|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

NATIONAL squash player Hamidah binti Ismail has called for more people, especially youth, to take up squash.

The 32-year-old, a relatively newcomer in squash, has improved her game in leaps and bounds since she took up the game four years ago.

Hamidah, who is also a member of the Brunei Squash Rackets Association, said squash is one of the most physically demanding and strenuous racquet sports.

Forbes magazine has rated squash as the number one healthiest sport, which offers an excellent cardiovascular workout.

In one hour of squash, a player may expend approximately 600 to 1,000 food calories and provides a good upper and lower body workout.

Admittedly, squash may not be as popular as badminton in the country, due to the fact that squash requires an enclosed venue. However, Hamidah said it is an addictive sports once people have mastered the basic techniques.

According to Hamidah, a squash player needs a keen eye and must be able to anticipate where the ball will go during a session, as well as predict where the opponent might stand on the court area.

The Brunei Squash Rackets Association is active competing in regional competitions and tournaments in the bid to gain more exposure. Members of the association and other youth development projects are conducting training sessions at the Squash Stadium in Berakas twice per week.

They also plan to conduct a development programme, where the focus will be to introduce squash to schoolchildren.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

THE five-day Youth Intisyar Islamic Civilisation Camp (PERINTIS) programme concluded with a Khatam Al-Quran ceremony at the Islamic Da’wah Centre in Berakas.

According to Al-Huffaz Management, the organiser of the self-development programme, the closing ceremony saw the recitation of Al-Quran verses by the camp’s 40 participants followed by the recitation of Doa Kesyukuran to attain blessings from Allah the Almighty.

The PERINTIS participants also received certificates from Islamic Da’wah Centre Director Haji Abdul Rajid bin Haji Mohd Salleh.

The theme for this year’s camp was Syabab or pious youth with good moral qualities. The camp aimed to help youth aged from 16 to 21 in self-development and fostering teamwork, while also inculcating leadership qualities based on the virtues of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), increasing awareness on Islamic arts and also generating Muslim youth with strong community spirit.

|     James Kon     |

SET a goal, work hard and never give up are some of the main attributes to the success of the recipients for overall best trainees for the Self-Development Programme for July 2018 session under the Youth Development Centre (PPB).

This year’s best trainee awards went to Siti Nuraimee binti Abdul Rahman and Muhd Wazien bin Shahrin.

A total of 90 trainees completed the PPB’s Self-Development Programme for the July session.

The guest of honour, Permanent Secretary (Municipal and District) at the Ministry of Home Affairs Salminan bin Haji Burut, presented prizes to the best trainees.

Siti Nuraimee in an interview said, “I was surprised that I was given the award. I really didn’t expect it. It’s really a good recognition for the hard work that I have put into the programme.”

On the self-development programme, she said, “Besides learning new skills, it’s a very useful programme for youth to be future leaders. We managed to improve ourselves spiritually and built our self-confidence. We also learnt about time management, which is not easy.”

Muhd Wazien, who is in the IT course, said, “I am very happy to receive this award. It’s a recognition for my perseverance and hard work.”

On overcoming challenges during the programme, he said, “I set myself a goal to complete the programme so that I will not give up and do my best. I always asked myself why I want to stop when my goal is to complete the programme. My teachers also gave useful advice on getting a job as well as more training and services that I can do.”

Muhd Wazien, 18, advised future participants of the programme to set goals in life, never give up to attain the goals, be diligent and work hard. On finding employment, he said, “I am quite worried. My parent always gave encouraging words. I hope that after completing my attachment and through my working experience, I could get a permanent job.”

|     James Kon     |

NINETY trainees who completed the July session of the Youth Development Centre’s (PPB) Self-Development Programme officially graduated in a passing out parade at Kampong Tanah Jambu yesterday morning.

Permanent Secretary (Municipal and District) at the Ministry of Home Affairs Salminan bin Haji Burut was the guest of honour.

Senior officials, trainers and teaching staff of the PPB as well as the trainees’ parents were also present.

