HIS Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office as the personal representative 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, and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman yesterday morning attended the Coronation Ceremony of His Royal Highness Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Badlishah, the 29th Sultan of Kedah Darul Aman.

The ceremony was held at Istana Anak Bukit, Alor Setar.

Upon arrival at Anjung Melur, Istana Anak Bukit, Their Royal Highnesses were welcomed by Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah ibni Sultan Sallehuddin, the Raja Muda of Kedah and Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Che Puan Muda Zaheeda binti Mohamad Ariff, the Raja Puan Muda of Kedah; Yang Teramat Mulia Dato’ Seri Diraja Tan Sri Tunku Abdul Hamid Thani ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Badlishah, the Tunku Bendahara of Kedah and Datin Seri Diraja Puan Seri Dato’ Nora binti Abdullah; Yang Teramat Mulia Dato’ Seri Diraja Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz binti Al-Marhum Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, the Tunku Temenggong of Kedah; and Yang Teramat Mulia Dato’ Tunku Shazuddin Ariff ibni Sultan Sallehuddin, the Tunku Laksamana of Kedah; as well as Chief Minister of Kedah Dato’ Seri Haji Mukhriz bin Tun Dr Mahathir and Tok Puan Norzieta binti Zakaria.

Their Royal Highnesses were then invited to sign a Commemorative Parchment.

The Coronation Ceremony of His Royal Highness the 29th Sultan of Kedah Darul Aman was also attended by His Royal Highness the Regent of Pahang; Yang Maha Mulia the Regent of Kelantan; Duli-Duli Yang Teramat Mulia the Raja-Raja Muda and members of royal family; Yang Di-Pertua-Yang Di-Pertua Negeri; the Prime Minister of Malaysia; and other special guests and their spouses.

The Coronation Ceremony commenced with the arrival of His Royal Highness Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin and Her Royal Highness Sultanah Maliha binti Al-Marhum Tengku Ariff, the Sultanah of Kedah Darul Aman, which was accompanied with the playing of the gong and Nobat Raja Berangkat.

During the Coronation Ceremony, His Royal Highness the Sultan of Kedah Darul Aman delivered a titah reciting the royal oath.

His Royal Highness then received the Keris Perkasa Alam (the Government Keris) which was presented by Chief of Istiadat Dato’ Paduka Seri Maharajalela Dato’ Bijaya Indera Dato’ Paduka Haji Syed Unan Mashri bin Syed Abdullah.

The Proclamation of the Coronation of His Royal Highness Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin was then read by Chief of Istiadat Dato’ Paduka Seri Maharajalela Dato’ Bijaya Indera Dato’ Paduka Haji Syed Unan Mashri and Daulat Tuanku was then called out three times. This was followed by the playing of the Nobat and a 21-gun salute.

The Coronation Ceremony continued with the presentation of congratulatory messages, commencing with a sabda from Duli Yang Teramat Mulia the Raja Muda of Kedah on behalf of the Kedah royal family, which was followed by a speech from the Chief Minister of Kedah on behalf of the government and people of the State of Kedah Darul Aman.

The ceremony concluded with the recitation of Doa Selamat by State Mufti of Kedah Darul Aman Sohibus Samahah Dato’ Sheikh Fadzil bin Haji Awang.

The ceremony marked a historic moment for the people and citizens of Kedah Darul Aman, as the last time a coronation ceremony for the Sultan of Kedah was held was in 1959.

Meanwhile, prior to the luncheon, Their Royal Highnesses, together with the other special guests, were invited for a group photograph session with His Royal Highness the Sultan of Kedah Darul Aman and Her Royal Highness the Sultanah of Kedah Darul Aman.

Their Royal Highnesses then proceeded to the Balai Santapan Besar to attend the luncheon. The luncheon was further enlivened with a musical performance.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

THE Pengiran Muda Mahkota Al-Muhtadee Billah Fund for Orphans (DANA) received a total donation of BND568.51 from the Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul ‘Azim Religious School, Serasa yesterday.

