|     Daniel Lim     |

KAMPONG Sungai Mau residents participated in a series of boat races during the Pesta Sungai event yesterday.

The event, in conjunction with the Family Day celebration, was organised by Mukim Liang, Bukit Sawat, Labi, Sukang and Melilas Consultative Councils in collaboration with Brunei Methanol Company Sdn Bhd (BMC), Belait District Office, and the Belait District branch of the Community Development Department (JAPEM). The Pesta Sungai was an opportunity for residents to showcase their boating skills in different categories on the riverbank of Belait River.

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, who was accompanied by his family.

Legislative Council member and Village Head of Kampong Labi 1 Yang Berhormat Hanapi bin Mohd Siput, Acting Belait District Officer Ridzuan bin Haji Ahmad, as well as senior officers and heads of departments of government sectors in the Belait District, representatives and staff members from BMC, and committee members were also present.

The boat race categories included Sangkut 15HP Temuai/Papan Race Boats and Three-man Rowing category. The competition also saw a tug-of-war competition on the waters using boats paddled by a four-man team.

The guest of honour and his team won first place in a friendly match at the Five-man Rowing Exhibition category followed by the team comprising village heads while BMC representatives won third place.

Azmi won first place in the Sangkut 15HP Temuai/Papan Race Boats category followed by Nyanggau and Yusni in second and third place respectively. In the Three-man Rowing category, Team Garuda Merangking won first place followed by Team Tabuan Muda A in second and Team Sg Mau Black Panther in third place.

The minister presented prizes to winners of each categories.

|     Dr Muhammad Hadi bin Muhammad Melayong Senior, Special Duties Officer, Secretariat Office, MIB Supreme Council     |

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 has stated in his many titah that the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) is a our national policy which shall be adopted in the country’s system of government administration.

The Secretariat of the MIB Supreme Council, in collaboration with the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) organised an MIB briefing to provide officers of the force deeper understanding on the concepts of the philosophy.

This briefing was presented by the author and focussed on the challenges of MIB from a historical perspective in the present era of globalisation. The talk was given to the inspector cadet officers of the RBPF’s Trial Squad 1/2017 and 2/2017 at the Police Training Centre, RBPF Headquarters in Gadong.

The essence of His Majesty’s titah requires that all government servants, not just limited to ministers, secretaries and officers and especially those with authority, to fulfil their duties with full responsibility and accountability in accordance with MIB. His Majesty reminded that the management and administration of the country would go smoothly and efficiently if we abide by the values of MIB. We no longer have to doubt and dispute its practice as it has already become part of our soul and identity as Bruneians.

Insya Allah, the adoption and implementation of MIB in Brunei’s system of government in the Brunei way or ala Brunei will be able to create a better living environment, which is mentioned in Al-Quran as Baldatun Tayyibatun Wa Rabbun Ghafuur.

As His Majesty reaffirmed, the Brunei environment must remain Bruneian and this beautiful environment must be maintained forever because Brunei is a place of deen. We must not let it be tainted by any form of disadvantages including acts of dishonesty and falsehoods. Behaviours that contradict the teachings of Islam, Malay culture and practices of the monarchy such as dishonesty and acts of mistrust will give rise to corruption, breach of trust, cronyism, nepotism, unfairness, selfishness and other undesired societal scourges.

This matter was highlighted in His Majesty’s titah in conjunction with His Majesty’s visit to the RBPF Headquarters in Gadong on Tuesday, March 31, 2015. Among other things, His Majesty stated:

…. Kerana itulah kerjaya polis, sememangnya wajar untuk dihargai dan dihormati. Bagaimana ia tidak patut dihargai, bukankah polis itu tunggak harapan bagi semua orang? Semua kita ini, tanpa ada kecualinya adalah bergantung harapan kepada polis. Polislah yang mengawal segalanya: mengawal Bandar, mengawal desa dan malah mengawal Negara beserta isi didalamnya.Ini tidak diragukan lagi adalah, sebagai satu kelebihan atau keutamaan jawatan polis itu. Kelebihan atau keutamaan ini tidak dimiliki oleh lain-lain jawatan, melainkan hanya tertentu kepada jawatan polis sahaja. Kerana itu, penyandang-penyandang jawatan ini mustahaklah mengekalkan prestasi mereka, dan dalam masa yang sama, mesti pula mengamalkan sikap tegas dan amanah.Polis tidak boleh lemah. Sikap dan pendirian mereka mesti kuat, tidak boleh dirayu atau dipujuk-pujuk untuk mendapatkan simpati. Lebih-lebih lagi, penjawat polis, sama sekali tidak boleh curang terhadap tugasnya. Bilakah seorang polis itu boleh dianggap curang? Macam-macam sebab seorang polis boleh dianggap curang, seperti tidak bersungguh-sungguh menjalankan tugas, dalam makna mengabaikan tugas, atau apabila seorang polis melakukan perkara-perkara yang menyalahi undang-undang, padahal polis adalah penguatkuasa undang-undang itu.

