Headline – Borneo Bulletin Online

| Fadhil Yunus |

THE inaugural Brunei Petanque League 2016 was launched yesterday at the Petanque Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex.

The guest of honour during the ceremony was Mariam binti Ulat, Acting Director of Youth and Sports at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

The first ever national league which is open for the singles event has so far attracted a total of 19 entries in search for ranking points with more players expected to join in the coming months.

With the month of July already passed, the league continues until this December when the overall winner is expected to be announced after accumulating their ranking points between the July and December period.

In a similar style to cycling, the monthly winner will be awarded the coveted yellow jersey and is likely to be worn in the following month when they defend their ranking spot.

With players divided into several groups in the opening rounds, the four best players will be entered in the semi-finals and subsequently the winner will advance to the final to vie for the monthly title.

“The Brunei Petanque League is held specially to develop petanque in the country and hopefully the league championship can attract more players and petanque enthusiasts,” Haji Rosmin bin Haji Mohd Hassan, Secretary General of the Brunei Darussalam Petanque Federation said in an interview with the Bulletin yesterday.

Mariam binti Ulat, Acting Director of Youth and Sports, tosses a hollow steel ball to mark the start of the Brunei Petanque League. – FADHIL YUNUS

“The Brunei Petanque League is a step forward as carried out by more developed countries such as Thailand and Vietnam. They also organised the league and from there the players will constantly play,” he further added.

“The league system allows players to that play continuously so from there it shows that petanque is actively run every month.”

The Secretary General added that the ranking will differ every month unless there is a consistent performance for each player and only the top 16 players will be awarded ranking points even if the list exceeds more than 16 players.

The overall winner will be awarded a championship trophy, jerseys for their monthly wins as well as cash prizes set by the BDPF.

The Brunei Petanque League 2016 is organised by the Brunei Darussalam Petanque Federation.

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| Fadhil Yunus |

DPMM FC head coach Steve Kean revealed that they had been in a ‘good place’ after seeing their five-match winning streak came to a screeching halt in the aftermath of the 2-0 Singapore League Cup final loss to Albirex Niigata (S) at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Saturday.

“Up until tonight, we’ve won the last five games so we had been in a good place. I think any neutral who was watching the game wouldn’t say- if you look at the results 2-0- it must’ve been easy. Albirex would agree it was far from easy for them,” Kean said in a post-match press conference.

“We’ve enough chances but they’re a quality side and if they get into any of their rhythm which they did after we’ve missed that chance they’re hard to get the ball off,” he continued.

“Obviously we’ve changed from having five defenders to four so there’s a little bit more space. I felt we had to do that at that stage and we come down with our last eight games with confidence because we’ve performed well in the tournament,” he said.

Kean concluded that they came really close in winning the competition for a historic fourth time.

Meanwhile, Kean’s opposite number Naoki Naruo said he could not conclude the stability of his defence after allowing the Gegar Gegar men to create a host of chances.

The Japanese has unconventionally deployed forward Kazuki Mine as a makeshift central defender illustrating the height of their three-man defence.

DPMM FC finish runners-up in the Singapore League Cup after losing 2-0 to Albirex Niigata (S) in the final. – S LEAGUE

The tactical move has been designed to nullify the discernible threat of towering DPMM FC striker Rafael Ramazotti who tends to have a knack of converting hopeful balls into goals.

“All of our three defenders are very tall so we could defend from the high balls. I think we’ve showed good defence tonight,” he said.

Having gotten the Singapore Community Shield and the League Cup under wraps, Naruo is well aware of the task in hand as they set their sights on a historic quadruple.

“I don’t think it will be easy, but we have to play our style and show our best performance,” he concluded.

Kean has also told Singapore’s The New Paper that he is currently in discussions with the club with his contract reportedly running out at the end of this term.

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CULTURAL exchange programmes are growing in popularity as a key source to boost tourism in the country.

Just recently, the Brunei Enterprise (BE) did just that by facilitating a half-day cultural exchange programme themed ‘Finding Happiness’ with recent graduates from the Chinese University of Hong Kong at the Youth Centre in the capital.

Activities included story-sharing, cooking and photo-taking sessions.

Rania Oi, a recent Psychology graduate, spoke about how Brunei is unique as a country due to its high happiness level index, remarking, “Brunei is a country we from Hong Kong can learn from, as it is one of the top scorers in the global happiness index.”

Ivan Hon also commented on how beautiful the city was at night, “There are a lot of night activities in the city. We visited the food hawkers and they even gave us free food!”

Cherry Chang added how similar the Water Village (Kampong Ayer) is to Tai Oi, Hong Kong’s version of Venice of the East, “The architecture and vibe are almost the same… In Brunei, however, we found it interesting to see police and fire stations as well as schools (at the village). In Tai Oi, we don’t have that.”

