|     Danial Norjidi     |

THE importance of encouraging and assisting local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to explore and participate in export markets was highlighted during the afternoon session of the 15th Legislative Council meeting yesterday.

Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah spoke on local MSMEs and exports while responding to a question from Legislative Council (LegCo) member and Penghulu of Mukim Telisai Yang Berhormat Haji Ramli bin Haji Lahit.

During the session, the LegCo member touched on the participation of local entrepreneurs in overseas exhibitions and expos, noting that this is very helpful to small and medium industry entrepreneurs in improving the quality and production of their respective products and services.

He asked how the quality control, increase in production and product marketing processes are implemented.

In response, the minister said, “Indeed, if we look at national statistics, export volume is low.” He affirmed that the government is encouraging local MSMEs to take part in and explore the export market.

“But, when we export our goods abroad, a number of things must be taken into account,” he said. These include: quality; volume – how much can be manufactured and produced; price competitiveness; branding; standards and so on.

“Currently, the ministry is working with the ASEAN-Japan Centre, ASEAN-Korea Centre and ASEAN-China Centre to provide technical programmes to further improve the development of local products,” continued the minister. “Hopefully this effort will be able to result in quality products in our country.”

He noted that the ministry is also working with DARe (Darussalam Enterprise) and the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism to assist companies with potential to export to further enhance the capacity of the entrepreneurs and their capabilities with HACCP standard good manufacturing, agriculture and aquaculture practices.

The minister also affirmed that, through regional and international networks, the ministry provides opportunities for local agencies and companies in the country to learn and enhance their experience through participation in overseas expo.

He referred to an initiative from the government through Ghanim International Corporation, where the company works with MSMEs in the country to improve their quality and open up the export market.

“With this initiative, we can market local products meaningfully and benefit from economies of scale,” he added.

|     Azlan Othman     |

MINISTER at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah said companies with expertise can tender for government projects, provided they fulfil the terms and conditions, while for small tenders and normal jobs all small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are encouraged to join in.

He was responding to a query by Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Iswandy bin Ahmad on small players to get tender such as i-Usahawan and BSP Venture, at the fourth day of the LegCo meeting yesterday.

On another note, the minister also said a Government-Linked Company (GLC), namely Ghanim International, is working with the private sector to develop the product standards and explore the local products to export market where branding, cost competitiveness and standard of products and so on are also taken into account.

This is an example where GLC is working with the private sector to develop the food industry.

The minister was responding to LegCo member Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pendikar Alam Dato Paduka Seri Haji Hasrin bin Dato Paduka Haji Sabtu’s query on action taken by ministries involved in strengthening the economy.

On a query by LegCo member and Penghulu of Mukim Bokok Yang Berhormat Haji Emran bin Haji Sabtu on the development in the Temburong District, the minister said a sub-committee on economic development has been established and that the ecosystem at the district will be protected when promoting tourism.

Investors including those residing in the Temburong District are encouraged to invest for the Brunei’s Green Jewel. The Temburong District Development Authority has also been established.

On efforts to assist local investors wishing to invest abroad as raised by LegCo member and Village Head of Kampong Masjid Lama, Pekan Muara, Sabun and Pelumpong Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Mohamed bin Pengiran Haji Osman @ Othman, the minister said the

National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Brunei Darussalam can communicate with their counterparts for detailed deliberations.

He added that if they want their local franchises to penetrate the foreign market, they need to understand the market beforehand.

Meanwhile, on extending financial planning and literacy as raised by LegCo member and Penghulu of Mukim Berakas ‘B’ Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Ali bin Pengiran Maon, the Minister of Home Affairs who is also the Deputy Chairman of Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD) Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong said many plans have been made by the AMBD to create awareness to the public.

In its outreach programme, AMBD is planning to work with other financial institutions and those giving assistance to the underprivileged like the Brunei Islamic Religious Council.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

MINISTER of Home Affairs Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong said the Labour Department is still conducting a careful evaluation on the introduction of a minimum labour wage in the country.

Responding to a query on its status by Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Iswandy bin Ahmad at the ongoing 15th LegCo session yesterday, the Minister of Home Affairs said the move to introduce a law came up during the country’s negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) pact with several other countries, that requires all signatory countries to streamline its labour regulations for a free-trade deal.

The Labour Department, he added, is continuously assessing the matter and getting the views from several consultants from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and also from ASEAN on the impact it will have not just for local labour, but also for foreign investors in Brunei.

“Foreign investors in the country will evaluate the cost of doing business in Brunei that might increase (as a result of the Act).. so in this respect we are also looking at practices of other countries and the best possible way to implement this,” he added.

Earlier, Yang Berhormat Iswandy urged careful attention be given to the minimum wage policy as employers may pay their employees only the minimum wage then.

“It must also be implemented in such way that salary increments are possible with trainings and skill enhancement like the ‘progressive wage’ model adopted in our neighbouring country,” he said.

He said the progressive wage model encourages employers to have the initiative to let their employees attend trainings and courses to acquire more skills to get salary increments.

