|     Fadhil Yunus     |

DPMM FC head coach Rene Weber has fixed his sights for second place stressing the importance of the crucial tie against Tampines Rovers in the Singapore Premier League at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium tonight.

Tampines Rovers’ recent loss to champions-elect Albirex Niigata (S) opened the door for the Brunei side to reduce the gap to a single point with a game in hand.

It is an important night for the Stags too who could concede the title if they lose and the White Swans notching a record-breaking 17th consecutive victory against Young Lions.

“If we win tomorrow, we can think about another position (second). We have been working hard for five months and we have the capacity to do more as a team,” said Weber in an interview after a training session at the Jerudong Mini Stadium yesterday.

He also praised the opponents who are equipped with fine individual qualities.

“Tampines are a good and experienced team and they have six good players,” the head coach added highlighting the strengths of Japanese forward Ryutaro Megumi and Jordan Webb.

“They have quality and experience. They have been together for three years with the same way to play. In some games, they are comfortable to play so we must give them pressure.

“I believe tomorrow will be a very good game because they must win and if they don’t they are out for the title.”

Weber indicated that opposition with such strength could help bring the players into a higher level especially their motivation.

“This group of teams (Tampines, Albirex and Home United) are strong and it will help put our level up if we beat them and we will gain more confidence and power to show our opponent how to play good football.

“This game is very important to us to keep our level up and our motivation up and to show our conditions how to do a good season.

“I believe in our team. We have good quality here and it is about preparing them to do better. When you improve our physical strength and strategy and how to play against opponents, we will improve.”

|     Aziz Idris     |

FRESH from their conquest at Borneo Jazz Talent Show 2018, Brunei’s experimental rock band Perfect Scums announced the release of their third album LUNA, which literally translates to ‘moon’ in Spanish.

The flagship song from the album, Dreaming, has a mixture of funk, R&B and electronic sound already featured and co-produced by Progresif Cellular’s Volume 2 of the ‘Locals Only’ edition.

Perfect Scums does not shy away from experimenting with genres when writing and producing music; back in 2012, the band recorded their first ever album Social A from inside a bathroom due to the ‘acoustics’.

“I guess it gave us hope that if people liked our music despite knowing it came from the toilet, why should we stop?” said the band’s frontman Malai Jazly.

In 2014, the band released Chapter 13 in which the band started experimenting with synthesisers. Their follow-up Long Play (LP) in 2016, Electronic Heartbeats, introduced a heavier contrast in their guitar-synthesisers mix, focussing more on the latter.

“We were completely inspired by 1980s synth-pop (synthesiser pop) bands and experimented with using 80 per cent synthesisers in the entire album. The album itself was met with mixed reviews, some people feeling unsure of the change because this was quite a leap, and probably our ‘poppiest’ album yet,” Malai Jazly said.

“However, we have come to the fact that we can never impress everyone as artistes. We stuck to our guns and continued on to try new things such as LUNA.”

Recording of LUNA began in April last year with some songs that didn’t make it to neither previous albums as it was not “fitting with our ideas” at the time.

According to Malai Jazly, with every album, the band always try to better themselves and pushing the boundaries with what each member can do within their capabilities, both technically and creatively.

He added, “We chose the moon (LUNA) as a symbol of our album theme this time around because of its aesthetic and meaning. The moon can be both peaceful and yet frightening, depending on the context it is in.”

LUNA is now available on all streaming sites such as Deezer, Spotify, Shazam, GooglePlay and iTunes. Fans can also visit the official website at www.perfectscums.com.

|     James Kon     |

FIVE locals and two permanent residents suspected of drug abuse were arrested during an operation codenamed Operasi Kilat by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on July 13.

The operation involved 34 officers and targetted areas where suspicious drug-related activities were believed to take place. Three men were arrested during a raid at a house in Kampong Sungai Lampai. Officers also seized a modified utensil believed to be used for drug consumption.

In a separate case, four men were arrested for suspected drug abuse at the Dermaga Diraja area, with repeated offenders among them. The suspects admitted to previous illegal activities.

The suspects are investigated under Section 6 (b) of the Misuse of Drug Act (MDA) chapter 27 for consumption of controlled drugs, which carries a penalty of imprisonment of up to 10 years, or a fine of BND20,000, or both.

Second and subsequent offences under Section 6 (b) of MDA, Chapter 27 carries a mandatory penalty of three years of imprisonment.

The suspects will also face penalties of imprisonment of up to three years, or a fine of BND10,000, or both for the possession of utensils used for drug consumption under Section 7 of MDA, chapter 27.

