|     Wani Roslan     |

THE Sultanate celebrated the 12th Universal Children’s Day (UCD) at the Bandarku Ceria programme at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien yesterday.

The UCD event was organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) through the Community Development Department (JAPEM) in collaboration with the Department of Schools, Ministry of Education (MoE); Health Promotion Centre (HPC), Ministry of Health (MoH); and the Brunei Council on Social Welfare (MKM).

Guest of honour Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Nik Hafimi binti Abdul Haadii officiated the event.

The celebration aimed to raise public awareness on the importance of children’s education and educate children how to protect themselves from being victims of violence, bullying, and exploitation in school.

Activities held include the interactive exhibitions and sharing information from JAPEM, Department of Schools and MKM.

The event was also enlivened with zumba activity with family, face painting, colouring contest, nerf wreck game and prize presentation.

Acting Director of JAPEM Rostinah binti Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Sura Pahlawan Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Tahir, heads of department and senior officials of MCYS, representa-tives from MoE, MoH and MKM were also present.

|     Wani Roslan     |

A CHARITY run for Sulawesi Disaster Humanitarian Fund was held at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien in the capital yesterday to commemorate the 48th anniversary of the renaming of Bandar Brunei to Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB).

Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, the guest of honour officiated the flag off of 4km male category and 3km female category run.

The event began with an aerobic session by personnel from Fire and Rescue Department. The charity run began at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien to Jalan Simpang, Jalan Haji Basir, Jalan Mahkota Jubli Emas, Jalan Masjid Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, Jalan McArthur to Jalan Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien and ended at the Taman.

The event was organised by the Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Department in collaboration with the Fire and Rescue Department with the aim to provide an opportunity for the public to practise a healthy lifestyle and to do charity by donating for the Sulawesi Disaster Humanitarian Fund.

Also in attendance were members of the Legislative Council, permanent secretaries and deputy permanent secretaries at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), Chairman of Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Board, heads of departments, members of Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Board, senior officers, officers and staff of the department under the MoHA, the private sector and the public.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

THE Gema Irama 2018 yesterday featured an assortment of performances at the DiGadong Hall of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS), among them Hadrah, Gulingtangan, traditional songs, poetry, silat and contemporary traditional dances.

Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong was the guest of honour. Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Brunei Darussalam Dr Sujatmiko, Permanent Secretary at the MCYS Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil and Permanent Secretary (Safety Welfare and Law) at the MoHA Mohd Amir Hairil bin Haji Mahmud also attended.

The ceremony began with a recitation of Doa, followed by welcoming remarks by Kris Karmila, Art and Founder of Kris Karmila Kreations Co (Kreativa), who is also the Ambassador, Head of Arts and Culture Bureau of the Youth Community Transformation Club (KKBT), Youth Centre and chairperson of the event.

Gema Irama continues to serve as a platform to help youth development in the country. It is a collaborative effort between KKBT and Kreativa and supported by the MCYS and Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism as part of the Brunei December Festival 2018, she said.

Kris also discussed the several workshops implemented this year, including the second edition of the Traditional Arts Workshop, which has received support and cooperation from the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Brunei Darussalam and MCYS last October.

Since its inception, the workshop has received encouraging response, with participants given the opportunity to learn about traditional musical instruments such as the Gulingtangan, Gendang, gongs, Angklung and Gamelan.

Workshop participants also participated in the event showcasing their talents.

Gema Irama is a platform dedicated to Brunei youth from all four districts, to feature artistic talents. The event aims to raise awareness on Brunei’s unique arts and culture, and help youth generate income through the promotion of art skills.

The event also hopes to serve as a platform to attract art and culture enthusiasts from the region, and to eventually expand to become an international art festival.

|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

A FOUNDATION stone-laying ceremony to mark the start of the construction of houses for the poor was held at Simpang 50-11, Kampong Bukit Udal in the Tutong District recently.

The location was the site for one of 27 units of houses to be built at designated locations throughout the country for the nation’s needy and destitute.

The construction project was made possible through the efforts of the Government 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 improve the standard of living of the country’s people.