The parade commenced with a flag-hoisting ceremony conducted by the trainees, followed by the guest of honour inspecting the parade line.

Souvenirs were presented to 16 council members of the trainees’ representative committee for the July session and eight heads and deputy heads of sporting houses.

The guest of honour also presented prizes to the 10 best trainees in the five categories of discipline, parade, spiritual, skills and activities, as well as to another 10 trainees who achieved excellence in their courses.

Eight trainees also received awards for overall best hostel room.

The overall best trainee awards for the July 2018 session went to Siti Nuraimee binti Abdul Rahman and Muhd Wazien bin Shahrin.

Following their six-month self-development programme, the trainees will take up positions in the government and private sector as part of a job placement programme.

Giving advice to the trainees, the guest of honour said, “They should continue to work hard and be mentally strong during the work placement, and comply with the regulations of the respective companies. I wish them all the best.”

|     Fizah hab     |

MINISTER of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman visited the construction site of the Rimba Arabic secondary school for an inspection of the current work in progress yesterday.

The minister was briefed by Head of the Building and Maintenance Division at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) Haji Md Rozaiman bin Haji Abdul Rahman.

Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar, Permanent Secretary at the MoRA Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Yussof and Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Religious) at the MoRA Pengiran Anak Dr Haji AmiruddinAlam Shah bin Pengiran Anak Haji Ismail were also present. Upon completion, the school can accommodate around 2,000 students. It is also outfitted with a Science and Language laboratory, a lecture room, multipurpose hall, administration offices, teachers’ room, library, dormitories, prayer hall, cafeteria and a playing-field grandstand.

The building is also equipped with safety and security tools, with security guardhouses at the school entrance and exits.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

SOME 30 orphans and children from underprivileged families living in RPN Kampong Panchor Mengkubau were treated to a day of watersports fun at the Poni Divers Centre of the Serasa Watersports Complex, Serasa Beach yesterday.

The event was organised by the RPN Kampong Panchor Mengkubau Village Consultative Council (MPK) in collaboration with Poni Divers.

Upon arrival, the children attended a safety briefing by Poni Divers Branch Manager Maclen Torres, before taking part in a warm-up session and enjoying light refreshment, including barbequed corn, to get that extra bit of energy for the day’s activities.

They enjoyed activities such as kayaking, jet skiing, bandwagon rides, and banana boat.

“The members of the MPK RPN Kampong Panchor Mengkubau wanted to offer something special for the children, especially during the school holidays, as part of their initiative in taking care of the welfare and well-being of the children,” said Treasurer of the MPK RPN Kampong Panchor Mengkubau Mohammad Nazri bin Saie.

The children’s day of fun was preserved for ages as they joined a group photo session at the end of the day.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

CONTRACTS worth over BND46 million (BND46,685,179.70) were signed between the Public Works Department (JKR) and three appointed companies at the Atria Simpur Hall of the JKR Headquarters in Berakas yesterday.

Guest of honour Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar witnessed the signing ceremony.

Pro-Builder Sdn Bhd was awarded with two contracts – the construction of a flyover at Jalan Utama Mentiri and the Tanah Jambu Link, and upgrading works at Jalan Perindustrian Serasa leading to the Pulau Muara Besar Bridge.

Acting Director-General of Public Works Alice Lim Sui Kau signed on behalf of the department for the flyover construction project and Acting Director of Roads Haji Mazlan bin Haji Abdul Salim witnessed.

Pro-Builder was represented by its Manager Sia Kie King with Assistant Manager Su Mei Chao as the witness.

Under the contract worth BND19,956,775.16, Pro-Builder Sdn Bhd will construct an earthwork embankment and retaining wall structure for slope protection, roadwork and pavements, drainage works, a bridge overpass from Mengkubau National Housing Scheme to Bandar Seri Begawan over Jalan Utama Mentiri, a single-carriageway flyover at Jalan Muara, and a signalised junction at the Tanah at the Tanah Jambu Link access to the Mengkubau National Housing Scheme. The main objective of the project is to link Jalan Muara and Jalan Utama Mentiri along a two kilometre-stretch, to provide accessibility for the residents of the Mengkubau National Housing Scheme.

