|     Fadhil Yunus     |

DPMM FC Head Coach Rene Weber has fixed his sights on a place in the Singapore Cup final as his charges take on a much-improved Warriors FC in the quarter-final first leg at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore tonight.

The Gegar Gegar men would have to get pass the most-inform team in the league first and make an appearance in the last-four for the first time in three seasons.

“The result (against Hougang) gives us more confidence against Warriors in the RHB Singapore Cup even if it is a different competition. It is our target to go to the final,” Weber told the Bulletin in a match preview.

“Anything can happen in the final and I hope I can win. We have the team to do more.

“We lost five times in 20 games, three against Albirex (they are champions) and two against Home United.

“We must do something better this season. We have quality to do this,” the former Atletico Mineiro assistant manager added.

The head coach is wary of the threat that the Warriors pose and highlighted their strengths particularly in the offence with 18-goal forward observed as a main threat.

“We know Warriors will be difficult because they improve a lot since the beginning. We played against them in the third round and after that I follow them.

“They improved and they have a big striker (Jonathan Behe) who scores and make passes. They improve with their teamwork but anyway, we also have some big capacity to do something.

“The ball travels fast with the artificial surface at Jalan Besar Stadium but anyway, we can win.”

The Brunei-based outfit have performed well historically at the Jalan Besar Stadium as the designated home team with the exception of the last two seasons when they suffered an early exit.

Asked if the ground provides home comfort, he replied, “It can be an advantage if we play well. The most important thing is we have the capacity to go to the final.

The head coach also indicated that his charges possess the armoury to reach the final in his first season in charge.

“We have good quality and we are more organised than before after six or seven months working here. I hope we can win and go to the final.

“It will be difficult against Warriors as they have improved in the league. It is a different competition and I always think that teams who cannot reach a higher position in the table, they will be looking at the cup competition.

“But I believe too much in my team and if we play like we can, I believe we can win the game,” he said.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

BRUNEI Darussalam national athlete Mohammad Fakhri bin Ismail announced his intent to shade his personal best in the 100m event of the 18th Asian Games at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.

“I’m hoping to break my personal record and this will help us in our target for the SEA Games in 2019,” said Fakhri in an interview with the media.

Mohammad Fakhri is also the national record holder in 100m after setting the standard with a time of 10.59s during the 2015 SEA Games in Singapore.

His Asian Games appearance adds on to his interesting resume of competing in the big four having previously competed in the SEA Games, Olympics and the World Championships.

“To qualify for the next round of the competition will also be good. The level of the Asian Games is world class as you have athletes from Japan and there is also someone who did nine seconds.”

China sprinter Su Bingtian and Japan’s Yoshihide Kiryu broke the sub-10 second barrier with 9.91s and 9.98s, respectively, with the former setting an Asian record.

“Japan and China did nine seconds so these are the two people that were the first Asians to clock nine seconds,” he said.

Fakhri, who qualified for the finals of the SEA Games in 2015, said that the duo would make it to the finals of the Olympics with their times.

The national athlete who specialises in 100m shared that conditioning work was part of his training routine in preparing for the major tournament.

“We had continuous training and especially after the SEA Games we will do conditioning. If there is a Games, we will make it intensive phase by phase. Usually, the intensive training starts three months prior to the tournament,” he added.

“We will focus more on speed or strength. During intensive training, this is where things like tightness in the muscles can happen.”

When asked what his thoughts were when he received news of his selection, he said, “I was not expecting it at first but I’m excited that we will be represented in the Asian Games.”

Fakhri has shared the same round with athletics icon Usain Bolt during his maiden World Championships appearance but indicated that pressure will always be associated during the race especially performing in front of a large crowd.

“There will always be pressure. It is not always that we run in front of a large crowd and in Asian Games there will be a huge crowd. We will certainly feel the pressure in the tournament,” he said.

Fakhri will compete in round one on Saturday armed with the hopes of progressing to the semi-final and final which begin both the next day.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Noor Firdaus Ar-Rasyid bin Haji Mohd Idris, the other national sprinter selected to represent the country at the Asian Games will compete in the 200m event.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

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 and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman last night graced the sixth day of the Brunei Open Badminton Championship 2018 at the Multi-Purpose Hall of The Centrepoint Hotel.

Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim ibni Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah safely sealed his place in the last four of the junior under-14 category after beating Hung Wei Li in a straight-set 21-14, 21-17 victory.

Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim’s collection of drop shots was effective in an impressive showing as he utilised the court with some fine touches.

Yang Teramat Mulia will face either Muhd Izzuddin bin Ermadena or Dessen Chung Min Tin for a place in Saturday’s final.

He earned his place in the quarter-final after beating Mohd Daffa Dany bin Ali Hussin in a straight-set 21-9, 21-18 win.

Also present was Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah binti Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah.

|     Daniel Lim     |

BRUNEI LNG Sdn Bhd conducted a one day workshop to disseminate information on the company’s operation and its impact on the surrounding community at the Multi-purpose Hall of the Liang Lumut Recreational Club (LLRC) on Tuesday.

Titled ‘Brunei LNG Roadshow on Operations and its impacts to the Community’, the roadshow saw the presence of Deputy Minister of Energy, Manpower and Industry Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Matsatejo bin Sokiaw, who was welcomed by Brunei LNG Managing Director Patrice Girard; along with members from the Brunei LNG Leadership Team.

Also present were senior officials from government agencies, mukim penghulus, village heads, members of the mukim and village consultative councils, neighbouring companies, business partners, principals and headmasters from schools in Mukim Liang Lumut.

Organised as part of Brunei LNG’s annual engagement session with its key external stakeholders, the roadshow aimed at providing awareness on Brunei LNG’s current operations and projects as well as addressing concerns that the attendees may have with regard to environmental impacts, especially during shutdown (Turnaround).

The roadshow was also an opportunity to help assure its neighbours and communities that the safety of its employees, business partners, local communities, as well as protecting the environment remains a priority in Brunei LNG.

“This [roadshow] is the first engagement session that Brunei LNG is organising this year,” said Patrice Girard.

He noted that as part of the oldest operating LNG Plant in the world since 1972, staff members at Brunei LNG work hard to remain competitive, continuously strengthening the safety performance, business operations, as well as the development of Bruneian talent.

In addition, in line with Brunei LNG’s commitment in pursuing the goals of no-harm to people, protecting the environment, respecting neighbours and contributing to the community; “[The roadshow] is crucial for us to meet you, know you, understand what issues are important for you; as well as providing an avenue where we can inform you of our business operations and where you can share your feedbacks or concerns regarding our operations.”

He hoped that a similar dialogue will be held to ensure that Brunei LNG will play an important role for the economy of Brunei Darussalam and remain the pride of the country.

The deputy minister noted that he supports the efforts made by Brunei LNG in enhancing the understanding of the public on its operations as well as building collaboration and partnerships with the stakeholders.

He urged all industry players to apply their best practices to minimise the combined impacts of their operations to the community and environment.

Among the topics discussed during the roadshow included Flaring and Emission by LNG Utilities Technologist Farah Wahedayana binti Ahmad, Air quality and water effluent by Environmental Affairs Advisor Alinayati binti Haji Perudin, Illegal fishing and road safety by Security Lead Advisor Dato Seri Paduka (Rtd) Yakub bin Ismail, Turnaround by Turnaround Engineer Awangku Muhd Najib Yasmin bin Pengiran Haji Yasmin, and Brunei LNG Business Overview by Corporate Communications Advisor Haji Mohd Sofian bin Kipli.

A question and answer session was held concluding the roadshow.

An exhibition was also held which showcased the efforts made by Brunei LNG over the years, in ensuring the safety of their employees and the surrounding communities.

|     James Kon     |

THIRTY per cent of children (one in three) in Brunei Darussalam are obese, according to the Ministry of Health (MoH).

The figure is alarming because studies have shown that individuals suffering from childhood obesity have a higher risk of developing non-communicable diseases like cancer, stroke and diabetes later in life.

A lot of these children are obese due to insufficient shepherding of their dietary habits when they were younger. An innocent cone of ice cream or two a day to put the smile back on your sulking toddler’s face can quickly cause them to develop unhealthy cravings for fattening, sugary foods.

Because of this, parents and guardians play an influential role in shaping their children’s eating habits and preventing them from becoming obese.

