|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

BRUNEI Darussalam is placing health as one of the key priorities in its Brunei Vision 2035 long-term national development plan envisioned to contribute to the country achieving a high quality of life and a dynamic and sustainable economy.

The Government 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 through the Ministry of Health (MoH) is committed to providing quality, equitable, comprehensive and accessible healthcare services for the citizens and residents of the country.

Despite the challenges posed by changes in physical demographics and disease trends, Brunei Darussalam is staying committed to achieving comprehensive healthcare coverage for all its citizens by addressing quality and safety issues through health policy and service reviews as well as strengthening cooperation with various related sectors.

These statements were made by Minister of Health Dato Paduka Dr Haji Mohammad Isham bin Jaafar in his speech during the 71st World Health Assembly on May 21–26 in Geneva, Switzerland.

Accompanying the minister was Permanent Representative of Brunei Darussalam to Switzerland, Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Mahdi bin Pehin Orang Kaya Digadong Seri Diraja Dato Laila Utama Awang Haji Abdul Rahman and Permanent Secretary at the MoH, Haji Abdul Manap bin Othman as well as several senior officers from the ministry.

The assembly, themed ‘Health for All: Commit to Universal Health Coverage’ for this year, was attended by health ministers and representatives from 194 World Health Organization (WHO) member countries.

The minister added that Brunei Darussalam fully supports the WHO in its integrated efforts to embed universal health coverage globally and ensure that healthcare is accessible to all.

He shared that some of the key strategies that have been implemented by Brunei to support this comprehensive healthcare coverage drive include the strengthening of basic healthcare through the development of a network of health centres and clinics, implementation of health information management systems which make use of information-communication technology, and the implementation of the Brunei Medicine Policy formulated to ensure safe, quality and effective medicine supplies within the country.

Dato Paduka Dr Haji Mohammad Isham in his statement also pledged support for WHO’s key agenda of strengthening the basic healthcare model worldwide and pursuing of further discussions on the importance of access to medicines and antimicrobial resistance issues to ensure global health security.

The assembly managed to reach an agreement and consensus between the WHO member countries on various important public and global health issues, namely: public health preparedness and response; elimination of polio and tuberculosis; health, environment and climate change; addressing deficiencies and access to medicines and vaccines globally; physical activity for health; global woman, child and youth health strategy; and prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The minister also paid a courtesy visit to Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, and Dr Shin Young Soo, WHO’s Regional Director for the Western Pacific Region.

Among matters discussed during the visits included Brunei Darussalam’s cooperation with WHO, such as technical assistance in various fields of health in such issues as addressing NCDs and national preparedness in handling public health emergencies.

The minister, accompanied by his Brunei delegation, also held bilateral discussions on health cooperation with Singapore Health Minister Gan Kim Yong and New Zealand’s Health Minister Dr David Clark and visited the Swiss Foundation for Innovation and Training in Surgery, touring its various facilities and robotic technology and surgical simulation equipment.

|    James Kon    |

TEAM Sigma and team Goodfellas Gaming, the Brunei eSports teams have secured spots in the play-off of MSI Grand League Finals to take place in June after securing second runner up place in their respective qualifier last Sunday in Kuala Lumpur.

Hawaii Yee, Manager of Goodfellas Gaming said, “We are happy to have made it into the main event, but our job is not done yet. We will come back and train harder to prepare for the main event as it features some of the top teams across Malaysia and Singapore. Hopefully we are more prepared and able to finish on the podium once again.”

James, Team Sigma Captain said, “I am disappointed at settling at third place for this qualifier. But as this is the first overseas eSports tournament experience, the team will strive harder to aim for higher position on the next stage of this tournament which is expected to be scheduled around June. Till then, we will train hard and not disappoint our fans and supporter.”

Both teams prepared themselves with trainings and online training with other international teams at Sigma Cyberspace, a cybercafe in Sengkurong.

Both teams fought hard in their respective game, namely League of Legends for Team Sigma and Counter-strike: Global Offensive for Goodfellas Gaming for the past two weeks. The first week was an online-qualifier to determine the top four.

The second week qualifier, semi-finals was held in Kuala Lumpur last Sunday where four teams competed for the last remaining three slots in each game category to the main event, MSI Grand League Finals in June.

