|     Fizah HAB     |

THE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports hosted a welcoming dinner for the 318 participants of the 45th Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Programme (SSEAYP), at the International Convention Centre in Berakas on Saturday.

The youth participants are from all 10 ASEAN member countries and Japan, who arrived in Brunei as their first port of call.

The guest of honour was 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.

Also in attendance were the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil, Acting Director of Youth and Sports and the Chairman of the SSEAYP 2018 Working Committee Haji Zafri bin Haji Mohamed, Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Motohiko Kato, ASEAN high commissioners and ambassadors to Brunei Darussalam, Ship Administrator Yamatani Hideyuki and officers from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

The dinner began with an introduction of the national leaders followed by an exchange of souvenirs between them and the guest of honour.

The event continued with a speech by the Japanese Ambassador, who highlighted the strong ties and mutual understanding between the ASEAN and Japanese youth participants, while also hoping that their time spent in each other’s company would “encourage teamwork, build genuine friendships and reinforce the close bonds more and more, by having extensive conversations with one another, learning about the wonderful qualities of each country and reaffirming your pride in the country where you were born and raised.”

The minister in his speech lauded the building of solid foundations for networking and communication between the youth participants.

“By building new bridges between each other, SSYEAP is a golden opportunity for all participants to achieve a deeper level of appreciation for each other as one big community, both onboard and when the ship berths at port,” he said.

Under the 2018 SSEAYP programme, the participating youth members are on a 52-day journey which includes a homestay and several activities in 11 different prefectures across Japan.

While in Japan from October 23 to November 2, representatives from each participating country had an audience with Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino.

They also paid a courtesy call on Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

A TOTAL of 42 students, teachers and staff members of Batu Marang Primary School (SRBM) yesterday went on an educational school trip to the Rimba Garden Central as part of the school’s end-of-year activity.

During the visit, the students were introduced to different types of plants available at the premises and had an opportunity to observe and describe the plants through fun activities monitored by their teachers.

Among the objectives of the event were to provide a hands-on experience for the students and inspire their curiosity to learn more about various species of plants offered at the Rimba Garden Central.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

IN AN effort to encourage riders to gain interest in the sport of endurance racing at a young age, Kingdom Rides and Adventures recently organised the inaugural Funnduro race at the Berakas Forest Reserve.

The competition attracted 15 children with ages ranging from nine to 12 years where all of them completed the three challenging stages of the courses.

Micah Mathew Pickett was crowned champion while Justin Low Gou Qian came in second place with Mohd Haqeem Ihsan bin Sonny Iskandar finishing third.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

BRUNEI Darussalam freediving competitor Haneef bin Haji Shahminan put the country on the sporting map after he outlasted 39 other rivals to win the Sabang International Freediving Competition 2018 at the Weh Island, Aceh which was held from November 3-8.

The Brunei free-diver also achieved a national record during the competition which featured competitors from 23 countries including Russia, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, China, Australia, the UK and USA.

“Freediving is different than scuba diving in that we do not use tanks. When it comes to safety, it is important as we do not rely on the equipment. We rely on our body. So why freediving? It is because we emphasise on safety,” said Haneef in an interview with the Bulletin.

“When you drown, what do you do? What should you do? That is why a lot of surfers do diving for the safety protocols.”

The purpose of freediving is to encourage interested enthusiasts to be mindful of how to act when confronted in a situation where panic strikes in the ocean as it will teach them to be relaxed and at peace and at the same time also enjoy the Brunei waters especially the wrecks.

“It’s a breath hold because once you hold your breath you know what to do. You can relax and there are a lot of things going on with the safety protocols when it comes to diving. Safety is our main priority in freediving,” Haneef further added.

The Sabang International winner highlighted on the promotion of freediving in Brunei mainly through the unique shipwrecks and this uniqueness drew the attention of other countries.

“We want to make freediving big because we have a lot of shipwrecks here in Brunei. We have a lot of reefs. I talk to a lot of people about Brunei and surprisingly they said that it would be nice if wreck diving could be done in Brunei.”