When asked on how Bandar Seri Begawan could be improved, the students responded that the city could “potentially introduce night buses” as “it was hard for us to get around the city after 6pm”.

A half-day cultural exchange programme themed ‘Finding Happiness’ held at the Youth Centre

Eva, a Lithuanian tourist based in London who attended the programme, pointed out how friendly and helpful the Bruneian people were, “People stopped me in the streets to offer me help and directions; some even gave me free food, so I love the people and the country.”

In an interview, the Head of BE, Abdul Malik Omar, relayed how strengthening the relations of local youths with their Hong Kong counterparts can give them access to ideas for developments.

“Hong Kong is a great example of how a small state is able to punch above its weight in the global economy,” he said. “The education system, city planning and economic policies of Hong Kong is something Brunei can learn a lot from, in its quest to realise Vision 2035.

“BE will continue to extend support to any tourists, students or entrepreneurs coming to Brunei, especially if they have plans to engage with the locals or business community.

“In addition, we will continue our sustained efforts to build up and strengthen bridges with communities who wish to learn and explore more about the country.”

The Hong Kong students were on a six-day visit to Brunei to learn and study the country’s cultural background as part of the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups backpacker competition.

BE is a non-profit independent youth group that aims to elevate entrepreneurship in Brunei.

Since its inception in London two years ago, the group has introduced TEDxGadong and Global Entrepreneurship Week in the country.

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| James Kon |

MORE than 500 people took part yesterday in a jungle walk through the Tasik Sarubing Recreational Park, organised by the Brunei-Muara branch of the Brunei Darussalam Wushu Federation.

Present as the guest of honour was YB Awang Haji Gapor @ Haji Mohd Daud bin Karim, a member of the Legislative Council, who is also the Village Head of Kampong Belimbing. Also in attendance was Ang Swee Chuan, the President of Brunei Darussalam Wushu Federation, as well as leaders from several local Chinese associations.

In his remarks, Kong Yew Peng, the organising chairman, said that the jungle walk was aimed at instilling the routine of exercise for a healthy lifestyle, as well as to build closer ties among the participants from various associations. He also called for more members of the public to take up the martial disciplines of Wushu and T’ai Chi.

The jungle walk was divided into three levels: the 4.7km and 3.7km categories, and the VIP category. Before proceeding with the jungle walk, the participants took part in a warm-up aerobics exercise.

YB Awang Haji Gapor @ Haji Mohd Daud bin Karim, member of the Legislative Council and Village Head of Kampong Belimbing, launching the event

The jungle walk in progress. – PHOTOS: JAMES KON

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| James Kon |

LOOKING forward to gaining insight on Korean culture and forging new friendships, seven students from Brunei Darussalam has left the country for South Korea to participate in the Youth Camp for Asia’s Future 2016 from August 2 to 14.

The camp that will take the participants coming from 22 countries to Seoul, Suwon, Andong, Gyeongju and Jeju Island aims to provide opportunities to enhance understanding and future-oriented mutual cooperation through interaction by inviting youths who will lead the future of Asia and to train next-generation global leaders who will lead common prosperity and development of Asia.

The leader of the Bruneian delegation is Haji Muhammad Sawaz bin Haji Ali from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), who is also the President of the Korean Culture Club.

In an interview before boarding his flight, Haji Muhammad Sawaz relayed the reasons of joining the youth camp, “I wanted to gain more experience on Korean culture as well as to learn the culture of other friends from Asian countries.

“Since I am involved in the UBD’s Korean Culture Club, I hope that I will be able to share my experience and knowledge on Korea with other club members as well as students in UBD,” he added.

Meanwhile, it was a dream come true for Syarifah Umi Rafhanah binti Shaikh Mohammad Azmi from Laksamana College of Business who had always wanted to go Korea.

First Secretary at the Korean Embassy in Brunei Darussalam, Kwon Mi-yeon with the students participat-ing in the Youth Camp for Asia’s Future 2016, and their families. – JAMES KON

“I am always fascinated with the Korean Culture and people because I am always interested in the K-pop, Korean drama, movies and food,” she said.

At the age of 18, Amaniyah Ummairah Haziqah binti Haji Haris is the youngest in the group and it’s her first trip to Korea.

The Duli Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah College student said one of her career choice is international relations. She is “hoping to meet different people to understand their culture, so I think this youth camp will be an ideal platform to broaden my horizon.”

During the youth performance, the Brunei delegation will be performing ‘Seantero Dunia’, a song sung by local artiste Putri Norizah.

The First Secretary at the Korean Embassy in Brunei Darussalam, Kwon Mi-yeon was present to send off the students at the airport yesterday evening.

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| Hakim Hayat |

LOCAL cooperative Koperasi Usahajaya Pekira Berhad (KUPB) will commence operations at the new petrol filling station in Kampong Jangsak this morning, following a key handover ceremony held yesterday at the premises.

