|     James Kon     |

THE bilateral relationship between Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Korea (ROK) looks set to further strengthen under the ‘New Southern Policy’, the new Korean initiative which aims to elevate the ASEAN-ROK partnership to a much higher level of shared values and interests.

This was highlighted by Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Brunei Darussalam Yoon Hyun Bong at the reception of Korea’s National Foundation Day held last night at The Empire Hotel & Country Club.

The guest of honour was Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof along with his spouse.

Dressed in the traditional Korean Hanbok, Ambassador Yoon Hyun-bong said, “I feel a tremendous sense of responsibility as an ambassador in the middle of current conditions in the Korean peninsula. President Moon has also assigned me an important task, which is the ‘New Southern Policy’. These are my important assignments during my term.”

She added that the Korean peninsula is currently going through a historic moment. “We are now concentrating on reconciling with North Korea, which is remarkable as the two Koreas have been divided since 1953 after the Korean War. President Moon has consistently emphasised that what we are pursuing is only peace, and a peaceful Korean peninsula is a peninsula free from the threat of nuclear weapons and war.”

She said the Republic of Korea has successfully hosted the PyeongChang Winter Olympics with the participation of a delegation from North Korea. It was a symbolic event which led to the next step towards peace and the recent third inter-Korean summit.

She said, “We can now see some valuable outcome. Everything was made possible with the support from the international society. Let us have peace and prosperity without any fear of nuclear weapons and missiles on the peninsula, I look forward to your continuous cooperation.”

She lauded, “In 1989, ASEAN and the Republic of Korea initiated cooperation which has transformed into a thriving partnership in all areas. However, there is still a growing imperative for greater collaboration between ASEAN and ROK for the well-being of our peoples. It is in this context that the ROK launched a new initiative, the ‘New Southern Policy’, which aims to elevate the ASEAN-ROK partnership to a much higher level of shared values and interests. It has three main pillars, so called three ‘P’ strategies that represent people, prosperity, and peace.”

The Korean ambassador said the foreign ministers of the two countries have exchanged opinions on various occasions for the past years.

In terms of economic exchanges, the ambassador said, “The Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Bridge was completed successfully last year by Daelim. Direct flights between Brunei and Korea have boosted the tourism between the two countries, and I am sure this will go up further as more flights have been added, three times a week now, since last August.”

She added, “Some Korean entertainment shows have aired the beauty of Brunei so more Koreans could get to know about this beautiful country. Annually our embassy hosts our own cultural events, such as the K-Festival, the K-dream night, and K-movie night. This year, once again, we participated in Brunei’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Hari Raya open house, and had a chance to introduce Korean food.”

She continued, “We have also participated in the ‘Higher Education Expo’ in February to attract more enthusiastic students. As a result, I am really happy to see that the number of UBD students who chose Korea as their ‘Discovery Year’ is steadily increasing. I am also pleased to see that youth from both countries visit each other every year.”

The Korean Embassy in Brunei Darussalam is relatively small but has some major achievements with the efforts of the staff, she said.

She added, “I am really excited now as there are still more things I have to do. During my term as ambassador, I will give my utmost effort to further develop the bilateral relations as well as the people-to-people exchanges to obtain a prosperous future for both countries while bringing peace to the world. That is the real meaning of the 3Ps in the ‘New Southern Policy’.”

The highlight of the celebration was the cake cutting ceremony by Ambassador Yoon with Minister of Defence II and his spouse.

|     Abdul Hakiim Yakof     |

IT HAS been 60 years since Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam, the 28th Sultan of Brunei Darussalam officiated the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque on September 26, 1958.

The Mosque Affairs Department held a religious event at the mosque yesterday to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque, with assistance from the mosque’s Takmir committee.

Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman attended the event as the guest of honour.

Also present were Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar, senior officials, officers and staff from the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

The event began with mass Maghrib prayer and Sunnat Hajat prayer. The recitation of Surah Yaasiin and Tahlil was led by Mudim Haji Matassim bin Haji Metussin.

Doa Kesyukuran was then led by Superintendent of the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque Zulkifli bin Haji Murat.

The event concluded with mass Isyak prayer.

|     Achong Tanjong     |

SETTING a schedule on what to learn for the day is a must for one of the top students of Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College (Maktab Sains) sitting for the GCE ‘O’ Level Examination 2018.

