|     Achong Tanjong     |

SEVEN Leading Firemen (LFN) and a fireman from the Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) were yesterday promoted to the rank of Assistant Station Officer (ASO) during a rank insignia presentation ceremony at the Officer’s Mess of the FRD Headquarters at the Old Airport in Berakas.

Haji Kamaruzaman bin Haji Yahya, Haji Nordin bin Ahmad, Rustam Efandi bin Haji Metusin, Mohamad Zulkifli bin Mohd Tahir, Hajah Norol Idarawati binti Damit, Norziah binti Haji Tahir, Nurmunirah binti Abdullah and Mohammad Firdaus bin Yusoff received their rank insignias from Assistant Director of Training and Staff Planning Hajah Siti Mayang binti Haji Hussin.

Assistant directors, senior officials, officers and personnel of the FRD, as well as family members of the recipients attended the event.

Acting Head of Religious Teacher at the FRD Ustaz Othman bin Asat read the Doa Selamat.

The department encouraged the newly promoted officers to enhance their commitment, work quality and productivity toward realising the vision and mission of the department.

SYARIKAT Takaful Brunei Darussalam Sdn Bhd (Takaful Brunei) presented donations to 98 orphans during a Khatam Al-Quran at the Kampong Lumapas Mosque on Monday.

Guest of honour Chief Syar’ie Judge and Chairman of the Takaful Brunei Shariah Advisory Body Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar presented the donations.

Members of the Board of Directors, Shariah Advisory Body, officers and staff of Takaful Brunei along with its subsidiaries Takaful Brunei Am Sdn Bhd (TBA) and Takaful Brunei Keluarga Sdn Bhd (TBK) were also present.

Takaful Brunei presented a Waqaf to the Kampong Lumapas Mosque comprising a heavy duty vacuum cleaner, a unit of high-pressure washer and 100 books of Takhtim. The ceremony concluded with the breaking of fast and mass Maghrib prayer.

Takaful Brunei also presented contributions from the Amal Jariah Takaful Plan to charitable organisations including the Department of Mosque Affairs, Centre for Children With Special Needs Brunei, Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam, Pengiran Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah Fund for Orphans (DANA) and the Brunei Islamic Religious Council.

|     James Kon     |

THE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) through its Community Development Department yesterday morning received three separate monetary donations in a ceremony held at the ministry.

Receiving the donations on behalf of the ministry was Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin.

The first donation of BND5,000, was a contribution from Datin Hajah Norhaidah binti Haji Sulaiman, Datin Hajah Norhayana Janis binti Abdullah, Datin Hajah Jama’iah binti Haji Abdul Manaf, Normah binti Ahmad, Hajah Honeyta binti Haji Mustapha, and Pengiran Hajah Noor Yashimah binti Pengerian Anak Haji Hashim from the Association of Wives of Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and Deputy Permanent Secretaries.

The second donation of BND2,070 was a contribution from the 1979-1981 batch Science Stream students of Sufri Bolkiah Secondary School.

It was presented to the minister by Haji Mohd Soffi bin Orang Kaya Seri Wijaya Haji Abdullah and Haji Basuni bin Haji Ashaari.

The donation of BND3,500 was presented by Colonel (Rtd) Haji Mohd Ali bin Haji Yahya of LS & A Sdn Bhd to the National Orphans Fund.

Others in attendance at the ceremony included Permanent Secretary at the MCYS Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil, Acting Director of the Department of Community Development Rostinah binti Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Sura Pahlawan Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Tahir and senior officers from the Community Development Department.

|     Wani Roslan     |

A TOTAL of 184 officers and staff of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and its departments received Long Service Medal (PKL) at the Banquet Hall of PMO Building Complex yesterday.

The ceremony was held in conjunction with the 71st birthday celebration 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.

The guest of honour Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud presented the medals.

Attorney General Datin Seri Paduka Hajah Hayati binti Pehin Orang Kaya Shahbandar Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohd Salleh; Commissioner of the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohd Jammy bin Haji Muhd Shah Al-Islam; Chairman of the Public Service Commission Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Abu Bakar bin Pengiran Seri Indera Pengiran Haji Ismail; Auditor General Dato Paduka Haji Yahya bin Haji idris; permanent secretaries; deputy permanent secretaries; heads of departments; officers and staff of PMO and its departments were also present.

The ceremony commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by Mosque Affairs Officer Ahmad Syafiq bin Haji Osman, followed by the medal presentation by the guest of honour.

One of the recipients, Hajah Nurdina binti Haji Mohammad Ali from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in an interview expressed her thanks and appreciation to the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for the honorary medal awarded to her. “I have been working with NCB for 24 years and with the medal awarded, it further encourages me to be a better civil servant by giving the best work quality to the government,” she said.

She also advised youth in the country to always carry out their duties with trust, sincerity and honesty.

The PKL honorary medals are awarded to individuals who have been in civil service as recognition for those who have served at least 20 years with a good service record and demonstrated good work performance.

|     James Kon     |

THE Ministry of Development (MoD) launched the ‘Plastic Bottle Free Initiative’ in conjunction with the World Environment Day celebration yesterday, making it the first government agency in the country to implement the green practice.