The same can be said of teachers, the next most important guiding lights for children beyond the confines of home.

Besides the usual academic matters, teachers can play a huge role in influencing their students to practise healthy eating and thus stave off obesity.

This role was highlighted by a Lecturer in Public Health at the PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Dr Nik AA Tuah in her remarks at the opening of the ‘Japanese Cooking Class For Teachers’ workshop held at Sayyidina Hussain Secondary School.

Held in collaboration with Kagawa University, Japan; Sayyidina Hussein Secondary School as well as UBD’s Centre for Advanced Research (CARe) and Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences (PAPRSB IHS), the workshop aims to transfer to the participants basic knowledge on healthy cooking techniques and nutrition education in a fun way.

Participating in the workshop are science subject teachers from primary schools and teachers of food and nutrition subjects from secondary schools in Brunei Darussalam.

By the end of the workshop, participants will have gained familiarity on innovative food nutrition pedagogy – including health and other associated issues – as well as learn how to prepare healthy food specially tailored for primary and secondary school students.

“It is a great honour for us to be part of this collaboration which aims to bring healthy eating and living to the school community. To all teachers and participants, please use this opportunity to gain new knowledge and skills,” said Sayyidina Hussain Secondary School’s Principal Dayangku Hajah Nooramaliatifah binti Pengiran Haji Ahmad in her address.

The workshop, which was divided into focus group discussions and cooking classes, also shared with participants the system of healthy eating adopted for children from early childhood right up to the high school level within Kagawa Prefecture.

Present at the workshop were Professor Yumiko Takagi, Faculty of Education Kagawa University; Yukako Uemura, a lecturer at Kagawa University International Office, Kagawa University; and Kaoru Ikeshita, a teacher of Home Economics, Attachment School of Faculty of Education, Kagawa University.

Attending and representing UBD at the workshop were Lecturer in Science Education of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Education (SHBIE) UBD Dr Marlizayati binti Johari, Lecturer in Biomedical, PAPRSB IHS Dr Suwarni Md Diah, a student at the PAPRSB IHS Nurul Aqilah Md Zain and Manager at CARe Susilawatiniah binti Haji Ibrahim @ Susi Ibrahim.

|     Achong Tanjong     |

THE management of Citis Square Shopping Centre continued its charity drive at the SCR Xpress Restaurant in Citis Square, Berakas yesterday, donating brand new clothing worth over BND2,000 to the Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei.

Director of Citis Square Dato Victor Lai Heng Wai and Citis Square management staff member Pengiran Haji Salleh bin Pengiran Haji Besar handed over the donations to SMARTER Brunei Vice-President I Pengiran Zamri bin Pengiran Haji Bujang.

Present to witness the event were SMARTER Brunei management staff members.

According to Pengiran Haji Salleh, the donation was meant as supplementary aid to support SMARTER Brunei in its efforts to help those in need in the country. The effort, part of Citis Square’s annual charity drive, was held in conjunction with this year’s Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration. Dato Victor Lai said that last year the Citis Square management also handed out similar donations to SMARTER.

He said, “I hope the contributions will go some way in helping SMARTER in their daily operations. We will do what we can in terms of providing aid or donations to further help the organisation in running their activities and programmes.”

Yesterday’s donation included items such as Barbie caps (19 pieces), children’s baju kurung (23 sets), children’s jubah (6), tudung for women and children (49), inner scarf/bonnet (28), inner scarf /bonnet bun (8), tudung/scarves for women (12), collared blouses (15), long skirts (67) and normal blouses (43).

SMARTER Brunei will also hold a fundraising garage sale at the car park of Citis Square from August 25 to 26 from 6am to 8pm.

All proceeds will go towards supporting the organisation’s operations.

|     Azaraimy HH, Daniel Lim & Rokiah Mahmud     |

THOUSANDS yesterday received portions of Korban meat contributed by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and members of the royal family, in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidiladha 1439 Hijrah celebration.

In the Brunei-Muara District, Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong handed over the sacrificial meat to 4,437 recipients during the ceremony at the Brunei- Muara District Office.

Legislative Council (LegCo) members, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs as well as the Acting Brunei-Muara District Officer were among those present.

