|     Azaraimy HH     |

BERUANG Brawlers won the Netball Championship for Cluster 5 Male Teachers organised by Department of Co-Curriculum Education (Tutong Branch) yesterday.

Guest of honour was Acting Director of Department of Co-Curriculum of Ministry of Education (MoE) Mohammed Jais bin Haji Abdul Rahman.

Six teams from 12 schools participated in the annual championship aimed at strengthening ties between teachers, officers and staff of the MoE.

The second place was won by SR PDNPJ Sengkarai while third place by SMMHT.

|     Azaraimy HH     |

DIABETICS account for around half of all eye patients in the country, according to Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar, who added that the number of patients with eye health problems is expected to increase every year.

Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad Isham was speaking during the World Sight Day celebration during Bandarku Ceria yesterday morning.

The minister explained further, “In Brunei Darussalam, around 50 per cent of patients who received treatments in eye clinics were diabetic patients. In 2017 alone, statistics show that of the number of patients who sought eye treatment in clinics is around 25,000 patients and over 40 per cent were for diabetic retinopathy inspections or sought treatment for eye diseases caused by diabetes.”

“The number of total diabetic retinopathy inspection cases has also increased by 40 per cent in the past three years, up from 7,700 in 2014 to 11,000 in 2017.”

The minister continued, “Seeing that the number of people suffering from diabetes is expected to increase by 40 per cent by 2030, the number of people with eye health problems is also expected to increase from year to year.”

He added however that if problems are identified early, and treatment administered in time and follow-ups done accordingly, the risk of loss of eyesight can be reduced by 95 per cent.

Because of this, the minister said it is crucial for people to be fully aware of how important it is for them to attend their doctor appointments for routine and follow-up medical inspections.

“If a patient misses a scheduled appointment, the patient is at risk of making the problem worse,” Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad Isham said. “For medical examinations involving children, eye problems such as refractive errors or amblyopia, if not detected much earlier, can result in permanent damage to the eye. Thus, family members play a key role in terms of ensuring the children fulfil their doctor’s appointments and follow the doctor’s advices such as wearing glasses or eye patches.”

The minister advised people at high risk of contracting diabetes to adopt healthy diets and consume less sugar.

“These high-risk individuals must understand the importance of making healthy choices in their daily intake of food and drinks. Other than that, making time to exercise, at least 30 minutes a day and five times a week, can go a long way in maintaining the overall body health,” he said.

“This year’s theme for the World Sight Day celebrations, ‘Eyecare Everywhere’, is certainly apt for Brunei. His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Government through the Ministry of Health provides eye healthcare services which are available throughout all of the country’s four hospitals as well as health centres.

“The national Eye Centre at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital is a main reference centre which receives some 20,000 patients a year, for critical cases or cases that require immediate treatment. Basic eye treatment in other hospitals can be obtained at Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Hospital in Tutong District and Suri Seri Begawan Hospital in Kuala Belait.”

The minister continued, “In the Brunei-Muara District, most eye patients seek treatment at community eye clinics at health centres such as the Berakas Health Centre, Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Muta-Wakkilah Hayatul Bolkiah Health Centre in Gadong, and Jubli Perak Health Centre in Sengkurong.

“In Temburong, eye treatment services can be obtained at Pengiran Isteri Hajjah Mariam Hospital. All these treatment points demonstrate the attention given by His Majesty in streamlining the country’s health services, especially eye health services, to cater to the needs of citizens and residents of Brunei Darussalam.”

The minister added that the achievements of the ministry today could not have been possible without the increase in the number of well-educated, experienced and highly skilled health professionals, including medical officers, nurses and allied health professionals.

“This is also one of the aspects in universal health coverage (UHC) in this country, where we’ve seen an increase in services and expertise in the country, and the reduction of patients sent overseas for treatment. It’s worth noting too, that the number of professionals in the eye healthcare field has increased in the last five years with the addition of four ophthalmologists as well as two local experts and five optometrists – a significant improvement when compared to the number of professionals in 2012,” he added.

|     Azaraimy HH     |

SOME 32 undergraduate students and lecturers from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) made a study visit to Kampong Bukit, a remote village in Mukim Ukong, Tutong on Sunday to learn about the customs, traditions, culture and language of the village’s ethnic Dusun residents.

Welcoming the UBD students and lecturers were the Penghulu of Mukim Ukong Haji Omar bin Abdul Aziz, Village Head of Kampong Bukit Haji Muhd Shadiqin bin Abdullah Janjam and Kampong Bukit residents.

