|     James Kon     |

SC TUBULAR Solutions (B) Sdn Bhd, working with Mothercare, yesterday presented infant car seats to 14 parents of newborns during a ceremony at the Women and Children Centre of the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital.

The initiative aims to raise awareness on the importance of infant car seats.

Senior Tubular Advisor Mark Ascoli presented the infant car seats to the parents.

Speaking to the Bulletin, he said, “It is our passion to raise awareness for the safety of infants. We see people driving in their cars with an infant on their lap, and the infant maybe most at risk in the car. Therefore, we hope to carry on with this initiative for some time to come.

“We also held an awareness campaign recently on the radio, which ran for a few months.”

“We are aiming to give away 13 infant car seats every month, starting from April this year to March next year,” he added.

SC Tubular Solutions (B) Sdn Bhd is a foreign direct investment company in Brunei and a subsidiary of Sumitomo Corporation.

|    Fadhil Yunus    |

AS PART of preparations for the Brunei Championship 2019 next month, golfers representing Brunei Darussalam attended a training session with esteemed coach from Thailand Khun Ghot.

The three-day training, which concluded yesterday, was held at The Empire Hotel & Country Club, the venue for the Asian Development Tour (ADT) sanctioned tournament.

In an interview with the media, Khun expressed his excitement on returning to Brunei to assist the local golfers to enhance their performance.

He highlighted the lack of experience of local golfers in competing at professional tournaments.

He opined that they will improve their short game to obtain a good result and able to provide competition to the other professional players.

Meanwhile, Haji Mohd Faiz Fakhri bin Haji Damit, one of the local golfers who will play in the Brunei Championship, explained that the three-day intensive training helped him and his compatriots a lot in various approaches and techniques in golf, which is a useful and important tool in their efforts to improve their quality of play.

Awangku Muhd Syakir bin Pengiran Haji Alli, an amateur golfer, selected to represent the country in the Brunei Championship 2019, hoped that through his preparations and training four to five times a week, he can harvest rewards and provide fierce competition to the professional players.

Brunei is playing host to the April 24-27 tournament for the second time. Thailand star Kiradech Aphibarnrat took the crown last year.

The Brunei Championship aims to highlight the country as a premium golfing destination in the region as well as to promote golf as a sport in the football-mad nation.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

ALL local boat vessels must register with the Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD) to heighten safety standards for local water transport.

In addition, boat operators are required to undergo a course on safety regulations and procedures in boat handling, before they can obtain a Class 9 (Limited) licence.

This was highlighted by MPABD Chief Executive Haji Mohd Salihin bin Haji Aspar yesterday during the distribution of lifejackets at the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Jetty.

He told the Bulletin that the event was aimed at promoting awareness among boat operators and their passengers on the importance of wearing lifejackets.

“It is part of a continuous campaign which has been carried out by the MPABD prior to this,” he said.

“Several dialogue sessions have been actively organised, to further stress on the importance of wearing lifejackets, so that this matter would not be taken lightly.”

As one of the regulatory bodies behind the campaign, the MPABD hopes that lifejackets will be a priority among boat operators and passengers.

“All forms of water transportation, particularly boats, are easily exposed to hazards, bad weather and unstable water conditions,” said Haji Mohd Salihin. “Lifejackets help the wearers to keep afloat, so that they can be easily rescued.

“To reinforce their importance, it is hoped that the practice of not wearing a lifejacket during short journeys will cease altogether.”

BRUNEI Darussalam and Vietnam look forward to strengthening their friendship and expect to take their bilateral relations to a higher level.

In a joint statement issued on the establishment of a Comprehensive Partnership between Brunei Darussalam and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, during His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s State Visit to Vietnam at the invitation of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong, both leaders underscored the traditional friendship and close cooperation between the two countries.

The leaders expressed happiness that the warm and friendly ties between the two countries have been elevated to a Comprehensive Partnership, signifying the commitment of both sides to further strengthen the much-valued relationship for the benefit of the two countries and their peoples.

They highlighted that the newly established Comprehensive Partnership will create new momentum to bolster Brunei and Vietnam’s multi-faceted cooperation, with focus on the major areas of political relations, defence and security, trade and investment, energy, education and social cooperation, and people-to-people exchange, as well as other fields of mutual interest, and cooperation within multilateral frameworks.

Both leaders witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)on the use of hotline for information-exchange to address illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism of Brunei Darussalam.

The leaders exchanged views on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. They reaffirmed the great importance of the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Brunei Darussalam and noted with satisfaction that the two countries are entering a new phase of cooperation given the new emerging opportunities presented by strong economic growth in the region, particularly with the development of the ASEAN Community.

Both sides acknowledged the importance of maintaining the momentum of exchanges of visits between officials from both sides at all levels, including through the existing Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) to explore opportunities for cooperation in their mutual interests and to further enhance bilateral trust and partnership. The leaders encouraged closer cooperation between the Parliamentary bodies of the two countries and the consideration of the establishment of the Vietnam–Brunei Darussalam Friendship Association and Brunei Darussalam–Vietnam Friendship Association to further promote people-to-people links.

The leaders acknowledged the significant progress in defence cooperation, especially through the effective implementation of the 2005 MoU on Defence Cooperation and the 2013 MoU on Navy Cooperation.