This year, 158 cows and 14 goats were slaughtered; their meat distributed to 7,567 less-fortunate families in the country.

In the Tutong District, 1,322 less-fortunate people registered under the Brunei Islamic Religious Council received the sacrificial meat. A total of 271 heads of families turned up at the Tutong District Civic Centre Complex to receive the Korban meat.

The ceremony commenced with a recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Hari Raya Takbir led by Tutong District Mosque Affairs Officer Saipol bin Ismail.

Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong handed out the Korban meat, in the presence of LegCo members Yang Berhormat Haji Umarali bin Esung, Yang Berhormat Haji Abdul Wahab bin Apong and Yang Berhormat Haji Ramli bin Haji Lahit, Tutong District Officer Shamsul Bahrin bin Haji Mohammad Hussain and other government officials.

In the Belait District, the ceremony was held at the Kuala Belait Conference Hall.

Minister of Defence II cum guest of honour Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof handed out the Korban meat to 622 less-fortunate families.

LegCo members Yang Berhormat Haji Abdul Hamid bin Haji Mumin and Yang Berhormat Hanapi bin Mohd Siput, Acting Belait District Officer Ridzuan bin Haji Ahmad, heads of deparments, penghulus and villages heads were also in attendance.

The ceremony started with a recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah followed by Hari Raya Takbir.

The recipients expressed gratitude to His Majesty and members of the royal family for the Korban meat.

|     Abdul Hakiim Yakof     |

TWO sermons were delivered by State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned during the Sunnat Aidiladha prayer at the Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah yesterday.

In the first sermon, the State Mufti retold the story of Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh), whose faith was tested in being ordered to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail (pbuh).

“These days, we are not required to offer our children as sacrifices, but instead, we are commanded to have faith and perform our prayers. We are also commanded to render our services to the public in the form of finances, ethical conduct and lawful assembly. These are minor obligations, compared to the command received by Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh).”

The State Mufti then shared the story of two pious men: Ibn Abbas, who would rather lose his eyesight than miss out on his prayers; and an old man who refused to break his fast at the bidding of the ruthless governor of Iraq, Al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf. “Al-Hajjaj was a cruel dictator; he has gone down in history as responsible for the mass killings of over 20,000 people,” said the State Mufti.

“Yet this old man remained resolute, refusing to abandon his fast, out of pure devotion and submission to Allah the Almighty.”

In the second sermon, the State Mufti encouraged Muslims to dedicate a portion of their earnings for , donations and charitable drives, by citing the examples of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)’s companions: Sayyidina Abu Bakar and Sayyidina Umar, who competed with each other in giving to charity; Abdul Rahman bin ‘Auf, who spent his wealth on philanthropic causes; and Abu Uqail, who worked hard so that he could give alms to the poor.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

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 graced a Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration at the Istana Nurul Iman.

The event, attended by over 6,000 guests, was hosted by Their Majesties and members of the royal family to commemorate the feast of sacrifice for the year 1439 Hijrah.

The royal family members attending the event 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; 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 Wakeel; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.

Also in attendance were Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam; and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Noor Ehsani binti Al-Marhum Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Akazul Khairi Waddien.

Prior to the event, the sound of the Hari Raya Takbir, performed by representatives from government departments, religious school teachers, undergraduates from tertiary education institutions, uniformed personnel, youth associations and members of various associations resonated throughout the Istana Nurul Iman.

This was followed by recitation of Al-Quran verses 197-199 of Surah Al-Baqarah by Mohd Marzuqi bin Haji Anuar, a first-year undergraduate of ‘Aliyah Qiraat Diploma who represented the country in the Mohammed VI International Prize for the Al-Quran Reading Competition held in Morocco in 2015.

The interpretation of Al-Quran verses was read by Mohd Najib bin Haji Aliakbar, a lecturer at Institut Tahfiz Al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.

At the ceremony, Their Majesties consented to hand out sacrificial meat to 100 selected recipients, comprising underprivileged individuals from all four districts.

A Doa Selamat was recited by State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned to bless the ceremony.

This year, a total of 158 cows and 14 goats were contributed by Their Majesties and members of the royal family and the sacrificial meat was distributed to 7,567 poor and underprivileged people selected from across the country.