Implemented by the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe) with cooperation from all personnel under MoD, the initiative was launched by Minister of Development Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar.

The green endeavour is aimed to create awareness on the importance of reducing plastic waste in the country, in line with the United Nations’ (UN) efforts to combat pollution from plastic materials. “As the Ministry of Development is responsible for matters relating to environment, we must lead through example. I would like to announce that MoD is committed in implementing the initiative to make it the first plastic bottle free ministry,” said Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Suhaimi.

Highlighting the theme, ‘It Takes a Nation to Beat Plastic Pollution’, the minister said that “with strong support from all parties, the initiative will succeed in raising public awareness in addressing the use and disposal of plastic bottles. At the same time, it will instil a sense of responsibility among people to increase their efforts and play a role in contributing towards preserving the environment for the future generations”.

Highlighting the importance of protecting the environment, the minister said, “Environmental issues are gaining attention at various levels as their implications are not just on the present generation but also the future generations. Common environmental issues include air and water pollution, loss of biodiversity and climate change. The main causes of these problems are uncontrolled physical development, lifestyle and consumption patterns as well as irresponsible human acts such as the use and disposal of plastic bottles which leads to river and sea pollution. If we do not tackle these issues, it will affect the quality of life and wellbeing of the people.”

“It is to instil awareness on the importance of preserving the environment and support actions to do so that the Ministry of Development through the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation has launched the green initiative on the World Environment Day,” he added.

The World Environment Day was first introduced by the UN in 1974 and since then it has developed into a global platform for raising awareness and taking action on urgent issues from marine pollution and global warming to sustainable consumption and wildlife crime.

Millions of people from over 100 countries including Brunei Darussalam have taken part over the years, helping drive change in consumption habits as well as in national and international environmental policy.

The theme of this year’s World Environment Day is ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’.
“The theme is a call for us to act together to combat one of the major environmental challenges in the world today. This theme requires all of us to consider and change our lifestyle towards reducing plastic pollution in our country, especially from ‘single use plastics’.

The official slogan chosen by the JASTRe – “If you can’t reuse it, refuse it” – urges us to think for a moment before making a decision to buy or accept something that is not reusable,” the minister said.

“It is undeniable plastic materials and products have many uses in daily life and we may not realise that many are single use plastics.”

According to statistics released by UN, one million plastic bottle drinks are bought every 60 seconds globally. And one out of five plastic bottles is recycled.

At the same time, five trillion of plastic bags are produced globally and they eventually end up at landfills, polluting the ground water, surface water and the entire environment.

“An average 13 million tonnes of plastic waste enter the water system around the world annually, resulting in pollution from drainages, rivers and seas and causing floods. This is a threat not only to marine life such as coral reefs but also birds and animals. Plastic materials contain a number of toxic chemicals that can endanger the environment, wildlife and human life.”

Following the launch of the ‘Plastic Bottle Free Initiative’, the minister handed over tumblers to heads of departments and divisions to replace water bottles in the ministry.

The event also saw Acting Director of Environment, Parks and Recreation Martinah binti Haji Tamit delivering a speech in which she touched on the theme ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’.

Permanent Secretary (Technical and Professional) at the MoD Haji Marzuke bin Haji Mohsin; Acting Permanent Secretary (Administration and Finance) at the MoD Dr Nor Imtihan binti Haji Abdul Razak; Director- General of Public Works (JKR) Haji Amer Hishamuddin bin Pehin Orang Kaya Amar Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Zakaria; as well as directors; and heads of departments were also present.

|     Azlan Othman     |

HIS Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, Chairman of the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Committee of Governors, yesterday attended a Khatam Al-Quran ceremony to enliven the holy month of Ramadhan and the closing of the 25 times Khatam Al-Quran in conjunction with the silver jubilee celebration of the establishment of Yayasan.

The events were held at the Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah in Kampong Kiarong.

The religious gathering started with the recitation of Takhtim by 25 officers and staff of Yayasan. Doa Takhtim and Doa Khatam were read by a teacher of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah School Ustaz Dr Haji Samsul Muawan bin Haji Shodiq.

Some 25 officers and staff of the foundation took part in the 25 times Khatam Al-Quran to express gratitude in marking the 25th anniversary of Yayasan celebrated on October 5, 2017.

The event continued with the recitation of Doa Selamat led by Chief Syari’e Judge Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar followed by the breaking of fast.

A mass Maghrib prayer was led by Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Mustafa bin Haji Murat.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

ARBISYAM FC held a friendly match with Sedozen FT to heighten their preparations and readiness ahead of their upcoming regional commitments at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex recently.

Arbisyam, runners-up of the Brunei Futsal League last year, gained automatic entry in the 2018 Asean Football Federation (AFF) Invitational Futsal Club Championship in Jakarta in July while Sedozen will compete in the Ksres Cup 1st Edition in Kuching in August.