“The Singaporeans plan to bring students to Brunei for a fun dive. Malaysia is also interested and it is good for tourism in Brunei.”

“I think wreck diving for the visibility, Brunei is good enough. Maybe you can go for 20 milimetres of visibility which is good enough.”

“The free-divers emphasise on looking on underwater things. It is recreational but it can also be a sport in terms of competition. So we go both ways. We can enjoy while we do it for competition.”

Cekli Dive Crew has contributed to Haneef’s promising competitive career by making a support system for training in depth competition whereby free-divers go to the ocean and practise.

“Cekli has been supporting us during the competition with my brother (Faiz) so we are encouraging ourselves. He encouraged us to pursue it.”

Haneef’s achievements have also sent shockwaves in the international arena more so with Brunei previously unheard of in the field of freediving.

“Most people in the competition were surprised that I was from Brunei. I was the first from Brunei who achieved the national record. They didn’t expect Brunei to participate in this competition.”

“I myself did not expect to win anything. Other participants have a lot of sponsorships. And the government (of Indonesia) I think spent like 200 million just to promote this freediving.”

Haneef, who pursued freediving at the end of last year, said that a good safety team of certified free-divers is in place. Their education system is centred on Molchanovs education system which was developed by renowned world champions of diving. Interested individuals could also take Wave 1 and Wave 2 courses.

The Brunei freediver is supported by Cekli Dive Crew, Brunei Amateur Swimming Association (BASA) and the Department of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports especially for using their facilities. In addition, he also thanked his parents and brothers for their unwavering support.

Organised by the Indonesian Freediving Association, the disciplines included constant weight (CWT), free immersion (FIM) and constant weight no fins (CNF).

|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

MEMBERS of the Senior Citizen Activity Centre (PKWE) at Kampong Perpindahan Lambak Kanan certainly know how to entertain, and this was made clear as they welcomed the youth of the 45th Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Programme (SSEAYP) 2018 at the centre recently.

The PKWE community staged a traditional wedding ceremony, as guests from the participating ASEAN member countries and Japan savoured a selection of local dishes, among them Ambuyat, which many enjoyed.

One of the highlights was a traditional dance, which saw the participation of the hosts and guests.

The youth also got to take closer look at traditional handicraft, and mingle with the hosts. The memorable experience was made possible thanks to the PKWE.

Brunei Darussalam was the first port of call for the SSEAYP participants who started their journey from Tokyo, Japan.

They are scheduled to stop at the ports in the Philippines on November 17, Thailand on November 24 and Vietnam before finally disembarking in Japan on December 12.

The SSEAYP is carried out by the Government of Japan (through the Office for International Youth Exchange of the Cabinet Office) with the active participation and cooperation of the 10 Southeast Asian countries. The programme aims to promote friendship and mutual understanding among the youth of Japan and ASEAN member countries, broaden their perspective of the world, and strengthen the spirit of international cooperation, and practical skills for international collaboration.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

A DELEGATION from the Ministry of Education (MoE) led by Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman held the Dikir Maulud in an effort to enliven the Maulidur Rasul celebration which has been held at all mosques, suraus and religious halls throughout the country.

The religious event took place at the Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Mosque yesterday.

Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the MoE Dr Haji Azman bin Ahmad, Rector of Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal, and heads of departments, officers and staff members from the MoE and other mosque congregants were also present.

The ceremony began with mass Maghrib prayer followed by the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by the guest of honour and continued with mass recitation of Dikir Syarafil Anam.

The event was aimed at encouraging the officers and staff of the ministry in reciting the Dikir and to further enliven the religious celebration.

The delegation will visit the Suri Seri Begawan Raja Pengiran Anak Damit Mosque in Kampong Manggis/Madang today to conduct another Dikir Syarafil Anam ceremony.

|     Aziz Idris     |

THE United States Navy (USN)’s expeditionary fast transport ship, USNS Fall River (T-EPF-4), has arrived in Brunei waters as part of the 24th Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) bilateral military exercises with the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF).

Prior to the exercise, the United States Embassy in Brunei Darussalam invited local media representatives for an exclusive tour on board the USNS Fall River at Muara Commercial Port yesterday.