The Minister of Home Affairs welcomed the suggestion and said evaluations will be made to ensure that the Act benefits all once it is implemented.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

THE Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) programme will be extended to 20 more mukims across the country by the end of 2019, in addition to the 35 villages in 17 mukims that are already undergoing basic training, Minister of Home Affairs Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong said.

He was responding to a question from Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pendikar Alam Dato Paduka Seri Haji Hasrin bin Dato Paduka Haji Sabtu on the fourth day of the LegCo Meeting yesterday.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pendikar Alam Dato Paduka Seri Haji Hasrin inquired about current developments of the CBDRM programme and whether it would be carried out in educational and government institutions, as well as the private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), volunteer groups and mukim and village consultative councils.

Two methods are currently employed in the implementation of the CBDRM porgramme, with the first involving the continuation of basic CBDRM training at the CAE Brunei Multi-Purpose Training Centre (MPTC).

The minister explained that the second method involves the application of CBDRM to all levels of society, particularly through mukim and village consultative councils, in areas that are prone to natural disasters such as flooding and landslides.

This year, the Natural Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) will collaborate with the CAE Brunei MPTC in reviewing the learning module for CBDRM, to ensure that it follows the best practices that conform to international standards.

Moreover, those who have undergone basic training will undergo intermediate CBDRM instructions in the trainers’ module, as part of the community’s preparenedness in facing disasters.

The CBDRM programme has also been extended to several government and private institutions, as well as schools, volunteer associations and non-governmental organisations in all four districts.

Through the School-Based Disaster Risk Management (SBDRM) which was conducted at the CAE Brunei MPTC until January this year, 244 students and teachers from 63 government and private education institutions across the country participated in the training.

This year, the NDMC will work together with the education sector in continuing the programme further at several higher learning institutions, in August and October.

The CBDRM programme will also be a permanent module for the National Service Programme (PKBN).

Apart from 143 mukim and village consultative councils in 34 villages, the programme has also been extended to 11 non-governmental agencies (NGOs), including Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Persatuan Pemuda Pemudi Melayu, the Brunei Council on Social Welfare (MKM) and the Youth Community Transformation Club.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

MINISTER of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman yesterday attended the annual dinner of the Badan Tanmiah Harta Majlis Ugama Islam, in his capacity as the President of Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB), accompanied by his spouse.

Also among those present was Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar, in his capacity as the Vice President of MUIB and Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Badan Tanmiah.

Held at The Rizqun International Hotel, the event began with welcoming remarks by Director of the Badan Tanmiah Haji Mohamad Jaafar bin Haji Johari, and a speech by the minister.

The ceremony also witnessed the presentation of the long service award to officers and staff with five to 20 years of service, as well as awards for exemplary employees.

|     Hakim Hayat     |

A TOTAL of 1,715 jobs that were intended for import labour were successfully given to qualified locals in 2018 under the Labour Department’s updated recruitment regulations on foreign labour, said Minister of Home Affairs Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong yesterday, during the ongoing 15th Legislative Council (LegCo) session.

In 2017, the former ‘foreign quota’ for recruiting foreigners was replaced with the Foreign Worker’s Licence (LPA) in the effort to streamline and reduce the processing time. The initiative also mandates the JobCentre Brunei to verify and assess the applications, to ensure that qualified locals can be recommended in the jobs that were intended for foreigners.

Meanwhile, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar said that his ministry is also contemplating the introduction of the Responsible Foreign Worker Displacement Ratio for selected industries with excess of foreign workers, to ensure a more balanced ratio between local and imported labour.

The Minister of Home Affairs was responding to a query by LegCo member Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Putera Maharaja Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Ghani bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Dewa Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Rahim, regarding the influx of imported labour in the country at a time when more graduates are being generated and qualified to fill jobs with increasing rate of local unemployment.

“This issue must be given serious attention. With the reduction of foreign workers, the issue of unemployment here can be handled. I don’t believe that our locals don’t want to work in these jobs now… This must change, and I hope that foreign labour regulations and enforcement will be toughened to stamp out this issue,” he said.

The Minister of Home Affairs responded that with the introduction of the LPA, the Labour Department and JobCentre Brunei are working closely together to assess the need of importing foreign labour for companies, and have also made rejections for the licences, without giving any specific numbers.

“Some of the work scopes can be filled by locals, and have matching skills with the applicants registered with the JobCentre Brunei,” he said.

Sharing more details on the Responsible Foreign Worker Displacement Ratio that they are planning to introduce, the minister said that it will focus on three sectors that has a higher ratio of foreign labour compared to local labour – construction, education, and retail and wholesale. He said that a target rate will be set for the ratios so private sector jobs can be filled by local jobseekers.

The latest labour census data in 2017 revealed that in the construction sector alone, there is an estimated ratio of 80:20 per cent of foreign to local labour, with over 22,000 foreign workers in the sector.

The minister also disclosed that over 11,500 foreigners are currently employed in the retail and wholesale sector.