Arbisyam have been drawn in Group ‘A’ alongside East Coast Heat of Australia, MIC of Myanmar and UYFC Komchaymear of Cambodia.

Sedozen will meet teams from host nation Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines.

Both teams hoped to bring a good name to Brunei and team in the tournament and enhance the quality of futsal in the country.

|     James Kon     |

THE Red Bull Warriors Cup and Championship 2018 will kick off on July 1, said CEO and founder of Weekend Warriors Faezal Murni.

He made the announcement during a press conference at the I-Centre yesterday.

Desmond Ong of Red Bull Malaysia and Ang Beng Siong of International School Brunei (ISB) were also present.

The amateur futsal championship, organised by Red Bull and Weekend Warriors, will be held at the ISB indoor court in the Brunei-Muara District and Mumong Sports Complex in the Belait District. The tournament will conclude on July 29.

Faezal Murni said the tournament is the biggest amateur futsal competition in Brunei Darussalam and expressed gratitude to AirAsia, Red Bull and DARe (Darussalam Enterprise) for their support.

The winning team will receive BND1,000 while the first runner-up will receive BND700, the second runner-up BND500 and fourth place BND300.

MINISTER of Communications Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof and officials from the Ministry of Communications (MinCom) attended the Straits Digital Exchange held in conjunction with the Smart Nation Innovations Week in Singapore from June 2-7.

The Straits Digital Exchange was a two-day event bringing together ministers, senior policymakers and industry leaders from world-renowned companies to discuss key trends and developments in the digital economy.

With the theme ‘Accelerating the Digital Economy: Data and Digital Trade’, the exchange revolved around the discussion on key relevant components and ecosystems required to propel the digital economy. This included roles taken by key stakeholders in reducing the gap between the digital “haves” and “have-mores” and the role of the public-private partnership in addressing future issues as well as the future potential of data and its possible challenges

During the exchange, the ASEAN ministers responsible for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) also met in a closed door session to discuss the way forward in addressing the fast growing importance of data and issues pertaining to it and concluded with a set of recommendations in implementing an ASEAN Framework on Digital Data Governance.

The MinCom and the Ministry of Communications and Information Singapore (MCI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Cooperation in the Field of Info-communications Media (ICM) yesterday. The MoU reaffirms the close collaboration between both ministries whereby cooperation includes the sharing of experience and knowledge on ICM matters such as telecommunications and media regulations, postal services, data regulation, innovation, industry development and human capital development.

The MoU was signed by Minister of Communications on behalf of 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 and Singapore Minister for Communications and Information S Iswaran on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Singapore. The signing took place at Marina Bay Sands. Also present during the MoU signing were Brunei Darussalam High Commissioner to Singapore Haji Awang Saifulbahri bin Haji Mansor as well as officials from MinCom and MCI.

This was followed by the signing of MoU between the Postal Services Department, MinCom and Singapore Post Limited at the SingPost Headquarters.

Acting Postmaster General of the Postal Services Department, Haji Hairul Mohd Daud bin Haji Abdul Karim signed the MoU on behalf of the Brunei Government and CEO (Postal Services), Woo Keng Leong signed on behalf of Singapore Post Limited.

The MoU aims to create business opportunities and value-added services. Under this MoU, the two postal service providers will further collaborate to improve skills and capacity through knowledge transfer and developing new business ventures for Brunei Post.

|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

A QUALITY Control Circle (QCC) Convention for the Survey Department was held at the Ministry of Development yesterday.

Ten teams participated in the QCC Convention this year, after their projects were approved by the QCC Steering Committee of the Survey Department.

Acting Surveyor General at the Survey Department Arefin bin Haji Jaya attended as the guest of honour.

The panel of judges comprised officers Haji Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hassan from Business Management and Consultancy Services, Norarina binti Chuchu from the Civil Service Institute and Hajah Nona Lieza binti Haji Yahya from the Survey Department.

GeoSpatial Technology Section (GST) was the top winner of the convention, followed by PGS17/18 and Muta’alliq.

Muta’alliq presented on Pengunaan Kertas Yang Meningkat, while PGS17/18 (GSP) presented on Sistem Peralamatan Rumah Kurang Teratur, GST on Kelewatan Mengemaskini Rekod Pengeluaran Barang Gunahabis, Belait 17-18 on Maklumat Ukuran Yang Dibekalkan Kurang Memenuhi Keperluan Pasukan Luar, SAB presented on Kelambatan Proses Penghitungan Kerja Pengukuran, PKD TUT 17-18 on Kelambatan Penerbitan Plan Akui, MUK@AD 17-18 on Pengunaan Nama Stesen Kadaster Dalam Plan Ukur Kurang Informatif, PKA 17-18 on Pencapaian Latihan 100 Jam Tidak Mencapai Sasaran, TEM17-18 on Maklumat Tanah Ukuran Lama Kurang Selaras Dengan Ukuran Baru and UKD on Perolehan kerja-kerja pengukuran Luar Yang Tidak Selaras.