The guest of honour was Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar in his capacity as Vice President of the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB).

Others in attendance were Permanent Secretary (Law and Welfare) at the Prime Minister’s Office Haji Mohammad Rosli bin Haji Ibrahim; Tutong District Officer; as well as senior officers from the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Construction of the houses, taking place in three districts – 10 houses in the Brunei-Muara District, 14 in Tutong and three in Belait, began on October 25 and is slated to be completed by October next year.

Syarikat Noracon Sdn Bhd has been selected as the authorised contractor for the project.

The cost of construction for the houses – funded through the Zakat collections of MUIB and the Brunei Asnaf Zakat Fakir Miskin fund – totals BND1,977,283.60.

|     Danial Norjidi     |

THE Embassy of the Philippines in Brunei Darussalam marked 100 years of Philippine cinema in conjunction with the second edition of the Brunei Film Blitz (BFB) 2018 yesterday.

The BFB is part of the Brunei December Festival 2018, which is an initiative organised by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT).

This year’s BFB has placed focus on film education and the transfer of knowledge between filmmakers from around the globe and Brunei’s emerging filmmakers.

As part of the BFB, three films from the Philippines were screened yesterday, namely Kakabakaba Ka Ba?, Kita-Kita and Sonata.

All screenings were presented by Jollibee Brunei and supported by the Embassy of the Philippines in Brunei Darussalam, Centro Rizal, the Film Development Council of the Philippines, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and ABS-CBN.

Yesterday’s welcoming ceremony was attended by founder of Mahakarya Institute of Arts Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Hajah Nurul Amal Munjiatul Athirah binti Pengiran Sura Negara Pengiran Anak Haji Muhammad Bey Muntassir.

Mahakarya Institute of Arts is the official venue of the BFB.

Also in attendance were Deputy Permanent Secretary (Tourism) at the MPRT Wardi bin Haji Mohammad Ali, Charge D’Affaires from the Philippines Embassy in Brunei Darussalam Consul Pete Raymond V Delfin, Brunei’s first international female director Siti Kamaluddin, Kita-Kita film director Sigrid Bernardo, member of Filipino Film Critic Dr Roland Tolentino and Entertainment Editor of the Philippine Daily Enquirer Rito Asilo.

Consul Pete Raymond V Delfin said, “Today the Philippine movie industry is one of the most influential in the Philippines. In terms of commercial value, it is providing a lot of employment and a lot of milestones have already been reached.

“The three featured films for this day are a selection which we intend to show the rich Filipino experience, whether we are in the Philippines or abroad,” he said. “The films are a reflection of the Filipino identity as one constantly influenced by foreign interactions.”

Meanwhile, Director Sigrid Bernardo emphasised her excitement with this film initiative and the emergence of Brunei in the ASEAN and global film industry.

Dr Roland Tolentino said, “Films represent legacy and artistry. Film also represents a celebration of Philippine culture and identity. And with this event, we welcome Brunei Darussalam into the world cinema.”

Rito Asilo said, “I’m so happy and very thrilled to be part of this festival that not only showcases the skill and expertise of our exceptional Filipino filmmakers, but also because it provides a platform to tell the Filipino story all over the world.”

Siti Kamaluddin highlighted the importance of film as an export to a nation’s culture and encouraged filmmakers to work together to shape Brunei’s signature unique identity in film. She added that she welcomed the exchange of knowledge and information that will take place during the BFB.

“Film is a reflection of who we are, of our lives and our stories, and it is time for Brunei Darussalam to share our stories with the rest of the world,” she added.

Entrance to BFB international screenings is free. Seats can be reserved by logging onto the website and visiting the event registration page.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

MUSLIM clerics and scholars were reminded of their responsibilities in uniting Muslims through the propagation of equity and brotherhood, in addition to steering clear of hostility and conflicts.

This was stated by His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques through his speech read by His Royal Highness Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, the Governor of Makkah, at the opening ceremony of the recent International Islamic Conference in the Holy City. Muslim clerics were also advised to help safeguard the Ummah from any forms of disunity and to shun extremism in religion.

