|     Wani Roslan     |

ELEVEN teams competed in the Youth Water Sports 2018 at the vicinity of the Darussalam Jetty at Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas in the capital yesterday.

In the fibreglass boat race, Lela Cheteria Boat Race Council emerged winners of the Women’s 500m six-rower category winning BND300, while Mukim Saba team won the 500-m 10-rower category.

In the Men’s 500m 15-rower and Men’s 500m Relay 20-rower categories, Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) came on top winning BND1,200 for both categories.

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 presented the prizes for the fibreglass race.

Asnawi Ashrin of team Care won the Men’s 500m T1 Single category in the Kayak race, while Nazatul Haji Isa of Dofin team won the Women’s 500m T1 Single category. Both winners receive BND150 cash prizes.

In the Men’s 500m T2 Double category, Mohd Azizi Shafie and Haji Khudzairi from Kayak Tamoi team emerged winners, while Haslina binti Haji Abu Bakar and Nur Ayu Qistina binti Abdullah Acharang won the Women’s 500m T2 Double. Winners receive BND300.

The Kayak race’s prizes were presented by a Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Nik Hafimi binti Abdul Haadii and Managing Director of GHK Motors Sdn Bhd Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin.

The event also saw the prize presentation for the tug-of-war boat race under Men’s team of three, Women’s team of three and team of 10 as well as labi-labi boat race for single and double categories.

Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence Captain (Rtd) Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Rahman bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar presented the prizes.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports in collaboration with GHK Motors Sdn Bhd as the strategic partner of the event.

|     Wani Roslan     |

CROWDS flocked to the Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas in the capital yesterday to watch the Youth Water Sports 2018 competition – part of activities held to mark the country’s 13th National Youth Day celebration.

The event, held to strengthen the ties among youth and encourage them to get involved in sports and healthy activities, was attended by the guest of honour 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, who later presented prizes to the competition winners.

Organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) together with GHK Motors Sdn Bhd as strategic partner, the competition saw 11 teams competing in a number of water sports categories: kayak, tug-of-war boat race, fibreglass boat race, and labi-labi boat race.

The kayak race was divided into four categories: Men’s 500m T1 Single, Women’s 500m T1 Single, Men’s 500m T2 Double, and Women’s 500m T2 Double.

The fibreglass boat race was divided into four categories: Women’s 500m six Rowers, Men’s 500m 10 Rowers, Men’s 500m 15 Rowers, and Men’s 500m Relay for 20 Rowers (10×2).

Meanwhile in the tug-of-war boat race, the categories were Men’s team of three, Women’s team of three and Women’s team of 10, while for the labi-labi boat race, two categories were contested in: Single and Double.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

A BOOK narrating the historical account of significant political events during the reign of three different Sultans in the 19th Century Brunei Darussalam was launched yesterday.

The book, published by the Brunei History Association (PESEBAR) in the Malay language – Politik Kesultanan Brunei (1804-1906) Mengharung Badai Rahmat di Pantai (translated as Politics in the Sultanate of Brunei, Weathering the Storm of Grace in our Shores) is written by a former professor and a fellow of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Department of History, Assistant Professor Dr Haji Awang Asbol bin Haji Mail and Haji Mohsin bin Abu Bakar.

At a ceremony held at the residence of Assistant Professor Dr Haji Awang Asbol who is also the Honorary Secretary of PESEBAR in Kampong Perpindahan Lambak Kanan, the guest of honour, President of PESEBAR Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Dr Haji Awang Yahya bin Haji Ibrahim officiated the book.

Assistant Professor Dr Haji Awang Asbol shared that the 194-page book comprises five chapters that recount the political development of Brunei from 1804-1906, especially during the advent of Western powers, particularly the British who dominated their powers over Bruneian territories one after another. Hence, he said the title of the book depicts Brunei as an ark that had to weather a violent storm in the ocean during those times.

The book narrates the 1835 political uprising in the then Brunei territory Sarawak that later saw the intervention from British soldier and adventurer James Brooke, where then on, the Brunei Sultanate slowly loses grip of its territories such as Labuan, Limbang, Lawas and territories in Sabah.

Assistant Professor Dr Haji Awang Asbol added that during the testing times, the wise decision by Sultan Hashim who signed on the 1906 agreement to maintain the status of Brunei as a Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) nation has saved Brunei, which is also a philosophy that is being strongly preserved until today.

Meanwhile, the guest of honour in his speech reminded the public, especially the youth to always appreciate and learn the history of Brunei. He said history will teach us lessons and can even be a point for guidance and reference so history will not be repeated.

He added that this is the reason why 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 emphasises the importance of all levels of the community to not only appreciate national history, but also the history of Islam in the country, which will allow for the strengthening of the Bruneian spirit and also self-identity as we stride through globalisation.

The book can be obtained at the Brunei History Centre in the capital or through the writer.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

ALL in all, a total of 531 plastic bottles, 17 plastic straws, 30 cigarettes and 30 bags of mixed litter were collected during the Advancement of the Community and Environment (ACE) Team Muara Beach Campaign yesterday.

Over 50 volunteers gathered as early as seven in the morning at Muara Beach to give the stretch of sand a much-needed spruce-up.

