran Islam’ by Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman.

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|     Azlan Othman     |

NETWORK reliability is an important indicator to measure the ability of power supply system to provide a continuous supply of electrical load to consumers and industries to meet the needs of the national economy, said Pengiran Jamra Weira bin Pengiran Haji Petra, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Power, IT and E-Government) at the Energy and Industry Department.

He made the statement during the 7th Meeting of the Heads of Asean Power Utility and Authority (HAPUA) Working Group No 3: Distribution and Power Reliability & Quality at the International Convention Centre, Berakas yesterday.

He added that networks in Asean member states are exposed to various risks especially weather, ageing equipment and overloading and that managing network reliability becomes important to ensure availability and improvement of electricity supply to consumers.

“I am pleased to learn the subject of managing network reliability is addressed. We have seen how the electrical sector evolved over the years towards technological advancement. From traditional to smart grids, there are several success stories we can take away from such as the Canadian Smart Grids. Developing an Asean Smart Grid Roadmap is important to ensure policy, standards and metering system standards are parallel,” said Pengiran Jamra Weira.

“Having the key people in the subject of distribution, power reliability and quality across the region presents an opportunity for exchanges in information and best practises,” added Pengiran Jamra Weira. “Having this platform encourages harmonisation of the experience of other countries and raises the quality of services; members of HAPUA will have similar policies among Asean member states critical in multi-country technical understanding of multilateral arrangements.

A total of 74 delegates from Asean member states attended the meeting preceded by a sub-working group meeting from April 2-3. The 7th HAPUA Working Group meeting is hosted by the Department of Electrical Services (DES).

The Republic of Singapore chaired the meeting with a representative from the Singapore Power Group. The achievements of the Financial Year 2017/2018 and the progress of the Financial Year 2018/2019 work plans of the Working Group No 3 projects were discussed at the meeting.

There are three projects undertaken by the Working Group – Best Practices on Asset Management; Managing Distribution Network Reliability; and Smart Grid Roadmap of Asean Member States.

The meeting served as a platform where power utilities and authorities in the region discussed the impact and integration of Distributed Energy Resources/Renewable Energy on the power grid towards achieving HAPUA’s target of achieving 23 per cent of renewable energy in the electricity generation mix by 2025.

The HAPUA Working Group No 3 allows exchange of knowledge experiences through the power reliability and quality projects, renewable energy integration processes as well as asset management.

At the working group level, HAPUA aims to establish criteria for the benchmarking of system operations performance among Asean member countries. HAPUA also organised numerous workshops, seminars and trainings that have benefitted Brunei to be on par with other power utilities in the region.

As the main power utility in the country, DES gained knowledge through its participation in HAPUA organised events such as technology development in the power industry, enhancement of transmission and distribution reliability, system protection and control, and human resources development. It helped DES to improve the power system to achieve the high quality of life in alignment with Brunei Vision 2035.

DES channelled the allocation of National Development Plan and annual budget towards network expansion and maintenance strategies to increase the network reliability and integrity. This realignment effort showed encouraging outcomes with significant improvements in the DES KPI’s on reliability indices.

Established in 1981, HAPUA comprises five working groups – Generation & Renewable Energy; Transmission; Distribution and Power Quality & Reliability; Policy Studies & Commercial Development; and Human Resources.

The HAPUA Working Group No 3 was established to share strategies, best practises, challenges and experiences of the power services providers to enhance power reliability and quality. The results of this meeting will be reported to the HAPUA Council Meeting scheduled to be held later this year. The HAPUA Council will report directly to the Asean Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM).

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|     Izah Azahari     |

THE Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) yesterday celebrated 382 retirees who ended their service with the Prime Minister’s Office and departments under it between October 2015 to December 2017 at a Retirement Certificate Presentation Ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of the Prime Minister’s Office Complex, Jalan Menteri Besar.

The guest of honour was Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud. Also present was Commissioner of the Royal Brunei Police Force, Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohd Jammy bin Haji Muhd Shah Al-Islam.