The money, collected during the school’s walkathon event ‘SUPMAA Serasa Siuk’ was handed over to DANA’s Executive Officer Dato Paduka Eddie bin Dato Paduka Haji Sunny by the Headmistress of the school Norliyana binti Haji Ahmad.

Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, the Secretariat for DANA in a statement said it appreciates contributions from any organisations and individuals in supporting its efforts to improve the welfare of orphans in the country.

|     Fizah HAB     |

THE Brunei Council on Social Welfare (MKM) held a Workshop on National CSO Preparatory Workshop for the upcoming 11th ASEAN Forum on Migrant Labour (AFML) at the MKM headquarters in Kampong Salambigar recently.

The annual AFML is an open platform for studying, discussing and exchanging good practices and ideas between governments, workers’ and employers’ organisations, and civil society stake-holders on the main issues facing foreign workers in Southeast Asia.

Under the theme ‘Digitalisation to improve decent work conditions for migrant workers in ASEAN’, the workshop was participated by several representatives from ASEAN embassies and non-governmental agencies.

The workshop began with a welcoming speech from MKM President Mohd Yusof bin Halim followed by a presentation on the overview of the AFML process.

This was followed by updates on the progress of implementing recommendations from the third-10th AFML forums by Sinapan Samydorai and two separate workshop sessions on the themes ‘Digitalisation of Migrant Labour Management’ and ‘Digital services to migrant workers’.

Every year the AFML forum raises suggestions to advance the implementation of the principles of the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers.

Singapore will host the 11th AFML on October 29-30. The forum will focus on digitalisation to promote good work for foreign workers in ASEAN under the theme ‘2018 Resilience and Innovation’.

|    Daniel Lim    |

THREE local senior citizens are in Penang, Malaysia competing in the first International Senior Classic Grand Seniors Bowling Extravaganza ‘Bringing Together A Golden Generation’ held from October 22-26.

The group of three is led by Haji Awang Damit bin Haji Sulaiman, 65, accompanied by Haji Mohd V Elleys Abdullah, 64, and Abdul Samat Dato Seri Paduka Haji Marsal, 64.

They will compete against more than 90 bowlers from various countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Germany, Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, China, and New Zealand.

The tournament only features a singular category, which is the Open Category for both male and female bowlers.

Bowlers are assigned into a team of four, doubles or singles, and the top 40 bowlers will advance to the qualifying round of the Masters semi-finals and is further trimmed to 20 for the Masters grand final.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

WITH the rise in sweltering hot days and increasing number of typhoons with unprecedented instances of storm surges, the phenomenons have become the norm today while the people blame climate change.

The global public awareness on the urgency of addressing climate change has increased over the years while in the ASEAN region alone, overall temperature has been increasing at a rate of 0.14-0.20 degrees Celsius per decade since the 1960s, as reported in the Second Edition of the ASEAN Biodiversity Outlook (ABO 2) of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB).

The publication stressed that the continued warming will affect the vegetation and habitat of numerous wildlife in the region.

Additionally, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) acknowledged that warming beyond the highest recorded temperature for the past 1.8 million years will cause an abnormal level of stress to the various species and their habitats.

In this regard, the ACB and SwedBio, in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Climate Change Commission of the Philippines, organised the Asia Multi-Actor Dialogue Seminar to Build Social-Ecological Resilience through the Incorporation of Ecosystem-Based Solutions in Nationally Determined Contributions from October 9-12.

Participants from ASEAN member states and delegates from Pakistan and Bangladesh joined representatives from Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) and the ASEAN Secretariat in the seminar to exchange experiences of developing the role for ecosystem-based approaches in climate-related work at national level; identify synergies among potential ecosystem-based approaches for delivering benefits related to multiple objectives; empower those concerned with the well-being of nature to engage with those responsible for achieving Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs); and establish the support needed by the region to advance ecosystem-based approaches to adapt to and mitigate climate change as well as to reduce the risk of disasters.

ACB Executive Director Dr Theresa Mundita S Lim in her message during the first day of the dialogue-seminar said, “The ACB is providing a venue and opportunity for the ASEAN member states to work together in the spirit of one ASEAN Community. Today, the world, particularly the ASEAN region, is confronted by the twin threats of climate change and biodiversity loss… I am sure you will all agree with me when I say that climate change and biodiversity loss are inseparable concerns. Climate change is a major driver of biodiversity loss, and healthy biodiversity is a major solution to climate change.