The two-day conference, organised by the World Islamic League under the theme of ‘Islamic Unity: Risks of Classification and Exemption’, was held with a view towards the discussion and implementation of strategic steps in handling the issue of varying opinions among Islamic schools and branches.

It was also aimed as a discussion platform for the establishment of trust, understanding and cooperation between Islamic sects.

Representing Brunei Darussalam at the conference were Deputy State Mufti Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Japar bin Haji Mat Dain @ Maidin, Rector of Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) Dr Haji Norarfan bin Haji Zainal and Acting Head of Istinbat at the State Mufti’s Office Ustaz Haji Abdul Rahman bin Pengarah Haji Mokti.

Also present was Acting Consulate-General of Brunei Darussalam to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Pengiran Haji Irman bin Pengiran Haji Othman.

Over 1,299 Muslim clerics and scholars from 127 countries attended the conference that was organised with the full support of the King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

HER Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman yesterday morning took part in the Brunei Open Orienteering Competition, Radio Television Brunei (RTB) reported.

Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim ibni Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and other members of the royal family were also present at the competition held at the Bumiputera Complex in Pekan Bangar, Temburong District.

Some 40 people from five countries namely Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Singapore, Germany and the United Kingdom took part in the competition organised by non-profit organisation Brunei Darussalam Challenge, Adventure, Recreation and Educate (CARE) Association.

The recreation sport requires a good balance between physical and mental coordination, where its participants must find signs from one control marker to another guided by maps and compass directions within a set time.

At the conclusion of the event, Her Royal Highness presented prizes to the winners.

Malaysia’s UiTM Team emerged as the overall champion.

TIMES Square Shopping Centre ended its 15th Mini Carnival on Sunday.

The event, which ran for 10 days beginning December 7, took place this year in conjunction with the Brunei December Festival 2018 and school holidays.

The event included competitions such as the ASEAN Tandem Race held from December 7-9 followed by the Colouring Competition by Sugarbun on December 14 and the Brunei National YoYo Contest on Saturday and Sunday.

Mascots also appeared every day during the carnival.

Games such as balloon popper, face painting, ring toss, ball toss and car racing machine were also held for customers to play throughout the carnival at BND2 per game.

For the ASEAN Tandem Race, first place and second place went to Team Gabut, followed by Team TPM in third place.

In the Overall Category of the Colouring Competition, Jee Jia Jia took home BND80 cash prize for grabbing first place, with Nur Mahirah binti Haji Dollah placing second and Nur Anisah binti Haji Dollah placing third.

In the Brunei National YoYo Contest’s Single A Division, Awangku Mohd Aiman was the champion with Aaron Chin and Jackson Teo in second and third place, respectively.

In the Open X Division, Hong Kong’s Hans Yim won first place followed by Chin Yong Liang and Jackson Teo from Brunei in second and third place, respectively.

The yo-yo contest winners brought home trophies and yo-yo merchandise.

Times Square will also be holding several events in the near future including the Year End Exhibition 2018 from December 21, 2018 until January 1, 2019 and the Wedding Fair 2019: 8th Edition from January 3-6, 2019.

|     James Kon     |

STANDTALL edged TK Tea House 13-11 to win the Open category of the Chung Hwa Middle School (CHMS) Alumni 3×3 Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the Brunei Basketball Association Court in Batu Bersurat.

The team comprising all local players namely – Md Zainol, Benjamin Sim, Ahmad Termizi and Jamri Ramlee – proved to be a handful for TK Tea House’s all-Filipino team, which included Apollo Bibat, Elvin Requintin, Francis Barcellano and David Hidalgo Ceriaco.

Benjamin Sim scored six points, with Md Zainol contributing four and Ahmad Termizi added three to win the physically demanding finale.

CHMS finished third place ahead of Persatuan Warganegara Malaysia (PWM) in fourth.