The event aimed to raise awareness on environmental issues plaguing marine animals, encourage environmental-friendly thinking, as well as promote public participation and collaboration on the issue of environmental hygiene.

It also sought to promote the use of reusable items such as metal straws, bags and reusable bottles in replacement of disposable or single-use plastics.

Joining the effort, initiated by the ACE team in collaboration with the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe) under the Ministry of Development (MoD) and Green Brunei with the support of Sip Bn, was Legislative Council member and Green Brunei founder Yang Berhormat Khairunnisa binti Haji Ash’ari.

During the clean-up, the collected litter was separated into the following categories: plastic straws, bottles, bags, containers, cups and miscellaneous items.

A ‘Bring Your Own (BYO) Awareness Campaign’ and ‘Donate Your Reusable Bag Campaign’ were also held alongside the beach cleanup.

The ‘BYO Awareness Campaign’ seeks to raise awareness on the importance of bringing one’s own reusables – for example when eating out or for picnics – and other alternatives in place of single-use plastics, whereas the ‘Donate Your Reusable Bag Campaign’ encouraged the volunteers and the public to donate their reusable bags.

The collected bags will be used for the latter campaign’s official launch at Pasar Pelbagai Barangan Gadong on a date yet to be announced.

The beach clean-up also featured no-sew T-shirt bag making demonstrations. The demos sought to inform the public how their otherwise unused T-shirts can be upcycled into handy no-sew T-shirt bags.

|     Azaraimy HH     |

THE Ministry of Health (MoH) in collaboration with the Mukim Pekan Tutong Consultative Council yesterday held a Healthy Mukim Programme for Mukim Pekan Tutong.

The programme was held to promote public awareness on health-related issues such as non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. The event was held at the Tutong District Civic Centre Complex.

Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar and his spouse, Datin Dr Hajah Noraslinah binti Haji Ramlee, attended as the guests of honour.

The event kicked-off with speeches by Mukim Pekan Tutong Acting Penghulu cum ceremony chairperson Haji Mumin bin Abdul Razak and the minister.

The ceremony continued with the launching of the programme and the presentation of appointment certificates for health ambassadors of Mukim Pekan Tutong.

Activities included a Tai Chi session, a 3km walkathon, cycling and aerobic exercises; health checks, an exhibition and a health products bazaar.

The minister and walkathon participants visited the ‘Mind Your Mind’ exhibition at the Petani Mall, before continuing their walk back to the Tutong District Civic Centre Complex.

The ‘Mind Your Mind’ event included a mental health exhibition, quizzes, personal wellness level test, open consultation with members of psychiatrist or psychologist, and colouring session.

The minister hoped the programme will not only strengthen relations between community members, but will also strengthen cooperation between government and non-governmental sectors with the public with regard to inculcating a healthier lifestyle among all.

The programme aimed to promote awareness on NCDs; highlight the services provided by hospitals and clinics; encourage the local community to live healthy by conducting regular physical exercises and eating healthy.

|     Daniel Lim     |

MAJLIS Sukan Polis Di-Raja Brunei was the overall champion in the 30 Rowers Marathon, followed by Persatuan Sungai Bunga, and Waktu Brunei Darussalam, in second and third places in the traditional boat racing competition held along the Belait River yesterday, 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.

Participants from across the Belait District competed in six categories: 15 Rowers Open; 20 Rowers Open; 25 Rowers Open; 12 and 15 Rowers for members from government agencies and department in the Belait District; and the 30 Rowers Marathon.

The guest of honour was Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong.

The minister also joined the 15 Rowers category for members from government agencies and departments in Belait, leading the Pasukan Jawatankuasa boat to victory.

The permanent secretaries at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs were also involved in the competition, leading the boats for Pasukan Pejabat Hal Ehwal Ugama Daerah Belait, Pasukan Daerah Belait and Pasukan Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Cawangan Operasi ‘B’ Daerah Belait.

Meanwhile, the deputy permanent secretary at the MoHA was among the participants for Pasukan Jabatan Bandaran Kuala Belait dan Seria.

The minister also flagged off the 30 Rowers Marathon, a 20-km race which began near the Rasau Bridge and ended at the waterfront located behind the Menara Cendera Kenangan in Kuala Belait.

The marathon involved seven participating teams: Majlis Sukan Polis Di-Raja Brunei, Persatuan Sungai Bunga, Waktu Brunei Darussalam, Pasukan Daerah Belait, Pasukan Bandaran Gabungan Ugama, Belait Paddlers Team and Pasukan Bravo 995.

The minister presented prizes to the competition winners.

Following the presentation of prizes, the minister received a token of appreciation from the Acting Belait District Officer.

|     Azaraimy HH     |

THE issue of mental health is a worrying global trend. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of people with mental health disturbance is increasing globally, and Brunei Darussalam is not an exception.

In 2012, the Ministry of Health (MoH) stated that 11,000 people were registered under its mental health services, meaning that 2.75 per cent of Bruneians are living with mental health problems.

The ministry said that this number is expected to increase, and that it is probable that there are many unreported cases.