The event began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah by Mosque Affairs Officer, Pengiran Haji Mohd Hafizzuddin bin Pengiran Haji Bakar. It was followed by welcoming remarks by Permanent Secretary (Media and Cabinet) at the Prime Minister’s Office, Mohamed Riza bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohamed Yunos, in his capacity as the chairman of the event.

The chairman said the event was held to show appreciation to the retirees for their service to the government and contributions towards achieving the Brunei Vision 2035.

The event continued with a presentation of certificates and tokens of appreciation to the retirees by the guest of honour.

The event concluded with a Doa Selamat read by Pengiran Haji Mohd Hafizzuddin.

Attending the event were Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Department as well as officers and personnel of the Prime Minister’s Office and departments under it.

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|     James Kon & Azlan Othman     |

A FOREIGN national suffered injuries in a blaze that broke out at the Halimatul Saadiah Building in Gadong commercial area during the wee hours of yesterday.

According to a statement from the Fire and Rescue Department, a distress call about the fire was received at 3am. Fire engines with 18 fire fighters from Beribi, Bandar Seri Begawan and Berakas fire stations were immediately dispatched to the scene.

Upon arriving at the scene, the fire personnel found a massive blaze engulfing the ground floor of the building that houses a few wooden stalls surrounded with plywood, in front of Hua Ho Department Store.

Led by SSFR Nooraflan bin Haji Awang Kachi, the Commanding Officer of Operation ‘A’, firefighters controlled the fire within five minutes.

A total of 47 residents comprising nationals from Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines were staying in the building when the fire occurred. One of them suffered head injury, a broken collarbone and chest pain.

The cause of the fire and extent of damages are currently under investigation.

Also present at the fire scene were Acting Director of Fire and Rescue, deputy director and the operation’s assistant director.

In light of the incident, the department reminded the public not to overload electrical systems; switch off all electrical appliances when not in use; and make sure the electrical wiring is in good condition and done by accredited companies.

Each building should be equipped with fire extinguishers, fire blankets as well as smoke detectors, the department urged.

Members of the public can contact the Fire and Rescue Operation Centre at 995 in case of an emergency and to provide any information.

The post One hurt as fire breaks out in Gadong building appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Danial Norjidi     |

THE Australian Government is offering the opportunity for five Bruneians to embark on their master’s studies in Australia, under the Australian Awards-Asean Scholarship.

Nicola Rosenblum, the Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam shared this in an interview yesterday.

She explained that the scholarship, at this stage, is a one-off award. “This is actually an initiative that came out of the Asean-Australia Summit which took place in Sydney last month.

There will be 50 prestigious Asean-Australia scholarships that will be offered to people from Asean member countries, including five from Brunei,” the envoy added.

Applications for the scholarship are now open, and the closing date to submit applications is April 30.

Speaking on the criteria for selection, she said, “The scholarships will be awarded to students who contribute to Asean’s three pillars. Those are: Political-Security – contributing to peace and stability of Southeast Asia; Economic – promoting Asean’s economic integration and inclusive growth; and Socio-Cultural – creating an Asean Community that’s people-centred and socially responsible.

“So those are the kind of criteria we’re looking at – we’re looking at students whose studies contribute to those three Asean pillars,” she said. “They don’t have to contribute to all three pillars – just one of the three pillars.

“The scholarships include all necessary support and funding to complete post-graduate study in Australia, so it’s quite a comprehensive scholarship. It’s not just the study part or the living part – it’s the whole thing.

“Successful awardees will begin their studies in 2019,” she said.

“They of course have to have an undergraduate degree in order to be eligible to apply for a Master’s study. We also encourage people with disabilities to apply. The closing date for applications is April, so the important thing is for everyone to get their applications in as soon as possible,” the Australian High Commissioner said.

“Don’t miss the opportunity. The window will close at the end of the month. This is a wonderful opportunity for them to be ambassadors for their country, forge closer relations between Australia and Brunei and achieve some real personal development goals for themselves and become leaders in their own community,” she added.

More information on eligibility and how to apply can be found on the Australian High Commission’s website bruneidarussalam.embassy.gov.au.