As such, the duties and responsibilities entrusted upon the RBPF act as a symbol of obedience and loyalty to the king based on the adoption of MIB values. We don’t allow it to be tainted by any form of disadvantages including dishonesty and falsehood, as stated by His Majesty:

…; “Wajib Ta’at” ini adalah, setiap rakyat, sesiapa pun jua adalah tidak boleh derhaka kepada Raja. Menderhakai Raja hukumnya haram dan berdosa besar.

Then the duties and obligations of each of the people of this country, in particular the staff and officers or leaders when carrying out the administrative machinery of the country shall uphold the titah of His Majesty as the Head of State and Head of Religion as set out in the State of Brunei 1959 Constitution, Amendment of 2004 and 2008 which states that:

PART III EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY, Executive authority and principal officers

4. (1) The supreme executive authority of Brunei Darussalam shall be vested in His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan. (1A) His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan shall be the Prime Minister. (1B) His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan shall be the Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

(2) The executive authority shall be exercised by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan.

And also states that:

3. (2) The Head of the official religion of Brunei Darussalam shall be His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan.

This subject has been touched on by the author in a briefing held for the first time by the Office of the Secretariat of the MIB Supreme Council with the co-operation of the RBPF. The briefing presented included the historical practice of MIB in the government administration system since its foundation in 1368. This includes the history of the RBPF that was officially established in the 1920s, whose responsibility is to serve, protect and preserve the peace of this country.

There is no doubting that the important role entrusted to the RBPF is to defend and preserve the way of life of the Bruneian.

The history of the struggle of the RBPF in sovereignty for the sake of patriotism and obedience to the king, religion and nation should be heeded by the younger generation, in particular members of the security forces. The history of Brunei has shown the courage and heroism of the RBPF members who had fought to defend the sovereignty of the nation and gone through bloody events such as the Second World War II and the 1962 rebellion.

In view of MIB as a way of life, it shall be the responsibility of all to understand, learn, adopt and appreciate His Majesty’s titahs from January 1984 until the present day; it is worth noting that the number of these that make mention of MIB is more than 50.

As a means of reflection, I’ve attached herewith an excerpt of His Majesty’s titah on February 7, 2018, where His Majesty reaffirmed to the people of Brunei and officers and staff of the Government of Brunei Darussalam the importance of MIB to be accepted as a Bruneian identity:

Akhirnya, kepada semua termasuk pihak perhubungan, pelancongan, belia dan sukan serta luar negeri, luruskanlah tujuan masing-masing. Jangan bengkok-bengkok. Tidak ada gunanya memilih jalan lain dari jalan kita yang sedia ada. Jalan kita ini sudah cukup bagus, kalau ia diikut, Insya Allah kita selamat. Apakah jalan yang unik lagi hebat itu? Iaitu MIB. MIB adalah pakaian Brunei. Kita memakainya sejak lebih dari enam ratus tahun lagi. Jadi mengapa didalam zaman yang dinamakan zaman moden ini ia mahu dipertikaikan? Yakinlah barang siapa yang mempertikaikan MIB, mereka itu bukan purih Brunei atau tidak berjiwa Brunei.

Untuk menjadi pemimpin, keperluan untuk menguatkan amalan konsep MIB sangatlah mustahak. Jangan sekali-kali cuba menganut ideologi atau sistem lain dari ideologi dan sistem MIB. Kalau mahu jadi pemimpin yang baik, maka peganglah kuat-kuat prinsip ini dan juga jangan jadi pemimpin mabuk kuasa melakukan apa saja untuk kepentingan diri sendiri, lebih daripada kepentingan untuk negara.

