|     Lyna Mohamad     |

SIXTEEN students and four officials of Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) left the country for Jakarta on Monday evening to embark on their Humanitarian Mission for Lombok Earthquake.

The group led by Director of Core Education Centre at KUPU SB Dr Haji Noralizam bin Haji Aliakbar was sent off at the Brunei International Airport by the university college’s Ra’es Dr Haji Adanan bin Haji Basar, Acting Director Administration at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Md Sopian bin Haji Basri and officials from the college.

Dr Haji Noralizam said the mission is part of the students’ social responsibility practical component.

The Jakarta mission is the first time for the students holding activities for the component abroad. The mission serves to encourage the students to carry out humanitarian welfare activities abroad and is the first time a higher learning institution in Brunei engages in such an activity. It is initiated by the college’s Core Education Centre and part of its Community Service Curriculum programme.

The mission also aims to raise the students’ awareness and sensitivity towards the community, and foster a sense of social responsibility in caring for the underprivileged, particularly those in Lombok.

“Through this mission, the students will be able to develop their own potentials creatively, innovatively and productively for the community and the country’s welfare,” Dr Haji Noralizam said.

The mission, he added, serves also to strengthen the ties between the students and the people of Lombok.

“It is our hope that this first ever mission abroad will be carried out successfully as planned and meet the objectives with the students able to gain valuable experience to equip them as future educators,” Dr Haji Noralizam said.

The group will be in Lombok on January 8, where they will join villagers to carry out several activities, including distributing basic food necessities to around 400 recipients, holding a Tazkirah and sports therapy session, as well as getting involved in community services such as repairing and cleaning schools, houses, religious huts and mosques.

“We will also be engaged in farming activities with villagers and the slaughtering of chickens, goats and cows to prepare for the food distribution to the villagers, as well as make cash and clothing donations to victims of the December tsunami,” Dr Haji Noralizam added.

|     Aziz Idris     |

IF YOU hire someone to tune your piano in Brunei, chances are good that it will be someone with a music background rather than a qualified technician.

Pianos are delicate keyboard instruments that requires meticulous care, especially with the high humidity levels experience in the Sultanate throughout the year.

“Being made of wood, your piano is greatly affected by humidity. Seasonal and even daily changes in humidity cause wood parts to swell and shrink, affecting tuning stability and touch,” said British piano technician Nicholas Bamber.

Hailing from Manchester, Nicholas or Nick in short, has observed the local market several years and now operates Florian Piano, the sole piano dealership in Brunei offering clients with the top piano brands and regular after-sales services.

His first and simplest precaution for piano owners can take is to position the piano away from areas where it would be exposed to extremes of temperature and humidity such as air-conditioning vents, stoves, doors and windows.

“Either you own an upright piano or grand piano, the room placement is important for the best sounds performance, and most of all, longevity.

“Direct sunlight is especially damaging,” he noted.

A very practical and effective answer to humidity problems in the climate is to have a humidity control system installed in the piano itself.

“The systems help preserve your piano through the years as wood and metal parts along with joints and the finish will all last longer, if not subjected to excessive humidity swings,” said Nick.

Due to the natural elasticity of piano strings, he recommended that piano instrument must be tuned two to four times the first year, twice the second year and a minimum of once per year thereafter.

He also advised that delicate parts inside the piano should be cleaned only by a qualified technician. “Tensions of the strings of an acoustic piano to properly align the intervals between their tones to prevent any lost motion.”

Nick explained that the cost can increase by several hundred Brunei dollars if the piano requires multiple tuning sessions or repairs.

Also available at the dealership are piano brands from Asia, especially China and Japan as well European brands from Germany.

|     Danial Norjidi     |

THE new President of the Google Developers Group (GDG) Brunei spoke in an interview with the Bulletin yesterday, sharing his hopes for the organisation and the role that it will play going forward.

EICO Enterprise founder Afiq Mohammed was announced as the new president of GDG Brunei during the Google DevFest Brunei 2018 on November 24, 2018.