“Our workshop is the first of our efforts at mainstreaming biodiversity to make sure that climate change and biodiversity loss is not treated separately. It is not a question of turf as to who will be responsible or who will be in charge.”

She added, “Our concern is to mainstream biodiversity to ensure that all sectors – from political leaders to scientists, from the media to the general public, from civic leaders to students – will be working together to combat the twin threats to humankind.

“Globally, everyone agrees that climate change adaptation is of utmost importance and urgency. Ironically, funding or support is very much wanting. It’s always not enough. But, with working together, we will be able to maximise our efforts in addressing what is most important to us.”

Welcoming the participants to the seminar was Officer-in-Charge Director of the Climate Change Service of the DENR Elenida Basug, who said, “Today, we have come at a point where we acknowledge that the force of climate change in the region and in our respective countries is here, that climate change is no longer a floating theoretical concept but rather a phenomenon that affects our environment and our daily lives.”

Programme Officer on Climate Change and Ecosystems at SwedBio Tristan Tyrrell in his capacity as one of the event’s facilitators, meanwhile, introduced climate change-related concepts such as Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) and Ecosystem-based Mitigation (EbM), along with explaining how such concepts affect or can be incorporated in the upcoming projects of the participants’ organisations and their individual countries’ National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).

Discussions within the separate groups and in plenary constituted the majority of the dialogue-seminar.

Projects in place to either adapt to or mitigate the effects of climate change undertaken by the bodies represented by the participants included technological solutions such as solar-powered irrigation systems, fish conservation, diversified planting, and community-based enterprises.

On the other hand, activities that the participants wanted their organisations to consider doing included rainwater harvesting, private sector engagement and urban forestry.

Part of the four-day event was a visit to the Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA), the first critical habitat to be declared in the Philippines, and a Ramsar Site. Senator Cynthia Villar, the current chairperson of the Senate Committees on Environment and Natural Resources, welcomed the participants before they were given a tour of the area.

On the closing day of the event, short-term to long-term goals of each represented country were shared as a means to finalise the participants’ commitments.

The ASEAN member states’ Pledge in Paris

In December 2015, Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) met in Paris, France and agreed on actions to fight climate change.

As per the UNFCCC, “The Paris Agreement’s central aim is to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by keeping a global temperature rise this century well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius.”

All parties have commitments to reduce national greenhouse gas emissions, and adapt to the impacts of climate change; these are what are known as the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

As of March 2017, all 10 ASEAN member states have ratified the Paris Agreement. Each member state’s NDCs outline post-2020 climate actions that they intend to undertake under the agreement.

ABO 2 asserts that the ASEAN region is aware of its vulnerability to the effects brought about by climate change.

However, it has to be emphasised that biodiversity conservation can effectively diminish the impacts of climate change. Increased collaboration, sharing of expertise and public awareness of the inter-relationship between climate change and biodiversity are crucial to addressing these twin issues.

The ACB was established in 2005 by the ASEAN member states as a response to biodiversity loss in the region. The centre supports and coordinates the implementation of activities in the ASEAN region leading to the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, for the benefit of the region and the ASEAN member states.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

THE Institute of Mechanical Engineers Brunei Group (IMechE-BruG) recently held a ‘Meet and Greet’ hi-tea session to welcome new members and its newly inducted Corporate members.

The gathering was held at Tarindak Pantai Restaurant in Jerudong.

IMechE-BruG Chairman Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin acknowledged several members with awards including IMechE-BruG’s Best Final Year Mechanical Engineering Degree award recipient Zul Fadzil and Best Final Year Degree Project recipient Mohammad Hafiz.

The group also acknowledged its two representatives who participated in the regional Speak up For Engineers (SoFE) competition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia recently.