The high commissioner highlighted that Australia and Brunei share close bonds in the education space. “Our ties really are quite deep on education, so I’m really pleased that we will be able to contribute to furthering those bonds.”

She noted that more than 12,000 Bruneians have already studied in Australia. “A number of Bruneian universities have twinning programmes and arrangements that allow Bruneian students to study part of their degree in Australia.

“Beyond tertiary education in Australia, we also have the New Colombo Plan, which is an Australian Government initiative where Australian students come to Brunei for work and study placements. More than 80 Australian students have come to Brunei in the last few years under this programme.

“Under the Bridge School Partnerships programme, we have primary and secondary school teachers from Brunei and Australia that are currently undergoing exchanges,” she said. “It’s a wonderful programme which not only creates teacher partnerships but also fosters community between students at the primary and secondary level.

“These new scholarships will really contribute to what’s already quite a broad education relationship,” she added.

The post 5 Aussie scholarships on offer for Bruneians appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

THE International Women’s Club of Brunei (IWCB) led by its President, Ungku Datin Hajah Fanzah binti Haji Osman and Honorary Vice President, Phimpha Kindavong donated 100 crutches to the Physiotherapy Department of Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital.

The donation was presented by Ungku Datin Hajah Fanzah, Phimpha and IWCB committee members to Saidah binti Haji Wahid, the CEO of RIPAS Hospital and Hajah Siti Hasrainah binti Haji Md Hassan, the Deputy CEO of RIPAS Hospital.

According to the President of IWCB, it is important for the club to give back to the community. The IWCB organises various fund-raising activities throughout the year and the proceeds are utilised towards the club’s charitable causes.

The club plans more fund raising activities and will be making more charitable contributions during the holy month of Ramadhan this year.

The club encourages women to participate and contribute to the club’s events and activities.

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|     Aziz Idris     |

SIXTEEN Leading Firemen (LFN) from the Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) were promoted to Assistant Station Officer (ASO) yesterday at a ceremony held at the Officers’ Mess of the FRD Headquarters at the Old Airport in Berakas.

The newly promoted officers received their rank insignias from Lim Hock Guan, Deputy Director at the FRD.

ABK 452 Johari bin Haji Abu Bakar, one of the recipients told reporters, that he is determined to continue to raise awareness among the public on fire prevention.

“I feel grateful to hold a higher rank. I will continue to strive to give my best efforts and continue to work hard for the department and for Brunei,” he said.

A Doa Selamat was recited by FRD Religious Teacher Ustaz Othman bin Asat to bless the occasion.

Also present were senior officials, personnel and staff of the FRD as well as family members.

The post Sixteen LFN receive promotion appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

PEHIN Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti received an official visit from Hisham bin Abdul Wahab bin Abdullah Zaraa, the outgoing Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Brunei Darussalam yesterday.

The meeting was held at the State Mufti’s Office, Darulifta.

The ambassador presented his Letter of Credence 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, on January 26, 2015.

He will be concluding his duties and leaving Brunei Darussalam on the second week of April.

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THE Deputy Permanent Secretary (Finance and Administration) at the Ministry of Defence, Pengiran Hajah Zety Sufina binti Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Sani signed an agreement on Mutual Protection of the Results of Intellectual Activity and Intellectual Property Protection in the Course of Bilateral Military-Technical Cooperation with the Head of the Russian Federal Service for Intellectual Property, G Ivliev in Moscow recently.

The agreement is aimed at ensuring the rights and interests of both countries during the use of the results of intellectual activity as well as preventing and suppressing violation of law during their use. The document provides an opportunity for bilateral cooperation based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit from the use of the results of intellectual activity and intellectual property.

Following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in Military-Technical Cooperation and Memorandum of Understanding on Military Cooperation accordingly in 2016 and 2017, the signing of this agreement successfully finalised the establishment of the legal foundation of the bilateral cooperation in the field of defence and security.

The post Brunei, Russia sign landmark agreement on Intellectual Property protection appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Danial Norjidi     |

TWO Bruneian companies were among the recipients of the second Asean Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) awards in Siem Reap, Cambodia on April 3.