With this initiative currently being evaluated jointly with the Manpower Policy and Planning Unit (MPPU) at the Ministry of Energy, Manpower and Industry (MEMI), the minister said that he hopes to see it being implemented after further discussions with stakeholders in the relevant sectors, to help reduce the import of foreign labour into the country.

|     Azlan Othman     |

MINISTER at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah yesterday announced his ministry’s proposed budget amounting BND814,132,967.

He said the provision covers ‘Employees Salary’ totalling BND63,003,490 – an increase from the financial year 2018/2019.

This is due to the Ministry of Finance and Economy’s (MoFE) absorption of the Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE) from the Prime Minister’s Office and of the Department of Trade from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on September 20, 2018.

For ‘Recurring Expenses’, the minister said a provision has been set at BND729,180,767.

Of these, 81 per cent (about BND591 million) is available under the ‘Miscellaneous Service’ such as an allocation of BND33 million for authorised projects and BND30 million for medical services at Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC).

Meanwhile, an allocation of BND28 million has been set aside for the ‘Education Allowance’, including BND10 million for those pursuing tertiary education in the country (specifically whose parents or guardians are working in the private sector and members of the TAP or Employees Trust Fund).

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew added that BND18 million has been allocated for four ‘focus projects’ this year, BND15.7 million for ‘natural disaster and epidemic’, and BND10.8 million for ‘experts and skilled teachers’ in the fields of literacy and numeracy.

Additionally, an allocation of BND4 million has been provided to finance ‘repair works’ or to replace the ‘chiller system’ of several ministries and government departments.

A total of BND3.7 million is for the ‘Special Housing Fund Scheme’ under the TAP.

Under the ‘Development Expenditure’ category, an allocation of BND21,948,710 is proposed at the plan price of BND414,723,750 to finance the establishment of the Brunei Darussalam Stock Exchange project (which is under implementation), the Census and Socio-Economic Studies, the Cluster Development, and the Science, Technological and Innovation Studies.

The minister said with this provision, the MoFE will continue to work with other ministries and agencies concerned to improve productivity and services, and to ensure the effectiveness of revenue collections.

Strategies include strengthening the fiscal and economic position of the country through the implementation of the Fiscal Consolidation Plan – a more efficient use of allocation and a greater focus on productive sectors and activities.

It also includes examining opportunities to increase collection and expanding the government’s revenue source base from non-oil and gas sectors.

The strategy entails continuing research and studies prior to the implementation of projects in the public-private partnerships (PPP) as well as the implementation of corporatisation or privatisation of appropriate government agencies.

Other measures include facilitating trade and increasing investment activities, joint-venture partnerships or PPP, and enhancing service delivery to the public (through a computerised information system).

Developing human capital will also be implemented through various programmes of the MoFE and the departments under it.

The ministry will continue to implement initiatives to support prudent government spending via extending the payment period for all purchases and services that have been implemented before the end of the applicable financial year to three months after the end of the applicable financial year.

This aims to reduce the amount of repayment in arrears which has become a burden to companies and enterprises as well as to not affect the provisions provided in the subsequent financial year.

The prudent spending also include paying all electricity and water bills arrears by the ministries and departments in order not to affect the allocation of the ministry or department’s utilities in the next financial year.

Finally, the initiative entails providing a central contract for the repair and renovation of chillers in government buildings that have been identified to save on the cost of implementation.

At present, some maintenance of government assets is undertaken by private companies.

Darussalam Assets Sdn Bhd is currently conducting research and analysis on the best structure to assist the government in better maintenance of government-owned assets, taking into account the involvement of the private sector and the upgrading of facility management.

The minister said that the involvement of the private sector will reduce cost to the government.

For example, the private sector’s involvement since January 2017 in the maintenance and operation of the Brunei Darussalam International Defence Exhibition and Conference (BRIDEX) has been successful in improving the performance of the building and reducing overall operating cost.

Earlier, the minister presented the initiatives taken during the financial year 2018/2019 to enhance control, enforcement and productivity activities.

These included enforcing the Amendment of Customs Order Chapter 136 (Compounding of Offences) which provides for compound fines to be increased from BND1,000 to not more than BND5,000 on March 26, 2018; and introducing the Vehicle Entry/Exit System (VES) on April 29, 2018.

VES is one of the initiatives of the Royal Customs and Excise Department in order to facilitate vehicle registration.

The minister also highlighted on upgrading the Brunei Darussalam National Single Window (BDNSW) system involving 20 government agencies that control various types of import and export goods aimed at improving efficiency and accelerating cargo clearance.

Other initiatives included enforcing the use of the e-invoice portal system from August 1, 2018 to facilitate suppliers to know the status of invoices or claims made to the government; and introducing the Insolvency (Winding Up) Rules and Insolvency (Insolvency Practitioners) Rules in September 2018 to further strengthen the insolvency legislation.

The signing of the Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) with the Cambodian Government effective April 26, 2018, and the Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEA) with India on February 28, 2019, were also implemented during the financial year 2018/2019.

|     Khairil Hassan     |

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 consented to present prizes during the final day of the Richard Mille Polo Tournament at the Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club yesterday.