It added that in the case of Brunei, mental health issues carry a heavy social stigma, causing sufferers to feel reluctant to seek remedial help or share their problem out of fear of being discriminated against. The ministry additionally noted that this negative perception of the problem among society is probably caused by inadequate understanding on mental health, with the public associating mental health problems with lunacy.

Various efforts have been initiated by the ministry to tackle the issue and raise public awareness on mental health problems and the well-being of sufferers, including the ‘Mind Your Mind’ campaign by staff from the Psychiatric Department of Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital; psychology experts from the ministry’s Health Services Department and Medical Services Department; occupation therapy experts and social medical workers from RIPAS Hospital; as well as officers from the Health Promotion Centre and volunteers from the Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences of Universiti Brunei Darussalam.

The campaign, into its fifth year this year, was recently organised by the Health Promotion Centre and held at Petani Mall, Tutong for two days from August 25-26.

Various activities were carried out such as a mental health exhibition, quizzes, a ‘drink with experts’ session, as well as a 3km ‘Towards Change’ walkathon.

Among its objectives were to increase public awareness on the importance of understanding mental health problems; promoting the services provided by the MoH with regard to the issue; countering the negative perception of mental health; reducing the social stigma associated with mental health problems in Brunei Darussalam; and to create a conducive platform for the Tutong community to access proper mental healthcare and help.

THE ‘MY Action for Sustainable Development Goals’ (SDGs) project team organised a campaign last weekend during Bandarku Ceria to raise awareness on goals to achieve, in line with the National Vision 2035.

The SDGs include the achievement of zero poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, as well as quality education for the nation.

A total of 140 volunteers participated in the event, themed ‘Leave no one behind’. The campaign gave the public the opportunity to share their voices concerning global goals through activities related to the SDGs.

The campaign will also continue in a workshop in collaboration with Persatuan Kemajuan Insan (KESAN).

The team, led by Brunei Darussalam’s advocate for ASEAN MY World 2030 Nurul Hadina binti Haji Alias, partnered with Reef Check. The project is also supported by United Nations (UN) SDG Action Campaign, UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub and UN Volunteers Asia-Pacific.

‘MY Action for SDGs’ aims to raise awareness and inspire society to work together to achieve the SDGs, by unifying the community and connecting local support, especially in conjunction with the Global Action Day in September.

|     Daniel Lim     |

THE Law Society of Brunei Darussalam conducted its first ever legal advice clinic in the Belait District on Saturday.

Held at the Magistrate’s Court in Kuala Belait, the clinic is a Law Society of Brunei Darussalam initiative organised to dispense free legal advice to members of society who are otherwise unable to afford such services, representing the association’s longstanding efforts make legal aid available to less fortunate members of the public.

Members of the public who wish to receive the free legal advice must satisfy the following criteria: they must not be represented by any legal firm; and present a copy of their current Brunei identity card, document(s) of proof of residence in the country, and document(s) proving that their income or allowance is less than BND1,500 per month.

“This clinic held for the first time in Belait District represents a voluntary gesture by lawyers of the Law Society of Brunei Darussalam to help out those who might not be able to afford or hire a lawyer to give advice on court issues or other civil, criminal and Syariah law matters,” said a member of the Law Society of Brunei Darussalam Veronica K Rajakanu to the Bulletin at the clinic.

“Even though the bulk of the lawyers are mostly working in the Brunei-Muara District, we are working closely with each other to ensure that at least two to five lawyers are here in each of the clinics held each month to give legal advice voluntarily.”

When queried about public response to the monthly clinics, Veronica and her fellow Law Society colleague Elaiza Hanum Merican said that they have encountered a number of individuals with financial difficulties approaching them during the clinic to ask for legal advice.

“We’ve had some positive feedback from members of the public seeking advice during the clinic. We do sympathise with those who are financially-impaired and stricken with legal problems. We try our best to help them with the various legal issues that they’re facing, and provide as much advice as possible and forward the issues discussed with the individuals to the courts to the best of our abilities,” she said.

The clinics in Brunei-Muara and Belait districts are held on the last Saturday of each month, except in cases where that day falls on a public holiday. It will also be held on December 15.

A BRUNEIAN team snatched three bronze medals in the Great Science Quest module, while Mohammad Nursyahmi bin Mohammad Hilmi and Abdul Wafiq bin Haji Rosaimi bagged silver and bronze medals respectively in the Great Science Pitch module for the 7th ASEAN Plus Three Junior Science Odyssey (APT JSO) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from July 29 to August 4.

The seven-day programme saw over 80 students and teachers from the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) region participating.

The APT JSO, themed ‘Science and Innovation for Good Health and Societal Wellbeing’ this year, is an annual competition for gifted students aged 13-15 years from the APT region to demonstrate laboratory skills in Biology, Chemistry and Physics; collaborate with students from other member countries through group projects; and compete in a country-based group poster presentation based on the theme.

The programme also provided an opportunity for students to share ideas and gain experiences through activities, while developing their research ability and cultivate creativity in the field of science and technology.

The delegation, led by Zulhezan Abdullah of Sayyidina Husain Secondary School and Special Education Unit, was represented by Mohd Nursyahmi of Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College (MSPSBS), Abdul Wafiq of Muda Hashim Tutong Secondary School, and Daniel Liew Wei En of Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar Secondary School.