Members from the IMechE-Universiti Teknologi Brunei – Student Chapter (UTB-SC) and IMechE-Young Members were also present

The IMechE – BruG was established on February 8, 2017 with some 400 members. Members comprise chartered engineers while some have even achieved the highest level of membership – the Fellowship of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

The group supports the promotion of the development of mechanical engineering as a profession in Brunei Darussalam.

It also seeks to promote the technical and professional development of students/members of the institution residing/visiting Brunei Darussalam as well as provide mentorship and sponsorship for youth in Brunei who plan for progression to Chartered, Incorporated or Engineering Technician status in their careers.

|     Fizah HAB     |

AN EXCLUSIVE rescreening of the local film Gema Dari Menara, produced by the Ministry of Religious Affairs (formerly the Department of Religious Affairs), was held at the Arena Cineplex of Seri Q-Lap Mall in Kiulap last night.

The event was held in conjunction with the film’s 50th anniversary.

Present were Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar and spouse as well as guests and film enthusiasts.

Gema Dari Menara, the first film produced in Brunei, premiered in local theatres with a screening at the old Boon Pang Baharu cinema on October 23, 1968.

The schedule of film appreciation and art dialogue sessions, to be held at The Arena Cineplex, will be announced on the film’s social media pages.

The film’s anniversary celebration aims to pay tribute to actors and veteran artistes as well as promote passion for local films and promote the Bruneian film industry.

Senior Special Duties Officer at the Secretariat Office of the MIB Supreme Council and representative of the organising committee Dr Haji Muhammad Hadi bin Md Melayong said the rescreening aimed to promote interest for local films as well as enhance Brunei’s film industry as an effective medium for disseminating information.

He added that the event, in line with the film’s original aim, also sought to bolster faith in Allah the Almighty and promote Islamic Syariah in Brunei Darussalam to address social problems that contradict the teachings of Islam.

Original scriptwriter Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Saman bin Kahar, main actor and producer of the film Pengiran Haji Abbas bin Pengiran Haji Besar, Aishah Mohd Noor, Pehin Orang Kaya Maharaja Salia Awang Haji Mohd Tarif bin Pehin Orang Kaya Perdana Wangsa Haji Muhammad, Pengiran Haji Mohd Yassin as well as fellow actors and film crew members were also present.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

THE Dakwah Eminence Section (Counselling) of the Islamic Da’wah Centre (PDI), Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) yesterday carried out a 4T (Tanggungjawab, Tarbiyyah, Terapi dan Taqwa) programme.

The charitable programme was joined by 40 participants along with PDI officers and staff. The activity took place at the residence of two Muslim converts in Kampong Sengkurong ‘B’.

Among the objectives of the programme are to take care of Muslim converts’ welfare while at the same time foster ties among them, a practise healthy working culture and promote teamwork.

|     Wani Roslan     |

ZULKARMI Wati binti Haji Hassan, 41, who lost weight after giving birth to her fourth child has some advice to those planning to lose weight.

“If you want to lose weight, take a safe way by practising a healthy lifestyle through balance diet and sport activities. Avoid medicines and pills, as they can pose a threat to our health,” she said.

Zulkarni Wati was diagnosed with diabetes since 18 years and it affected her left eye’s vision and also caused blurry vision on her right eye.

She shared that she also had high blood pressure, uncontrolled cholesterol and kidney disease, and underwent eye surgery in July 2016. Now, only the right eye is functional and she has to rely on magnifiers to read, especially while using mobile phones.

“What happened to me is heartbreaking but I am grateful for the support of my children and husband. I have to be strong and continue living my life for the sake of my family and my children who really need me (mother’s affection). They are the source of my strength,” she said with a smile on her face.

For years, struggling with obesity and diabetes, she tried almost every weight loss products in the market resulting in low self-esteem and ended up with kidney damage and high blood pressure.

After months of being depressed about her health, she was determined to restore her health by joining a health programme known as ‘Kurus Fit Online Coaching’ (KFOC).

She joined the programme last year and learnt about a balanced diet and applied them in her daily life such as avoiding oily food, rice and others by limiting the caloric intake.

