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 arrived in Brussels, Belgium for the 12th Asia-Europe Summit Meeting (ASEM) which ends today.

Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

Upon arrival, His Majesty was greeted by Minister of Foreign Affairs II Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof and Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the Kingdom of Belgium Abu Sufian bin Haji Ali, who is also Brunei Darussalam’s Permanent Representative to the European Union.

The 12th ASEM focusses on the theme “Europe and Asia: Global Partners for Global Challenges”.

This theme is aimed at strengthening dialogue and cooperation between the two continents on a wide range of areas, tackling global challenges together.

The summit that gathers over 50 European and Asian countries is chaired by President of the European Council Donald Tusk.

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 paid a courtesy visit to His Majesty the King of Belgium yesterday.

The meeting was held at the Royal Palace of Brussels. Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

Upon arrival at the Royal Palace of Brussels, His Majesty was greeted by His Majesty King Philippe Léopold Louis Marie, King of Belgium.

His Majesty proceeded together with His Majesty the King of Belgium for a photograph session and it was followed by the courtesy meeting.

The meeting of the two monarchs reflects the good and longstanding relationship between Brunei Darussalam and Belgium.

|     Izah Azahari     |

BANK Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) through its BIBD ALAF (Advocating Life-Long Learning for An Aspiring Future) Programme yesterday held a Tahlil and Doa Arwah ceremony for the late father of its ALAF student Nurul Mardiana binti Bolariffin at the BIBD Headquarters in Bandar Seri Begawan.

Present during the ceremony for Bolariffin bin Abdul Ghani, the late father of the student was BIBD Deputy Managing Director Hajah Noraini binti Haji Sulaiman who also presented fund on behalf of BIBD in an effort to assist the family to ease their burden.

The event began with the recitation of Surah Yaasiin, followed by Tahlil and Doa Arwah which was led by Muhd Hafizuddin bin Haji Jamaluddin.

|     Azaraimy HH     |

JERUDONG Park Medical Centre (JPMC) yesterday inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Yashoda Healthcare Services Private Limited Hospitals to provide liver and kidney transplant services.

JPMC noted that the MoU marks the “beginning of a historic partnership with Yashoda Healthcare Services Private Limited, Hyderabad, India.”

“With this, an important milestone of a long journey is marked, which is bound to make Brunei Darussalam the most sought after healthcare destination for high-end medical and surgical care. The seeds for this historic partnership were sown a year ago by the JPMC Board. After due diligence and deliberations, today marks a golden day wherein the MoU is signed between JPMC and Yashoda Healthcare Services Private Limited.”

JPMC Board member Haji Maswadi bin Haji Mohsin and Executive Vice President of Yashoda Healthcare Services Private Limited Dr Chandraskar Ramamoorthy were the signatories.

The understanding between the two hospitals symbolises a partnership to collaborate in the field of liver and kidney transplants, and also complex hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal surgeries.

Speaking at the event Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar, in his capacity as Chairman and Executive Director of JPMC, said, “It is a proud moment for all of us here in Brunei Darussalam. It has always been the vision 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 make Brunei not just self-sufficient in high-end healthcare, but also to make our country the hub for medical tourism in this part of the world. Liver and kidney transplants are done in very few countries across the globe. The Yashoda team brings with it, loads of experience and expertise in the field of transplants. The team works with the tenets of efficiency, empathy and affordability. Indeed with this MoU, we have laid the foundation to making Brunei the centre of excellence in solid organ transplantation.”

Meanwhile, Dr Ramamoorthy said, “We thank His Majesty and the Government of Brunei for giving us this wonderful opportunity to serve the people of Brunei in association with JPMC. Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham has been extremely helpful and dynamic in facilitating the partnership. Yashoda is a 2,000 bedded super specialty hospital chain, one of the largest in the Indian subcontinent.

