|     Achong Tanjong     |

DISABILITIES or being a special needs individual should not be a hindrance to one making positive changes or positively influencing their environment.

Relaying this message was Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Iswandy bin Ahmad during the opening ceremony of the ‘Secure Holistic Awareness by Providing Education (SHAPE) for The Community’ project held at The Airport Mall, Berakas yesterday.

The community project is organised as part of the Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medicine (BHSc Medicine) programme under the Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam in collaboration with the Association for Paraplegic and Physically Disabled Association (PAPDA), one of the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) under the Council for the Welfare of Persons with Different Ability (MKOKU).

Yang Berhormat Iswandy urged those involved in the project to continue with their efforts as community work is a long-term commitment. He also expressed his thanks and appreciation to all supporters of the project such as sponsors, coordinators and particularly to PAPDA for their commitment to working with each other.

“To achieve Brunei Vision 2035 which is to create quality, educated and highly skilled citizens, and to generate a dynamic and resilient economy, each of us has our roles to play, including those with disabilities,” he said.

“The saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ rings particularly true here, each of your contribution is very important.”

Meanwhile, Khaidiel Fiqrie bin Ahmad, a student of the BHSc Medicine programme, in his speech said, “The one-day community event titled ‘SHAPE for The Community’ comes with three main goals: to raise awareness and acceptance toward differently abled individuals, increase public education on physical disabilities, and raise funds for PAPDA.

“In this event we are focussing on a specific support group, namely PAPDA. I hope that through this project the society will be more aware of PAPDA and its differently abled members. We use the term ‘differently abled’ to replace the word ‘disabled’, to put more emphasis on their abilities, not their disabilities.”

Yesterday’s event also featured an exhibition, quiz sessions, performances by PAPDA members, sharing sessions, a wheelchair accessible obstacle course, and donation presentations.

Chief guest Yang Berhormat Iswandy also presented appreciation certificates to the event sponsors.

ROYAL Skies (RS) has introduced its partnership with two locally renowned eateries. A signing ceremony was recently held at RBA Plaza to launch a four-year RS partnership with High Frequency Cafe and Alter Ego Fusion Cafe.

High Frequency Cafe and Alter Ego Fusion Cafe directors, Lien Kok Yow and Ng Po Loong were present. RS was represented by Loyalty Acting Manager April Galera Chu and Loyalty Officer Aisah Mirasan.

“Our RS team will continue to provide better opportunities and benefits to both its members and guests. RS has more than 228,000 active members worldwide and for a small boutique airline, this is one of our ways to show and develop appreciation to our members of different tiers by providing our guests with unparalleled benefits,” said CEO of Royal Brunei Airlines Karam Chand.

“Our four-year partnership marks the next level of the company’s growth, with the ability to tap into RS’ marketing presence in the region especially in Brunei. The profile of RS members is consistent with our target market as a pioneer of specialty coffee in Brunei. Furthermore, the collaboration between two top tier Bruneian establishments will lead to synergy in our respective product offerings that would create significant valie to Bruneians,” said Lien Kok Yow.

All members will receive two RS miles for every BND1 spent at each outlet with no minimum spending. RS members are to present their membership card number upon settling their bills. As an exclusive introductory promotion, 8,000 RS miles will be awarded to an RS member on spending at any of the abovementioned outlets from July 1 to September 30.

|     Azaraimy HH     |

AMID the Sunday heat, contestants battled the mud, soil and slippery slopes, against near impassable soggy terrain conditions at the 4WD Challenge 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.

The 4WD Association of Tutong District organised the challenge at the empty space near Mahad Islam Brunei in Tutong District.

Thirty-eight contested in the Individual category, while nine teams signed up for the team category.

Acting Assistant Tutong District Officer cum guest of honour Haji Haizul Rizal bin Haji Yahya was greeted upon arrival by 4WD Association of Tutong District President Sha’ari bin Haji Zunaidi.

In the Open CC Individual category, Awie took first place, taking home the championship trophy, BND500 cheque and car accessories.

Second place winner Uslly Zam bin Budin bagged a BND400 cheque, a trophy and car accessories, while third place winner Fong Tze Hiung (Ah Siong) took home a BND250 cheque, trophy and car accessories. The cheque was sponsored by Samdi Construction.

In the Group category, Max Land Team came up tops, followed in second place by Mini Moujunjun (B).