In the Under-16 category, Hana Boyz comprising Mohd Francis, Maverick Raphael, John Earl and Aldeyn Christia snatched a convincing 21-14 victory against Esketiti Wolves, who had Jonathan Lim Seng Wei, Yong Ji Zen, Mikel Sii and Harry Lau.

Shark took third place and fourth place went to Chino Hill.

Chairman of CHMS Alumni Tan Guan Siong, Organising Chairman Chan Swee Hing, along with honorary chairmen Lee Chung Keng and Dr Chan Sui Kiat presented the prizes.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

THE handling of the out-reach concept in the 1st ASEAN Rover Moot was smooth sailing, with the Rover Scouts facing every challenge in their assigned activities with great perseverance and enthusiasm.

This was stated by Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association (PPNBD) Chief Commissioner Haji Badar bin Haji Awang Ali, in his capacity as Camp Commandant, in his report presentation during the event’s closing ceremony for the event.

Haji Badar said, “There were no problems, nor any serious incidents occurring throughout the six-day event, thanks to the uniformed efforts by the coordinators and organisers, as well as the relevant government agencies and private sectors that prioritised the safety and well-being of the participants.”

In terms of cultural and art activities, the ASEAN participants were tasked with studying the traditions of the local ethnic tribes according to their appointed districts.

The participants learnt about the customs, dances and music of the Murut tribe in the Temburong District; the Kedayan tribe in the Tutong District; the Dusun tribe in the Belait District; and the Melayu Brunei in the Brunei-Muara District.

The Rover Scouts also studied the tribes’ respective cultures, which they applied in their performances with full spirit and enthusiasm at the River Scouts Night on Saturday.

Meanwhile, in the field of community service, the participating Rover Scouts lend a helping hand to clean up recreational parks and selected buildings, including the Marine Biodiversity Centre in Meragang.

Environmental-related activities were also given priority, where the Rover Scouts were given the opportunity to plant 400 local tree species such as Pokok Kayu Tolong, Pokok Kayu Kapur, Pokok Kayu Putih and Pokok Kayu Semalar, with the tree seeds provided by the Forestry Department.

The tree-planting activity was carried out in Kampong Sungai Mau, Jalan Liang, Labi in the Belait District, on a plot of land measuring four hectares that has been entrusted to the PPNBD since 2008 by the Forestry Department.

For the past 10 years, the PPNBD has successfully planted 3,100 trees using the Plant, Monitor and Maintain method for conservation purposes.

In an interview with the Bulletin, Lim Wei Yung from the Singapore Scouts Association said the ASEAN Rover Moot was well-organised, with a wide range of activities for their contingent.

“It was interesting to understand and experience Brunei’s culture, dances and music; it’s definitely an eye opener,” he said.

“I feel that if we were allowed to choose which sub-camp to participate in, it’d be more customised and fulfilling.”

Meanwhile, Ramir L Cajagus from the Boy Scouts of the Philippines said they shared the pride of participating in the very first ASEAN Rover Moot, a milestone in the ASEAN scouting arena.

“We were assigned in the Temburong District and engaged in activities such as kayaking, rafting and flying fox,” he said.

“We experienced the 2.7km river ride from the Bandar Seri Begawan port to Temburong on a speedboat, which alone is already an adventure for me, as I never experienced that back in the Philippines. It was a fast, yet smooth ride.”

In the Temburong District, they were facilitated by Outward Bound Brunei Darussalam (OBBD), and also participated in an emergency preparedness activity involving a Flood Drill in the middle of the night.

“The next ASEAN member host will be challenged to equal, or even do better than what Brunei has done, but I think it’ll be hard for them,” said Cajagus.

Mohd Alizan bin Haji Alias from the Scout Association of Malaysia (Sabah Branch) also expressed satisfaction with the various facilities provided for their comfort, in addition to the activities which he described as beneficial to Rover Scouting.

“Thumbs-up to the PPNBD and relevant agencies in making the first ASEAN Rover Moot a success, and also for the warm hospitality extended to us throughout the event,” he said.