Haji Adinin and Sons (B) Sdn Bhd, and PDS Meat Industries (B) Sdn Bhd from Brunei Darussalam were among the 19 companies from the Asean member countries to receive the awards.

Dr Ith Samheng, Minister of Labour and Vocational Training of Cambodia and Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi, the Asean Secretary-General presented the awards.

The awards recognised the companies’ excellent achievements in realising safe and healthy workplaces. The awards also support the Asean Labour Ministers’ vision of ensuring a favourable environment for economic growth and a productive, competent, competitive workforce.

There are two categories of Excellence Awards for companies with good OSH management systems and performances, and Best Practice Awards for small and medium-sized enterprises with good OSH practices.

Prior to the awards ceremony, the 19th Asean-Occupational Safety and Health Network (Asean-OSHNET) Coordinating Board Meeting (CBM-19) convened on April 2-3.

The meeting, chaired by Cambodia, discussed the follow-up actions to the Asean Labour Ministers’ Statement on ‘Improving Occupational Safety and Health for Sustainable Economic Growth’, signed by Asean Labour Ministers in September last year. It also reviewed the Implementation of the Asean-OSHNET Plan of Actions 2016-2020.

According to a statement on asean.org, several projects were rolled out for this year, including an Asean research on economic justification of OSH in the construction sector and the second Asean Red Ribbon for Outstanding Workplace (ARROW) award. A common checklist for OSH inspection standards was also developed. Complementing this, the Asean-OSHNET Scorecard was adopted to track country performances in lowering occupational accidents and work-related illness.

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|     Daniel Lim     |

AS PART of a continuous effort to disseminate information pertaining to the ease of doing business in Brunei Darussalam, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) together with government departments held a roadshow yesterday at the convention centre at Jalan McKerron, Kuala Belait.

The roadshow’s purpose was to raise public awareness and better understanding on the reforms the MoF and relevant agencies have implemented to make it easier for businesses to start and operate in the country.

It aimed to be a platform for visitors to gather information about the services offered by the participating agencies and departments, and how these services can benefit them when they establish and develop their own businesses in the future.

Present at the event were representatives from participating MoF departments such as the Treasury Department, Royal Customs and Excise Department, Employees Trust Fund (TAP), Revenue Section, Registration of Companies and Business Names (ROCBN) Division, as well as Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD), the Postal Services Department, Ease of Doing Business Unit, Energy and Industry Department, DARe (Darussalam Enterprise), Bank Usahawan and Brunei Darussalam Accounting Standards Council (BDASC).

Also among the attendees were YB Haji Abdul Hamid bin Haji Mumin, Legislative Council member and Penghulu of Mukim Liang; mukim penghulus and village heads; as well as heads of departments.

The department representatives delivered presentations outlining the inner workings of their departments and showing how to properly make use of the reformed systems and how they contribute to the ease of doing business.

A question-and-answer session was held at the end of the presentations.

According to Rozaidah binti Haji Abdul Rahman, a public relations officer at the MoF, yesterday’s roadshow in Belait is the roadshow staged by the ministry in 2018, with the previous one held in Temburong on April 3.

“Alhamdulillah, we have observed many attendees participating in the roadshow here today, to not only learn about the departments and efforts put forth by them to improve the ease of doing business in the country, but also to pose questions to the relevant departments,” she said.

She added that the event also served to help increase interest in the departments under the MoF and participating agencies among roadshow visitors.

The MoF’s third roadshow is scheduled to be held at the Main Hall of the Tutong District Civic Centre Complex on April 9.

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|     Azaraimy HH & Daniel Lim     |

OPENING ceremonies were held across the country yesterday, for the 72 times Khatam Al-Quran ceremony, in conjunction with the upcoming 72nd birthday celebrations 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.

Over 1,700 participants were involved, comprising mukim and village consultative councils (MPMK) members, and students.

In the Brunei-Muara District, the focal point was the Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah, and the event began with a mass recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Home Affairs and Chairman of the National Committee for His Majesty’s 72nd birthday celebrations.

Also present were Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, the Minister of Religious Affairs; and Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman, the Minister of Education.