Survey Department officials attended the convention.

QCC is implemented in the public sector to ensure continuous improvement in productivity and quality.

|     James Kon     |

THE Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) yesterday launched and distributed pamphlets on crime prevention tips at the Police Headquarters in Jalan Tungku.

Commissioner of Police Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohd Jammy bin Haji Muhd Shah Al-Islam attended as the guest of honour.

The pamphlets offer six main tips:

– Secure Your Home – which advises the public to lock all doors and windows before going to bed or whenever they leave the house, to keep the home well-lit and install alarms and security cameras to deter thieves;

– Secure Your Vehicle – which is to never leave your vehicle running unattended, and lock all doors and close the windows whenever you leave your car, even if only for a moment;

– Hide Your Valuables – which is to avoid leaving valuables visible in the car. Bring them with you or store the valuables where they can’t be seen;

– Don’t Trust Them – which addresses investments that promise high returns and zero risk. If you are guaranteed to make money without doing anything, its best to seek advice from the Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD) or the police;

– Don’t Be Fooled – which advises the public to ignore any strange phone calls or messages saying they’ve won cash or asking for a call back;

– Watch Your Items – which is to avoid keeping items in your back pocket and to always be aware of your surroundings. Pickpockets will try to distract you before stealing your belongings.

The pamphlets also provide a list of contacts of all the police stations nationwide as well as its website.

The pamphlets were distributed to directors of departments under the RBPF and other government agencies, as well as village heads.

Criminal Investigation Department Acting Director ACP Haji Mohammad Hassan bin Pehin Penyurat Haji Ahmad highlighted in his speech that, “The Crime Prevention Tips pamphlet is one of the continuous efforts by the RBPF to raise public awareness so we can together reduce the crime rate in Brunei Darussalam by focussing on two major crimes – theft in homes as well as of cars, and fraud – where investment promises high return at no risk.”

He also noted that the pamphlet is available on the social media platform of the RBPF’s Instagram or upa.ppdb.

IT IS imperative that the world of work must adapt and accord to the needs of women whom by themselves are undeniable principal contributors to and integral actors in the formal labour market, said Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong.

He made these comments in his plenary statement on June 5 attending the 107th International Labour Conference (ILC) from June 4-7 in Geneva, Switzerland.

Credit is also given to the Report of the Director General of the International Labour Organization (ILO) related to the Women at Work Initiative that highlighted the employment-related challenges faced by women today including balancing family and work responsibilities as well as access to affordable care, he said.

Also attending the conference were Permanent Representative of Brunei Darussalam to Geneva Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Mahdi bin Pehin Orang Kaya Digadong Seri Diraja Dato Laila Utama Haji Abdul Rahman, Acting Commissioner of Labour and senior government officials from the Labour Department.

This year’s ILC, held from May 28 to June 8, discussed labour and employment issues related to the ILO cooperative framework in support of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, the possible formulation of an international labour standard relating to violence and harassment against women and men in the world of work, as well as a recurrent discussion on the strategic objective of social dialogue and tripartism under the follow-up to the ILO’s 2008 Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization.

In his plenary statement to the conference, the minister also applauded the ILO’s support of the Vientiane Declaration on Transition from Informal Employment to Formal Employment towards Decent Work Promotion adopted by ASEAN Heads of State during the 28th and 29th ASEAN Summits in Vientiane in 2016.

Prior to his plenary statement, the minister attended the ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Breakfast Meeting hosted by the Minister of Manpower of the Republic of Singapore at the Mandarin Oriental, Geneva.

At the 107th ILC, the minister also had bilateral discussions with Minister for Manpower of the Republic of Singapore Josephine Teo and Minister of

Manpower of the Republic of Indonesia Hanif Dhakiri. The ministers had mutually shared on the potential for future cooperative endeavours between their governments.

Brunei Darussalam has been a member state of the ILO since January 2007.

UNIVERSITI Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) have made Brunei proud, achieving commendable positions in the renowned Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings.

It is for the first time UTB has made its appearance in the prestigious global ranking in which the university has secured the 442nd position. UBD leapt up the QS rankings by a substantial 26 places, currently placed at 323 in the world.

Breaking into the QS World University Rankings for the first time last year in the top 1.3 per cent of all universities globally, UBD continues to show remarkable progress for a young 33-year-old university, a press statement issued by the institution said.

QS World Rankings is an annual publication of university rankings by QS and viewed as one of the three most-widely read university rankings in the world along with Academic Ranking of World Universities and Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

Among the indicators used to assess university performance covering Academic Reputation, Research, Teaching and Internationalisation, UBD’s strongest performance indicators are International Faculty where it ranked 51 globally, Faculty Student Ratio (ranked 61) and International Students (ranked 214).

These are significant improvements compared to the previous year. These indicators of teaching and learning show that UBD is fulfilling its vision and mission, continuing to provide the highest quality, state-of-the-art education for its students, the statement said.

The QS survey confirms that research activities at UBD have increased significantly over the years both in terms of research output and research impact.