Di antara tanda-tanda pemimpin mabuk kuasa itu ialah licik mengatur rancangan atau strategi bagi kepentingan sendiri seperti mengamalkan kronisme dan nepotisme untuk mengukuhkan kedudukan dan kuasa. Beta yakin perbuatan seperti ini tidak mendatangkan sebarang kebaikan melainkan keburukan belaka kepada negara dan tidaklah boleh dibiarkan terus berlaku.

Maka demikian itulah juga perkara konsep dan dasar. Janganlah terus-terus terpesona mengikut orang lain tetapi lihatlah dahulu ke dalam diri siapa kita sambil mengenalpasti apa keperluan kita yang sebenarnya. Inilah cara yang lebih baik dan bijaksana untuk dilakukan bukan dengan mengambil dan memakai apa saja yang dilihat atau didengar daripada jauh tanpa perhitungan yang mendalam.

Kita adalah bangsa dan negara merdeka. Kita dituntut untuk berfikir dan bertindak sebagai bangsa dan negara yang merdeka juga. Kemerdekaan akan kurang bererti dengan hanya membanggakan sahaja tetapi akan lebih bererti bila mana kita pandai mengisinya. Dimanakah mengisi kemerdekaan itu dan oleh siapa? Tentu saja tidak lain oleh kita sendiri. Di sini ada Menteri-Menteri, Timbalan-Timbalan Menteri dan Setiausaha-Setiausaha Tetap, mereka inilah barisan paling hadapan yang diamanahkan untuk mengisi kemerdekaan supaya kemerdekaan kita itu benar-benar bermakna.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

ENERGY saving is a practice encouraged in Islam. However, Islam does not preclude human desires that require the use of energy to enjoy comfort and joy.

Highlighting this was Director of the International and Public Relation Centre of Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) Haji Sammali bin Haji Adam while delivering his lecture entitled Penjimatan Tenaga (Saving of Energy) during the weekly Masjidku Makmur, Negara Berkat programme held at dawn yesterday at the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque in the capital.

Haji Sammali explained that there is no deprivation in Islam and that the religion is based on human nature and reality, as Islam takes into consideration man’s needs and desires.

“There is no deprivation, but there are regulations as there is a right way to fulfil each desire without exceeding the limits or regulations,” he said.

“The excessive use of energy to fulfil desires could lead to waste and harm to oneself, the people and the nation. The solution to overcome such a problem is to return to our own discretion in assessing how one uses their energy for their desire,” he added.

Acting Minister of Energy, Manpower and Industry (MEMI) Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Matsatejo bin Sokiaw; Permanent Secretary (Manpower) at the Ministry of Energy, Manpower and Industry (MEMI) Haji Zolkiflee bin Haji Abdul Karim; Permanent Secretary (Industry) at the MEMI Pengiran Haji Mohd Hasnan bin Pengiran Haji Ali Hassan; Permanent Secretary (Energy) at the MEMI Haji Azhar bin Haji Yahya; Deputy Permanent Secretary (Power, IT and E-Government) at the MEMI Pengiran Haji Jamra Weira bin Pengiran Haji Petra; Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Haji Mohd Serudin bin Haji Timbang; and congregants of the mosque were present.

Organised by the Ministry of Religious Affairs in conjunction with Bandarku Ceria, the goal of the Masjidku Makmur, Negara Berkat programme is to encourage the community to attend mosque services and honour the sanctity of mosques throughout the country.

|     Aziz Idris     |

THE grand finale of Cuckoo Stardom Quest 3 (SQ3) was held last night at Jerudong Park Amphitheatre.

Fans waved flashing LED lights in show of support of the 10 finalists who have managed to get through the earlier stages with their singing prowess and charming personalities.

The guest of honour was Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong.

Winners were selected based on 15 per cent vote through Progresif line, 15 per cent vote via audience and 70 per cent from professional juries.

The juries were Mohammad Asyramisyanie bin Kamis, Joanna binti Haji Osman, Rico and Philip Chua.

SQ3 aimed to provide an effective platform for local talents to showcase their skills and abilities as well as to scout potential candidates to be the next generation of Brunei artistes.

Meanwhile, earlier in the afternoon, some 70 people participated in the Charity Run for Autism as part of the charity carnival which began on December 28 at Jerudong Park Garden.