Captain of the USNS Fall River Captain Charles Black welcomed the media delegates. Also present were Destroyer Squadron 7, Public Affairs Officer Lieutenant Clyde Shaver and embassy officials.

During the tour, Captain Charles Black briefed the media on the ship’s capabilities as well as the unique design that contribute to her manoeuvrability in the waters during missions.

The ship is 337-foot-long and built almost entirely out of aluminium, with a catamaran design for speed and agility even in shallow waters, making it an ideal vessel for transporting troops and equipment required in a given area.

“Her aluminium surfaces, including the hull, are left unpainted to save weight,” said Captain Charles Black, adding that the ship can travel at speed of 43 knots. He also brought the media delegates inside an area that looked like an auditorium, which he called “the 312 room” for the number of seats for the Marines, with bunks for about 100 to sleep in shifts, with their mess hall and lockers for their equipment and weapons.

Occupying some 20,000 square feet, the convertible Mission Bay area can be loaded to carry multiple tasks, either for military or civilian contingencies such as non-combatant evacuation operations or humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.

On the upper deck is the helicopter pad capable of accommodating two helicopters, including one that can be medium folded in the helo parking area, while the other one is placed on the deck.

The bridge is equipped with up-to-the minute electronic navigational and helm system, where crew members can monitor the entire vessel and surrounding water areas.

CARAT Exercise 2018 aims to enhance cooperation, build friendship and strengthen professional skills amongst the forces, units and other agencies involved. This year’s exercise will place emphasis on Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) in response to the changing security landscape of the international community, changing the focus of navies towards a more constabulary role.

During the exercise, personnel and assets from the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) will be involved along with other units and departments of the RBAF and the USN. RBN involvement includes the participation of KDB Darulaman, KDB Berkat and Naval Surface Action Group (NAVSAG).

This year’s exercise comprises three main phases – the harbour, sea and the post-exercise phases – which began yesterday.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

MINISTER of Development Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar presided over the launching of the 7th Brunei International Conference on Engineering and Technology (BICET 2018) at Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) yesterday.

BICET 2018 is held for three days until November 14 under the theme of ‘Sustainable Development in Engineering and Technology’.

UTB Dean of Faculty of Engineering Dr Hajah Ena Kartina binti Haji Abdul Rahman in her remarks hoped that BICET would continue to be a platform for students, academics and engineers to disseminate their research findings and views, while also strengthening future research activities in engineering and technology, for the purpose of promoting a knowledge-based society.

She said, “In planning for our further development and in preparation for a more competitive future, UTB recognises the need to expand our research capacity, both locally and internationally.

“Hence, under UTB’s new Five-Year Strategic Plan 2019-2023 with the vision of ‘A Global University Impacting Society’, UTB has recently realigned its research thrusts into six categories, which are Agrifood, Wellness, Society and Enterprise, Digital and Creativity, Energy and Sustainable Built Environment.”

She also highlighted the recent establishment of UTB’s Centre for Research in Agri-Food Sciences and Technologies (CrAFT), which focusses on research and development to enhance the value, productivity and profitability of agriculture and food sectors.

According to Dr Hajah Ena Kartina, CrAFT aims to work closely with relevant agri-food sectors, government agencies, local and overseas research and development (R&D) organisations for the advancement of science and technology in agri-food. “It is our hope that, with the establishment of these new research thrusts and new research centre, Insya Allah, UTB will be able to develop world-class research which can contribute to finding solutions to pertinent national and international issues; be more assertive in obtaining research grants; and be able to promote and develop strong partnership with industries and other universities locally and internationally,” she said.

Following the opening ceremony, the first keynote paper of the conference, ‘From Smart Grid, Microgrid to Energy Internet’, was presented by Professor Dr ZY Dong from the School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney.

This year, a total of 125 papers will be presented across four ‘tracks’: Track A – Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Track B – Civil Engineering, Track C – Mechanical Engineering, and Track D – Petroleum and Chemical Engineering. The presenters hail from Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, China, India, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom and Vietnam.