Recent research publications in international peer-reviewed journals rose by 43 per cent from 706 to 1,010 and the number of QS normalised citations, which measures research impact, also increased by 71 per cent. The university’s latest Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) is 1.38, which shows UBD had 38 per cent more citations in 2017 than the global average. UBD is now considered a “High Research Intensive” university internationally.

“UBD continues to focus on high quality academic research which is aligned with the National Vision, 2035, that not only has high academic value but also has economic and social impact and applied relevance. This includes strategic areas such as alternative energy research, biodiversity and the environment including herbal and medicinal plant research, Islamic banking and finance, Islamic governance, data analytics and cybersecurity.

“This is in line with the titah by 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, Chancellor of UBD, during the university’s 29th Convocation Ceremony where the monarch highlighted research as a crucial factor in the efforts to raise the status of the university. His Majesty said, ‘Research is the one factor that sets apart a university from other institutions of higher learning,’” the UBD statement said.

A major development for UBD which has an impact on its QS reputation is the establishment of its first overseas campus in 2017, the UBD-FPT Global Centre in Da Nang, Vietnam. It is also the first overseas campus by an ASEAN university in Vietnam.

A collaboration with FPT University, the centre aims to be a leading centre in ASEAN for English Language training.

The overseas campus has already resulted in employment opportunities for a number of Bruneians.

The centre also envisages joint research and development in the field of computing.

UBD takes its research a step further by encouraging its students to additionally develop an entrepreneurial mindset in helping to achieve its goal of becoming a ‘University of Innovation and Enterprise’.

With sustained efforts over the years, UBD has now filed 53 patents in Brunei Darussalam and other international geographies. In the United States alone, UBD has filed 35 patents.

Year 2018 marks a major milestone where UBD signed an agreement with Smart Coating Technologies (B) Sdn Bhd, a homegrown company, to commercialise one of its patents dealing with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal smart coating.

This is evidence of how UBD draws even closer to seeing its students grow beyond the traditional mindset of landing jobs in the government sector immediately after graduating.

“Congratulations to UBD on the fruits of their labour, the clear result of commitment, dedication and hard work,” said Minister of Education and Chair of UBD Council Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman. “To steadily climb up the ranks is something Brunei Darussalam, the institution and its alumni can be proud of,” he added.

While rising up the ranks is a major achievement, UBD’s key mission and focus remains in educating and training of graduates who are future-ready, marketable and able to face the challenges of an ever-changing world. A multi-disciplinary approach to teaching and learning across the faculties also promotes a holistic development of its graduates.

This is part of UBD’s vision to be a university of lifelong learning. It instils a passion for continuing education among its students and for the citizens of Brunei to upgrade their skills.

The Centre for Lifelong Learning (C3L) recently launched several initiatives including its first online blended learning programme, Bachelor of Science in Digital Economy and recently the Master of Government.

“Alhamdulillah, UBD has continued to grow and enhance its international reputation as a highly recognised and respected institution. This could only be possible with the hard work, collaborative efforts and dedication of all its staff and our students,” Vice-Chancellor of UBD Datin Dr Hajah Anita Binurul Zahrina binti Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Aziz, said.

“Insya Allah UBD will continue to strive to become a worldclass university and fulfil its primary goal of producing highly educated and well-trained graduates with the necessary skills for the workforce and nation building, particularly in helping to achieve the Vision 2035.”

UTB makes grand debut

Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Brunei has made its first appearance in the Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings (QRWUR). The university was screened and evaluated against 4,763 institutions from 151 countries taken from the five QS regional rankings.

Although 1,011 universities met the criteria and qualified to be included in the ranking, only 1,000 universities from 85 countries have been published in the QSWUR 2019 this year.

The QS team analysed the institution’s Teaching, Employability, Research Strength and Internationalisation using six main performance metrics, namely Academic Reputation Survey, Employer Reputation Survey, Faculty-Student Ratio, Citation per Faculty and International Faculty.

UTB performed particularly well in the Faculty Student Ratio and International Faculty indicators, globally ranking 158 and 77 respectively and signalling the university’s commitment to high-quality teaching and its attractiveness to academic staff internationally.

UTB is among the eight new universities in Southeast Asia making its debut entry in QSWUR 2019. According to the Deputy Director of Planning and Development Office at the university Dr Lim Tiong Hoo, “UTB is also one of the fastest growing young universities to be ranked in QSWUR, only eight months after being included for the first time in the QS Asia University Ranking 2018 at 165 in October last year.”

Vice-Chancellor of UTB Professor Dr Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman sees this recognition as an impetus for further growth of the young university.

“Alhamdulillah, thanks to the inspiring leadership of His Majesty, the support of His Majesty’s Government and the hard work of everyone in the university, UTB is now standing proudly among some of the world’s reputable universities in its 10th year as a university this year. This achievement is a testament to the immense potential of UTB and a reflection of the quality of higher education in the country.”

