|     James Kon     |

PERMANENT Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil attended the Library Open Day at the Muara Library of the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP) yesterday.

The event is one of the efforts by the DBP to increase the use of libraries and promote the services and facilities of library to the public.

The event demonstrated the importance of libraries as the main medium in disseminating and obtaining information resource.

The permanent secretary as the guest of honour flagged-off a recreational cycling and joined the morning exercise and toured the stalls set up at the event.

Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Siti Rozaimeriyanty binti Dato Seri Laila Jasa Haji Abdul Rahman also attended.

Activities included a book sale, exotic pet display, archery as well as games.

THE ASEAN Telecommunications and IT Ministers (TELMIN) started the year with an ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Retreat in Phuket, Thailand on March 28-29.

Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohammad Yusof represented Brunei Darussalam.

Deputy Permanent Secretary (Infocommunications, Cybersecurity, Strategy and Corporate) at the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) Haji Hairul Mohd Daud bin Haji Abdul Karim as well as officers from the ministry and Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) also attended.

Hosted by Minister of Digital Economy and Society of Thailand Dr Pichet Durongkaveroj, the retreat carried the theme ‘ASEAN Digital Agility’ and provided the opportunity for an open and informal dialogue among ASEAN ministers responsible for ICT.

The retreat focussed on two main areas: Cybersecurity and Digital Economy. It also provided the platform for discussion on the opportunities and challenges from the 4^th Industrial Revolution. The ministers provided broad guidance that included a more conducive digital ecosystem for greater participation by the public and private sectors in the digital economy and society.

The ASEAN Digital Ministers Retreat was an outcome of the 18^th ASEAN TELMIN held in Bali, Indonesia in December 2018.

On the sidelines of the retreat, the Minister of Transport and Infocommunications held a bilateral discussion with his Thai counterpart on exploring areas of cooperation of mutual interests in issues related to digital economy.

|     Aziz Idris     |

DAYANGKU Fatin Nasibah binti Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Aminan with her dish of Aussie Nasi Katok won the judges’ hearts at the Culinary Challenge held at the Taste of Australia in Brunei food fair at the Radisson Hotel yesterday.

Dayangku Fatin Nasibah the winner of this year’s challenge won the grand prize of two return tickets to Brisbane.

Other winners were IBTE student Mohd Fadhlullah Muayyad bin Abdul Majid, who won the Culinary category; Ryan Sim, who won the Youth category; and Nur Haji Mustapa, who won the Open category.

  All winners received Australian food hampers and gift vouchers from the event sponsors.

Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong was the guest of honour at the event which saw hundreds flocking to sample a smorgasbord of culinary delights from the ‘Land Down Under’.

Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Nicola Rosenblum was also present.

The highlight of the event, organised by the Australian High Commission in Brunei Darussalam, was the appearance of 2018 MasterChef Australia winner Sashi Cheliah.

Sashi displayed his culinary skills and prepared two dishes – grilled prawns with Lemon Myrtle Butter and glazed beef steak roll – before a packed audience.

Lemon myrtle is a delicious plant native to Australia, used as an ingredient in health products and for cooking.

In her opening speech, the Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam expressed her delight at the event’s success.

“Sashi wowed our crowd with his cooking demonstrations. He showed us various aspects of Australia’s culinary traditions from our flavours to our ingredients, to how they can be creatively prepared into a delicious meal,” she said.

The event also featured a number of exhibitions showcasing fresh Australian produce, from dairy products and meat, to pantry staples such as honey and rice.

The food fair’s showpiece event was the Culinary Challenge, which saw 36 amateur chefs competing against one another to create the best dish featuring at least one Australian and Bruneian ingredient or flavour.

The challenge was divided into the following categories: Youth (under 21 years), Culinary (Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) students), Open (all ages), and Grand Prize.

Local food blogger Thanis Lim and Chef Sashi were the judges.

According to Rosenblum, the winner of the People’s Choice Award will be announced today.

“Australians and Bruneians are both passionate about food, so it was a joy to see that in the fantastic response from everyone,” she said.

|     James Kon     |

BRUNEI visitors to Thailand in 2018 spent a staggering BND930 million, despite the slight decrease in the number of Bruneians travelling to that country.