On becoming the GDG Brunei President, he said, “It is surely an exciting time for me. The role allows me to help Bruneians discover more tools and support in the tech scene. I’m hoping to meet with more local developers and help build towards that digital nation.”

Asked for his opinion on the significance of GDG Brunei, Afiq said, “GDG Brunei has been supporting developers and entrepreneurs. The previous president, Rahimah Yussof, also extended the support to a wider range of the community in Brunei including women and kids specifically through in Women TechMakers and Devkids.”

Speaking on the role GDG Brunei current plays and how he sees that role developing further, he said, “We see our role in bringing top experts from the region and beyond, to train and share their knowledge and insights to our local developers. In return, I am also hoping to build that capacity for our own developers to train aspiring developers in the region.

“By applying technology and the latest tools by Google, we believe there is so much opportunity for locals,” he affirmed.

Looking forward, Afiq shared that his hope for GDG Brunei for 2019 and beyond is “to see that we have more adept developers in Brunei, whether in app making or software development.

“With the success of our recent DevFest 2018, we aim to create a wider range events and fun meet ups for the veterans and newcomers in technology,” he added.

|    Wani Roslan    |

TODAY is the start of the first day of school, a new academic year for students and the beginning of a hectic period for teachers where they will be caught up with preparing new teaching schedules and learning materials for their classes.

Dayangku Nur Azimah binti Pengiran Abdul Aziz, a teacher from Sayyidina Hasan Secondary School, expressed her excitement at returning to work and seeing the students again.

“After a long month of holiday, I have prepared my teaching work scheme and learning materials for my students. I’ve also been discussing how to make the lessons more interesting,” she said. She added that as a teacher, she needs to be prepared mentally, emotionally and demonstrate strong determination to attract the interest of the students and ensure that they are focussed in their studies and co-curricular activities.

Dayangku Nur Azimah said, “Dealing with students is very challenging, as they have different characters and personalities. Proper teaching techniques are required, the learning should not just be based on books, but fun activities should be added to make learning interesting.”

Meanwhile, Kaniz binti Abdul Shakoor, a teacher from Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (YSHHB) Primary School, talked about the new challenges expected for this new academic session.

“This year, I am teaching Year 3 students (lower primary) after 12 years being involved in teaching upper primary students, and I am excited to meet my new students,” she said. “And not to forget, I wish to congratulate all my former Year 6 students of 2018, especially Year 6 Jupiter, for their success and achievements and wish them a bright future ahead.”

She added, “I might be expecting slightly different challenges this year with a new environment, including getting to know the abilities and strengths of the new students. Insya Allah, I will use my knowledge and experience to improve myself to be a better teacher.”

Norlina binti Ahmad, a teacher from Bakti Dewa School, shared that her preparations for the new academic year are going smoothly.

“On the academic side, I have to refer to my previous work schemes and improve them based on the needs and benefit of the students. Last year, we achieved our goal and saw a good academic showing, especially in the PSR examinations,” she said.

Armacester Arsad, an Education Officer (Special Level) at Duli Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah College (Maktab Duli), said of the new school year, “All my preparations have been done before the December holidays so I can just focus on my family during the holidays. Preparation work included sorting out action plans, schemes of work, lesson notes, and other items. Everything is good to go by the time school opens.

“As for my expectations for this new academic session, I am hoping everything will be good and running smoothly as planned, and I have evaluated my progress and will further improve myself in areas I feel need refinement,” she added.

|    Azlan Othman    |

All roads leading to schools nationwide are expected to experience traffic jams, as the new school term begins today after a month-long holiday.

Parents have gone on shopping sprees for back-to-school items over the past few weeks in preparation of the new school year.

Many department stores and shops are running mega sales and special ‘back to school’ promotions – the same with shopping malls and some night markets.

At departmental stores, eager and excited schoolchildren have been seen with their parents picking out school uniforms and other school items.

