|    Fadhil Yunus    |

PSJD continued their fine form in the regional scene after reigning supreme in the Bangkok International Veteran 7s in Bangkok, Thailand recently.

The Brunei-based outfit added another piece of silverware in their cabinet after edging Bangkok Angles 1-0 in the final.

Fresh from emerging plate winners of the Bintulu nine-a-side Football Championship, PSJD began their campaign in Bangkok with a 1-0 win over Queensland Lions and a goalless draw with Blue Tongue.

PSJD endured their first defeat of the tournament after a 2-1 loss to Koalas before ending the first day of preliminary round action with a 1-0 win over Sportmen Bar.

Needing a tie to qualify for the knock-out stage, PSJD earned the much-needed point after a 1-1 draw over Bangkok Angles to move into the last four where they repeated their 1-0 win over Sportmen Bar.

The Bruneians have been preparing for the Miri FA Cup semi-finals where they will meet fellow compatriots Xbes in an all-Brunei affair.

|     Fizah HAB     |

THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MoFAT) hosted a Sungkai with members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Serambi Hall, Tarindak D’Seni, Bandar Seri Begawan on Tuesday.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof welcomed the guests.

Permanent secretary, deputy permanent sec-retaries, directors and senior officers of the MoFAT were also present.

The event aimed to promote bilateral relations among attendees.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

EIGHTY Asnaf Fakir Miskin fund recipients from Mukim Gadong on Tuesday received BND18,940 in Zakat assistance during a presentation cere-mony held at the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha (RIPAHS) Mosque in Kampong Rimba.

A total of BND1,173,950, from last year’s Zakat Fitrah and Zakat Harta collection, was allocated for distribution to 6,551 Asnaf Fakir Miskin recipients across the country.

Guest of honour Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs and the Vice President of the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar presented the donations.

The ceremony was held alongside a Tedarus Al-Quran hosted by the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA), which began with a mass recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by the guest of honour.

This was followed with the recitation of selected verses from Al-Quran by Bilal of the RIPAHS Mosque Haji Sudirman bin Haji Metussin along with a Tadabbur Al-Quran (understanding of Al-Quran content) by Mosque Affairs Officer Awangku Ahmad Fariz Ramadhani bin Pengiran Sellahuddin.

The event continued with a mass Tahlil recitaion, accompanied by a recitation of the Doa Arwah and Doa Peliharakan Sultan dan Brunei Darussalam by Mosque Affairs Officer at the RIPAHS Mosque Mohammad bin Haji Bagol.

MoRA will conduct another Tedarus Al-Quran at the RPN Bukit Beruang Mosque in the Tutong District, on June 9.

|     Achong Tanjong     |

EIGHTY families from two districts received food hampers and financial assistance from Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah yesterday.

In the Temburong District, a presentation ceremony was held at the National Service Programme (PKBN) Training Camp in Mukim Batu Apoi. Forty-eight families received donations from Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Chairman of the Yayasan Board of Directors.

A similar ceremony was held in the Brunei-Muara District at the Yayasan headquarters in the capital, where 34 recipients received donations from Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud, who is also a member of the Yayasan Board of Directors.

The recipients expressed gratitude for the donations, which aimed to ease their burden in their preparations for the coming Hari Raya celebration.

|     James Kon     |

A TOTAL of 117 orphans under the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) received donations during a ceremony held at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium of the RBPF Headquarters yesterday.

Commissioner of Police Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohd Jammy bin Haji Muhd Shah Al-Islam and his spouse Datin Hajah Kamariah binti Haji Abdul Hamid presented the donations. Deputy Commissioner of Police Dato Paduka Haji Mohammad Irwan bin Haji Hambali as well as directors, commanding officers and personnel under the RBPF were also present.

The event was organised by the Finance and Administration Department of the RBPF in collaboration with the Welfare Body of Police Wives and Families (PEKERTI).

|     Azlan Othman     |

A PRELIMINARY meeting of the Board of the Housing Developers of Brunei Darussalam was held recently at the Ministry of Development (MoD) in the presence of Minister of Development Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar.

In his opening remarks at the event, the minister congratulated the board members and registrars on their respective appointments.