The NCB reminded the public to abide laws, and that drug offences, as well as involvement in any form of illegal drug activities are regarded as serious offences.

Members of the public can contact BKN at 2448877 (office hours), hotline 8777444 (after working hours), or e-mail ncb@narcotics.gov.bn if they have information on drug abuse activities.

|     Azaraimy HH     |

SEVERAL road closures in Pekan Tutong are set to take place during the Junjung Ziarah (get-together) ceremony with 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 tomorrow.

With thousands of people expected to gather at the get-together venue, the ceremonial field of the Tutong District Civic Centre Complex, the public are urged to follow regulations and police instructions throughout the day to ensure that the ceremony runs smoothly.

This was stated by Tutong District Police Traffic Officer ASP Dayangku Husmawati binti Pengiran Hussin during a press conference on the road closure yesterday.

Among the roads to be closed during the day include the one leading from Simpang No 59 – which is the area near the TelBru building – until Simpang Jalan Sungai Besar, from 8.30am.

Meanwhile, the road from Simpang Jalan Sungai Besar until the junction leading to the Tutong District Officer’s official residence will be closed starting 9.30am to clear the way for the arrival of His Majesty.

The public are reminded not to park their cars at the pedestrian walkway and in areas with ‘No Parking’ signs.

ASP Dayangku Husmawati advised all motorists without special passes to follow instructions to prevent any untoward incidents. Invited guests are to display their special passes for easier access to designated parking zones. They are also advised to be present at the venue before 8am.

“Members of the public attending the event are advised to arrive much earlier and park their cars at designated locations. They should also not leave valuable items in their cars,” added ASP Dayangku Husmawati.

|     Azlan Othman     |

LCY Development Sdn Bhd was issued with a temporary notice of suspension of their Rent and Hire Licence for three months and another driver of the company was fined BND500 for a fourth offence of carrying excessive load.

Nine drivers from several transport companies were also compounded during a patrol by the Enforcement Division of the Land Transport Department (JPD) recently at Jalan Kuala Lurah, Jalan Perusahaan Serasa, Muara Area and Telisai-Lumut Highway.

The offences included carrying excessive loads and BND50 fine for it (for first offence). Offences such as installing coloured lights other than white in front of the vehicle and offence for driving with a bald tyre and in poor condition come with a BND50 compound fine (for first offence) and six Driver Safety Practice System (SiKAP) demerit points. A fine of BND100 (first offence) and three SiKAP demerit points were also imposed on falling loads from the vehicle.

The JPD will continue patrolling and monitoring the roads to ensure the safety, wellbeing and comfort of the public, especially road users.

Any driver failing to comply with the road traffic rules and regulations will be subjected to SiKAP’s demerit points and fine, while the Rent and Hire Licence of transportation companies will be suspended for three months.

Towards mutually enhancing road safety, the public can channel complaints related to road traffic offences by contacting the JPD Enforcement Division hotline and JPD Enforcement through WhatsApp at 7292017 or to WhatsApp Darussalam line at 8333123.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

THE Department of Councils of State (JMM) yesterday received a courtesy call from the People’s Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia at the Legislative Council Building in Jalan Menteri Besar.

Legislative Council (LegCo) Speaker Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib received the delegation, which was led by its Vice Speaker Dr H M Hidayat Nur Wahid.

The courtesy call provided a platform for both sides to enhance bilateral, exchange views and ideas, as well as learn about best practices that can be implemented.

Following the courtesy call was a bilateral meeting between the People’s Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia and LegCo members.

LegCo member Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Putera Maharaja Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Ghani bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Dewa Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Rahim led the council.

Discussions were held on various matters, including common interests and ways to further strengthen relations between Brunei and Indonesia.

Cabinet Ministers’ Council Secretary and Clerk to the Legislative Council Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Jaya Dato Paduka Haji Judin bin Haji Asar as well as senior officials from JMM were also in attendance.

FOR the sixth consecutive year, Baiduri Bank was awarded the ‘Domestic Retail Bank of the Year for Brunei 2018’ from the Asian Banking & Finance Magazine and the ‘Credit Card Initiative of the Year for Brunei 2018’ for the very first time.

Head of Retail Banking and Branch Network at Baiduri Bank Pengiran Azaleen bin Pengiran Dato Haji Mustapha received the Domestic Retail Bank award on behalf of the bank and Baiduri Bank’s Head of Card Business Andy Yong received the Credit Card Initiative award during a ceremony at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore on July 12.