Sharing his strategy and plan for the examination, Muhammad Hazman bin Josli from Year 10M said he always prepares before attending a lesson. He said he would read notes before class so he could answer the questions asked by his teachers, adding that time arrangement is very important for him.

He made these remarks at the college’s final motivational talk for 270 Year 10 students sitting for the GCE ‘O’ Level Examination 2018. The event was organised by the college’s Academic Section and Counselling Unit.

The event began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by Ustaz Haji Harun bin Haji Dewa. Acting Head of Special Education Unit at the Ministry of Education Haji Ali Yusri bin Haji Abdul Ghapor in his talk touched on students’ readiness for examination, obligations towards acquiring knowledge and seeking blessing from parents/guardians and teachers.

Students were also reminded not to skip the obligatory duties such as performing the five-time daily prayers and to set their nawaitu (intention) in seeking knowledge.

Coming home from school, Muhammad Hazman also recaps what he has learnt at school. He said importantly, as a Muslim he also prays to Allah the Almighty to ease his struggles and grant blissful knowledge.

Asked on his expectation and feeling towards the examination, he hoped he will pass the examination and is aiming for 9A*.

He also targets to go top in the world for a subject or two. He also hopes a lot of students in Brunei will achieve high grades and pass with flying colours this examination.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

THE fourth round of the 15 red snooker singles event of the Brunei National Championship 2018 will commence tomorrow with eight hopefuls looking to extend their pristine run at the Billiards & Snooker Hall II of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium.

The eight players who sealed their passage featured Md Alias and Md Rahim from Group ‘A’, Hasrijam and Lim Young Wee from Group ‘B’, Md Hazwan and Yii Hung Burn from Group ‘C’ and Pengiran Khairul Rijal and Lim Wei Kok from Group ‘D’.

With the tournament played in a double elimination format, the losers from the fourth round still have life as they will be automatically drawn in the losers’ bracket.

Md Alias beat Muhidi 3-0 while Abd Rahim defeated Ahmad Taufiq by the same score in Group ‘A’ to advance in the fourth round of the winner’s bracket.

Hasrijam and Lim Young Wee also recorded similar wins against Amir Hasan and Malique, respectively in Group ‘B’.

In Group ‘C’, Md Hazwan edged Pengiran Zaini 3-2 while Yii Hung Burn earned his place into the next round after a 3-1 win over Su Ting Fu.

Pengiran Khairul Rijal will be among the names in the hat after a convincing 3-0 win over Md Abu Supian and his result was matched in Lim Wei Kok’s win over Ang Beng Hui.

Organised by the Brunei Darussalam Cue Sports Association (BCSA), the week-long tournament attracted 40 runners.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

DPMM FC centre back Brian McLean has labelled playing alongside his club teammate Azwan Ali Rahman a privilege following the local winger’s sumptuous strike in the 2-0 win over Balestier Khalsa in the first leg of the Singapore Cup semi-final at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore on Wednesday night.

The local winger curled a fine effort from outside the box which helped ensure the Gegar Gegar men carry a valuable two-goal advantage ahead of the return leg at the Toa Payoh Stadium in Singapore on October 3.

“He’s (Azwan Ali) a top quality player. I play with him every day and it is a privilege to play with him,” McLean told the Singapore media.

“He definitely got that in his locker and he has been working so hard. He’s been trying to control his temperament,” he further added.

The former Young Player of the Year will be a notable absentee in the league game against the same opponent through suspension after being sent off in the Tampines Rovers game.

“But, it is good that he can rest his legs, get his head right for the second leg because we’re going to need something like that again,” he said.

The Northern Ireland defender also indicated that the Tigers took control in the opening half before heaping praise on the character of the squad which helped them with both their quests in the cup and league.

“I would say we were a little bit fortunate. The first 45 minutes they definitely controlled pretty much all of it,” he said.

“But, the character that we have in the dressing room has been phenomenal in the last few games and the resilience that we’ve shown again through the 90 minutes.

“We produced key moments at the right time and that is massive to win any game. We know it is only half-time within the cup tie so we have to recover right, eat well, rest and go again on Saturday.”

The former Hibernian defender was at the centre in the awarding of the penalty as it was his cross which led to Nurullah Hussein being adjudged to have handled the ball by the referee.