Among the core functions of the Housing Developers (Control and Licensing) Order 2012 is to register the housing developers, he noted.

The minister also said that with the establishment of the board, the business carried out by registered housing developers in Brunei Darussalam will be of more quality and more secure, adding that the public will also feel safer and more satisfied with the housing transactions.

“Registered housing developers have to be professional in maintaining work ethics and conduct honest business, not solely aim to gain profits,” he said.

The event also saw a briefing by Permanent Secretary (Technical and Professional) at the MoD and Chairman of the Board of the Housing Developers Haji Marzuke bin Haji Mohsin.

He said that following the enforcement of the Housing Developers (Control and Licensing) Order 2012 on a date to be informed later, the development of more than four units of residences or selling more than four lot units by registered housing developers must have approval from the Board of the Housing Developers.

At the meeting, the Minister of Development also presented certificates of appointment to all members of the board and the registrars.

In a statement, the Ministry of Development said that 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 appointed members of the Board of the Housing Developers and registrars effective March 2018.

The Housing Developers (Control and Licensing) Order 2012 is intended to regulate the registration and business development of housing developers in Brunei Darussalam, the statement added.

|     Azlan Othman     |

THE nightly Tedarus ceremony at the Istana Nurul Iman held since the beginning of the fasting month ended last night with a Khatam Al-Quran ceremony.

It was conducted in 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 led by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar.

The recitation of Al-Quran verses starting from Surah Adh-Dhuha was led by Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, followed by the recitation of Takhtim and Tahlil. Meanwhile, Doa Khatam was read by Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Salim.

The ceremony was further enlivened with a presentation of Dikir Syarafil Anam and Marhaban by mosque officers, led by Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Emran bin Haji Kunchang, who also read the Doa Dikir.

Doa Selamat was read by the State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.

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

|     Hakim Hayat     |

THE Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) today celebrates its 57th anniversary and the occasion will be marked with a Doa Kesyukuran ceremony in honour of the armed forces and to pay tributes to the men and women who serve for the protection of the country.

His Royal Highness Prince General 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 General of the RBAF is expected to attend the annual religious gathering at the Surau Ad-Difa’ of Ministry of Defence (MinDef) in Bolkiah Garrison today.

The Grand Parade, which is annually held to mark the occasion, has been moved to a later date that will be announced later, to respect the holy month of Ramadhan.

May 31 is observed in the Sultanate to celebrate the progress of the RBAF as a pillar of defence and security of the country and also to honour Brunei Darussalam’s brave soldiers who have sacrificed their lives, time and energy towards the protection of the country’s sovereignty.

This year’s celebration is themed ‘Together in Realising the National Vision’.

While commendably performing its duty to defend the abode of peace over more than five decades, the RBAF has experienced rapid and significant progress and seen scores of milestones being achieved as it continues to position itself as a modern, capable, dynamic and resilient armed force that is on par with regional and international standards.

Buoyed by a strong leadership 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 who is also the Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of the RBAF, it has not only grown to a modern and comprehensive organisation comprising over 20,000-strong personnel covering the nation’s land, air and seas, but also an armed force that strives to keep-up with the pace of time though the acquisition of the latest assets and equipment, strenuously enhancing its human resource capabilities.

Under the leadership of His Majesty, RBAF has evolved significantly with times, especially in a fast-paced global landscape that is filled with uncertainties, particularly in its role in implementing defence policies, enhancing defence capabilities, promoting defence diplomacy and contributing to national development.

The MinDef and RBAF are strongly focussed on maintaining high standards of discipline and the implementation of its core values of Taqwa (faith), loyalty, courage and professionalism among its members. The MinDef continues to inculcate strong spirit and patriotism in establishing and building effective operational capacity in supporting the wishes of His Majesty in developing a superior and integrated armed forces.

This year’s theme signifies RBAF’s role and duty to the nation in supporting the country’s holistic development by ensuring a harmonious and peaceful environment through a robust defence and security strategy.

A pillar of national defence and security, the RBAF also functions as an agent of unity between national security agencies to maintain stability and peace.

|    Aziz Idris    |

THE Brunei-Muara District Office together with private companies presented donations to 200 orphans in a ceremony held at Muhibbah Hall, Old Airport recently.