“Yashoda has been the pioneer in introducing new technology over the last few decades in India. The liver transplant team headed by Dr Balachandran Menon has an experience of over 3,000 transplants with success rates at par with the best in the world. The renal transplant team headed by Dr Suryaprakash also boasts immense experience and outstanding results. Over the course of time, transfer of knowledge and training of local medical and paramedical professionals will ensure that the JPMC and Ministry of Health become self-sufficient to perform all the high end surgeries, including transplants.”

|     Hakim Hayat     |

BRUNEI Darussalam has reiterated its full commitment with other ASEAN member countries to enhance regional and extra-regional joint efforts in tackling transnational drug crimes, Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Datin Seri Paduka Dayang Hajah Elinda binti Haji CA Mohammad said.

She highlighted this in her speech at the 6th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Drug Matters (AMMD) held in Hanoi, Vietnam on Thursday.

She also highlighted Brunei’s adoption of a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach in the formulation of drug policy, adding that its zero-tolerance approach for a drug-free country has produced encouraging results. Brunei will continue the effort.

In keeping with ASEAN’s journey towards a region of ‘One Vision, One Identity, One Community’, she also stressed that it is important for it to reaffirm the mutually reinforcing and complementary nature of the three United Nations (UN) political documents. They are: 2009 Political Declaration on International Cooperation towards an Integrated and Balanced Strategy to Counter the World Drug Problem, the 2014 Joint Ministerial Statement and the 2016 UNGASS Outcome Document, reject any attempts undertaken by some countries that seek to decriminalise or legalise the use of controlled drugs as well as the need to recognise that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ drug policy and respect the sovereign rights of each state to decide and implement policies based on the political, economic, social and cultural contest as well as norms of society that best cater to domestic drug situation.

During the 6th AMMD opening ceremony, Minister of Public Security of Vietnam Senior Lieutenant General To Lam urged ASEAN member states to continue to strengthen and enhance regional and extra-regional cooperation with dialogue partners and external parties in the implementation of the regional plans and initiatives.

Meanwhile, in the Chairman Statement adopted following the meeting, all parties to the meeting reaffirmed their strong commitment and readiness to implement the proposed activities as guided by the ASEAN Work Plan on Securing Communities Against Illicit Drugs 2016-2025 (ASEAN Work Plan 2016-2025), as well as the ASEAN Cooperation Plan to Tackle Illicit Drug Production and Trafficking in the Golden Triangle 2017-2019 (ASEAN Cooperation Plan 2017 – 2019).

They also reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to realising the aspiration of a Drug-Free ASEAN, through a zero-tolerance approach towards illicit drugs that will provide its people and communities with a society free from the abuse and ill effects of drugs, and will also continue to be resolute in its position, despite the shift in drug policies seen in other parts of the world advocating for the decriminalisation or legalisation of drugs.

All Asean member states also endorsed a joint ASEAN position statement that reaffirms ASEAN’s commitment to a zero-tolerance approach in realising its aspiration of a Drug-Free ASEAN.

The statement will be delivered at the High Level Segment of the 62nd Commission on Narcotic Drugs in March 2019, where the future global drug plan will be discussed following the culmination of the 2009 Political Declaration Plan of Action.

They also adopted another ASEAN Joint Statement that would be delivered at the Fifth Inter-sessional Meeting of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs on November 7-9, which would reaffirm ASEAN’s resolute stand against legalisation of illicit drugs for non-medical and non-scientific use, and urge the international community to uphold the provisions of the international drug control conventions, which the international community has jointly affirmed as the cornerstone of the international drug control system.

The Brunei delegation included Acting Director of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Haji Mohd Jaffari bin Haji Mahadi as well as senior officers from the PMO and NCB.

|     Lyna Mohamad & Wani Roslan     |

GRAND Motors Sdn Bhd marked the arrival of the DS 7 Crossback with a VIP launch at the dealer’s showroom in Beribi on Thursday.

Present was Ambassador of France to Brunei Darussalam Christian Ramage.