Also present was Tutong District Tourism Promotion and Coordination Body Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Amir bin Haji Umarali.

The half-day visit began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and welcoming address by a member of the Tutong District Tourism Promotion and Coordination Body Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan followed by a speech from the Penghulu of Mukim Ukong. The UBD delegation then watched a performance by youth members of the Kampong Bukit Village Consultative Council (MPK) and also a traditional music performance.

The students were divided into groups with each group listening to ethnic stories and interacting with members of the Dusun community using the Dusun Language. After that, a representative from each group delivered a presentation on what they learnt in the Dusun Language.

The UBD delegation also performed a traditional dance with the members of the Dusun community using the Sadaman musical instrument.

The delegation was served rice coffee and witnessed a handicraft making demonstration by the MPK Kampong Bukit members.

The visit, made possible by the Tutong District Tourism Promotion and Coordination Body, benefitted the local community in terms of opportunity to promote and sell their handicraft products. The unique and rich cultural heritage in the Tutong District, especially in the interior areas, has been a good attraction for visitors inside and outside the country, thus benefitting the local tourism industry.

|     James Kon     |

FIVE ICT teams representing Brunei Darussalam at the Asia Pacific ICT Awards (APICTA) 2018 held in Guangzhou, China, won merit awards in three different categories.

Yesterday the participating teams returned home, where they were welcomed at the Brunei International Airport by Minister of Communications Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof.

Brunei Darussalam sent eight teams to APICTA this year, comprising winners and runners-up from BICTA 2018.

Brunei’s participation in the APICTA Awards is a continuous initiative by the Ministry of Communications, with the joint collaboration of Authority for Info-communications and Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) and Infocomm Federation of Brunei (IFB), to stimulate innovation and creativity in ICT, as well as to develop the nation’s ICT sector by encouraging individuals, students and businesses to compete at the international level.

Since 2008, Brunei has achieved two winner’s awards, 24 merit awards and four special mentions in APICTA.

|     Khairil Hassan     |

THIRTY-EIGHT cueists divided into four groups in the Brunei National 6 Red Snooker Championship 2018 at the Billiards and Snooker Hall II of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas yesterday.

Group ‘A’ comprised Awangku Abdul Wafiy, Hasrijam, Mezi, Haji Md Haikal, Md Amir Hassan, Yii Hung Brun, Pengiran Zaini, Abdul Rahim, Jong Wee Lee and Lim Wei Kok. In Group ‘B’ are Sufri Rahman, Pengiran Anak Awadi, Pengiran Md Basheer, Kamarulzaman, Wong Ru Sheng, Jimmy Lim, Lim Young Wee, Kuh Yaw Boon, Md Azim and Leo Yong.

Group ‘C’ comprised Su Thieng Fu, Pengiran Khairul Rizal, Zulhelmi, Khairul Azmee, Hamran Jamil, Md Fa’ez, Muhidi, Md Abu Supian, Su Lei Hin and Md Azuan. In Group ‘D’ are Md Isa, Shahruzzaman, Md Airwan, Md Alias, Zairul Nazmee, Gibson Thien, Haji Asrul, Handy Lee and Md Hazwan.

In Group ‘A’, Hasrijam defeated Mezi 3-0 and won against Awangku Abdul Wafiy 3-2, Haji Md Haikal edged Md Amir Hassan 3-2, Pengiran Zaini managed to edge Yii Hung Brun 3-2, while Abdul Rahim beat Jong Wee Lee 3-0 and beat Lim Wei Kok 3-1.

In Group ‘B’, Pengiran Md Basheer defeated Pengiran Anak Awadi 3-1 and beat Sufri Rahman 3-2, Kamaruzzaman beat Wong Riu Sheng 3-1, Lee Young Wee defeated Jimmy Lim 3-0, while Md Azim beat Koh Yaw Boon 3-0 and won 3-1 against Lee Yong.

In Group ‘C’, Su Thieng Fu beat Pengiran Khairul Rizal 3-0, Hamran Jamil edged Khairul Azmee 3-2, Md Fa’ez managed to edge Muhdi 3-2, while Md Abu Supian won 3-1 against Md Azuan.

In Group ‘D’, Lim Chiang Leong edged Shahruzzaman 3-2 and beat Md Isa 3-1, Md Alias beat Md Airwan 3-1, Gibson Thien edged Zairul Nazmee 3-2, while Md Hazwan beat Haji Asrul 3-1 and Handy Lee 3-1.

|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

PARTICIPANTS of the Young Executive Programme (YEP), comprising 24 officers from various government departments and ministries, recently held a ‘Cook & Share’ project at the Youth Centre in Bandar Seri Begawan.