A representative from Syarikat Reka Bina Baru, consultant and developer of the $1.5 million project yesterday handed over a mock key to the Chairman of KUPB, Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Jaludin bin Pengiran Mohd Limbang.

Built on 0.508 acres of land, a representative from KUPB said the idea for the new petrol filling station – located in Simpang 842, Kampong Jangsak – sprung a decade ago and went through a lot of obstacles such as technical issues before the project could take off.

The station operates daily from 6am to 10pm and has a strong team of over 12 locals running the operations.

The key handover ceremony held yesterday. – DEAN KASSIM

Among the upcoming facilities at the station would be a shop, as well as automated teller machines (ATMs), according to a representative.

KUPB is a local cooperative under the Association of Former Government Servants (PERKIRA) established in 1996.

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| Achong Tanjong |

PEHIN Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, the Minister of Religious Affairs, hosted a Hari Raya gathering at the Mangrove Paradise Resort yesterday, for a delegation of 80 Muslim converts from the neighbouring states of Limbang and Lawas.

Also present at the gathering was Haji Harun bin Haji Junid, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Religious Affairs.

The delegation, led by Ustaz Shazli bin Dato Sri Haji Abdul Kadir, an officer from the Limbang branch of the Islamic Religious Office in Sarawak, is currently on a two-day goodwill visit to the country to forge close ties among new converts in Brunei and Malaysia.

The delegation also visited the Islamic Da’wah Centre, to explore methods of empowering new converts in addition to exchanging views.

Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, the Minister of Religious Affairs, receiving a token of appreciation from Mariana binti Abdullah. – ACHONG TANJONG

The Malaysian converts even had the opportunity to attend a goodwill gathering with their Brunei counterparts, and perform mass dawn prayers at the Mohamed Bolkiah Mosque in Kampong Serusop.

At yesterday’s gathering, Mariana binti Abdullah, the Deputy Chairman of new converts in Limbang, thanked the minister and the staff of Islamic Da’wah Centre for their warm welcome. She said that the visit was beneficial, in terms of planning activities for their converts.

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NEW evidence confirms that optimal breastfeeding (exclusive breastfeeding from birth to six months and continuous breastfeeding up to two years) could save 823,000 child lives and add USD300 billion to the global economy annually, said Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Acting Minister of Health.

In a message in connection with World Breastfeeding Week 2016, being observed from August 1 to 7, the minister reminded that breastfeeding is important to sustain development.

“Breastfeeding lays the foundation for good health for all children both in the short and long term, and also benefits mothers. As many as 20,000 deaths due to breast cancer globally could be averted if mothers breastfeed optimally,” he said.

Giving all children the best foundation in life begins with breastfeeding – one of the simplest, smartest and most cost-effective actions proven to generate healthier children, stronger families and sustainable growth, the minister added.

Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof. – FILE PHOTO

World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is celebrated every August 1 to 7 to highlight the critical importance of promoting the value of breastfeeding as the biological and social norm for infant and young child feeding. In Brunei Darussalam, WBW has successfully been highlighted since 1999.

This year once again, the Ministry of Health will lead the nation in celebrating WBW by carrying out various activities to promote, protect and support breastfeeding.

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| Azaraimy HH |

AFTER a month of flying proudly above the skies of Bandar Seri Begawan, the large national flag of Brunei Darussalam was lowered in a ceremony held yesterday at the open podium of the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex.

The flag-lowering ceremony, signalling the end of the 70th birthday celebrations for 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, was attended by Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Seri Wijaya Pengiran Haji Ahmad bin Pengiran Mohd Yusof, the Senior Assistant Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara, who is also a member of the Executive National Committee for His Majesty’s 70th birthday celebrations.

Also present were members of the flag-lowering committee and uniformed personnel from various government organisations.

The ceremony commenced with a reading of Al-Fatihah, followed by 70 uniformed personnel from the Prisons Department and the Department of Fire and Rescue entering the arena.

Uniformed personnel during the lowering of the large national flag in a ceremony held yesterday at the open podium of the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex

Uniformed Personnel during the flag-lowering ceremony held yesterday at the open podium of the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex. – PHOTOS: AZARAIMY HH

Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Seri Wijaya Pengiran Haji Ahmad bin Pengiran Mohd Yusof, the Senior Assistant Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara, receiving the national flag

This was then followed by personnel from the Royal Brunei Navy making their entrance, accompanied by the Royal Brunei Police Force band.

The flag was lowered from the mast, then folded and handed over to Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Seri Wijaya Pengiran Haji Ahmad.

The ceremony closed with a recitation of the Doa Selamat by Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Mustafa bin Haji Murat.

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| Fadhil Yunus |

JASPAR Yu Woon Chai looks set to become the first badminton player to represent Brunei in the Rio Olympics this month.

Getting a place in the grandest stage of all marked a realisation of a dream for the much-storied shuttler after years of establishing a career which had demanded a lot of hard work.