Parents with two or more school-going children will be feeling that tad extra financial pinch as they fork out more to buy new uniforms, shoes, books and other stationery.

Schools across the country are organising briefings on their administration and academic operations and holding orientation for new students starting today – Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) for example, is holding its Freshers’ Week with the Vice Chancellor’s Address.

|    James Kon    |

A TOTAL of 543 traffic violations and offences were recorded following checks on some 50,000 vehicles during a major eight-day-long joint operation led by the Traffic Control and Investigation Department (JSKLL) of the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF).

Other agencies involved in the traffic sting include the Land Transport Department (JPD), Royal Customs and Excise Department, Immigration and National Registration Department, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and the Religious Enforcement Division.

The operation, codenamed ‘Ops Cegah’, saw the setting up of roadblocks in all four districts on December 14-30, 2018 with police conducting ‘stop and searches’ of the vehicles.

The operation was headed by Head of Enforcement for JSKLL Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Pengiran Omar Ali bin Pengiran Manshor with the assistance of Police District traffic officers and officers-in-charge of police stations in all four districts.

Of the 543 offences, 437 fall under the RBPF, 99 are under the JPD, six under the Royal Customs and Excise Department, and one under the NCB.

Meanwhile over in the Tutong District, 25 compound traffic offences were uncovered during a roadblock operation on New Year’s Eve carried out by the Tutong Police Station under Tutong Police District.

The operation took place at the KM63 Muara-Tutong Highway and was led by Assistant Officer-in-Charge of the Tutong Police Station, Probationary Inspector Abdul Hakim bin Salleh.

The eight-day traffic operation was held to ensure that the roads are safer for the public and as a crime prevention measure.

The RBPF would like to again remind the public to always be on alert and comply with the traffic regulations while on the road.

|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

THE Syababul Iman mosque youth group of Sultan Sharif Ali Mosque in Kampong Sengkurong recently organised a ‘Mosque Beautification Day’ to mark the Day of Action initiative.

The campaign to spruce, clean and improve the looks and surroundings of the mosque was held at three mosques which were Sultan Sharif Ali Mosque, Kampong Bengkurong Mosque and Kampong Pengkalan Batu Mosque.

The inaugural community project was participated by over 50 volunteers and committee members, mainly comprising youth.

The programme began with a welcoming address by the project’s director Mohd Safwan bin Ramlan before the group went to the designated mosques for the cleaning sessions.

Syababul Iman said the project was hoped to generate a sense of awareness to the community and public in general about the significance of maintaining the overall cleanliness of mosques and other places of worship in general.

The project also encouraged the spirit of cooperation and a sense of camaraderie among the youth.

|     Daniel Lim     |

AS PART of an effort to aid the Sulawesi residents who were stricken by a series of natural disaster in September last year, PTAS Sdn Bhd successfully donated to the Sulawesi Disaster Humanitarian Fund yesterday.

PTAS Sdn Bhd Managing Director Haji Amir bin Haji Osman handed over a total of BND5,000 to Acting Belait District Officer Ridzuan bin Haji Ahmad at the Belait District Office.

PTAS Sdn Bhd Quality Assurance Director Roslee bin Haji Karim and Management Trainee Muhd Fayad bin Haji Amir were also present.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

IN CONJUNCTION with the 98th Police Day celebration, the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) held a Doa Kesyukuran ceremony at the Surau of the RBPF Headquarters in Gadong and simultaneously in the Belait District yesterday.

Commissioner of the RBPF Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohd Jammy bin Haji Muhd Shah Al-Islam was the guest of honour for the ceremony in Gadong.

The ceremony began with the mass Sunnat Hajat prayer followed by the recitation of Surah Yaasiin, Tahlil, Doa Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam and Doa Kesyukuran led by the Imam of the Surau of the RBPF Headquarters Pengiran Haji Ludin bin Pengiran Haji Metahir.