The Malaysian contingent featured 15 Rover Scouts from Limbang, Sarawak, Sabah and Terengganu, who were accompanied by four leaders, as well as the involvement of 16 people who participated as visitors and guests during the opening and closing ceremonies.

|     Fizah HAB     |

MOHD Nizar Yusof of Selangor, Malaysia and Mark of the Philippines were crowned winners of the Brunei December Festival Arm Wrestling competition at the Seri QLap Mall in Kiulap on Sunday.

Mohd Nizar won the Right-Handed Below 75kg category, while Mark won the Left-Handed Open and Right-Handed Above 75kg categories. Jenson of Brunei was named winner of the Amateur category.

The competition saw some 80 participants competing from Brunei, Selangor, Kota Kinabalu, Federal Territory of Labuan, the Philippines, Pakistan and Indonesia.

Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism Wardi bin Haji Mohammad Ali presented the prizes.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

A TEAM of four volunteer teachers from the Society for Community Outreach and Training (SCOT) Education left for Cambodia last Saturday to teach English to children in the Cambodian villages for 13 days from December 15-27.

The team comprised SCOT Education teachers Ahmad Syauqie bin Haji Satia and Nur Diyana Nasriah binti Suhaili, SCOT Religious Officer Muhd Akmal Salihin bin Haji Zakir and SCOT Education Director Aspadiyah Mohd Sah, head of the delegation.

Aspadiyah said the team’s Cambodia trip this year, a programme organised in collaboration with the Organization for Building Community Resources (OBCR) in Cambodia, is not a follow-up to a similar trip to the country last year.

While in Cambodia, three of the SCOT Education teachers will cycle 12km daily to teach English at a pagoda and one class at the OBCR to a group of local students aged between 10 and 15 in Kompong Speu. The classes will run from Monday to Friday.

On the weekend, the teachers will explore the village on their bicycles and interact with local residents. The exercise is meant to allow the teachers to get to know and better understand the students and their families so that they can better help them in the classroom.

Activities will vary from hanging out with the students’ family members to helping them with their harvest.

SCOT Education will also conduct a teacher training at a school located two hours from where the teachers are staying. The training will see collaboration between SCOT Education and Creativate, a startup run by a young, passionate trio who strive to nurture young minds to think and act creatively through creative programmes. Creativate co-founder Chai Roslin, also a SCOT member, will join the team in the second week of the programme.

The team will also be teaming up with the Charitable Association of Cambodian Islamic Graduates (CACIG) to conduct activities ranging from visits to villages that have received aid from SCOT and CACIG such as bicycles, well pumps and qurban meat, to staying at a Tahfiz institution.

On December 23, the team will organise a kenduri (gathering) for 150 Muslims in Kampong Chhnang. Speaking to the Bulletin before leaving Brunei, Ahmad Syauqie said he is looking forward to working with the OBCR children and bringing the knowledge he has gained throughout the year at SCOT Education.

“I look forward to using this knowledge with the Cambodian students,” he said. “Besides that, it’s going to be great to meet the Muslim community there and to do what I can to help my Muslim brothers and sisters in a country where Islam is not the majority religion. In addition to this, I simply want to enjoy the different culture and community that I will experience in Cambodia.”

For Nur Diyana Nasriah, the Cambodia visit will be her first volunteering trip to the country. “My biggest anticipation for this first time trip would be the teaching experience with the children as well as the cultural immersion at the village,” she said. “The SCOT Education programme has provided me a platform on which I can leverage on my skills and passion to contribute to the communities. Working with the local communities I believe can help broaden my perspectives on poverty issues in Cambodia.

“Education has always been key to improving the quality of life, and if the children are educated and empowered at an early stage, they would be able to escape poverty.

“For this programme, we are focussing on teaching English and encouraging character development for the underprivileged children. We hope that by the end of the programme the children will improve their communication skills and confidence, allowing them to be more engaged in public speaking.”

Muhd Akmal Salihin meanwhile noted that he is just grateful to be part of the team and to experience Cambodia with SCOT Education.

“This is an achievement for me and the team as well. This is part of my contribution to the Muslim community, and actually I’ve been planning for years to help others in need outside of Brunei, and now I’ve been given the opportunity to do it,” he said.