“With ongoing effort till now, I am thankful to Allah the Almighty that I was able to lose my weight (77kg now from 158kg) and continue my mission towards being healthy both, physically and mentally,” she said.

The KFOC health programme is an online health programme aiming to change food consumption by controlling calorie intake in food and beverages and prioritising nutritious meals through a meal plan.

As a coach of the programme, she pointed out the importance of having breakfast because it determines our ‘mood’ such as sticking to the diet. Drinking water is also important to expel unwanted toxins in the body.

She emphasised a balanced approach with 80 per cent on nutritious food intake and 20 per cent on being actively involved in sport activities such as running, hiking and Zumba.

“It is important to change our food intake (from bad to good). We need to train ourselves to control the intake of food and be a knowledgeable person,” she said.

She added, “The struggle to get back to being healthy is not easy but with motivation and support, I achieved my goal. I don’t want to be slim, I just want to be healthy. I urge the public to change their habits towards clean eating before it is too late,”

Zukarmi Wati is now getting her health back after losing her weight from 158kg to 77kg in a few months and her body is not showing any signs of diabetes.

Obesity, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation which can present a risk to health. Being obese increases the chances of developing common type of disease – diabetes.

In Brunei Darussalam, obesity rates among adults are the highest in the region, according to the 2016 Brunei National Survey on Risk Factors on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). The trend is increasing one per cent annually for children below 13 years – based on findings from health screenings conducted in schools across the country.

Obesity can be prevented through several treatment and programmes such as Obesity Clinic and Healthy Lifestyle Programme. A healthy environment and public supports in engaging healthy activities can also control obesity.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

NINE students and a teacher from Batu Apoi Primary School and nine parents visited the Bangar Fire Station in Temburong District yesterday.

Upon arrival, the delegation was welcomed by Senior Fireman 464 Yusuf bin Haji Jerudin, ABK 498 Md Alli bin Haji Lakim and other fire personnel. Also present was Assistant Fire Station Officer Md Aini bin Haji Muli.

The delegation was briefed on the organisation structure, roles and responsibilities of the Fire and Rescue Department.

They also watched a demonstration on how to wear bunker suit, how to use respiration equipment and how to put out fire.

The delegation also had a closer look at the equipment used in attending to emergency calls and rescue missions.

The delegation was advised to increase safety, practise fire prevention methods and not panic when calling the Fire and Rescue hotline number 995 to provide exact information.

|     James Kon     |

LEGISLATIVE Council (LegCo) members yesterday visited the Datastream Technology Sdn Bhd (DST) Headquarters in Tungku Link for a closer look at the services provided by the local telecommunications company.

The visitors were welcomed upon arrival by the representative of Chief Executive Officer of DST Ang Siok Tuan.

The LegCo members were given a presentation on the development of Brunei’s economy within the context of the fourth global industrial revolution, which includes strategically steering businesses towards digital transformation through investment in the development of human resources, moving away from traditional telecommunication systems and upgrading towards a more diverse portfolio of digital systems, business models and the creation of a digital culture.

DST currently has over 200 2G sites and 300 3G-4G sites with more to be rolled out each year to boost coverage across all districts, including rural areas.

The visit allowed the LegCo members to understand the issues related to telecommunications services in Brunei Darussalam, as a preparation for the dialogue session with the Ministry of Communications at the end of November this year.

The LegCo members listened to a briefing on the various imported transmission and smart devices approved by the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam(AITI), before moving on to the Kristal FM radio station and DSTCare 151. The visit concluded with a tour of the DST Telecommunications Tower in Rimba, which transmits signals for network access to users in the surrounding areas.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

THE Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam, Motohiko Kato, held a farewell ceremony yesterday for five students and a teacher from Duli Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah College (MDPMAMB) who will be leaving for Japan to attend the High School Students Summit on World Tsunami Awareness Day 2018 in Wakayama Prefecture in Japan.

The delegation, representing youth ambassadors from Brunei Darussalam, will join high school students from Japan and 450 participants from 48 countries at the event, to be held from October 31 until November 1.

During the event, participants will learn about measures used to protect people’s lives from disasters through various scheduled activities.