The competition was divided into three main modules: the Great Science Ideas, the Great Science Quest and the Great Science Pitch.

The team also attended the Great Science Share, where the students were mentored and networked with scientists around Malaysia. Participants also showcased their country’s culture in the Great Culture Odyssey.

For the Great Science Ideas module, teams were tasked with producing a three-minute video presentation and a poster on the title ‘How can science, technology and innovation help reduce obesity by redesigning public spaces in 2030?’.

The students also set up exhibition booths to showcase their findings. The teams were judged by a panel of judges comprising lecturers from different non-APT regions, based on the reliability and feasibility of their solutions as well as their ability to communicate their findings fluently and confidently.

In the Great Science Quest, the module was divided into two parts: the outdoor module and the laboratory skills assessments. For the first part, students had to solve problems at different checkpoints using scientific, technological and innovative solutions.

For the second part, the participants had to complete experiments in the science labs on the general theme ‘infectious diseases’. The Brunei team won bronze in this module.

For the Great Science Pitch module, students were divided into mixed-nation groups, and had to solve issues in line with United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Non-communicable diseases). Mohammad Nursyahmi bagged the silver medal by proposing solutions to Alzheimer’s disease, while Abdul Wafiq brought home bronze by proposing solutions to issues pertaining to diabetes.

According to Zulhezan, the APT JSO was a good platform for students and teachers to network and share their professional practices, especially in the field of science education.

“The programme set aside a separate event for teachers, called ‘APT Teachers Networking programme’, where we visited schools in Kuala Lumpur that focussed on different areas of giftedness and talents. The schools included Pusat PERMATApintar, Sekolah Seri Puteri Cyberjaya, Sekolah Menengah Pendidikan Khas Vokasional Shah Alam and Sekolah Sukan Bukit Jalil.”

The participants of the APT JSO also visited places of interest, such as Petrosains KLCC, Planetarium Negara, Masjid Putra and Dataran Putra.

“This experience strengthened my confidence, especially in communicating with others. Working with other gifted student was inspirational and an eye-opener. I am thankful for this opportunity to represent Brunei at a regional level,” said Daniel.

The students’ training for the competition was made possible through the collaboration with staff members of the Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences (PAPRSB IHS) of Universiti Brunei Darussalam and Health Promotion Centre, Ministry of Health, held prior to their leaving for Kuala Lumpur.

The parents of the students and officers from the Special Education Unit also participated in the mock test for the poster presentation.

|     Azaraimy HH     |

MINISTER of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar underscored the role family, close friends, grassroot leaders as well as appointed community health ambassadors must play in keeping eye on the health and well-being of the country’s ageing population.

The minister relayed this in his speech during the Healthy Mukim Programme for Mukim Pekan Tutong on Sunday, which carried the theme ‘Maintaining Health at Old Age’.

“The ageing process is a natural life process that everyone goes from the time they are born. Nevertheless, usually we are not aware that we are going through the process until we notice in ourselves physiological changes, or changes in our physical, emotional and mental state. The differences tend to become more apparent as our age increases from year to year, until we reach elderly age,” he said.

At the rate the world population is increasing today, by 2050 one out of five people (20 per cent) of the world population will be 60 years old and above. Brunei Darussalam is not an exception to this trend, and it is projected that the country’s elderly population (those aged 60 years and above) will have increased by more than 30 per cent.

The minister said that maintaining good health during old age is not just about extending one’s life, but it is about maintaining a capable, functioning body throughout the old age period. This involves a process of learning, adopting better lifestyles during old age and creating a living strategy to promote wellness and individual development during one’s ‘golden years’.

Specifically, he added, the following ingredients are required to bring about good health for the country’s seniors: change of mindset and behaviour towards ageing; creating an age-friendly environment; providing easily accessible services and programmes for the elderly; getting the elderly to get involved in community activities; realising a health system that accommodates the needs of the elderly; and providing a long-term care system for the elderly.

“Seniors usually have a higher prevalence of contracting various diseases including non-communicable diseases as well as health symptoms associated with damage to their sensory functions. However, some of these diseases can be prevented and some can be treated or controlled to prevent them from affecting the daily activities or functions of the elderly individual,” the minister said.

“What is most important is that the initial signs of disease are identified early (through regular health inspections) and given prompt treatment, and advices rendered by health professionals are heeded, for example attending appointments set up for them at health centres or hospitals.

“In this respect, family members and close friends as well as grassroot leaders such as village heads and appointed health ambassadors play important roles. Appointed health ambassadors for instance, can become communicators between the elderly or local community (on health related issues) and health professionals of the health centres and hospitals in each district. They can also be enablers for programmes and activities for the promotion of healthy lifestyles, such as in the planning, advocating or adopting of these programmes together with government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and local education institutions.”

The minister also highlighted in his speech the experience, expertise and skills that the country’s seniors possess, and how they have contributed valuable advices and guidance to the new generation.

“The development of the country owes much to the contributions and sacrifices of our senior citizens. As everyone will get older eventually and face the same issues as our elders, it is imperative that we preserve our health so that we can continue contributing towards the development of the country, even as we step into old age,” he said.