Both sides agreed to explore further opportunities to promote concrete cooperation between defence forces, including through the sharing of information, exchanging high-level official visits, and establishing new consultation mechanisms.

Both sides also agreed to closely coordinate and support each other at multilateral defence forums, particularly those under ASEAN frameworks such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM), ADMM Plus, ASEAN Chiefs of Defence Forces’ Meeting (ACDFM), and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

The leaders reaffirmed the importance of cooperation in public security through the sharing of experiences to combat transnational organised crimes such as illicit drug trafficking, people smuggling, terrorism, cybercrime and money laundering. They expressed determination to commence discussion for agreements on extradition, judicial assistance cooperation, and the transfer of sentenced persons.

The leaders agreed to enhance collaboration to facilitate and promote the current balanced and sustainable two-way trade turnover towards the target of USD500 million by the year 2025, including maximising utilisation of the market access accorded by the free trade agreements for their goods and services (including the potential markets presented in the BIMP-EAGA and Mekong sub-regions), foster a pro-business environment, strengthen business-to-business links, increase participation in trade fairs, and facilitate the expeditious resolution of challenges faced by businesses in their mutual interest.

Both countries are committed to working closely in agricultural sectors such as livestock and crop commodities including poultry, rice, fresh fruits and vegetables, fisheries, technical capacity-building, and enhancing cooperation in Halal manufacturing – including cosmetics and pharmaceuticals that can be exported to the global Muslim markets – and getting their enterprises operating in food production certified to international standards.

The leaders are encouraged by the two-way investment and reaffirmed their strong support to mutually increase bilateral investment, especially in government procurement, public services, infrastructure development, smart agriculture, aquaculture, food processing, manufacturing, and energy.

Both leaders expressed their hope for the expeditious negotiation and conclusion of the added Protocol for the 2007 Agreement on the Prevention of Double Taxation.

Conscious of the importance of information exchanges to address IUU fishing activities, the leaders look forward to the implementation of the hotline provided for in the MoU recently signed by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism of Brunei Darussalam. They also agreed to further enhance maritime cooperation including aquaculture and seafood processing, sharing of experiences and information in law enforcement at sea, and cooperation in tackling maritime security challenges to ensure maritime safety and freedom of navigation.

His Majesty and President Nguyen Phu Trong agreed to enhance collaboration among educational institutions through student and teacher exchanges, and joint research programmes and trainings. The leaders also highlighted the importance of effective implementation of the 2014 MoU on Education Cooperation and agreed to convene the 2nd Educational Working Group Meeting at the earliest opportunity.

The leaders welcomed the cooperation between PTSC Mechanical and Construction Co Ltd and PB Services Sdn Bhd following the signing of the Framework Agreement, which establishes a strategic collaboration between the parties in relation to Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation and Commissioning (EPCIC) projects in Brunei Darussalam and the region.

The two leaders welcomed the ongoing cooperation in labour and urged the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs of Vietnam and the Ministry of Home Affairs of Brunei Darussalam to work closely towards enhancing labour cooperation in their mutual interest. They acknowledged the importance of securing local employment for the social interest of their respective countries, hence encouraging Bruneian and Vietnamese companies to promote the employment of locals and their human capacity development. Both sides, subject to national policy requirements, agreed to facilitate working permits for nationals coming from and into both countries.

The leaders affirmed their commitment to further promote sports, cultural and tourism cooperation through participation in sports and cultural activities, regional and international tourism events, and promotional activities.

The leaders recognised the close geographical proximity between the two countries and agreed there was potential to enhance air connectivity to facilitate their endeavour for meaningful cooperation and deeper exchanges among their peoples.

They are also committed to exploring and enhancing exit/entry facilitation and continuing coordinating closely in consular matters regarding their citizens in line with ASEAN’s tradition of friendship and solidarity to further facilitate the exchange of delegations and tourists. To this end, both countries agreed to consider extending the visa exemption period for Vietnam’s ordinary passports from 14 to 30 days, and diplomatic and official passports from 14 to 90 days. Both leaders exchanged views on various regional and international issues and agreed to continue to work closely in addressing global and regional challenges, including transnational crimes, climate change mitigation, disaster management, as well as the promotion of sustainable development and the food–water–energy security nexus.

The leaders expressed satisfaction with the excellent cooperation between both countries in regional and international fora, including ASEAN and ASEAN-related mechanisms, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) and the United Nations (UN). Vietnam expressed appreciation to Brunei Darussalam for its support in the former’s bid to become a Non-Permanent Member of the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 term.

The leaders reiterated their commitment and continued support as well as close cooperation when Vietnam and Brunei Darussalam serve as ASEAN Chair in 2020 and 2021 respectively. Both sides underlined the importance of maintaining and strengthening solidarity and reaffirmed the importance of maintaining ASEAN centrality and unity in community-building efforts and engagement with external partners.

The two countries are committed to working closely together to ensure the full and effective implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, to contribute to the peace and stability of the region, promote regional links and narrow development gaps. Both leaders also emphasised their support for an ASEAN-centric regional architecture that is open, transparent, inclusive and rules-based.