The White Team led by His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen emerged champion of the tournament after defeating Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah’s Black Team with the score 7-6.

His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen also bagged the Top Scorer award.

The Red Team led by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah won the sub-final match 5-4 against the Yellow Team led by Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Bahar to grab third place. Yang Mulia Tengku Amir Nasser Ibrahim of Pahang also played for the Red Team.

Also in attendance were His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Abdul Qawi and other members of the royal family.

The horse Navidad, rode by His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen on the 3rd Chukka for the final match was named the Best Horse.

|     James Kon     |

BY THE consent 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, 82 Officer Cadets (Probationary) were promoted to Officer Cadets in a ceremony at the Ceremonial Hall of the Defence Academy Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), Tanah Jambu yesterday.

Commander of the RBAF Major General Pengiran Dato Paduka Seri Aminan bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud presented the insignias.

The newly promoted Officer Cadets comprise 47 Officer Cadets including one recipient of the Supreme Commander RBAF Scholarship who will join the Royal Brunei Land Force, 21 Officer Cadets slated to join the Royal Brunei Navy and 14 Officer Cadets who will enter the Royal Brunei Air Force.

Guest of honour Commanding Officer of the Officer Cadet School Defence Academy RBAF witnessed the passing out parade for intake 18 at the Defence Academy RBAF parade square yesterday, marking the end of their initial six-week training.

The Officer Cadets will undergo 52 weeks of intense training in the Officer Cadet School where their leadership, character and critical thinking will be developed to prepare them for their first appointment as newly commissioned RBAF officers. The Officer Cadets will graduate in the Sovereign’s Parade in January 2020 upon completion. For the past six weeks, the Officer Cadets went through basic military training before they continue further with 46 weeks of rigorous and intense training.

Service Commanders, Military Directors, Commandants, senior officers, officers and staff of the Defence Academy RBAF along with family members of the Officer Cadets were also present.

|     Danial Norjidi     |

THE Brunei December Festival is an example of a successful public-private partnership, and is an initiative that should be continued towards having a positive impact on the advancement of the tourism industry in Brunei Darussalam.

These were among the points highlighted in the afternoon session of the 15th Legislative Council session yesterday.

Legislative Council member and Penghulu of Mukim Berakas ‘B’ Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Ali bin Pengiran Maon congratulated those responsible for the Brunei December Festival 2018, and asked how far the festival was able to contribute to the increase of tourist arrivals in Brunei.

In response, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong shared that the Brunei December Festival was first held in 2017, and then for a second time in 2018.

“As we know, it is a new event organised by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) through the Tourism Development Department and also the Brunei Tourism Board,” he said. “It is an example where public-private partnership (PPP) activities ran well, without government spending.”

He highlighted that the Tourism Development Department and Brunei Tourism Board provide a platform for people to get involved in this festival and organise various events, as event managers.

“It is a success beyond expectations where, in 2017, 40 events were held, and in 2018, 60 events were organised.

“When viewing the tourist arrivals for each month, December last year was the month with the second largest number of tourist arrivals in Brunei,” he said.

“It should also be understood that the aim is not only to attract tourists into the country, but also to encourage Bruneian people to be in Brunei by having these event management companies carry out events and invite various people to participate,” he added.

Another to speak on the Brunei December Festival was Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Haji Umarali bin Esung, who said, “The first Brunei December Festival attracted over 90,000 visitors and last year was a bigger and lively event with 60 events organised throughout the month of December to enliven the school holidays alongside attracting more tourists to Brunei.

“This effort and initiative need to be continued so that it can have a positive impact on the progress of the tourism industry in Brunei,” he affirmed. “At the same time, it can be used as a way to encourage people to vacation in their own country.”

He asked whether the festival involves any events which have domestic tours and vacations for introducing places of interest in Brunei to the public.

The minister affirmed that the Brunei December Festival aims to be of great benefit to various stakeholders, including hotels, the national airline, travel agencies and also the public who carry out business in organising events, as well as media and advertisers.

He said that the festival involves all four districts, and that activities take place in each of them, subject to the organisers.

He shared that while many events are carried out in Bandar Seri Begawan due to the large audience, it does not mean that events are not carried out elsewhere, especially at the weekend through Bangarku Ceria, Kbku Ceria and Tutongku Ceria.

He also noted that there were events such as the speedboat racing in the Tutong District, midnight run in the Belait District, as well as cycling and treasure hunt events in the Temburong District.

He said that these activities attracted participation by people from abroad, and thus created further business opportunities for parties involved with the event, including with regards to accommodation.

“We will continue to spread this wider in years to come,” said the minister.

“For example, in the coming December, we hope there will be more participants and that it will involve new events that are fun, enjoyable and involve education and technology sectors, and others.

“This year, we will hold a coding competition, for the public and young people in particular – students from primary, secondary and university level – to take part, whether to create games or provide solutions.”