Jaspar’s acceptance as one of three players eligible to play in the Olympics under the Tripartite Commission by the IOC has been helped by his journey attending training stints in Japan.

The Brunei top-ranked shuttler was first discovered by Hiroshi Okouchi in 2005, now widely known as the Commissioner of International Affairs of the Nippon Badminton Association.

In 2010, top Japanese national players arrived in the Sultanate to play in the Yonex Brunei Open Ike Shio Cup which was organised by the Brunei National Badminton Association and the Nippon Badminton Association with the support of the Embassy of Japan.

The Brunei’s top shuttler was also invited to play in an exhibition game against a top 10 mixed doubles team at the Indoor Stadium.

During the same period, Jaspar has already won the national title and Okouchi outlined his plans to help accelerate his growth and learn as well as seek advice from the Japanese national team.

In 2014, Jaspar was accepted in the highly-rated NTT East badminton team for a seven-month training stint.

Universiti Brunei Darussalam has been central to his development after coming up with the sponsorship through the Discovery Year Programme.

Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, and senior officials in a group photo with the athletes. – BAHYIAH BAKIR

“UBD understands how to promote his (Jaspar) badminton. My association (Nippon Badminton Association) arranged for UBD and him to come to the national ranking club,” Okouchi said in an interview.

Japanese’s world ranked players Ken Momota and Kenichi Tago were esteemed members of the NTT East which is regarded as the top badminton club in Japan.

The training that Jaspar went through is not the same as in Brunei where he learnt training methods accustomed by the top Japanese players.

At the same period, Japan was the best team in the world after winning the prestigious Thomas Cup.

The Brunei shuttler has since been busy joining world ranking tournaments which helped accumulate his world ranking points.

After learning that he was eligible to play in the Olympics through the Tripartite Commission on May 25 this year, Jaspar returned to Japan to train with the Yonex Japan badminton team where he spent a month there. He was previously attending a training camp in Kuala Lumpur.

Okouchi emphasised that this type of structure or system can be adopted in other sports through collaboration with professionals.

“Through his efforts, he got an invitation to compete in the Olympics,” Okouchi affirmed.

The current world number 408 hopes to do his best in the Olympics debut and make the country proud adding that it is an important chance for him.

“In terms of fear or nervousness, there is a bit but I won’t be affected. Whether my best is enough to win or not, it is a different story. But what I can do and what I can assure is I’ll do my best and hopefully my best is enough to make Brunei proud,” he said in an interview.

Asked how he would approach the biggest tournament of his life, Jaspar replied, “I would definitely savour the moment but there’s mixed feelings. I’d like to approach it like in any other tournament so that I won’t have extra pressure but at the same time it is a very important moment.”

Jaspar’s coach Zuno Kartono Haji Ali has aided in the homework through the video collection and the duo will be taking points during the video analysis as part of their extensive preparation.

Meanwhile, local sprinter Maizurah Abdul Rahim is set to become the second female Olympian to represent Brunei after Maziah Mahusin, who took part in the London 2012 Olympics.

“I am really excited to compete in the Olympics but at the same time there’s a bit of nerves. I hope that I can perform well there,” Maizurah said in an interview with the media.

“I hope I can break my personal best there. Training has gone on smoothly,” she further added.

Maizurah, who is scheduled to compete on August 15, is honoured to be chosen as a national athlete for the Rio showpiece adding she hope to do her very best.

Sprinter Mohd Fakhri bin Haji Ismail has the opportunity to make a hat-trick of achievements where he advances to the next round of a major event following his successes in the SEA Games in Singapore and the World Championships in Beijing last year.

Mohd Fakhri is aiming to qualify to the next round and also set a new personal best hinting that his heart is set on going for the 10.4-second mark.

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THE Uniformed and Community Service Unit under the Co-Curriculum Education Department of the Ministry of Education with cooperation from the Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association (PPNBD) of Brunei-Muara District, recently held a Venture Leader Course, for the seventh time, for youth scouts still in colleges and secondary schools, both public and private, which took place at the Scouts Complex, Gadong.

The three-day course concluded with a certificate presentation by the guest of honour at its ceremony, Deputy Chief Commissioner of PPNBD, Skipper Haji Ismail bin Pehin Orang Kaya Ratna Setia Dato Setia Haji A Hapidz.

Throughout the course, 15 sessions were successfully delivered, involving 11 coaches comprising commissioners and leaders of PPNBD.

The course was one of the requirements to qualify the scouts to be awarded the Youth Scout badge.

Photos above & below show PPNBD Deputy Chief Commissioner Skipper Haji Ismail bin Pehin Orang Kaya Ratna Setia Dato Setia Haji A Hapidz at the closing ceremony

It is hoped that course participants will be able to utilise what has been gained when they return to their respective teams; to help leaders or teacher supervisors. Participants must display their abilities, be active and creative, in carrying out schemes and imparting scouts knowledge.