Team Sigma are sponsored by Sigma Cyberspace and CF King while Goodfellas Gaming are sponsored by Netcom Computer House and BlackAce Cybercafe.

|    Fadhil Yunus    |

PSJD emerged plate winners in the Bintulu nine-a-side Football Championship 2018 after seeing Mypham S25 snatch victory against Perdanaku in the final recently in Sarawak.

The Brunei-based outfit began their campaign with a loss to BNG Miri before bouncing back with a thumping 6-0 win over CVU FC.

Having met them in previous editions, PSJD once again fell to a 3-1 defeat to Mypham before returning home with a consolation of a plate made possible with a 2-0 win over Jepak United.

Moving on from their Bintulu exploits, tough test lies ahead for PSJD head coach Nordin Tujoh but he remains committed on his team’s charge to the semi-finals of the FA Miri Cup.

“It (the FA Cup) is our main priority after the Bintulu tournament and for me the route in the tournament is not easy because the four teams that advanced to the knock-out stage are fine opponents,” said Nordin in an interview with the media recently.

PSJD will be playing against Xbes, another Brunei team, while nemesis Perdanaku and Landas will compete in the other semi-final after the Eid festivities.

With a Brunei team guaranteed a place in the final, Nordin exercised caution to his charges on the strength of his compatriots.

“Xbes is not an easy team to beat as they are lined up by experienced players and if you ask me who will progress to the final all four teams have an equal chance. Furthermore, the team who work hard and have lesser mistakes will reach the final,” said Nordin.

The head coach was reluctant to share his thoughts on the two Malaysian teams which are considered as their bogey teams but said that they must be defeated subsequently exacting redemption from their defeats in the Coneli Veteran League earlier this year.

“What is assured in the final is it will be represented by Brunei and Malaysia teams and we will continue to work hard to win the FA Miri Cup this season.”

“For this purpose, I call the players to stand ready and do their very best in the final and we must also make sure that we are 100 per cent ready to fight,” he asserted.

|     Azaraimy HH     |

A FAMILY of eight living in a secluded quarry area in Kampong Selangan, Temburong District, is hoping for some Hari Raya cheer this year, including a decent place to stay.

For the past 12 years, Muhammad Amirul Afendi bin Abdullah and his family have been living in a makeshift hut without any electricity, piped water and proper toilet facilities.

The area is accessible by only one dirt road running through a patch of jungle, which the children must cross to go to school.

The family’s limited income is mainly derived from their small farm. But ever since Muhammad Amirul Afendi broke both of his legs in an accident, his wife has become the sole breadwinner, selling vegetables and fruits at Pekan Bangar.

Their eldest daughter, 19, is currently looking for a job. A former National Service Programme (PKBN) participant, she attempted to enlist for a career in the military, but was rejected for being underweight.

The family’s plight came under the notice of Dayangku Noratul Ain, who recently travelled with her friends to donate basic essentials to several impoverished families in the Temburong District.

She learned that the family had been granted a monthly allowance of BND700 by the government, which was then cut down to BND300.

Several years ago, the government also provided them with an electrical generator that has since been broken.

Dayangku Noratul Ain and her friends managed to raise enough funds to buy a new generator for the family. They hope to raise yet more money to buy a new water tank to replace the family’s old, non-insulated one.

Currently, the family is looking for a place to stay.

They once applied for residence at an empty barrack housing area in Pekan Bangar, but were told that the building is deemed unsafe to live in. Dayangku Noratul Ain is appealing to relevant authorities to provide them with assistance.

|     James Kon     |

THE Islamic Calligraphy, Painting and Art Exhibition was yesterday launched at the Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) Perdana Lounge in Kiulap.

Pakistan High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Major General (Rtd) Tariq Rashid Khan officiated the launch alongside BIBD Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Mubashar Khokhar.

The exhibition – jointly organised by BIBD and the Pakistan High Commission in marking Pakistan’s 78th National Day – features 15 paintings. They will be made available for public viewing at the BIBD Perdana Lounge in Kiulap until June 4, before going on show at a second display location at the BIBD Perdana Lounge in the capital from June 8 to 13.