The ambassador expressed appreciation to Grand Motors for bringing the brand to Brunei.

Also present was Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul ‘Ali Yil-Kabier bin Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz.

The ceremony began with a welcoming note from Managing Director of Grand Motors Frankie Ho who noted that DS Automobile has established itself as a luxury brand from Paris since its interception as a standalone entity in 2014 with the aim to achieve a true upmarket comeback for the French automotive industry.

Grand Motors Sdn Bhd, together with its dealer, Auto Makmur Sdn Bhd invited members of the public to its showroom to view the car. There are two variants in Brunei market, Grand Chic (high spec) and So Chic (mid spec) and both comes in 1.6-litre four-cylinder PureTech Turbo engine in six-speed automatic transmission.

Members of the public can also visit DS Automobile Roadshow at The Mall, Gadong.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

TELEKOM Brunei Berhad (TelBru) earlier this week debuted its service capabilities that has the potential to offer business and residential customers speeds of up to 1GBps (Giga-bits-per-second) that would put the country at par with the likes of the United States, several nations in Europe as well as Hong Kong and Singapore.

During the recent visit by members of the Legislative Council (LegCo) to the company’s premises, TelBru took the opportunity to share the potential in Brunei’s Internet future that brings with it expanded possibilities in the field of economics, business, entertainment, and communication especially towards addressing an increase in data demand from the general population.

TelBru in a press release said that the roll out of this service initially will be on a trial basis with enterprises and corporate entities, and to be implemented in stages with the initial offer based on specific Fibre-to-the Home (FTTH) locations as the company looks towards expanding this capability to residential locations throughout the country, in line with TelBru’s FTTH rollouts nationwide.

The company also showcased its adaptation of new technology for geographically challenging areas with particular emphasis on TelBru’s Fixed Wireless service for residents in Kampong Ayer.

Moving forward, TelBru expressed its assurance that it will continue to strive to innovate and to implement measures and introduce the latest in technology to better serve the people of Brunei, wherever they are, and however they can be connected.

|     James Kon    |

BRUNEI-born international star Wu Chun will be playing in the Low San Brunei Basketball Open scheduled to tip off on October 28 at the BBA Basketball Court.

The event is organised by the Brunei Basketball Association (BBA).

Wu Chun will be playing for his Fitness Zone teams in the Men Open Toolbox Cup and Low San Shield Veteran Open categories.

A total of 26 teams have registered for the Low San Brunei Basketball Open.

The 12 teams that have registered for the Men Open Toolbox Cup are Wolves Basketball, Singapore Motor, Fitness Zone, YTE, Tool Box, Madewa Eagles, JHY Enterprise, Systematic Living, GKL, Shooting Star Development, TSL and Jetstar.

The four teams that have registered for the Ladies Open Sherwin Williams Cup are Honey Carsmart, Mum Bakery, GHK and KYG Work Contractor.

The 10 teams that have registered for the Low San Shield Veteran Open are TK Teahouse, Stars on 40s, Fitness Zone, Team Airish / TSL, Linktech, GHK, Bukit Ladang, Veteran United, HanKook Winrun Tyre and Menglait Basketball.

The much-anticipated tournament also received additional support yesterday with Fitness Zone coming on board as the official Health Club Partner in addition to Low San Hardware as the tournament’s title sponsor and Revive as the official sports drinks.

Wu Chun is an avid fan of basketball and has played for the Brunei National Team as a teenager.

He once competed against China’s former National Basketball Association (NBA) star Yao Ming in an Asia Youth Basketball Tournament.

Wu Chun said, “I really look forward to the upcoming Low San Brunei Basketball Open. It’s a good opportunity to play with and against my old friends once again. As for the next generation of Brunei basketball players, I look forward to sharing the court and compete against them too.”

As the official Health Club Partner, Fitness Zone will be awarding memberships to the winners of the Men, Ladies and Veteran categories addition to cash and trophies sponsored by Low San Hardware.