Among the selected Khatam Al-Quran participants were Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Abdul Hafeez bin Pengiran Anak Khairul Khalil and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Raihaanah Hanaa-Ul Bolqiah binti Pengiran Anak Khairul Khalil, the grandchildren of His Majesty.

Also in attendance were Legislative Council members; acting permanent secretaries and senior government officers; penghulu and village heads; and MPMK members.

The district was represented by 702 participants – 35 adult males, 35 adult females, 35 male youths, 35 female youths, 86 boys, 86 girls, 195 male students, and 195 female students.

In the Belait District, the opening ceremony was held at the Zainab Mosque in Lumut, where Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Mohd Yusof, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA), was present as the guest of honour.

Also among those present were YB Hanapi bin Mohd Siput, a Legislative Council member and the Acting Penghulu of Mukim Labi.

A total of 412 participants represented Belait District, comprising MPMK members and youths chosen from their schools’ Al-Quran reading schemes.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin was present at the opening ceremony in Tutong District held at the Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque in Pekan Tutong, where 432 participants joined.

Legislative Council members representing Tutong District were also present.

In the Temburong District, 192 participants took part in the event at the Utama Muhammad Salleh Mosque in Pekan Bangar.

Haji Abdul Manap bin Othman, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health was the guest of honour.

Also present were Legislative Council member YB Haji Emran bin Haji Sabtu, and other officers.

The post 72 times Khatam Al-Quran begins in mosques nationwide appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     James Kon & Fadley Faisal     |

ARSON caused the fire which broke out at Halimatul Saadiah building in Gadong commercial area during the wee hours of Wednesday, police said yesterday.

A local man was charged in the Magistrate’s Court with setting fire to one of the wooden stalls on the ground floor of the building.

The suspect, 57-year-old Haji Ahmad bin Haji Tamin, is alleged to have set fire to the vendor booth inside the building at 2.15am on April 4, 2018.

DPP Nurul Fitri binti Kiprawi’s charge against the defendant under Section 435 of the Penal Code, Chapter 22, carries a penalty of up to 15 years’ imprisonment and six whippings.

Acting Chief Magistrate Pengiran Masni binti Pengiran Haji Bahar adjourned the case to April 17, 2018 for the police to complete investigations into the case.

Photos and a video of the incident had gone viral on WhatsApp and other social media platforms.

Details of the suspect were revealed in a press conference held at the Bandar Seri Begawan Central Police Station by Superintendent of Police Pengiran Haji Abdul Salam bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Ghani, Acting Officer Commanding Police District (OCPD) of Brunei-Muara.

Also in attendance were Deputy Superintendent of Police Hamydon bin Ibrahim, Acting Deputy OCPD of Brunei-Muara and Deputy Superintendent of Police Mohd Hassanul Fikri bin Haji Abdullah, Brunei-Muara Police District’s Criminal Investigation Officer.

The suspect was detained after evidence pointing to arson was collected by the Brunei-Muara Police District.

“The suspect has revealed that he went to the building in a car and had carried kerosene with the intent to set fire to one of the wooden stalls to unleash his anger as he had felt hurt by one of the owners of the stall,” Superintendent of Police Pengiran Haji Abdul Salam said.

“The suspect is of sound mind and knew what he has done,” the official said.

The case is being investigated under Section 436, Chapter 22 of the Criminal Procedure Code which states that it is a treacherous act to set fire to a building knowing that the act can cause destruction to it, and the offender, if found guilty, can be sentenced to life imprisonment.

Forty-seven residents comprising nationals from Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines were staying in the building when the fire occurred. One of them suffered head injury, a broken collarbone and chest pain.

The post Local man charged with arson over Gadong blaze appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

STRATEGIES for accelerating Asean’s economic integration and development through enabling digital financial services and enhancing disaster resilience were the key themes in meetings between the US-Asean Business Council delegation and the Asean Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors over the past two days.

The meetings, which took place in Singapore as part of the annual Asean Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting (AFMGM), were the 19th annual engagement between the Asean Finance Ministers and the US-Asean Business Council and the fourth year to also include the Asean Central Bank Governors.

