HIS Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Deputy Sultan, yesterday morning received in audience outgoing High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Brunei Darussalam Major General (Rtd) Tariq Rashid Khan.

The envoy presented his Letter of Credence to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam on October 25, 2016.

The audience ceremony took place at Qashr Al-Meezaan.

Photo shows the Deputy Sultan receiving a pesambah from the outgoing envoy. – PHOTO: INFOFOTO

HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al-Hussein, the King of Jordan yesterday discussed increasing bilateral cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the areas of defence, trade and investment, education, health and tourism. Both leaders also discussed regional issues and exchanged views on international matters of mutual interests.

The Bilateral Meeting took place at Al-Husseinieh Palace, Amman during His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s State Visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

The Bilateral Meeting commenced with a titah delivered by His Majesty the King of Jordan welcoming His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Official Welcoming Ceremony

Earlier, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Brunei Darussalam attended the Official Welcoming Ceremony at Al-Husseinieh Palace, Amman in honour of His Majesty’s State Visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Accompanying His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

Also accompanying His Majesty from the hotel to the palace was His Royal Highness Prince Al Hussein ibn His Majesty King Abdullah II, the Crown Prince of Jordan.

At the palace grounds, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was welcomed by His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al-Hussein, the King of Jordan.

Upon arrival, a 21-gun salute was fired. His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and His Majesty the King of Jordan proceeded to the royal dais to receive the royal salute followed by the national anthems of both countries.

Their Majesties then inspected the royal guard of honour mounted by members of the Jordan Royal Guard.

Thereafter, Their Majesties were ushered to the Greeting Hall for the introduction of delegations. First, the delegation from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan was introduced to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

This was followed by the introduction of the Brunei Darussalam delegation to His Majesty the King of Jordan.

Four-Eye Meeting

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and His Majesty the King of Jordan then proceeded to the Meeting Room 1 for a Four-Eye Meeting. Prior to the meeting, Their Majesties were invited for a memorial photograph session. This was followed by the Bilateral Meeting.

State Luncheon

After the Bilateral Meeting, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, together with His Majesty the King of Jordan, proceeded to the dining hall to attend a State Luncheon in honour of the State Visit of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and delegation.

After the luncheon, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam left the Al-Husseinieh Palace.

MoU and Agreement Signing Ceremony

On the sidelines of the events, a Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement Signing Ceremony between the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan was held.

The event was held at Al-Husseinieh Palace yesterday morning.

Three Memorandums of Understanding and one agreement were signed by ministers and senior officers of both countries.

The ‘Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation’ was signed on behalf of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam by Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Major General Pengiran Dato Paduka Seri Aminan bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud; and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Jordanian Armed Forces Lieutenant General Mahmoud Freihat for the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

‘Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism Cooperation’ was signed on behalf of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam by Minister of Foreign Affairs II Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof; and for the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Lina Annab.

‘Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Partnership and Built Environment’ was signed by Brunei’s Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar; and Jordan’s Minister of Public Works and Housing Yahya Alkasbi.

‘Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters’ was signed by Brunei’s Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah and Jordan’s Minister of Finance Dr Izzeddin Kanakrieh.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

OVER 40 individuals participated in a Khatam Al-Quran ceremony held at Kampong Perpindahan Mata-Mata Gadong Mosque yesterday.

Members of the mosque’s Takmir committee, Advanced Al-Quran Class for Adults and Iqra’ Class of the mosque were present.

The ceremony commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by the mosque’s Bilal Abdul Azim bin Haji Ismail, followed by the recitation of Surah Adh-Dhuha to Surah An-Nas led by Osman bin Haji Ali.

The ceremony continued with the recitation of Doa Khatam by a student of the Advanced Al-Quran Class for Adults Awangku Shari Danny bin Pengiran Tajuddin, followed by the recitation of Tahlil led by Pengiran Tengah bin Pengiran Haji Tejudin.

Following the mass Isyak prayer, the ceremony also saw the recitation of the Dikir Marhaban from all the attendees.

Gifts were presented to teachers of the Advanced Al-Quran Class for Adults and Iqra’ Class. A donation was also presented to a Khatam Al-Quran participant who will undergo surgery overseas.

The ceremony concluded with the reading of Doa Selamat by Bilal Abdul Azim.

According to the mosque’s Takmir committee, apart from attaining the blessings from Allah the Almighty, the ceremony also aimed at encouraging mosque congregants to be active in activities geared towards glorifying the mosque, instilling love for reading Al-Quran as well as fostering closer relations between members of the mosque’s Takmir committee, congregants and youth.

|     Wani Roslan     |

BRUNEI Insurance and Takaful Association (BITA) organised an Insurance and Takaful Day 2018 themed ‘Insurance and Takaful Do Matter’ at the Atrium of the Times Square Shopping Centre in Berakas, yesterday.