Speaking to the Bulletin, one of the participating students, Dayangku Noor Amal Shahirah Hazerah binti Pengiran A’malluddin Shah shared that she and her fellow group members have done early preparations for the summit, such as slide presentations to be presented to the audience during the event, as well as a traditional dance performance for the cultural exchange session.

“Alhamdulillah, Brunei is safe from tsunamis but anything can happen and we should not be ignorant of this issue, hence we should prepare ourselves with disaster contingency knowledge, especially when it comes to unpredictable incidents,” she added.

November 5 is designated ‘World Tsunami Awareness Day’ through a resolution jointly proposed and adopted by 142 countries – including Japan – at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in December 2015, with the aim of deepening international understanding and raising awareness of the danger posed by tsunamis and precautionary measures against them.

The High School Students Summit on ‘World Tsunami Awareness Day’ was established with the goal of fostering future leaders capable of protecting people’s lives and their properties from natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis.

To date, it has been held in Kochi Prefecture in 2016 and in Okinawa Prefecture in 2017.

This year’s event in Wakayama Prefecture looks to build upon the successful outcomes of these previous summits.

During their trip, the students will also attend the local Fire Festival and go on a study tour of the prefecture.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

DEFENDING champions MS ABDB will begin their campaign in the DST Super League 2018 against plucky Wijaya FC in the season-opening fixture at the Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex tomorrow.

The reigning holders will look to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat in the curtain-raiser DST Sumbangsih Cup as they bid for a fourth successive crown.

Meanwhile, title contenders Indera SC will start their season against Kota Ranger FC, the team who nearly pushed the champions off the title last season at the Berakas Sports Complex the same night.

MS ABDB Team Manager Major (U) Haji Asbi bin Haji Anuar will take charge in his first full season since occupying the role earlier this year and he said that preparations have been ongoing since the defeat to MS PDB in the DST FA Cup semi-final last March.

“In terms of the preparations for MS ABDB, we follow the timeline and planning that we have outlined after the DST FA Cup last season. We were ready for the Brunei Darussalam National Games (SKBD) and the momentum never stops,” said Major (U) Haji Asbi in a press conference recently.

“After SKBD, we kept on training and we also prepared for the DST Sumbangsih Cup,” said the team manager.

He also hinted a new-look squad in the upcoming season with the arrival of young players.

“There are few players that we have introduced in the squad especially finding talent in young players. It is likely that there will be some changes from our squad last year.”

Meanwhile, Indera SC strengthened their squad this season with the arrival of Indonesian midfielder Iner Sontany Putra and Lun Bawang star Petrus bin Jumat. Both players made their debut during the DST Sumbangsih Cup win last week.

Team Manager Rosdin Abdul Aziz shared that the average age of Indera SC is between 22 and 29 years. “The majority of the players are under 28 years of age,” he said.

Asked on their ambitions for the new season, Rosdin sets his sights of wrestling the DST Super League title from their fierce rivals.

“We will do our best to win the DST Super League in 2019 and also retain our DST FA Cup title,” he said.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

MINISTER of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman yesterday urged religious teachers to take on an active role as community leaders by means of membership in mosque Takmir committees.

“This is to ensure that mosques are always monitored, and to prevent any unauthorised teachings and practices that do not meet the required norms in this country,” he said.

In his keynote presentation on the first day of the Mosque Takmir Committee Members Convention for 1440 Hijrah/2018, the minister said, there are currently 3,084 mosque Takmir committee members across Brunei Darussalam. At the same time, 2,152 women are actively involved in mosque Muslimah activities, and an encouraging number of mosque youth groups engaged in religious and community events.

The minister highlighted that the duties of mosque Takmir committees include assisting mosque affairs officers to ensure the smooth running of the mosque management; promoting the welfare of mosques; looking after religious matters within the mosque locality or mukim; ensuring regular attendance, particularly for the mass Friday prayer; and assisting in looking after the well-being of Muslims within the mosque locality.

“Mosque Imams are civil servants and therefore government personnel. Thus, they have a role in caring for the well-being of villagers residing within the locality of their respective mosques,” he said.