“We are honoured to be recognised by the Asian Banking & Finance magazine as the Domestic Retail Bank in Brunei for the sixth consecutive time as well as receiving the Credit Card Initiative award for the first time.”

|     Hakim Hayat     |

APPLICATIONS for the Technical and Vocational Education Scholarship Scheme (BPTV) for the academic session 2018-2019 at five local private education institutions are now open to eligible local students, the Ministry of Education (MoE) announced yesterday.

The scholarship, offered by 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 is a scheme under the 11th National Development Plan which is envisaged to fulfil the increasing demand for technical and vocational education in the country.

Shedding more light on the scholarship’s application process in a press conference at the MoE Complex in Old Airport, Head of Scholarship Section Julaihi bin Mohamat said some of the objectives of the scheme is to provide the opportunity for local ‘O’ Level leavers to pursue higher education, enhance the skills, qualifications and marketability of locals and financially assist eligible students who have no ability to fund their education.

He added that the scheme is also in line with the country’s Vision 2035 that envisages the creation of highly educated and skilled citizens.

Applicants must be citizens and permanent residents of Brunei Darussalam who have concluded their ‘O’ Levels with three credits and below or an equivalent qualification; must fulfil the entry requirements in courses offered by the institutions and must not be employed in the government or private sector.

An estimated 150 scholarships are expected to be awarded in the academic year under the scheme and priority will be given to applicants who come from a less privileged family background.

The scholarship, offered for full-time study only, covers the full tuition costs including registration and examination fees for all offered courses and also includes a BND45 monthly transportation allowance for each scholarship recipient.

Julaihi further shared that five private higher education institutions have been selected to offer specific courses for the scheme. They are Kolej International Graduate Studies (KIGS) for its October 2018 intake and Laksamana College of Business (LCB), Micronet International College (MIC), Cosmopolitan College of Commerce and Technology (CCCT) and Kemuda Institute (KI) – all for September 2018 intake.

Scholarships are available for KIGS’ courses in Certificate in Electronic Media Production and Certificate in Art and Design while for LCB, scholarships are available for its Pearson BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Business (QCF).

At MIC, scholarships are available for its courses Pearson BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Information Technology (QCF), NCC Education Level 3 Diploma in Computing (L3DC) and SQA National Certificate in Mobile Technology in Mobile Technology (SCQF Level 5).

At CCCT, scholarships are for its courses Pearson BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Information Technology (QCF), Pearson BTEC International Level 2 Certificate in Business (QCF), Pearson BTEC International Level 2 Certificate in Creative Media Production (QCF), Pearson BTEC Level 1 Introductory Diploma in Business, Pearson BTEC Level 1 Introductory Diploma in Digital Media (QCF) and Pearson BTEC Level 1 Introductory Diploma in Information Technology (QCF).

Meanwhile at KI, scholarships for courses Pearson BTEC Level 2 Certificate in Information Technology (QCF) and NCC Education Level 3 Diploma in Computing are on offer.

Students, especially ‘O’ Level candidates, who fulfil the criteria, are welcome to submit their applications. Applicants must first obtain offer letters from the respective private higher education institutions on their preferred courses.

The scholarship application form can be downloaded from www.moe.gov.bn.

The completed soft copy of the form should be emailed to scholarship@moe.gov.bn and the hardcopy must be submitted to the Scholarship Section, MoE, Block C, 5th Floor, MoE Complex in Old Airport. The closing date of applications is on July 31 at 4pm.

For more information on the application process, members of the public can refer to the Scholarship Section of MoE by visiting directly, or call 2380019, or through email scholarship@moe.gov.bn. To inform the availability of the BPTV scholarship scheme and to ensure that it will be utilised fully by the public, MoE will also hold roadshows in all four districts in the presence of representatives of all the five higher education institutions.

Those interested are encouraged to attend the roadshows to consult with MoE officers and representatives from the institutes and are urged to bring documents such as education certificates.

The roadshows will be held at the Bumiputera Complex Hall in the Temburong District on July 19, from 10am to noon; School of Aviation, IBTE Sultan Saiful Rijal Campus in the Brunei-Muara District on July 21, from 9am to 11.30am; IBTE Sultan Bolkiah Campus in the Belait District on July 23, from 8.30am to 11am and Tutong Sixth Form Centre in the Tutong District the same day from 2pm to 4pm.

Also present at the press conference were Head of Private Education Section at the MoE Hajah Noridah binti Abdullah and Executive Secretary at the Secretariat of the Brunei Darussalam National Accreditation Council at the MoE Rosimah Sumaimah binti Haji Matassim.