He said that the ministry has spoken with Universiti Teknologi Brunei to create a concept for the coding competition, and added that while it will start with domestic participants, it is not impossible that it will grow to attract foreign participants, and therefore become a bigger event.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

THE One Village, One Product (1K1P) initiative aims to enhance the quality and packaging of Brunei’s village products to ensure that they can be marketed not just locally, but also to export markets.

The production of these products, in terms of their quality and quantity, also needs to be sustainable.

These aspects are reviewed by the 1K1P Council whose members are from the government and private sector.

This was explained by Minister of Home Affairs Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong in response to Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Haji Umarali bin Esung. He asked whether there is any planning done to further develop the cottage industries in villages which is seen as a key sector capable of contributing significantly to the development of the country.

“Strategic partners are needed to further enhance the products, and if this industry is well-managed and developed, it is able to provide employment opportunities for the youth in the country, as well as generate income and enhance the economy of the local community, thus helping realise the objectives of Brunei Vision 2035,” the minister said.

Minister of Energy, Manpower and Industry Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mat Suny bin Haji Mohd Hussein, meanwhile, added that various efforts have been made by DARe (Darussalam Enterprise) to assist the industrial development of the Mukim and Village Consultative Councils.

These include a series of visits to the manufacturing premises, as well as holding talks with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Energy, Manpower and Industry (MEMI).

A range of matters have been raised by members of the Mukim and Village Consultative Councils on the marketability of the 1K1P products as a result of these discussions, including the production capacity of the operations and the quality of products produced.

The issue of packaging and labelling was also highlighted.

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mat Suny suggested that one or two signature products from each district which hold high potential for the export market and growth through aggregation can be targetted.

“With aggregation, the manufacturing and production of the existing products will be more regulated and orderly, ensuring that the products are ready for the domestic and export markets,” he said.

A range of locally made products are being showcased in major supermarkets and high foot traffic locations in the country under DARe’s ‘Made in Brunei’ initiative, including the Brunei International Airport and hotels.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

THE Municipal Department is planning to open up new trading areas for small and medium enterprise (SME) activities, while also taking safety, environment and time factors into consideration, said Minister of Home Affairs Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong yesterday. He made these comments during the 15th Legislative Council (LegCo) session.

The minister was responding to a question from member of the LegCo Yang Berhormat Naim bin Haji Kamis on whether the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) had any plans to establish proper trading areas for SMEs.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar also added, “In Bandar Seri Begawan, business activities are carried out during Bandarku Ceria on Sundays, from 6am to 10am. The Kuala Belait and Seria Municipal Department has also given space for small and medium enterprises to conduct their businesses every now and then, at the Tudung Saji market and during the KBku Ceria activities, including bicycle rentals.”

He then alluded to a new location at Jalan Roberts that has been open for business activities since February 21, along with food truck tenders currently on offer for the Bandar Seri Begawan area.

“Apart from that, the ministry will continue to monitor the type of businesses being carried out, including bicycle and motor-vehicle rentals,” he said. “The Municipal Department only allows the rental of bicycles and motor-vehicles during Bandarku Ceria, under certain terms and conditions, hence it is not permitted to conduct any rental trade beyond that.”

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

THE National Service Programme (PKBN) is all about disciplining and makes its trainees realise that changes start from within and no other, said Best Male Trainee award recipient Mohd Muazzam bin A Rahman, adding that as a youth he sees PKBN’s knowledge and skills are applicable in the real world.

Speaking to the Bulletin following his passing out parade, he said, “My main motivation is that I want to surpass my own limits and make my parents proud, as they have always fully supported me on whatever I want to do, which we believe is best for me.”

Mohd Muazzam added the discipline instilled on the trainees by the instructors is relevant to what the trainees need and what they can carry on after leaving the PKBN Training Camp.

“The instructors have done a great job in ensuring that we are well-disciplined and leave the camp with pride and patriotism,” he said.

Having the interests to try new things and boost her CV in gaining more achievements triggered the interest of 19-year-old Tutong Sixth Form Centre student Nurul Farahiyah binti Haji Abdul Razak Sidi to join the PKBN.

She said she learnt a lot on how to control and strengthen her physical, mental and emotional levels, enabling her to ‘bounce back’ and also taught her how to be independent and responsible.

She said, “There were challenges during the training. The most challenging was at the initial stage as I got homesick during my first and second weeks of enrolment, but it did not dampen my fighting spirit as I set my mind positively.”

Muhammad Haziq Zulfadli bin Othman overcame challenges through patience, focus and pushing the limits while always being positive.

“The values I gained from the PKBN can be applied anywhere and anytime, and I hope to be able to share the values with my family and friends,” he said. “To my fellow youth, join the PKBN as it is a good start in trying to change yourself and gain valuable experiences and knowledge.”

For Hazim bin Mastadi, the most difficult of all the challenges as a PKBN trainee was receiving the news of his father’s fatal accident, which was something hard to accept.

He added that the training did change him a lot and provided him with more exposure, particularly on discipline and activities to raise his inner strength, self-identity and being able to cope with survival situations.

He said, “I can now apply the values gained as a leader of my family. Although I still lack experience, I am ready to face the future ahead of me without doubt, and most importantly to apply problem solving techniques learnt from the programme and help motivate others to join it.”