The runners managed to complete the 5km and 2.5km distance despite the rainy weather. The runners included autistic children and their family members.

Aimed to raise awareness on autism, the charity carnival also featured fun-filled activities including automotive show, Dinosaur Display, local handmade product exhibition and more.

The event was supported and sponsored by Cuckoo International (B) Sdn Bhd, Bank of China, Kingston Beverage and Creamery Sdn Bhd, Setia Motors Sdn Bhd, E&E Industrial Sdn Bhd, SNaaz Sdn Bhd, Marrybrown, Brunei Press Sdn Bhd, Mohan’s Carpet Palace, and other event partners.

|     Aziz Idris     |

MINISTER of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong visited the eSports Tournament and drone demonstration at Royal Brunei Recreation Club (RBRC) yesterday.

The visit was to ensure activities organised in conjunction with Brunei December Festival 2018 were running smoothly and to discuss ways to develop the two emerging sports in the Sultanate.

The three-day eSports tournament attracted 42 teams comprising over 300 gamers competing on the famous battle royal game Rules of Survival (RoS). The encouraging turn-out proves the popularity of eSports among the locals and its prospects to tap into the lucrative market.

According to CEO of Dojo Studio Joanna Osman, the majority of revenues from global gaming markets are from mobile games with 45 per cent followed by video console games with 31 per cent and PC games with 23 per cent.

RoS developers NetEast broadcast live matches of the tournament via Facebook link to reach out to over 230 million players.

Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali presented certificate to representatives of each team.

The champion will receive BND300 cash prize per team followed by BND200 and BND150 cash prize for second and third teams.

Organisers hoped to nurture national athletes to compete and bring home trophies as well as establish Brunei as a premium destination for hosting eSports.

RoS eSports Tournament is organised by Dojo Studios in collaboration with The Triple A BN.

The event is sponsored by DST, Peak Performance Sdn Bhd and Suci water with the support of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism.

The minister also viewed the drone demonstration by local pilots representing Brunei at the upcoming Southeast Asia Drone Racing Championship to be held next month.

Joanna said the first race was held last September at Jerudong Park which saw participation from 20 international and 10 local pilots.

The race series will run again in January which will focus on growing awareness and new interest in drones as well as giving chances for the public to learn to fly.

|     Khairil Hassan     |

MD AZIM is the last Bruneian standing at the Borneo Open 10-Ball Pool Championship in Inanam, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Md Azim qualified into top 16 after he made a comeback from 3-8 to edge Sabah’s Casper Chin 9-8. Md Azim then beat fellow teammate Md Khalid 5-9 to qualify into the top 8. Earlier, Md Khalid defeated Raymund Liew of Sarawak 9-3.

In other top 16 games, Alias was beaten by Sam Loh after he qualified earlier by beating Lim Wei Fong of Labuan 9-5. Haji Khairuddin lost 4-9 to Labuan’s Domineck Lee.

Pengiran Faiq lost 9-7 to Rashid Samy of Sabah. Haji Md Haikal qualified into the top 16 after defeating Bruneian Md Amir Hassan 9-5, but lost to Dominic Ting 2-9 in the top 16.

|     Aziz Idris     |

TEAM BruSaiyan emerged champions of the competitive eSport tournament in conjunction with Brunei December Festival 2018.

The winner received BND300 sponsored by DST and YMRM.

Second prize of BND200 went to Team Envy Bn while Alcatraz Bn came in third winning the BND150. Twelve other teams also received cash prizes.

The three-day eSports tournament attracted 42 teams comprising over 300 gamers competing in Rules of Survival (RoS). The turn-out proved the popularity of eSports among the locals and the potential of this new lucrative market.

RoS developers from China, NetEast live broadcast the tournament via Facebook link to reach out to over 230 million of their gaming community.

Organisers hoped to nurture national athletes to compete and bring home trophies as well as establish Brunei as a premium destination for hosting eSports.

RoS eSports Tournament was organised by Dojo Studios in collaboration with The Triple A BN.

|     Izah Azahari     |

A TRAINING, internship and work placement briefing programme for inmates in the pre-release stage was held recently at the Women’s Prison Institution.

The briefing was delivered by representatives from the Brunei Darussalam Aftercare Committee (PROTEM), RH Amanina, Riza Group and Seantaro Services which collaborated in the Aftercare Programme.