“The view that I had when I played the ball across was that he bent down far too low and his hand was going towards the ball.

“Whether his hand touched the ball it’s another question but the way I’ve seen I felt that his hand was going towards the movement of the ball,” he said.

|     Fizah HAB     |

THE month-long photo exhibition, ‘Traditions of Islam in Russia’, was officially launched yesterday at the Dermaga Diraja Art Gallery in the capital.

Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman was the guest of honour.

Also present were First Deputy Chairman of the Russian Muftis Council Rushan Abbyasov and Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Brunei Darussalam Vladlen Semivolos.

Also in attendance were Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar, heads of diplomatic missions, senior government officials and representatives of the local business and academic communities.

In his welcoming speech, Semivolos said that the exhibition showcases the architectural heritage, lifestyles, traditions and customs of the Russian-Muslim community which accounts for 25 million people.

“The very fact that we are launching this exhibition today is of great significance,” he said, adding that “Bandar Seri Begawan becomes its first host-city before it sets off on a tour around the world, demonstrating the special value that Russia attaches to its brotherly and cordial ties with Brunei Darussalam.”

The display consists of eight sections each representing one of Russia’s eight federal districts: the Central Federal District, the Ural Federal District, the Siberian Federal District, the North Caucasus Federal District, the Volga Federal District, the Southern Federal District, the Far Eastern Federal District and the Northwestern Federal District.

Featuring 150 photos, the exhibition unveils the long history and wide geographical distribution of Islam in Russia – from one of the world’s oldest cities, Derbent, with its ancient mosque and the tombs of 40 companions of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to Bolghar’s ancient edifices; the 1,000-year-old capital of Tatarstan – Kazan; the mountain villages of the Caucasus; the vast territory of Siberia; to the beautiful land of Crimea.

There are currently 8,000 mosques in Russia, including the world-famous Moscow Cathedral Mosque, the Kul Sharif Mosque in Kazan, the Great Mosque of St Petersburg and the Heart of Chechnya Mosque in Grozny.

Organised by the Russian Muftis Council in collaboration with the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Brunei Darussalam and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of Brunei Darussalam, the ‘Traditions of Islam in Russia’ exhibition is open to the public during working hours at 9am-5pm from Saturdays to Thursdays; and at 9am-11.30am and 2.30 pm-5pm on Fridays.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

FOLLOWING the success of conducting three school outreach programmes in the last two weeks, the school anti-bullying programme Projek Assalamualaikum continued to address the issue of bullying at Lambak Kanan Jalan 49 Primary School.

Over 67 Year 4 students of the primary school attended the programme themed ‘Be A Buddy, Not A Bully’.

Present at the programme’s opening ceremony was the school’s Headmistress Hajah Norliah binti Haji Aspar who, in her opening remarks, hoped for the involvement and support from other agencies to create a safe environment free of bullying at schools.

Administrative Officer Trainee from the Public Service Department Awangku Abdul Rashid bin Pengiran Haji Aliudin, in his capacity as the Public Relations Officer for Projek Assalamualaikum, said that after completing the three school outreach programmes, the project has garnered much attention and received requests from other schools to hold the programme at their premises.

He said, “What’s unique about our programme is that it is filled with interactive activities focussed on increasing awareness on the different types of bullying, the impacts of bullying to the victims and how to become a responsible bystander.

“The activities are tailored to provoke thoughts on the issue of bullying and help stop it.”

Projek Assalamualaikum is organised by six participants from the Young Executive Programme Cohort 3 (YEP-3). YEP-3 is a flagship programme under the Civil Service Leadership Pipeline (CSLP) developed by the Public Service Department (JPA) and the Civil Service Institute (IPA) to produce competent and capable leaders.

The project runs from August 20 to October 13 and is made up of different components including public awareness and socialisation, and school outreach programmes, among others.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli and Daniel Lim     |

THE Public Service Department of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) held a Doa Kesyukuran ceremony to commemorate the 25th Civil Service Day at the Ash-Shaliheen Mosque of the PMO Building Complex yesterday.

Present at the event were Chairman of the Public Service Commission; members of the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB); Auditor General; Permanent Secretary (Corporate Affairs and Public Service) at the Prime Minister’s Office in his capacity as the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the 25th Civil Service Day; permanent secretaries; deputy permanent secretaries; heads of departments; senior officers; officers and staff members under the civil service.