The competition was aimed to further enliven His Majesty’s birthday celebration, and promote 4WD competitions, strengthen relations between 4WD fans in Brunei Darussalam, raise awareness on the importance of safety and discipline while driving a 4WD vehicle, as well as attract more visitors to Tutong District.

|     Izah Azahari     |

GOVERNMENT officials, education/training providers and industry players attended a half-day forum titled ‘Preparing Our Workforce for Industry 4.0’ held by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) Regional Centre for Vocational and Technical Education and Training (Voctech) yesterday.

Moderated by SEAMEO Voctech Deputy Director Professional Affairs/Research Specialist Dr Paryono, the forum featured five guest speakers – Legislative Council (LegCo) member, Director and Principal Architect at Eco Bumi Arkitek, and the President of the Institution of Surveyors, Engineers and Architects (PUJA) Brunei Yang Berhormat Siti Rozaimeriyanty binti Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Abdul Rahman; Director of Steinbeis Transferzentrum InnoVET at the University Bremen/Steinbeis Transfer Centre in Germany Professor Dr Georg Spottl; Project Manager of Festo Didactic SE in Germany Holger Regber; President and Founder of Labtech International Ltd in the United States of America Dr Steven McKee; and Programme Director of RECOTVET in Vietnam Ingo Gerhard lmhoff.

Topics discussed at the forum were ‘Changing Vocational Competences through Digitalisation within TVET’ by Professor Dr Georg Spottl; ‘Lifting Talents to Greater Heights’ by Yang Berhormat Siti Rozaimeriyanty; ‘The Change in Working Requirements Regarding Industry 4.0 – A Festo Perspective’ by Holger Regber; ‘The Future of Jobs and the Future Role of TVET’ by Dr Steven McKee; and ‘Making TVET Fit for Industry 4.0’ by Ingo Gerhard Imhoff.

TVET refers to Technical and Vocational Education and Training.

According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) report in ‘The Future of Jobs’ (2016), 7.1 million jobs will disappear and two million new jobs will be created by 2020, due to the impact of the fourth industrial revolution known as Industry 4.0.

The forum also saw academicians and leading industry players sharing their insights on how to prepare the workforce with competences relevant to Industry 4.0.

According to Yang Berhormat Siti Rozaimeriyanty during her presentation, the third industrial revolution saw automation where electronics, the Internet and information technology (IT), as well as mass-production, coming in to bridge the gap within society.

“While the impending revolution holds great promise, the pattern of consumption of production and employment created by it also poses major challenges, where age-old policies require changing and rapid prototyping,” she said.

She also highlighted the challenges about to be faced by Brunei, such as meeting Brunei Vision 2035; limited outreach programmes on Industry 4.0; limited academic fields and resources to cater to Industry 4.0 skill set demands; the need to accelerate and align the skill sets and talents required to keep the pace in different industry sectors; and having yet to see a successful pilot within Industry 4.0. Among her suggestions were support and investment in small and medium enterprises (SMEs); new academic programmes for skill sets required by Industry 4.0; training for the upskilling and reskilling of the existing workforce; and public-private collaboration by approaching the government and academic institutions to extend assistance in providing training; and supporting academic and government initiatives through outreach and roadshow activities.

The forum concluded with a presentation of tokens of appreciation to the speakers and moderator, as well as a group photo session.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

THE Land Transport Department (JPD) public WhatsApp service to report irresponsible drivers has been well-received, said Acting Director of the JPD Pengiran Mohamed Amirrizal bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud.

He made the statement during a press conference at the JPD Headquarters in Beribi, Gadong yesterday. He said 223 complaints were recorded from June to December 2016 while 547 complaints were recorded in 2017.

Although the service has been positively received, the acting director said the public needs to provide more detailed information when making complaints for the department to implement appropriate action against traffic violators.

He added that most of the complaints were short of important details. At times, the complainants do not want to be reached which leaves only the offender to be contacted by the JPD to issue a warning. The acting director urged the public to provide the registration plate number of the vehicle associated with violating road regulations, date, time and place of offence and a photo of the said vehicle while making the offence.

The JPD Enforcement WhatsApp service, introduced in June 2017, was implemented to ensure the safety of all road users. It has been used prior to the setup of the WhatsApp Darussalam that extended its introduction earlier this year for complaints only related to JPD offences.

In line with the ‘One-Government Approach’, the JPD WhatsApp number 7292017 will no longer be in operation. All complaints related to the JPD enforcement and services can now be channeled through the Darussalam WhatsApp at 8333123 with complete details to ensure that action can be taken accordingly with the department’s procedure.

Pengiran Mohamed Amirrizal said the JPD sees Darussalam hotline 123 and WhatsApp Darussalam as another platform for the public to file complaints.