The minister added that as the main agency looking after the health and wellbeing of the elderly, the Ministry of Health will continue to provide services specific to the country’s senior citizen population.

Among these, he stated, include geriatric medical services through in-patient services and out-patient services at government hospitals, community services such as home-based nursing, geriatric and palliative nurse community visits, as well as the palliative helpline and Pusat Amal Cerah Sejahtera (PACS) located at Kampong Subok, which today provides a support group for those suffering from dementia.

“Other than these, from the aspect of prevention and control of diseases, various steps have been implemented to promote healthy lifestyles, including the Healthy Mukim Programme run in collaboration with the Senior Citizens Activity Centre (PKWE) Tutong which was recently launched for the elderly population in the Tutong District,” the minister said.

Concluding his speech, the minister gave assurances that the Ministry of Health will continue working with various stakeholder government agencies and NGOs such as Demensia Brunei, that is focussed on problems associated with dementia and works to spread awareness among the people of Brunei Darussalam on matters relating to healthy ageing.

|     Azlan Othman     |

THE National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) has established a framework with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) as the operational body through the initiatives stated in the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response signed in 2009, said Deputy Permanent Secretary (Security and Welfare) at the Ministry of Home Affairs Ajman bin Haji Meludin.

He made the statement at the opening of Brunei Familiariation Workshop Regional and International Mechanism on Disaster Management at the CAE Brunei Multi-Purpose Training Centre (MPTC) yesterday.

The workshop was organised by AHA Centre in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).

“The workshop was organised to provide participants a platform to discuss, share and exchange information to devise strategies for disaster or incident management,” he added. “Our stakeholders can expand their network and learn the tools and principles of how our regional and international partners managed humanitarian affairs,” Ajman added.

The workshop aims to expose stakeholder agencies involved in national disaster management to regional and international mechanisms, values and procedures as well as to expand their work on disaster management.

The workshop also provides opportunities to introduce disaster management systems in Southeast Asia and internationally, incident management procedures and best practices in the various sectors in disaster management in general.

Director of NDMC Colonel (Rtd) Pengiran Haji Maiddin bin Pengiran Haji Said, Executive Director of AHA Centre Adelina Kamal, Coordinating Officer in Southeast Asia Region for UNOCHA Oliver Lacey-Hall, senior officials of the NDMC and stakeholder agencies from both the government and non-government sectors were also present.

The workshop is delivered by experts from the AHA Centre and UNOCHA.

The NDMC also offers a wide range of courses in disaster management and incidents through the MPTC to the public and government officials since 2017.

|     Azaraimy HH     |

THE 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 underscored the importance of creating an ecosystem for Brunei’s youth to thrive and achieve their best, while speaking at the 8th Presidential Conference at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas yesterday.

The minister said, “Together, we must take this opportunity to be inclusive and to inspire youth from all walks of life in our society to excel.”

The Presidential Conference is an annual forum organised by the Brunei Students’ Union (BSU) in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The first conference was held in 2010 in London, and this year’s conference is held under the theme ‘Frame of Mind: The Youths of the 21st Century’.

Among the invited guests were Legislative Council members Yang Berhormat Iswandy bin Ahmad and Yang Berhormat Khairunnisa binti Haji Ash’ari, and the British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Richard Lindsay.

Addressing an audience of local youth, the minister told them, “As the agents of change, the nation is relying on you for its success. However, we must constantly remind ourselves of our Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy. I should reiterate that this is one aspect that must be preserved as we move forward, wherever we may be. MIB is our pride, and we must take pride in sharing it.”

The minister recalled his time as a former High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to the United Kingdom, saying, “One of my fondest memories as a High Commissioner was the honour of meeting and getting to know so many students. What a privilege to have learned so much from all these students.

“To all the students here today, you are the biggest stakeholders in our nation’s future. Our nation’s development, and of course, our Brunei Vision 2035, can only be achieved by its citizens, including you, the youth of the 21st Century, who will accomplish it in 17 years.”

While reminding his young audience that they should be proactive, innovative and brave, the minister said, “Many youth of today already possess these qualities. They are working hard and making significant contributions to Brunei’s society.”

He cited a few examples, including Pengiran Haji Ahmad Fadhillah Akhbar bin Pengiran Haji Sallehuddin, the recipient of the prestigious Queen’s Young Leaders Award in June this year; and Pengiran Mohamad Khairi bin Pengiran Haji Metussin, the founder of Mindplus Education, who was among the 34 entrepreneurs chosen to showcase their respective businesses before 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, during the recent 13th National Youth Day celebration.

The minister said, “We also need to be aware of the flip side of the coin. We do hear that many youth – especially our students and recent graduates – face real concerns and challenges, including employment and entrepreneurship. It is imperative that these challenges are mitigated through inclusivity, and the ‘Whole of Government’ and ‘Whole of Nation’ approach. This is where we all need to work together, as our joint responsibility.

He added, “Nonetheless, as an optimistic person, I remain very positive about all our youths and your future. The key words I want to highlight here are ‘brave’ and ‘resilient’. His Majesty, in his National Day celebration titah in February this year, emphasised that youth with an abundance of new ideas are surely fearless in facing any challenges. This means being able to step out of your comfort zone and seeing the bigger picture beyond ourselves.”