The project will commence on January 2019 and is expected to be completed by July 2021.

Meanwhile, the upgrading work on Jalan Serasa leading to Pulau Muara Besar will be carried out at a cost of BND6,166,238.50 over the period of 16 months.

The scope of this project includes protecting existing service lines, road diversion, earthworks, stabilising the existing subgrade and road base, plastering asphalt layers and drainage works.

The project will be carried out in Jalan Serasa for the enhancement of road safety and to accommodate heavy vehicles from industrial areas.

Meanwhile, Thong & Thong Sdn Bhd has been contracted for 30 months for the Sungai Tutong Floodplain Improvement Scheme – Mitigation of Floods Downstream from the Tutong River (Design and Build). Work on the BND12,734,338 project began last October, and is expected to be completed by April 2021.

The project is aimed towards the effective implementation of flood mitigation measures, in addition to ensuring that the environmental performance for the infrastructure is in accordance with the requirements of the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe).

The construction work will include a 2.85km levee bank/river wall, slope protection structures, pump stations and floodgates, in addition to the upgrading of earth and drainage channels, and the emergency river bypass system.

The project will be carried out in several areas including Kampong Lubok Pulau, Kampong Bukit Sibut, Kampong Liulon, Kampong Tanjong Maya, Kampong Bangungos, Kampong Sebakit, Kampong Lebayas, Kampong Penapar and Kampong Guayan.

For the project, the department was represented by Acting Director General of Public Works, and witnessed by Acting Director of Drainage and Sewerage Haji Salleh bin Abdul Karim.

Thong & Thong Sdn Bhd was represented by its Director Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Metasim with Gilna Ong as the witness.

Ocean Quarry & Construction Sdn Bhd signed the fourth contract for the Sungai Tutong Floodplain Improvement Scheme – Flood Prevention at the Upstream of the Tutong River (Design and Build), which is worth BND7,827,828 over a period of 30 months.

Signing on behalf of the department was Acting Director General of Public Works witnessed by Acting Director of Drainage and Sewerage.

On behalf of Ocean Quarry & Construction, the contract was signed by its Director Dato Paduka Haji Junaidi bin Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Setia Dato Paduka Haji Hashim, and witnessed by Asmewati binti Haji Othman.

The project includes the construction of levees, concrete box culverts, concrete and earth drainage, river walls and slope protection structures, floodgates, a pump station, and a power station.

|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

THE Syababul Iman mosque youth group of Sultan Sharif Ali Mosque in Kampong Sengkurong recently visited Terengganu in Malaysia as part of their Syabab Prihatin programme.

The visit was also an important component of their religious adventure, Kembara Ukhuwah 2.0, which has seen them visit interesting places locally and abroad, and interact with the local communities.

The first part of the Terengganu visit took the Brunei delegation led by Muhammad Najib Min Fadhlillah bin Haji Abdul Majid with 30 youth members to the Rumah Sejahtera Taman Bahagia at Bukit Payung, Terengganu.

They also donated basic food necessities and money to the Rumah Sejahtera residents, as well as having meaningful conversations and sharing experiences with them.

The Syababul Iman group explained that the Syabab Prihatin programme is a platform where the public can donate money and other contributions to the less fortunate.

Eight action events have been implemented by the Syababul Iman in the programme since the mosque youth association was established in 2012, which saw them making significant donations and contributions to the community. The international version of the programme included the Terengganu visit.

Syababul Iman frequently conducts character-building and spiritual enhancement activities for the youth to improve their leadership skills and instil a religious, Islamic spirit in them in line with the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy.

Various religious programmes by the mosque’s Syababul Iman are meant to imbue youth with noble characteristics and Islamic principles.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

THE Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) via its Asnaf Zakat Empowerment Programme (PROPAZ) has devised various initiatives for the poor and destitute.