Mohamad Aiman Azizi bin Kamal said maintaining discipline is the most important thing, and that avoiding doing mistakes helped him to receive the Overall Best Male Trainee award.

“PKBN has changed my lifestyle and helped us gain useful knowledge and skills that prepared us well, improvised our discipline and time management. I definitely will motivate my fellow family and friends to enrol as a PKBN trainee,” he said.

As for Teo Xin Yie, she joined the PKBN to gain new experience while waiting for her ‘A’ Level results. A visit by the PKBN to her college triggered her interest further to sign up as a PKBN trainee.

“During the training, I took everything positively. Even punishments I took as motivation to increase my stamina and improvise my discipline. I definitely feel a much better person and I am able to speak up in big groups, especially in discussions,” she said.

Another Best Male in Physical Training award recipient, Abdul Azim Mohamed @ Abdul Haziq bin Abdullah from Menglait Secondary School, said the PKBN not only improved their discipline but also helped change their negative attitude while challenging their mental and physical strength on a good note.

|     James Kon     |

IT’S good news for travellers thinking of heading to Japan from Brunei, as Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) announced that it will now be flying directly to Tokyo three times a week beginning today.

The thrice-weekly flights to Narita International Airport, using RB’s new fleet of Airbus A320neo aircraft, will take place on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. And by June, it will increase to four times weekly.

To mark the significant milestone, a special reception dinner was held at the Serambi Batil Hall of the Arts & Handicrafts Training Centre in Bandar Seri Begawan yesterday.

Present as the guest of honour was Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah in his capacity as Chairman of the RB Board of Directors, alongside special guests Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof and Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam Motohiko Kato.

Also in attendance were government officials, travel agents, business partners, corporate clients, RB Royal Skies Elite members, and RB staff.

Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew highlighted, “As a shareholder of RB, Darussalam Assets Sdn Bhd works collaboratively with the government and GLCs such as RB, striving to improve industry structures and sector strategies. We thank them for their continuous efforts throughout the RB journey.”

He highlighted, “GLCs are economic catalysts in accelerating innovation and generating healthy competition through delivering cost-effective solutions that will benefit the local businesses, consumers and the nation as a whole. As we strive towards achieving Brunei Vision 2035, improving performance in these sectors will form a strong foundation to yield better quality services for the Brunei population as well as paving the way for a more conducive environment for foreign direct investments, not to mention job creation, gainful employment and others. RB is no exception in this aspect, particularly in the aviation industry and tourism sector. Evidently, RB is growingly seen as a strong player in this economy and industry, and within the South East Asia region.”

Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew also pointed out, “There is a vast untapped market to explore with Brunei as a tourism destination, and as the national flag carrier airline, the connectivity that RB provides is paramount in developing the nation’s Tourism Sector. RB and Brunei Tourism have been working closely through destination marketing campaigns that expand Brunei’s tourism portfolios such as hospitality, leisure and food services along with great connectivity, through ensuring safe and efficient air travel, all of which enhances the tourists’ experience.”

RB’s decision to launch the route to Narita, Tokyo, he said “bears testimony to the nation’s long-standing relationship with Japan. Having this route is an opportunity to further expand RB’s overall network with the focus on regional development, in particular, North Asia, as the market is expected to contribute significantly to the capacity of RB’s new fleet. This is part and parcel of RB’s strategic plans to boost revenue and stimulate more passenger traffic into Brunei, including attracting tourists from Japan.

“The numbers are rapidly growing, and we hope for the relations between Japan and Brunei Darussalam to grow just as fast. The focus will not just be on destination marketing activities, but also into tapping potential markets such as high yield cargo business.”

Motohiko Kato expressed, “The commencement of direct flight from Bandar Seri Begawan to Tokyo marks a new era for both countries.”

The ambassador hoped that an increasing number of Bruneians will visit Japan and enjoy the different seasons and Halal option of restaurants. March and April are the months when cherry blossoms bloom coinciding with RB’s direct flight to Japan.

He also wished that more Japanese people will visit Brunei and experience the vibrant greenery as well as fascinating culture and tradition of the ‘Abode of Peace’.

In addition to tourism, he hoped that more Japanese business people would visit Brunei to learn about the potential opportunity for investment.

RB Chief Executive Officer Karam Chand said, “We are delighted to welcome Tokyo as our 24th international destination and provide capital city to capital city connection with the launch of our nonstop Narita-Bandar Seri Begawan services.

“As RB resumes its connection to Japan, our Tokyo flight will be the first time in more than two decades that both countries will be connected seamlessly via air linkage. This marks a significant milestone for both Brunei and Japan as this new service will no doubt be an enabler for tourism and trade between our beloved nations and further strengthen the strong bond that already exists.

“As the national airline of Brunei, we want to play our role by providing the missing link on our new service to a key market such as Japan and be the catalyst to create more opportunities and collaborations between businesses, governments and peoples.