“The department recognises the role of hotline Darussalam in this matter, we prefer hotline Darussalam to take the lead,” he added.

The acting director reminded the public that the services do not allow drivers to take photos while driving, stressing that the use of mobile phones while driving is an offence under Section 29A of the Road Traffic Act Chapter 68.

|     Azaraimy HH & James Kon     |

SINGAPORE Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and Ministry of Education, Chee Hong Tat praised Brunei’s aquaculture industry during a visit to Golden Corporation Sdn Bhd’s Multi-purpose Marine Resources Processing and Business Centre in Serambangun, Tutong.

Chee is currently in the country alongside a delegation of senior Singapore government officials to discuss broadening cooperation and exploring investment opportunities in the fisheries and agriculture sectors between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore. Hosting the Singapore Senior Minister and his delegation during his visit to Golden Corporation were the company’s Managing Director Richard Chuang and Chief Executive Officer Desmond Lim.

In an interview, Chee said that Singapore and Brunei enjoy a longstanding relationship that has lasted many decades, adding that the purpose of his visit is to look for ways where both countries can expand collaborations in the fisheries and agriculture industries, as well as to build on the very strong mutual friendship forged by leaders of both countries over the years.

“Today, I am very happy to have the chance to visit Golden Corporation and better understand its business model and operations on how to manufacture aquaculture products of good quality such as fish and shrimp, which it processes and sells domestically as well as for export,” he said.

Besides running the Multi-purpose Marine Resources Processing and Business Centre, Golden Corporation Sdn Bhd – a leading producer of blue shrimp and seafood products in Brunei Darussalam – manages more than 100 hectares of shrimp farms and supplies aquatic feed to local farmers. The company also owns a number of high-tech fishing vessels.

The company has exported its shrimp to several ASEAN member countries, as well as to Japan, Korea, Australia, Taiwan, the United States, China and the European Union. The Singapore Senior Minister said he believes there is a lot of opportunity for collaborations in the area of aquaculture and seafood production between the two countries.

Besides Golden Corporation, Chee also visited a number of other industrial sites of interest, notably Tunas Harapan Agricultural Farm Sdn Bhd, where he was briefed by farm manager Low Ah Teck.

Accompanying the Singapore Senior Minister during the tour of the sites were Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, High Commissioner of the Republic of Singapore to Brunei Darussalam Lim Hong Huai, Singapore Deputy High Commissioner and Counsellor to Brunei Darussalam Raymond Chow and other officials.

The Singapore Senior Minister of State’s delegation comprised officials from the Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry, including Director from Southeast Asia and Oceania Division Rossman Ithnain; Deputy Director for Southeast Asia Division Wu Hongyi; Senior Assistant Director/ASEAN and Oceania Foo Cher How; Assistant Director/ASEAN Organising Secretariat Koh Chun Hong; and Assistant Director/ASEAN Organising Secretariat Kenneth Teo.

Prior to the visits to the fisheries sites, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism paid a courtesy call on the Singapore Senior Minister at the Radisson Hotel to discuss bilateral cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore.

|     Fizah HAB     |

A TOTAL of BND87,143 was collected from the ‘SMS Brunei Prihatin’ fundraiser for the Pengiran Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah Fund for Orphans (DANA), a collaborative project between DST Communications Sdn Bhd and Progresif Cellular Sdn Bhd which ran from November 28, 2017 to January 31, 2018.

BND74,019 was contributed by DST subscribers, while Progresif subscribers contributed the balance of BND13,124.

Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Managing Director Dato Paduka Eddie bin Dato Paduka Haji Sunny disclosed the figures in his welcoming speech at the DANA Incentive Award for Excellent Student 2018 (APIC-DANA 2018) presentation ceremony yesterday at the multipurpose hall of the Yayasan Complex in the capital.

The ceremony also saw the presentation of the SMS Brunei Prihatin contributions for the 2017-2018 DANA fund.

Besides the contributions from subscribers, DST presented its own contributions totalling BND20,000, while Progresif presented a sum of BND2,440.16 collected from the public via DANA collection boxes set up at the company’s counters.

Dato Paduka Eddie on behalf of DANA expressed appreciation to the donors, adding that he hoped that they will continue with such good deeds to help orphans in the country.

Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof in his capacity as the Chairman of the Yayasan Board of Directors officiated the ceremony and received the contributions on behalf of DANA.

Presenting the contributions to the minister on behalf of DST was DST CEO Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Hussain, while Head of Legal and Regulatory Nurul Haniah binti Haji Jaafar was the representative for Progresif.