With such collaboration, participants would have training and work placement opportunities in appropriate business fields or sectors once they reintegrate into the community.

The short-term target of the programme was to give them a source of income to fulfil their basic necessities, as well as to teach them to be independent, contribute to the economy and live in harmony with the community.

The programme was jointly organised by the Reintegration Division, institutions under the Prisons Department and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

|     Achong Tanjong     |

THE Lions Club of Bandar Seri Begawan (Lions Club BSB) completed the community service Joint Project for Lawas Care Centre in Lawas, Sarawak recently.

Lions Club BSB along with the Lions Clubs of Limbang, Lawas and Limbang Mandarin participated in the one-day project called ‘We Care’.

Lions Club BSB, which comprised five members, was led by its President Sunil Kumar Ramchandani.

At the event, the Lions Clubs held community activities such as clearing and planting of trees; distributing school bags, shoes and uniforms to Punan kids; handing over food stuff to the centre; and having lunch with the Punan kids.

Tay Kim Swee from Lions Club BSB said that the children from the Penan or Punan indigenous group are housed in the Lawas Care Centre and assisted in their education by the Lawas community.

Their homes in the hinterlands are four hours’ drive from Lawas town. They go home once a year.

They come to Lawas to study from primary to Form 5 levels.

He said that the centre, which currently has 14 residents, depends on donation and support of various civic groups in Lawas. He added that more children are left behind in the faraway villages and cannot be assisted as they do not have the necessary documents.

|     Danial Norjidi     |

A TEAM from Sultan Sharif Ali Secondary School (SMSSA) recently managed to finish as second runner-up in the Brunei Entrepreneurship Education Scheme (BEES) Convention Second Chapter.

Following the final pitching competition of BEES Second Chapter programme 2018, the team’s product, a specialised running shirt called ‘Vespac Ultra’, saw them named as the second runner-up in the competition, winning a trophy, certificates and BND1,000 – BND500 seed money for the school and BND500 for the students.

The Vespac Ultra is described as a new and improved version of the Vespac, which was first introduced in 2016.

It has a compartment for carrying a hydration bladder, as well as compartments for other necessities of ultra-runners, such as salt sticks, cramp spray and a mobile phone.

The students of the team behind the project are Aaron bin Maidin, Md Haziq Hazimin bin Haron, Md Wafiy Shamieszuan bin Shaharurizam and Nurhaziqah Athilah binti Redzwan.

They were guided by two teachers, namely Evelin Khadeeja Iman binti Abdullah and Sarinah binti Haji Mat Serudin.

Two members of the team spoke to the Bulletin about the achievement. Md Haziq Hazimin, shared that they got the idea for the product after speaking to ultra-runners.

Nurhaziqah Athilah said that after speaking to the runners about the problems and issues they had, they were able to come up with a solution in the form of the Vespac Ultra.

On what is next for the team following the BEES competition, she said that they plan to continue working on and selling the product.

“We will continue promoting it,” said Md Haziq Hazimin, who added that there is a future for their project.

He affirmed that taking part in BEES had been worthwhile, and that he learnt a lot from doing so.

He also shared that one of the biggest takeaways for him was that he “learnt to be confident in front of people”.

Concluding, he expressed his thanks to the team’s teachers for guiding and teaching them.

Held at the Manggis Ballroom of Hua Ho Manggis Mall on November 17, the BEES Convention Second Chapter was jointly organised by the Ministry of Education (MoE), Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (BSP) and Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD).

The BEES Second Chapter focussed on nurturing the entrepreneurial mindset of the participants by forming a three-year (2016 – 2018) strategic-based thematic programme namely ‘Entrepreneurial Mindset on Pitching’ in 2016, ‘Entrepreneurial Mindset on Innovation’ in 2017 and ‘Entrepreneurial Mindset on Sustainability’ in 2018.

The programme saw a total of 15 schools participating, 10 from government secondary schools, four from non-government secondary schools and one Arabic secondary school.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

BRUNEI Darussalam national team forward Adi Said made a third pre-season appearance for his new club UiTM FC in the 1-1 draw against Kuala Lumpur FA at the Kuala Lumpur Stadium recently.

The new signing is pushing for a place in the starting line-up ahead of the new Malaysia Premier League season in 2019 which UiTM compete in.