Fitness Zone will also be giving three-day passes to all the tournament’s participants.

To inject more fun and festivity into the tournament, members of the audience will also have a chance to win one-year Fitness Zone membership via the Half-court Shoot Out Challenge. Fitness Zone memberships will also be awarded to the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

“Basketball is a game that requires physical fitness. Through Fitness Zone, I am always keen to promote and develop both basketball and a healthy lifestyle in Brunei. In addition to enhanced physical fitness and healthy living, our youth will also acquire essential life skills such as teamwork, perseverance and responsibility through the game of basketball,” said Wu Chun.

|     Fizah HAB     |

A DIALOGUE entitled ‘Cross Movement Network on Dialogue on Social Protection for Women and Girls among Civil Society’, was organised by the Brunei Council on Social Welfare (MKM) yesterday at the StarLodge, Jerudong.

It aimed at creating a space for civil society to discuss and deliberate current social protection gaps and challenges for the most vulnerable and marginalised women and girls and how the civil society can help address them at the national level.

Around 40 participants from different charity and welfare non-governmental organisations, including Women’s Business Council, Council of Women of Brunei Darussalam, WeCare and Youth Against Slavery (YAS) Brunei joined the dialogue and shared their insights on the nature of their work in relation to complementing existing social protection programmes of the government.

The dialogue began with welcoming remarks from MKM President Haji Md Yusof bin Haji Halim, followed by an introduction and overview of the social protection initiative by MKM Vice President 3 Nur Judy binti Abdullah and a ‘Trust Circle Dialogue’ by the participants.

The dialogue also centred on identifying strategic initiatives in raising awareness on social protection as well as basic economic and social rights for women and girls, creating advocacies that will help combat the dependency syndrome on some social protection programmes and welfare assistance as well as ways to promote gender-sensitive social protection schemes to ensure inclusivity of women.

The MKM event was supported with funding from Weaving Women’s Voice in Southeast Asia (WEAVE), a network of women organisations, national networks and advocates from The Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar and Brunei.

|    Fadhil Yunus    |

INDERA SC vice-captain Amirul Hakeem bin Haji Kasim scored the winner in the second period of extra time to give his side’s their second DST Sumbangsih Cup title during the 2-1 victory over MS ABDB at the rain-soaked Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex last night.

Mohamed Zulkhairy bin Razali had given the reigning DST FA Cup winners the lead in the 39^th minute but the DST Super League holders MS ABDB equalised through Mohammad Khairul Mee bin Mail in the 81^st minute.

Indera SC had the chance to double their lead when Mohamed Zulkhairy latched onto a delicious ball from the centre circle but the goalscorer sliced his shot wide.

MS ABDB scored instantly when Mohammad Khairul Mee fired home from close range in the season’s curtain-raiser.

Indera SC’s new signing Petrus bin Jumat played a neat exchange with captain Hazwan bin Hamzah and confusion in the MS ABDB backline nearly cost an own goal though they were satisfied to win a corner.

MS ABDB won a free-kick but they fired wide as they looked in search of a late winner.

After a goalless first period in extra time, Indera SC found the winner in the second minute of the second period of extra time.

The DST FA Cup champions changed corner kick takers in the last moment and that move looked to pay dividends. Amirul Hakeem powered home a clean header in the far post which MS ABDB goalkeeper Mohammad Tarmizi bin Haji Mat Johari could not keep out. MS ABDB missed a glorious chance to take the game into penalties after a player blasted the ball wide having been teed up by a teammate from the byline.

Indera SC Head Coach Mohd Darus bin Tanjung was visibly pleased with his charges after beginning the season in triumph.

“I feel very proud as the head coach and I am confident that Indera SC will make more efforts to strengthen and become stronger in all areas,” said Mohd Darus in a post-match interview.