The delegation included 14 leading American financial services companies led by Alexander Feldman, President & CEO of the US-Asean Business Council; Ambassador Michael Michalak, Council Senior Vice President & Regional Managing Director; and the co-chairs of the Council’s Financial Services Committee, Amol Gupte, Asean Head and Citi Country Officer for Singapore; and Paul McNamee, Senior Vice President and Regional President for the Asia Pacific at Chubb.

The delegation emphasised the priority of supporting and adapting to new digital trends and supporting innovative technology in financial systems and the growing FinTech industry, which can help advance financial integration and financial inclusion.

They also noted that supporting data-driven developments in natural catastrophe insurance is critical to sustainable and resilient development in a region prone to natural disasters.

In advancing these themes, the delegation drew attention to the importance of developing and harmonising regulations across Asean that are suitable for the digital age.

This includes balancing risk management and innovation, formulating comprehensive data management policies, and public-private collaboration to promote FinTech solutions. The delegates highlighted that creating a conducive policy environment for digital finance can accelerate financial integration and inclusion, unlocking regional economic growth.

“Our engagement with the Asean Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors reaffirms the American private sector’s commitment to the region and to our shared desire to see Asean continue to grow and prosper,” said Feldman.

“American financial services firms play an important role in contributing to Asean’s development, driving the modernisation of its financial services sector, finding innovative ways to transact and protect the financial system, facilitating investment into the region, and broadening the number of people in Southeast Asia who participate in and benefit from financial services.

“We are also starting a new conversation on how we can work with Asean policy makers to improve natural catastrophe insurance, which can support Asean’s goal to strengthen resilience and sustainability”.

“Digitalisation in financial services drives the need for the sector to rapidly innovate without compromising resilience and stability. We are keen to partner with Asean policy makers and businesses to adapt to this dynamic environment and take advantage of arising opportunities by increasing efficiency, enhancing transparency and promoting greater inclusion which in turn drives progress and economic growth for the region,” added Gupt.

“We are honoured to be invited again this year to meet with the Asean Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors,” said McNamee.

“This year, we are continuing our discussions of how the insurance industry can better reach and serve Asean’s consumers, including through new innovative products and channels”.

“Collaboration between the public and private sectors to build a modern, inclusive, and competitive financial system is essential to the success of the Asean Economic Community,” added Michalak. “We hope today’s dialogue will help Asean take advantage of the emerging trends in the financial sector.”

In addition to formal events with the AFMGM, delegates also engaged the Ministers and Governors bilaterally to discuss mutual integration and investment interests.

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|     Achong Tanjong     |

THE Haj Management Department began its courses for this year’s Haj season yesterday, at six centres across the country.

The courses will be held for 12 sessions on Fridays and Sundays, until May 13, at the Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) and the Pengiran Anak Puteri Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah Religious School in the Brunei-Muara District; the Pengiran Anak Puteri Norain Religious School in the Tutong District; the Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Religious School and the Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Religious School in the Belait District; and the Arabic Preparatory School in the Temburong District.

The course is being conducted by 19 trainers and five coordinators from the Islamic Studies Department, the Mosque Affairs Department, the Islamic Da’wah Centre and KUPU SB, to provide intending pilgrims with a better understanding of Haj rituals, as well as the confidence to perform their obligations without help from a Mutawif (guide).

Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar, the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs; Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Mohd Yusof, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs; and Haji Mohd Serudin bin Haji Timbang, the Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Religious) visited the two Haj centres in the Brunei-Muara District yesterday, to observe the courses in session.

A total of 328 intending pilgrims are currently attending the course at KUPU SB, with 455 at the Pengiran Anak Puteri Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah Religious School.

In the Belait District, 87 intending pilgrims are attending the course held at the Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Religious School in Kuala Belait, with 31 at the Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Religious School in Seria.

In the Tutong District, 81 have registered for the course at the Pengiran Anak Puteri Norain Religious School, with 24 at the Arabic Preparatory School in the Temburong District.