Speaking about the exhibition in his speech at the launch, the Pakistan High Commissioner said, “The exhibition is held to promote people-to-people exchanges between Pakistan and Brunei Darussalam as well as to pass on the art of calligraphy to local students and art lovers. We also held an exhibition at the Malay Technology Museum in March in conjunction with Pakistan’s 78th National Day celebrations.”

The high commissioner commended Kaleidoscope Studio for organising Islamic calligraphy classes for individuals interested in learning the art.

BIBD Retail Banking Head Hajah Nurul Akmar binti Haji Md Jaafar said, “Alhamdulillah, this collaboration provides a good opportunity for the Brunei public to view and even own pieces of international Islamic art for use as decoration in their homes, especially for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri festivities. This joint event with the Pakistan High Commission is also part of our continuous initiative to promote cross-cultural exchange (between Brunei and Pakistan) in the area of arts and calligraphy.”

|     Izah Azahari     |

THE Ministry of Religious Affairs’ (MoRA) Religious Youth programme and Al-Minhaaj Centre yesterday co-hosted a youth seminar on the basic understanding of Tafsir Al-Quran (interpretation).

The one-day event was held at the Islamic Da’wah Centre as a preface to the celebrations for Nuzul Al-Quran 1439 Hijrah.

Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman attended as the guest of honour.

Also in attendance were Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs at the MoRA Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Administrative and Financial Affairs) Roslan bin Haji Taja’ah and Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Religious) Haji Mohd Serudin bin Haji Timbang.

The seminar began with the recitation of the Surah Al-Fatihah by Haji Hazwan bin Haji Salim from the Al-Minhaaj Centre.

In his speech, Islamic Da’wah Centre Acting Director cum Religious Youth Programme Co-Chairman Haji Abdul Rajid bin Haji Mohd Salleh said the seminar aimed to provide greater awareness on Al-Quran interpretation and analysis, in addition to introducing the relevant reading materials on the subject.

Two working papers Sejarah dan Pengenalan Ilmu Tafsir (History and Introduction to Interpretation Knowledge) and Tadabbur Al-Quran (Contemplation of Al-Quran) were presented by Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) Usuluddin Faculty Assistant Professor Dr Hajah Sarinah binti Haji Yahya. The event also featured 164 participants from 21 youth groups under MoRA’s Religious Youth Programme.

The seminar concluded with a presentation of souvenirs and certificates by the minister.

|    Azaraimy HH     |

BRUNEI Medical Association (BMA) members distributed 700 Sungkai food packs to patients, visitors and staff of Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital on Saturday.

BMA President Dr Haji Azlan bin Haji Jaludin led the food packs distribution with support from the association’s executive members.

The event began with a mass Asar prayer at the hospital’s Surau followed by the recitation of Doa.

The food packs were distributed to all staff under the hospital’s various services, including the Accident and Emergency Department, medical wards, surgical wards, obstetrics and gynaecology wards, paediatric wards, critical care services, renal wards and psychiatry wards. Doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and support staff including security officers and cleaners also received the food packs.

The distribution was meant to bring cheer to the recipients in the month of Ramadhan.

The event was also a part of the association’s contributions to the community and efforts to promote the running of charitable activities among medical professionals beyond their regular clinical duties.

Speaking to the Bulletin after the event, Dr Haji Azlan said, “We hope to organise more of similar activities this year, and encourage more doctors to join our organisation.”

|     James Kon     |

THREE local women received the prestigious ASEAN Women Entrepreneur Award 2018 for their outstanding achievements in business.

The awards were presented to Hajah Mordiah binti Haji Jackia, Hajah Hadijah binti Haji Md Hussaini and Hajah Siti Aidah binti Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Othman by the ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs’ Network (AWEN) in a ceremony held at Bangkok, Thailand.

Minister of Social Development and Human Security of Thailand General Anantaporn Kanjanarat presented the awards.

Hajah Siti Aidah, who owns Syarikat Jidah which produces the Brunei traditional textile Kain Tenunan said, “This is the first time that I have won the award which is indeed a great honour for me.”

Advising the youth in the country, she said, “I hope they will continue to work hard and achieve success, and to face the challenge of current tough business atmosphere.”

Hajah Hadijah, Managing Director of Halim Plaza Hotel in Tutong, is currently venturing into property business.