There will also be two other keynote presentations, which are ‘Urbanisation and Decarbonisation – Contradictory or Complimentary?’ by Professor Ng Shiu Tong Thomas from the Department of Civil Engineering from the University of Hong Kong, and ‘Thermal Processing of Bioresources using Microwave Heating’ by Professor Dr Farid Nasir bin Ani from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

UTB is the main organiser of the conference, with the collaboration of the Insitution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Brunei Darussalam as the Technical Partner.

BICET 2018 is sponsored by Petrokon Utama Sdn Bhd as the Gold Sponsors; Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (BSP) and Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd as the Silver Sponsors; Aisha Automation Company (AAC); Berakas Power Management Company Sdn Bhd (BPMC); Bian Hoe Sdn Bhd; QESS Energy Sipport Services Sdn Bhd; Power Transmission Distribution (PTD) Technology, and Insurans Islam Taib General Takaful Sdn Bhd as the Bronze Sponsors.

|     Azlan Othman     |

THE Fourth Meeting of the Steering Committee of the Knowledge Convention 2018 (Majlis Ilmu 2018) was held to discuss the latest developments on the preparation and organisation of the event, which included briefings on the status of the preparation of programmes and activities planned by each of the chairperson of the Working Committee yesterday.

This year, the Knowledge Convention 2018 will be held from November 27 – 29 at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas and the theme for the convention is ‘Agricultural Sector: Survivability of the People and Country’.

Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, as the Co-Chairman chaired the meeting held at West Wing, Level l, Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Complex.

The convention will be held in conjunction with the 72nd Birthday 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.

Co-Chairmen of the Steering Committee of the Knowledge Convention 2018 Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud; and Minister of Energy, Manpower and Industry Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mat Suny bin Haji Mohd Hussein were also present.

Also in attendance were the Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Datin Seri Paduka Dayang Hajah Elinda binti Haji CA Mohammad; Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy Dato Seri Paduka Awang Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, and Deputy Minister of Education Datin Seri Paduka Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh.

|     Azlan Othman     |

THE Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) yesterday held a briefing for the team leaders participating in the mass gathering and procession for the national-level Maulidur Rasul celebration on November 20.

Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Religious) at the MoRA and Chairman of the Working Committee Haji Mohd Serudin bin Haji Timbang chaired the briefing.

Several agencies were also involved in the briefing, including the Department of Adat Istiadat Negara, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, the Royal Brunei Police Force, the Fire and Rescue Department, the Ministry of Health and the Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Department.

Over 13,000 participants from 126 teams in the Brunei-Muara District are expected to take part in the religious celebration starting from 7am, at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien in the capital.

Similar assemblies and processions will also be held in the other three districts.

This year’s event carries the theme Tarbiyah Rasulullah Membawa Rahmat Dalam Berkeluarga.

The participating teams will be grouped into five categories – uniformed units; ministries and government departments; secondary schools and institutes of higher education; associations, non-governmental organisations and the private sector; and village consultative councils and mosque takmir committees.

|     Bahyiah Bakir     |

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 afternoon received in audience 13 heads of delegations from ASEAN member states and Japan; and the Ship Administrator of the 45th Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Programme (SSEAYP) who are in the country for four days from November 10-13.

His Majesty received in audience Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam Motohiko Kato, Ship Administrator Yamatani Hideyuki from Japan, Head of Delegation of Brunei Darussalam Mohammad Iqbal Fakhri bin Damit, Head of Delegation of Japan Kobayashi Akiko, Head of Delegation of the Kingdom of Cambodia Nay Semnarorth, Head of Delegation of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Ei Ei Mon, Head of Delegation of the Republic of Indonesia Desy Marlita, Head of Delegation of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Phakphomma Sitthisona, Head of Delegation of Malaysia Fazulia binti Zulkifle, Head of Delegation of Republic of the Philippines Sidney Rabanzo Lee, Head of Delegation of Republic of Singapore Andy Iskandar Ajes, Head of Delegation of the Kingdom of Thailand Makee Petai and Head of Delegation of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Le Hong Hoang.

Also present at the audience ceremony were Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil.