According to a statement issued by the university, “The ranking exercise also provides UTB with vital indicators and benchmarks that are useful when it develops its policies and plans strategically for the next phase of its development.

“His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in a titah at the UTB Convocation in 2015, called upon UTB to be more ambitious in positioning itself among the world’s renowned universities through perseverance and quality education system. UTB places high importance to its engagement with the industry stakeholders to enrich teaching and learning at the university.

“Academic programmes are developed and reviewed with close consultation with the industry and other stakeholders.

“Local and international industry practitioners are also involved as adjunct staff of the university, enabling students to benefit from the first-hand knowledge and experience of the industry.

“UTB is also vigorously pursuing professional accreditation of its academic programmes in an effort to ensure that the academic rigour in UTB prepares its graduates for the demands of the various professions, thereby enhancing their employability,” the statement added.

|     Azlan Othman     |

HIS Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, Chairman of the Committee of Governors of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, yesterday attended a Tahlil ceremony for Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam and Al-Marhumah Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Bendahara Pengiran Anak Abdul Rahman, the late parents of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

The annual activity of the foundation was held at the Royal Mausoleum in Jalan Tutong.

The Surah Yaasiin and Tahlil recitations were led by Syariah Appeal Court Judge Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Setia Raja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Suhaili bin Haji Mohiddin.

His Royal Highness later poured Ayer Asah-Asahan on the tombs of the late parents of His Majesty.

Present at the ceremony were Minister of Defence II and Chairman of the Yayasan Board of Directors Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof; Minister of Finance II and Deputy Chairman of Yayasan Board of Directors Dato Seri Paduka Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah; members of the Yayasan Board of Directors including Minister of Development Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar, Minister of Education Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman, Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar and Deputy Minister of Finance Dato Paduka Awang Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman; Managing Director of Yayasan Dato Paduka Eddie bin Dato Paduka Haji Sunny; members of the Board of Trustee of Pengiran Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah Fund for Orphans; officers and staff of Yayasan; teachers of YSHHB schools as well as residents of RPN Kampong Bolkiah ‘A’ and ‘B’.

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 yesterday attended the Royal Ceremonial Funeral of Al-Marhumah Yang Amat Mulia Enche’ Besar Hajah Khalsum, mother of Sultan of Johor, at Istana Besar Johor Bahru.

Al-Marhumah Yang Amat Mulia Enche’ Besar Hajah Khalsum binti Abdullah passed away on June 1 at King Edward VII Hospital, London at the age of 83.

Upon arrival at the Senai International Airport in Johor, His Majesty was greeted by Yang Amat Mulia Tunku Abdul Rahman Hassanal Jeffri ibni Sultan Ibrahim, Tunku Panglima Johor. A Doa Selamat was recited by Haji Mohd Nazri bin Haji Ali, Imam Daerah Muar.

Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

From the airport, His Majesty and His Royal Highness proceeded to attend the funeral. Upon arrival at Istana Besar Johor, His Majesty was greeted by members of the Johor Council of Royal Court. His Majesty then proceeded to the Throne Hall where the monarch was welcomed by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Iskandar, Sultan Yang Di-Pertuan of Johor Darul Takzim and other members of the royal family.

His Majesty together with His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim then proceeded to pay their final respect to Al-Marhumah Yang Amat Mulia Enche’ Besar Hajah Khalsum before performing the Jenazah prayer, led by Religious Advisor of Johor Darul Takzim Dato’ Haji Nooh bin Gadot.

The monarch together with His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and members of the royal family then joined the funeral procession towards the Bukit Mahmoodiah Royal Mausoleum. Al-Marhumah Yang Amat Mulia Enche’ Besar Hajah Khalsum was laid to rest at the mausoleum before Zohor prayer.

Before leaving the mausoleum, the monarch was bid farewell by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim.

Also present at the Senai International Airport to bid farewell to His Majesty was Tunku Panglima Johor.

|     James Kon     |

FIBA (International Basketball Association) called on the Brunei Basketball Association (BBA) to set long-term goals to develop the sport in the country.

FIBA Oceania Executive Director David Crocker, in an interview with the Bulletin, said the FIBA stands ready to provide value added assistance to help the association to reach its goals. Crocker was in the country to address the BBA committee and take a look at the facilities as well observe the training of the national team.

“One of the key things that we want to do is help the federation do better to manage basketball in the country and we need to ask the association on what they want to achieve and where they want to go,” said Crocker. “We want to help the association become better.”

“I hope to come back to have a conversation on how they want to execute their plan. I saw the facilities and the team preparation to get the context of the situation. I want to know what Brunei has to start a conversation on how to help the country develop basketball,” he added.

Speaking on the facilities, he commended the association for their progress. “I think the association has done a great job of having a good practice venue. The flooring is good and the infrastructure is being renovated continuously. I am pleased there is a good training venue and the base for the association,” he added.

NBA G-League Assistant Coach Damien Cotter is in the country to help shape the Brunei national basketball team for the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualification to be held from June 26 – 30 in Nontahburi, Thailand.