“We were surprised to receive the award. I was encouraged by Hajah Mordiah to submit the nomination for the award and was able to get it.

“We felt proud to represent Brunei in the award ceremony. We were the first to receive the award in the ceremony and we were wearing Jongsarat, Brunei traditional costume made by Syarikat Jidah,” she said.

She urged local businesswoman to be patient and make wise investment.

Hajah Mordiah, who manages a consultancy and training company named Mordiah Training and Management Services commented, “I am happy that we are recognised at the ASEAN level and this award means a lot to us. It demonstrates Brunei’s business development, led by women.

“At the ceremony, we had the opportunity to meet and network with businesswomen from other ASEAN member countries.”

Hajah Mordiah urged young women entrepreneurs to focus on carrying out businesses in line with the government’s initiative to support entrepreneurship.

“Annually, Women’s Business Council conducts entrepreneurship workshop for its members and the public. We are focussing on developing women and youth businesses through sharing of skills and experiences,” she said.

AWEN is a network of business women in the region, operating to exchange knowledge and experience, develop initiatives to promote economic and trade activities to enhance gender equality, empower and strengthen entrepreneurship skills for women in ASEAN Community, create a favourable environment for female-led enterprises and support women entrepreneurship in the region.

The initiative to establish AWEN was announced by Vietnam at the 6th ASEAN Committee on Women (ACW) Meeting held from November 7-8, 2007 in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

|     Azrol Azmi     |

A KHATAM Al-Quran ceremony in conjunction with the holy month of Ramadhan was held yesterday evening at the Balai Penghadapan, Bukit Kayangan in Jalan Tutong.

The function commenced with the presence of the Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar.

The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah followed by the recitation of verses of Al-Quran led by Cabinet Ministers, followed by the reading of Takhtim and Tahlil.

The Doa Khatam was read by Chief Syar’ie Judge Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar.

The Dikir and Doa Dikir was read by mosque officers led by Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Awang Haji Emran bin Haji Kunchang.

The Doa Selamat was read by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Salim.

Also present were Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran-Pengiran Cheteria, members of the Privy Council, deputy ministers, Pengiran-Pengiran Peranakan, Pehin-Pehin Manteri, Menteri-Menteri Hulubalang, members of the Legislative Council, permanent secretaries, and senior government officers.

|     Azaraimy HH     |

AN AVERAGE 450 people embrace Islam in a year in Brunei Darussalam, according to figures from the Islamic Da’wah Centre spanning over 30 years.

This year, from January to April, the centre recorded 157 Islamic conversions.

Islam is the world’s fastest growing religion which, according to reports such as by US-based Pew Research Center, will overtake Christianity as the world’s largest religion in the next half century or so, if the current demographic trend continues. The report stated that while the world’s population is projected to grow 32 per cent in the coming decades, the number of Muslims is expected to increase by 70 per cent – from 1.8 billion in 2015 to nearly three billion in 2060. In 2015, Muslims made up 24.1 per cent of the global population. Forty-five years later, Muslims are expected to make up more than three out of 10 (31.1 per cent) of the world’s population.

In Brunei, the number of people that embrace the Islamic faith fluctuates each year, but within the 30-year period since 1985, the year with the least number of conversions was in 1990 with 303 people and the year with the highest number was in 2010 with 642 people, according to the Islamic Da’wah Centre records.

Based on last year’s reports on the Muallaf population in the country, females led the figures in all districts.

In 2017, out of 203 people who converted to Islam in Brunei-Muara District, 114 were female; out of 112 in Tutong, 57 were female; out of 67 people in Belait, 40 were female; and out of 27 in Temburong, 16 were female.

In 2016, out of 242 people in Brunei-Muara District, 134 were female; out of 102 in Tutong, 54 were female; out of 110 people in Belait, 63 were female; and out of 18 people in Temburong, nine were female.

While in 2015, females also led the figures in three districts except in Belait. Out of 244 in Brunei-Muara, 132 were females; out of 130 in Tutong, 68 were females; out of 45 in Temburong, 24 were females whereas out 94 people in Belait, 53 were males.

In terms of ethnicity, in the last three years, Iban and Dusun made up the largest communities that embraced the Islamic faith while Filipinos made up the largest foreign nationals to embrace the religion.