The audience ceremony took place at Istana Nurul Iman.

|     Azlan Othman     |

THE Ministry of Education (MoE) held the School Incentive and Co-Curricular education for 2017 at the Raja Isteri Girls High School (STPRI) hall yesterday.

The event aimed to recognise the efforts of schools that showed significant achievements and improvements in academic and school co-curricular education.

Guest of honour, Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the MoE Dr Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati binti Haji Tajuddin presented the awards.

The annual School Incentive presentation ceremony was first held in 2014 organised by the Department of Schools. Since 2017, the event has been jointly coordinated by the Department of Schools and the Co-Curriculum Education Department.

Acting Director of Schools Dr Hajah Zurina binti Haji Harun said the ceremony aimed to motivate primary and secondary schools, colleges and sixth form centres to achieve success in academic, outdoor activities and niche areas.

School incentives are based on the increase in academic achievement of the schools for 2017 school session.

Dr Hajah Zurina said the school’s niche area incentive is aimed at recognising schools that have a strong niche area, sustainable, and possess high achievement record at the cluster, district, national, regional and international levels.

Niche area can be in the academic, co-curricular, entrepreneurial or society. A strong niche area will function and serve as an image to the ethos, character, mold, performance, identity, tradition, positive culture, uniqueness, excellence, credibility, personality and trademark of a school capable of producing students as dynamic human capital, evolving in a holistic and continuous manner and uplift the names of schools and countries internationally.

Co-curriculum Education Incentives 2017 aims to reward the active and brilliant schools in implementing co-curricular activities in schools.

It also sought to promote the importance of co-curriculur activities towards creating healthy and vibrant students besides motivating school staff in enhancing the excellence of co-curricular activities in their respective schools.

Among the other programmes organised at the event were the Sharing Session on ‘School Leadership Empowerment’ delivered by Principal of Jerudong International School (JIS) Barnaby Sandow.

The sharing session aimed to share expertise and best practices in the leadership of JIS, themed ‘Underpinning the Notion of School Leaders for Great Success’.

Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the MoE Dr Haji Azman bin Ahmad and senior officers at the ministry were also present.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

LUN Bawang produced one of the memorable results in their history after defeating defending champions MS ABDB 2-0 in the DST Super League at the Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex recently.

The Temburong outfit contributed what is already turning out to be an exciting season following a series of interesting results from the competing clubs.

The reigning holders started the league in modest fashion compared to the table-topping teams and Lun Bawang, who accepted the switch of former star player Petrus Jumat to Indera SC, found the formula to outwit the side who are bidding to win a fourth consecutive title.

Helmi Panjang broke the deadlock in the 47th minute following a goalless first half before Rosandy Bujang netted a second goal in the 56th minute to record a famous win.

However, it was not the only result that has provided a renewed sense of excitement in the league with Indera SC’s excellent start dented by a 3-1 defeat to Kasuka FC, who are slowly emerging into a force.

Despite conceding for the first time in 206 minutes, a brace from the league’s leading scorer Mohd Hanif Aiman bin Haji Adanan and Sairol bin Haji Sahari helped extend Kasuka’s perfect record in the league with their third consecutive victory.

Last season, Kota Ranger threatened to break the MS ABDB and Indera SC duopoly after managing a deep title run. At this initial stage, it seemed that Kasuka FC, who possess a host of characters in the squad that could take them all the way, are fittingly reprising that role.

Kasuka are yet to play the army personnel but if they stay true to form they might have an upper hand in the quest for the title.

Meanwhile, on the other end of the table, newly-promoted Setia Perdana are still in search of their first win after they were downed 3-0 by MS PDB.

Having endured a disappointing start in the first two games, it was a much-needed boost for the DST FA Cup finalists.

Md Zul Khairie bin Haji Md Saleh opened the scoring with a 10th minute penalty before Md Shaifulrizal bin Awang doubled the lead in the 19th minute.

MS PDB rising star Abdul Azim bin Abdul Rasid added gloss to the win with a strike in the 52nd minute.