“Our role is to support the association and the national coach to get the team ready. Damien is here to share information and ideas for Brunei’s coach to build on. They will have a relationship for the rest of their life. Damian is a coach who will continuously contribute despite not being in Brunei,” said Crocker. “FIBA wants to see more people bouncing the ball than kicking the ball. This is a big ambition. In ASEAN, we want more people playing, officiating and coaching. We want to see a stronger performance from the national team and league.”

Speaking on coaching, he said, “We can have visits from experienced coaches and global training courses. Last year FIBA invited coaches from ASEAN to Singapore for a clinic.”

“There must be a strong federation that has consistent programmes to develop basketball and start young. In the Philippines, by the time the players are competing in the senior team, young players would have already played in 10 or 15 international games to enhance fundamentals and refine their game as well as learn tactics by the time they are seniors,” he said.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

BRUNEI Darussalam young footballers Muhammad Danish Izz Syahmi bin Md Bahrin and Mohd Danish Ataullah bin Md Riduwan will represent the country at the global Football for Friendship (F4F) of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Moscow, Russia.

The F4F programme, supported by Gazprom and FIFA, aims at developing youth football and a healthy lifestyle as well as promoting tolerance, open-mindedness and respect of different cultures and nationalities between children from across the globe.

Brunei Darussalam joins the programme for the first time and will participate alongside 211 other countries and regions.

Mohd Danish Ataullah, who primarily plays as a goalkeeper, will join one of the 32 International Teams of Friendship competing in the Gazprom Football for Friendship International Championship.

The friendly tournament aims to bring together children from around the world and celebrate the unifying spirit of football.

Muhammad Danish Izz Syahmi will also act as a young journalist and will report on all the local and global activities of the F4F programme as part of the International Children’s Press Centre. He will also help spread awareness on the nine values of friendship, equality, fairness, health, peace, devotion, victory, traditions and honour of the F4F programme.

Mohd Danish Ataullah and Mohd Danish Izz Syahmi will also participate in the Sixth Football for Friendship International Children’s Forum in Russia, which will allow the youngsters 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 F4F programme will conclude with a visit by the participating children to the Opening Ceremony and the first match of the FIFA World Cup between Russia and Saudi Arabia.

Speaking on the selection of the young ambassadors, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, President of the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) said, “The selection of the young ambassadors from Brunei Darussalam is an extension of our support to this unique global initiative.”

Meanwhile, Cheah Swee Ming of Projek Ikan Pusu said, “I believe this is the first time ever that Brunei Darussalam has ever been represented at the biggest sporting event in the world: the FIFA World Cup.”

NFABD Under-14 Head Coach Mohd Ikhmarol Izzat bin Haji Omar and PIP Under-14 Coach Mohd Adi Shahirol Izzat bin Haji Omar are accompanying the delegates.

Present to bid the delegation farewell at the Brunei International Airport were officials from NFABD.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

THE Community Development Department of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) in collaboration with YMRM Enterprise organised a charity event for over 400 special needs individuals on Wednesday at the ministry’s building in Jalan Kebangsaan in conjunction with the holy month of Ramadhan.

The event, a Sungkai and presentation of donations sponsored by YMRM Enterprsie, was held to spread festive joy for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, in a continuous effort to take care of the welfare of differently abled individuals in the country.

The guest of honour were 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 and spouse, Datin Hajah Norhayana Janis binti Abdullah Lim. Also present were the special needs individuals, teachers and staff from Pusat Bahagia.

The minister and his spouse handed over green packets containing donations from the Association of Wives of Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and Deputy Permanent Secretaries and Affiliated members to the special needs individuals and teachers of Pusat Bahagia.

Chairman of YMRM Enterprise Ramesh Jiwatram Bhawnani also handed over goodie bags and green packets sponsored by YMRM Enterprise.

The event commenced with a mass recitation of Tahlil led by Awangku Md Syukri bin Pengiran Damit, who is diagnosed with Down Syndrome. The religious teacher of Pusat Bahagia, Ustaz Haji Nuurmatin bin Haji Abu Bakar read the Doa Tahlil and Doa Selamat.

MCYS expressed hope that more individuals and organisations will come forward to hold similar events. “Aside from fostering closer ties with the differently abled community, the ministry also encourages more volunteers to actively support their welfare,” the ministry said in a statement.

YMRM Enterprise also hoped to continue engaging in charitable projects as part of its commitment in giving back to the community.

Also present at the event were Permanent Secretary at the MCYS Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil and senior officials from MCYS and Pusat Bahagia.

|     Daniel Lim     |

FIVE households with less fortunate individuals in the Belait District were handed donations in the form of food items and basic necessities as part of the annual Kembara Amal Ramadhan programme of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and Community Development Department (JAPEM) on Tuesday morning.

The programme was aimed at lessening the burden of the needy and the less fortunate throughout the country in Ramadhan and to help them in their preparations for Hari Raya.

The contributions were handed over by a group of officers and staff from the MCYS and JAPEM.