One of the initiatives is the Az-Zira’ah Agripreneur programme, which aims to assist Zakat recipients towards self-sufficiency by providing the opportunity to learn farming skills within a 15-month stint at the Brunei Agriculture Research Centre (BARC). The participants are required to train with mentors appointed by the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood in learning the basic concepts of farming using the hydroponic and conventional methods to cultivate green vegetables, corn, chillies and mushrooms. Through the programme along with the added support of various agencies, PROPAZ hopes to address the poverty issue by providing Zakat recipients with training and motivation for self-development.

|     Azlan Othman     |

THE Brunei National Road Safety Council (BNRSC) continued its road safety awareness campaign at the KBku Ceria at Jalan Sungai Belait recreational park yesterday.

During the three-day event, which began on December 21, the BNRSC welcomed the public to make a ‘Road Safety Pledge’ on seven road safety behaviours: Using seatbelts while driving; not to use handphones while being behind the wheel; adhering to the speed limit; not driving under the influence of alcohol or medicine; using helmets and appropriate vests while cycling or riding on the road; being mindful of pedestrians and joggers; and ensuring that their vehicle tyres are in good condition and safe for use.

The public can make this pledge by visiting bruneiroadsafetypledge.com

The council also carried out a demonstration to highlight the importance of fastening seatbelts while driving to reduce injuries during accidents.

Other activities at the event included a three-on-three basketball tournament, ‘One Village, One Product’ sale, and a classic Mercedes Benz auto show. There were also bouncers for children and a talent show.

Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof the Chaiperson of BNRSC took part in a leisurely walk and flagged off the 48km KBku Ceria Leisure Bicycle Ride.

Also present at the event were Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Hanapi bin Mohd Siput and Village Head of Kampong Labi I in the Belait District; Permanent Secretary (Safety, Welfare and Law) at the Ministry of Home Affairs Mohd Amir Hairil bin Haji Mahmud; Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications Mohammad Nazri bin Haji Mohammad Yusof; Deputy Permanent Secretary (Transport, Research and Development) at the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications Pengiran Mohd Amirrizal bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud; and Deputy Permanent Secretary (Infocommunications, Cybersecurity, Strategy and Corporate) at the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications Haji Hairul Mohd Daud bin Haji Abdul Karim.

Others in attendance included Acting Belait District Officer Ridzuan bin Haji Ahmad; officers and staff of the BNRSC Secretariat and Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications; as well as BNRSC Ambassador Haji Osman bin Haji Md Jair who is also Chief Executive of the Brunei Insurance and Takaful Association (BITA).

|     Khairil Hassan     |

W.A.F. emerged champion of a six-a-side Hockey Fun Game at the Hockey Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium Sports Complex in Berakas yesterday.

Organised by Hockey Sarang Tabuan, the competition saw eight teams competing. The teams were divided into two groups: In Group A were W.a.F., OPG HT, APA? and Unicorn HT, while Group B comprised Budak Kampung HT, Team Spidey, Dream HT and Burger HT.

The final match between W.a.F and OPG HT ended in a draw after full time, but W.a.F claimed their victory after a 2-1 shoot-out win. Budak Kampung HT beat Team Spidey to finish third.

President of Brunei Darussalam Hockey Association (BDHA) Mansor bin Haji Ibrahim presented the prizes.

|     Fizah HAB     |

MORE than 50 runners participated in the Balloon Run ‘Road to Jubli Emas Pusat Belia’ held yesterday, in conjunction with Brunei December Festival 2018.

The event was organised by Rock Solid Event Management and Marketing Services with support from the Youth Centre, Youth and Sports Department, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and Trail 4 Health Club.

Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar who is also the Acting Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports was the guest of honour.

“This is the first event to commemorate the Youth Centre’s 49th anniversary celebration. We received positive response and support from the public,” said founder of Rock Solid Event Management and Marketing Services Haji Muhammad Ikhwan @ Abdul Hakim bin Haji Rusli.

“We hope that we raised awareness on Bandar Seri Begawan Youth Centre and its developments.”