His Majesty and President Nguyen Phu Trong reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, security, stability, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, and emphasised the need to enhance mutual trust and confidence and pursue peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The leaders reiterated the importance of non-militarisation and self-restraint in the activities of claimants and all other states in the South China Sea, to prevent further escalating tensions in the disputed waters.

Both sides reaffirmed their support for the full and effective implementation of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), welcomed the continued improving cooperation between ASEAN and China, and were encouraged by the progress of substantive negotiations towards an effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) on a mutually agreed timeline.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to work together in maintaining an open, inclusive and rules-based multilateral trading system and to successfully conclude a comprehensive and mutually beneficial Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in 2019. They affirmed their belief that the conclusion of RCEP would potentially facilitate the expansion of regional trade and investment and contribute to global economic growth and development.

The leaders expressed satisfaction with the open and candid discussion in the spirit of mutual understanding and friendship, and look forward to strengthening cooperation in a number of areas of mutual interest. His Majesty expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality and courtesies extended to the Brunei Darussalam delegation by the State and the people of Vietnam during their visit, and cordially invited President Nguyen Phu Trong to visit Brunei Darussalam at a mutually convenient time.

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 visited M113 Commando Brigade, in Vinh Phuc Province, Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Accompanying His Majesty during the visit was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

Upon arrival at the M113 Commando Brigade camp, His Majesty was greeted by Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army Major General Ngo Minh Tien and Commander for Vietnam’s Special Forces Major General Do Thanh Binh.

Shortly on arrival, His Majesty was presented with a bouquet of flowers.

His Majesty was then invited to a designated seating area where His Majesty listened to a briefing and witnessed a climbing and rappelling display as well as a hostage rescue demonstration by members of the M113 Commando Brigade.

After the demonstration, His Majesty was invited to view a static display of weapons and military equipment. His Majesty then watched more military demonstrations such as camouflage, shooting, martial arts and armed combat.

During the visit, His Royal Highness was also invited to shoot from a pistol.

Before concluding the visit, His Majesty consented to receive a pesambah, and then presented a gift to the Commander for Vietnam’s Special Forces. His Majesty concluded the visit with a photograph session with the officials and members of M113 Commando Brigade.

M113 Commando Brigade serves as a mobile combat unit of the Vietnamese Commando Corps. Among the main tasks of M113 Commando Brigade is to conduct combat readiness and counter-terrorism training. Since its establishment in 1972, the brigade has been awarded the title Hero of the People’s Armed Forces three times.

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 morning attended the Official Welcoming Ceremony in honour of His Majesty’s State Visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, which was held at the Presidential Palace, Hanoi.

Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

Before arriving at the Presidential Palace, His Majesty first attended Wreath-Laying Ceremonies at two monuments.

Upon arrival at the Monument of National Heroes and Martyrs, His Majesty was greeted by Director of the Management Board of the Monument Pham Hai Trung. His Majesty walked past a static guard of honour before laying a wreath at the monument.

After the ceremony at the Monument of National Heroes and Martyrs, His Majesty then proceeded to the Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh. Upon arrival, His Majesty was greeted by Chief of the Mausoleum’s Management Board Bui Hai Son. His Majesty was then invited to lay a wreath at the mausoleum.

His Majesty then proceeded to the Presidential Palace for the Official Welcoming Ceremony of the State Visit.

Upon arrival at the grounds of the Presidential Palace, His Majesty was welcomed by President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong.

Shortly after arrival, His Majesty was presented with a bouquet of flowers.

His Majesty then proceeded to the dais to receive the official salute, accompanied with the national anthems of both countries. His Majesty then inspected the guard of honour mounted by the People’s Army of Vietnam.

State Dignitaries of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam were then introduced to His Majesty. This was followed by the introduction of the Brunei Darussalam’s delegation to the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Both leaders then proceeded to the Yellow Room for a meeting. Prior to the meeting, His Majesty was invited for a commemorative photograph session.

After the meeting, His Majesty and the President proceeded to Hall ‘B’ for a bilateral meeting.

In the meeting, His Majesty and the President discussed ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The two leaders also discussed regional issues and exchanged views on international matters of mutual importance.

After the meeting, His Majesty and the President witnessed the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Hall ‘A’.

An MoU was signed by ministers of both countries. The MoU on the Use of Hotline for Information Exchange to Address Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing was signed by Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong on behalf of the Government of His Majesty and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Xuan Cuong.

A joint statement between the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and Brunei Darusssalam was also issued.

Later in the morning, His Majesty attended a meeting with the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the Government Office Headquarters.

His Majesty was greeted on arrival at the Government Office Headquarters by the Prime Minister.

At the meeting, His Majesty and the Prime Minister discussed bilateral relations between Brunei Darussalam and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and exchanged views on regional and international matters of mutual importance.

The State Visit of His Majesty to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam this year is the second visit of its kind to be made since the establishment of diplomatic relations on February 29, 1992.

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 noted Vietnam’s preparations for the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2020 and assured President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong of Brunei Darussalam’s full support.

His Majesty delivered the titah during the State Banquet hosted by the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam at the International Convention Centre, Hanoi during His Majesty’s State Visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam yesterday evening.

In his titah, His Majesty expressed the deepest appreciation to President Nguyen Phu Trong and to the Government and people of Vietnam for the generous hospitality and excellent arrangements extended to His Majesty and delegation.

Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

Upon arrival at the International Convention Centre, His Majesty was welcomed by the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Prior to the State Banquet, His Majesty exchanged gifts with the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. His Majesty, together with the President then proceeded to the Banquet Hall for the State Banquet.

The State Banquet began with the playing of the national anthems of both countries, followed by a welcoming address from the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Impressed with the developments achieved since the last State Visit, His Majesty hailed Vietnam’s accomplishments and significant transformation as a testament to the successful implementation of the country’s Doi Moi policy.

Citing Vietnam’s current status as the fastest growing economy in ASEAN, His Majesty expressed confidence that under the able leadership of President Nguyen Phu Trong, Vietnam would continue to make further strides towards economic progress and growth.

His Majesty lauded the continued growth in friendship since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Given that the expansion of cooperation in many areas including energy, education, agriculture and tourism had built a strong foundation for bilateral relations, His Majesty welcomed the elevation of relations to a ‘Comprehensive Partnership’.

His Majesty also added that the close proximity and direct air linkages would further facilitate and enhance trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges, especially among youth and students.

His Majesty underlined the importance of continuing to strengthen their relationship and preserve the principles instrumental to peace and stability towards achieving the ASEAN Community Vision 2025.

His Majesty looked forward to enhancing their friendship in the years to come, and also extended an invitation to President Nguyen Phu Trong and spouse to make a State Visit to Brunei Darussalam.

The State Banquet was further enlivened with a cultural performance.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

BRUNEI Darussalam national sprinter Muhammad Noor Firdaus Ar-Rasyid bin Haji Mohd Idris bagged a silver medal in the 200m event at the 81^st Singapore Open Track and Field Championships 2019 after clocking a time of 21.65s at the Singapore Sports Hub in Singapore yesterday.

The race ended in a photo finish as winner Ngee Ann Polytechnic Reuben Rainer Lee Siong En clocked at 21.64s with Fujitsu’s Kei Takase taking home bronze with a time of 21.66s.

“He (Muhammad Noor Firdaus Ar-Rasyid) did well in the heat round and broke his season best with a time of 21.53s (before it was 21.74s last February). In the final, he only clocked 21.65s but he won the silver medal as a bonus,” coach Azmize Abdul Rahman told the Bulletin. “I’m quite happy with the performance today (Thursday) and I hope it will continue again tomorrow (Friday) for the next event,” he continued.

“This will also encourage his teammates to do their very best tomorrow (Friday) with their individual events and relay events in the 100m and 4x100m.”

Meanwhile, President of Brunei Darussalam Athletics Federation (BDAF) Major (Rtd) Mohd Talip bin Haji Mohd Tahir said, “On behalf of BDAF, I would like to congratulate Firdaus’ achievement in winning silver, and his efforts and commitment during training. Personally, I thank the efforts by Coach Del Prado and Coach Azmize.”

The local sprinter qualified to the final with a season best of 21.53s in heat three of the preliminaries behind the Japanese pair of Kirara Shiraishi from Daito Bunka University and Kei Takase.

Brunei’s Abdul Aqil bin Abdul Kadir also competed in the 200m where he posted a time of 23.58s in the heat round.

President of Singapore Athletics (SA) Tang Weng Fei presented the medals during the presentation ceremony.

The competition continues today with Brunei runners Muhammad Faaizul bin Abdullah, Md Fakhri bin Ismail and Abdul Rahim bin Abdullah joining newly-crowned 200m silver medallist Muhammad Noor Firdaus Ar-Rasyid and Abdul Aqil in the 100m event.

Brunei will also take part in the 4x100m relay event where they hope to smash their own national record of 40.21s which they set at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Kuala Lumpur two years ago.

|     Daniel Lim     |

BRUNEI LNG Sdn Bhd celebrated its golden jubilee with the unveiling of its 50th Anniversary Logo yesterday at the main atrium of its head office in Lumut.

With the tagline ‘Growing Brunei with Our People’, the ceremony also saw the company revealing the theme to mark the milestone, BLNGolden (Brunei LNG Golden), together with an accompanying #BLNGolden cut-out.

A roadmap for the various activities and celebrations planned to mark the company’s 50th year in service was also outlined.

Brunei LNG Managing Director and CEO Patrice Girard and several heads of departments as well as staff were present.

“The hashtag cutout combined with the official launch of Brunei LNG’s presence on social media, in particular Instagram, represents a continuous effort by the company to increase its visibility and branding to give the public a better understanding of Brunei LNG operations and contributions to the nation, as well as to celebrate the people who make up Brunei LNG,” Brunei LNG Human Resource, Communication and External Relations Manager Rafidah binti Rambli said in her welcoming remarks.

Since its establishment in 1969, Brunei LNG has made history by becoming the first company in the Western Pacific to begin liquefaction of natural gas and contributing to making liquefied natural gas (LNG) a global energy resource.

Meanwhile, Patrice Girard highlighted the company’s aim to be recognised as a “leader in safety, business integrity, production and commercial excellence”.

“Brunei LNG has continued to bring value for Brunei Darus-salam and shareholders by producing LNG safely and delivering it to customers on time, and contribute to nation building by growing its people into a highly skilled, motivated, inspired and energised workforce. The company wants to grow and sustain the business in line with the aspirations of the nation,” he said.