The spending, which is a 4.44 per cent increase compared to 2017, was revealed in statistics by the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Marketing Manager Richard Lim, during a recent medical seminar jointly organised by Grace Travel Agency, the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Bangkok Hospital at The Empire Hotel & Country Club.

Lim also mentioned that in 2018, the total of international visitors to Thailand reached 38.1 million, an increase of 7.6 per cent compared to 2017. The visitors from Brunei Darussalam stand at 14,246 in 2018, which is 0.9 per cent lower compared to 2017.

He said, “Thailand is one of the top 10 in the world’s biggest food-exporting countries, and also one of the top five countries exporting Halal food to Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries.

“Thailand is also a top medical hub in Asia for foreign patients and their relatives, and its cuisine is in the top five of the most popular.”

He also described Thailand as a Muslim-friendly destination, with Halal food easily available in major cities.

With a Muslim population of 4.8 million, there are 3,600 mosques and 600 Muslim schools in Thailand.

In addition, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has introduced a new concept titled ‘Open to New Shades of Thailand’, with the objective of giving more depth to the presentation of Thailand’s tourism, growing the business for grassroots tourism sector players and enhancing the country’s image as a land of amazing diversity worth discovering.

|    Lyna Mohamad    |

THE Oman Embassy in Brunei Darussalam hosted an appreciation lunch for Hassanal Bolkiah Arabic Boys Secondary School (SMALHB) students yesterday for their participation in the Oman National Day Reception 2018. The event took place at the embassy in Kampong Pengkalan Gadong.

Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Yussof, the guest of honour, presented tokens of appreciation from the embassy to the students.

Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Brunei Darussalam Sheikh Ahmed bin Hashel bin Rashed bin Hashel Al-Maskari in an interview said the lunch was held in appreciation of the talented performance by the SMALHB students where they performed both the Oman and Brunei national anthems at the Oman National Day reception 2018.

The students performed excellently and pronounced the Arabic Language in a very classic and clear voice, said the ambassador.

He added that the video of their performance was broadcast on Oman TV where viewers were impressed with the Arabic Language proficiency in Brunei as it is part of the education curriculum here.

“For us at the embassy, we feel pleased and privileged to see Bruneians are now keener to learn the Arabic Language. We share that common language because of Al-Quran, and more and more people are in command of speaking the language.”

The Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) and Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) students who had gone to study in Oman were very supportive during Oman’s participation at the Brunei Book Fair 2019, where it was the Country of Honour for the fair.

Some of the students studying in Oman on Brunei government scholarships and some on an eight-week course sponsored by the Oman government were involved at the book fair, translating from Arabic to Malay for visitors to the Oman pavilion as well as demonstrating the making of Halwa.

Touching on the education collaboration between Oman and Brunei, the ambassador noted said there is a wider scope of cooperation, whether sending exchange of students at the level of higher education or exchange of some programmes as the rising interest in learning the Arabic Language can be seen.

There are also some universities from Oman and Brunei who are also trying to explore opportunities for a wider scope of cooperation. The ambassador also emphasised on the strong support and cooperation provided by the Ministry of Religious Affairs to the embassy.

Also present at the event were officials from the embassy and SMALHB.

|    Azlan Othman    |

THE Ministry of Health (MoH) through the Health Promotion Centre in collaboration with the Kampong Bebuloh Village Consultative Council yesterday ran its Health Ambassador Programme at Kampong Bebuloh, Mukim Pengkalan Batu.

The community-based intervention is one of the health approaches taken by the MoH to manage and prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among high-risk individuals.

The strategy was adopted to reach out to communities not having ready access to healthcare via traditional settings.

The Health Ambassador Programme represents one of these strategies, a cost-effective method to encourage the adoption of healthy lifestyles among communities and promote improvements in health through focus on disease prevention and control.

The programme will be facilitated by appointed health ambassadors tasked with planning and overseeing activities on the prevention and control of NCDs, including working with government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and local education institutions.