HIS Royal Highness Prince 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, yesterday morning received in separate audiences the newly appointed envoys to Brunei Darussalam.

His Royal Highness first received in audience Ambassador of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) to Brunei Darussalam Phonethavy Boutdara. The ambassador formerly held the post of Director-General of Press Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR.

Phonethavy Boutdara presented his Letter of Credence to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam on July 7.

His Royal Highness then received in audience Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Brunei Darussalam Yoon Hyun-bong. The ambassador had served as the Chair of the Fair Trade Committee, Seoul Metropolitan Government, Republic of Korea.

Yoon Hyun-bong presented her Letter of Credence to His Majesty on July 7.

Shortly after, His Royal Highness received in audience Ambassador of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to Brunei Darussalam U Htin Lynn. The ambassador previously served as Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.

U Htin Lynn also presented his Letter of Credence to His Majesty on July 7.

The audience ceremony took place at Qashr Al-Meezaan.

|     Aziz Idris     |

CLAD in ceremonial attire, thousands of the nation’s uniformed personnel attended 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 72nd birthday banquet, held at Istana Nurul Iman yesterday night.

The palace’s Banquet Hall was filled with guests from Brunei’s multi-level security agencies as well as uniformed organisations and associations.

When His Majesty arrived with Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam at the main Banquet Hall, the guests stood as a mark of respect.

Accompanying Their Majesties were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman.

Also in attendance at the grand feast were His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah binti Pengiran Haji Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Norhayati binti Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahman; Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam.

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

Towards the end of the banquet, Their Majesties and members of the royal family proceeded to meet and greet the guests.

Those attending the banquet comprised personnel from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Royal Brunei Police Force, Fire and Rescue Department, Prisons Department, National Service Programme (PKBN), Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association, Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent Society as well as army and police cadets and members of several other organisations.

The annual Royal Banquet for uniformed personnel signifies His Majesty’s appreciation for their continuing efforts and dedication in promoting peace, security and stability for the development of the country.

|     James Kon     |

NINE teams will be vying to lift this year’s YOU-C 1000 Basketball Cup held in conjunction with the 72nd 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.

Group A comprises YTE Basketball Team, Teo and Son, Tutong Basketball, Cleanwash Laundry and Menglait Basketball Club while Group B has Cereamic Pro Brunei, Walltique, Easyway and Fu Zhou Shiyyi Association.

To up the competition, YTE Basketball Team, Teo and Son, Easyway and Fu Zhou Shiyyi Association have sought the service of imports players.

The teams will be vying for the total prize of BND3,500 where the champions will walk away BND2,000 with medals and a trophy. The second place team will go home with BND1,000 with medals and a trophy. Third place finishers will get BND500 with medals and a trophy.

The tournament received a boost yesterday with sponsorship from YOU-C 1000 to become the title sponsor and the official sport drink provider to the tournament.

Manager of Hui Huang Enterprise – representative of YOU-C 1000 – Katherine Hii handed over the sponsorship cheque of BND10,000 to the Organising Chairman Samuel Jong at the Brunei Basketball Association’s (BBA) basketball court. Also present was BBA Secretary General Lim Fung.

Kingsley Medical Supplies Sdn Bhd sponsored the STARBALM sport care products to the tournament. Medical Sales Executive Jason Paul Rumpun and Business Development Executive Carman Yee handed over the sponsorship to Samuel Jong.

The first match of the tournament on July 21 at 6.30pm will be Tutong Basketball against Cleanwash Laundry. The much anticipated match-up between Teo and Son against YTE Basketball Team will be at 8.30pm. All matches will be played at the BBA basketball court in Batu Bersurat.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

DPMM FC forward Adi Said rescued a point for his side during the 1-1 draw against Tampines Rovers in the Singapore Premier League at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium last night.

Tampines forward Khairul Amri broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time but the ‘Gegar Gegar’ men replied through Adi’s signature free-kick in the 58th minute.

DPMM FC head coach Rene Weber had to make noticeable changes with regulars Suhaimi Anak Sulau and Hendra Azam not available for selection while Azwan Salleh is still out.

Weber could only name Azwan Ali Rahman among the substitutes with Nurikhwan Othman and Najib Tarif making starts.

The hosts carved a clear-cut chance early on with Volodymyr Pryimov meeting Nurikhwan Othman’s cross with a firm header but Tampines goalkeeper Syazwan Buhari was equal to the task.