During the event, all attendees prayed for the blessings from Allah the Almighty in preventing and curbing crimes, as well as to avoid challenges and accidents while carrying out their daily duties.

RBPF directors, senior officers and officers as well as RBPF personnel; former police commissioners, Retired Personnel of the Royal Brunei Police Force Association (POLSARA) members, village heads and invited guests were also present.

In the Belait District, the ceremony was attended by Deputy Commissioner of the RBPF Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Mohammad Irwan bin Haji Hambali as the guest of honour. He was joined by RBPF officers and personnel from the Belait District.

|     Achong Tanjong     |

THE Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association (PPNBD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Scouts Association of Malaysia, Perak State during a ceremony that took place at the Conference Hall of the Scout Headquarters Building in Jalan Gadong.

Both associations expressed their keenness to work together by combining their respective expertise and skills for their mutual benefit.

The associations will also be working together in related areas such as scout training and exchange programmes.

The objective of the MoU is to facilitate cooperation in aspects of student and scouts leader exchanges between the PPNBD and Scouts Association of Malaysia, Perak State, and in scout training and human capital development programmes.

It will also facilitate the organising of various programmes related to scouting and other fields agreed upon by both associations. These are aimed to provide knowledge and skills to the scout members and leaders.

Scout Chief Commissioner of PPNBD Haji Awang Badar bin Haji Awang Ali, acting deputy scout chief commissioner, scout commissioners, district scout commissioners, chief executive officer, executive scout officer, scout leaders and assistant scout leaders of the PPNBD were present at the event.

Scouts Association of Malaysia, Perak State members comprised Scout Chief Commissioner Major General (Rtd) Professor Dato Dr Mohd Zin bin Bidin, Deputy Scout Chief Commissioner Haji Nasaruddin bin Haji Shamsuddin, Perak State Scout Chief Commissioner Haji Ahmad Azam Shah bin Abdul Majid and several Perak State scout commissioners.

The MoU was signed by Scout Chief Commissioner of PPNBD Haji Awang Badar and Perak State Scout Chief Commissioner Haji Ahmad Azam Shah.

PPNBD President Haji Matusin bin Orang Kaya Sura Haji Tuba also attended the event.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

A 21-YEAR-OLD Dusun man embraced the Islamic faith after recitation of his Dua Kalimah Syahadah in front of officials from the Islamic Da’wah Centre at a conversion ceremony that took place at the residence of Sukardi bin Haji Ismail in STKRJ Kampong Rimba last night.

Officer of the Islamic Da’wah Centre Edy Kasrin bin Abdul Kadir officiated the conversion ceremony.

Rick Francis from Kudat, Sabah who chose Rizky Fauzan Abdullah Francis as his Muslim name is an employee at a restaurant in Gadong.

He has been working in the country for three years.

According to Rizky, he has been enlightened on Islam over the years working here and read books related to the religion before finally opening his heart to accept the faith.

The eldest son in his family, Rizky did not have issues with his family when he voiced his intention to convert as his parents have already been converted to the Islamic faith before him and most of his family members welcomed the decision.

After recitation of the Syahadah, Rizky felt light-hearted and hoped to gain as much religious knowledge as possible for becoming a good Muslim.

Last night’s conversion was further enlivened with Dikir Marhaban and sprinkling of scented flowers to celebrate Rizky on his conversion and concluded with a Doa Selamat.

Meanwhile, statistics of Muslim converts in the country showed that from January to December 2018, 404 converted.

Brunei-Muara District recorded the largest number with 203 converts while 105 of them are Dusun.

|     James Kon     |

A NUMBER of overseas exchange students, part of the 499 students for the new intake, were welcomed to Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) during the annual UBD Freshers’ Week at the university’s Chancellor Hall yesterday morning.

Some of them expressed their excitement at getting the chance to study at UBD for a semester to learn more about Brunei’s culture, adding that they hope to take onboard more knowledge in their respective fields of study.