“We made a very conscious decision to select the A320neo as the aircraft of choice for our markets, including medium-haul markets like Tokyo. The cabin features and aircraft capabilities allow us to pioneer new routes of up to seven hours in duration which were previously the domain of wide-body aircraft.

“The A320 family of aircraft is becoming the aircraft of choice for new, long, thin markets and RB is one of the leading airlines to leverage on this with the Tokyo route, and soon Brisbane and Beijing,” Chand added.

“We congratulate RB on starting commercial services with their new A320neo to one of the world’s most famous travel destinations, Tokyo. With its comfortable cabin, greater operational efficiency and extended range capability, the A320neo perfectly suits RB’s strategy of offering premium comfort services across its extensive network in the Asian region,” said Executive Vice President Asia for Airbus Jean-François Laval.

The inaugural flight to Tokyo from Bandar Seri Begawan, flight BI695, draped in special Brunei Tourism livery, departed Brunei International Airport at 12.35am earlier this morning.

The flight, of which RB Chief Executive Officer is on as the RB head of delegation, is scheduled to land at Narita International Airport at 7.30am today.

A special dinner reception will be hosted by RB for its business partners tonight at Andaz Tokyo in Tokyo’s city centre to celebrate the milestone.

Last year was a record year for Brunei with 278,100 visitors stepping on its shores via air travel. RB’s objective is to grow this figure to half a million by 2021. The addition of the RB direct flights to Tokyo and other codeshare flights is expected to increase the number of tourists from Japan to an estimated 18,000 from a modest figure of 5,400 last year.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

MINISTER of Home Affairs Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong said his ministry has identified and installed warning signs in areas where crocodiles are known to frequent.

He revealed that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) is working with the Wildlife Division under the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) on issuing crocodile alerts in risk-prone areas such as Kampong Ayer and the Tutong District’s Waterfront, in addition to several beaches and waterways.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar was responding to a query raised by Legislative Council (LegCo) member and Penghulu of Mukim Telisai Yang Berhormat Haji Ramli bin Haji Lahit, on the possible dangers posed by a significant increase in the local crocodile population.

Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong also took up the question, stating that the Wildlife Division is currently carrying out a public awareness programme on crocodile management, as well as informative roadshows for schoolchildren.

“Efforts and plans to disseminate information on this issue will be carried out via radio, television and print media, as well as through social media channels,” he said.

On the question of trapping permits for crocodiles, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali replied that a further review was necessary, to avoid the over-exploitation of local wildlife.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

A TOTAL of 388 National Service Programme (PKBN) alumni for the 8th intake took part in the passing out parade ceremony in the presence 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 yesterday.

The passing out parade ceremony was held at the PKBN Training Camp in Kampong Batu Apoi, Temburong District, marking the conclusion of a three-month period spent in training, with the largest number of recruits to date.

On arrival at the PKBN Training Camp, His Majesty was greeted by 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; Commissioner of the Royal Brunei Police Force Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohd Jammy bin Haji Muhd Shah Al-Islam; Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Major General Pengiran Dato Paduka Seri Aminan bin Pengiran Haji  Mahmud; and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil.

At the Parade Square, His Majesty received a royal salute, which was followed by the national anthem and a parade inspection.

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of six awards to well-deserving trainees who demonstrated excellent skills, discipline and commitment throughout the training that began in December last year.

His Majesty consented to present the awards for Best Trainees to Muhammad Muazam bin A Rahman and Syahirah binti Muhammad; Best Trainees in Physical Training to Abdul Azim Mohamed @Abdul Haziq bin Abdullah and Siti Norhalizah binti Herman; and Overall Best Trainees to Mohamad Aiman Azizi bin Kamal and Nur Marsya binti Mohd Rashidi.

A Doa Selamat was then recited by PKBN Religious Officer Abdul Qayyum bin Haji Metussin.

Prior to departure from the Parade Square, His Majesty was given a royal salute accompanied by the national anthem.

Shortly afterwards, His Majesty toured an exhibition on Hydroponic Agriculture presented by PKBN alumnus from the 5th intake Mohamad Akmal Asmaan bin Haji Asmali.

His Majesty also consented to a Junjung Ziarah by the manager and members of the Bestari Community Centre.

Accompanying His Majesty during the tour was Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud and Acting Minister of Education Datin Seri Paduka Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh.

His Majesty consented to sign a parchment marking his visit to the PKBN Training Camp yesterday.

His Majesty also received a pesambah from the PKBN Director Colonel (Rtd) Pengiran Haji Zulkifli bin Pengiran Haji Ismail.

Prior to departure, His Majesty received well-wishes from the 8th PKBN intake and also consented to a group photo with them and their parents.

Since its inception in 2011, the PKBN programme has produced over 2,000 alumni, including the 388 boys and girls who concluded their training yesterday.

The three-month training programme was conducted by 140 supervisors, coaches, medical officers and handlers from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), the Fire and Rescue Department, the Internal Security Department, Brunei Darussalam Outward Bound, Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) and professional volunteers, with the support of the PKBN alumni.