IKLS, who returned to the top flight since relegation in 2015, enjoyed a decent start to the season after securing their second victory in three matches in a 1-0 win over Najip.

|     Achong Tanjong     |

MINISTER of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman officiated the launching ceremony of the short message service (SMS) for the Mosque Construction Fund yesterday.

The ceremony was held at Multaqa Hall at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA).

Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar; Deputy State Mufti and Collection and Expenditure Committee member of the Brunei Darussalam Mosque Construction Fund Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Japar bin Haji Mat Dain @Maidin and member of Brunei Islamic Religious Council and Collection and Expenditure Committee member of the Brunei Darussalam Mosque Construction Fund Dato Seri Setia Haji Metussin bin Haji Baki were also present.

The Brunei Darussalam Mosque Construction Fund raised BND8,561,549.50 in September. The funds include the financing allocation of the construction of Ar-Rahman Mosque in Kampong Tanjung Bunut and construction of the new mosque in Kampong Bukit Panggal in the Tutong District. The total also includes the project extension and maintenance of mosque buildings under the allocation of fund for the construction of mosque’s in Brunei Darussalam.

Accompanying Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin were Acting Chief Executive Officer of DST Radin Sufri bin Radin Basiuni and Government Relations Manager and representative of Progresif Cellular Sdn Bhd Normah binti Ahmad.

The Mosque Construction Fund is dedicated to the construction of new mosques as well as expansion and renovation of existing mosques.

A video of the launching of the SMS service for the Mosque Construction Fund of Brunei Darussalam was presented followed by the presentation of donations via SMS by the audience.

The SMS service aims to provide members of the public the opportunity to donate to the fund from November 13 – December 27.

Donations can be channelled via SMS by typing MASJID followed by 1, 5, 10 or 20 without space and sending it to 38111 (for DST and Progresif Cellular users).

|     Khairil Hassan     |

FITNESS Zone grabbed a victory against Systematic Living 88-72 in the Low San Brunei Basketball Open Tournament at the Brunei Basketball Association Court on Monday night.

Led by Brunei’s international star and its Managing Director Wu Chun, Fitness Zone had to play catch-up after falling behind 13-17 in the first quarter. They managed to bounce back in the following quarters after leading 26-17 (second), 23-16 (third) and 26-22 (fourth) to win the game.

The tournament will continue tonight as Linktech face Stars on 40s in the Veteran category.

|     James Kon     |

A SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD local boy suffered 40 per cent burn injuries after a gas leak caused an explosion in the kitchen of a house at Simpang 1161, Kampong Sungai Kelugos, Tutong District on Monday evening.

According to a statement from the Fire and Rescue Department (FRD), a distress call was received at 6.47pm.

Nine firefighters with two fire engines from the Tutong Fire Station led by Deputy Station Haji Hamdan rushed to the scene, where they found the kitchen’s ceiling damaged from the explosion.

Investigations revealed the cause of the explosion was due to a gas leak and the switching on of a lamp. The victim’s mother was not injured.

The FRD advised the public not to switch on any electrical items or light a match if there is a gas leakage, as the spark can cause an explosion. The department added that during a gas leakage, windows should be opened to ventilate the gas out of the house. The department also urged the public to ensure the hose or gas regulator is accredited by BSM.

Homeowners should also check the hose regularly and replace the hose every two years and gas regulator every five years. The gas regulator must be closed if not in use or when leaving the house.

Members of the public can contact 995 during an emergency.

|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

LOCAL film buffs are set for a cinematic treat this December, as a host of exciting film related activities will be held under the Brunei Film Blitz initiative for Brunei December Festival 2018.

Brunei Film Blitz Director Siti Kamaluddin made the announcement during a press event yesterday at Origin Artistic Management’s office in Berakas.

Brunei Film Blitz was conceived to be a medium to nurture Bruneian filmmakers and spur the production of local films that are good enough to be featured in international film festivals.

“This year, Brunei Film Blitz aims to reach a new milestone by introducing to the local audience independent films from countries with established film industries,” Siti said. “Creative content entrepreneurship is on the rise in Brunei, and both local and global aspects of film will come to the fore at the glittering Brunei December Festival, which will be held from December 9-29.”