Brunei-Muara District Officer Misle bin Haji Abdul Karim and representatives from Perusahaan Sinaran Gemilang Sdn Bhd, Daikyo Industrial Gas Sdn Bhd, Firoz Jaya Silk House, Morgen Alliance Sdn Bhd, Chong Ai Hong and SSS Sdn Bhd and Air Cat Logistics Sdn Bhd presented the donations.

The ceremony saw the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah followed by a Doa Tahlil prior to Iftar and mass Maghrib prayer.

Such donations are expected to relieve the burden of recipients’ and their struggling caregivers especially for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri festivities.

|    Azaraimy HH    |

THE ‘Get To Know ASEAN’ (Kenali ASEAN) Workshop was held recently at Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar Secondary School in Kuala Belait.

Organised by the Information Department through its International Affairs Unit (which is the secretariat for the ASEAN-COCI Information Sub-Committee), the workshop, held at various secondary schools in the country, aims to raise students’ awareness and knowledge on ASEAN’s role in developing its member nations.

The workshop falls under the Information Department’s initiatives to inject patriotism and solidarity among the students, and to strengthen relations between the Information Department and the community at large in the country, specifically students.

Other goals of the workshop include disseminating to students basic information relating to ASEAN, as well as giving them an understanding of the meaning of being part of one ASEAN community as per the bloc’s ‘One Vision, One Identity, and One Community’ motto.

During the workshop, students were briefed on ASEAN by Information Officer at the Information Department’s International Affairs Unit Mufidah binti Abdul Hakim. They also participated in a quiz on ASEAN facilitated by Information Officer Isa bin Abdul Rahman.

The workshop ended with the presentation of prizes to students who answered the quiz correctly.

In total, 530 students from Years 7, 8 and 9 attended the programme.

|    James Kon    |

THREE years will be considered by most to be quite a long time, but for outgoing Philippines Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Meynardo LB Montealegre, this period seemed to have swiftly flown by.

The ambassador said that he will be leaving the country with fond memories of the time spent with members of the Diplomatic Corps.

Montealegre was speaking at a farewell dinner reception hosted for him at The Rizqun International Hotel on Monday attended by members of the Diplomatic Corps in the country.

He said, “During my over three years of service in the country, three milestones marked the ties between Brunei Darussalam and the Philippines. First, there were exchanges of high-level visits between both countries. An example was President Rodrigo R Duterte’s visit to Brunei in 2016 for the first time, and later his visit to Brunei last year during the Golden Jubilee 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’s Accession to the Throne.”

Montealegre continued, “His Majesty also made a state visit to the Philippines coinciding with the 31^st ASEAN Summit 2017 in Manila. His Majesty also attended the ASEAN Summit in December 2017.”

The second milestone, Montealegre highlighted, “was the Philippines assuming the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2017, and this was followed with a number of activities carried out not only in the Philippines but also in Brunei Darussalam to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of ASEAN”.

“The third milestone,” the outgoing envoy added, “is the Golden Jubilee celebration of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne, a historic occasion which I think all of the Diplomatic Corps witnessed.

“This was a golden opportunity for the Philippines Embassy in Brunei Darussalam and the other missions here to join in the activities to commemorate the event.”

Montealegre thanked to the Government of His Majesty and the people of Brunei for the warm friendship and strong cooperation he received as ambassador of the Philippines to Brunei Darussalam.

The outgoing Ambassador made special mention of the beautiful scenery at Luagan Lalak Forest Recreation Park, Labi, Kuala Belait, commenting that “it reflects the beauty of Brunei as the ‘Abode of Peace’, where peace, serenity and tranquility is enjoyed by all its residents”.

Meanwhile, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Brunei Darussalam, Saleh Mohammed Al-Nesef, who is also Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, extended a welcome to new members of the Diplomatic Corps, namely Ambassador of Lao Phuonethavy Boutdara and his spouse, as well as Dr Sujatmiko, the Ambassador of Indonesia.