The ceremony began with mass Asar prayer led by the Mosque Affairs Officer of Ash-Shaliheen Mosque Anuar bin Haji Salim, followed by the recitation of Surah Yaasiin and a special Doa for the 25th Civil Service Day celebration.

The ceremony concluded with the recitation of Doa Selamat.

Similar events were also simultaneously held in the Tutong, Belait and Temburong Districts attended by Legislative Council members and permanent secretaries.

In the Belait District, the ceremony was held at the RPN Kampong Pandan Mosque, Kuala Belait, yesterday afternoon.

Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health Haji Abdul Manap bin Othman was the guest of honour. Also present were various heads of government departments and agencies in the Belait District, senior officers, officers and civil servants in the Belait District.

The ceremony started with mass Asar prayer followed by the recitation of Surah Yaasiin and a special Doa in conjunction with the 25th Civil Service Day by Mosque Affairs Officer and Head Imam of RPN Kampong Pandan Mosque Haji Julazni bin Haji Mohd Zaini.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

THIRTEEN outstanding students received scholarships to pursue their studies in a local university as well as abroad under the Brunei Shell Joint Venture (BSJV) Companies scholarship scheme.

A signing ceremony was held yesterday to mark the scholarship grants for the students who will pursue their Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in different courses at Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB), Leeds University and University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom.

The event held at The Empire Hotel & Country Club in Jerudong yesterday also saw recognition of 16 returning BSJV scholars who successfully completed their Degree programme with First Class Honours.

Managing Director of Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (BSP) and Shell Country Chair in Brunei Dr Ceri Powell, who was the guest of honour at the event signed on behalf of BSJV while the scholarship recipients signed the agreement together with their parents and guardians.

Human Resource Director of BSP Hajah Zainab binti Haji MA Omar in her speech said the initiative continues to attract talented Bruneians into BSJV and this in tandem with its new Bruneianisation Directives in support of Brunei Vision 2035.

One of the scholarship recipients, Haji Zainul Asri bin Haji Jeffri Sham who will be pursuing Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Petroleum Engineering in UTB said he was grateful for the opportunity and that the rigorous selection process was testament to the high standards required to get the scholarship. “It marks a turning point for my life and I hope to excel in this course and in my career,” he added.

Driven by the fact that the BSJV scholarship offers a direct pathway to a career in BSJV, one of the recipients of the first class achievers awards – Awangku Muhammad Arif Billah @ Awangku Nasiruddin bin Pengiran Yura Hassim who was also a BSJV scholar said it was a proud moment for him and also his parents upon learning that he achieved First Class Honours for his BEng (Hons) in his Materials Engineering course in Loughborough University, United Kingdom.

To date, BSJV has sponsored a total of 722 students under his scheme. Students need to undergo a rigorous assessment process to be eligible.

|     Daniel Lim     |

MINISTER of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong attended discussion sessions at the residences of the Tutong District Officer and Belait District Officer on Wednesday.

The meetings were aimed at getting a better understanding on the latest developments of the Mukim Consultative Council and the Village Head Service Scheme.

During the discussions, Permanent Secretary (Municipal and District) at the MoHA Salminan bin Haji Burut said there are four vacancies for mukim penghulus and 12 for village heads in the Tutong District and six vacancies for mukim penghulus and three for village heads in the Belait District.

MoHA also said there are six vacancies for village heads in the Temburong District.

Several roadshows to be held across the four districts were also announced.

The roadshows will be held at the Theatre Hall of the new building of the Brunei-Muara District Office on October 1, Kuala Belait Convention Hall on October 2, Main Hall of the Tutong Community Hall on October 3 and Main Hall of the Pekan Bangar Community Hall on October 4.

Members of the public who wish to nominate their candidates for the vacancies can obtain forms at their respective district offices. The forms must be submitted before October 31.

|     Aziz Idris     |

LUCKY Air, a low cost carrier based in Kunming, China, has appointed Freme Travel Services as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for Brunei Darussalam during a signing ceremony held at the Royal Brunei Recreation Club yesterday.

Witnessing the signing was the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong as the guest of honour.

Signing on behalf of Lucky Air was the airline’s General Manager of International Marketing Renne Xiong whereas Freme Travel was represented by its Executive Director Pengiran Dato Paduka Osman bin Pengiran Haji Patra. Also present was the General Manager of Freme Travel, Michael Lee.