Separately, 13 orphans who excelled in public examinations last year received awards at the APIC-DANA 2018.

Five were BC GCE ‘O’ Level students, five sat for the Primary School Assessment (PSR) examinations, while the other three sat for the SSSRU (Primary Schools Religious Certificate) examinations.

The recipients under the BC GCE ‘O’ Level category were Ryan Lim Ming Shun, Sonia binti Abdullah Jamaris, Chung Yu Shan, Chung Yu Yan, and Ampuan A’qillah Farahiyah binti Ampuan Haji Mohamad, each receiving a certificate of appreciation, a computer and printer, and a two-year learning facilities package worth BND760.

For the PSR category, the recipients were Noradrianna binti Mat Sapar, Mohammad Daniel bin Husny, Mohammad Nuraizuddin Hibatullah bin Abdullah, Kelly Chia Kay Li and Siti Khadijah binti Marali, each receiving a certificate of appreciation, a computer and printer, and a two-year learning facilities package worth BND400.

The SSSRU category recipients were Raimma Rahima Liyanna binti Beraim, Dayangku Afiqah Najwa binti Pengiran Ibni and Nurul Fitri Sofia binti Haji Rosli, each receiving a certificate, a computer and printer, and BND500 cash credited directly to their DANA account in Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei.

BRITISH Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Mark Field highlighted the depth of the longstanding and close relationship between the United Kingdom (UK) and Brunei Darussalam.

Delivering a speech at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MoFAT) yesterday, Field said that the UK’s bilateral relationship with Brunei is in excellent shape and he is excited to learn about new opportunities to develop it further.

The minister also shared his vision for the European Union (EU) exit and opportunities for trade and investment and as well as the UK’s relationship with ASEAN.

Permanent Secretary (Political) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Hajah Siti Norishan binti Haji Abdul Ghafor introduced Field to the audience. After his speech, the British minister had the opportunity to engage in a lively discussion with policymakers and officials from the MoFAT.

Field is currently on a two-week, six-country tour of Southeast Asia highlighting the UK’s commitment to the increasingly important region. He underscored the importance of an ‘All of Asia’ policy, through which the UK engages actively with all countries in the region, regardless of size, to promote regional security, build prosperity and strengthen the values that underpin people-to-people links.

Since Field’s appointment as Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific, he has travelled all across the region, visiting some 20 countries. By the end of his current tour, Field will have visited all 10 ASEAN member states in just over a year, demonstrating emphatically that the UK’s ‘All of Asia’ policy is broad, ambitious and focussed on the future.

During the speech, Field elaborated on the UK’s exit from the EU and the new partnership which is being negotiated. Once outside the EU, he said that the UK will be able to develop closer and more tailored relationships with countries around the world.

The minister emphasised the importance of the UK’s existing close relationship with ASEAN, and the country’s intention to develop that relationship further as it leaves the EU. He said that there is real scope to do more with ASEAN, including in Brunei, on fields such as Islamic banking and finance, financial technology, and capital market development.

Highlighting new opportunities for bilateral co-operation with the UK, including on free trade agreements, he said, “The UK is a champion of free trade as a proven means of lifting millions of people out of poverty, particularly in Asia.”

The minister said that the UK would continue to challenge protectionism which it saw as a real danger to global growth. He praised the ‘Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans Pacific Partnership’ that Brunei and 10 other nations signed earlier this year. After it leaves the EU, the UK will be free to consider joining such free trade agreements, he added.

Mark Field was appointed Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on June 13, 2017. He was first elected as the Conservative MP for the Cities of London and Westminster in 2001.

As an MP representing the City of London, Mark Field is the ambassador for the UK’s financial and professional services sector. Not only is he responsible in nurturing the relationships with the countries of the Asia-Pacific region, but also for the international economic diplomacy including the financial services sector.

|     Wani Roslan     |

LANGUAGE attains its highest form of development from extensive use as a means of communication, said 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 minister was speaking at the official launching of the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP)’s annual Language Month yesterday at the Tarbiyah Hall of the Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB).

“With regard to Brunei Darussalam, the Malay element has became a part of our daily lives through the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy; and maintaining and strengthening the Malay Language has become a significant national policy that needs to be preserved, even in this age of globalisation, science and technology,” he said.

“The development of science and technology can assist us in the promotion of Malay, particularly with the availability of various terms that have been widely translated into the Malay Language.

“Yet, the survival of the Malay Language requires great effort and sacrifice. These efforts can only be sustained with public cooperation, since a particular language cannot exist without its practitioners. For this reason, our society must continue its commitment in upholding and dignifying the Malay Language.”