Adi Said released an early ball through the outside of his foot into the advancing Priyomov but Syazwan went off his line to claim the ball. Despite the ball slipping through his grasps and reaching the forward, the threat had disappeared as a few men got back for Tampines.

Tampines forward Ryutaro Megumi had a couple of opportunities on either side of the pitch after hitting the side-netting from a tight angle and then getting a foot which flew wide.

The visitors took the lead just shy off half-time as Khairul Amri rounded off a flowing move with a sublime strike.

DPMM FC in-form forward Adi Said dragged his side into level terms after scoring a free-kick for his ninth goal of the season.

Tampines defender Madhu Mohana sent a good ball into the path of Khairul Amri but the goal-scorer could not keep the ball down.

The hosts suffered a setback in the 71st minute after Yura Indera Putera was dismissed from the game for a straight red.

The Stags sought to make their numerical advantage count as Ryutaro side-stepped a defender before letting a strike fly which hits the side-netting.

The hosts then delivered a good ball into the box but no-one made the decisive contact which could have propelled them into the lead and possibly the winner.

But Tampines should have retaken the lead but Mohana contrived to head the ball straight to a grateful Haimie Anak Nyaring from point blank range after meeting a cross from Jordan Webb.

The hosts looked capable of producing a winner despite the apparent handicapped personnel as on the other end Pryimov skied an effort wide.

And it was DPMM FC who nearly had the game won but Pryimov’s effort was thwarted by Syazwan following good work from Adi at the death.

|     Daniel Lim     |

WHILE some families look to spend the weekend and public holidays at shopping centres, one family in the Belait District has been inspired to clean one of the beaches in the district.

Hajah Siti NorAin binti Haji Yusof, who led the campaign, told the Bulletin that while collecting driftwood from a beach on July 15, she noticed plastic items littered throughout.

“After seeing that, I told my family of the urgent need to help clean up the beach the next morning,” she said.

The next day, her family – made up of 11 adults and three children – did their part in helping to beautify the beach.

“We collected 29 bags of trash,” she explained, adding that the cleaning campaign had been fun.

She explained that due to the lack of proper equipment, they were unable to remove larger pieces of discards, rusty items and shards of glass.

“We hope others will be inspired to do the same to maintain the cleanliness of our beaches,” she said.

|     Achong Tanjong     |

TWENTY-SEVEN Sail Brunei 2018 participants left Brunei Darussalam last Monday after a 10-day stay in the country to continue their journey up north to the east of Sabah.

The Sail Brunei event is part of a three-month yacht rally starting from West Malaysia which explores the Borneo coasts including Brunei Darussalam.

The participants from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, France and the United States had the opportunity to witness 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 72nd birthday celebration procession in the capital on Sunday.

During their stay in the country, they visited the Teraja Waterfall in the Belait District and the Ulu Temburong National Park in the Temburong District.

They also enjoyed homestay experience at Kampong Sungai Bunga in Kampong Ayer (Water Village), learnt to cook local delicacies and played the traditional gulingtangan music instrument as well as entertained with a Joget dance performance by Kelab Komuniti Belia Tranformasi (KKBT) of the Youth Centre in the capital.

The participants also joined in the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration at the Youth Centre jointly organised by the Youth Centre BSB and KKBT.

This year marks the fifth year that Intrepid Management Services Sdn Bhd, a Brunei Tourism licensed tour operator, operates the Sail Brunei event.

The Tourism Development Department of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism supports and encourages initiatives by local tour operators such as Intrepid Management Services Sdn Bhd to bring in more tourists to Brunei, with the Sail Brunei event as one example to attract visitors to explore the country and experience the local culture.

The participants comprise husbands and wives and retired couples on an adventure to sail around the world. They came to Brunei by 13 yachts and docked at Kampong Sungai Bunga.

Managing Director of Intrepid Allan Riches said they were impressed with the local hospitality in Brunei and hoped to bring more tourists to visit the country, especially to Kampong Sungai Bunga.

The 13 yachts are SY Angel Wing, SY Berserker II, SY Enchantment, SY Gucci, SY Indigo II, SY Irie, SY Kinabalu, SY Kitcat, SY Leprechaun, SY Sedna, SY Simba I, SY Stars End 11 and SY Xamala.

BRUGOAT Farming and Trading Sdn Bhd is a goat and sheep breeding company located in Sungai Liang, Lot 3388, Simpang 1150, Kampong Gana in the Belait District.

The company, which began operations in December 2015, is managed by Hajah Rohzemah binti Haji Ismail, Ong Chek Thiam, Ong Chee Siong, Ong Chee Mang and Philip Ong Chee Leong.