Adi’s teammate Muhammad Nizaruddin bin Jazi scored an equaliser in the 84th minute after Indra Putra Mahyuddin had given Kuala Lumpur a 15th minute lead.

The Brunei international also featured in the Lion Troops’ 3-1 friendly loss against reigning Malaysia FA Cup champions Pahang FA at the Darul Makmur Stadium and a 2-0 win against PKNP FC at the Manjung Municipal Council Stadium.

Adi, who enjoyed his best season in the Singapore Premier League last term with 11 goals and 11 assists, will continue his progress in new colours in the next pre-season match against Malaysia Super League giants Selangor FA tomorrow.

The former DPMM FC forward joined the club after impressing the coach with a hat-trick during a friendly match last month.

UiTM finished ninth last season in Malaysia’s second tier a year after they managed their best ever position in the league in sixth place.

|     Aziz Idris     |

SABRINA Elini binti Haji Mayalin was crowned champion of Cuckoo’s Stardom Quest 3 (SQ3) during the grand final showcase held last Sunday night.

The talented singer was awarded BND1,500 after winning the heart of juries and audience voters with her powerful vocals and humble personality.

First runner-up went to Bridget Ang followed by Eric Tan.

They received BND1,000 and BND500 respectively.

On hand to present the mock cheques to the top winners was the guest of honour, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong.

Three professional judges were involved throughout the competition; Mohamad Asyramisyanie bin Kamis, Joan Osman, Phillip Chua, while singer, Ricqo D’Vocalist was invited as guest judge at the grand finals.

The judges overall commented that the performances from all contestants were satisfactory.

However, there is always room for improvement by practising more and finding their niche identity while performing live on stage in front of an audience. The judges hoped that such competitions will open doors for hundreds of talented individuals in our community.

To enliven the event, an opening performance consisting a medley of two classics It’s My Life and Bang Bang was presented.

The evening spectacle saw the top 10 finalists split into five different duet team and performing five different pieces.

Duet pieces and solo pieces were also performed during the grand finale to select the final winner of the event.

During singing intervals, attendees were entertained with dance performances by Studio Eleve along with a special treat from guest artiste Dreamz MKZ.

The event was supported and sponsored by Cuckoo International (B) Sdn Bhd, Bank of China, Kingston Beverage & Creamery Sdn Bhd, Setia Motors Sdn Bhd, E&E Industrial Sdn Bhd, S Naaz Sdn Bhd, Marrybrown, Brunei Press Sdn Bhd, Mohan’s Carpet Palace, and other event partners.

|     Wani Roslan     |

AS PART of efforts in assisting the orphans and underprivileged families for the upcoming school term, Samima Sdn Bhd organised a donation presentation at its Kiulap branch yesterday.

Fifty orphans from Brunei-Muara and Tutong districts received a coupon worth BND30 each handed over by Managing Director of Samima Sdn Bhd Haji Hidayatullah bin Haji Tejuddin.

The event also saw the handing over of donation worth BND500 for persons with disabilities (OKU) which was received by Assistant Director at the Community Development Department (JAPEM) Haji Khairul Ariffin bin Haji Abdul Aji.

According to Haji Hidayatullah, the donation is an ongoing event and is part of its effort to give back to the society and help underprivileged families in the Sultanate.

|     Azlan Othman     |

THE National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Brunei Darussalam (NCCIBD) held its first executive committee meeting for 2018-2021 session at the chamber’s office in Beribi Light Industrial Area in Gadong yesterday.

President of NCCIBD for 2018-2021 Haji Mohammad Hanafi bin Pehin Orang Kaya Digadong Seri Diraja Dato Laila Utama Haji Abdul Rahman said the NCCIBD should represent the nation for businesses and work together in partnership and respect each other and always have a common understanding and work in harmony.

“We have to work together to tackle national issues pertaining to business growth to our members and the business community in this country.

“We have to work with and support 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’s programme and Vision 2035 through various ministries.”

“As we all know, our constitution is very old and we may need to update to uphold the business climate, technology trend and time,” he added.

President of Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Malcolm Lim, Vice-President of NCCIBD Haji Abdul Saman bin Haji Ahmad and members from Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry were also present.

The meeting also discussed the history, policy and institution, proposed programmes as well as to get to know each other and deliberate any issues pertaining to national interest for our business community with regard to international matters.