The Acting Director of DBP, Hajah Sariani binti Haji Ishak, meanwhile said that various strategies have already been outlined for the preservation and appreciation of the Malay Language, which would require strong support from the  public.

The event then continued with a video presentation, which was followed with a language pledge by the army cadets of Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Masna Secondary School, and the declamation of a poem titled, Masihkah Kalian Ingat.

There was also a talk on the topic of Bahasa Melayu Bahasa Kita, by Dr Aliamat bin Omar Ali, a lecturer at Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education, Universiti Brunei Darussalam.

An awards ceremony then ensued, during which Haji Rashid bin Haji Damit was honoured for his appointment as a Language Ambassador.

The minister also presented prizes to the winners of several essay and short story competitions, in addition to five students for their excellent academic achievements in the Malay Language and Malay Literature.

The event concluded with the launching of two books – Bahasa Mudah Pelancong and Siri Penyelidikan Bahasa Melayu di Negara Brunei Darussalam; Fasa 4, Edisi Ke-3 – by the minister, who also viewed a mini-exhibition at the venue.

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 outgoing foreign envoys to Brunei Darussalam.

His Royal Highness first received Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Brunei Darussalam Dr Fahad Mashary Al-Thafiri.

Dr Fahad Mashary Al-Thafiri 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 December 9, 2013.

His Royal Highness then received Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Brunei Darussalam Biravij Suwanpradhes.

Biravij Suwanpradhes presented his Letter of Credence to His Majesty on March 23, 2016.

The audience ceremony took place at Qashr Al-Meezaan.

|     Azrol Azmi     |

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 afternoon received in audience United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Mark Field.

Accompanying Mark Field during the audience was British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Richard Lindsay.

Also present was Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Hajah Siti Norishan binti Haji Abdul Ghafor.

The audience ceremony took place at the Istana Nurul Iman.

|     Abdul Hakiim Yakof     |

THE sounds of Takbir to mark the eve of Hari Raya Aidiladha 1439 Hijrah were heard in all mosques, suraus and religious halls nationwide after the Isyak prayer last night with the main focus at the Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah in Kampong Kiarong.

Acting Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar was the guest of honour at the Takbir ceremony.

The event began with a brief talk on the importance of the Takbir by Mosque Affairs Officer Awangku Ahmad Fariz Ramadhani bin Pengiran Haji Sellahuddin. Those present then proceeded to carry out the Takbir in unison.

The ceremony concluded with the Doa Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam read by the Officer at the Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Awang Haji Suhaili bin Haji Metali Al-Hafiz.

Present to enliven the Takbir ceremony were mosque youth groups from the Brunei-Muara District, youth groups under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, personnel of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, personnel of the Royal Brunei Police Force, officers from the Prisons Department, alumni of the National Service Programme, students of the Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB), students of Institut Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, students of the Hassanal Bolkiah Arabic Boys Secondary School, as well as residents.

The Takbir Muqayyad, carried out after prayers, was especially for the Aidiladha for those who are not performing the Haj. The Takbir begins from Fajr (dusk) of the day of Arafah until Asar (afternoon) of the day of Tasyrik.

Also present were the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Mohd Yusof, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Religious) at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Haji Mohd Serudin bin Haji Timbang, as well as officers and staff of the ministry.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

BRUNEI Darussalam’s sole karate athlete Wahidah binti Kamarul Zaman will compete in the women’s individual kata at the 18th Asian Games (Asiad) at the Jakarta Convention Center Plenary Hall in Jakarta.

The national karateka was part of the kata team that won bronze for the country in the 2017 Southeast Asia (SEA) Games in Kuala Lumpur and will look to make a mark in the individual event for the first time in a major tournament.

The 19-year-old is looking to get a few wins under her belt at an even grander stage having made her debut in the SEA Games.

“I hope to reach the first or second round. This is the first time where I’ll be competing in the individual event and I hope to perform well,” said Wahidah in an interview with the media.

Wahidah admitted that she felt nervous at first because last time around a team was sent to a major tournament but now she gained confidence to deliver a good performance.

She has been training for two months and also took part in a competitive meet in Thailand to prepare for Asiad as exposure which boosted her confidence.

Wahidah was first introduced to karate during a co-curricular activity at her secondary school at the Raja Isteri Girls High School (STPRI) and initially she only considered it as a hobby.

Her coach spotted her potential in the sport and encouraged to try and compete which she did and having taken part in competitions, Wahidah found a desire to make refinements in her game.