Among them was the Acting Director of the Youth Development and Sports Division Haji Rosmadee bin Haji Mohd Daud.

Legislative Council (LegCo) member and Village Head of Kampung Labi 1 Yang Berhormat Hanapi bin Mohd Siput, Head of JAPEM for the Belait District Noridah binti Haji Ishak and Acting Village Head of Kampong Lumut 1 Haji Abdul Azizi bin Haji Abdul Gani were also present.

One of the recipients, Nur Aini Nazihah binti Mohd Jofri, 21, who suffers from cerebral palsy, a movement disorder, told the Bulletin that she is grateful for the donation from MCYS and JAPEM.

“It’s a great thing to receive these donations yearly from MCYS and JAPEM. We are really grateful for this. It really helps me and my family during Ramadhan and in our preparations for Aidilfitri,” said Nur Aini Nazihah, who was accompanied by her family members.

Another recipient, Hajah Disa binti Haji Wahid, 78, was similarly delighted to receive the contributions, emphasising that the aid will go a long way in helping her large family. “I have the responsibility of taking care of my 16 children, some of whom are unemployed,” she said.

Also receiving the aid were Julaimahwati binti Masri, Mohammad Hazari bin Wahid and Rusli bin Matamit.

Meanwhile, a separate religious event also part of the Kembara Amal Ramadhan programme was held the same morning at the STKRJ Lorong Tiga Selatan Seria Mosque.

More than 140 participants comprising students and teachers from various government and private secondary schools, religious schools and Arabic schools from the Belait District, as well as members from the Youth Development Centre, Belait District Youth and Sports Association, a number of government agencies, and the STKRJ Lorong Tiga Selatan Seria Mosque Takmir Committee participated in the event.

Besides encouraging youth to get more involved in religious activities, the Kembara Amal Ramadhan programme aimed to foster closer ties between the youth and the associations and government agencies involved in the events held under it, as well as to enliven the holy month of Ramadhan through conducting Al-Quran recitation and understanding sessions.

Present at the religious event as the guest of honour was Yang Berhormat Hanapi. Also in attendance were Permanent Secretary at the MCYS Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil and various heads of department under the MCYS in the Belait District.

The ceremony began with a recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by the guest of honour, followed by a mass Al-Quran verses recitation, where the participants read Surah Adh-Dhuha to Surah Al-Masad of Al-Quran.

The event also included a reading of Takhtim Al-Quran and Tahlil, as well as a recitation of Doa Khatam and a Dikir Marhaban performance by participants. The mosque Imam then led a reading of the Doa Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam.

To bring the event to a close, the guest of honour on behalf of MCYS presented several Waqaf items comprising a high pressure water gun and several emergency lights to the mosque.

Head Imam Md Shahirwandy bin Samsudin receivied the donation on behalf of the STKRJ Lorong Tiga Selatan Seria Mosque.

|     Aziz Idris     |

SIX volunteers from Hand4handbn, a local non-governmental organisation (NGO) focussed on humanitarian relief work, left for Bangladesh yesterday for an aid mission dubbed ‘Ramadan4Rohingya’ to distribute 25,000 ready-to-eat food packs to refugees in Cox’s Bazar.

Hand4handbn founder Iqbal Damit, who is experienced in the distribution of food aid and humanitarian relief at the refugee camps, is leading the mission.

According to Iqbal, the ready-to-eat food packs have safely arrived in a nearby city in Cox’s Bazar. His team, together with other aid volunteers will set up two stations to distribute the packs in two days. Each recipient will be given three packs.

The food packs, locally made by Saahtain Asia Sdn Bhd, were part of the crowdfunding initiative launched by the NGO last April.

Last November, Iqbal and his team distributed 1,000 similar food packs among the Rohingya. As most refugees do not have the resources to cook their own food or prepare hygienic meals, supplying ready-to-eat food packs is the most convenient and effective way to distribute aid.

This mission marks the first time the team will be at the camp during Ramadhan and the vast majority of both refugees and other aid workers are expected to observe a daily fast – with nowhere to hide from the hot and humid weather conditions during this time of the year.

“We have prepared ourselves mentally and physically, and I am confident that the team will carry out their tasks in order to complete the mission,” Iqbal said.

However, he was quick to point out that it will be more emotionally challenging to see the situation at the camps, as it was felt even more keenly during Ramadhan, a month of piety, charity, feasting and celebration elsewhere in the Muslim world.

“Some of them may not have eaten for days, especially during Iftar or Sahur. We know the food packs may not reach everyone, but we want to ease some of the burden of our fellow Muslims during the fasting month,” he added.

During the trip, the team will also help construct 10 new tube wells funded by Bruneian donors at the refugee camps for clean water supply. Hand4handbn has helped in constructing 60 tube wells in previous missions.

Hand4handbn has done volunteer work in Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, with the latest one in Bangladesh. The organisation’s strategy is to work with a local NGO in the host country. In Bangladesh, the team previously worked at the Rohingya refugee camp in Balukhali, Cox’s Bazar.