“To date, Brunei LNG has delivered more than 7,000 shipments of cargo to its customers, mostly in the Asian region, and is proud to declare that it has not missed a single cargo delivery since operations commenced.”

Girard also underlined the importance of Brunei LNG’s workforce in contributing to the success of the company.

“It is because of each and every one of you here, it is because of your dedication and commitment that we are able to celebrate this momentous milestone. Thank you very much for all you have done for the company.”

Girard also handed over certificates to local artists who created the Brunei LNG golden jubilee cutout, as a mark of appreciation of their efforts.

The company’s Instagram page was also launched. The event also saw a video montage of various photos taken at Brunei LNG over the 50 years.

|     James Kon     |

CELEBRITY chef Martin Yan, famous for his cooking show Yan Can Cook – which he has hosted since 1982 – and his trademark tagline “If Yan can cook, so can you!”, said he would love to move and stay in Brunei Darussalam because of its “serenity, green rainforests and beautiful beaches”.

The Chinese-American chef and food writer is in the country to participate in the Culinary Journey with Martin Yan at Dynasty Restaurant.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Yan praised Brunei for its beauty, abundant nature attractions and stress-free way of life.

“Brunei is one of the last frontiers of serenity, ample with rainforests and many beautiful beaches,” he said. “I also understand that you have some of the best scuba diving sites. We don’t see that in many places. It will be my dream to stay here.”

He added, “Life is so stressful and I don’t feel any stress in Brunei. In many big cities, it’s very stressful. The people here look happy. Brunei is a country of abundant natural resources and it’s a great place to live. This is also such a safe and peaceful place. However, many people may take it for granted and don’t appreciate it. Learn to appreciate every day.

“The Culinary Journey with Martin Yan culinary showcase is a special event and project. I’ve always wanted to come to Brunei, I’ve never been here. I thought that it would be a great opportunity to be here. I travel to different places… I learn how to cook the local cuisine of the countries that I visit.

“I learn from the locals. I just finished filming my Taste of Malaysia, Taste of Vietnam and Taste of Korea TV cooking series, and I am currently working on Taste of Cambodia. [For the shows] I will go to the kitchen to learn from home cooks as well as chefs.”

Yan said that he would love to do a Taste of Brunei series, noting that it is his desire to promote the island of Borneo, including Brunei Darussalam.

“Normally, when I feature a country, I start with the landscape, history and heritage. Then I move on to the beautiful spots and explore local cuisine and snacks,” he said. “We can tell people about Brunei. This is a young country with a lot of history and heritage. I have tasted a couple of Bruneian food, I like the flavour – it’s explosive with a lot of spices. I like Malaysian food and it’s similar.”

Yan also spoke about his life. “I was born in Guangzhou, China and by the age of 15, my father used to have a restaurant in Portland,” he recounted. “All these years I took care of myself. You are lucky that the government takes care of you. Being a citizen of Brunei is very fortunate. If I can, I would like to move to Brunei.”

And what of his famous rapid-fire, Kung Fu-esque slicing style?

“Practice makes perfect, I cook every day, I use my knife every day,” he said. “Just like athletes who practise every day, I feel fortunate that I love what I do. I love my work.

“To be successful, you have to be very passionate about your work. You don’t get into this field because you want to be famous, you get into it because you love to cook and love food.”

Yan added that he would love to pass on his culinary skills and knowledge. “I love to teach in culinary school,” he said. “I do lectures in culinary schools in Asia except Brunei. It’s never too old to learn how to cook. I work with many students, in my office I have apprentices and interns from culinary schools. We develop recipes, programmes and cooking shows.”

Following his Brunei visit, Yan will return to the United States (US) for a few weeks before heading to Chengdu and Taipei. He says he is looking forward to coming back to Brunei again. Cooking fans and gourmands will get the opportunity to meet chef Martin Yan during the Culinary Journey with Martin Yan teaser event tonight at 7.45pm at the Goldstone Ballroom, The Centrepoint Hotel, during which Yan will show attendees how to prepare a number of selected traditional Cantonese dishes.

Seats are limited for tonight’s six-course meal event.

The Culinary Journey with Martin Yan food promotion will officially run from March 31 to April 14 at Dynasty Restaurant, offering diners a mouthwatering selection of chef Martin Yan’s Cantonese specialties.

Fans of chef Yan can also meet him on March 31 and April 1 at Dynasty Restaurant during the promo period.

|     Danial Norjidi     |

DIRECTOR of Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) Sabah Noor Azian binti Romlan addressed the need for export promotion through avenues such as local and overseas events, trade fairs, trade and investment missions as well as market visits.

Delivering her keynote presentation on ‘The Basics: Building an Export-Oriented Business’, she highlighted what companies need to be ready to begin their export journey, beginning with internal factors pertaining to production, financial, human capital and marketing, as well as external factors of export requirements and compliance and legal.

She made these comments at a conference on ‘Tapping New Markets: Exporting for Growth’ as part of the launch for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Festival at the BRIDEX International Conference Centre yesterday.

The MATRADE Sabah Director also affirmed that there is a need to understand export requirements, develop an export plan, conduct research as well as prepare logistic and export documentation.

She underlined the importance of development for exporters themselves through seminars, conferences, workshops and training as well as informal learning and networking.