In his message to outgoing Philippines Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Meynardo LB Montealegre, Saleh Mohammed Al Nesef said, “We will always remember the time that you have shared with us in Brunei. We are forever grateful to Government of His Majesty as well as the hospitality and support from our Bruneian friends.”

TWO ambassadors from Brunei Darussalam, Mohd Danish Ataullah bin Mohd Riduwan and Muhamed Danish Izz Syahmi bin Mohd Bahrin, both 12, have been selected to participate in the 6^th Gazprom Football for Friendship (F4F) International Programme in Russia on June 8.

They will be joined by children from over 210 countries in Moscow.

Mohd Danish Ataullah, a goalkeeper, will be part of the 32 International Teams of Friendship that play against each other in the Gazprom Football for Friendship International Championship.

The footballer will be part of the ‘Whale Shark’ team, and will undergo a three-day training camp in Moscow, to get used to the playing conditions and get ample practice with his team, before the start of the championship.

Each International Team of Friendship will be trained by 14 to 16-year-old coaches from different countries.

The young footballers will also participate in workshops and sessions, conducted by renowned celebrities.

Mohd Danish Ataullah, who hails from Bandar Seri Begawan, started playing football at the age of nine.

He has participated in football tournaments across the country and has played a pivotal role in getting his team to win trophies by making critical saves for his team as a goalkeeper.

He currently plays for Projek Ikan Pusu, and dreams to play for a professional football club in the future, like his idol, David De Gea. A student of Kiarong Primary School, he also plays for the U-12 school team.

A Manchester United fan, this talented and young goalkeeper believes it is important to promote friendship, equality and peace because he believes that each of these three things can brighten up the world.

In his free time, he likes to go out to the sea with his father.

At the F4F Programme in Russia, Mohd Danish Ataullah will be accompanied by Muhamed Danish Izz, who will act as a young journalist and cover all the local and global activities of the programme as part of the International Children’s Press Centre.

The press centre acts as hub for young journalists to gather information, make reports, write news articles and prepare material on the initiatives implemented as part of the programme.

Muhamed Danish Izz is a sports enthusiast. A player of Projek Ikan Pusu, he believes that football has helped him to learn different values.

A Barcelona FC and Liverpool FC fan, he considers Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Philippe Coutinho and Neymar Jr as his favourite players. In his free time, he likes to watch football skill videos, which he tries to use when he plays for his team.

Mohd Danish Ataullah and Muhamed Danish Izz will also participate in the 6^th Football for Friendship International Children’s Forum in Russia, which will provide the youngsters an opportunity to meet their peers from other countries, share their experiences, and discuss with famous footballers and journalists on how to promote key values of the F4F Programme around the world.

The International Children’s F4F Forum will be participated by famous sportsmen, journalists, and public figures who support the project and provide their thoughts and inspiration to the young athletes.

The young ambassadors will also participate in the Nine Values School programme, where they will be taught about the nine key values of the F4F programme (friendship, equality, fairness, health, peace, devotion, victory, traditions and honour) under the guidance of young coaches and the supervision of famous players.

|    James Kon    |

OVER 100 varieties of cakes and biscuits are available for purchase for the upcoming Hari Raya celebrations at the 15^th Jualan Kuih Muih Belia being held at the Youth Centre in the capital.

The event, organised by the Youth and Sports Department of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and managed by the Youth Centre’s Youth Community Transformation Club (KKBT), will be held until the final day of Ramadhan.

Datin Nurhayana Janis binti Abdullah Lim, the spouse of 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 officiated the event.

The 15^th Jualan Kuih Muih Belia is one of the Youth Centre’s many activities held to help youth gain foundational skills required to advance through the centre’s cooking academy. The Youth Centre cooking academy was established to provide young Bruneians with cooking skills to enable them to venture into the culinary business.

According to the Head of the Entrepreneurship Bureau at the KKBT Mohammad Kairuddin bin Zul Iskandar, this year’s event will feature “70 to 80 varieties of biscuits and 20 to 30 types of cakes”, adding that “it is hoped from the event, the youth will be able to learn the practical skills of running a business”.

The Assistant Head of the Entrepreneurship Bureau Mohd Waie Al-Syafiq bin Mohd Safiee said, “Last year, we also had a similar event which had an overwhelming public response.”