The committee system that has been taught is very important and must be put to practice in teamwork, as this system will give benefit and help teams to move forward with ease.

A total of 38 youth scout members – 17 boys and 21 girls – represented their respective teams across eight secondary schools.

During the ceremony, two youth scout members, Mohammad Assraddin bin Haji Ibrahim of Awang Semaun Secondary School (for boys) and Nurul Izzati Dzani binti Rahman of Menglait Secondary School (for girls), were elected as best course participants.

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FOR the first time, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s prestigious World Barista Competition was hosted in Colombo, Sri Lanka from July 18 to 20.

The competition drew over 100 competitive baristas of various nationalities, including teams from the United States, Japan, Korea, Singapore, China, Malaysia, East Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia, India, Bangladesh, Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Georgia.

The competitors also included locals Nur Amalina Mohaimin (representing Brunei Darussalam) and Nuratikah Azzahra Abdul Manaf (representing East Malaysia).

Brunei was announced as being part of the Top 5 overall.

Nur Amalina won this year’s title for the National Barista Competition, while Nuratikah won for overall signature beverage.

This year’s event also incorporated Sri Lanka’s own rich heritage in tea by inviting the baristas to participate in a Global Tea Master Class and a visit to the renowned Nildalukanda Tea Factory, which is part of the Walter’s Bay Tea Estate in the Kandy District of Sri Lanka.

The tea master class was also conducted by The Coffee Bean’s Senior Director of Tea, David De Candia, who is originally from Los Angeles and is known as a Master Tea Blender, buyer and internationally reputed expert on tea.

At the World Barista Competition

Nur Amalina said, “The Master Tea Class was very insightful and it was such a privilege to be taught by David De Candia. We’re definitely looking forward to sharing the experience and applying the lessons to improve our customers’ experience.”

The competition was organised in line with the rules from the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA), the world’s foremost authority on coffee and the largest coffee trade association globally.

Competitors were given 15 minutes to brew and serve three types of beverages: four cups of espressos, four cups of cappuccinos and four cups of the barista’s own signature beverage while keeping a clean work station and a professional and engaging demeanor.

Each beverage was assessed for smell, taste and presentation to a panel of sensory and technical judges. The barista’s signature beverage was one of the most anticipated as it provides contestants the opportunity to showcase their creativity and passion in whipping up their own unique creation.

For Nuratikah, her signature beverage was ‘Matcha Crème Brulee’ based on a popular French dessert, Crème Brulee. It is composed of matcha green tea powder, heavy whipping yolk, egg yolk.

Nur Amalina presented her signature beverage ‘Summer Cocoa’ which is made of a shot of espresso, palm sugar and coconut cream.

Both beverages were made using a sous-vide method which is creating the beverages in a temperature controlled water bath to create the perfect consistency for the beverages.

Mohd Fairuz Ibrahim, the Training Manager, shared “We’re happy and blessed as this year we managed to place our Brunei team into the Top 5.

“We were also delighted to hear from Mr Feroz, the Vice President of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Asia Pacific, who shared that the Brunei team has improved in terms of technical skills and applauded us for bringing a different perspective to the sensory judges with our sous-vide method.”

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| Azaraimy HH |

TO EXPRESS gratitude towards Allah the Almighty for the local fruit season and bountiful fruitage blessed upon them, the farmers at the Rural Agricultural Development Land (LKPLB) in Bukit Tabalu, Kampong Kiudang, held a get-together and thanksgiving prayer ceremony.

The event was held to show the happiness of farmers at Bukit Tabalu on the fruitful efforts that they had accomplished, whereby some of their fruit farms are now ready for harvesting.

Among the local fruits cultivated by the farmers at Bukit Tabalu include various variants of durian, tibadak, rambutan, jackfruit, tarap, sukun, banana, langsat and corn, among various others.

Also present for the ceremony was the Village Head of Kampong Kiudang, Haji Mohd Saiful bin Abdullah Anja, members of the Kampong Kiudang Village Consultative Council and Head of LKPLB Bukit Tabalu, Haji Mohd Muhammad bin Abdullah.

Members of the LKPLB Bukit Tabalu with some of their farm produce

A group photo of the farmers at LKPLB Bukit Tabalu

The cultivation at LKPLB Bukit Tabalu, which is about 54 hectares, started in 2004.

Currently, the farms at Bukit Tabalu produce fruits for the local market.

The farms have also provided good additional incomes for the local farmers.

Members of the public who wish to buy the fresh produce can visit the farms or the Muafakat market.

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| James Kon |

JASPER Yu Woon Chai, the first national badminton player to compete in the Olympics, yesterday received a morale boost in the form of an apparel sponsorship from Hashimoto Corporation (Pte) Japan and International Halal Recommended Association.

The sponsorship was received during the national flag handing over ceremony for the Brunei contingent to the 31st Olympic Games, which is set to take place in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

Noriko Hashimoto, Coordinator from Hashimoto Corporation, presented the apparel sponsorship for Jasper Yu to Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof.