The farm has 3,235 Boer goats and Dorper sheep imported from Australia, with 626 male goats and sheep – with average body weight of 25 to 50 kilogrammes – set aside as preparation for Aqiqah and Korban.

Its main objective is to increase the local production of goat and sheep meat as well as to serve as a local supplier of live Boer goats and Dorper sheep.

The company is the first to breed Dorper sheep intensively in Brunei and intends to introduce fresh Dorper meat to the local market. It employs an experienced goat and sheep veterinarian and 40 farm workers.

The farm has eight goat sheds (six are used as the main production sheds, the other two are smaller in size).

Each shed can accommodate 400 to 500 goats depending on the length of the stall. Regarding breeding of the Boer goats and Dorper sheep, the farm observed that within the Brunei environment, the livestock commonly produce sets of twins, a much less likely occurrence when bred in their country of origin in Australia.

Twin birth care is however more complicated and requires adequate nutrition and more specialised care when nursing the animals.

Where necessary, additional milk is provided for the mother and young to prevent maternal health deterioration and help reduce infant mortality.

Dorper sheep naturally have thick fleece or wool which needs to be sheared regularly to control their body temperature and maintain their hygiene.

Within the farm, the main management activities include separating the animals according to age, sex, reproductive stage (pregnant ewes and does), as well as readying livestock for customer viewing and sale.

For feeding, the goats and sheep are fed fodder grass such as Napier grass as well as supplemented with pellet concentrate and silage (fodder compacted and stored in airtight conditions to induce anaerobic fermentation, which breaks down the feed into a more nutritional and palatable state).

The farm practises good husbandry management to ensure the overall health and normal growth of the goats and sheep.

|     James Kon     |

TOURIST arrivals from China into the country via Brunei International Airport has been significantly increasing year on year.

The East Asian nation has emerged as a top 10 market for tourist arrivals for Brunei Darussalam in recent years. In 2016, Brunei Darussalam received 40,838 tourists from China, while in 2017 alone this figure increased to 52,391.

This sharp jump in tourist numbers is due, in large part, to the introduction of chartered flights to Brunei from Kunming and Nanning since 2017.

This year, Brunei Darussalam is receiving twice-a-week (Wednesday and Sunday) chartered flights from Kunming, while scheduled flights by Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) to and from Nanning are also being run.

The growing number of Chinese tourists visiting Brunei Darussalam was highlighted by Deputy Permanent Secretary (Tourism) at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism Wardi bin Haji Mohammad Ali, the guest of honour at the opening ceremony of the ‘Chinese Language Training for Chinese Tour Guide Teachers’ at Laksamana College of Business (LCB).

He hoped that “this number will continue to rise both through chartered flights and frequent travellers (FITs)”.

On recent developments with regard to chartered flight tourists, especially from South Korea and China, Wardi added, “We need to keep on finding ways to improve our services to these tourists. Like other tourists, we want them to feel welcomed, comfortable, safe and excited right from the moment they check in at the check-in counters overseas, board the planes, arrive at our airport, get the coaches to their hotels, check in at the hotels, visit the tourist attractions and enjoy the various activities while in the country, right up to the point when they check out of their hotels and head back to the airport and hop on the plane back to their countries.”

“Brunei’s well-preserved nature, low crime rate, peacefulness, tranquility and clean environment makes it a popular destination,” the Deputy Permanent Secretary said.

“The ministry’s vision is to significantly increase the number of tourists visiting Brunei Darussalam from 218,000 in 2015 to 450,000 tourists by 2020, and our mission is to strengthen our tourism products and improve the quality of the tourism services,” he said.

“Our other objectives are to increase the tourists’ length of stay, to see repeat visitors to Brunei, to see high quality and high-income tourists. We believe that achieving all these objectives can help in increasing tourism contribution to our GDP.”

Commenting on the ‘Chinese Language Training for Chinese Tour Guide Teachers’, he noted that the training is the first flagship project in tourism between Brunei and the ASEAN-China Centre.

The three-day programme seeks to improve the participants’ Chinese Language proficiency and guiding techniques when dealing with Chinese tourists, and is anticipated to open up job opportunities for the local youth who have attended it.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

BRUNEI Darussalam and Japan seek to boost its already strong friendship by forging closer contacts between people from both countries through different avenues such as more cultural and education exchange programmes and deeper cooperation in tourism, said the newly appointed Chairman of the Japan-Brunei Friendship Association (JBFA) Michiaki Hirose yesterday.