Christian Dwi Novembri from University of Pekalongan, Indonesia said, “I am very excited to be here in UBD. I hope to learn more about Brunei and also meet and make friends with Bruneians.”

He added that he has been impressed with UBD, commenting that it possesses a very huge campus and vast facilities to cater for his studies.

His compatriot Bintoro Artur Leean Prayogo from Tanjung Redeh University, meanwhile added, “This is a bigger and much more prestigious university. UBD has reached the top 1.3 per cent of universities in the world.

“We are very excited to be here. We hope to learn more about Brunei and also to gain valuable knowledge in our course.”

Yeseul Lee from Inha University of South Korea said she hopes to learn more about Brunei’s history and culture during her one semester of study at UBD, as she became interested in finding out more about the country after taking a course on Southeast Asian history two years ago.

As for Dwi Yulita from University of Muhammadiyah Purwokerto, Indonesia, the event was a bit of a rush for her as she only arrived in Brunei after midnight yesterday.

“This is my first visit to Brunei. I am really thrilled to be accepted here and study in such a prestigious university.

“It was a bit hectic as I only arrived here late last night. I look forward to learning more about Brunei culture and make new friends here,” she said.

|     James Kon     |

UNIVERSITI Brunei Darussalam (UBD) is not only an institution where one comes to get academic qualifications, it’s also the gateway to lifelong learning, innovative education and enterprising research, all of which empower its students to be future-ready leaders.

Acting Vice-Chancellor of UBD Hajah Rubiah binti Haji Yacub highlighted this in her Vice Chancellor’s address to welcome 499 students for the second intake of the 2018/2019 academic year during the annual Freshers’ Week orientation programme, which began at the university’s Chancellor Hall yesterday morning.

The new intake consisted of 18 doctorate, 187 masters, 257 undergraduate (including 146 students who are proceeding to do their undergraduate degrees from the August 2018 UniBridge programme) and nine diploma students.

“In UBD, we are committed to supporting and equipping you with the necessary skills to succeed in life,” Hajah Rubiah said, congratulating the students for their successful admission into the university.

“Over the years, we have developed and refined our GenNext programmes so that you can acquire excellent skills in communication, leadership, critical thinking and reasoning. We have built a diverse team of academics and professionals who are dedicated to deliver to you a platform where you can think innovatively, with creativity, and with a national and global perspective.”

She explained that UBD prides itself on its ‘GenNext Discovery Year’, which offers students who satisfy certain prerequisites the chance to spend a year out of the campus to gain hands-on experience, either through internships, studying abroad, initiating an innovation and incubation project, or being involved in a community outreach programme.

“Discovery Year is designed specifically to enhance your knowledge and competency in specific disciplinary areas. In addition to this, you will be able to receive exposure to knowledge beyond your major discipline,” Hajah Rubiah said.

“The GenNEXT programmes give you the flexibility to design your own curriculum. Only about 55 per cent of the programme is fixed, which means you can tailor the combination of your depth and breadth modules to get exactly what you need and want as you complete your bachelor’s degree.”

Offering advice for the new intake, the acting vice-chancellor said that it is important for the students “to plan your future but live for today”, noting that much of the success in their life journeys “depends on the effort and the choices you will make today and in the next four years”.

“Throughout your university years, find a balance of modules that you are interested in and which will impact you positively,” she said. “Don’t take modules just because you have friends in those classes, or because it is popular among your seniors.

“The workplace landscape is continually evolving, so choose your module combinations thoughtfully.”

Hajah Rubiah called for the new students to align their choices with what they value the most and their passions.

“If you are not certain about which path to take, UBD Centre of Networking, Employment and Career Training (CoNECT) can dispense well-informed advice. Be responsible, understand the rules and regulations, yet be courageous. Design your curriculum to suit your needs,” she said.

Freshers’ Week is UBD’s bi-annual event where new students are briefed on important matters relating to academic and non-academic life at UBD and what the university has to offer.