According to Noriko Hashimoto, this is the second time the company has sponsored Jasper Yu Woon Chai. The first was for the Hiroshima Asian games.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof receives the sponsored apparel from Hashimoto Corporation Coordi-nator Noriko Hashimoto. – JAMES KON

“We are honoured and excited to be able to support Jasper again on his historic achievement for Brunei as the first local badminton player to compete in the Olympics,” she said.

Currently, Hashimoto Corporation is conducting various projects and initiatives to further build on the bilateral friendship between Brunei Darussalam and Japan.

The company is involved in the preparation of an art festival to be held in Brunei from August 22 to 28.

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| Danial Norjidi |

THE Journalist Training Workshop for the Asia Pacific Rainforest Summit (APRS) 2016 kicked off yesterday at the Rimba Horticulture Centre.

The workshop, organised as part of the APRS 2016, has a significant role to play given the increasing importance that environmental issues play in public policy, as well as in daily life.

The participants of the workshop include representatives of various media agencies from Brunei as well as Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Thailand, Vanuatu and Vietnam, all of whom will be covering the upcoming summit when it takes place on August 3-5.

In a press release from the organisers, it was explained that the workshop hopes to empower the participants, to reinforce the importance of the environment, to raise necessary issues and to debate their role in environmental development and its impact.

Throughout the two-day workshop, scientists from the Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) will engage with journalists to find the human story in science, make sense of scientific data, as well as visit a forest community to see up front the challenges that they face.

The participating journalists will also gain a better understanding of forestry science research methods, cultivate scientific resources and sharpen their reporting skills through the lectures and field visits.

The workshop began yesterday with a brief opening ceremony, in which Wardi bin Haji Mohammad Ali, the Deputy Permanent Secretary (Tourism) at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism delivered remarks, welcoming the participants.

Wardi bin Haji Mohammad Ali, the Deputy Permanent Secretary (Tourism) at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism delivering his welcoming remarks. – DANIAL NORJIDI

“This workshop has been designed to be practical with exercises to provide skills, encourage participation and exchange information,” he said.

“Let me take this opportunity to thank CIFOR for organising this workshop and using the Brunei forest landscape as samples to exercise during the workshop.”

“I was informed that you will be visiting the Sumbiling Eco Village in the Temburong District tomorrow and doing a stop-over at the Selirong Mangrove Island. You will be visiting one of Brunei’s conservation forests, famous for its elevated concrete walkways cutting through the forest, enabling visitors to walk and enjoy gorgeous nature.”

“It is uninhibited but manned by personnel from the Forestry Department,” he continued. “Get ready to be awed by some of the largest mangroves in the Sultanate.”

He described the Temburong District as the highlight of Brunei as an eco-tourism destination.

“The pristine forests still cover most of the district. The wildlife can still easily be seen in their natural habitat.

“You will be enjoying an hour-long boat ride to the district and at the Sumbiling Eco Village you will be visiting the settlements of one of our indigenous community, the Ibans.

“Finally, I sincerely hope that the discussions in the workshop and the information shared can be applied effectively in your role as journalists and reporters,” he concluded.

The opening of the workshop also saw welcoming remarks delivered by Selina Cho, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia to Brunei Darussalam and Pablo Pacheco from CIFOR.

The facilitator of the workshop is Zubaidah Nazeer.

The Asia Pacific Rainforest Summit that follows the workshop will provide a platform to address these concerns through panel discussions where speakers exchange insights and research on themes crucial to the ongoing conversation on the forests and landscape, building on the momentum of the Paris climate Change Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The APRS 2016 is the second of its kind, following a successful inaugural one in 2014 in Sydney, Australia, which resulted in the formation of the Asia-Pacific Rainforest Partnership.

This year’s summit is hosted by the Government of Brunei Darussalam and supported by the Government of Australia, with CIFOR as the science and engagement advisor.

The post Journalists receive special training for APRS coverage appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

| Azaraimy HH |

PRIMARY health care services at the BSB Health Centre (Ong Sum Ping) and the Mother and Child Health Clinic in Kiarong have moved to the Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Muta-Wakkilah Hayatul Bolkiah (PAPHMWHB) Health Centre in Kg Rimba.

Haji Dr Norzaidi bin Haji Saini, acting senior medical officer-in-charge of PAPHMWHB Health Centre, during an interview with local press advised residents residing within the catchment area of the BSB Health Centre and the Mother and Child Health Centre in Kiarong – with the exception of those residing in Kg Subok – to visit the PAPHMWHB Health Centre from now on.

“Residents at Kg Subok can go to the Berakas Health Centre located at Jalan 10 Selatan, RPN Kg Lambak Kanan in Berakas instead for their primary health checkups and needs,” he said.