With the world increasingly becoming borderless in the economic sense, the minister highlighted the need to embrace the attendant changes, including the shift towards Digital Economy and providing the ecosystem to encourage young entrepreneurs to take on opportunities in the international market.

He also quoted the message of Minister of Energy, Manpower and Industry Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mat Suny bin Haji Mohd Hussein to entrepreneurs during the LiveWIRE Business Awards Start-up Funding Scheme on July 24: “The road ahead will be an exciting one, but it may not be easy. We hope that you are able to maintain your enthusiasm for learning and growth, as you cannot afford to rest on your laurels.”

The minister added, “The nation needs its youth to be resilient; who view failure as an opportunity; who are willing to do the hard work and to continue it. Let me appeal to you that it is our joint responsibility to develop this quality in all youth in this room and beyond. Let us work together as partners, to achieve this important quality.”

Among the conference’s highlights was a speech delivered by BSU President Awangku Mohammad Hisyam Al-Yura bin Pengiran Haji Zainal Abidin to officiate the event.

The event involved a panel discussion with governmental and non-governmental agencies, discussing important issues centred on employability and entrepreneurship for youth.

A forum was also held, with the participation of Brunei society leaders in the United Kingdom and the high council of the BSU to promote better communication and coordination among all students in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

THE Indian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Nagma M Mallick yesterday presented 38 pieces of Islamic calligraphy to Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) in a ceremony.

The donated artworks are enlarged photographic reproductions of original artworks from the Rampur Raza Library in India, which has a repository of over 300 rare works of calligraphy, miniatures and manuscripts.

In her speech, the high commissioner said that the contribution was a “privilege, as the magnificent artworks display a union of creativity, artistic ability and piety – one aspect of the shared cultural heritage between India and Brunei Darussalam.

“We first displayed these artworks at the Exhibition of Islamic Calligraphy, which we hosted at the Malay Technology Museum in November 2017. This is a gift from the government and people of India, for the students of UNISSA to enjoy. It is a gesture of friendship from our government to the Government of Brunei Darussalam.”

Rector of UNISSA Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal, meanwhile said that the university was both honoured and “delighted to have been chosen to host the works”.

“The close relationship between Brunei Darussalam and India has thrived, especially over the recent years. UNISSA has established memorandums of agreement with six higher education institutions in India, five of which were signed in February this year during our visit to India and made possible by the kind hospitality of the Government of India.”

Dr Haji Norarfan then touched on the mutual exchange programmes between the two countries. “Our students have also been granted the learning opportunity to visit India last January and May, when they participated in the ASEAN-India Students’ Exchange Programme,” he said.

“This September, we will welcome the Vice-Chancellor of Hyderabad’s Nalsar University of Law Professor Dr Faizan Mustafa to join us in celebrating the upcoming convocation, and to deliver a special lecture for our students in the Faculty of Syariah and Law.

“UNISSA is also pleased to have hosted our friends from India. Our first student from India successfully graduated last year, with a PhD in Usuluddin; and currently, UNISSA is home to two professors from India – in our Faculty of Syariah and Law, and the Faculty of Arabic Language.”

|     Wani Roslan     |

A FULL dress rehearsal for the Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) 30th Convocation Ceremony took place at the university’s Chancellor Hall yesterday.

Present to witness the rehearsal was Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman and UBD Vice-Chancellor Datin Dr Hajah Anita Binurul Zahrina binti Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Aziz.

This year’s convocation will see 1,543 people receiving their PhD, Master’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree and diploma certificates.

Speaking to the Bulletin, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) of UBD Pengiran Dr Mohammad Iskandar bin Pengiran Haji Petra shared that the university has undergone a number of changes to make its teaching more comprehensive.

“Among these changes include emphasising more on the importance of research and learning quality, holding on to the principles of innovation, leadership, entrepreneurship and concern for the environment. All these have contributed to the success of the university in breaking into the rankings of top world universities,” he said.

|     Achong Tanjong     |

A TOTAL of 3,536 participants including officials and coaches from 12 contingents will turn up for the Brunei Darussalam National Games (SKBD) 2018 which will be held from September 1-8.

The fourth edition of the eight-day event will see athletes compete for 937 medals – 281 gold, 281 silver and 375 bronze, Acting Director of Youth and Sports Haji Zafri bin Haji Mohamed said at a press conference organised on the sidelines of the 4th SKBD poster presentation ceremony held at Citra Budaya Hall, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) yesterday.

The ceremony was chaired by Permanent Secretary at the MCYS Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil. Also present at the event was Head of Youth and Sports Officer-cum-Secretariat of SKBD 2018 Mariam binti Ulat.

Haji Zafri said the opening ceremony of the games will be held at 2pm on September 1 at the Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas, while the closing ceremony will be at 2pm on September 8 at the Tutong Sports Complex.

The SKBD 2018 is organised by the government, through the MCYS, in collaboration with Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council (BDNOC). The first SKBD was held in 2012, followed by the second and third editions in 2014 and 2017, respectively.

SKBD is a national-level competition which aims to develop the level and performance of sportsmen in the country. It is hoped that SKBD will be able to create competent athletes, build a healthy and friendly spirit of competition and enhance the status of sports in the country.