The conference continued with its first panel discussion on ‘Access to Markets’, which began with scene-setting remarks by Executive Director of Asian Trade Centre, Singapore Dr Deborah Elms on the practical export possibilities in ASEAN and beyond.

She joined a panel featuring CEO of Mindplus Edu Pengiran Mohd Khairi bin Pengiran Haji Metussin and CEO of Ghanim International Corporation Dr Nur Rahman to discuss overseas markets for Bruneian businesses.

The conference continued with a session on ‘Building a Strong Online Presence’, where a panel comprising CEO of 28Mall.com, Malaysia Fione Tan as well as CEO and founder of Nimanja Anderson Lim and CEO and founder of Rotuku Group of Companies Azri Jumat discussed strengthening export ability through an effective online strategy. The final session of the conference was divided into two parts.

The first of which was a conversation with CEO and co-founder of Christy Ng Shoes, Malaysia, Christy Ng on how she grew an enterprise through exporting, while the second part focussed on growing through internationalisation, featuring CEO and founder of Avantist Watches Keeran Janin from Brunei.

|     James Kon     |

THE Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association (PPNBD), through the Junior Scout Section, hosted a Patrol Leadership Course for its Junior Scout members from March 22-24. It was held at the National Scout Training and Activities Centre of the PPNBD in Jalan Gadong.

As many as 49 Junior Scouts, comprising Patrol Leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders from 13 schools, took part in the course.

Scouts Chief Commissioner of PPNBD Haji Awang Badar bin Haji Awang Ali presented certificates to the participants, in the presence of Scout Commissioners, District Scout Commissioners, Junior Scout Leaders and Assistant Junior Scout Leaders.

The course taught participants how to be an efficient patrol leader, one who can lead/train junior scouts during patrols, as well as interact effectively among junior scouts and other patrol leaders.

The course is one of the requirements to train in the lower level of the scout leadership. A scout leader’s responsibility lies on the shoulders of the existing Junior Scout leader and assistant leader, but the opportunity for these patrol heads shows their skills, and skills are also needed in the ongoing process of learning.

Participants also learnt about the roles of a leader in a small group, and the role he plays during patrols. The course covered training in interaction confidence and leadership, as well as teamwork skills.

It also shed light on the roles and responsibilities of a chief patrol, organisation and head of patrol councils, how to train new junior scouts and base system that provides a lot of skills, leadership and training in the Young Scout Team, environment trail, motivational talk delivered by the Counselling Unit from schools, knotting, map and compass reading skills, basic first aid, how to light a fire, a scout sign, a signal flag (semaphore), junior scout night and leadership activities.

THE Ministry of Defence (MinDef) and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) co-hosted the National Legal Workshop for Brunei Darussalam on the Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) .

The workshop was held at the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (SHHBIDSS) from March 26-27.

Acting Permanent Secretary at the MinDef Haji Amiruddin bin Haji Mohammad Hassan presented certificates of appreciation to participants during the closing ceremony.

Director of Defence Policy at the MinDef Haji Adi Ihram bin Dato Paduka Haji Mahmud officiated the workshop.

The workshop aimed to assist Brunei Darussalam in making its initial submission on the legislative and administrative measures in implementing the CWC, to finalise the draft legislation of CWC and to outline the next steps in implementing the CWC legislation.

Forty participants from government agencies and industry establishments attended the workshop. Among them were officers from the Attorney General’s Chambers, Royal Brunei Police Force, directorates and units of the Ministry of Defence and Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Royal Customs and Excise Department, Ministry of Finance and Economy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Fire and Rescue Department, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Energy, Manpower and Industry, and Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd.

The OPCW, based in the Hague, Netherlands is responsible for implementing the CWC. Among the OPCW’s missions are to ensure the destruction of chemical weapons, to prevent their re-emergence in any member states, and encourage international cooperation in the peaceful uses of chemistry.

Brunei Darussalam is a signatory and state party to a broad range of United Nations treaties and conventions including the CWC. Brunei Darussalam signed the CWC on January 13, 1993 and ratified it on July 28, 1997.

|     Danial Norjidi     |

THE Oil Refinery and Petrochemical Plant at Pulau Muara Besar (PMB) is expected to start operation by the end of 2019 and will contribute to the country’s economy, Human Resource Director of Hengyi Industries Sdn Bhd Alan Goh said.

He made these comments when Hengyi Industries Sdn Bhd organised its first Public Engagement Session on March 27 at Meragang Sixth Form Centre.

According to a press release, the engagement session was held to provide an overview and awareness on Hengyi’s Oil Refinery and Petrochemical Plant Projects at Pulau Muara Besar to the local communities and companies that are located in the vicinity of Serasa area.

The engagement session featuring a panel comprising representatives from Hengyi and its shareholder, Damai Holdings Ltd alongside officers from the Ministry of Energy, Manpower and Industry (MEMI) and Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA), touched on topics related to workplace safety, employee welfare and social impact on community.

The event was attended by Legislative Council member and Acting Penghulu of Mukim Serasa Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Mohamed bin Pengiran Haji Osman @ Othman.