Lucky Air established in 2004 is a member of Hainan Group. The airline operates the twice weekly direct flights from Brunei Darussalam to Kunming since July 2017 and has carried more than 14,000 Chinese tourists to the Sultanate.

The new partnership includes strategies to develop and enhance air connectivity by creating awareness and demand in the market while at the same time bring healthy economic, social and cultural exchange between Brunei and China.

Prior to the signing, Michael Lee said his team will stay committed to serve customers to the best of their ability and will strive to bring positive results with the newly signed agreement.

Freme Travel has been actively promoting adventure tourism in the Temburong District, encompassing both nature and cultural activities at their Rainforest Lodge which appeal to the Chinese tourists.

The general manager hoped it will broaden opportunities to increase tourist sources from southwest China, and moreover, achieve shared growth and mutually beneficial cooperation.

|     Hakim Hayat & Lyna Mohammad     |

TWO Bruneian women and two Malaysians died after two boats collided in the waters of Sungai Limpaku near the Brunei-Malaysia border yesterday.

The tragedy which occurred at 2.18pm involved a Brunei-registered passenger speedboat from the Temburong District with 20 passengers and a water taxi passenger from Limbang with six passengers.

The two Bruneians were travelling on the speedboat heading to Bandar Seri Begawan. Three other passengers of the boat were severely injured and the remaining 15 including the drivers suffered minor injuries.

A senior officer of Telekom Brunei Berhad (TelBru) was one of the fatalities.

Hajah Rosmawati binti Haji Abdul Manaf was on her way back to the capital after a working visit to the Temburong District.

The other victim, Sanah binti Lisa, 59, was to attend a birthday celebration of one of her grandchildren.

In an interview, one of the late Sanah’s daughters, Erny Marlina binti Duah told the Bulletin that her mother had texted her just before getting on the boat.

Erny said the granddaughter (her niece) was very attached to her mother and she had said her grandmother must attend her birthday celebration.

Erny arrived at the jetty to pick her mother at about 2pm but she and a few others at the jetty became anxious after an hour passed by the arrival schedule with no sign of the boat.

The jetty staff members were also unable to explain what had happened as they could not contact any of the boat drivers.

There was a moment of panic until they received news about the accident that went viral on WhatsApp.

Erny then started texting her siblings until she received a WhatsApp message showing a screenshot of the list of passengers and saw her mother’s name and three others were marked.

She asked about the markings but there were unable to explain until a second photo was received stating that two had died. That was when she realised one of the covered body was her mother’s.

A search by Erny and her siblings revealed that the bodies of the two Bruneians were at the Limbang Hospital.

According to Erny, her family will take their mother’s body to Mengkubau for religious rituals and will have her laid to rest at the Pulaie Muslim Cemetery.

Based on witness account, the Temburong speedboat was on the other side of the river and the water taxi from Limbang reportedly was speeding before the collision.

Meanwhile, the Maritime and Ports Authority of Brunei Darussalam (PBMP) confirmed that the accident occurred at the T-junction of Sungai Limpaku near the Limbang, Sarawak border.

When the accident occurred, the Brunei passenger speedboat was travelling from Pekan Bangar, Temburong to Bandar Seri Begawan.

The bodies of the two Malaysian passengers reported missing were found at 5.40pm and the search and rescue operation ended at 6pm.

The search and rescue operation involved several government and private agencies including the Royal Brunei Police Marine, Fire and Rescue Department, Brunei Shell Petroleum, Royal Malaysian Police Force, Malaysian Fire Marshall (RELA), and the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department.

Present to oversee the operation and talk to the families of the victims yesterday was the Minister of Communications Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohammad Yusof.

|     Fizah HAB & Ishan Ibrahim     |

THE Flinders University staff and students concluded their New Colombo Plan work placement at Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei yesterday with a forum held at the Lecture Theatre of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.

The forum opened with welcoming remarks by founder and President of SMARTER Brunei Malai Haji Abdullah bin Malai Haji Othman, followed by a speech from the guest of honour, Acting Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Leah Mottram. She touched on the collaboration with SMARTER Brunei through the Colombo Plan.

“The dedicated team at SMARTER Brunei has generously shared their expertise and innovative approach to autism care with over 40 students and staff from Flinders University’s Disability and Community Inclusion Unit since the New Colombo Plan was launched in 2014,” Leah Mottram shared.