Brunei’s very first film and arts college, Mahakaraya Institute of Arts Asia, will host several workshops for budding and hopeful filmmakers, screening international productions and holding a filmmaking competition – as well as various other activities to inspire local film enthusiasts.

The Brunei Film Blitz event will also include a series of panel discussions featuring local filmmakers, ‘power up classes’ by professionals from the industry and academia, as well as ‘level-up’ screenings of films from the United States, the Philippines, India, Pakistan, Korea, Japan, Indonesia, France and Australia.

“We will also have a ‘96 Hour Film Blitz 2018’ competition from December 24-27, where participants will be required to produce a three-to-six-minute short film within four days,” Siti added.

“A ‘secret ingredient’ for the challenge will be announced on December 24, while a Gala Awards Night will be held on December 29. The winning participant will be sponsored a two-year Diploma in Screen and Media course courtesy of Progresif Cellular Sdn Bhd.”

Registration for Brunei Film Blitz 2018 is open from November 9 until December 20. To register, log on to www.bruneifilmblitz.org.

|     Rokiah Mahmud & Fizah HAB     |

MANY external factors can affect the harmony and sanctity of Islam and its believers.

One example of this is certain groups that claim to uphold the name of Islam with their different ideology, such as the Islamic Liberal group, whose teachings are not in accordance with the true Islam and contradict the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jama’ah school of thought.

Making these points was Ra’es of Religious Teachers’ University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) Dr Haji Adanan bin Haji Basar in his opening remarks at the 18th Informal Religious Ministers Meeting of MABIMS (Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore) and 43rd Senior Officers Meeting (43rd SOM) at the Musyawarah Hall of the International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas yesterday.

The forum, themed ‘Liberalisation of Islam: Issues and Challenges, and Efforts for its Containment’, is hosted by Brunei Darussalam this year and continues until today.

Dr Haji Adanan explained that liberalism in religion is where the adherents want to loosen their religious beliefs, including their relationship with nature and God. He said these types of followers openly accept changes to religion, even to the point of exterminating religious teachings, so that their relationship with God and humans can be defined more loosely by way of thinking and culture.

“The idea of liberalism and individual freedom in religion is a dangerous thing to the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jama’ah. This is because Islam calls for its Ummah to hold on with Ijmak, which is also one of the original methods or religious proposals generally accepted by all Muslim scholars,” he said.

“Therefore the 43rd SOM highlights the theme ‘Liberalisation of Islam: Issues and Challenges, and Efforts for its Containment’, which is appropriate with the current global situation in which the harmony of Muslims is being disturbed.”

Following Dr Haji Adanan’s speech, papers on the forum theme were presented by representatives from the participating countries. Chairing the deliberations was officer at the Islamic Studies Department Haji Mohd Jaya bin Haji Metussin.

Representing Brunei was Special Grade Syariah Law Officer at the Islamic Law Unit, Ministry of Religious Affairs Dr Noryati binti Haji Ibrahim presenting her paper entitled Islam Liberalisasi: Isu dan Cabaran Serta Usaha Membendungnya – Pengalaman Negara Brunei Darussalam.

Speaking for Indonesia was Head of Researcher, Educational Development and Training Professor H Abdul Rahman Mas’ud presenting a paper entitled Islam Liberal dan Permasalahannya: Pengalaman Indonesia.

Malaysia was represented by the Director General of Insitut Kefahaman Islam Malaysia (IKIM) Datuk Professor Dr Azizan binti Baharuddin, who presented a paper entitled Islam Liberalisasi: Isu, Ancaman, Cabaran dan Usaha Membendungnya – Pengalaman Malaysia, while Singapore was represented by the Assistant Director of Asatizah Accreditation Scheme Office of the Singapore Islamic Religious Council (MUIS) Ustaz Mahmoud Mathlub, who presented a paper entitled Islam Liberalisasi – Isu dan Cabaran Serta Usaha Membendungnya – Pengalaman Singapura.