In 2017, 109 Iban embraced Islam, followed by Dusun (108), Filipinos (97), Chinese (60), Bisaya (seven), Europeans (five), Murut (four) and other backgrounds (19). Last year, out of 409 people converted to Islam, 255 were locals and 154 were of other nationalities or status.

In 2016, 122 Dusun embraced Islam, followed by Iban (115), Filipinos (107), Chinese (73), Murut (12), Europeans (nine), Bisaya (five) and other backgrounds (27).

In that year, out of 472 people who converted, 278 were locals, 192 were non-locals and two of other status. In 2015, a total of 141 Dusun embraced Islam, followed by Iban (134), Filipinos (113), Chinese (66), Europeans (14), Murut (12), Bisaya (eight) and other backgrounds (25).

In that year, out of 513 people converted Muslims, 335 were locals and 178 were non-locals.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

CAMBODIA’S national under-21 team captain Souey Visal highlighted his desire to channel his passion for the sport on the pitch during the final of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy for Asean Youth Football Tournament 2018 recently.

The 22-year-old was first made captain in 2017 during the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Kuala Lumpur under the tutelage of former Brazilian head coach Leonardo Vitorino.

“With a strong voice, we will enjoy the football, concentrate on the match and keep the passion of the game in your heart,” he told local media in the final preview at the Lecture Theatre of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium.

“We are brothers and we help each other in the game,” said Visal who plays his club football for Cambodian League outfit Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC.

Asked how it felt to be the first Cambodian captain to lead his side in the HBT final, Visal said, “I’m very happy to be in the final. It is a great deal for our team-mates who worked so hard especially the last two games.”

The team captain spoke of the importance of instilling never-say-die qualities ahead of their first-ever HBT final which they eventually lost 1-0 to Timor Leste.

“On behalf of our team-mates, the idea is never to give up and the dream is to be the champion not only for us but also for our nation. It is the first time that we go through the final so we will never give up.”

Meanwhile, Cambodia under-21 head coach Prak Sovannara saidd that reaching their first final appearance was proof of their hard work and dedication of building the squad.

“This is an evidence to show that from our hard work especially the clubs that produce the players and the federation which brought the results. We are also a young team but the playing time or experience is high,” he said.

Sovanarra said that the players know each other through their time in the younger age groups such as the under-14s which is similar to the pathway used by the Myanmar system.

Visal, who has earned 42 caps for the senior team, also weighed in the importance of the final in his perspective as the team captain.

“For sure, this is a serious responsibility (for the final match). We have to be 100 per cent.”

|     James Kon     |

MINISTER of Finance II Dato Seri Paduka Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah yesterday morning got a feel of the new Airbus 320Neo aircraft that touched down in Brunei Darussalam on May 25.

The aircraft is first of the seven A320neo aircraft ordered by Royal Brunei Airlines (RB).

The tour in the new A320neo aircraft took place following the signing of financing for the new eight aircraft between RB with BIBD and Baiduri Bank.

Also present were CEO of RB Karam Chand; Managing Director of BIBD Mubashar Khokar; and CEO of Baiduri Bank Pierre Imhof as well as officials from the Department of Civil Aviation as well as RB.

Powered by CFM International LEAP-1A26 engines, the new A320neo aircraft features a premium three-class layout with 12 business class, 18 economy plus and 120 main cabin seats, in addition to a new in-flight entertainment system.

Passengers on the A320neo will be able to enjoy inflight entertainment that is of Thales AVANT (Gen 5) in-flight entertainment system.

Dato Seri Paduka Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew got a feel of the entertainment system as well as a feel of the seats during the tour.

|     James Kon     |

WITH eight new aircraft, including and seven A320neo and a B787, to be acquired by the end of 2018, Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) will have one of the youngest fleet in the world with an average aircraft age two years.

The significant arrival of the new aircraft was underscored by RB’s Chief Executive Officer Karam Chand, in his remarks at the signing ceremony for financing of the new aircraft by Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) and Baiduri Bank yesterday, held at the Departure Hall of the Brunei International Airport.

The guest of honour who witnessed the signing was Minister of Finance II Dato Seri Paduka Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah.