She joined the sport in 2011 and in 2017 aged just 18, was selected to represent the country at the SEA Games and brought back bronze home alongside Amirah Syahidah binti Abdul Rahim and Aufa Bazilah binti Abdul Razak.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

A TOTAL of 184 Year 9 students of Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit Girls Arabic Religious Secondary School (SUAMPRIPAD) were feted in a Khatam Al-Quran ceremony, marking the completion of their recitation of 30 Juzuks of Al-Quran yesterday morning.

The religious ceremony took place at the Musyawarah Hall of the International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas.

Deputy State Mufti Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Japar bin Haji Mat Dain @ Maidin was the guest of honour.

Also present were the director of the Islamic Studies Department (JPI), JPI assistant director and heads of departments, principals of Arabic schools, SUAMPRIPAD officers and teachers, as well as parents and guardians.

The event commenced with the mass recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by the guest of honour, followed by the recitation of Al-Quran verses by the participants.

The ceremony continued with the recitation of Takhtim by Year 10 students and the reading of Doa Khatam.

The guest of honour handed over certificates and souvenirs to the participants, followed by the sprinkling of scented flowers on the participants.

The event was further enlivened with a Dikir Marhaban by Year 10 students.

A Doa Selamat was read to bless the occasion.

The ceremony’s objectives were to celebrate the students’ achievements in completing the 30 Juzuks of Al-Quran, and ensure they are able to read Al-Quran fluently.

The event was also part of the school’s initiative to encourage students to continue reading and understand the Al-Quran.

|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

BRUNEI citizen Muhammad Miqdam bin Zaini will soon leave for Moscow to pursue his tertiary studies under a Russian Government Scholarship.

Receiving him yesterday at the Russian Embassy in Brunei Darussalam was Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Brunei Darussalam Vladlen Semivolos.

Accompanying Muhammad Miqdam were his parents, Zaini bin Haji Salleh and Suroiya binti Sitthikan.

Muhammad Miqdam, the second student from Brunei to be awarded the prestigious grant, beat off stiff competition to get a place at Moscow State University of Design and Technology (MSUDT), where he will be studying Fine Arts.

“I am thrilled to have been selected for the Russian scholarship. It’s a great opportunity to learn more around the field (Fine Arts),” Muhammad Miqdam told the Bulletin after receiving the scholarship.

“I had earlier applied for scholarships to several embassies in Brunei, and the Russian Embassy responded to me on the available opportunities to further my studies.”

The Ministries of Education of Brunei and Russia are currently working on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in higher education and science, which will become an umbrella agreement contributing to the development of exchanges and partnerships between institutions of higher learning in the two countries.

Russia also views as the next step the need to launch discussions on the signing of agreements with Brunei on mutual recognition of higher education qualifications and degrees, to support wider practical ties in the field of education, and strengthen mutual understanding and people-to-people contact between both countries. The links between the educational institutions of Russia and Brunei are however, already strong at present, and are set to improve further as both countries are constantly working on improving the legal foundations of bilateral relations in the field of education.

Last year for example, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) established cooperation with St Petersburg State University, which saw a group of students from the Oriental Department of the university coming to UBD to study for one semester this year under a student exchange arrangement.

Muhammad Miqdam’s Russian adventure represents the latest step in this blossoming education relationship between the two nations; his scholastic foray into country pointedly is seen as a trailblazing move paving the way for more Bruneian students to further their studies in Russia.

While more unfamiliarity and a longer ‘bedding in’ period is to be expected with studying and living in such a relatively unconventional higher education country, there is one thing that Muhammad Miqdam can be sure of – he will be receiving a world class university education.

Founded in 1930, MSUDT is one of the leading multi-disciplinary higher educational and research institutions in Russia.

The university trains students to become specialists in the industrial and scientific sphere, offering courses in the following branches of science – technical, art studies, economics and biological.

Under its Fine Arts Faculty, the university boasts among its teaching staff adjunct professors, such as haute couture designer Elena Teplitskaja, and the world-famous Russian fashion historian, collector, art critic, interior designer and theatrical artist, Alexander Vasilev. Other famous names among the university academic staff include fashion industry designers Vyacheslav Zajtsev and Valentine Yudashkin.

The university’s art and design students on the other hand, have moulded a reputation of being high-achievers, regularly taking part in and winning various Russian and international competitions. This list includes the International Young Designers Contest Admiralty Needle, in St Petersburg; the Velvet Seasons in Sochi International Festival of Fashion; and the International Fashion and Arts Week.