The project, a Community Service activity under the auspices of the Public Service Department and the Civil Service Institute of the Prime Minister’s Office, was intended as a show of appreciation for local labourers who have worked and toiled under the hot sun.

These labourers are employed by the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation and the Public Works Department to keep the roads of Brunei Darussalam free from litter and debris.

Under the theme of ‘Giving back to our unsung heroes’, the participants prepared 250 hot meals which were then distributed to around 15 worksite locations.

Various types of Community Service projects have already been conducted by the YEP participants through their own respective groups, such as the Assalamualaikum Project by the Hexcellents Group, the Mental Health Awareness Project by Mhind Group and the Foosian Project by UNO.

|     Azlan Othman     |

LOCAL powerboat racer Mohammad Yusrin bin Haji Ramlee triumphed at the Regatta Boat Race meet in Kampong Balan, Dalat in Sarawak on October 13.

Mohammad Yusrin, from the Powerboat Association of Brunei Darussalam (PBLBD), joined the Onnes Joe-Han Racing team (Sarawak) and won the below 50 horse-power engine category.

Mohammad Yusrin will compete in the racing boat event dubbed ‘Limau Bintangor Festival’ to be held in Sibu, Sarawak on October 28.

Mohammad Yusrin will ride the powerboat from Menchanai Powerboat Brunei team under 30 horse power at the festival.

|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

THE Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Brunei Darussalam celebrated its fifth anniversary in the country yesterday with a showcase of the works of art of one of the nation’s famed artist, Haji Dayang bin Haji Mutalip.

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 was the guest of honour. He was welcomed to the event by the Turkish Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Mehmet Suat Akgun.

The ambassador also introduced Haji Dayang to the event’s attendees which included foreign emissaries and members of foreign embassies in Brunei Darussalam.

The guests proceeded to the official opening of the exhibition, where they had opportunity to see the works of art of Haji Dayang.

The exhibition was Haji Dayang’s first, who is also celebrating his 40 years in art.

Haji Dayang is a seasoned artist who won many prestigious awards including, but not limited to, winning first prize in ‘His Majesty and the Youth’ category in conjunction with the 70th birthday celebration of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, in 2016; consolation prizes in the ‘Industry and Technology’ and ‘Royal Regalia’ categories and first prize in the ‘His Majesty with World Leaders’ category in conjunction with His Majesty’s birthday celebration art competition in 2013; second prize for His Majesty’s portrait in conjunction with His Majesty’s birthday celebration art competition in 2012; as well as Honourable Mention, Philip Morris ASEAN Art Awards, and first prize in The Green Heart of Borneo Competition.

The exhibition is open to the public from October 16-25 at the embassy’s Chancery at Simpang 52, Kampong Manggis Satu.

Members of the public and schools are welcome to view the exhibition from Monday to Friday between 10am to noon and 2.30pm to 4pm.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

FOLLOWING 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, to the establishment of a Humanitarian Fund for Sulawesi Disaster, local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are setting up funds towards the initiative in support of His Majesty’s titah.

While mobile providers DST Communications Sdn Bhd and Progresif Cellular Sdn Bhd initiated the donations through SMS, Sumbangsih Mulia in Beribi launched its Sulawesi Disaster Humanitarian Fund at its premises yesterday.

The launching started with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah by Sumbangsih Mulia General Manager Haji Mansor bin Haji Mohammad Yassin followed by Sumbangsih Mulia Chairman Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin leading the list of donors to the fund followed with management of the building and stall operators.

Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin, who initiated the setting up of the humanitarian fund, said that as neighbours in the region, it is our humanitarian sense to help natural disaster victims regardless of country, race or religion and help ease the burden of the country affected, particularly its people.

“I call on Sumbangsih Mulia patrons to come in crowds and help raise the humanitarian fund while they are savouring the delicacies offered by the stall operators there as part of our humanity responsibilities to fellow human beings. So let us all come together in the spirit of brotherhood to help those affected victims,” he said.

He also expressed hopes that more local NGOs will come forward to initiate humanitarian initiatives in whatever form and be part of the relief assistance that the country is engaged in.

Haji Mansor, meanwhile, said that members of the public can donate to help ease the suffering of survivors in the recent earthquake and tsunami disasters that struck Sulawesi, Indonesia.