During a joint press conference between the newly appointed JBFA Chairman and President of the Brunei-Japan Friendship Association (BJFA) Dato Paduka Haji Hamdillah bin Haji Abdul Wahab at the Japanese Embassy in Brunei Darussalam in Jalan Kiulap yesterday, Hirose said that apart from a strong trade relationship between both countries, the recent years have seen many personal and cultural exchange that has contributed to deeper ties.

“The JBFA has contributed to the promotion of friendship between both countries through youth exchange programmes and has rendered its support for cultural events in Brunei,” added Hirose, while reaffirming the JBFA’s commitment to sustain the efforts.

Under his helm, the new chairman shared some of JBFA’s plans in enhancing Brunei-Japan friendship including a one-week industrial and cultural study tour for Bruneian university students to Japan. The JBFA will also be financially supporting the next Japanese language and culture week held by the Embassy of Japan in Brunei Darussalam, which is an event designed to raise awareness of the Japanese culture.

The new chairman also said he has met with the Bruneian Ambassador to Japan in an annual JBFA meeting recently in Japan, where he said both sides have reaffirmed each others’ goals towards the development of stronger relationship.

As the next host country for the Olympics and Paralympics Games in 2020, Hirose also expressed his hope to see more Bruneians visiting Japan over the next few years and said he is also happy to see more Japanese tourists coming to Brunei.

He said although there are no direct flights between both countries at the moment, he hopes to see this materialise in the near future and said discussions between both countries are taking place to enable better connectivity between people of both countries.

“As the new chairman, I hope to spread deeper awareness and understanding on Brunei among the Japanese people by promoting Brunei culture and its beauty,” he added.

Dato Paduka Haji Hamdillah echoed Hirose’s statement and said that the BJFA is committed to actively engage with the JBFA in the promotion of friendship between both countries by enhancing many of their already implemented projects such as student and cultural exchange programmes.

The Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Motohiko Kato also expressed his hope that Hirose’s visit to Brunei will further strengthen the bilateral relationship at a non-governmental level.

The JBFA was established in 1985 to further deepen the friendship between Japan and Brunei through cultural and educational exchange. JBFA is working on promoting Brunei in Japan, planning events for youth exchange and distributing information on Japan and Brunei in each country.

|     James Kon     |

WITH China emerging as the second largest tourism market for Brunei Darussalam after Malaysia, the government is intensifying efforts to further increasing the inflow of Chinese tourists into the country.

If the palm-fringed golden beaches, pristine rainforests and the famed Water Village are Brunei’s top attractions for western globetrotters, it is Brunei’s culture that captivates Chinese travellers the most. As promotion of culture is closely linked to language, the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) believes that enhancing the Chinese language (Mandarin) skills of Bruneian tour guides will go a long way in wooing more Chinese tourists into the country.

The latest initiative in this regard is the ‘Chinese Language Training for Chinese Tour Guide Teachers’ workshop, currently organised by the MPRT through the Tourism Development Department at Laksamana College of Business (LCB).

Held in cooperation with the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), the first-of-its-kind workshop was opened yesterday in a ceremony officiated by Deputy Permanent Secretary (Tourism) at the MPRT Wardi bin Haji Mohammad Ali.

A total of 40 individuals, comprising licensed local tour guides and Chinese instructors from various local educational institutions and travel agencies as well as ACC officials, lecturers from Yunnan College of Tourism Vocation and other senior officials from the government and private sectors are participating in the three-day workshop.

The main objectives of the training are to enhance the professional capabilities of Chinese tour guide trainers (in terms of Chinese language methodology training and tour guide training skills); develop systematic Chinese language training courses for tour guides; improve Chinese language proficiency among tour guides in ASEAN member countries as well as improve the Chinese language fluency and practice of the locals.

The training is conducted in view of the increasing year-on-year influx of tourists from the People’s Republic of China, which is one of the main sources of tourist arrivals in Brunei and the second-highest source of tourist arrivals by air.

Brunei is the first ASEAN member country to be elected for implementation of this ACC project for the region. It is one of the flagship projects in tourism endorsed during the seventh meeting of the Joint Council of ACC.

In her speech, Director of Education, Culture and Tourism Division, ACC Kong Roatlomang said, “Tourism cooperation are important parts of the ASEAN-China tourism cooperation. More and more Chinese tourists choose ASEAN member countries as their tourism destinations. Brunei-China relations have good developmental momentum and the friendship between the two countries is deeply rooted.”