The forum continued with a sharing session by Flinders University staff Peggy Essl and June Alexander and followed by a certificate presentation for the Flinders University students by Leah Mottram and Malai Haji Abdullah.

Meanwhile, a long-time senior staff member at the SMARTER Brunei Malou Lourdes Radovan received a certificate and an award from the Acting Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam in recognition for her commendable services to autism-related issues in Brunei Darussalam.

In an interview with the Weekend Bulletin, Radovan said SMARTER Brunei has given her an opportunity to discover her real passion in life, “To be of service to individuals with autism and their families, as well as to the rest of the community.”

So how does she cope with all the hard work required for this job?

She said, “You just have to open your heart and let your love overflow from within.”

|     Wani Roslan & Daniel Lim     |

YAYASAN Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah organised a Doa Kesyukuran ceremony and Sunnat Hajat prayer for exam takers attending tuition classes under Education Intervention Programme (PIP) for the Brunei-Muara District.

Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar was the guest of honour.

The ceremony began with Sunnat Hajat prayer followed by the recitation of Surah Yaasiin and Doa led by Sh’minan bin Haji Sulaiman, Imam of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque.

The Surah Al-Waqi’ah was recited by the students under the PIP Tahsin Al-Quran and Amali Project of PIP Yayasan.

Participants of the motivational camp PIP Yayasan, held at the National Service Programme (PKBN) Training Camp in Temburong District from September 14 – 16, received certificates.

PIP Tuition Centres in Brunei-Muara District – Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah School, Sengkurong Sixth Form Centre and Pengiran Anak Puteri Besar Sungai Kebun Primary School – received certificates of appreciation.

The PIP Yayasan tuition classes focus on learning core subjects in ensuring the students achieve good results in the examination and the opportunity for them to pursue their studies to a higher level. In addition, Al-Quran and Amali are also embedded in the PIP programme starting in 2014 known as Tahsin Project.

Officers of Yayasan, senior officials of Ministry of Education and Islamic Studies Department of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) as well as school principals were also present.

Meanwhile, a similar Doa Kesyukuran ceremony and Sunnat Hajat prayer was also held at the RPN Kampong Pandan Mosque, Kuala Belait yesterday.

Over 83 students from Years 5, 6, 10, and 11 under the PIP from Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar Secondary School and Anthony Abell College in the Belait District attended the event.

Guest of honour Managing Director of Yayasan Dato Paduka Eddie bin Dato Paduka Haji Sunny oversaw the event.

Officers from Yayasan as well as senior officers from the Ministry of Education (MoE) and Islamic Studies Department of the MoRA were also present.

The reading of Surah Yaasiin, and Doa Tahlil was led by Imam of RPN Kampong Pandan Mosque Mohammad Mustaqim bin Haji Mustafa.

The Surah At-Takathur to Surah An-Nas, recited by the students under the PIP Tahsin Al-Quran and Amali Project was led by Anwar Arsyad bin Haji Abdullah, a PIP teacher in the Belait District.

The guest of honour sprinkled scented oil onto the students accompanied by Dikir Marhaban. The guest of honour presented certificates to students who participated in the PIP Yayasan Motivational Camp held at the PKBN Training Camp in the Temburong District from September 14 – 16.

Representatives of PIP Tuition Centres in the Belait District also received certificates. Ceremonies were also held for the Tutong District at Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam Mosque and Temburong District at PKBN Training Camp.

|    Fadhil Yunus    |

DPMM FC will field their best possible line-up in the crucial league tie against Balestier Khalsa FC in the Singapore Premier League at the Toa Payoh Stadium in Singapore tonight, despite having the second leg of the Singapore Cup semi-final in their sights.

The two sides will be locked in battle for the second leg of the Singapore Cup next Wednesday but DPMM FC Team Manager Ali Momin indicated that a strong squad could be expected in the league clash.

“We will still put out our best players but we have to check if the players are fit because there are only a few days of rest,” the team manager told the Football Association of Singapore website.

The Gegar Gegar men are still in contention for second place but must win their last two fixtures including their final home game against Young Lions in a rescheduled match on October 9.

Tampines Rovers and second-placed Home United, their direct rivals, are fighting for the most realistic finish this season with the latter on pole position three points clear.