“As I was a Tahfiz student before and that we will be going to a Tahfiz school in Cambodia, maybe my fellow teachers and I can learn from the students there and help to motivate each other.”

|     James Kon     |

THE Thai Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Dr Wiwat Salyakamthorn led a delegation of experts to the paddy fields of Wasan and Limau Manis yesterday to collect soil samples and inspect seedlings.

Under the invitation of the Brunei Government through the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, Dr Salyakamthorn is on a two-day working visit to Brunei Darussalam to share his country’s experiences on the challenges of paddy-planting, sulphuric acid soil and irrigation.

Beside the paddy fields, the Thai delegation also visited the rice production areas at Batang Perhantian and Batong.

Accompanying Dr Salyakamthorn were Director of Agriculture and Agrifood Hajah Aidah binti Haji Mohd Hanifah and Khairunissa binti Haji Omar Ali, an Agronomist at the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood.

Dr Salyakamthorn is also scheduled to deliver a presentation today at the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) Agro-Technology Campus on agricultural land management, the maintenance and management of sulphate soil for agriculture, and conventional irrigation systems.

The talk will be attended by Department of Agriculture and Agrifood staff and agricultural entrepreneurs, as well as staff and students of IBTE Agro-Technology Campus.

While in Brunei Darussalam, Dr Salyakamthorn will also hold bilateral discussions on collaborative projects under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Brunei Darussalam’s Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism and Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

PENGAKAP Sultan Award and Scouts of the World Award recipient Haji Ahmad bin Haji Abas noted he has learnt several new skills, particularly leadership, teamwork and patience, aside from the opportunity to make new friends from Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Singapore.

“This event has helped me to know more about the culture of my own country, such as traditional dance, song and food. I hope we will have big events like this in the future, with more participants representing Brunei,” he added.

In sharing his pride at being among the Rover Scouts to receive awards, Haji Ahmad – who enrolled as a scout in 2011 – noted that he had to go through several tests and had to set an example for other scouts.

Baden Powell Award recipient Muhammad Aiman bin Haji Abdullah said the camp allowed him to make more friends and sharpen leadership skills.

In his 13 years as a Scout, Muhd Aiman has received the Chief Scout Award and joined numerous scouting activities local and abroad, including the Jejak Kelana 2 in Miri, Mukah and Bintulu, Sarawak and the Pra Jamboree Sabah 2012,’ as attended the Asian Pacific Region Jamboree Thailand 2005.

Meanwhile, Pengakap Sultan Award recipient Nursajdiyah binti Arbi from Troop 1059 of the Rimba Secondary School (from 2010-2014) currently holds the rank of an assistant leader.

Sharing her experience, she said the solo camp was the challenging part of the activities, during which they had to be independent during a four-day, three-night challenge.

“As someone with a deep interest in scouting, I hope to share my knowledge with scout members in my troop and acquire more knowledge in Scouting as the learning will never stop for me,” said Nursajdiyah.

Fellow Pengakap Sultan Award recipient Dayangku Amni Hazwani binti Pengiran Haji Mahari, also from Troop 1059 Rimba Secondary School (from 2010-2014), said it has been a good learning experience for her too.

“I learnt several new skills and got to know other troops from Brunei and other countries, but most importantly, what I have learnt from those activities is how to be a good leader, team building skills and jungle survival skills,” she added.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

THE interoperability between the armies of Brunei Darussalam and Australia were tested as the 2/30th Training Group of the Australian Army and Second Battalion (2Bn) of the Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF) took part in Exercise Mallee Bull 2018, an 11-day military exercise in the jungles of the Tutong District.

The exercise, which began on December 7 and carried out to strengthen defence cooperation between both countries, was conducted in three phases: the first is the administration and Force Integration Training; the second being Search and Destroy Operations; while the third is Administration and Recreation.

A total of 28 personnel from the 2/30th Training Group, Australian Army led by Lieutenant Mark Vincent Vele, and 60 personnel and three officers from B Company, 2Bn of the RBLF led by Captain Abdul Hakim bin Arifin took part in the exercise.