DST Assistant General Manager of Group Corporate Communications Radin Sufri bin Radin Basiuni presented the prizes.

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 Thursday evening consented to attend the opening ceremony of the 12th Asia-Europe Summit Meeting (ASEM) and a gala dinner hosted in conjunction with the summit.

Accompanying His Majesty to both events was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

Upon arrival at the Europa Building, Brussels in Belgium, His Majesty was officially welcomed by the European Council President Donald Tusk as Chairman of the 12th ASEM, as well as by the European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.

After the welcoming ceremony, His Majesty consented to take a group photo and then proceeded to attend the opening ceremony of the summit.

The event began with an opening statement by Donald Tusk followed by statements from Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga as host of the 11th ASEM in 2016, and Austrian Federal Chancellor Sebastian Kurz.

After the opening ceremony, His Majesty consented to proceed to the gala dinner together with other leaders and heads of delegation.

The dinner, held at the Grand Narthex Hall of the Musées Royaux d’Art et d’Histoire, was in honour of the leaders and heads of delegation attending the 12th ASEM.

Meanwhile, on Thursday afternoon His Majesty consented to attend a bilateral meeting with the Estonian Prime Minister Juri Ratas at the Wiltcher’s Steigenberger Hotel in Brussels.

Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

During the meeting, His Majesty and Juri Ratas discussed global affairs focussing on security and economic opportunities, as well as collaboration in the fields of e-government and cyber-security.

Accompanying the Estonian Prime Minister was Permanent Representative of Estonia to the European Union (EU) Rein Tammsaar.

Others in attendance were Special Adviser to His Majesty and Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Diraja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Isa bin Pehin Datu Perdana Manteri Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Ibrahim, 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, Minister of Foreign Affairs II Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof and Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to Belgium Abu Sufian bin Haji Ali, who is also Brunei’s Permanent Representative to the EU.

GEOGRAPHICAL risks, demo-graphic change and shifting perceptions are challenges that threaten the positive momentum of global economic growth and resilience.

This was highlighted in a titah by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday morning during the Plenary Session of the 12th Asia-Europe Summit Meeting (ASEM) at the Europa Building, Brussels in Belgium.

Accompanying His Majesty to the session was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

The event commenced with an opening statement by 12th ASEM Chairman Donald Tusk, who is also European Council President.

In the titah, the Sultan said that the role played by the international trade and investment is very important, and our people must be assured of the benefits of economic integration.

To promote this, markets must be kept open, rules-based multilateral trading system should be followed and protectionism resisted as embodied in the World Trade Organization.

His Majesty went on to say that this can be supported through a strong multilateral framework.

As such, His Majesty drew attention to ASEAN’s work in finalising the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, as well as resuming talks with the European Union (EU) on the possibility of an ASEAN-EU Free Trade Agreement.

His Majesty stated that an economy’s resilience is dependent on its ability to adapt to digital technologies to enable new markets and trading across borders, to participate in the global value chains to increase productivity and opportunities, and support government initiatives to improve ease of doing business to aid growth.

Prioritising economic connectivity in the ASEM agenda is critical to promote greater competitiveness and prosperity, His Majesty said.

However, His Majesty noted that rapid technological advances of the Fourth Industrial Revolution can potentially disrupt the labour market, which requires re-training and life-long learning to ensure the success of entrepreneurship and to provide job security.

His Majesty went on to state that there is much to learn from each other on developing a more inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystem, through sharing of best practices between policymakers, businesses and the community.

In this regard, His Majesty welcomed the work of the ASEM Pathfinder Group on Connectivity which will contribute towards narrowing the development gap between members, and achieving the United Nation’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

After the Plenary Session, His Majesty consented to join other leaders and heads of delegation for a photo session.

His Majesty yesterday left Brussels after attending the two-day ASEM.