The second day of Freshers’ Week will see the Office of Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE) giving a talk on safety and security on campus, followed by a ‘Social Health Awareness’ talk by the Brunei Darussalam Aids Council.

During lunch break, CoNECT will be holding career preparation and advice sessions for the students.

The students will also be introduced to the functions of the Student Affairs Section and the UBD Students’ Association, where the focus will be more on non-academic aspects and the skills development of the students, as well as extra-curricular activities offered at UBD.

On the third and final day of the orientation, a Bicara Ulum Ad-din session will be conducted, where Ustazah Hanisah binti Haji Othman will deliver a talk entitled ‘The Power of Doa’, followed by a briefing by the Preventive Drug Education Division from the Narcotics Control Bureau.

The new students will also be briefed on the library and given a tour of the whole campus.

During lunchtime, Muslim students will recite Surah Yaasiin and Doa Selamat after the Zohor prayer at the UBD Mosque.

The three-day orientation will be closed with a briefing on the Brunei Government Scholarship for scholarship applicants, followed by a sharing session on Discovery Year at the Chancellor Hall and a briefing for graduate students in the Senate Room.

|     Hakim Hayat, Fizah HAB & Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

SENIOR officials from the Ministry of Education (MoE) made a working visit to a number of education institutions in the country to check on proceedings and their progress, as the schools welcomed thousands of students back after the month-long holiday.

During a visit to the Sports School in Berakas, Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman and his delegation viewed the registration process and ice-breaking session for the school’s Year 7 to Year 11 students.

The minister also took the opportunity to impart words of encouragement to the newly enrolled Year 7 students.

The Sports School currently has 260 students who are equally divided into separate sports and academic streams. Students in the sports stream are selected from various schools in different catchment areas based on their sporting abilities, while the academic stream comprises students from the Sports School’s catchment area and who obtained outstanding results from the Primary School Assessment.

The two different streams were introduced in January last year as part of the MoE’s efforts to improve the performance and direction of the school.

The minister and his delegation also took a closer look at an ice-breaking session for Year 1 to Year 6 students at Pulaie Primary School, Cluster 3 in Kampong Pulaie, Berakas.

At Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam (SMJA) Secondary School, Cluster 2 in Bandar Seri Begawan, the minister visited classrooms and facilities, such as the school’s canteen, and interacted with the students and shared with them words of encouragement, advising them on the importance of good time management and study-life balance.

Deputy Minister of Education Datin Seri Paduka Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh made similar working visits, stopping by three different schools in Mukim Gadong: Kampong Mata-Mata Primary School, Cluster 1; Rimba II Secondary School, Cluster 4; and Rimba I Secondary School, Cluster 4.

For some students, going back to school after such a long vacation might elicit feelings of minor nostalgia, that yearning to return to the first weeks of the holidays and relive the happiness and freedom once again.

For many parents, however, the start of school is very much welcome, signifying a fresh new beginning and a whole new path ahead in 2019 for their children to get down and busy while gunning for their academic targets.

Other young scholars though seem to be embracing the return-to-school rush in great earnest.

Warm, wide smiling faces were seen all around in many schools, the students getting into the swing of things, enthusiastically registering for classes, meeting new friends, learning the ways around their school again, and sporting new haircuts and uniforms.

One such school was Orang Kaya Setia Bakti (OKSB) Primary School, Kilanas. School Headmistress Siti Norbayu binti Haji Abdul Samad shared that several activities were conducted on the students’ first day back.

“Religious activities including the singing of the national anthem as well as the recitation of Surah Yaasiin and Doa Selamat were held before the students were divided into their new classes,” she said.

At Pengiran Anak Puteri Muta-Wakkilah Hayatul Bolkiah Religious School, Serusop, parents were seen yesterday afternoon registering their children into their classes, paying their school fees, and buying textbooks for the new academic year.

Traffic jams were also seen in several roads yesterday morning, as parents made their way to schools to drop off their children. The congestions thankfully however, weren’t too bad, with cars moving along reasonably smoothly after minor periods of traffic crawl.