Some of the confectionary on sale at the 15^th Jualan Kuih Muih Belia include popular homemade cakes such as tapak kuda cake rolls, durian cake rolls, chocolate chip cookies, and Nestum Nutella biscuits.

|    Achong Tanjong    |

MEMBERS of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce Bandar Seri Begawan (CCC BSB) led by its Chairman Malcolm Lim are in Thailand to witness THAIFEX-World of Food Asia 2018, held from May 29 to June 2.

THAIFEX – World of Food Asia is an international trade exhibition for food and beverages, food technology and retail and franchise in Asia.

A highly engaging and multi-sensory show, THAIFEX – World of Food Asia is in its 15^th edition, bigger and better to serve up the best of the world’s food and beverage industry in one blockbuster seating.

THAIFEX is jointly organised by Koelnmesse Pte Ltd, the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) and the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC).

THAIFEX – World of Food Asia is the only regional food and beverage event collaborated by the private and public sectors.

THAIFEX – World of Food Asia hosts over 40 countries and provincial groups, with overseas participation and over 55,000 visitors attended the event in 2017.

|    Hakim Hayat    |

BRITISH Secretary of State for Defence Gavin Williamson has taken time out to visit British forces in the Sultanate.

Williamson is in Southeast Asia for a conference with members of the regional bloc Asean.

According to the British High Commission in Brunei Darussalam, these visits are an important opportunity to nurture and further develop the excellent defence and humanitarian cooperation between the UK and its Asean partners.

Williamson met with the British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Richard Lindsay, and Brunei-based UK troops at their base, Tuker Lines. He conversed with service families and awarded Long Service and Good Conduct Medals.

He later got onboard an Army Air Corps helicopter to be flown deep into the heart of the jungle to experience what it is like to live and operate in what can only be described as, perhaps the most demanding and exacting of environments.

A British Army Gurkha Battalion has been maintained in Brunei at the invitation 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 since 1962.

The tropical climate and terrain provide ideal jungle training, and the Jungle Warfare Division (JWD) runs courses for all members of the British Army and its allies.

As specialists, JWD and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) recently hosted a Jungle Warfare Symposium that saw 13 key states in Southeast Asia come together in a strong demonstration of defence cooperation.

Lindsay said, “It is the Defence Secretary’s first visit to Brunei since his appointment in November 2017. He is visiting British Forces in Brunei and will meet the Brunei Minister of Defence II to discuss the long-standing and very close defence relationship between the UK and Brunei.”

On the purpose of the visit to Southeast Asia, he said, “The visit is a demonstration of UK’s enduring commitment to peace and security in the Asia Pacific region, and to uphold the rules based system on which our shared security depends.”

The Defence Secretary is en route to Singapore to participate in the annual Shangri La Dialogue, the region’s premier security conference.

|    James Kon    |

MINISTER of Health Dato Paduka Dr Haji Mohammad Isham bin Jaafar yesterday paid a visit to the homes of five underprivileged patients in the Brunei-Muara District, who required assistance.

The minister and his delegation presented donations in the form of daily necessities and medical equipment to the patients.

Simultaneously, similar visits were carried out by other official delegations to homes of underprivileged patients in the Tutong, Belait and Temburong districts. Seventeen patients registered under the Medical Social Worker Division were visited by four delegations.

The visit in Belait District was led by Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health (MoH) Haji Abdul Manap bin Othman, while the delegation to Tutong was headed by Deputy Permanent Secretary (Professional) at the MoH Dr Haji Zulaidi bin Haji Abdul Latif, and the Temburong delegation was led by Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Management) at the MoH Maswadi bin Haji Mohsin.

In an interview, the minister highlighted the importance of the visit initiative to provide assistance to the patients.

“This is an annual event conducted by the MoH together with government hospitals like Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital through the Medical Social Worker Division. This can help ease the burden of underprivileged patients and their families.

“The Medical Social Worker Division utilises the RIPAS Hospital welfare fund to purchase daily necessities, including pampers as well as health equipment for the patients. The fund is collected from activities organised by the hospital as well as public donations,” the minister said.