He added that from now on, the opening hours at the PAPHMWHB Health Centre will be extended from 7am to 6pm, from Monday to Thursday and on Saturday.

He reiterated that the services at the PAPHMWHB Health Centre will be based on an appointment system, where outpatients need to call in for an appointment at 2424991 or make an appointment at the counter.

The Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Muta-Wakkilah Hayatul Bolkiah (PAPHMWHB) Health Centre in Kg Rimba has begun providing quality services

Haji Dr Norzaidi bin Haji Saini, acting senior medical officer-in-charge of PAPHMWHB Health Centre in an interview with the local press. – PHOTOS: AZARAIMY HH

The appointment system at other centres has been very successful in providing a more efficient service and reducing waiting time. However, emergency situations are still a priority, he said.

The move to PAPHMWHB is in line with the Ministry of Health’s strategic priority to enhance quality of the service. The PAPHMWHB Health Centre has a bigger capacity and better infrastructure he noted adding that the health services offered there are based on the ‘One Stop Health Centre’ concept.

One of the patients, Dayangku Sukadinoor binti Pengiran Haji Md Salleh, agreed that the move to the PAPHMWHB Health Centre is beneficial to the patients coming from other areas.

Rosinah binti Haji Hasmit, who resides in Kg Katok, also supported the idea as it would help those residing around Rimba and that the health centre is closer and bigger.

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| James Kon |

AIMING to take the Sultanate’s hitherto elusive Olympic dreams to fruition, an eight-member contingent from Brunei, including the country’s top three athletes, departed for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to participate in the 31st Olympic Games, the biggest sporting spectacle in the world, yesterday.

Besides badminton prodigy Jaspar Yu Woon Chai and star sprinters Mohd Fakhri bin Ismail and Maizurah binti Abdul Rahim, the Brunei squad for the August 5-21 event comprises a Chef de Mission, a manager, two coaches and a secretariat officer.

In a sabda, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, the President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council (BDNOC), reminded Brunei’s athletes to maintain good discipline and to stay clear of prohibited substances, in compliance with the regulations of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

The words of advice from His Royal Highness’ sabda was read out by Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, during the national flag handover ceremony held yesterday for the Brunei contingent.

“Take this opportunity to increase your knowledge, exchange views in the field of sports, as well as try to benefit from the Olympic movement programme organised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the host of the Olympic Games,” His Royal Highness urged.

On Brunei’s participation in the Rio Games, His Royal Highness said, “It’s an obligation for all members of the IOC, under Rule 28-3 of the Olympic Charter. As we did for the London Olympic Games, we recognised the value of gender equality this time too by sending a female athlete along with male athletes.”

Highlighting a new milestone in the history of the country’s Olympic participation, His Royal Highness mentioned that Brunei will be represented for the first time by a badminton player in the men’s singles competition.

Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, delivering his speech

Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi handing over the national flag to Umi Kalthum binti Haji Abdul Karim, the Chef de Mission for Brunei Darussalam

Brunei’s contingent to the 31st Olympic Games in a group photo with Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, and officials. – PHOTOS: JAMES KON

Shuttler Jaspar will be participating in the Games, along with Mohd Fakhri in the men’s 100-metre event and Maizurah in the women’s 200-metre.

Jaspar received his Tripartite Commission invitation place in the men’s singles, through a selection process made by the IOC, based on the player’s ranking points for Zone Asia.

Meanwhile, in his speech at the flag handover ceremony, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, said that sending a talented contingent to Olympic Games Rio 2016 is a remarkable achievement, which would serve as an inspiration for other athletes to work hard towards improving the quality of their sporting performances.

The minister also described the Olympic Games as a dream and ambition for all athletes, including those from Brunei.

“Getting to participate in this sporting event is not easy,” he said. “The Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, has given special attention in this regard, and it requires systematic and ongoing training. It requires some careful preparations such as intensive training, participation in tournaments both at home and abroad, and a solid support from all parties – especially parents, families, employers, coaches, sporting associations and so on. Taking an approach based on sports science and technology is also one of the aspects that should be applied to achieve excellence in the athletes’ performances.”

The minister also had words of praise for the athletes. “I was pleased to see the development of the track-and-field athletes in the ‘Time Trial’ held on July 28. I hope and believe that our national athletes will demonstrate a higher level of performance than that of previous participants, or at least break the national record.”

The highlight of the ceremony was the handover of the national flag by Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi, to Umi Kalthum binti Haji Abdul Karim, the Chef de Mission for Brunei Darussalam at the 31st Olympic Games.

Brunei first participated at the Olympic Games in 1988, when its contingent comprised just one official and no athletes.

In 2000, runner Haseri bin Asri competed in the men’s 100-metre event, but was not able to advance. In 2004, Brunei once again sent a one-man delegation, Jimmy anak Ahar, who was also unable to advance in the men’s 1,500 metres.