The one-day event was officiated by Managing Director of Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD) Yusof bin Haji Abdul Rahman who was the guest of honour.

The highlight of the event was the launching of the QR Code of BITA’s website officiated by the guest of honour.

In his speech, the Managing Director of AMBD said the theme showed the importance of insurance and Takaful to everyone which can provide against financial and social welfare losses.

“A family home destroyed by a fire, for example, can be rebuilt with insurance and Takaful, but without it, the family would have to deal with the additional burden of unexpected losses, unexpected expenses, as well as unexpected displacement,” he said.

He further explained that life insurance and family Takaful can assist with a family’s financial planning and a consultation with a licensed financial planner or life insurance agent can help identify gaps in one’s finances which can be covered by life insurance or family Takaful.

He added that parents can find out how much to save for their children’s education or for their retirement commensurate to their earnings.

The guest of honour also highlighted on the impact of natural disasters to economies and all levels of society.

He then shared that from 2011 to 2017, AMBD has seen an 11 per cent growth in industry premiums.

The number of policies has also increased from 347,282 in 2011 to 593,143 in 2017. Insurance penetration has risen from 1.4 per cent in 2011 to 1.6 per cent in 2017,

“A contributing factor to the increase in life insurance and family Takaful was due to AMBD’s requirement for insurance or Takaful for unsecured financing. At the same time, there has been an uptake in local capacity to underwrite large and complex risks,” he said.

“At a glance, these numbers seem to indicate a rising awareness among the general public of insurance and Takaful. However, I believe there is much more for BITA to do to improve awareness and processes to achieve the targeted penetration rate of 2.0 per cent by 2022,” he added.

“I believe that BITA members should find synergies and areas of collaboration to achieve a credible scale and platform to encourage and promote the development of new products and services. A product targetted to improve the welfare of Bruneians and residents, either in the area of savings or health, would be most welcomed,” he said.

He also pointed out that a collaborative approach could also help achieve the right scale for new technologies rather than being developed by individual companies, and all these would require good cooperation and coordination, strong leadership and governance, renewed focus on improving quality of products and services and more specialised human talent.

The guest of honour toured the exhibition participated by BITA members comprising licensed and registered conventional life and non-life insurers as well as all general and family Takaful operators in Brunei.

Among the participants were AMBD, Centre for Islamic Banking, Finance and Management and Traffic Control and Investigation Department of the Royal Brunei Police Force, Insurans Islam TAIB Family Takaful Sdn Bhd (IITFT) and Insurans Islam TAIB General Takaful Sdn Bhd (IITGT), and others.

Also present was Chairman of BITA Haji Osman bin Haji Mohd Jair, members of BITA, AMBD senior officials, and guests.

|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

THE number of students entering the Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam programme is increasing which has resulted in needing more staff, Pusat Ehsan’s Secretary and Finance Officer Pauline Chew said.

“There were about 4,000 patients for rehabilitation services from August 2017 to July 2018. This is an increase from the previous years, resulting in a hike in the running costs,” she said in an interview with the Weekend Bulletin.

Pauline also spoke on the challenges of maintaining an efficient system and programme that cares and caters to individuals with special needs.

She said the cost of maintaining and providing services of this charity organisation is quite substantial, with running costs each month amounting over BND45,000 to BND50,000.

The bulk goes to paying the salaries of the staff at Pusat Ehsan branches in Bengkurong and Kuala Belait and the rest to paying utility bills, she said.

The new additional building of Pusat Ehsan, built from public donations and contributions, has also added to the costs, with electricity bills, water bills, maintenance and other costs each month, Pauline said.

“We have much to be thankful for, as food and drinks provided at Pusat Ehsan are largely from public and company contributions,” she added.

Pauline said Pusat Ehsan is fortunate that charity events are held annually to raise funds.

“The annual contribution by Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah also helps us a lot,” she said.

She said the annual Charity Polo and Charity Golf events also contribute to the coffers of Pusat Ehsan.

There are also donations and contributions from the public, but has become irregular since lately.

“We desperately need more money to maintain Pusat Ehsan,” Pauline said.

“I believe the generosity of the public will see us through, as we will strive hard to raise funds through charity events,” she said.

Pusat Ehsan will hold a Charity Golf event in November and a Fun Evening event at Jerudong Park Playground in December.

“These charity events will help us raise funds,” she added.

“Specialists and experts also help us,” Pauline said citing an example where Singaporeans helped in the training programme.

“We have also sent our staff to train at local organisations,” she said. “We also have doctors from UBD training our staff as well as students from various educational institutions who volunteer,” she said.