One of the homes visited was that of 11-month-old Awangku Md Ammar Zhafran bin Pengiran Mahmud, who is suffering from chronic lung disease. The baby’s parents, Pengiran Mahmud bin Pengiran Bungsu and Nuru Aisah binti Haji Munap, were on hand to welcome the minister and his delegation.

“We could see the baby is recovering. We have provided an oxygen concentrator and the baby is currently breathing with a special tube with a suction device. The mother has been trained on how to use it,” Dato Paduka Dr Haji Mohammad Isham said after the visit.

Touched by the gesture, the baby’s mother conveyed her gratitude to the Ministry of Health and the minister for the contribution, holding back tears.

Haji Abdul Manap, MoH officials and representatives of non-government organisations joined the minister on the visit.

The minister then visited the Kota Batu home of Muhammad Abdullah @ Pangabang, who is over 80 years.

The elderly was diagnosed with lung cancer eight months ago and is now wheelchair-bound. He is currently staying with his family of 20 in a rundown house.

“We are actually in need of a new home as this house leaks when it rains. One of the rooms needs a canvas to be fixed on top of the bed to prevent water from pouring in,” said his daughter Nursaadah binti Muhammad.

The other patients’ homes the minister visited were at Pengkalan Sibabau, Muara Camp and Kampong Tungku, Katok ‘A.’

Also joining the minister’s delegation were MoH officials and members of the Allied Health Association, Brunei Medical Association, Brunei Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists, Council of Women of Brunei Darussalam, International Women’s Club of Brunei and Women Graduates Association of Brunei Darussalam.

|    James Kon    |

MINISTER of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof yesterday held a bilateral meeting with the UK Secretary of State for Defence (Defence Secretary) Gavin Williamson, upon his arrival at the Brunei International Airport.

During the meeting, both reaffirmed the long-standing and strong bilateral defence relations between Brunei Darussalam and the United Kingdom. They also exchanged views on the regional environment and security developments that are of mutual interest.

The UK Defence Secretary is in the region to participate in the annual Shangri-La Dialogue to be held in Singapore from June 1-3.

While on transit in Brunei Darussalam, Gavin Williamson took the opportunity to call on the Minister of Defence II and visit members of the British Forces Brunei in Seria. This is his first visit to Brunei Darussalam.

UK Defence Secretary’s visit to Brunei Darussalam underscores the importance that the United Kingdom attaches to its relationship with countries in the region, regardless of their size.

It also reflects the commitment to reinforce the active defence and military engagements between Brunei Darussalam and the United Kingdom.

Interactions between the RBAF and the British Armed Forces have widened in scope to include joint exercises, trainings and professional exchanges.

These interactions have enhanced the interoperability and people-to-people ties between the personnel of both armed forces.

Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi and Gavin Williamson will meet again at the Shangri-La Dialogue this weekend.

|    Hakim Hayat    |

HIS Royal Highness Prince General 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 General of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) yesterday attended a Kesyukuran ceremony to mark the 57^th anniversary of RBAF.

The ceremony was held at Surau Ad-Difa’, Ministry of Defence (MinDef).

Upon arrival, His Royal Highness was greeted by Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof and Commander of the RBAF Major General Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Aminan bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud.

The ceremony began with a recitation of Al-Quran verses by Corporal Nazirul bin Haji Asmat and mass Zohor prayer led by Imam Zulfadhli bin Haji Awang.

This was followed by a recitation of Surah Yaasiin, Tahlil and Doa Kesyukuran led by Imam Shuib bin Haji Abdullah.

After the prayers, His Royal Highness received a Junjung Ziarah by those present, followed by the signing of a royal parchment.

The theme of the RBAF’s 57^th anniversary celebration is Bersama Menjayakan Wawasan Negara and the grand celebration will be held on July 1 at Penanjong Garrison in Tutong.

Permanent Secretary at the MinDef Captain (Rtd) Dato Paduka Abdul Rahman bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar; service commanders and joint force commander, deputy permanent secretary (technology and development) at the MinDef, directors, commandants, and senior officers of the MinDef and RBAF were also present at the ceremony.

|    James Kon    |

THANKS to the partnership between FIBA Oceania and Brunei Basketball Association (BBA), NBA G-League Assistant Coach Damien Cotter is currently in Brunei Darussalam to help shape the Brunei national basketball team for the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualification set to tip off from June 26 to 30 in Nontahburi, Thailand.