The Ministry of Defence (MinDef) in a press release stated that Exercise Mallee Bull 2018, which was also held in 2010, continues to be a significant platform for strengthening defence diplomacy and enhancing the military-to-military cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and Australia.

“It also allows for the integrated deployment of ground troops from both armies to enhance interoperability, and provides an opportunity for the training and improvement of the skills of military personnel of both countries in the planning and implementation of infantry operations,” the statement read.

The closing ceremony for the exercise was officiated by RBLF Chief of Staff Colonel Khairil bin Haji Ismail and Commander of the 13th Brigade Royal Australian Army Brigadier Peter Moore.

Others present at the ceremony included Deputy Head of Mission of Australia to Brunei Darussalam Carol Allnut; Australian Assistant Defence Advisor to Brunei Darussalam Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Hauser; and Commanding Officer of 2Bn RBLF Lieutenant Colonel Pengiran Mohammad Shamsul Reza bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Tengah.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

POLICE are continuing their search for a nine-year-old boy who was reported missing on Sunday from the riverbank of Sungai Kuala Tutong.

Multiple agencies have resumed their search and rescue operation yesterday at the incident site to locate the missing child, who is believed to have been dragged off by a crocodile while playing at the riverbank.

The search was carried out by personnel from the Tutong Police Station, Marine Police, and Reserve Unit ‘C’ Company of the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), as well as 11 personnel – including a diving unit – from the Tutong Fire Station Operation ‘E’.

Police say the teams conducted a surface search of the area.

Family members gathered at the scene yesterday were hopeful that the missing boy can be found as soon as possible.

Legislative Council member and Penghulu of Mukim Tanjong Maya Yang Berhormat Haji Abdul Wahab bin Apong was also present to find out more about the incident from the family members.

“I pray that the missing boy is found as soon as possible. I would like to thank the public who have come to the scene to offer their assistance in the search,” he said.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

HIS Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Deputy Sultan, in his capacity as Chief Scout of the Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association (PPNBD), consented to draw the curtains on the 1st ASEAN Rover Moot yesterday.

Upon arrival at the Youth Centre in the capital, the Deputy Sultan was greeted by Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar in his capacity as Acting Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, and PPNBD President Haji Metussin bin Orang Kaya Sura Haji Tuba.

The national anthem was then played, followed by a welcoming address by the PPNBD President and a report presentation on the 1st ASEAN Rover Moot by PPNBD Chief Commissioner Haji Badar bin Haji Awang Ali in his capacity as the Camp Commandant.

The ceremony continued with His Royal Highness presenting Sultan’s Scout Awards to 12 venture scouts members, Baden Powell Award to eight recipients, and the Scouts of the World Award (SWA) to four recipients.

The Sultan’s Scout Award is the highest award for venture scouts in the country. Recipients comprised of scouts who are qualified and recognised by the PPNBD after passing several courses – including the Venture Scouts Leadership Course and First Aid Course – and have carried out more than 48 hours of community service.

The Baden Powell Award was presented to scout members who have passed four badges in the Scouts Training Scheme – one of these is the State Badge which focusses on Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) principles. To receive the award, the scouts must also pass the four badges on physical, scouting and life skills, entrepreneurship and services.

The SWA, an international scout recognition administered by the Scouts of the World Award is to encourage active involvement of rover scouts aged between 18 and 26 in community building by making them more sensitive toward current world issues (such as the environment, global development and peace), on the other hand provides youth a platform to enable them to become global citizens.

Following the award presentation, His Royal Highness consented to deliver his sabda for the 1st ASEAN Rover Moot closing ceremony.

Prior to leaving the ceremony, the Deputy Sultan consented to a meet-and-greet session with the heads of the participating ASEAN scouts associations and a group photo with all involved in the 1st ASEAN Rover Moot.