Pauline said as a result of these activities, the children at Pusat Ehsan are provided quality education, training and physical rehabilitation.

|     Khairil Hassan     |

AN APPRECIATION night and the appointment of national team officials for Brunei Darussalam hockey were held on Wednesday at the Sports Village of the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium National Complex in Berakas.

The event began with words of appreciation from the Brunei Darussalam Hockey Association (BHA) President Mansor bin Haji Ibrahim.

The president presented a Recognition letter from the International Hockey Federation (FIH) on FIH International Umpire to Md Sia bin Abdullah.

This was followed by a presentation of Letter of Appreciation to managers of 2018.

Team Manager of Men’s Team was presented to Suharizal Suot, Assistant Team Manager to Muliadi bin Sarjana, Team Manager of Women’s Team to Hajah Norhayati binti Latiff, and Assistant Manager to Hajah Suraya binti Haji Sulaiman.

Letters of Appointment of team managers and coaching team for 2019 were given to Suharizal Suot as Team Manager of Men’s Team, Captain (U) Awangku Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Wahab as Assistant Manager, Shuarani binti Haji Ismail as Team Manager of Women’s Team and Hajah Latifah binti Haji Sawal as Assistant Manager. The Appointment Letters for the new coaching team for 2019 were also given to Md Fauzi bin Haji Awang as Head Coach and coaches Md Alisam bin Haji Momin, Abdul Razif bin Haji Razali and Md Hadi Zakwan bin Haji Hassanal Mega.

The Appointment Letters for Development Coaches were presented to Krisdnata Ishal, Ahmad Mu’az bin Haji Taib, and Nurul Syazwani binti Md Salleh.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

DPMM FC Head Coach Rene Weber has set his sights in creating history by winning the coveted Singapore Cup for the first time ahead of the final showpiece against the mighty Albirex Niigata (S) at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore tonight.

The Gegar-Gegar men have a formidable opponent standing in their way of the title, which is the only silverware missing from their cabinet, having triumphed in the Singapore League Cup on three occasions and the league title in 2015.

The White Swans have won each of the last three Singapore Cup editions and are favourites of making it a fourth, having excelled in the league and written themselves in the history books as the first ever Singapore league side who went unbeaten the entire season.

But DPMM FC is on a mission and will be determined to pull out all the stops to the Albirex juggernaut.

“We are happy to be in the final and of course, we want to be a part of history,” Weber said in an interview recently.

However, history aside, Weber instilled belief that his team could come out on top having likened the final as a special game.

“We know the final will be difficult but everything can happen. The final is a special game. I believe in my team.

“We know the opponent as we played against them three times. I hope we play like we did in the second half (against Balestier Khalsa).”

“The opponents haven’t lost any games; they are three-time champions of the Singapore Cup but this is football, anything can happen,” the former Brazil under-20 manager said.

“We can respect the opponents but that means we have to play harder than them – that’s respect.”

Meanwhile, Albirex Niigata (S) Head Coach Kazuaki Yoshinaga refused to rest on their laurels despite their unblemished season and is wary of their opponents’ recent form. “We do not think of any past records. For us, what we achieved in the past remains in the past. Our players and ourselves will give our best.

“DPMM FC have been unbeaten for 10 games and Rene Weber is a very good coach for them. He has helped to improve a lot of players there but we will prepare well and try to win,” he said.

|     Azaraimy HH     |

THE Islamic Da’wah Centre (PDI) recently conducted a rice-planting session on a plot of land belonging to Muhammad Abas bin Abdullah Aping, a member of the Muslim convert community in Kampong Bukit, Tutong District.

The session involved around 50 people comprising officers and staff members from the PDI branch in Tutong District, as well as the Muslim converts of Kampong Bukit.

Director of the Islamic Da’wah Centre Haji Abdul Rajid bin Haji Mohd Salleh told the Weekend Bulletin that the project is particularly aimed at boosting the farming capabilities and socio-economic standing of the Muslim convert community in rural Tutong.

Penghulu of Mukim Ukong Haji Umar bin Abdul Aziz, meanwhile, said that rice cultivation is a worthwhile enterprise, in accordance with the titah 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 during the opening of the 14th Legislative Council Meeting. “It is time for our country to be self-sufficient in its food needs, especially in the areas related to staple foods,” His Majesty had said in the titah.

“In general, farming is a praiseworthy and honourable activity; and a good opportunity for the local Muslim converts in rural areas to turn their vast plots of land into rice cultivation projects,” said Haji Umar.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

THE launch of Dart Car on May 3 this year marked yet another milestone for Dart Logistics Sdn Bhd after the official launching of its taxi-booking service in May 2017.