The RB’s CEO also touched on the benefits the new aircraft will bring to the national carrier. “The new aircraft’s cabin features will no doubt exceed guests’ expectations and also play a vital role in maintaining and improving RB’s operational reliability which is already at 90 per cent, one of the best in the world.

“The new fleet allows RB to achieve a leaner cost structure from the combination of lower ownership and maintenance costs and lower fuel burn. Complete fleet renewal is a rarity in our industry and to achieve this by end of 2018 will be a significant milestone for RB.

“RB has highly efficient and environmentally – friendly A320neo and B787 jetliners to be the backbone of its fleet for years to come. A modern fleet will play a key part in the carrier’s long-term development and allow us to create value for the Brunei economy through tourism, trade and increased direct connectivity,” he noted.

Karam Chand continued, “The cabin comfort features, lower operating costs, efficiency and positive environmental impact by using the new generation A320 aircraft convinced us this was the long-term narrow body fleet for RB. At the same time, the new aircraft will offer longer flying range that provides RB a low risk option to open new pioneering routes of up to seven hours in duration. It also brings significant underfloor cargo capabilities and special safety features to assist our crew and maintain the highest safety standards.”

The fifth Dreamliner, he said “is the last of the long-haul aircraft that will arrive in late June this year and will allow us to operate daily London non-stop, Melbourne four times, weekly Dubai and seasonal Jeddah services”.

The CEO said that RB’s guests will enjoy “unmatched levels of in-flight entertainment on the new aircraft, being the world’s first narrow-fitted with Thales AVANT (Gen 5) in-flight entertainment system.

“Furthermore from June 1, our guests will have 1,000 entertainment options on B787 and progressively on the Z320 fleet. This, combined with our award-winning service, will position RB as a world-class boutique airline, on way to becoming a four-star airline in the same league as Qantas and Emirates.”

|     Achong Tanjong     |

A TOTAL of BND3,095 was raised at the Sungkai Charity event organised by Emperor’s Court Restaurant in collaboration with the Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei at Hua Ho Manggis Mall on Monday.

Emperor’s Court Manager Yi Biyi presented the cash proceeds to SMARTER Brunei President Malai Haji Abdullah bin Malai Haji Othman.

Yi Biyi said the public response towards the event was very encouraging with a 90 per cent turnout, adding that out of the 138 people who made bookings, 122 came to support the event comprising regular and walk-in customers.

“We will continue to carry out similar events in the future,” she said.

Malai Haji Abdullah expressed his appreciation to Emperor’s Court management and staff as well as customers for supporting their charity event.

The SMARTER Brunei President hoped that other restaurants will follow the example set by Emperor’s Court Restaurant in organising similar charity events.

He described the response towards the event as reflective of the generosity of the people in the country and was thrilled and grateful by the initiative from Emperor’s Court.

Yi Biyi said the event was the first time Emperor’s Court organised a charity event with SMARTER Brunei as an opportunity to know and appreciate what SMARTER Brunei is about.

She also conveyed her gratitude and appreciation to the customers supporting the charity event.

|     Azaraimy HH     |

FIFTY-FOUR families comprising elderly and the underprivileged from several villages in Tutong and Belait districts received cash and food from the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah’s charity programme in conjunction with the holy month of Ramadhan.

The donation, in line with the charitable and philanthropic policy of the establishment of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, hoped to help the recipients during the holy month of Ramadhan and prepare for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

The presentation of donation to 35 families in Tutong District was held yesterday at Kampong Penanjong Mosque. Handing over the donation was Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, in his capacity as Chairman of the Yayasan Board of Directors.

Meanwhile, the presentation of the donation to 19 families was held at the multipurpose hall of Liang Recreation Club (LLRC) in Belait District.

Presenting the donation was Minister of Development Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar, a member of the Yayasan Board of Directors.

|     Azlan Othman     |

THE Brunei Council on Social Welfare (MKM) yesterday received a cheque for BND3,678 from the proceeds of the Varsity Cycle 3.0 held on March 4.

The charity cycling event was organised in conjunction with the 44th birthday of His Royal Highness Prince (Dr) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; and the Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) and Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB).