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

Present to bid farewell to His Majesty was Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to Belgium Abu Sufian bin Haji Ali, who is also Brunei’s Permanent Representative to the EU, as well as officers of the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam in Belgium and the Mission to the EU.

|     Daniel Lim     |

QAF Auto Sdn Bhd is currently holding its three-day ‘BMW Year-End Dynamic Roadshow’ at the parking lot of Supa Save, Panaga.

The roadshow, which runs from October 19-21, is showcasing the all-new BMW X4 that was launched earlier last month at the BMW showroom in Beribi, as well as several other models, such as the X1 sDrive20i, 318i, and 520i Luxury Line.

It is also promoting QAF Auto’s special interest rate offer for BMW purchases.

Customers who make loan purchases of any BMW vehicle from October 1 to December this year will enjoy a low interest rate of 2.88 per cent.

Brunei citizens are also able to purchase their new BMW vehicle with the company’s new ‘BMW Dynamic Financing Plan’ launched earlier this month, which allows them the option of choosing from various affordable plans.

QAF Auto General Manager Sivakumar Krishnan explained that the plans are meant to provide a low entry point for citizens to purchase a new BMW.

“We encourage members of the public who are interested in any of these plans to visit us at the roadshow as well as at our showroom at Beribi to learn more about them,” he said.

“All BMW vehicles purchased during the period also come with a free BMW Service Inclusive Plus package for five years or 100,000km, which provides a worry-free maintenance and service package for the customers.”

When asked about public response to the roadshow, the general manager noted that response in the Belait District has been great, adding that some of the visitors have already booked vehicles for purchase.

He added, “Hopefully we will see more visitors over the course of the roadshow, to not only view the various BMW models on offer, but also to test drive them.”

QAF Auto Sdn Bhd is also accepting trade-ins and is offering the highest trade-in value in town for those who express interest in buying a new BMW. Various used cars from QAF Auto’s Used Cars Department are also on sale at the roadshow.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

LOCAL businesses can take full advantage of increased opportunities of networking and partnerships with foreign business entities to boost their capabilities and help drive economic growth in the Sultanate, said the Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah.

Speaking as the guest of honour during the French-Bruneian Business Association (FBBA)’s annual get together last evening, the minister also welcomed more foreign companies to invest and set up corporations in Brunei to provide direct jobs and business opportunities to local jobseekers and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

He stressed that local companies should enhance their industry know-hows and capabilities by establishing close relationships with incoming foreign companies.

The minister also highlighted that initiatives undertaken by the government to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability and economic diversification have begun to bear fruits. “Real gross domestic product (GDP) in 2017 was stronger than expected, rebounding to 1.3 per cent supported by both the oil and gas and non-oil and gas sectors. Inflation has also returnd to positive territory,” he further shared.

He also cited a report released this month by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that highlighted Brunei’s continuous efforts towards economic diversification, where the local business environment has begun to be more open, transparent, pro-business and pro-investment, helping companies and local MSMEs, government-linked companies (GLCs) and foreign direct investments (FDI)s to grow their businesses in the country.

The positive momentum, he said was also reflected in the recently released World Economic Forum (WEF) 2018 Global Competitiveness Report that shows Brunei’s improved ranking of 62 out of 140 countries. “I believe these improvements lay the foundation of many future long-term strategic partership and I hope our local business community will capitalise on this and play a bigger role in contributing to our economic development agenda,” he added.

The minister also said that all these positive developments are a testament to Brunei’s attractiveness as a preferred destination for foreign investment and urged the FBBA to work closely with Brunei to promote the country as a preferred investment destination, especially in potential growth sectors such as technology and creative industry, tourism, downstream oil and gas, business services, and Halal product manufacturing.

He also lauded the joint partnership between QAF Brunei and French multinational industrial gas supplier Air Liquide recently for the establishment of Brunei Oxygen Company Sdn Bhd (Brunox), an air separation plant in Kuala Belait that is targetted to meet local demand with potential for export regionally.