The uptake of the company’s ride-hailing service has increased by 40 per cent in just five months after the launch, with their highest daily figure reaching 140 rides within 24 hours.

This was disclosed yesterday by co-founder of Dart Logistics Zul ‘Amali bin Dato Paduka Haji Idris during a press conference at its office at the Progresif Cellular headquarters building.

“Dart needs more drivers to help meet the increasing volume,” he said, adding that Dart was suited to those seeking to supplement their income on flexible working hours.

“There are not many jobs in Brunei where you can choose to be your own boss. The harder you work, the more you earn. It’s really suitable as a second or part-time job for most people.”

He further disclosed that prior to signing up, 35 per cent of the drivers were unemployed, while 65 per cent saw it as a way to supplement their income.

A survey conducted by the company showed that most of their diligent drivers have been able to earn about BND1,500 a month.

“We believe that Dart can create more employment opportunities for locals, especially youth. We aim to boost their earnings by providing an equitable source of income for our drivers, while gaining the trust of consumers in Brunei,” he added.

Around 77 per cent of Dart users are aged between 18 and 34 years, who are eager to explore various public transport solutions.

Local residents make up 84 per cent of the users, with the remaining 16 per cent comprising travellers from Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Indonesia.

“There is vast untapped potential in this segment, and Dart aims to be a leading provider of public transport solutions for Bruneians and visitors alike,” said Zul ‘Amali. “We are solving problems of public transportation, while helping the unemployed in a safe and reliable way. We have just come out from recent meetings with authorities, mainly Ministry of Communications and Land Transport Department who are our stakeholders. They are working together with us, to make sure that everything is within the framework.”

In terms of fare pricing, Dart basically operates on discounted existing taxi tariffs ranging from 30-50 per cent, and sometimes even more.

“We intend to cut down the price, so that it is more of a commuter-friendly service and we are working to attend to this matter,” said Zul ‘Amali.

“We’ve also had discussions of collaboration with some interested regional parties, but the talks are still in the preliminary stage, and it is still too early to confirm anything yet.”

A TOTAL of 86 Year 3 students from International School Brunei (ISB), including Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah binti Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, got a first-hand experience of life in the world of farming when they visited the Brugoat Farming and Trading in Sungai Liang.

Accompanied by 10 ISB staff members, the students got up close and personal with the livestock at the farm.

The students whose current English Language project involves writing original short stories about a fictional character named ‘Iggy the Goat’, were given a taste of writer’s research in the field as well as life in the world of goat and sheep farming.

During their visit, the students were briefed by the head veterinarian on the processes going on and the different parts of the farm, before beginning their tour around both the nursery and breeding sheds.

In order to learn about the different aspects of goat care, students were shown the processes of hoof clipping, sheep shearing and trough feeding.

The highlight of the trip was getting into the pens and being able to pet, and bottle feed some of the billy goats.

The students walked away with an intimate knowledge of ‘setting’ a goat farm, along with all the necessary descriptions of goats that would make for a fun and engaging short story.

Based in Sungai Liang, Brugoat is a breeder farm for Boer goats and Dorper sheep, imported from South Africa and Australia respectively.

The livestock producer started with a capacity of 1,200 animals imported from Australia in 2015 and has now a healthy population of 3,100 goats and sheep.

|     Izah Azahari     |

HIS Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, Chairman of the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Committee of Governors yesterday graced a Doa Kesyukuran ceremony held in conjunction with the 26th anniversary of the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah at the Multipurpose Hall of the Yayasan Complex in the capital.

Present at the event were Minister of Religious Affairs and member of the Yayasan Committee of Governors Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman; Minister of Defence II and Chairman of Yayasan Board of Directors Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof; Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II and Deputy Chairman of the Yayasan Board of Directors Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah; Managing Director of Yayasan Dato Paduka Eddie bin Dato Paduka Haji Sunny, and other members of the Yayasan Board of Directors.

The ceremony began with a mass Maghrib prayer followed by a mass recitation of Surah Yaasiin led by Chief Syar’ie Judge Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar, along with the recitation of Doa Kesyukuran to mark the 26th establishment of Yayasan. The ceremony concluded with a mass Isyak prayer.

Also present were members of the Pengiran Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah Fund for Orphans (DANA) Board of Trustees, Yayasan officers and members and teachers of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah schools.

Yayasan was established with the consent 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 on October 5, 1992 in conjunction with the Silver Jubilee Celebration of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne.

It was established as a charity platform of His Majesty and members of the royal family to provide assistance to those in need as a sign of care and love towards the people aside from helping to build a prosperous and harmonious nation.

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, Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, together with His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al-Hussein, the King of Jordan and Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces attended the annual Flag Parade held at the Royal Hashemite Court’s Al-Rayah parade ground in Amman, Jordan on Thursday.