President of MKM Haji Mohd Yusof Halim received the cheque from Vice-Chancellor of UBD Datin Dr Hajah Anita Binurul Zahrina binti Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Aziz, Rector of UNISSA Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal and Vice-Chancellor of UTB Professor Dr Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman.

Over 300 participants joined the 44km cycling expedition, including senior officials and members of the public.

Haji Mohd Yusof Halim said that the donation will be used to provide Sungkai meals for the poor at the MKM offices in Kampong Sungai Hanching.

“We used BND9,000 from our own funds for that purpose, and the extra cash would help to pay the food bill amounting to BND12,000,” he said.

This year, MKM has been providing Sungkai meals and distributing food hampers to impoverished families across the country.

Several members from the charitable society were also involved in two humanitarian missions in Bangladesh, during which they distributed food packs and built tube wells for the displaced Rohingya refugees.

MKM also collaborated with a non-profit charity, Gifting Humanity, in the establishment of a school and orphanage at the Unchiprang refugee camp near Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. The school currently has 593 students, of whom 120 are orphans.

THIS Ramadhan, Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei (Perbadanan TAIB) organised a charity initiative as part of its annual charitable drive to help underprivileged families during the fasting month, and part of its effort to support values of caring for the society.

Staff volunteers drove across all four districts and distributed donations comprising daily necessities and monetary contributions provided by Perbadanan TAIB and its subsidiaries, Insurans Islam TAIB Holdings Sdn Bhd (IITHSB) and Darussalam Holdings Sdn Bhd (DHSB) over four days.

Perbadanan TAIB reached out to 31 families with the assistance of the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) and village heads.

The initiative was a joint collaboration between Perbadanan TAIB and its subsidiaries. The group was led by Acting Managing Director of Perbadanan TAIB Hajah Noorrafidah binti Sulaiman.

Also present during the drive for Tutong District was Managing Director of IITHSB Haji Osman bin Haji Mohd Jair and Managing Director of DHSB Haji Mahmud bin Haji Mohamed for Temburong District.

|     Wani Roslan     |

BRUNEI Darussalam will commemorate Nuzul Al-Quran 1439 Hijrah on June 1 at the Plenary Hall of the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.

A rehearsal was held yesterday to ensure the smooth running of the ceremony. It was witnessed by Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar and Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, in his capacity as the Chairman of the Executive Committee of Major Events in Islamic Calendar for 1439 Hijrah.

Also in attendance were Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Mohd Yusof, Permanent Secretary (Performance) at the Ministry of Finance Norliah binti Haji Kula, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Administrative and Financial Affairs) at the MoRA Roslan bin Haji Taja’ah, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Religious) at the MoRA Haji Mohd Serudin bin Haji Timbang and committee members.

Among the highlights of the celebration will be the announcement of results and prize presentation to the winners of the National Musabaqah Al-Quran and its Understanding 1439 Hijrah.

This year’s theme ‘Al-Quran Sumber Kepimpinan Adil’ is organised by the MoRA in collaboration with the Royal Customs and Excise Department, Ministry of Finance, Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (BSP), Brunei Shell Marketing Company Sdn Bhd (BSM), Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd and Brunei Gas Carriers Sdn Bhd (BGC).

|     Fizah HAB     |

INTERNATIONAL School Brunei (ISB) feted young athletes, following the recent Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA) Games in Phuket, during an awards assembly yesterday.

Honoured as a FOBISIA Games competitor and multiple medallist was Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim ibni Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah.

Honoured for his performance in 11 events, Yang Teramat Mulia won nine medals to cap off a consistently strong athletic performance across the different sporting disciplines.

The ISB contingent, comprising six teachers and 40 student-athletes, participated in the four days of sporting event hosted by the Sports Camp Australia at Thanyapura Sports Resort, Phuket, Thailand from May 10-13.

The athletes representing ISB competed in a host of sporting events over the course of the weekend, namely swimming, T-Ball, athletics and football, against students from the strongest international schools across Asia.

The ISB’s contingent put on a good showing, coming home with 161 medals – 47 Gold, 64 Silver, and 50 Bronze.

|     James Kon     |

ROYAL Brunei Airlines (RB) yesterday signed financing deals for eight aircraft worth over BND1.3 billion (USD1 billion) with Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) and Baiduri Bank, at a landmark ceremony witnessed by Minister of Finance II Dato Seri Paduka Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah.