Over 6,000 guests attended the event yesterday including civil servants and uniformed personnel as well as new Muslim converts, mosque youth groups, Muslimah groups, undergraduates from tertiary education institutions and religious school students.

Yesterday afternoon also saw sacrificial meat being distributed to selected recipients in different venues across all districts.

|     Abdul Hakiim Yakof     |

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 performed the Korban ceremony for Hari Raya Aidiladha 1439 Hijrah/2018 with the slaughter of seven goats at the courtyard of Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah in Kampong Kiarong yesterday.

The monarch arrived at the mosque accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.

Upon arrival at the mosque, His Majesty was received by Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar; Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud; Acting Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar; State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned; Chief Syar’ie Judge Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar; Syariah Appeal Court Judge Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Setia Raja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Suhaili bin Haji Mohiddin; Commissioner of the Royal Brunei Police Force Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohd Jammy bin Haji Muhd Shah Al-Islam; Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Major General Pengiran Dato Paduka Seri Aminan bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud as well as event’s executive committee members.

Soon after the Hari Raya Aidiladha prayer, the Acting Minister of Religious Affairs ushered His Majesty and Their Royal Highnesses towards the slaughter area.

His Majesty together with His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik were assisted during the slaughter of three goats while the remaining four were slaughtered by personnel of the Mulaut Abattoir Sdn Bhd.

Earlier, His Majesty and Their Royal Highnesses gathered together with thousands of other worshippers for the Sunnat Aidiladha prayer at the mosque.

The prayer was also held simultaneously in mosques, suraus and religious halls nationwide. The call to the Hari Raya Aidiladha prayer was carried out by Mudim Haji Suhaili bin Haji Kalong while the prayer was led by Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Hamid bin Bakal.

This year, 158 cows and 14 goats were slaughtered and their meat was distributed to 7,567 asnaf fakir and miskin family heads all over the country. They included 4,437 Brunei-Muara, 1,613 from Belait, 1,258 from Tutong and 259 from Temburong districts.

|     Danial Norjidi     |

THE flag and sports jerseys for Brunei-Muara contingent who will compete in the Brunei Darussalam National Games (SKBD) 2018 were presented in a ceremony yesterday at the Brunei-Muara District Office.

Guest of honour Acting Brunei-Muara District Officer Haji Ali bin Maytassin presented the jerseys to Assistant Brunei-Muara District Officer Mohamad Yassin bin Haji Ahmed, who is also the Chief D’Mission of the Brunei-Muara team.

In a speech, the Chief D’Mission congratulated the 611 people including managers, coaches, athletes and secretariat for representing the Brunei-Muara District contingent at the fourth edition of SKBD. He noted that the contingent would compete in all events this year, totalling 31 sporting events.

He also extended his gratitude and appreciation to the sponsors for their contribution of the jerseys. He also thanked Syarikat Hui Huang Enterprise for sponsoring YOU-C 1000 isotonic drinks and Syarikat TLT (B) Sdn Bhd for sponsoring Suci mineral water.

The event saw the presentation of the sponsored drinks, followed by the presentation of the Brunei-Muara District team flag from Shahril bin Haji Mayalin of the Youth and Sports Department to the Acting Brunei-Muara District Officer and then the Chief D’Mission.

The team jerseys were then presented to team managers from each of the sports.

|     Daniel Lim     |

INSTITUTE of Brunei Technical Education Jefri Bolkiah Campus (IBTE JBC) yesterday handed over BND727.74 in donations to the Children’s Cancer Foundation (YASKA).

The funds, raised through a charity brisk walkathon held in April 2018, will help support YASKA programmes for child cancer patients at the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital.

IBTE Satellite Principal Norjemee bin Jenek handed over the donation to YASKA Vice Chairperson Tsara’Nawwarah binti Abdullah Chen.

As a non-governmental organisation, YASKA is focussed on providing support for children with cancer and their families.

The IBTE Satellite Campus is expected to continue conducting similar events in the future.

ROYAL Brunei Airlines (RB) was back in Shanghai once again on a brand promotion drive, this time holding a two-day roadshow with International Brand Ambassador Wu Chun from August 20 – 21 at Raffles City, People’s Square.