Accompanying His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and His Majesty the King of Jordan entered the grounds of Al Rayah accompanied by the Red Motorcade and the Royal Cavalry Unit, while a 21-gun saulte was fired.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and His Majesty the King of Jordan were then invited to a royal dais to receive the royal salute, which was followed by the national anthems of Brunei Darussalam and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

This was followed with musical performances featuring local heritage and international contemporary music by the Jordan Armed Forces Music Band.

During the ceremony, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was given the honour by His Majesty the King of Jordan to present the Great Arab Revolt Flag to the 9th Prince Mohammad Mechanised Battalion, which will carry the flag for a year, after being carried by the 39th Ja’afar bin Abi Talib Mechanised Battalion in 2017.

The ceremony also showcased a marching parade before the royal dais by the participating contingents which included the 9th Prince Mohammad Mechanised Battalion, the 39th Ja’afar bin Abi Talib Mechanised Battalion and the Royal Artillery Platoon.

The Royal Camel and Cavalry Units also presented a joint performance in one segment inspired by the history of the Jordan Armed Forces, which was followed by an aerobatic display by two F16 jet fighters of the Royal Jordanian Air Force.

The Flag Parade is an annual national military event inspired by military traditions since the establishment of the Emirate of Transjordan.

The parade also symbolises the role of the Jordan Armed Forces, also known as Al-Jaisyul ‘Arabi (the Arab Army), as the guardians of the values of the Great Arab Revolt which constitute the backbone of independence and modernisation of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam left Amman for Brunei Darussalam yesterday morning, after concluding the two-day State Visit to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Accompanying His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam on the return journey to Brunei Darussalam was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

Prior to the departure from the hotel, a Doa Selamat was recited by the State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.

Present at the Royal Pavilion of the Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, to bid farewell to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam were His Majesty the King of Jordan; and His Royal Highness Prince Al Hussein ibn His Majesty King Abdullah II, the Crown Prince of Jordan.

Also present to bid farewell to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was Charge d’Affaires at the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Siti Norsuriana binti Haji Mohamad Nor.

Before boarding the special aircraft, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam walked past a guard of honour mounted by members of the Jordan Royal Guard.

The bilateral relations between Brunei Darussalam and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan have been further strengthened by the State Visit of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam to Jordan.

While in Amman, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam held a meeting with His Majesty the King of Jordan at Al-Husseinieh Palace, during which both leaders discussed on ways to increase the bilateral relations of the two nations.

|     Fadley Faisal     |

MICRONET International College (MIC) welcomed the college’s October 2018 intake during a two-day orientation programme on Tuesday at its Jerudong Campus and on Thursday at the Berakas Forest Reserve.

The first day of orientation saw briefing sessions by MIC administrative staff for both parents and guardians of the new students to keep them informed, among others, on the college’s rules and regulations and IT courses (Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), Pearson BTEC UK, NCC Education UK, Foundation Programme in Computing) as well as the students’ academic assessments and the timetable.

The briefing ended with a question-and-answer session.

The new students, meanwhile, were also briefed on the courses they are pursuing at the college along with the agenda of the entire orientation programme.

On the second day, current and new MIC students enjoyed games such as water slide, beach volleyball and water gun battle at the Berakas Forest Reserve. The activities, held to foster good relationship among the students, were facilitated by the newly appointed MIC Student Council members.

Prizes were presented to students who won challenges held at the beach followed by the presentation of merit awards to students who excelled in the previous semester.

The two-day orientation programme ended with a barbecue and banana leaf lunch buffet as well as lucky draws.

|     Achong Tanjong     |

DATO Othman Primary School (SRDO), Cluster 3 at STKRJ Kampong Lambak Kiri officially launched its Silver Jubilee celebration at the school’s hall yesterday.

Acting Head of the Special Education Unit at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Haji Ali Yusri bin Abdul Ghafor launched the event as the guest of honour.

Among those at the event were Village Head of STKRJ Kampong Lambak Kiri Haji Hamdani bin Haji Umar; Head of Cluster 3, Department of Schools at the MoE Siti Hawa binti Haji Mat Noor; MoE officers; former SRDO headmasters, assistant headmasters and teachers; and the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) members.

The ceremony began with a march-past by former SRDO headmasters and assistant headmasters from 1993-2018 followed by the singing of the national anthem and recitation of Zikir Taubat and recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Kesyukuran.

SRDO Headmistress and the event’s Chairperson Hajah Hafizah binti Haji Salat in her welcoming speech said the school’s Silver Jubilee celebration marked its 25 years of operation which is a very significant moment. She said the celebration’s theme was Tautan Kasih Nostalgia SRDO and that the school had gathered all the former headmasters, assistant headmasters, teachers and students for the occassion.