Held from December 12-17, the 1st ASEAN Rover Moot was participated by 350 representatives from seven ASEAN member countries and over 100 scout visitors from ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific region.

|     Khairil Hassan     |

SOME 51 children aged four to 12 participated in the two-day bootcamp organised by Helmi Abdullah Fitness (HAF) as a school holiday activity last weekend at Sweat Box in Tungku Link.

Their aim was to keep the children active and meet new friends.

“Childhood obesity is at its highest rate which can lead to higher risk of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and other health conditions. Gadgets and technology are the major reasons of childhood obesity. There are too much iPad, video games and YouTube time instead of play time. Let’s keep them moving. Let’s revive their play time,” said certified advanced outdoor and bootcamp instructor Helmi bin Abdullah.

|     James Kon     |

SABAH’S Ministry of Local Government and Housing is to come up with a guideline for settlements in waters within their state, with the ministry looking to learn from the well-managed system of Brunei Darussalam’s Kampong Ayer.

Permanent Secretary of Sabah’s Ministry of Local Government and Housing Hajah Masnah binti Matsalleh said this during an interview yesterday afternoon on the sidelines of her visit to the water village and Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas in Bandar Seri Begawan.

Hajah Masnah is leading a delegation from the ministry and a group of staff and officials from the Sabah Town and Regional Planning Department and the Sabah Town Board on an official visit to Brunei Darussalam from December 17-19.

“Our aim in visiting Brunei is to understand the procedure in planning and settlements at Kampong Ayer, because we are facing issues of settlements on water such as fire outbreaks and sewage problems,” the permanent secretary said. “The water settlements in Sabah are spread out and there is no control. We hope to come up with guidelines for this area.”

Hajah Masnah added that Sabah is looking to learn from the Government of Brunei Darussalam on the administration and planning for Kampong Ayer, which she understands “has been done in a very systematic way”.

She added that through the visit, Sabah is looking into further collaboration with the Bruneian government.

“We can send our planners here for training and we can invite Brunei’s Ministry of Development to Sabah as well, as we are interested in cooperation,” Hajah Masnah said. “We can send our planners here for training and we can invite officials from Brunei to visit Sabah to learn how we promote tourism in our state.”

Prior to visiting Kampong Ayer, Hajah Masnah and her delegation made a tour of Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas in the capital’s heart.

“This is an amazing park. I would like to congratulate the Government of Brunei for having such a nice park for the people,” she said. “It’s a very good idea for the people particularly in encouraging them to practise healthy living. Especially after their prayers, people can go out for physical activities at the park. I hope we can have one in Sabah. Bruneians are very lucky.”

Accompanying the Sabah delegation were Permanent Secretary (Municipal and District) at the Ministry of Home Affairs Salminan bin Haji Burut and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Development Dr Nor Imtihan binti Haji Abdul Razak.

From Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas, the visitors took a boat ride to Kampong Peramu, and then visited the Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery before stopping by one of the houses under the Kampong Ayer upgrade pilot project.

There, the Sabah delegation viewed a demo on a house vacuum pump for the water village’s systematic sewage system. The group next visited Kampong Sungai Bunga and toured facilities such as the village’s recreational areas, rubbish disposal and security systems, as well as other amenities.

Today, the delegation will visit the National Housing Scheme of Lugu.

|     Aziz Idris     |

BOUSTEAD Sdn Bhd, the main distributor of Nissan vehicles in the Sultanate, announced the top winners of Shopping Spree Challenge at its showroom in Beribi yesterday.

The three-day challenge organised exclusively for ladies was held over the weekend from December 14-16 at a top department store.

The group comprising Latifah binti Abdul Razak and Hasyati binti Jainani were winners in the first challenge followed by Hanidah binti Haji Saadi and Shahidah binti Haji Saadi for the second. Siti Nornadhirah binti Haji Amdani was winner for the final challenge.

For the challenge, participants were required to purchase all items listed on the shopping list provided.

The participants who purchased all or most of the items with the shortest total shopping time were the winner.

All winners received the items they bought during the challenge comprising groceries for the household.

The campaign was aimed at rewarding Nissan customers for their loyalty and support towards the brand.