NCCIBD was established in April 1985 to join the ASEAN Chambers of Commerce and Industry and other international associations and to enter business arena.

|     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 Kampong Bukit Panggal Mosque, Tutong for an inspection of the current work in progress yesterday.

The minister was briefed by Public Works Department (JKR) architect Haji Muazzam bin Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Mokti.

Also present were Acting Permanent Secretary (Policy and Religious) at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) Haji Mohd Serudin bin Haji Timbang, Acting Director of Mosque Affairs at the MoRA Haji Amir Hisham bin Haji Masri in his position as the Acting Director of the Secretariat of Brunei Darussalam Mosque Construction Fund, Acting Secretary of Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) Haji Abdul Aziz bin Haji Akop and senior officers from the MoRA and the JKR.

The BND3,000,000-mosque built on a five-acre land is the second mosque financed by the Brunei Darussalam Mosque Construction Fund.

Among the facilities include a main prayer hall (for men), a women’s prayer area, an office for Imam/Bilal, a classroom, a conference room, a multipurpose room, an administration room, a library and a guest room.

Also provided are toilets, separate ablution (Wudhu) rooms for men and women, separate toilets for people with different abilities (for men and women), a Jenazah administration room, a store, an equipment room, and a kitchenette as well as a mechanical and electrical room.

The mosque is expected to provide local communities with a space where they can perform their prayers comfortably.

The construction will be completed this month.

|     Azlan Othman     |

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 said the nation will see better economic growth in 2019 but urged his countrymen not to be complacent or satisfied as many challenges lie in wait.

In a New Year 2019 titah aired over RTB last night, His Majesty said the nation is thankful to Allah the Almighty for being able to step into year 2019 in peace and prosperity while people in other parts of the world are grappling with various catastrophes.

“Without doubt, this is a special reward from Allah the Almighty to us. We are obliged to be thankful,” the monarch said. “In the economic context, Alhamdulillah, the forecast for growth for 2019 is predicted to be better. But we should not be complacent or satisfied as there are many challenges that lie ahead.”

Among the main concerns is the fourth industrial revolution. The effective way to deal with the economy is via our participation in global networks to upgrade our productivity and opportunities, by ensuring that we fulfil the prerequisites for standards and regulations, besides being able to adapt ourselves with digital technology, His Majesty said.

The monarch added that this requires Brunei to enhance cooperation with other nations. In the global economic network, Bruneians need to take the existing opportunities, including in the ASEAN region whereby ASEAN e-trade has the potential to increase from USD30 billion in 2016 to USD200 billion by 2025.

The technological developments brought about by the fourth industrial revolution will however challenge our conventional skills and require us to enhance our existing skills and undergo lifelong learning, His Majesty stressed.

“From such far-reaching economic effects, we need to provide appropriate policies to forge regional and international cooperation, especially in the context of networking in the ASEAN region, where we need to strive towards an ASEAN Community. By doing so, we are able to ascertain the success of the present and future generations,” His Majesty said.

“The ASEAN region is growing fast economically. It is expected to be the fourth-largest economy globally by 2030. Towards this, we need to step up efforts to empower intra-ASEAN trade,” the Sultan added.

The ruler added that domestically, steps to advance the nation are not neglected.

“We continue to march forward to attain our targets, in other words, the needs of the nation and people are prioritised,” the monarch said. “We see this with a broader perspective for the long-term. For instance, when we talk about ‘Green Earth’, we mean towards self-sufficiency in agriculture. This is our target or aspiration. We will uphold it until we succeed.

“The relevant authorities in the government need to understand this without any excuses to ignore it. We must be consistent to march forward and not step backwards. This is what we mean by developing with full spirit and determination. It is very crucial to ensure that the people are not plagued with ‘lazy syndrome’.”

His Majesty also pointed out that it is important that Bruneians not stray from decent values that have become our foothold for centuries, an example of which is the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy.

“In conclusion, to mark this New Year 2019, I urge citizens and residents to strengthen their determination and efforts to become a more proactive and productive society with integrity to face future challenges,” His Majesty added.

“I also express my appreciation to all levels of staff in the public service, the security services and the private sector for their sincere efforts in executing their tasks and responsibilities throughout 2018.