The university also has education links with top art schools such as the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York; Italian Centre of Design; Berlin Institute of Fashion; Technical University of Radom; and St Martin’s School of Art.

As an arts and culture destination, Russia stands shoulder to shoulder – if not above – with its more famous global neighbours such as Italy, France or Spain.

Russian art is highly valued around the world; this is due to the pioneering works of luminaries like Ivan Aivazovsky, Kazimir Malevich, Marc Chagall, Ilya Kabakov, Eric Bulatov and Grisha Bruskin, many of whom – like their Soviet-era peers – combine innovation with socialist realism in their productions.

Bruneians interested in exploring educational opportunities in Russia or finding out more about the Russian Government Scholarship are invited to explore information on the website www.russia-edu.ru and the RUSSIA.STUDY portal.

THE British Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Mark Field visited the Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah yesterday as part of his itinerary while in Brunei Darussalam.

Acting Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Mohd Yusof welcomed the British minister upon arrival.

Accompanying Field was British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Richard Lindsay. Also present were Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Religion) at the MoRA Haji Mohd Serudin bin Haji Timbang and senior officials from the MoRA.

Following a tour of the mosque, Field and Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom discussed shared values and religious understanding. Field was interested to hear about the arrangements taking place for Aidiladha in Brunei, and noted how many of his constituents in London were also busy planning for the festival.

He also toured the main prayer hall with Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom and visited the Abdul Aziz Library, and had the opportunity to view some of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s personal collection of Al-Quran manuscripts and scriptures.

|     Fizah HAB     |

FINDLAY (B) Sdn Bhd, the education consultancy firm, hosted its eighth study fair yesterday, at The Rizqun International Hotel in Gadong.

The bi-annual event featured representatives from 18 institutions in Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom: Birmingham City University, De Montfort University, the University of Dundee, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Hertfordshire, Northumbria University, the University of Portsmouth, Queen’s University Belfast, the University of South Wales, the University of Surrey, the University of Winchester, the University College Birmingham, Curtin University, James Cook University, the University of Otago and the University of Tasmania.

In an interview, Director of Findlay Sunita Martin said that the study fair was aimed at providing support for young Bruneian students in achieving their academic and career goals.

“With the British Council and the British University Brunei Association no longer available, it is important for representatives like Findlay to hold such fairs to be able to showcase British education, alongside other international education that we’ve represented,” she said.

President of the Brunei Students’ Union (BSU) in the UK and Eire Awangku Mohammad Hisyam Al-Yura bin Pengiran Haji Zainal Abidin, meanwhile said that the Brunei Students’ Union is geared towards providing comprehensive support for students studying in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

“Founded in 1959 by Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Begawan Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Seri Paduka Haji Awang Umar, the BSU is an organisation providing support in all aspects to students studying in the UK and Ireland, including aspects of socio-welfare and religion, by working closely with the Brunei High Commission in the United Kingdom and the Students Unit at the Ministry of Education,” he said.

“There are currently 30 different societies under the BSU, covering different universities and regions in the UK and Ireland.”

Pathway providers Navitas and INTO UK and US were present at the fair, to discuss study possibilities with students regarding foundation programmes and year one entries to prestigious universities abroad.

Several officials from the Brunei Darussalam National Accreditation Council and the Scholarship Section of the Ministry of Education were also on hand to answer questions related to their respective areas, along with representatives from Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) on the subject of education loans and the Centre for British Teachers (CfBT) on English proficiency test IELTS.

|     Izah Azahari     |

THE Berakas Police Station yesterday conducted a crime prevention patrol with members of the Kampong Pancha Delima/Kampong Anggerek Desa/Kampong Orang Kaya Besar Imas and Kampong Pulaie Neighbourhood Watch.

Corporal 3854 Haji Tejuddin led the patrol with a Berakas Police Station personnel and four Neighbourhood Watch members.

The patrol covered the parking areas of shop buildings, the mosque, school and residential areas under the Neighbourhood Watch. No criminal or suspicious activities were reported.

The Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) will continue to work with Neighbourhood Watch groups to ensure the peace and tranquillity of their neighbourhoods.

Meanwhile, Lamunin Police Station personnel visited the home of the Kampong Benutan/Supon Besar Village Head.

Lamunin Police Station Officer-in-Charge Inspector Muhd Zulfadli bin Haji Md Yusof led three personnel from the station during the visit. A patrol was then carried out in the vicinity of the Ulu Tutong Golden Jubilee Dam.