This is the first time the Health Ambassador Programme is held in Mukim Pengkalan Batu. Activities carried out as part of the programme include hygiene-related activities at school and physical activities for all ages, including children and senior citizens.

MoH hoped that the programme will be extended to other mukims and villages in the country, thus realising its goal of involving the whole community in reducing the rate of NCDs in the country, and realising the Brunei Vision 2035 aspiration of improving the quality of life of all people in Brunei Darussalam.

|     Khairil Hassan     |

BRUNEIAN cyclists Muhammad Raihaan bin Abdul Aziz, Azmi bin Abdul Hadzid and Amiruddin bin Haji Amir linked up with four former Java Partizan Pro Cycling Team members to form the backbone of Brunei Continental Cycling Team (BCCT).

BCCT, formed for the 2019 Union Cycliste International (UCI) season, will compete in the Le Tour de Langkawi, an eight-stage race which flags off on April 6 and concludes on April 13.

“This team was formed for the development of junior riders. It’s easy to build a platform for elite or paid riders, but we need a platform for the younger generation to perform,” BCCT Assistant Sports Director Khairul Anuar Shukor said at a sponsorship signing ceremony with BruPay yesterday.

The signing took place between BruPay Chief Executive Officer Haji Sophian bin Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mat Suny and BCCT Sports Director Muhammad Firdaus bin Daud at BruPay’s headquarters.

The former Java Partizan Pro Cycling Team members are Mehdi Tigrine of Belgium, Bernard Benyamin Van Aert of Indonesia, Martin Ford of Great Britain and Charalampos Kastrantas of Greece. They competed in the Java Partizan jersey in 2018 season where they won six UCI races and registered a handful of top 10 placements.

Turkey national Abay Burak, Branwill Blaauw and Alexander Parsons of South Africa, Malaysians Muhamad Fakhruazam Mohd Hanifiah and Muhammad Nur Aiman Rosli, and Dadi Suryadi of Indonesia complete the Bruneian outfit.

“This team is a bridge for junior cyclists with high potential – to give them exposure across four continents – Europe, the States, Asia and Africa,” Khairul Anuar added.

The team made its debut for the 2019 season at the National Road Championships in South Africa on February 10, with Alexander Parsons placed 40^th among a 94-strong all-South African field.

Martin Ford, Mehdi Tigrine and Charalampos Kastrantas also made their BCCT bows at the Tour de Taiwan in March, placing 86^th, 90^th and 96^th.

|    Daniel Lim    |

TWO energy-efficient vehicles built by a group of students from Politeknik Brunei’s (PB) School of Science and Engineering (SSE) at the Lumut Campus were unveiled to the public yesterday in a ceremony at the institute’s multi-purpose hall.

The unveiling was performed by PB Acting Director Alias bin Haji Abu Bakar as the guest of honour.

The event was also an opportunity for the institute to announce its official participation in the upcoming Shell Eco-Marathon Asia 2019 (SEMA 2019) from April 27 to May 7 using the two vehicles named Yakin III and Pengembara I.

With two categories allotted for student teams from across the Asian region, both Yakin III and Pengembara I will compete in the Prototype and Urban Concept categories respectively.

In her speech, SEMA 2019 Student Representative Siti Zafirah Zawani binti Idris explained this year’s competition represents a milestone for PB as the sole institute representing Brunei to compete in the Urban Concept category.

She also expressed her feelings of pride as the leader of an all-female team in the Prototype category on board Yakin III.

“Since July last year, we’ve been spending most of our time in designing and building the cars,” she said.

“All the preparations leading up to today have been made possible with the help from all our sponsors.”

In his speech, the PB Acting Director commended the students’ efforts, while also extending his gratitude towards the sponsors.

He said, “I hope for their continuing support in the future, as it helps to provide a fresh and exciting experience for the students to hone their skills and develop their abilities in such international competition.”

With Yakin III’s primarily carbon fibre body which decreases its weight while running on an electric battery motor, and Pengembara I’s single four-stroke cylinder engine, both teams are poised to make an impact on the Sepang Circuit in Kuala Lumpur for SEMA 2019.