Hajah Hafizah added that over the years the school has shown achievement in academic performance. She said the success of the school is due to the teachers, the parents and the community.

She also highlighted the good relationship between the school’s primary school and religious school session.

Guests also witnessed a Tautan Kasih Nostalgia SRDO Gallery exhibition showing photos of the school’s former headmasters, assistant headmasters, teachers and religious teachers as well as photos of school activities and a slideshow video of the school’s achievements.

The event also saw special awards presented to those who have served for 25 years at the school, appreciation awards to creators of the school’s song and designers of the school’s Silver Jubilee celebration logo, and certificates of appreciation to the event’s sponsors and contributors.

The school also organised activities prior to the celebration that included a community work involving parents, Village Consultative Council of STKRJ Kampong Lambak Kiri (MPK STKRJ Lambak Kiri) members and the school’s PTA members, and the recitation of Surah Yaasiin, Tahlil and Doa Kesyukuran attended by MPK STKRJ Lambak Kiri executive members, parents and SRDO staff and students.

The school will hold a Ukhuwah Ria SRDO family day event today to close the celebration, which will see fun game activities by invited vendors, an exhibition and a charity sale with proceeds going to the school’s fund to help students who are less fortunate.

The event aims to unite and enhance cooperation between the school, parents and the local community.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

DPMM FC secured their best ever finish in the Singapore Cup as this year’s runners-up despite falling to a 4-1 defeat in the final against the impressive Albirex Niigata (S) at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore last night.

Albirex switched gears in both halves at their own choosing of time en route to a historic fourth consecutive Singapore Cup title and completed a clean sweep of domestic titles.

The Gegar Gegar men carved a half-hearted chance early on when Adi Said knocked down a lofty ball from the Bruneian defence as Volodymyr Priyomov volleyed wide.

Their forward line took a major hit after Shah Razen Said’s premature end to the game after picking up an injury.

And it got worse for the new finalists after Albirex conjured the opening goal of the game with a smart move. Hiroyoshi Kamata broke clear after a touch and go with a teammate before providing the assist for captain Wataru Murofushi who angled his shot beautifully into the bottom corner.

The advantage doubled in the 33rd minute as Albirex defender Shun Kumagai outleapt the DPMM FC defence to nod the ball onto the path of Adam Swandi who finished with aplomb.

Continuing on their aggression, the White Swans capitalised from sloppy defending as Wataru grabbed his brace in the 64th minute, which further tightened their grip in the contest.

The Japanese outfit then fashioned a typical team-oriented goal as Murofushi’s enterprising run allowed him to thread a pass into Ryujiro Yamanaka who crossed the ball into the middle for Kumagai.

Kumagai then laid the ball for Hiroyoshi Kamata who provided a cool finish for the fourth goal of the night.

Wataru was a thorn in the side as he found the gap for Ryujiro Yamanaka with a precise pass. The midfielder sent a short cross for Kumagai only for Brian McLean to thwart the danger.

Albirex defender Riku Moriyasu skipped his marker with his close control before dribbling the ball into a good position where he found Yamanaka but the midfielder blasted his effort wide.

The Brunei-based side managed a consolation two minutes from time after Azwan Ali Rahman knocked down a cool finish which was attributed to a combination of good work from Abdul Azizi Rahman and momentary lapse of concentration in the Albirex defence.

Meanwhile, Balestier Khalsa sealed third place after beating Home United 5-4 in penalties after both sides could not be separated in a 2-2 draw after extra time.

|     Khairil Hassan     |

HER Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman attended the 1st International School Brunei (ISB) Invitational Swimming Championship yesterday at the Swimming Pool of the ISB in Jalan Utama Salambigar, Kampong Sungai Hanching in Berakas.

Her Royal Highness witnessed Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim ibni Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah won two silver medals for Royal Brunei Recreation Club (RBRC) swimming team in the Individual and Team Medley events.

Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah binti Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah bagged three silver medals for ISB in Individual and Team events.

Also present was Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda Muhammad Aiman ibni Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah.

|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

DARe (Darussalam Enterprise) has invited food and beverage (F&B) manufacturers seeking wider markets to take part in its new Standards Consultancy Programme (SCP).

A seminar on the topic of DARe’s SCP was recently held at the Design and Technology Building in Jalan Anggerek Desa, where guest experts delivered briefings on key areas of the programme.

Ram Desai of Bureau Veritas delivered a briefing on the importance of standards, while DARe Executive Officer Syarifah Syazwana spoke on what companies can expect when signing up for DARe’s SCP.