Tourism cooperation, she said, “has long been a bright spot of ASEAN-China relations. Recently, Brunei has become a popular new destination for Chinese tourists, with its fascinating natural landscape, splendid culture, diverse ethnic customs and delicious food. It is gratifying to see that in 2017, the number of bilateral visits between ASEAN member countries and China topped 49 million with nearly 28 million Chinese visiting ASEAN member countries and over 21 million ASEAN tourists visiting China”.

With regard to the increase in Chinese tourists to ASEAN, she added, “The demand for Chinese tour guides in the ASEAN tourism industry is becoming stronger and stronger and they will require higher levels of quality in terms of explaining the tourism sites to Chinese tourists. We need to embrace new opportunities, tap into new potential and inject new impetus to deepen tourism collaboration and make active contributions to achieve the goal of improving Chinese language proficiency within the ASEAN tourism industry.”

According to local tour operators, Chinese travellers are looking for quality tours – comfortable accommodation, good food – and they want to spend more time exploring the various attractions of the country.

Brunei, they say, is an ideal destination for the Chinese tourists as it is a relatively short flight away from China, safe and rich in culture and heritage as well as natural attractions.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

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 is expected to grace the Royal Birthday Recreational Cycling 2018 (RBK 2018) on July 22.

This was announced by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil, during a press conference yesterday at the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP).

Also present at the press conference were Acting Director of Youth and Sports Haji Zafri bin Haji Mohamed, and a representative of the Traffic Control and Investigation Department of the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) ASP Pengiran Omar Ali bin Pengiran Haji Manshor.

Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila told the local media that the recreational cycling is being held as part of His Majesty’s 72nd birthday celebrations, while fostering national unity through the involvement of local communities.

She also disclosed that the event is jointly organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Ministry of Health and the Brunei Darussalam Cycling Federation, in order to showcase the recognition, honour and encouragement given to sports, particularly cycling, which has already been recognised as Brunei’s national hobby.

Beginning at 7am, RBK 2018 will cover a distance of 11.490 kilometres around Bandar Seri Begawan, with the main route to take place along Jalan Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, Jalan Kianggeh, Jalan Sekolah, Jalan Kumbang Pasang, Jalan Perdana Menteri, Jalan Haji Basir and Jalan Sultan.

The cycling event will be followed by a line-up of activities at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, including the 50-Year Special Olympics: Talent Identification (TID), which is a specific programme to scout for athletic potential in sports, education and outreach programmes.

There will also be activities such as archery, paintball and a military training programme, alongside several activities organised by the Special Education Unit.

|     Azaraimy HH     |

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 Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam yesterday received a Junjung Ziarah from this year’s intending Haj pilgrims.

The annual tradition, held at the Istana Nurul Iman, provides an opportunity for Bruneian pilgrims to meet the monarch and express their gratitude for the support received from His Majesty in facilitating their journey to Makkah.

During the event, His Majesty received the intending male pilgrims, accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office.

Meanwhile, Her Majesty was accompanied by Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman while receiving the intending female pilgrims.

Prior to the Junjung Ziarah, the intending pilgrims were treated to a meal prepared specially for them. They also performed mass Zohor prayer at the palace and were later presented with Kurnia (personal gifts) from His Majesty through the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.

The male pilgrims were each presented with a set of Ihram garments while the female pilgrims received prayer veils.

This year, 1,000 pilgrims comprising 485 males and 515 females from the Sultanate will be performing the Haj.

The group includes 83 male pilgrims aged 60 and above, 12 male pilgrims aged 70 and above, three males aged 80 and above, 70 women aged 60 and above and nine women aged 70 and above.

These intending pilgrims from Brunei will embark on a spiritual journey that will take them half way across the world to join millions of other Muslims in performing one of Islam’s mandatory pillars in Makkah and Madinah.

In this year’s Haj Package, 790 pilgrims are under the care of Darussalam Holdings Sdn Bhd, 149 under Straits Central Agencies (B) Sdn Bhd, 30 under Raudah Al-Amin Sdn Bhd and 31 under At-Taqwa Travel Tours Sdn Bhd.

The first group of intending pilgrims will leave for Madinah, Saudi Arabia, on July 28 on a 3pm flight with the second group to depart on July 29 at 10pm.

The third group will depart on July 31 at 8am and the fourth group on August 1 at 12.50am.

The return flight is scheduled for August 27 for the first group which is expected to arrive in Brunei around 1.55pm. The second group will return on August 29 at 6.15pm, the third group on August 30 at 6.45am and the fourth group on August 31 at 2.55pm.