The goal of the roadshow was to enhance brand awareness for the country’s flag carrier, promote Destination Brunei, promote and showcase the products, services and in-flight features and entertainment offered on RB’s latest fleet of A320neo aircraft, as well as to promote the carrier’s expansion routes to China such as Nanning and Hangzhou, and soon, Beijing and Haikou.

Commenting on the event, RB Executive General Manager for Commercial Martin Aeberli said, “Shanghai is and remains one of RB’s key markets, as it holds one of the largest city populations in the whole of China. We are back here again to promote RB as China is the world’s largest tourism market and one of the largest source of foreign direct investment into Brunei.

“It is also currently the second-largest source of visitor arrivals into Brunei, registering over 52,000 tourists last year. This provides RB the opportunity to increase connectivity to enable more travel, trade and investment between the two countries.”

Since launching on June 25, 2018, RB’s scheduled flights to Nanning have proven to be highly popular among its Brunei and China customers. The carrier is set to introduce a new Haikou service on October 31 later this year.

“We are looking into adding more regional Chinese cities to our selection of destinations, starting with Beijing and Haikou, subject to government approvals and grant of landing slots,” Aeberli added.

“Through the roadshow we aim to introduce to our Chinese guests the in-flight comfort of our full-service flights and modern provisions of our new A320neo aircraft, which come with business, economy plus and economy leather seats as well as over 1,000 entertainment options onboard.

For Wu Chun, who is into his fourth term as RB International Brand Ambassador, the Shanghai roadshow is the second RB promotional event he’s taken part in this year after Nanning. The Brunei-born actor and entrepreneur notably made a special appearance at the event for RB customers and his fans, many of whom later made flight bookings for their next holiday with the airline.

“Travelling not only makes one happier, it also makes one wiser. I’m fortunate enough in my line of work to get the opportunity to fly to many different countries and cities in China. RB’s new planes give you that extra comfort and interesting flight experience, it’s a real privilege to fly with them,” Wu Chun said.

|     Wani Roslan     |

ABOUT 100 students and teachers from Sayyidina Husain Secondary School, Awang Semaun Secondary School, Sayyidina Hasan Secondary School and Sayyidina Umar Al-Khattab Secondary School attended the first series of the Wildlife Roadshow Programme for Government and Private Secondary Schools Cluster 2 at the Multipurpose Hall of Sayyidina Husain Secondary School in Kampong Jerudong yesterday.

Acting Director of Co-Curriculum Education Mohamed Jais bin Haji Abdul Rahman was the guest of honour.

Organised by the Wildlife Division at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) in collaboration with Brunei Methanol Company Sdn Bhd (BMC), the roadshow aimed to raise awareness on the roles and responsibilities of the relevant agencies in conserving and protecting wildlife in the country.

Head of Wildlife Division Mardani bin Haji Mahadi in his welcoming remark said the roadshow, which focusses on secondary school students, is an effective approach for them to understand and appreciate the natural resources, particularly wildlife.

The roadshow’s main highlights were the briefing sessions by the Wildlife Division on its roles and functions, the Biodiversity Research and Innovation Centre on the Heart of Borneo (HoB) initiative and a briefing on biodiversity in the Sultanate.

MPRT, BMC and BruWILD officers delivered the briefings.

A mini exhibition and quizzes were also held to test and extend the participants’ knowledge and understanding on wildlife. The activities were also held to gauge how effective the briefings were.

Prizes were presented to quiz winners by the guest of honour.

The Brunei-Muara District is the final destination for the Wildlife Roadshow Programme series, in which the programme was also held in the Belait District in June and September 2015; the Tutong District in April and August 2016; the Temburong District in May 2017 and the Brunei-Muara District for Cluster 1 in August last year.

ASIA Inc Forum and its major partner Baiduri Bank will convene the 2018 Brunei Local Business Development (LBD) Programme at the Radisson Hotel with an LBD Forum on ‘Thinking Big in a Small Market’ on September 19, and an LBD Workshop for businesses on creating new demand and increasing profitability through the Blue Ocean Shift on September 20.

The LBD Forum on September 19 is open to 150 local business owners and managers, corporate executives and professionals, and aims to help them get better business outcomes through strategic thinking.

The LBD Forum will feature highly-knowledgeable speakers from abroad who will be joined by Bruneian experts.