Mariani binti Haji Mohd Sofian, a mother sending her children off to school yesterday, said that it was a little longer drive than usual, but “at least the traffic was still moving”.

“It was surprising because I was thinking that I would be caught in a heavy jam today, considering this is the first day of school and for some, the first day of work after returning from their end-of-year vacations. But the traffic was quite smooth today and I hope it continues like this tomorrow and the day after,” she said.

|     Azlan Othman     |

THE Brunei economy is expected to pick up in 2019 after going through a slowdown in the past year.

However, increased efforts are needed to improve discipline in the fiscal sector, safeguard the soundness of the banking system, and diversify the economy in order to enhance potential growth, according to the preliminary assessment by the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) after its Annual Consultation Visit to the country on November 13-19 last year.

The mission was led by AMRO Lead Economist Dr Siu Fung Yiu, while Director Dr Junhong Chang and Chief Economist Dr Hoe Ee Khor participated in several policy meetings. Discussions focussed on the prospects for growth, measures to improve fiscal discipline, soundness of the banking sector, and progress in economic diversification.

“After posting a positive growth of 1.3 per cent in 2017, Brunei’s economy is believed to have declined at 0.5 per cent in 2018 but expected pick up to 2.1 per cent in 2019, supported by strong foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows and the commencement of a large refinery operation,” said Dr Yiu.

“It is important for the authorities to accelerate economic diversification as well as improve spending efficiency in order to enhance the long-term growth prospects of the economy.”

Real GDP grew at 5.2 per cent in Q4 2017, but slowed to 2.6 per cent in Q1 and -2.8 per cent in Q2 2018, as oil and gas production was disrupted due to the need to conduct unscheduled maintenance.

The meagre economic growth in the first half of 2018 was also exacerbated by the contraction of the financial sector. Consumer price inflation is believed to have increased from -0.2 per cent in 2017 to 0.2 per cent in 2018 on account of higher food prices, with a further increase expected in 2019.

In the fiscal sector, revenue has been boosted significantly by higher oil and gas prices. Additional recalibration of the tax incentives for investment is needed to broaden the tax base without reducing the attractiveness and conduciveness of the business environment. On the expenditure side, the government’s continuing efforts to improve spending efficiency is commendable. The fiscal deficit for the 2018/19 financial year is expected to improve significantly.

The banking sector remains sound and well-capitalised. Credit growth has turned positive in Q2 2018, led by corporate borrowing. The establishment of the Bureau Credit Score should help the banks assess and maintain their credit standards while improving household and business access to credit. In recent quarters, the non-performing loan ratio has been rising, warranting tighter monitoring by the Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD).

Economic reforms and investments to diversify the economy away from the oil and gas sector into manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, aquaculture and other non-traditional industries should be continued to enhance Brunei’s long-term growth prospects.

The government’s efforts in attracting FDIs into the country as well as in improving the business environment and enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are laudable. In addition, initiatives to strengthen the governance and improve efficiency of government-linked companies will also benefit the economy as a whole.

|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

THE Brunei Squash Rackets Association released the latest rankings of the men and women squash players in Brunei Darussalam recently.

Topping the ranking for the men single players is Abang Md Huzairie bin Abang Md Ali with 4,268 points, followed by Lim Kok Sheng in second place with 2,806 points, and Md Fauzi bin Zaini in third place with 2,779 points.

Hamidah Ismail is at the top of the tier for the women single players with 2,730 points, Halizzah Sirat in second place with 1,369.80 points and Nuraini Zabar in third place with 1,337.80.

The Brunei Squash Rackets Association is actively competing in regional competitions and tournaments in the bid to gain more exposure and in particular to encourage more Brunei players to join in this fast-paced and exciting racket sports.

Members of the association and other youth development projects are conducting training sessions at the Squash Stadium in Berakas twice per week, and are planning to conduct a squash clinic for school children.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

A FILIPINO man of Igorot ethnicity embraced the Islamic faith during a ceremony held at a residence in Kampong Delima Satu, Berakas yesterday evening.