Adding on to Dr Haji Adanan’s views during the afternoon session of the 43rd SOM at the Indera Samudra Grand Hall of The Empire Hotel & Country Club was Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Yussof, the head of the Brunei delegation.

The permanent secretary pointed out that Muslims need to find solutions to mitigate the ongoing issues they are facing in the world, in line with the forum’s ‘Islamic Liberalisation: Issues and Challenges, and Efforts for its Containment’ theme.

“The issue of Islamic liberalisation is a challenge to the understanding and thinking of Islamic societies which hold steadfastly onto the faith of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jama’ah experts. Liberal thinking is easily absorbed into thought through the propagation of a more open and rational ideology of Islamic understanding by considering the Syariah of Allah the Almighty and His laws,” Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Aziz said.

Others in attendance at the forum included Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar and Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Religious) at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Haji Mohd Seruddin bin Haji Timbang.

Leading the Indonesian delegation is Secretary-General at the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Republic of Indonesia Professor Dr Phil H Mohamad Nur Kholis Setiawan. Leading the Malaysian delegation is Director-General of the Malaysia Islamic Development Department Datuk Haji Mohamad Nordin bin Ibrahim while the Singapore group is headed by Chief Executive of Singapore Islamic Religious Council Haji Abdul Razak Hassan Maricar.

|     Fizah HAB     |

A DEPARTURE ceremony was held yesterday for the contingent of the 45th Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Programme (SSEAYP), with the youth set to continue their voyage onboard the Nippon Maru and embark for their next port of call, the Philippines.

Attending the send-off was Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil, the event guest of honour; Acting Director of Youth and Sports and Chairman of the SSEAYP 2018 Working Committee, Haji Zafri bin Haji Mohamed; Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Motohiko Kato; ASEAN high commissioners and ambassadors to Brunei Darussalam; as well as officers from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

The event began with introductory speeches by Nippon Maru Ship Administrator Yamatani Hideyuki and heads of delegations of the 45th SSEAYP delegates. The guest of honour presented souvenirs to the SSEAYP participants.

Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila hoped that the participants got a better insight of Brunei and enjoyed their three-day stay in the country, especially through the homestay programme.

“To our SSEAYP participants, when you take part in the programme, you will find similarities and differences in terms of the cultures and ways of life between one nation and another.

“The important thing is the everlasting friendships that have been built through your participation in the programme,” she said, sharing words of advice with the Brunei delegates.

The SSEAYP, an annual programme sponsored by the Japanese Cabinet Office, aims to promote friendship, understanding and cultural exchange between the youth of the 10 ASEAN member countries and Japan. It brings together 318 youth from ASEAN and Japan onboard the Nippon Maru, where they will go on a 52-day voyage, first embarking from Tokyo, Japan on October 24.

After docking in Brunei, the youth sail to the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, before returning to Tokyo.

|     Bahyiah Bakir     |

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 arrived in the Republic of Singapore to attend the 33rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits which will be held for three days until tomorrow.

Present at the Changi Airport, Singapore to welcome His Majesty was Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore Dr Mohamad Maliki bin Osman.

Also present to greet His Majesty were 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 High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to the Republic of Singapore Haji Awang Saifulbahri bin Haji Mansor.

His Majesty then boarded a motorcade heading towards a renowned hotel where His Majesty will reside throughout the 33rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.

The summit will highlight the theme ‘Resilience and Innovation’. It encapsulates the vision for ASEAN to be united in the face of growing uncertainties in the global strategic landscape.

ASEAN must also be adaptable and forward looking, in order to harness opportunities and manage challenges of digital technologies, and equip citizens with the skills required to build a future-ready ASEAN, while boosting capabilities in building smart cities.

His Majesty left the country yesterday morning for the Republic of Singapore.

Prior to leaving Istana Nurul Iman, 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 at His Majesty the Sultan’s Flight Hangar in Rimba to bid farewell to the monarch were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel, Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Also present were Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran-Pengiran Cheteria; Speaker of the Legislative Council; Cabinet ministers; members of the Privy Council; deputy ministers; the Commissioner of Police; the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces; and the High Commissioner of the Republic of Singapore to Brunei Darussalam.