Also in attendance were officials from MEMI, Damai Holdings Ltd, Royal Brunei Police Force, Fire and Rescue Department, Information Department, Fisheries Department, Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD), SHENA, Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI), FDI Action and Support Centre (FAST), mukim penghulus, and village heads, as well as private companies and enterprises that are based at Mukim Serasa.

The proceeding began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by a safety briefing.

Health, Safety and Environment Executive of Hengyi Industries Sdn Bhd Haji Sofi Hasni bin Haji Sharbini in his presentation shared updates on the existing and upcoming projects of the Oil Refinery and Petrochemical Plant at Pulau Muara Besar.

The session continued with a corporate video presentation.

It concluded with a question-and-answer session.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

MINISTER of Energy, Manpower and Industry Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mat Suny bin Haji Mohd Hussein yesterday launched Brunei’s biggest showcase of local products and services at the BRIDEX Hall in Jerudong.

Organised by DARe (Darussalam Enterprise), the MSME Festival features over 200 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), together with a conference on ‘Tapping New Markets: Exporting for Growth’ organised by Asia Inc Forum.

DARe CEO Javed Ahmad in his welcoming speech said that apart from providing a platform for Bruneian brands to gain market access and validation, while socialising business reforms and opportunities from the public and private sectors, the MSME Festival is also intended to inspire more Bruneians to start up or expand their own businesses.

“It is part of the efforts to help businesses to use technology in the aspect of their business operations, and the festival will also bring about a cashless agenda to expedite the industrial experience,” he said, adding that digitalisation in business would bring future benefits for both businesses and consumers, due to convenience and the efficiency of technology.

The MSME Festival began with a conference on the topic of exports delivered by local and foreign experts who included MATRADE Director (Sabah Regional Office) Noor Azian Romlan, and Mindplus Edu CEO Pengiran Mohd Khairi bin Pengiran Haji Metussin.

The other speakers were Ghanim International Corporation CEO Dr Nur Rahman, 28Mall.com CEO Fione Tan, Nimanja CEO and founder Anderson Lim, Rotuku Group of Companies CEO and founder Azri Jumat, Christy Ng Shoes CEO and co-founder Christy Ng, and Advantist Watches CEO and founder Keeran Janin.

Over the following days, until March 31, the festival will see a line-up of activities, including sharing sessions with local businesses on seizing opportunities, transitioning from home-based businesses to storefront, balancing home and career, and branding and marketing.

The festival will also feature talks by Dynamik Technologies, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) and Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD), as well as a product demonstration session under DARe’s ‘Bruneian-Made’ supermarket shelf initiative activities.

Today, DARe will launch the first ‘Brunei Mentors for Entrepreneurs Network’, through which local entrepreneurs can contact registered professionals to seek business guidance and advice.

|     Lyna Mohamad     |

THE number of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in 2015 was 96 per cent of 5,342 local enterprises, thus contributing approximately 35 per cent of the overall revenue generated by local companies, according to the 2016 Economic Enterprise Survey or Business Year

In addition, with local companies becoming significant employers in the recruitment of about 115,000 employees, MSMEs can be a stimulus towards economic growth and open up new job opportunities.

This was highlighted by Minister of Energy, Manpower and Industry Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mat Suny bin Haji Mohd Hussein yesterday, at the launching of DARe’s (Darussalam Enterprise) MSME Festival.

“We have entered a global era of new challenges and opportunities,” he said. “The long-term sustainability of these companies is based on their ability to penetrate overseas markets, as well as their innovative power.”

The minister also called on all relevant parties, including DARe, stakeholder agencies, local companies and members of the local business community to ponder the titah 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.

“Firstly, His Majesty’s titah at the Special Conference on February 7, 2018, call on improving methods for the increased production from small and medium entrepreneurs,” he said.

“Aside from encouragement by way of promotion, entrepreneurs also need to be assisted in their development, whereby the most vital assistance is guidance for the successful start-up and management of their businesses.

“This is important because not all entrepreneurs have business acumen, while the current initiatives need further improvement.

“The establishment of DARe solely serves to support and drive the growth of MSMEs. It is their duty and responsibility to ensure that all MSMEs involved in this festival, as well as those without the means to take part, will be regularly guided and shown the way to success until they are capable of expanding their local and foreign networks, while improving their individual sustainability.”

The minister emphasised the titah of His Majesty at the official opening ceremony for the first meeting of the 15th Legislative Council (LegCo) session, where local companies were also urged to upgrade their product quality, to compete and benefit from trading without borders.

“We need to be export- and global-orientated in conducting business affairs,” he said. “As of 2013, exports from the non-oil and gas sector contributed to only three per cent of the total revenue from Brunei Darussalam’s exports.

“At the same time, entrepreneurs are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities on offer from the government and DARe, as well as from among themselves.

“As mentioned earlier, there are more than 5,000 local MSMEs on our country’s current business landscape. It is hoped that these MSMEs will help one other, as members of the local business community, in mutually improving their prestige and contributions towards our country.

“There are many unique local products and services that need to be promoted to the right target market, in addition to being developed as niche products and services that are not available anywhere else.

“Let us all work together in responding to the titah of His Majesty. The MSMEs will have the opportunity set up a united consortium or an aggregate body to boost capacity, energy resources and in taking initiatives to penetrate the export market.