The ideal scenario for DPMM FC is the Stags taking all three points at the Our Tampines Hub in Singapore on the same night as their match against the Tigers.

Tampines Rovers currently lie third with 39 points and a win against the Protectors will put them level on points and help leapfrog to second place via goal difference.

Shall Juergen Rabb’s men end the season on a winning note, the result will be greeted as welcoming news for Rene Weber and his charges, which will open the door to them for a late push for second place.

The focus will not only be in the east of Singapore as DPMM FC must beat Balestier Khalsa to keep their hopes for second place going down to the wire on the final day of the season.

After taking a two-goal advantage ahead of the second leg of the Singapore Cup final, the Brunei-based outfit will turn their attentions with their interest in the league and Ali stressed the importance of tonight’s game.

“We want to keep the winning mentality. We are still fighting for second and we have two more games. We have to take Saturday’s game seriously and our target is to try our best,” said Ali.

DPMM FC will miss the services of Shah Razen Said and Azwan Ali Rahman through suspension but Head Coach Rene Weber will return to the dugout after his absence through suspension during the Singapore Cup first-leg win in midweek.

|    James Kon    |

TWO new members of the Kampong Danau Neighbourhood Watch received their certificates of appointment during a ceremony at the Community Hall of Kampong Danau, Tutong on Thursday night.

Tutong Police District Commanding Officer Superintendent Suhairi bin Haji Sukri presented the certificates.

Legislative Council member and Penghulu of Mukim Telisai Yang Berhormat Haji Ramli bin Haji Lahit was also present. The increase in the number of members will strengthen the Neighbourhood Watch organisation of Kampong Danau.

Cooperation between the Royal Brunei Police Force and Neighbourhood Watch will improve strategies in enhancing the channel of information, patrols as well as monitoring of criminal activities in the village.

|    Ishan Ibrahim    |

THE all-new BMW X4 made its debut in Brunei Darussalam with QAF Auto Sdn Bhd officially unveiling the Sports Activity Coupe at its Beribi showroom yesterday.

The event was officiated by General Manager of Baiduri Finance Berhad cum guest of honour Haji Haliluddin bin Dato Haji Talib, who was accompanied by General Manager of QAF Auto Sdn Bhd Sivakumar Krishnan, Sales Manager of Baiduri Finance Berhad Haji Muhammad Ali bin BM Haji Metussin and Marketing Manager of Baiduri Finance Berhad Haji Mohd Rayme bin Haji Bakri.

A three-day open showroom allows the public to view and register the vehicle for a test-drive.

This new edition of the BMW X model family makes its mark by delivering individuality, dynamism and innovation in far greater doses. It is here to write the next chapter in the success story of the first ever Sports Activity Coupe at the premium end of the mid-size class.

The all-new BMW X4 underscores its individual character with significantly enhanced driving dynamics, standout exterior design accentuating the car’s sporting instincts, a further refined premium ambience in the interior, state-of-the-art driver assistance systems and leading-edge connectivity technologies.

The dynamic and extravagant aura of the Sports Activity Coupe is further highlighted by the addition of two BMW M Performance models to the line-up.

The exterior design of the all-new BMW X4 is a case study in muscular dynamics and commanding presence.

Clean surfacing and high-class, modern accents headline this updated interpretation of the unmistakable X4 aesthetic.

The precise shoulder-line – which takes in the door openers en route to the rear lights – and the character line between the wheel arches break up the surfaces of the car’s flanks. This creates clearly defined haunches, which are additionally emphasised by the drawn-in glasshouse at the rear.

The coupe style roofline slides into the rear window with an elegant flourish before dipping down more steeply to the rear.

The interior of the all-new BMW X4 exudes a modern, premium feel combined with eye-catching dynamism.

The driver-focussed layout of the cockpit, low instrument panel and slightly raised seating position, all help to create a supremely assured driving experience.

Redesigned sports seats with boldly contoured side bolsters and knee pads on the sides of the centre console add to the sense of sportiness.

Top-class material, precise build quality and meticulously crafted details set the tone for the updated premium character of the all-new BMW X4.

THE Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar headed the Brunei Darussalam delegation that attended high-level meetings on the fight against tuberculosis (TB) and the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), held on September 26 and 27 respectively during the 73^rd Session of United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York.