In the Temburong District, personnel from the Bangar Police Station visited the homes of the village heads of Kampong Lepong and Kampong Sibut. Aside from fostering community ties, discussions were also held on the certificate handover for Kampong Sibut Neighbourhood Watch member appointments which will be held soon.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

THE four-day Brunei Technology Expo (TechXpo) 2018 concluded at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas yesterday.

Themed ‘Innovative Technology For All’, TechXpo served as a platform for exhibitors to showcase products, services, trends, developments, and ideas associated with technology from Brunei and all across the globe, offering opportunities both in the local and international levels.

Highlights and activities during the exhibition were the TechXpo Cyber Games Tournament 2018, Humanoid Robot by ZoraBots, Trail to TechXpo 2018 by BAG Networks Sdn Bhd, Blood Donation Drive by Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital, and seminars and workshops organised by Global Blockchains Business Consulting Sdn Bhd, Techhaven, and ITPSS Sdn Bhd.

The Grand Lucky Draw for the TechXpo 2018 was also held.

InfoCom Federation Brunei (IFB) Vice Chairman Reeda bin Haji Malik and Sales Manager of D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd Mike Chia presented prizes to 20 lucky visitors.

Grand prize winner Awangku Shazned bin Pengiran Shamri received a Microsoft Surface Pro 4 sponsored by D’Sunlit followed by Nurul Afiqah binti Nor Amin who received a Samsung S9 Plus and Muhd Sahrudy Iswandy bin Hashim an Acer Travel Mate P249.

Hasmit Shield Roofing Manufacture Sdn Bhd, Max V Management, Pro Builders Sdn Bhd, Lim Enterprise, Plum Wellcon, Lantana Service Sdn Bhd, Perusahaan Sinaran Gemilang, TBT and Syarikat Berjasa Jaya also sponsored the grand lucky draw.

Prizes included a Beko Fridge, Beko 9kg Washer, Google Home, Philips Fryer, Vacuum, Bluetooth Portable Speaker, Portable Karaoke System, LG TV 32″, Portable Speaker, HDMI DVD Player, Samsung TV, Philips Air Purifier and TechXpo 2018 goodie bags.

The TechXpo was organised by IFB and managed by D’Sunlit.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

EMPHASISING the greatness of the concept of sacrifice, 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 has called on the citizens and residents of the country to uphold the concept in all aspects of life in this world and in the hereafter.

“We sacrifice for the nation with our wealth, time, hardwork and energy, while we sacrifice for the hereafter through loyalty in performing religious obligations in the name of Allah the Almighty,” the monarch said in a titah in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidiladha 1439 Hijrah celebration which was broadcast on Radio Television Brunei last night.

“Aidiladha is a meaningful celebration for Muslims and has become a Syiar around the world, wherever there are worshippers of Islam, the pure religion of Allah the Almighty.

“This is also the time for Muslims to showcase unity and solidarity, gathering at mosques or open spaces to carry out their Takbir rites in praising Allah the Almighty.

Undoubtedly, this is a very blessed moment when the grace of Allah the Almighty descends on and covers the earth, and those who understand this will be grateful and delighted,” His Majesty said.

The monarch underscored the two big lessons of the celebration, one related to unity and solidarity and the other linked to sacrifice, highlighting that Islam places great importance to oneness and unity and strongly prohibits disunity, as stated by Allah the Almighty in Surah Al-Imran Verse 103 which calls for “holding firmly to the rope of Allah the Almighty together and do not become divided”, the monarch added.

Allah the Almighty forbids us to be divided as the high risk of it can lead to bad consequences, the ruler said, adding that strength is built on unity while weakness is the cause of disintegration.

“Hence, it is regretful to see the current situation where disintegration among Muslims which has reached to a stage of fighting and killings among themselves.”

The monarch expressed hope that this adverse situation will end soon and be replaced with awareness on restoring the unity among the people.

Highlighting the second lesson – sacrifice for Allah the Almighty – His Majesty pointed out that whatever the objective that needs to be achieved, it requires some form of sacrifice as without sacrifice, success will not be realised.

“The nation is also built with sacrifices. The government needs to provide the budget and human resources to make its development efforts succeed.

Highlighting the importance of sacrificing animals, the monarch said, “An animal is an asset which is slaughtered and the meat is distributed as sedekah. We are sacrificing this asset for the welfare of the Ummah.

This, said His Majesty, shows how great the concept of sacrifice. All deeds and activities are based on sacrifice which is sacred and very important in life.

His Majesty also extended his and members of the royal family’s Hari Raya Aidiladha greetings to the citizens and residents of the country and prayed for the Brunei Haj pilgrims’ wellbeing and safety as well as wished them a Mabrur Haj.