“In the meantime, DARe and local traders are expected to adopt the ‘whole-of-the nation’ approach, to ensure the success of the country’s economic sector and the oil-and-gas downstream sector, as well as that of the food tourism and services sector, the info-communications technology (ICT) sector and the manufacturing sector.”

The minister then pointed out that as of 2015, only a small number of companies are involved in these sectors, and urged DARe to provide the relevant guidance and services, as well as the impetus to penetrate these fields.

“The government will continue to strive towards providing a business climate that is conducive to local business development, including MSMEs and the resolution of issues faced by entrepreneurs in conducting their daily business affairs,” he said.

The minister expressed hope that the MSME Festival would open up new opportunities for the participating companies.

“In business and trading, we need to bear in mind the noble principles of Islamic teachings, including the importance of maintaining cleanliness and holiness and upholding our integrity,” he said. “These need to be applied as one of the best practices, and Insya Allah, the status and reputation of our local products and services will be first-rate.”

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, left the Socialist Republic of Vietnam yesterday after concluding a three-day State Visit.

Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

Prior to departure from the hotel, a Doa Selamat was recited by State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.

Present at Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi to bid farewell to His Majesty were Chairman of Presidential Office as the Minister-in-Attendance Dao Viet Trung; Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Sao Mai and Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Brunei Darussalam Do Anh Tuan.

Also present to bid farewell to His Majesty were Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Pengiran Haji Sahari bin Pengiran Haji Salleh and officers from the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Prior to boarding the special aircraft, His Majesty walked past a static guard of honour mounted by members of the People’s Army of Vietnam.

His Majesty was then presented with a bouquet of flowers.

|     James Kon     |

THE Prisons Department is marking its 64th anniversary with a sales and produce fair at the Rimba Point in Tasek Rimba.

The three-day event was officially launched yesterday by Prisons Department Acting Director Haji Muhammad Isamuddin bin Abdullah Juna, who also toured the vendor booths at the venue.

The fair features an assorted display of handicraft, woodwork furniture and agricultural produce from inmates of the rehabilitation programme.

Apart from showcasing the positive impact of vocational and skills training, the project represents the Prisons Department’s ongoing efforts to re-integrate former inmates into the community, while giving their products a public platform.

|     James Kon     |

THREE students from Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam went on their first overseas trip yesterday, thanks to Singapore Airlines’ Overseas Exposure Programme.

Norhazlinah binti Zulkifle, 25, Fatin Zulraini binti Zulkifle, 27, and Nurul Afizah @ Doreen Meng, 19, are accompanied by Hayunni Saduk on their four-day trip to Singapore.

They were given a send-off at the Brunei International Airport by Pusat Ehsan Executive Trustee Pengiran Datin Hajah Noraini binti Pengiran Dipa Negara Laila Diraja Pengiran Haji Abdul Momin.

All three were selected on the basis of their work habits and poster-making skills during an art competition held in February this year.

Singapore Airlines General Manager (Brunei) Paul Dorai Raj said in an interview, “Singapore Airlines recognises the importance of giving back to the communities that we serve. The selected students had never been on an aircraft and travelled abroad before this, so they really looked forward to the trip.”

While in Singapore, the students will get a chance to explore the sights and sounds of the Lion City’s famous attractions, including a visit to a special needs school.

Raj added, “We are planning to carry out this programme on an annual basis. We chose this flight because we have a bigger aircraft flying in Brunei today – the 777 aircraft.”

The Overseas Exposure Programme to Singapore is supported by two organisations – Accor Hotels and Wildlife Reserves Singapore.

|    Fadhil Yunus    |

THE Brunei Darussalam Fencing Federation (BDFF) will organise the fourth edition of the Brunei Open Fencing Championship at the Youth Centre in the capital today.

The competition, which concludes tomorrow, aims to provide experience for all local fencers, especially the new ones. Fencers from Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia will also participate.

The competition aims to prepare, develop and expose local fencers to competitions locally and abroad as well as showcase fencing to the public.

With a total of 80 participants, only individual events will be contested – epee, foil and sabre for both men’s and women’s categories.

There will be a local competition for younger fencers tomorrow.

All events will start at 9am culminating with a medal ceremony at 5pm on each day of the competition.

“Our hope is that our fencers will do well and that the general public come and support them as well as enjoy fencing up close,” said Technical Director of the BDFF Huzaimi bin Haji Abdul Kassim at a press conference at the Youth Centre yesterday.

Competitors will be put into a group or pool. The duration for each game will be three minutes and will be played first to five points.

After the first or preliminary round, each competitor will be ranked and given a seeding. Athletes who perform well in the group stage will receive a higher seeding while those who do not will be given a lower seeding. Once the competitors are seeded, direct elimination will apply.

Meanwhile, Brunei’s Harrisman Ashady bin Haji Ali will be the eldest competitor at 41 in the men’s epee of the Brunei Open Fencing Championship.

Harrisman Ashady, who took up the sport three years ago, has set his sights on winning a gold medal.

The Bruneian’s finest achievement was snatching a bronze medal at the Brunei Darussalam National Games (SKBD) with the Brunei Darussalam Sports Schools Council (MSSSBD). In preparation for the tournament, Harrisman had undergone physical and technique training at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium.

He said that competitors from Indonesia will be his main challenge before citing local athlete Nashriq as one of his direct rivals in his category.