The developments of Yakin III and Pengembara I were made possible by the sponsorship of Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (BSP), Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd, Brunei Shell Marketing Company Sdn Bhd (BSM), Brunei Gas Carriers Sdn Bhd (BGC), FYFE Borneo Sdn Bhd, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD), Aewon Sdn Bhd, Jerudong Park Country Club, Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), MOC Sdn Bhd, Swee Sdn Bhd, Ken and Tan Sdn Bhd, Awang Tum Tum Cycle, GHK Auto Assembly Sdn Bhd, Keluarga Tasmera, Jetwires Trading & Electrical Services, BM-Bekalan Motor Sdn Bhd, Syarikat Nurruz, Low San Hardware, Glamco Aviation (B) Sdn Bhd and Syarikat Kilang Papan Forestry Sdn Bhd.

|    Fizah HAB   |

THE Ministry of Finance and Economy (MoFE) held a prize presentation ceremony for the Al-Quran Reading Competition at the Theatre Hall of the MoFE Building at Commonwealth Drive, Jalan Kebangsaan recently.

The guest of honour, Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Fiscal) Dato Seri Paduka Awang Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman in his capacity as the representative of the Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, presented prizes and certificates to the participants and tokens of appreciation to the judges.

Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Economy) Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, permanent secretaries at the MoFE, heads of departments and divisions, and officers and staff of the MoFE and departments under it were also present.

In the Qari category of the competition, the Revenue Department’s Muhammad Yamin bin Yusof won first place followed by Brunei Investment Agency’s Pengiran Muhammad Ilyas bin Pengiran Haji Masri in second place and Treasury Department’s Mohammad Amin bin Mohammad Taha in third place.

In the Qariah category, Darussalam Assets Sdn Bhd’s Amal Afiqah binti Ali emerged as the first place winner followed by Royal Customs and Excise Department’s Noraimah binti Napiah in second place and Treasury Department’s Hajah Siti Raedah binti Haji Dollah in third place.

Organised by the Royal Customs and Excise Department, the competition was an annual activity of the ministry and departments under it to encourage Al-Quran recitation among Bruneians and also to serve as a medium for the scouting and uncovering of potential Al-Quran recitation talents among its officers and staff.

|    Lyna Mohamad    |

THE Brunei Darussalam the Meteorological Department (BDMD) marked World Meteorological Day yesterday with the launching of the Brunei Darussalam Flash Flood Guidance System (BFFGS), an instrument that provides BDMD’s operational forecasters with real-time infor-mational guidance relevant to the threat of small-scale flash flooding.

Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof was the guest of honour at the event at the Rimba Garden Central.

The ceremony commenced with a recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by a welcoming speech by Acting Director of Meteorological and event Chairman Muhamad Husaini bin Aji.

He said that Brunei Darussalam has been observing World Metrological Day since its enrolment as a member of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) on November 26, 1984.

After officially launching the new weather instrument, the minister presented certificates to the participants of the BFFGS User Training.

Later, the minister and other guests were taken on a tour of the World Meteorological Day 2019 exhibition, showcasing educational information related to the new BFFGS.

Other products and services on exhibit included tools for the forecasting of extreme weather events such as BDMD’s Colour-Coded Weather Warning and the Weather Hazard Index System.

Private companies such as RAB Global Green Sdn Bhd, Rennovo Solutions Sdn Bhd and Rimba Garden Central were also part of the exhibition, showcasing weather-related products.

Deputy Permanent Secretaries at the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) Pengiran Mohd Amirrizal bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud and Haji Hairul Mohd Daud bin Haji Abdul Karim, and Authority for Info-Communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) Chief Executive Officer Pengiran Haji Mohd Zain bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Razak as well as Legislative Council (LegCo) members, directors, head of departments, deputy head of departments, and senior officers from the MTIC were also present.

Invited guests included representatives from National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC); National Road Safety Council (MKKJR); the Public Works Department (JKR); the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe); the Forestry Department; the Ministry of Health; the Ministry of Energy, Manpower and Industry (MEMI); the Survey Department; and Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB).