The fund will be displayed at the centre area of the eating hall of Sumbangsih Mulia until January 6, 2019.

He added that they have put up the fund at a strategic spot visible to visitors and he also hoped that members of the public will make their donations and help raise the fund throughout the period.

Hundreds were killed when a powerful quake sent a tsunami barreling into the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on September 28, with hundreds badly injured and rescuers scrambling to reach the stricken region.

Home to around 350,000 people, the tsunami was triggered by a strong quake that brought down buildings and sent locals fleeing for higher ground as a churning wall of water crashed into Palu, where there were widespread power blackouts.

|     Achong Tanjong     |

MEMBERS of the Legislative Council (LegCo) made a working visit to the Land Transport Department (JPD) headquarters in Beribi, Jalan Gadong yesterday.

The delegation was led by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pendikar Alam Dato Paduka Seri Haji Hasrin bin Dato Paduka Haji Sabtu.

The purpose of the visit was for the LegCo members to more closely observe the department’s various functions and services offered to the public, and to familiarise themselves with issues encountered in the country’s land transportation projects as preparation for their meeting with the Ministry of Communications on November 26.

Among the agenda of the visit is for the members to view an exhibition on the public transportation enhancement system and how it increases connectivity with the introduction of additional routes and bus-hailing points, in a bid to stimulate an increase in public productivity and economic growth.

The Ministry of Communications through the JPD is in the process of bidding for several key processes under the public transportation system project, which is expected to be implemented by the second quarter of 2019.

The delegation also tried out the DART app, a service introduced in an effort to increase public mobility and provide Bruneians an alternative income source, reduce unemployment, and increase usage in the latest ICT products/services in the country.

Discussions were also held on the National Road Safety Council’s aspirations of increasing safety on the country’s roads. Efforts to do so include holding religious events and roadshows promoting safety awareness among the community.

The LegCo members then proceeded to view the counter services on the ground floor, such as the counters for the application for new licence numbers of new vehicles and for the renewal of vehicle licences, as well as the counter for driving licence renewal, before stopping by the Vehicle Inspection Centre.

At present, the centre only provides inspection services for government vehicles (BG licence plate) and engines, and processes change of vehicle ownership, change of vehicle registration number, and change of vehicle colour.

The group ended their working visit at the Bayu Ilham Motors Sdn Bhd Vehicle Inspection Station located at Jalan Bengkurong Masin in Kampong Bengkurong, which does inspections for private vehicles seven years old and above as well as commercial vehicles.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

SPONSORSHIP for the Brunei contingent for the 45th Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Programme (SSEAYP) was presented yesterday at a ceremony at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports building.

Acting Director of Youth and Sports Haji Zafri bin Haji Mohamed presented the sponsorships to the Brunei National Leader of the 45th SSEAYP 2018 Haji Muhammad Iqbal Fakhri bin Haji Damit.

This year, Brunei is sending a contingent of 29 participants to represent the country in the programme which will run from October 23 to December 13. They will engage in various activities lined up in the programme.

Their activities will include a three-day-two-night homestay with foster families at selected port of calls and other bonding activities and cultural performances.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

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 praised participants of the 45th Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Programme (SSEAYP) for the work they have invested in preparation for their participation in the programme.

The minister was speaking yesterday after watching a preview of the national cultural performance given by the Brunei SSEAYP participants at the Digadong Hall of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports building.

Congratulating the participants and all individuals involved for a job well done in the hour-long cultural showcase, the minister said, “The most important thing in this performance is to remember that we must show pride in carrying it out, and I can see that you all are very proud of our heritage, culture and history.

“All these showcase your understanding of the beauty of our culture and history, and we can truly demonstrate the meaning of Brunei as the ‘Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures’.”

The performance, themed ‘My Legacy, My Culture, My Future’, began with the singing of the national anthem and a video clip introduction of the Brunei SSEAYP contingent.

This was followed by an opening Jipin Laila Sembah dance and Syair Perlembagaan poetry rendition, and several cultural performances and cultural shows representing the different districts and ethnicities of Brunei.

The preview performance ended with a colourful grand finale performance by the SSEAYP participants showcasing all of Brunei’s seven puak (seven ethnic groups).

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

BRUNEI Darussalam’s runner Nurul Amirah binti Karim finished the women’s 1500m event in 17th place out of 18 entries in the 3rd Summer Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The middle-distance running specialist clocked a time of 21:00 to finish in 52nd place out of 56 athletes in the women’s cross country event having finished in 18th place with a time of 6:38.18s in the 1500m heats in the first stage.