During the gathering themed ‘The World Cup’ held at the Tarindak D’Seni in the capital, French Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Christian Ramage said the theme of the gathering pays homage to France’s recent win in the football World Cup.

He also praised FBBA’s efforts to create closer links between Brunei and France through its support and participation in many national events.

Meanwhile, President of the FBBA Pierre Imhof also described the FBBA as the most active bilateral association in the country that continues to build partnerships, friendships, trust and confidence between French and Bruneian entrepreneurs.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

SETIA Motors Sdn Bhd, the main distributor of Hyundai vehicles in Brunei awarded prizes to 10 lucky clients who had signed up for the Setia Mobile Application.

Sales Manager of Setia Motors Fadillah bin Sulaiman made the draw in a ceremony held yesterday at the Setia Motors’ showroom in Beribi.

The winners were Aliyusof bin Jumat, Azlen Iswande bin Haji Puasa, Inahwati binti Haji Ajamain, Siti Nur Kamaliah binti Mahali, Hajah Norazillahwati binti Haji Siput, Hajah Nurul Kamilah binti Mohd Zaini, Siti Fairuzhaironie binti Dato Paduka Haji Wahabi, Siti Nurul Hadina binti Osman, Syed Ali Kanafiah bin Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Yong Jiang Ang.

Each winner received a Sambung Tab A with a BND 100 shopping voucher.

The Setia Motors Mobile Application allows customers and future prospects to browse the features of each car under the Hyundai’s fleet and select the car colours of their favourite Hyundai.

The app also offers bookings and appointments for test-drives as well as service and repairs which require the customers to book 48 hours ahead. It will also allow push-notification on upcoming promotions and events as well as background information about the car dealership.

Setia Motors is also conducting another round of lucky draws until December 31for those who register with the company.

|     Daniel Lim     |

A CONVENIENCE store in Kuala Belait was destroyed in a fire yesterday morning.

A total of 15 firefighters from Sungai Liang and Sungai Liang Industrial Park (SPARK) fire stations were dispatched after the Fire and Rescue Department received a distress call at 3.18am.

Led by SO Sulaiman bin Omar, the firefighters controlled the blaze within 10 minutes.

The cause of the fire and estimated damages are still under investigation.

In view of the incident, the Fire and Rescue Department has issued a reminder about the dangers of overloaded electrical circuits.

Members of the public are advised to do maintenance and do regular checks of their home electrical installation and wiring by companies that are accredited to the Department of Electrical Services.

In addition, the department also encourages to equip buildings with firefighting equipment such as fire extinguisher, fire blanket, and smoke detector.

To report a fire, contact the Operations Centre of Fire and Rescue at 995.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

COMBINE KSKA moved out of the bottom of Group ‘E’ of the Al Idrus Football League Championship after edging Terazza FC 1-0 at the Public Works Department (JKR) Field on Friday.

Haji Rosli bin Haji Wadi scored the only goal of the match two minutes from time to register his side’s first win of the season.

With the defeat, Terazza dropped to the bottom of the table as they continue their search for their first win of the season after succumbing to two losses.

The competition continues with four league fixtures today as PBDB Veteran FT and Stoneville looked to preserve their unbeaten start to the season.

|     Khairil Hassan     |

THE Brunei National 6 Red Snooker Championship 2018 continued yesterday with four more cueists qualifying for the Quarterfinals at the Billiards & Snooker Hall II of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.

In Group ‘A’, Yii Hung Burn qualified into the quarter finals after edging Md Fa’ez 3-2 and beating Pengiran Zaini 3-1.

In Group ‘B’, Leo Yong edged Sufri Rahman 3-2 but lost to Md Azim 1-3. Md Azim thus qualified for the quarter finals.

In Group ‘C’, Lim Young Wee beat Muhdi 3-1 and Su Thieng Fu 3-2 to qualify for the quarter finals.