Among others, the purpose of SKBD is to establish close collaborative relationships in building human development as well as establishing a harmonious network through sports in the effort to form a united nation.

SKBD also serves as platform to select qualified athletes to represent the country at regional and international sports events.

The contingents taking part in the SKBD 2018 are: Brunei-Muara District, Belait District, Tutong District, Temburong District, Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council, Royal Brunei Police Force Sports Council, Brunei Darussalam Sports Schools Council, higher learning institutions (Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali, Brunei Darussalam Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Politeknik Brunei, Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan, Kolej International Graduate Studies, Cosmopolitan College of Commerce and Industry, Micronet International College, Laksamana College of Business and Institute of Brunei Technical Education), combination of Brunei telecommunication companies (Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam, Telekom Brunei Berhad, DST Communications Sdn Bhd and Progresif Cellular Sdn Bhd), combination of Brunei Shell Joint Venture (BSJV) Companies, Royal Brunei Airlines and Brunei Association of Banks.

Mariam said a total of 31 events will be contested at the games based on rules and regulations approved by the BDNOC in accordance with international rules.

She said some of the games like football, futsal, badminton and volleyball were held earlier due to a large number of entries.

At the press conference, the organisers invited members of the public to watch and support the games.

The venues of the competition include those under the MCYS as well as others agencies such as Bolkiah Garrison, Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (YSHHB)School and i-Bowl Utama Bowling Centre Sdn Bhd.

The venues of the competition are: Badminton – Bolkiah Garrison Multipurpose Hall; cycling – mountain bike: Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, Berakas Forest Reserve Recreational Park, Berakas/Muara-Tutong Highway/ Bukit Shahbandar; road race – Muara-Tutong Highway/Tungku Link; netball – multipurpose hall, Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex (KSNHB); basketball – Brunei Basketball Association Basketball Court in Batu Bersurat; soft ball – Jerudong Sports Complex; football – Track and Field, KSNHB, Tutong Sports Complex, Berakas Sports Complex, Temburong Sports Complex; volleyball – KSNHB multipurpose hall; lawn bowling – KSNHB Lawn Bowling Centre; chess – KSNHB Tennis Centre; dart – Indoor Stadium, KSNHB; futsal – Indoor Stadium, KSNHB; top-spinning (Top-Spinning Arena, KSNHB); golf – Mentiri Golf Course; Hockey – Hockey Stadium, KSNHB; karate-do multipurpose hall, Tutong Sports Complex; kayak – Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas, Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB); cue sports – VIP Billiards Hall, KSNHB; fencing – Mumong Sports Complex; boat race – Serasa Water Sports Complex; pencak silat – Youth Centre, BSB; table tennis – Menglait Sports Complex; rugby – Sungai Kebun Sports Complex; sepak takraw – Sungai Kebun Sports Complex; shorinji kempo -Menglait Sports Complex; squash – Squash Centre, KSNHB; taekwondo – YSHHB School multipurpose hall; tug-of-war – Track and Field, KSNHB; 10-pin bowling – i-Bowl Utama Bowling Centre; wushu – Menglait Sports Complex; swimming – National Swimming Pool, KSNHB; and athletics – Track and Field, KSNHB and Tutong Sports Complex.

BRUNEI Salebration, the much-awaited annual sales fair for thousands of Bruneians who wish to make wonderful deals and contribute to nation building by supporting the local economy, will be held from December 1, 2018 until February 13, 2019.

Part of the government’s ongoing efforts to promote Brunei Darussalam as a shopping destination and contribute towards increasing local consumption and to boost business activities, the 75-day-long Brunei Salebration (BSb) 2018 organised by the Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE) of the Prime Minister’s Office will be showcasing a wide array of products offering attractive discounts.

The objective of the sales fest is to enhance the country’s economic activities by making prices attractive and encourage members of the public to shop locally.

The participating stores will only have to offer a minimum discount of 20 per cent on at least 50 per cent of the goods displayed in their business premises. However, retailers are encouraged to offer better, creative and attractive deals to help draw shopper traffic to their stores, JPKE said in a statement.

In 2017, the annual Brunei Salebration attracted 457 store branches of 204 businesses, including department and retail stores, house furnishings shops, clothing and footwear shops, health and beauty salons, jewellery shops and many others.

Participating retailers will be offered an added platform to reach out and gain visibility through JPKE’s SmartConsumer mobile application to advertise their offers to generate increased sales. This application can be downloaded free on Apple Store and Google Play Store.

Businesses participating in the BSb 2018 will receive a Participation Notice issued by JPKE that has to be clearly displayed at visible spots in the business premises.

The Notification Form and the conditions for participation can be downloaded from JPKE’s website at www.depd.gov.bn.

It can also be obtained from the counter at the following address: Department of Competition and Consumer Affairs, Department of Economic Planning and Development, Room 2A 3.06, Level 3, West Wing Block 2A, Ong Sum Ping Road, BA1131, Brunei Darussalam.

The completed Notification Form and Price List can be submitted through email at sales@jpke.gov.bn or to the address mentioned above 14 days prior to the commencement of the BSb 2018.

|     Daniel Lim    |

A FLAG was presented yesterday to the Belait District contingent who will compete in the Brunei Darussalam National Games (SKBD) at the Kampong Pandan Community Hall in Kuala Belait.