The sessions are designed to stimulate creative thinking, which will be complemented by inspiring real-life experiences and lessons. Insight from biggest accomplishments and mistakes in business, creating resilient enterprises, finding uncontested market space, and capturing more loyal customers are some of the discussions which delegates can expect.

The highly-interactive LBD Workshop on September 28 will teach participants the mindset to seek out more lucrative markets, how to get started on this strategy, and the proven methodologies to achieve new demand and making the competition a non-factor in the newly created markets.

To maximise interaction and learning, a limited 30 places are offered for the LBD Workshop, with less than 15 places remaining.

The LBD Workshop will be facilitated by a top ‘Blue Ocean Strategy’ coach from Southeast Asia.

Modules will go deep into proven methodologies used by small, medium and large companies like Apple, Philips, Kimberly Clarke, and Cirque du Soleil to name a few.

“This year’s LBD Programme is a product of collective feedback from previous years. The agenda and format of discussions are developed with the objective of helping local businesses achieve the results they seek,” General Manager of Regional Programmes for Asia Inc Forum Andrew Dy said.

Asia Inc Forum’s LBD Programme, now in its 12th year, is a platform for high-quality learning, sharing, and relationship-building, in support of the government’s local business development and economic diversification strategies.

The LBD Program is supported by Borneo Bulletin and Media Permata as print and digital media partners and MMW as creative partner.

|     Izah Azahari     |

THE Scholarship Section of the Ministry of Education (MoE) yesterday held its ‘Jatidiri Berkat’ programme for Brunei government scholarship students of the 2018/2019 academic year, at the Civil Service Institute (IPA).

The programme is a pre-university departure session for students awarded with government scholarships in the country to prepare them for studying abroad.

Scholarship Section Head Julaihi bin Mohamat briefed the attendees on matters including overseas government scholarship rules and regulations as well as overseas scholarship allowances and facilities.

Julaihi noted that the scholarships received “should not be seen as a right, but considered as a national privilege for them”, because one day “the students will return to the country to dedicate their service.”

A number of agencies were invited by the Scholarship Section to deliver talks. These included the Ministry of Health, whose representatives delivered a talk on how to handle stress; the Ministry of Religious Affairs; and the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) Supreme Council, which delivered a briefing on the appreciation of the MIB concept and the nation’s aspirations for the students to be “assets of the country”.

|     Azlan Othman     |

AFTER scorching heat over the past weeks due to dry and hazy conditions, Bruneians woke up to a cold weather yesterday morning.

Heavy thunder showers with wind speed of up to 45km/h were recorded, prompting the Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Department (BDMD) to issue a yellow stage, or ‘be alert’ warning.

Air quality was good with Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) reading ranging from 10 to 21 in all four districts.

Several cases of road accidents were reported yesterday morning during heavy rains including at Jangsak where four cars were involved in bumper-to-bumper collision while a car veered off and hit a lamp post in Kampong Katok in another accident.

The BDMD forecasts more thunder-storms in the days to come.

The ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre said on Sunday that conditions for rainfall are active in most parts of the Mekong sub-region and the winds over the northern ASEAN region are expected to blow from the southwest or west.

Despite having conditions of rainfall over parts of the southern ASEAN region, clusters of hotspots continued to be detected in West Kalimantan and moderate to dense smoke haze could be observed to emanate from these hotspots.

In southern parts of Sumatra, localised smoke plume was observed in the vicinity of isolated hotspots.

For the next few days, scattered showers are expected over the southern ASEAN region and the winds are forecast to blow from the southeast or southwest.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

ROYAL Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Commander Major General Pengiran Dato Paduka Seri Aminan bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud recently made an introductory visit to Thailand during which he discussed ways to further strengthen the existing ties between the two countries’ armed forces.

During the visit from August 19-21, the RBAF Commander was welcomed at the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) Headquarters by the Chief of Defence Force of the RTARF General Dato Paduka Seri Tarnchaiyan Srisuwan.

The RBAF Commander inspected the guard of honour and later paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Defence Force of the RTARF.

During the call, both sides discussed ways to further strengthen military cooperation through exchanges of high level visits as well as courses and trainings between RBAF and RTARF.