In Group ‘D’, Zairul Nazmee defeated Pengiran Md Basheer 3-0 but lost to Md Hazwan. Md Hazwan qualified for the quarter finals.

Haji Md Haikal Qarin will face Md Hazwan in the first quarter final match-up while Md Azim will go up against Haji Kamarulzaman in the second quarter final match-up.

Md Abu Supian will meet Lim Young Wee in the third quarter final match-up with Yii Hung Burn facing Md Alias in the fourth quarter final match-up today.

The quarter finals will be played at 12.30pm, with the semi finals at 2.30pm and the final match at 4.30pm.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

FOUR teams under the Young Executive Programme (YEP) – MhIND (Mental Health Initiatives and Drive), Assalamualaikum, Youth Bepassion and Foosion – delivered their community service module presentations at the Civil Service Institute (IPA) in Rimba yesterday, after completing six weeks of community service which ran from September 10 to October 20.

The guest of honour was Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud.

MhIND leader Awangku Haji Muhammad Nadhir A’qil bin Pengiran Mohd Anuar explained that their project aims to raise awareness and relay information on mental health, as well as to fight stigma against it.

He added that the team has carried out several initiatives to further promote their project, such as organising video competitions, mental health support groups in collaboration with a number of higher education institutions, as well as a mental health awareness campaign held at Laksamana College of Business (LCB), Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) and Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB).

“We were able to provide information, show them all different mental health management tools and coping skills, and provide them with the opportunity to meet and talk with invited psychologists from Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital and other medical specialist centres,” he said.

“We found that there is still an endemic mental health stigma problem in Brunei. Some people still hesitate to discuss mental health issues, and treat it like it is not a serious matter. For us, there is a still a long way to go in terms of public acceptance of the problem.”

Foosion’s team member Muhd Khairun Hazim bin Haji Mat Sani explained that their project, a cook-off activity, aims to promote local food and ingredients of Brunei among the younger generation.

“Through this cook-off, we believe Eco Ponies Garden is able to raise the name of the Tutong District as an attractive place for visitors, both local and foreign,” he said.

The YEP is one of the programmes coordinated by the Civil Service Institute to train selected civil servants. The current batch of participants comprises 24 new officers that have been working with the government for less than three years.

For this year, the programme is running for seven months from May 10 till November 17.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

DEFENCE Ministers from the region reiterated their commitment in boosting cooperation, undertaking measures to combat terrorism and maintaining peace in the region at the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the 5th ADMM-Plus that concluded in Singapore yesterday.

Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof represented Brunei Darussalam.

At the 12th ADMM, ASEAN Defence Ministers endorsed five concept papers and signed the Joint Declaration on Strengthening Cooperation, Building Resilience.

Three separate informal meetings with People’s Republic of China, United States of America and Japan followed the 12th ADMM.

Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi also held bilateral meetings with several ASEAN and ASEAN-Plus counterparts during the meeting.

During the 5th ADMM-Plus, the Defence Ministers adopted the Joint Statement on Preventing and Countering the Threat of Terrorism, showcasing ADMM-Plus’ commitment to step up practical cooperation and undertake effective measures to counter terrorism. The meeting also adopted Joint Statement on Practical Confidence-Building Measures to signal the ADMM-Plus’ commitment to reducing risks of miscalculation for the peace and stability of the region.

The 5th ADMM-Plus concluded with a Chairmanship Handover ceremony from Singapore to Thailand. Thailand will take the helm of ASEAN Chairmanship in 2019.

An ADMM-Plus Leaders’ Lunch hosted by Singapore’s Acting Prime Minister/Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, Teo Chee Hean was also held on the sidelines.

Ministry of Defence (MinDef) said Brunei Darussalam’s continued participation at the ADMM and ADMM-Plus demonstrates the importance of defence diplomacy as well as its commitment to regional stability and security through multilateral engagements within ASEAN. This year marked the second time Republic of Singapore’s hosting it since ADMM was established in 2006.