There was also a sharing session by a Western Foods and Packaging Sdn Bhd representative.

The programme will begin its first cycle this November by targetting F&B producers, who will be guided by an experienced standards consultant hired by DARe, towards achieving Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) 22000 certifications.

HACCP identifies ‘critical control points’ in an operation where hazards – which can potentially cause food to be unsafe – are evident. HACCP-certified companies mostly showcase systems which reduce hazards to a safe level.

ISO 22000, which also incorporates HACCP principles, is a broader Food Safety Management System (FSMS) that is internationally adopted through auditable standards. Launched in 2005, ISO 22000 was developed as a complete FSMS that goes beyond the physical processing of food.

ISO 22000 also incorporates management review, as well as the setting up of communication channels internally and externally, with suppliers and regulators to ensure food safety.

Producing with HACCP and ISO 22000 certifications will reduce technical barriers for Bruneian companies looking to expand their market by enabling them to meet foreign regulations, as well as increasing the confidence of overseas buyers in their products.

After the training and consultancy for HACCP and ISO 22000 under DARe’s SCP, the participating companies are expected to follow through by engaging an independent certification body to carry out an audit within six months.

The cost for the audit and implementation of changes to attain certification will not be borne by DARe. However, SCP participants will have the opportunity to apply for additional assistance from DARe separately, which include grants and other market access-related assistance.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

VISITORS to the Brunei Travel Fair at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas are in for amazing deals and prizes offered by local travel agents participating in the two-day event.

Pan Bright Travel Service, one of the many participating travel agencies, is offering amazing prizes to customers.

Pan Bright Travel Service Business Development Manager Nur Khadijah binti Abdullah noted the fair is particularly special given that it coincides with the company’s 35th anniversary this year.

She said that 35 prizes will be given away daily, with prizes such as two return tickets to Manila, a one-night stay at Marriot Miri (including breakfast), one night stay at Imperial Miri (with breakfast) plus one hour spa.

“Don’t forget our annual Travel & Win a Car or a Birkin, as we have another 35 prizes to be given away on the first week of April 2019. Grab this opportunity to double your chance of winning,” she said. Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the company had organised a travel fair at Times Square Shopping Centre earlier this year, which turned out to be a very successful event.

“We hope this event too will encourage more people to travel by availing deals from us.”

|     James kon     |

THE ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre’s (ASMC’s) review and outlook of the weather and smoke haze situation for the entire region has stated that major climate centres forecast a 70 per cent chance of weak El Nino conditions developing toward the end of the year, while current conditions remained neutral (neither El Nino nor La Nina).

In terms of weather outlook, the onset of the Northeast Monsoon in the coming months is expected to bring a transition to the traditional dry season in the northern ASEAN region, and conversely a transition to the traditional rainy season in the southern ASEAN region.

Rainfall is expected to be below-normal and near-normal for the northern and southern ASEAN regions respectively, and temperature is forecast to be above-normal across the region. A gradual increase in hotspot activities can be expected in the northern ASEAN region, with the transition to the dry season.

In the southern ASEAN region, sporadic increases in hotspot activities can still be expected during dry periods in the coming weeks. With the onset of the traditional rainy season in November 2018, an increase in shower activities are expected to help keep hotspot activities subdued.

The updates on the weather forecast and transboundary haze pollution from ASMC were highlighted at the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-14) to the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP) on Friday in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. It was attended by the ministers responsible for the environment, land, forest fires and haze from ASEAN member states (AMS), including Brunei Darussalam, which was represented by Deputy Minister of Development Haji Marzuke bin Haji Mohsin.

Following the meeting, the ministers reviewed the implementation of the AATHP, and reaffirmed their commitment through concerted national efforts and regional cooperation to fully and effectively implement the AATHP and the Roadmap on ASEAN Cooperation towards Transboundary Haze Pollution Control with Means of Implementation to achieve a Haze-Free ASEAN by 2020.

The ministers commended the various initiatives and actions undertaken by the AMS, while noting with appreciation the continuous efforts in strengthening national capabilities and regional cooperation in assessment, prevention, mitigation and management of land and/or forest fires and the resulting haze.

The ministers urged the AMS to remain vigilant and continuously monitor and step up their haze preventive efforts to minimise any possible occurrence of transboundary smoke haze from land and forest fires during periods of drier weather.

The ministers were also updated on the ASMC’s continual efforts to enhance its weather and haze monitoring and forecast capabilities by leveraging on advanced modelling systems and the latest satellite technology. They also noted the initiative by the ASMC on its five-year Regional Capability Building Programme that aims to benefit the AMS through the sharing of technical knowledge and skills in haze monitoring and weather and climate prediction.