The handover ceremony started with the singing of the national anthem followed by the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah by the Acting Imam of the RPN Kampong Pandan Mosque Haji Mohd Zakaria bin Roseta.

The flag was handed over by the guest of honour Acting Belait District Officer Ridzuan bin Haji Ahmad to the Head of Belait contingent Abdol Hazis bin Haji Ahad, who then handed it over to one of the Belait athletes Muhd Ameerul Solehan bin Muhd Kassim.

The Belait contingent comprises 429 athletes who will compete in badminton, netball, cycling, basketball, softball, football, volleyball, lawn bowl, chess, dart, futsal, golf, karate-do, cue sports, fencing, boat race, pencak silat, athletics, table tennis, rugby, swimming, sepak takraw, squash, tug-of-war, 10-Pin bowling, and wushu.

Also present at the ceremony were the Belait contingent along with 17 instructors, senior administration officers and staff at the Belait District Office as well as officers and staff at the Youth and Sports Department in the Belait District. Representatives from local companies and agencies in the Belait District were also present to handover various sponsorships for the contingent.

Belait District finished third overall in the previous edition of SKBD after bagging six gold medals, six silver and four bronze.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

BRUNEI Association of Banks (BAB) condemned much-fancied Belait District to their first loss in Group ‘A’ of the futsal event at the 4th Brunei Darussalam National Games (SKBD) after edging them 1-0 at the Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex last night.

Badruddin Asri scored the solitary goal of the game in the 22nd minute to help preserve his side an unbeaten record having already drawn twice.

Brunei Association of Banks weathered a storm for most of the match but their defence stayed resolute to hold on for a priceless win especially against a side favoured to get out of the group unscathed.

On the odd occasion that they received a half-hearted chance, Mohammad Abdul Hafiy Yunsi nearly turned in a cross from Muhd Hanif Haji Jaafar.

The bankers sustained most of the pressure as Belait, dominated by national players, took turns through Abee Shahrum bin Gudang and Muhd Yusran bin Mazlan to test their goalkeeper.

Muhd Azizul Syafiee bin Tajul Arifin came close with the breakthrough before Md Hazman bin Hamdan followed up with a shot but the rear-guard remained intact.

BAB had Md Badruddin to thank for after denying Mohd Hazreen bin Mohd Noor to pull the trigger in the early stages of the second half.

With Belait getting frustrated despite a series of opportunities, Nazirul Haziq bin Adeni forced a good stop by the goalkeeper.

Then, Badruddin pounced to gift BAB the lead much to the delight of a section of the crowd.

Belait were dealt a massive blow when Melvin Anak Nyambong suffered an injury which looked serious after punching the court in anguish.

Abdul Wafi Ghaffar bin Zahrin unleashed a decent effort but the bankers’ goalkeeper was pushing the ball away with regular consistency.

Muhd Azizul Syafiee was unlucky not to get into the score-sheet after his effort rattled against the crossbar before a shot from distance prompted the goalkeeper to punch the ball away to safety.

Brunei Association of Banks manager Amir Ema Shukry bin Haji Sulaiman was visibly pleased with his team’s performance especially against a side influenced by national players.

“It was a vital three points for us. We did not expect this kind of result as we predicted a draw in the first place as we know Belait have some national players,” said Amir in a post-match interview with the media.

“From the result, it makes us look forward more to the next game which is against Brunei Darussalam Schools Sports Council (MSSSBD).”

“I think it will be another tough game for us and we will maintain the same momentum. We will maintain our teamwork, our resistance, our defending and attacking as well as discipline from each player. I think the win (against Belait) helps lift our morale,” he said.

Asked if his charges’ had stuck to their plan, he replied, “We have a captain and a leader who gained experience from the national team. By listening to the captain and sticking to the plan and tactics, we got the result.”

|     Izah Azahari     |

THE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) held a reception ceremony for 10 participants of the Republic of Korea Youth Exchange Programme 2018 at the Silaturrahim Hall of the Youth Centre in the capital.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin and the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Brunei Darussalam Yoon Hyun-bong were present.

The youth exchange participants, led by an officer from the the Ministry of Gender, Equality and Family of the Republic of Korea Kang Dong-keun, are in Brunei until September 5.

The exchange programme between Brunei and the Republic of Korea, one of the programmes under the Arrangement on Cooperation on Youth Matters signed between the two governments on February 10, 2010, has strengthened the relationship between both countries. The arrangement aims to foster friendship and understanding between youth from Brunei and Korea through the exchange of views and experiences from socio-economic, socio-political, traditional and cultural perspectives.

The exchange programme was launched in 2011, and this year is its eighth instalment, which saw a delegation from Brunei leaving for the Republic of Korea from June 27 to July 5. A total of 80 youth from the Sultanate and 80 youth from the Republic of Korea have participated in the programme to date.

The participants will engage in activities with the local youth and have study tours to the Youth Centre, Youth Development Centre, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Malay Technology Museum, Royal Regalia Museum, DARe (Darussalam Enterprise) and iCentre. They will also participate in Bandarku Ceria and have a homestay with host families for two days.