The event divided into two categories – Fun Run (5km) and Survivor Run (9.5km) saw all participants receiving a running shirt, a finisher shirt and a medal.

|     Khairil Hassan     |

WIJAYA FC crushed Najip Bakes FC 6-0 in the Brunei DST Super League on Saturday at the Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.

Mohd Yaziz bin Haji Mat Yakof scored the first goal in the 16th minute, followed by the second in the 26th goal from Marhazif Ahad. Pengiran Anaqi Sufi Pengiran Haji Omar Baki added Wijaya FC’s lead in the 71st minute and the fourth goal a minute later. Md Ikmal Hakim Haji Md Yunus scored the fifth goal in the 74th minute, before Marhazif Ahad netted his second goal of the game in the 89th minute.

|     Danial Norjidi     |

ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) and machine learning can improve processes and increase efficiency in different types of segments, and offers many opportunities around which business can be built.

These were among the points highlighted by Google Developer Expert from the Philippines Ralph Vincent Regalado while delivering a keynote presentation at the Google DevFest Brunei organised by Google Developers Group (GDG) Brunei on November 24.

In his presentation, entitled ‘Machine Learning using Google Technologies’, he began by defining AI, explaining that it means giving computers the ability to think and learn. “So it’s more on putting knowledge or learning capabilities and abilities onto machines themselves.”

On how machines learn, and how this is done, Regalado said, “You do it by thinking about how relatively you must learn, and in a sense, when you create an AI project, you always think about what the task that you need to do is, what the experience is, and how you measure performance. It’s relatively different compared to how regular software development works.

“In AI, in machine learning, you always continuously find ways on how you can actually improve your algorithm, how to improve your system. You measure it in a variety of ways, and you teach the machine based on experience.

“What do I mean by experience? For example, if you’re going to teach a machine to classify apples and oranges you need to provide data, such as pictures of apples and oranges, for it to actually learn. The same thing with how humans learn – when you first learn to write, you need to do it repeatedly so that you can write a smooth letter ‘A’. It’s the same thing when you went to school. If you want to learn mathematics, you need to actually have experience doing mathematics, algebra, trigonometry and the way that you actually measure that you’re learning from it is by taking an exam.”

He said it’s the same with machines. “You need to train them, you need to put experience in them so that they can actually learn.”

In his presentation, Regalado noted that there are two types of AI. “First is what we call ‘Weak AI’, which can only perform one task. For example, if you teach a machine to classify images, it can only perform that specific task only. It cannot actually do other tasks.”

The other type is ‘Strong AI’, which he explained can perform different types of tasks at the same time. “So you can do multi-tasking. You can actually classify data using a camera, for example, while doing another thing.”

He said that across the globe a lot of work and research has already been done with regard to AI.

As an example, he mentioned Google DeepMind’s computer program called AlphaGo, which beat the human world champion player of the board game Go in 2015.

He also shared that AI and machine learning power a lot of the technology that people use in their everyday lives, such as automated spam detection and friend lists on social media.

Regalado highlighted that AI and machine learning have already been there, but that in the last three years they have been getting a lot more attention and more opportunities, especially for AI developers.

“In Strong AI, it’s still at the early stage. It’s only starting to develop what we call Strong AI.”

He went on to share that machine learning is being applied to many different sectors and domains, “because it can actually improve processes and increase efficiency in different types of segments”.

A SCHOLARSHIP signing ceremony for two recipients of the Universiti Brunei Darussalam’s (UBD) Chancellor’s Scholar for 2018/2019 session was held at the Hilton Park Lane Hotel in London on December 21.

The scholarship recipients are Adeline Poh Wern Jihn, who will be undertaking a PhD in Organic Chemistry at the University of Oxford and Siti Nurhazimah binti Mahmud, who is currently undertaking a Master of Science (MSc) in Advanced Mechanical Engineering at the Imperial College London.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Minister of Education Datin Seri Paduka Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh, Acting High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland Pengiran Hajah Rooslina Weti binti Pengiran Haji Kamaluddin and Vice-Chancellor of UBD Datin Dr Hajah Anita Binurul Zahrina binti Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Aziz.