The deals include the Islamic financing of a Boeing B787-8 and five Airbus A320neo through BIBD and the conventional financing of two Airbus A320neo through Baiduri Bank.

“I hope this is the first of many financing transactions not only between local banks and government-linked companies (GLCs) but also with the larger Brunei economy. Deals such as these are in line with the Darussalam Assets’ (DA) mission to build a sustainable foundation to spur economic vitality in harmony with nation-building objectives,” said the guest of honour Dato Seri Paduka Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew.

“As an active shareholder, Darussalam Assets will always strive to inspire and institute corporate excellence in our GLCs to ensure that they have the necessary financial sustainability and corporate governance to participate in transactions like these.

“As the national carrier of Brunei, the impression RB gives in terms of its service and product offerings is paramount in showcasing what Brunei has to offer. In a highly competitive and dynamic industry, the service we aim to provide reflects our timeless values, culture and heritage, ensuring our customers enjoy a unique experience when they fly with RB.

“The journey to rejuvenate the airline to obtain and maintain high levels of customer experience started several years ago which led to the transformation of RB into what it is today. The introduction into service of the A320neo to Singapore is the latest step in unifying RB product offerings on both long-haul and short-haul flights, offering passengers a seamless experience with modern, up-to-date interiors, providing best-in-class cabin services, whether flying in business or economy. Once all the aircraft are delivered by the second half this year, RB will have one of the youngest fleet in Asia.

“Other aspects of the economy that will be impacted positively are job creation and connectivity. New pilots would need to be trained. New cabin crew would need to be hired. Engineers would be given the opportunity to increase and enhance their technical ability. RB has always attracted local young talents who embody the spirit and cultural values unique to Brunei,” the minister said.

“The upskilling and development of workforce is essential in the creation of a modern economy to achieve Vision 2035,” he added.

In terms of connectivity, the Minister of Finance II said, “RB already operates direct to 17 cities and several others through code sharing and other arrangements with more to be added in the upcoming months. From Melbourne, London, Seoul to Bali, RB as the nation’s flag carrier proudly connects Bruneians to the rest of the world, promoting cultural exchanges and facilitating trade.

“More direct flights means that Bruneian entrepreneurs and micro, small and medium enterprises have greater access to the global market,” he added.

With the new A320neo at the background, signing the financing deal on behalf of RB was its Chief Executive Officer Karam Chand, while representing BIBD was its Managing Director Mubashar Khokhar. The Chief Executive Officer of Baiduri Bank Pierre Imhof inked on the dotted line on behalf of his bank.

Karam Chand highlighted, “The combination of conventional financing for two aircraft with an Islamic financing structure for six other aircraft allowed Royal Brunei Airlines to achieve attractive terms to finance a significant portion of the total aircraft cost.

“The contract negotiations and approvals for aircraft financing were achieved in record time which is a testament to the solid efforts put in by the teams from RB, BIBD, Baiduri and DA. The collaboration is a very significant one for the three iconic Brunei brands, given the magnitude of the transaction with Airbus and Boeing. The eight aircraft are valued in excess of USD1 billion at list prices.

“Through this historic partnership, we hope to inspire other local companies to embark on similar strategic collaborations and create value for themselves and the Brunei economy,” Karam Chand added.

Meanwhile Mubashar Khokhar said, “Alhamdulillah, I would like to congratulate Royal Brunei Airlines on another national milestone with the latest additions to their fleet and also becoming our latest ‘partner in growth’. Together may we continue to support Brunei Darussalam’s economic diversification while strengthening the country’s positioning as a regional hub for economic activity and trade. The acquisition of these aircraft is also another landmark transaction for Brunei’s Islamic banking and financial industry in general as it highlights our local capabilities to deliver on large complex Islamic transactions.”

Pierre Imhof, highlighted, “Baiduri Bank is proud to enter this partnership with RB where we will be financing two units of Airbus A320neo aircraft. As a major local bank with a strong commitment to the Brunei market, Baiduri Bank will continue to play an active role in providing financing to businesses, contributing to the economic growth of the country and its development programmes to meet the goals of Brunei Vision 2035.”