The RBAF Commander also visited the Counter Terrorist Operations Centre (CTOC), a body that coordinates counter-terrorism measures across various agencies, established in affiliation with the RTARF Headquarters.

During the visit, Major General Pengiran Dato Paduka Seri Aminan and his delegation also attended an official dinner hosted by General Dato Paduka Seri Tarnchaiyan.

The Ministry of Defence (MinDef) in a statement said the visit aimed to further enhance the existing bilateral military ties between the two armed forces in general.

|     James Kon     |

IT WAS a proud moment for 103 University of Chester UK degree students who received their graduation certificates yesterday during the University of Chester (UK) Laksamana College of Business’ (LCB) Graduation Ceremony 2018, held at The Rizqun International Hotel.

The guest of honour who presented the certificates to the graduates was Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman.

Also in attendance were Deputy Minister of Education Datin Seri Paduka Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh, British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Richard Lindsay, Principal Director of LCB Ian Pirie, Director of LCB Haji Suhaimei bin Haji Besar as well as other officials.

Eleven students pursuing the University of Chester degree programme secured first-class honours degree.

The graduates completed their degree courses in Business Management, Marketing and Computer Science.

In his speech, the British High Commissioner highlighted, “This is the end of your Laksamana journey, and of course this also started your journey, a journey of partnership, because partnership is what Laksamana College of Business and University of Chester have established.”

The partnership, he said, “provided a great opportunity to bring UK higher education into Brunei Darussalam. I am very proud to be able to support the success Laksamana College of Business has achieved and continues to achieve”.

Richard Lindsay also highlighted the strong links established between the people of Brunei and the UK through education, and expressed hope to continue this strong relationship including the partnership between LCB and University of Chester.

Meanwhile, Deputy Head of Computer Science Department, University of Chester Andrew Muncey in his speech congratulated the students on their graduation. He also recalled the history of University of Chester and the success of its partnership with LCB.

Today, 432 more LCB students will receive their certificates in another graduation ceremony.

|     James Kon     |

THE Ministry of Education has always put emphasis on high participation rate in education, especially on transition of students from secondary education to post-secondary and higher education which is of paramount importance to ensure the alignment of human resources for the economic development of the nation, said Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman.

This is in line 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’s titah to mark the 34th National Day on February 23, 2018 that called for giving close attention to human resources development, the minister noted in his remarks as the guest of honour at the University of Chester (UK) Laksamana College of Business’ (LCB) Graduation Ceremony 2018, held at The Rizqun International Hotel yesterday.

“Focussing on the enrolment to post-secondary education, a National Key Performance Indicator (NKPI) has been put in place to ensure that a high participation rate in education will be achieved in line with the national Vision 2035.

“One of the many initiatives under His Majesty’s Government to support enrolment into post-secondary education is the Technical and Vocational Education Scholarship Scheme (BPTV) to enable further studies at local private higher education institutions in Brunei. Initiatives such as these further underline the importance of the role of private higher education institutions in complementing the national education system to provide targetted human resources for the diversification of Brunei’s economy,” the minister said.

“Significant challenges associated with enhanced globalisation, rapid technological progress and demographic changes lead to uncertainty in the labour market. Countries are struggling to tackle issues such as youth unemployment, the mismatch of skills and job growth and so on. Many countries are finding it hard to generate job growth required to provide employment opportunities for the large number of young people entering the labour market each year.

“Brunei Darussalam too is not spared of these challenges. In the midst of preparing students for a resilient future, I call upon all education institutions in the nation, be it public or private, to be innovative in terms of narrowing the curriculum gap and offer courses that are aligned with the demand of economic development and industries.

“Emphasis should also be placed on the development of students holistically, be it physical, mental and spiritual in accordance with our Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) values as well as the teachings of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jama’ah,” the minister added.

Earlier in the speech, the minister congratulated the graduates, saying that “Education is a never-ending process and higher educational institutions widen your paradigm for life-long learning. As new graduates, your highway to success will be moulded by the kind of commitment you are willing to make to gain more knowledge. Therefore, continuous learning is essential to your personal development that will enable you to effectively contribute to society.”

The minister also congratulated Laksamana College of Business for establishing the Culinary School and offering City and Guild programmes.