“In the organisational structure of the mosque Takmir committee, Imams are assigned to act as chairmen and treasurers due to their designation, while the remaining members can be appointed from among village heads, school principals, religious teachers and mosque congregants who are qualified. They are selected through a meeting which is to be held every two years.”

|     Khairil Hassan     |

SIXTEEN kegglers will represent Brunei Darussalam in the 32nd Inter-Asian City 10-Pin Bowling Championship from October 29 to November 5 at the Sarawak Megalanes Bowling Center.

The tournament is organised by the Sarawak Amateur Bowling Association and sanctioned by the Asian Bowling Federation and Malaysia 10-Pin Bowling Congress.

The Brunei-Muara 10-Pin Bowling Association named their selections on October 1 at iBowl Utama Bowling.

Pengiran Haji Yasfadillah bin Pengiran Haji Md Yassin, Mas Khairul Shahreen Murni, Awangku Ardhi bin Pengiran Omar Ali and Md Safiy Uwais bin Alikassaim are selected to compete in the Men’s Open category.

Hajah Sharifah Rozlina binti Syed Elham, Natasya binti Ahmad Rafie, Siti Zubaidah binti Haji Mahbub and Pengiran Hajah Hashimah binti Pengiran Damit will compete in the Women’s Open category.

Mahal bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Pengiran Omar Ali bin Pengiran Damit, Haji Junaidi bin Haji Abdul Latif and Pengiran Md Sufri bin Pengiran Hashim will represent Brunei in the Senior Men’s category.

Hajah Linah binti Haji Ali, Siti Norbaya binti Haji Nawi, Hajah Dayang Siti Mariam binti Awang Haji Othman and Pengiran Norain binti Pengiran Haji Ali were selected to compete in the Senior Women’s category.

A flag and jersey handing over event for the Brunei contingent was held yesterday afternoon at the Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Board Office Headquarters in Jalan Perdana Menteri by the Chairman of the Municipal Board Haji Ali bin Matyassin. It was witnessed by the President of Brunei Darussalam 10-Pin Bowling Congress Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Abdul Badee’ bin Pengiran Kerma Raja Pengiran Haji Kamarulzaman.

A certificate of appreciation, presented to iBowl Utama Bowling as the official partner, was received by Pengiran Rudy Sofi bin Pengiran Haji Tajuddin.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

BRUNEI Fitness Zone slipped to the first loss in the Xiang Dang Nian Asian Veteran Basketball Invitational Championship 2018 as Vois Pontianak beat them 41-26 at the Kota Kinabalu Community Centre in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah last night.

The Brunei-based side have been looking to build on their winning start against Ujana Kingfisher and enhance their hopes of qualifying in Saturday’s 60 years category final.

Brunei Fitness Zone will be looking to bounce back against Foremost Thailand to put them in contention for a final berth.

The other result in the 60 years group saw Malacca Basketball Club claiming a 59-42 win over Kinsar.

Meanwhile, Brunei Linktech are still in search of their first win in the tournament after falling to a 59-27 loss to Manila Alpha 7.

Brunei Veteran United are the other representative from Brunei in the competition.

|     Wani Roslan     |

THE Islamic Da’wah Centre (PDI) through the Muallaf Development Section organised a closing ceremony for the 10th series of the basic guidance scheme for converts at the new building of the centre yesterday.

Guest of honour, Acting Assistant Director of PDI Abdul Aziz bin Haji Abdul Kahar presented certificates to 10 converts.

The ceremony began with a recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Surah Yaasiin by Ait Dumessaoud Mourad followed by a welcoming remark by Assistant Head of the Muallaf Development Section Dayangku Ida Fariani binti Pengiran Haji Kamaluddin.

The 14-day scheme aimed to enhance the converts’ understanding on Islamic teachings and provide guidance in appreciating Islam in their daily life.

|     Achong Tanjong     |

UNIVERSITI Teknologi Brunei (UTB) and Insurans Islam TAIB General Takaful Sdn Bhd (IITGT) marked a new milestone with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Lecture Theatre 2, UTB yesterday.

The guest of honour was Minister of Communications Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof.