The result and medal classification are only made official once the points for the women’s cross country has been accumulated with the women’s 1500m event.

Kenya’s Edinah Jebitok claimed the gold medal after following her good score in the 1500m event with a commendable second-place finish in the cross country event with a time of 12.37.

Australia’s Jaylah Hancock-Cameron secured silver after posting 13:16, ahead of Ethiopia’s Lemlem Hailu who settled for bronze after a time of 13:11.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

DPMM FC have announced the appointment of former Stoke City first-team coach Adrian Pennock as their new head coach for the upcoming 2019 Singapore Premier League season in Singapore, according to their website.

Pennock will succeed Rene Weber at the helm after the Brazilian had guided the Brunei-based outfit to a third place finish and the final of the Singapore Cup.

The appointment came after the Gegar Gegar men secured third place in the league following a 3-1 win over Young Lions in the final game of the season.

Pennock was part of Tony Pulis’ coaching staff during his reign as manager of Stoke City in the summer of 2011 and enjoyed a stint in the English Premier League.

The Ipswich native will be the second head coach in a space of two years who boasts experience in the English top flight to manage DPMM FC after Steve Kean who served the club for four seasons.

Pennock, who helped avoid National League side Barrow from relegation last season, became a hit with the supporters during his playing days with Gillingham where he spent six years.

He began his managerial career at Welling United from 2003 to 2005 and took the hot-seat at Forest Green Rovers after his time with the Potters. Pennock returned to the Priestfield Stadium as manager 14 years after his spell as a Gillingham player in 2017.

One of his finest career highlights was undoubtedly being named captain for the play-off final in 2000 which saw the Gills promoted to the Football League First Division for the first time in their history.

The 47-year-old was also in the books of Bournemouth from 1992 to 1996 where he became a regular for the Cherries.

|     Daniel Lim     |

THE Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) held a Basic Digital Literacy Workshop for members of Mukim and Village Consultative Council (MPMK), government agencies and the general public of the Belait District at the Belait District Officer’s residence on Monday and yesterday.

The workshop was organised as part of the continuation of AITI’s ICT Savviness Programme held previously in the Tutong District to introduce various essential Information and Communications Technology (ICT) knowledge to the general public.

The workshop held in the Belait District was facilitated by a certified trainer from Tech One Solutions Sdn Bhd, one of the premier technology service providers in the country.

The programme itself was divided into three parts, with the aforementioned Basic Digital Literacy focussing on the basic function of Microsoft Office, while the other two centred on Digital Marketing and Web Designing.

ICT Savviness Programme Project Manager Mohammad Zul Hilmi bin Zaini said that over the course of two days, the participants were able to learn on how to use mail merge, making slide presentation, using Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet and more.

He said, “Alhamdulillah, we have more than 21 participants in the two-day workshop held in the Belait District. We hope they will benefit from the knowledge gained during the workshop and apply it to their workflow to further improve their productivity by implementing the available technologies.”

He added that more workshops will be carried out in the future to continue disseminating ICT knowledge to those interested in learning and implementing them to their workflow to increase productivity.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

IN PROMOTING a culture of safety in their business operations and daily activities, Total E&P Borneo BV hosted its annual Contractor’s HSE Forum 2018 at The Empire Hotel & Country Club in Jerudong yesterday.

Themed ‘Recognition of Safety Culture’, the forum provided a platform for Total and its contractors to share their knowledge and best practices on health and safety aspects.

Some 78 contractors attended the forum, including representatives from the main oil and gas service companies in Brunei Darussalam as well as representatives from Total’s partners.

Total this year celebrates 19 years in Brunei Darussalam without Lost Time Incidents (LTI), which the company said is an achievement and would not have been possible without a collective effort.

General Manager of Total in Brunei Darussalam Vincent Dutel in his welcoming remarks said the forum is also an excellent opportunity to reflect upon the achievement.

He said, “This good achievement is well known and recognised in Brunei, by Total’s partners and the authorities, and also well noted and well recognised beyond Brunei by Total headquarters in Paris. The achievement is a clear demonstration that a robust safety culture has been established, well developed and implemented all across the board.”

Despite the achievement, he however cautioned that it is very essential to not be complacent and remain vigilant, adding, “Nothing is ever taken for granted and we have to continue applying the few basic principles on a daily basis.”