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|     Aziz Idris     |

A LOCAL artist recently attended the ‘Bio-Camp: Garden as Biotechnic’ in Tokyo, Japan, organised by the Japan Foundation Asia Centre to showcase contemporary media culture and creativity through art, exchange, education and collaboration.

Yasmin binti Jaidin joined 20 other participants from Japan and Asean member countries to attend the week-long intensive workshop, which followed the theme of art, biotechnology, and culture.

Participants came from diverse backgrounds of expertise, ranging from aspiring artists that explore science and technology, engineering, biotechnology and nature/art conservationist.

According to Yasmin, the workshop encouraged extensive exchange and dialogue between participants. The workshop also gave them the opportunity to share their understanding of current issues, while searching for organic biotechnology design methods that can facilitate new ways of living.

“We were expected to work together by discussing concepts and themes, and presenting our views on these issues. The ambiguity of the theme of the workshop was intentional as participants were expected to come in with a completely fresh perspective,” she explained.

The participants learned of the philosophy behind the Japanese Garden by academic researcher and garderner Tomoki Yamauchi.

They also visited Shinjuku Gyoen National Park to get a better understanding on the conservation of endangered plant life, as well as the planning and research that goes into the annual Chrysanthemum Festival.

One of the highlights of Yasmin’s visit was the ‘MetaPhorest’ laboratory of the Centre for Advanced Medical Sciences, Waseda University – a practical platform for artists working on biological/bio media art and bio aesthetics.

“The artists (involved) made me think of what the conventions of fine art should or could be, where technology and science is already a huge part of our lives.Artists approach contemporary issues, break the rules and are in constant search for new ideas.

“It made me realise that we should not be afraid to experiment with the boundaries of technology in our practice,” she said.

American artist and scientist Joe Davis, of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) made a statement that resonated with Yasmin, “The key to innovation is that the answer is always in front of you”, and described it as the epitome of the workshop.

“We progress as far as we allow ourselves to. As an artist working and living in Brunei, it has changed my perspective on how far innovation can take you.

“It is up to the individual to challenge their critical thinking regarding available resources – to see what we have in different perspectives to get to where we strive to be.”

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|     Izah Azahari     |

PAKISTANI restaurant ‘B.B.Q. Tonight’ opened its doors last night in Kampong Kiulap aiming to provide quality Pakistani South Asian and regional cuisines.

Present to jointly inaugurate the restaurant were Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Defence II; Major General (Rtd) Tariq Rashid Khan, High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Brunei Darussalam; and Mohammad Azam, the owner of the restaurant.

The event was attended by heads of diplomatic missions, high ranking dignitaries and notables living in Brunei.

The event began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and verses from the Al-Quran, followed by the ribbon cutting ceremony.

The restaurant owner welcomed guests and served dinner with over a dozen dishes.

He expected that the new addition of Pakistani restaurant will serve the taste buds of customers who are looking for genuine, quality cuisines.

The post New Pakistani restaurant opened appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Danial Norjidi     |

BAIDURI Bank, in collaboration with Credit Agricole CIB, the Corporate and Investment Banking arm of the Credit Agricole Group, hosted a financial seminar yesterday at the Indera Samudra Grand Hall of The Empire Hotel & Country Club.

The seminar, entitled ‘Global Outlook and The Rise of Trumpism’, was delivered by Samsara Wang, Emerging Market Strategist, Credit Agricole CIB.

The seminar attempted to balance the hopes and fears surrounding US President Donald Trump and his ‘America First’ policies and shed some light on the current situation of the United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, China and Singapore currencies.

In his welcoming remarks, Pengiran Azaleen bin Pengiran Dato Haji Mustapha, Head of Retail Banking and Branch Network, Baiduri Bank, said, “Organising events such as this, in collaboration with our international partners, helps us to keep clients up-to-date with economic developments around the world.

“As your trusted financial partner, Baiduri Bank is committed to bringing value to products and services that we offer to you. Seminars like these are just one of the initiatives that we hope you will find useful and informative to complement your banking needs,” he added.

Also present were Peng Eng Soon, Head of Wealth Management, Baiduri Bank, and senior financial planners from Baiduri Bank.

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