Since its pilot project in December 2011, PKBN has continued to make great strides towards the aspirations for the nation to produce youth who will actualise Brunei Vision 2035. The PKBN is a youth development programme that aims to produce youth who are responsible, disciplined, dynamic, united and courageous in contributing to the country’s socio-economic development and strengthening national defence.

Established under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the goal of PKBN is to enhance the spirit of patriotism, commitment and resilience among youth, in addition to strengthening the State Constitution and the national philosophy of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB).

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

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 called on the youth to reinforce their resolve in serving the country, with particular emphasis on strong patriotic values.

The monarch highlighted these admirable traits in his titah at the passing out parade ceremony for the 8th intake of the National Service Programme (PKBN) yesterday at the PKBN Training Camp in Kampong Batu Apoi, Temburong District.

“The process of youth development is far from easy and requires strong cooperation from all levels of society, whether through government-sponsored events or programmes from various non-government agencies,” said His Majesty.

“The PKBN is an outstanding example of a programme that is capable of producing excellent and highly disciplined youth with a strong sense of self.”

The monarch also noted that in an era of increasing globalisation, “There is hardly any hope of witnessing religious education as the main choice; therefore it is not surprising if the world today is deficient of a generation with strong religious values. What is commonplace is a generation with a weak hold on religious faith.

“Given this, our nation will not allow the young generation to deviate from religion, but continue to instil Islamic values in their lives on a regular basis, whether at school or other educational institutions, including specific courses such as those conducted at the PKBN Training Camp.”

His Majesty then emphasised on strong character steeped with patriotic values as “most essential to our nation, because a weak character without any patriotic spirit is like a body without a soul”.

“To ensure that youth – particularly those in the PKBN programme – are able to maintain their integrity, then the proffered courses should provide a basis for the strengthening of self-esteem, physical endurance and spiritual values. It is a great honour for our nation, if all those can be achieved.”

His Majesty briefly described the main objective of the PKBN programme as a drive “to produce endurance through the empowerment of youth, so that they can be more active and creative in their respective careers”.

“We do not want our youth to lead pleasure-filled lives without any thought for the long-term future, which is fraught with challenges. Only conscientious and insightful youth are capable of earning the country’s trust.

“The youth must strengthen their resolve to be of service to the country, instead of being a burden. This is an earnest pledge that should be ingrained in all young people,” His Majesty added.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

THE Youth Entrepreneurship Weekend was officially launched yesterday, by 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.

Hosted by Excel Event Management, with the collaboration of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the three-day event is a platform for local youth entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services at the Youth Centre in Bandar Seri Begawan.

Open to the public at 10am to 10pm today and 8am to 8pm tomorrow, among the main highlights are Business 101 Advisory sessions where guest speakers from various industries will talk about basic business skills on Marketing, Financial Literacy, Business Expansion, the Millionaire’s Mindset and the ROl Quadrant.

There will also be a talk session in the open area today, where prominent entrepreneurs and corporate stakeholders will share their success stories with the audience.

In conjunction with the first-term school holidays, visitors can expect to enjoy a list of family-friendly activities such as a colouring contest, a spelling bee, a radio-controlled Mini-Z tournament, a car boot sale, an archery contest and a Role of Survival (RoS) competition.

Ten per cent of the proceeds from the vendors’ sales will be donated to the Brunei Darussalam National Orphans Fund.

|     Wani Roslan     |

SUGARBUN Brunei is holding a three-day event at the Times Square Shopping Centre in Berakas to mark its 30th anniversary, which will end tomorrow.

The opening ceremony was held yesterday at The Atrium of the Times Square Shopping Centre.

It kick-started with an opening speech from the Director of SugarBun Brunei Chan Fui Meng.

Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei members and students were invited to the event.

Exciting activities organised throughout the celebration include a colouring contest, family games, and an appearance of the SugarBun official mascot.

The celebration also coincides with the school holidays for students to have fun.

The event aims to commemorate SugarBun Brunei’s establishment and at the same time give back to customers for patronising the fast food restaurant over the years.

|     Fizah HAB     |

TOURISTS from Japan arriving on the inaugural flight from Narita International Airport to Bandar Seri Begawan were given a warm welcome at the Brunei International Airport yesterday as the national carrier Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) launched its thrice weekly flights to Japan.

A group of 200 tourists from Japan booked the packaged tours offered by local travel agent Freme Travels. Their five-day-four-night adventure in the Sultanate will bring them to various tourist attractions in the capital and also the pristine forest of the Temburong District.

Upon arrival at the airport, they were welcomed with the traditional beating of the Hadrah by men dressed in their traditional Baju Cara Melayu while women dressed in the traditional Baju Kurung gave out Brunei souvenirs from Irama Bahtera team.

Bunga Manggar were also placed at the Arrival Hall of the airport to signify welcome and celebration in local tradition.

Representatives from the Brunei Tourism Board at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) were also on hand to greet the passengers.

The thrice-weekly flights to Narita International Airport, using RB’s new fleet of Airbus A320neo aircraft, take place every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. And by June, it will increase to four times weekly.