Also present were Deputy Minister of Finance Dato Seri Paduka Awang Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Vice-Chancellor of UTB Professor Dr Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman, Managing Director of IITGT Haji Osman bin Haji Mohd Jair, permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries, members of IITGT Board of Directors, members of Brunei National Road Safety Council, senior officers of IITGT and principal officers of UTB.

Signing on behalf of UTB was Professor Dr Hajah Zohrah and witnessed by Director of Centre for Transport Research at UTB Dr Tan Soon Jiann. IITGT was represented by Haji Osman and was witnessed by Senior Manager of IITGT Zamrin bin Haji Abdul Ghani.

The ceremony also coincided with the presentation of prize to the winner of the Insurans Islam TAIB Social Media Quiz on Road Safety Awareness for August 2018 by the Minister of Communications to Pengiran Siti Saerah binti Haji Abdul Rahman

Under the MoU, UTB and IITGT will work together on projects, initiatives and programmes, sharing of data, research and development, industrial internships for UTB students, industrial talks and seminars, consultancy, career and education initiatives and other areas of cooperation.

The signing was also in conjunction with IITGT’s 25th anniversary to enhance collaboration with UTB to support UTB’s efforts to expand and strengthen its engineering and research capability.

UTB continues to work with its stakeholders, especially from the industry, to enhance the educational experience of its students and provide solutions to contemporary issues facing the industry and society through translational research.

|     Achong Tanjong     |

LIONS and Leos Club of Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) led by its President Sunil Kumar Ramchandani were among the 700 participants who took part during the Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam 2nd Charity Fun Walk/ Run/ Cycle held at Indoor Stadium in Berakas recently.

They participated to support the charity event and foster good relationship with the club members.

Participants completed the charity fun walk and received medals at the end of the event.

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

Among the objectives of the event were to raise funds for the centre and help individuals with special needs and instil awareness among the community to advocate their rights.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

UNIVERSITI Teknologi Brunei (UTB) is ranked at 181- by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Asia University Rankings in a recent report positioning the university among the top 36 per cent in the QS, which is an improvement from 38.7 per cent last year.

The QS highlights top universities in Asia every year; over 500 institutions across the continent were competitively evaluated, with 92 new entrants this year, in the annual ranking published annually since 2009.

The QS method retains key indicators of the global ranking, which include Academic Reputation, Employer Reputation, and Faculty to Student Ratio, but also considers a set of performance metrics tailored for the region.

Despite dropping 16 places from 165 last year, UTB still maintains its position among the top 200 in Asia. The assessment also indicated that UTB’s strength is in International faculty ranked at 18, outbound exchange students at 19, faculty students at 56 and international students at 74.

This year, QS has introduced International Research Network as a new indicator to measure the diversity and richness of translational research partnerships. Using the same time-window as the World University Rankings, the new indicator evaluates only those research partners that meet the minimum threshold of co-authored publications.

This year’s assessment also indicates that under employer reputation, UTB is now ranked at 238 from 251 last year, showing that it is acknowledged by employers around the world for providing the best professionals.

UTB Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman, expressed delight that UTB was able to maintain its position among the top 200 in the QS Asia University Ranking this year.

“In its 10th year as a university and second year in the ranking exercise, UTB is definitely on a steep learning curve. The fluidity in the ranking also shows the dynamism of higher education institutions around the world, and emphasises the need to evolve and be at the leading edge of both education and research,” she said.

She also acknowledged the need for UTB to improve further on its research, 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, and the Chancellor of UTB, during the UTB Convocation 2018, urging the university to intensify its research efforts while staying proactive in developing action plans for teaching.

His Majesty in the titah also said that the success of a university depends on the success of producing graduates and research output, which can contribute to economic growth and development.

In a press statement, UTB said that its participation in the QS provides a benchmark for the university’s progress against other international universities in Asia.

“At 10 years of age, UTB has achieved multiple significant milestones and proud to be in the same league with other renowned universities by being rated a five-star University by the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), ranked at 442 in the world and Young Global University at 57, under the age of 50 years,” said the UTB statement.