Bert Salvino Bangsilan, 32, who works as an Assistant Baker at Sim Kim Huat Bakery chose the name Muhammad Firdaus bin Abdullah following the conversion ceremony that saw

him reciting the Dua Kalimah Syahadah before officers from the Dakwah Development Section of the Islamic Da’wah Centre.

A Dikir Marhaban was recited and scented flowers were sprinkled on Muhammad Firdaus to enliven the ceremony.

The conversion ceremony was held at the residence of Hajah Rosnah binti Panglima Asgar Dato Paduka Haji Abdullah.

Statistics provided by the Islamic Da’wah Centre indicated that some 404 individuals embraced the Islamic faith throughout last year.

|     James Kon     |

THE Law Enforcement Unit of the Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) Municipal Department issued a fine of BND100 on December 31, 2018, to a foreign citizen who was found disposing rubbish in a public area.

It was the final compound fine of the year, bringing the number of violations under the Minor Offences Act to 238 in 2018.

Mahsen Ahmad from Bangladesh was given seven days to settle the fine; failing to do so would result in a further fine of BND1,000, or one month imprisonment for first-time offenders.

For repeat offenders, the penalty is a fine of BND3,000 or imprisonment of up to three months.

To lodge complaints on illegal dumping, contact Darussalam line at 123, or email info@123.com.bn, or send a message via WhatsApp to 8333123.

|     Syazwani Hj Rosli     |

THE Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) held a recitation of Surah Yaasiin and Tahlil ceremony for Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam and Al-Marhumah Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Bendahara Pengiran Anak Abdul Rahman, the late parents of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam at the Royal Mausoleum yesterday.

The event was held in conjunction with the 98th Police Day celebration.

The guest of honour was Commissioner of the RBPF Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohd Jammy bin Haji Muhd Shah Al-Islam.

The religious event commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah followed by the recitation of Surah Yaasiin, Tahlil and Doa Arwah led by Imam of the RBPF Headquarters Surau in Gadong Pengiran Haji Ludin bin Pengiran Haji Metahir.

More than 300 RBPF personnel attended the event including directors, deputy directors, commanding officers of police district, officers, lower rank members and staff as well as invited guests.

|     Daniel Lim     |

PENGIRAN Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar Secondary School (SM PJNPHAB) in Kuala Belait held an orientation programme for its new intake of Year 7 students yesterday morning, an annual tradition of the school.

Over 160 students were registered under the school’s new intake of Year 7 students for 2019. They were accompanied by their parents and guardians during the orientation programme as well as the registration held later during the day.

Welcoming the new students to the school was its Principal Chin Ai Fong. Deputy Principals Gudaihenah binti Yadai and Hajah Jumimah binti Haji Jumat, as well as the school’s teachers and staff, were also present.

Chin in her opening speech expressed gratitude towards the parents and guardians for choosing the school for their children to learn, develop and mature.

“The students will spend their time during their five-year stay here not only learning, but also interacting with their peers and developing their knowledge, all the while forging bonds and relations that will hopefully last a lifetime,” she said.

“Among the 160 students who had been accepted into 2019’s Year 7 class, 39 had previously achieved 5As in their Primary School Assessment (PSR) examinations.”

The principal noted that a variety of programmes and activities are being planned for the new intake, both in learning as well as in co-curriculum, as they serve to provide opportunities for the students “to express themselves in expanding their knowledge while building their physical, spiritual and emotional mindset”.

In a separate interview, Chin conveyed her hopes that the students will use their time at the school to not only learn from their teachers to achieve high grades, but also to create, build and strengthen bonds between their friends and peers, and create a harmonious environment in which they can work together towards a common goal.

Several talks by the school’s deputy principals, senior teachers and staff – covering academic issues, school rules and regulations, and activities by the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) – were also held during the day.