Brunei will be playing in the six-team tournament comprising Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand for the qualifiers. Only the top four teams will advance to the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 pre-qualifiers in September.

After setting foot in the country since May 30, the Australian coach has been working together with local head coach Lim Boon Teck and Haji Md Sofian bin Haji Md Yusof to help train the national team at the Batu Bersurat Basketball Court.

Cotter has seen the potential of the team and during an interview with Borneo Bulletin said, “What is really impressive here is the players’ attitude. In two sessions, I have seen encouraging improvements. I am also impressed with the motivation of the committee of the Brunei Basketball Association to improve the sport of basketball.

“Brunei basketball team should have the aspiration to get to the top level of the region to compete. Being out of the international scene for a while, I give the association the credit of bringing the team together to compete. So any positive result in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualification will be beyond success.”

FIBA Oceania Executive Director David Crocker and BBA Secretary General Lim Fung has worked together to bring Cotter to help the national team’s preparation.

Cotter said, “I am in Brunei on behalf of FIBA Oceania through FIBA Oceania Executive Director David Crocker; we want to help develop the game in this region.”

The assistant coach for the Long Island Nets of the NBA G League is in Brunei from May 30 to June 20 and when asked if the duration is enough to develop Brunei’s basketball, he replied, “I think we will get a good understanding of where basketball is at and set up positive activities to further build the future of basketball in Brunei.”

Besides helping to improve basketball skills, he also hopes to develop basketball coaching in all levels and in the short term, help the Brunei national basketball team prepare for the upcoming 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualification.

Cotter said, “The two important elements in basketball are good coaches and good referees. I would again like to give credit to the association for contacting David Crocker to bring a coach here. The goal is to try to get more consistent coaching and experience here. Ultimately, we want to try to develop Brunei’s very own coaches to coach the national team because I felt that all the strong basketball nations have their own coaches to train their respective national teams. “

On building basketball from grassroots level, he said, “I will be visiting the academy tomorrow and take a look at the grassroots level. I will also do some work with the women’s basketball team. In the three weeks, we will try to help impact the sport of basketball positively.”

Coach Damien Cotter also said that after arriving in Brunei, he already enjoyed the warmth and friendliness of Bruneians as well as the good coffee.

The Brunei national team heading to the upcoming 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualification are Ching Wei Ming, Chong Ching Poh, Han Ming Kwong, Md Zainul Ashyraf bin Haji Hussin, Khoo Chin Kai, Lim Chee Chuon, Benjamin Sim (Captain), Onn Jen Hao, Tan Ye Wei, Ahmad Termizi bin Haji Noordeen, Soon Kian Leong and Yap Jenn Chyuan. Brunei will tip off against the host Thailand on June 26 for its first match in the tournament.

“We are really grateful that FIBA has facilitated for Damian to help us with our National Team preparation. Damian will also provide input on our youth and women’s team development while he is here,” said Lim Fung.

BBA thanked Mulia Hotel, Easyway and Funzania for sponsoring the accommodation and food for Damian Cotter.

JUNJUNG, Majestic Delicacies establishment, originating from Brunei Darussalam, launched its pop-up store in Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Thursday.

Located at the ground floor of Ampang Mall in Suria KLCC, Junjung offers selections of handmade Kek Lapis (layer cake) as well as other popular Malay delicacies such as Kueh Mor and Pineapple Tart.

High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to Malaysia Dato Paduka Haji Alaihuddin bin Pehin Orang Kaya Digadong Seri Lela Dato Seri Utama Haji Awang Mohd Taha officiated the launching ceremony as the guest of honour.

Also present was his spouse, Datin Hajah Mariani binti Haji Bongsu.

Founder of Junjung, Pengiran Siti Hazalina binti Pengiran Indera Perkasa Pengiran Haji Hamdan, said, “This is the first step of Junjung’s introduction to the Malaysian market. With the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, Junjung will be selling their products throughout Ramadhan until the first week of Hari Raya.”