The meetings were attended by head of states, health ministers and representatives from 193 member states of the UN as well as related international non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The meeting on TB, the first ever to be convened, focussed on the theme ‘United To End Tuberculosis: An Urgent Global Response To A Global Epidemic’; while the third meeting on the prevention and control of NCDs focussed on the theme ‘Scaling-up multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral responses for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’.

In the minister’s statement at the meeting on the fight against TB, he acknowledged that TB continues to be the leading cause of death worldwide from a single infectious agent despite the considerable progress made in the past decade to reduce the burden of TB across the globe. For Brunei, the high numbers of people with chronic NCDs and an ageing population, contribute to Brunei Darussalam’s ongoing TB incidence even though much investments have been made in TB care and control. Therefore, an integrated approach that takes into account social issues as well as other diseases that increase the risk of acquiring TB must be undertaken. The meeting on TB unanimously adopted the political declaration on the fight against TB titled ‘United to End Tuberculosis: An Urgent Global Response to a Global Epidemic’.

In his statement for the meeting on NCDs, the minister outlined that challenges to curb the NCD epidemic remain for all countries and although some progress has been made since the first high level meeting on NCDs in 2011, a collective significant difference to the current global figures has yet to be achieved. Brunei has undertaken several actions to address NCDs, including the formulation of the Brunei Darussalam Multisectoral Action Plan on the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases (BruMAP-NCD, 2013-2018). However, although the recent 10 NCD progress monitoring indicators showed that Brunei Darussalam is on track with surveillance and governance indicators, much still needs to be undertaken to address NCD. With the formation of the Multisectoral Task Force for Health, Brunei Darussalam is now focussing its efforts not only on addressing NCD risk factors but also on a more holistic, integrated life-course approach including ending childhood obesity and promoting mental health. The political declaration of the meeting on the prevention and control of NCDs titled ‘Time to Deliver: Accelerating Our Response to Address NCDs for the Health and Well Being of Present and Future Generations’ was also adopted.

The minister, while in New York, also held bilateral discussions with Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan Katsunobu Kato and exchanged views as well as explored potential areas of cooperation on health between the two countries.

|     Abdul Hakiim Yakof     |

MUHAMMAD Sa’dun bin Suhaili and Dayangku Fauziah Nadhirah binti Pengiran Haji Jofri became the Qari and Qariah champions at the final of the National Youth Al-Quran Reading Competition 1440 Hijrah/2018 held on Thursday evening at the Digadong Hall of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) building.

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 presented the prizes and trophies.

Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar; Legislative Council (LegCo) members; and senior officials from the MCYS and the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) were also present.

The Qari and Qariah champion each received trophies, BND2,000, and certificates of participation.

Haji Hazwan bin Haji Salim and Dayangku Siti Ummi Syazana binti Pengiran Marjuki, who came in second place, each received a trophy, BND1,500 and certificates of participation.

For the third place, Abdul Qawiyeel Azeez bin Haji Abdul Rajid and Maizatun Nadzeerah binti Haji Md Daud, each received a trophy, BND1,000 and certificates of participation. The rest of the participants received a trophy, BND500 and certificates of participation.

The competition, organised by the MCYS, focussed on those aged 15-30 years old and was aimed at scouting for the next generation of Qaris and Qariahs who have high potential in representing Brunei Darussalam, as well as encouraging improvement in recitation of Al-Quran.

The champions will be representing Brunei Darussalam in the upcoming Southeast Asian Youth Al-Quran Reading Competition organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

A DOA Kesyukuran ceremony was held yesterday at Surau Ad-Difa’, Bolkiah Garrison, for the 14^th International Monitoring Team (IMT) contingent that safely returned to Brunei Darussalam early this month.

Comprising eight Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) personnel and an officer from the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), the 14^th IMT completed its one-year long mission in Mindanao and returned on September 6.

Commander of the RBAF Major General Pengiran Dato Paduka Seri Aminan bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud; Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence (MinDef) Brigadier General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Shahril Anwar bin Haji Ma’awiah; and Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Mohammad Irwan bin Haji Hambali were present.

The event began with the recitation of Wirid and Doa Kesyukuran, followed by Dikir Marhaban.

Service commanders, deputy permanent secretaries at the MinDef, civilian and military directors, senior officers and members of the MinDef and RBAF were also present.