After missing out on the 2008 Olympics due to unforeseen circumstances, Brunei made history in 2012, by sending hurdler Maziah binti Mahusin as the first female athlete to represent the country at the London Games.

Maziah was accompanied to the Olympics by swimmer Anderson Lim and runner Awangku Hafiy Tajuddin bin Pengiran Rositi in a three-member contingent, which was the biggest participation from Brunei at the time.

The post Trio set for action in Rio appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

| Azlan Othman & Bahyiah Bakir |

HIS Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, attended a Hari Raya Aidilfitri gathering in his capacity as the Chairman of Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD) Board of Directors yesterday, at the Banquet Hall of the Prime Minister’s Office.

Upon arrival, His Royal Highness was greeted by Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, Minister of Education, who is also the Deputy Chairman of AMBD Board of Directors; Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance II, and Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, who are both members of AMBD Board of Directors.

Also on hand to welcome His Royal Highness were members of the Board of Directors and the senior management of AMBD.

The event was held in conjunction with the current Hari Raya festivities, to promote goodwill among AMBD personnel, and to foster a harmonious work environment.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, at AMBD’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri gathering yesterday

His Royal Highness touring the Middle East-themed booth

His Royal Highness during the Junjung Ziarah with AMBD officials

His Royal Highness in a group photo with senior officials of AMBD. – PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR

His Royal Highness also posed for a group photograph with members of the Board of Directors, as well as the senior management and staff of AMBD.

Before leaving, His Royal Highness received a Junjung Ziarah from the Board of Directors, senior management and staff of AMBD.

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| 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, yesterday consented to grace the first get-together of retired military officers with His Majesty in conjunction with the monarch’s 70th birthday celebration.

The ceremony took place at the Royal Berkshire Hall of the Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club in Jerudong.

Upon arrival at the venue, His Majesty was greeted by Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Sanggamara Diraja Major General (Rtd) Pengiran Haji Ibnu Ba’asith bin Pengiran Datu Penghulu Pengiran Haji Apong as the Patron of the Executive Organising Committee; Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Mohammad bin Haji Daud, Deputy Patron; and Pehin Datu Harimau Padang Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Husin bin Ahmad, Chairman.

After a brief mingling session at the Chesney Lobby and signing of the Royal Parchment, His Majesty was ushered to the Royal Berkshire Hall for a cake-cutting ceremony marking His Majesty’s 70th birthday, accompanied by the recitation of Selawat by all present to wish His Majesty long life and followed by the presentation of special pesembahs to His Majesty.

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 consented to grace the first get-together of retired military officers with His Majesty in conjunction with the monarch’s 70th birthday celebration. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI

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 along with YAM Pengiran Sanggamara Diraja Major General (R) Pengiran Haji Ibnu Ba’asith bin Pengiran Datu Penghulu Pengiran Haji Apong (right) prior to arrival being introduce to the members

His Majesty mingling with the retired military officers. – INFOFOTO

The ceremony then proceeded with a mass recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Kesyukuran led by Major (Rtd) Haji Ibrahim bin Ahmad after which Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Sanggamara Diraja Major General (Rtd) Pengiran Haji Ibnu Ba’asith delivered the Sembah Alu-Aluan.

The Chairman of the Executive Organising Committee extended gratitude and birthday greetings to His Majesty on behalf of the former military officers present at the ceremony.

The monarch also consented to the Junjung Ziarah by invited guests and former military officers shortly after Santap.

The ceremony concluded with a group photo session of the former officers aged above 70 years with His Majesty.

Yesterday’s ceremony was a first-of-its-kind event organised for the former military officers to extend their gratitude and appreciation for the welfare bestowed on them by His Majesty and to express their undivided loyalty towards the monarch who is also the Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

Apart from celebrating His Majesty’s 70th birthday, the event also provided an opportunity for the retired military personnel to strengthen ties among themselves.

Also present at the ceremony were former military officers Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports and First Admiral (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Abdul Aziz bin Haji Mohd Tamit, Deputy Minister of Defence.

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| Fadhil Yunus |

HAMIDUN Haji Abdul Hamid was announced as the monthly winner for the month of July in the Brunei Petanque League 2016 and collected the full 16 points at the top of the ranking table at the Petanque Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex recently.

Hamidun outfoxed Wirna Haji Mohamad Yassin 13-2 in the final to win the coveted yellow jersey and a winner’s plaque.

Wirna will trail Hamidun by a solitary point with 15 followed by Mazlan Haji Yahya with 14 points and Khairul Bariyah Khairul Anuar with 13 points.

Presenting the prizes to the winners was Haji Abdul Karim bin Haji Ahmad, Acting President of Brunei Darussalam Petanque Federation (BDPF).

Thirteen players have chalked ranking points in the quest of becoming the first ever champion of the Brunei Petanque League 2016.

Hamidun Haji Abdul Hamid was announced as the monthly winner for the month of July in the Brunei Petanque League 2016. – BDPF

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