The ceremony commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat by Religious Officer of the Students’ Unit in the United Kingdom Ustaz Isham bin Ismail.

Secretary of the Chancellor’s Scholar scholarship committee Haji Mohammad Ramli bin Haji Mohd Jaafar said this was the sixth Chancellor’s Scholar awarded by UBD since its introduction in 2012.

He also explained that each recipient would be given mentorship by UBD to ensure their all-around development, while advising them to be good role models in terms of their academic pursuits and in upholding the values of the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB).

The ceremony then continued with the signing of the scholarship agreement between the scholarship recipients and UBD, which was represented by its Vice-Chancellor.

The Chancellor’s Scholar is a prestigious scholarship that is open to outstanding students who intend to pursue academic careers.

Apart from mentorship from UBD, each recipient will undergo development and placement programmes at UBD, as well as a number of its prestigious university partners, which are geared towards their academic development and leadership skills.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

SUCCESS doesn’t come naturally, but is gained through hard work and constant supplications to Allah the Almighty, said Muhammad Haziq Syafiq bin Haji Aisha, a student from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD).

He made these comments while delivering the pre-dawn talk at the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque in the capital yesterday.

“Everyone deserves and has the right to succeed, but it requires diligent efforts and sincere appeals to Allah the Almighty, to ease the journey and open all doors to success with His blessings,” said Muhammad Haziq Syafiq.

Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar, in his capacity as the Acting Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, was present.

Permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries and senior officers from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO); the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA); and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) were also present.

This week’s programme was organised by the MoRA, in collaboration with the MCYS and the PMO, to boost the number of congregants for the mass Subuh prayer.

HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam on Saturday consented to confer the Universiti Brunei Darussalam’s Chancellor’s Scholar for 2018/2019 session to Adeline Poh Wern Jihn, PhD in Organic Chemistry, University of Oxford; and Siti Nurhazimah binti Mahmud, MSc Advanced Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London. Also in the photos is Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam.

|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

THE moment has come for Brunei Film Blitz participants to apply all they learnt from the previous two weeks of screenings and workshops.

Brunei Film Blitz revealed yesterday that the ‘secret ingredient of the 96-Hour Blitz is candas, a V-shaped bamboo stick primarily used as a utensil for local delicacy called ambuyat.

When asked about the secret ingredient, Brunei Film Blitz Director Siti Kamaluddin said, “We gave this aspect of the Film Blitz a great deal of thought. The secret ingredient should be both versatile and uniquely Bruneian.”

The 96-Hour Film Blitz participants were challenged to produce a three to six minutes short film within four days.

This portion of the event focussed upon “content generation” rather than exhibition and provided participants first-hand production experience.

To ensure fairness and succinct timing, the Brunei Film Blitz required a ‘secret ingredient’ to play a significant role in each film.

It should have to contain one, all or a variation of the following: Noteworthy screen time; a central theme within the plot structure; influencing character development in the story.

For the past two weeks, the Brunei Film Blitz curated a series of master classes with University of Southern California Professor: Mark Shepherd, Powered Up workshops with Filipino filmmakers: Sigrid Bernardo (director), Marya Ignacio (editor), Roland Tolentino (film critic) and Rito Asilo (film journalist) and an Indonesian director/cinematographer Kelik Sri Nugroho.

These classes focussed on identity and strength of character.

Siti Kamaluddin said, “We placed emphasis on film education this year, especially character development.

“It is hoped that the participants will apply all they have learned and create short films representative of a proud Bruneian screen identity.”

The films must be submitted on December 28.

Participants can win prizes including a scholarship valued over BND30,000 to attend the Screen and Media Diploma course at the Mahakarya Institute of the Arts Asia. This scholarship is sponsored by Progresif Cellular Sdn Bhd.