Among the safety principles he shared were the ‘Total 12 Golden Rules’, ‘Always Think Before You Act’, ‘Speak Up’ and ‘Dare to Stop Unsafe Operations’.

He also stressed on the fundamentals required to instil a culture of safety which are to be followed and applied in the participants’ day-to-day activities. This should also be incorporated in their behaviour and mindset to ensure their own safety and also those of their colleagues and everyone else.

A workshop was also conducted among the participants to exchange knowledge and ideas on Recognition of Safety Culture as well as a series of presentation on topics prepared by Total representatives such as ethics, Fire Incident and Road Transport Safety Culture.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

FIFTY parents and guardians received first-hand experience in caring for children with special needs during a two-day Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah parenting programme recently.

Participants, who were also involved with the Special Education Needs Assistance (SENA), received certificates during a ceremony yesterday.

Assistant Managing Director of Yayasan Hajah Donnaliza binti Abdullah Puasa presented certificates to participants.

The programme was organised in collaboration with the Special Education Unit of the Ministry of Education (MoE).

Ninety-seven SENA teachers and 18 officers from the Special Education Unit of the MoE were also present.

Acting Head of Special Education Unit Haji Ali Yusri bin Haji Abdul Ghafor said the teachers shared their experiences with parents and guardians of children with special needs.

The programme was held in line with Brunei Vision 2035 to equip the country with high quality education, skills and standard of living with special focus on students with special needs.

The event aimed to raise awareness on special needs students to improve their learning experience to be on par with a normal school environment.

|     Azlan Othman     |

TO HELP alleviate the burden of fire and house collapse victims, a handover of government financial assistance was held yesterday at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS).

The government’s financial assistance was delivered by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin to victims of a house that collapsed in Kampong Burong Pingai Ayer on July 24 and a victim of a house fire at Kampong Kiarong on September 13.

Also present were Acting Director of Community Development Rostinah binti Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Sura Pahlawan Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Tahir and senior officers from MCYS and Community Development Department.

|     Abdul Hakiim Yakof     |

THE Kampong Burong Pingai Berakas Youth Association (PERANGKAB) Tedarus Al-Quran held in conjunction with the new Islamic year 1440 Hijrah concluded with a Khatam Al-Quran ceremony last Sunday evening. The ceremony was held at the Sufri Bolkiah Mosque, Kampong Perpindahan Berakas.

Guests at the event included Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong and Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman.

More than 500 participants began their Al-Quran recitations from the launch of the Tedarus Al-Quran on September 16 and have sat through 18 Halaqah to the day of the Khatam Al-Quran ceremony.

It has been four years since PERANGKAB held the same project in 2014 to celebrate the association’s 50th anniversary, gathering 89 children, youth and adult reciters for 50 times Khatam. This year’s Khatam also celebrated the contributions of Kampong Burong Pingai Berakas Al-Quran teachers especially Datin Hajah Salmah binti Pehin Datu Imam Haji Awang Abdul Mokti, who has been teaching since the 1950s.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

MOHAMAD Shahzren bin Haji Puasa, Muhammad Akmal Zufayari bin Haji Mohamed Effendy, Mohd S’Iskandar bin Haji Latip and Ridhwan Akmal bin Singpa @ ‘Abdull Majid – four young local aspiring aviators – will soon embark on a new chapter in their lives as cadet pilots for Royal Brunei Airlines (RB).

A signing ceremony was held yesterday at the RB Campus to officiate their enrolment for the 51st Intake of RB Cadet Pilot Programme.

The quartet, who were among 84 shortlisted applicants out of 500, underwent a series of stringent assessment and selection process where they made their mark.

Signing the agreement on behalf of RB were the airlines’ Chief Executive Officer Karam Chand, its Chief Operation Officer Captain Saiful Bahrin bin Awang Bahar and Chief People and Performance Officer Kurt Harding.

In an interview, Mohd S’Iskandar said joining RB as a pilot is a dream of his and his parents.

He thanked RB for the opportunity which he regarded as a baby step for greater things to come.

“I am extremely lucky to be selected out of the hundreds of applicants. My mother has been relentless in encouraging me to be where I am today,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ridhwan Akmal said he was equally fortunate for the selection and expressed gratitude to the airlines.

He underwent gruelling tests and interviews, with a successful training in New Zealand.

The new cadets, who will commence their pilot training on Monday with RB’s training partner L3 Airline Academy in New Zealand, are expected to graduate by April 2020.

Currently, RB has a total of 134 pilots of which 73 per cent are locals comprising 36 captains and 62 first officers.