The ministers welcomed the progress made in the second year of the implementation of the Roadmap on ASEAN Cooperation towards Transboundary Haze Pollution Control with means of Implementation. They also looked forward to the mid-term review and evaluation of the implementation of the roadmap which will be presented at the next meeting, with a view to take stock of the progress and sustain momentum in ensuring demonstrable improvements so as to achieve the vision of a haze-free ASEAN by 2020.

The ministers welcomed the progress towards the finalisation of the Establishment Agreement and Host Country Agreement of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control (ACC THPC) in Indonesia, and looked forward to its full operationalisation. They recalled the commitment and guidance of the ASEAN Leaders at the 31st ASEAN Summit held on November 31, 2017 in Manila, Philippines, and 32nd ASEAN Summit held on April 28, 2018 in Singapore, on the importance of regional cooperation on transboundary haze pollution control and urged the parties to further intensify efforts to bring the negotiations to conclusion.

The ministers also noted with satisfaction the significant progress of the implementation of the ASEAN Peatland Management Strategy (APMS 2006-2020) through the ASEAN Programme on Sustainable Management of Peatland Ecosystems (APSMPE 2014-2020), and expressed appreciation for the support from ASEAN dialogue and development partners. They recalled the Financing Agreement for the ASEAN-EU Programme on Sustainable Use of Peatland and Haze Mitigation in ASEAN (SUPA) which was signed on December 27, 2016 with an indicative budget of EUR24.5 million for the duration of 60 months; and looked forward to the programme implementation in 2018.

The ministers also looked forward to the finalisation and signing of Large Grant Agreement of the Measurable Action for Haze-Free Sustainable Land Management in Southeast Asia (MAHFSA), a programme supported by International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), amounting USD3.5 million for a duration of 60 months. They also reaffirmed their commitment to coordinate the implementation of programmes/projects under APSMPE 2014-2020 through ASEAN mechanisms, enhanced national level efforts and multi-stakeholder partnership.

The ministers also supported the second review of APMS to be undertaken by the ASEAN Task Force on Peatlands, while welcoming the findings from the Study on the Economic, Health and Social Impact of Haze in 2015 on the ASEAN region which had provided baseline indicators on 2015 haze impact on health, economy and society. They recognised the need for ASEAN to embark in more comprehensive studies to further provide an in-depth understanding of the transboundary haze pollution.

The ministers commended the Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee (MSC) on Transboundary Haze Pollution in reaffirming their readiness to provide assistance such as the deployment of the technical resources for firefighting assistance on emergency response situation, if requested, and to collaborate among MSC countries with enhanced cooperation and coordination to mitigate land and forest fires, when necessary. They noted with appreciation that the modality for sharing hotspot information among MSC countries has been operationalised during the dry season in southern ASEAN.

The ministers commended the Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee on Transboundary Haze Pollution in the Mekong Sub-Region (MSC Mekong), in reaffirming their commitment to the full and effective implementation of the Chiang Rai 2017 Plan of Action to further strengthen and synergise cooperation in the implementation of the Roadmap through a common set of priorities: information technology; public awareness and engagement; reduction of health and environmental risks; and air quality monitoring networks.

Specifically, the ministers were pleased to note the achievement of the target in 2017 with an annual cumulative hotspot count in the MSC Mekong below 30,000, while agreeing to meet again in 2019 in Cambodia on the occasion of the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-15) to the AATHP, which will be held back-to-back with the 15th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment.

|     Fizah HAB     |

UNIVERSITI Teknologi Brunei (UTB) held an award ceremony for the Dean’s List and Co-Curricular Activities recipients yesterday in conjunction with the UTB Convocation Ceremony 2018.

The guest of honour was Acting Minister of Education Datin Seri Paduka Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh. Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Jefriah; other members of the royal family; Vice-Chancellor of UTB Professor Dr Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman and senior officials from the Ministry of Education (MoE) and UTB were also present. The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat, followed by a welcoming speech by the Vice-Chancellor of UTB.

The event continued with the award presentation to the students by the guest of honour. This year, 29 students received the Dean’s List Award from UTB School of Business, School of Computing and Informatics, and Faculty of Engineering.

Meanwhile, seven students who excelled in co-curricular activities also received awards.

There were six award categories for the Co-Curricular Activities: Outstanding Life Skill Achiever, Outstanding Community Service Achiever, Outstanding Cultural Activities Award, Sports Man of UTB, Sports Woman of UTB and Religious Awards.

Among the recipients was Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Muhammad Abdul Qayyum bin Pengiran Sura Negara Pengiran Anak Haji Muhammad Bey Muntassir, who received an award under the Outstanding Community Service Achiever category.

The Dean’s List Award was introduced in 2015, which gives recognition to first, second, and third year students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in their studies.