The Brunei Film Blitz is in partnership with multiple international film festival and will submit the 96-Hour Blitz entries as an anthology of film from Brunei Darussalam in order to continue Brunei Darussalam’s involvement within the global film industry.

|     Danial Norjidi     |

BAIDURI Bank Group conducted a simulated fire drill exercise at the Baiduri Bank Kuala Belait branch and Baiduri Finance Kuala Belait branch recently.

According to a press release, upon the sounding of the fire alarm, certified Baiduri Bank Group fire marshals, led by Baiduri Bank Group’s Chief Fire Marshal and Coordinator of the simulation Pengiran Haji Shadan bin Pengiran Haji Yakob, were deployed to direct and evacuate staff as well as customers to the designated assembly point located at the opposite building.

Fire trucks and ambulances were rushed to the scene. A roll call was also carried out to account for all Baiduri Bank Group personnel.

The press release stated that during the simulation, four casualties, played by Baiduri Bank staff members, depicted unique injury scenarios (broken limb, unconsciousness and burn victim).

This was done to simulate a real-life scenario and test the fire marshals’ ability to adequately assess the situation.

The ‘casualties’ were brought out on stretchers to the nearby medical team to have their injuries treated at the Casualty Clearance Station.

Upon satisfactory completion of the fire drill exercise, Pengiran Haji Shadan concluded the simulation by initiating stand down procedures. A debriefing was then held at a nearby restaurant for the relevant parties.

The press release added that the exercise was a joint effort between the Baiduri Bank Group, the Fire and Rescue Department, the Royal Brunei Police Force, the Department of Electrical Services as well as the Emergency Medical Ambulance Services (EMAS).

According to Head of Group Communications Department cum Crisis Communication Secretariat Dorothy Newn, “The simulation is in line with Baiduri Bank Group’s strategic plans to raise the level of awareness on fire safety and security procedures among its employees.

“The purpose of the drill was to provide tactical experience, sufficient knowledge and training for employees as well as empower them to handle situations that might arise during emergencies.”

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

THE Brunei media delegation was recently given a tour of the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, which is located about half an hour from Kuching.

Here, orangutans are nurtured to readapt to jungle life, and visitors will get the chance to observe orangutans coming out of the wilderness for feeding time.

For more than 30 years, the Semenggoh staff have been training orangutans that were either orphaned or rescued from captivity, on how to survive in the wild.

The success of this programme has left the surrounding area with a thriving population of healthy orangutans that are now breeding in the wild, so the rehabilitation programme has been transferred to the Matang Wildlife Centre.

Semenggoh is now used as an orangutan study centre, but it’s still a lifelong home for semi-wild orangutans and their offspring. These orangutans frequently roam the jungle, but often come back to the centre for a free meal, and can be viewed at feeding time. Visitors are also allowed to study and observe the orangutans at a distance.

The media delegation also visited the Annah Rais Bidayuh Longhouse. The Bidayuh people are known for their expertise in craftsmanship with bamboo stems, especially in the construction of their longhouse. Among interesting relics are the Cannon of Peace and several human skulls which are about 100 years old.

The delegation also visited the Sultan Tengah Mausoleum. The first and only Sultan of Sarawak took the name of Sultan Ibrahim Ali Omar Shah upon his accession in 1599. Sultan Tengah passed away at Batu Buaya, and was laid to rest at Santubong in 1641.

In Sarawak, there are hundreds of food outlets in Kuching that offer a range of local delicacies, thanks to its multicultural heritage.

The Sarawakian people take pride in their signature dishes such as Sarawak Laksa, a fragrant spicy soup of vermicelli noodles, prawns and bean sprouts; Kolo Mee, an oily mix of noodles topped with minced chicken or beef; Midin and Paku; two varieties of crispy fried jungle ferns; Manok Pansoh, which is chicken steamed in bamboo longhouse-style; and Umai, the spicy Melanau raw fish salad.

These dishes used to be served only in local homes. Due to increasing demand, many restaurants have sprung up in recent years, focussing on the unique flavours of Sarawakian delicacies.