“My family and I also wish a Happy New Year 2019 to all citizens and residents, including those working abroad, and we pray for Allah the Almighty to bless us all with strong faith, health, peace and prosperity for all.”

|     Aziz Idris     |

COOKING shows have the ability to entice one’s taste buds and dream about all the delicious dishes while also learning the rich history behind every dish.

A duo from the latest food documentary project by China Daily called Taste Buds was recently in the Sultanate to document top local cuisines that Bruneians enjoy best.

China Daily’s Senior Multimedia Producer Natasha Vera Fernandes and Co-Producer Joyce Sui, both based in Hong Kong, were joined by local media partners from Borneo Bulletin and Media Permata to set out on a one-week food exploration across Brunei.

The crew visited a Sago factory in Mukim Ukong, Tutong District to learn the Sago-making process. Sago is the main ingredient to make Brunei’s national dish, Ambuyat.

They also learnt the cultivation of Sago worms found in decayed stumps of Sago trees. Sago worms are one of the exotic foods in Brunei which are high in protein and can be eaten raw or smeared on a frying pan.

They also documented Brunei’s favourite eatery, Chop Jing Chew, which captured the interest of the Taste Buds crew, especially on the rich history and family background.

Natasha said, “What I have noticed is that most of the dishes in the country are largely based on their own culture and history.

“One of them (foods) is Ambuyat which is enjoyed best when shared with a group. This shows unity, an important part of family values.”

She added that an establishment such as Chop Jing Chew is a best example of a great cultural value in the society.

The crew also documented the popular dish Bamboo Chicken or Ayam Pansuh at Sumbiling Eco-Village together with a local Iban community in the Temburong District.

Other establishments filmed for the food documentary included CurryPuff Factory, Soto Pabo and Aminah Arif Restaurant. The documentary also included table grazing at Collective Wildflower.

The first episode on Brunei will be aired on the official Facebook page of China Daily’s Taste Buds tonight at 7pm.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

THE extended family of Haji Salam bin Badar recently organised a Family Day held in conjunction with the school holidays.

The day was filled with games and activities among the descendants of Haji Salam that strengthened family ties. There was also a lucky draw.

|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

FOUR underprivileged youth left the country to undergo a skills training and further studies at the Institut Kemahiran Baitulmal, Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan (MAIWP) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The youth under the Asnaf Zakat Empowerment Programme (PROPAZ) of Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) entitled them to undergo various courses according to their requirements and qualifications.

Abdul Hafeez bin Mohamad and Muhammad Shah Bidin bin Jumat will undergo Arts and Design Course that will equip them with the necessary skills in various concepts such as printing techniques, management, marketing, computer design, building technology and others.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Nur Hazwan Syafiee bin Razimi will take a Building Construction Technology course and Mohammad Zulhilmi bin Ajak will take a Food Catering and Services course.

These two students have successfully ended their first year training at the Institut Kemahiran Baitulmal, and have been offered to continue their second year at the institute.

This skills training programme was a result of the 42nd Senior Officers Meeting (SOM) of the Unofficial Annual Meeting of Religious Ministers of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore (MABIMS) on October 25-28, 2017 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia in the discussion of elevating the standards of living of Muslims who are in need.

As a result of the meeting, the Malaysian government through the MAIWP has offered to students deemed underprivileged in Brunei Darussalam to undergo a skills training at the Institut Kemahiran Baitulmal.

Acting Secretary of MUIB Haji Abdul Aziz bin Haji Akop was at the Brunei International Airport to lead a Doa Selamat ceremony and to bid them farewell.

Assistant Secretary of MUIB Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sabtu was also present at the airport.

|     Wani Roslan     |

THE Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) recently conducted a Neighbourhood Watch patrol on criminal activities in collaboration with three police stations in the Brunei-Muara District, accompanied by Neighbourhood Watch members under the Brunei-Muara Police District.

The patrol involved Muara Police Station, Sengkurong Police Station and Limau Manis Police Station.

The patrol focussed on areas believed to have criminal activities based on the reports from victims. With the involvement of Neighbourhood Watch members, it is hoped that it can strengthen the collaboration between village communities in their responsibility to curb crimes.

The RBPF also urged the public to support and encourage the Neighbourhood Watch programme, especially with youth involvement in helping and strengthening its objective and supporting the law in maintaining security and stability of the country.