World Meteorological Day takes place every March 23.

|    Azlan Othman    |

IT IS important that the Committee 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’s birthday celebration learn from the experience of organising events for the royal birthday in 2018 and previous years, to identify areas of disorganisation in their planning so that such procedural shortcomings will not be repeated this year.

Speaking during the first meeting of the National Committee for His Majesty’s 73^rd birthday celebration yesterday at the Prime Minister’s Office, Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong also recommended that the committee appoint youth to the respective sub-committees so that they can help in generating fresh ideas and become future coaches.

“It is also necessary and appropriate for the committee to examine the membership composition of the [sub-committees] so that those appointed will be able to contribute substantially and responsibly to the tasks [required in the organising of activities for His Majesty’s birthday celebrations],” he said.

The minister, who is also Chairperson of the National Committee for His Majesty’s 73^rd birthday celebration, added that it is extremely important for the committee to carefully review the grievances and advices forwarded by the National Committee members with regard to the way in which activities and events held for the monarch’s birthday are organised.

The minister said it is expected that new approaches are to be taken when planning the activities for His Majesty’s 73^rd birthday celebration this year.

He noted that the process should be improved upon from the previous years and incorporate the involvement of all levels of society, including communities representing the mukims and villages, students and education institutions, youth associations, non-governmental depart-ments (NGOs), private companies, ministries and government departments.

“People from all walks of life should be able to organise, participate in and celebrate the royal birthday celebration through programmes arranged,” said the minister.

He also voiced his hope that the national and administrative committees at the district level and working committees set up can work earnestly with each other to plan and carry out the royal birthday events properly.

Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar and Grand Chamberlain Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Penggawa Laila Bentara Istiadat Diraja Dalam Istana Pengiran Haji Alauddin bin Pengiran Paduka Tuan Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar were also present.

The date of the key events for His Majesty’s 73^rd birthday celebration, as well as the concept and format of the show for the accompanying annual get-together with citizens and residents in the four districts, were also discussed.

Other topics on the table included the construction and installation of decorations and fittings for the celebration such as arches, decorative lights, decorations and banners, as well as the running of the 73-time Khatam Al-Quran for mukim and village consultative council members and students.

|    Hakim Hayat    |

THE Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Mosque in Kampong Sungai Akar hosted a delegation of 60 congregants of Johor Bahru Mosque, Malaysia to an educational and Khatam Al-Quran programme recently.

The visit marked the beginning of the mutual relationship between congregants from both countries.

The delegation, comprising members of Muslimah groups from Johor Bahru Mosque was led by Haji Azahari bin Haji Daud. They are in the country for a two-day visit. Head of the Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Mosque Muslimah Group Hajah Rokiah binti Haji Ismail and members of the mosque’s Muslimah group welcomed the delegation.

More activities are planned between the two congregants and are hoped to foster closer ties and scope of cooperation, a press release stated. The programme was also aimed to achieve the vision to make the mosque as a centre for religious and knowledge development and to shape an educated and pious community, which is in line with the country’s vision to become a Zikir Nation.

HUA Ho Department Store held a colouring contest for children aged five to 12 years at its branch in OneCity Shopping Centre last Sunday.

Over 200 participants joined the colouring contest divided into two age groups – Group A (five to eight years) and Group B (nine to 12 years).

Each contestant was given a sheet of art block and had to complete the colouring within two hours.

In Group A, first prize went to Allisya Nabilah who won stationery products worth BND100 while Danielle Anne Lim Baera won the second prize and took home stationery products worth BND80. Nur Haziqah Hazirah walked away with stationery products worth BND50 for taking the third prize.

Additionally, 10 consolation winners were awarded with stationery products worth BND20. Manager Angeleen Lau presented the prizes for Group A.

In Group B, first prize winner Elysia Lim Pei Ying won stationery products worth BND100 while second and third prizes were awarded to Nur Anisah binti Haji Dollah and Isaac Tiong Ing Hoe, who received stationery products worth BND80 and BND50 respectively.

Stationery products worth BND20 were also awarded to 10 consolation winners.

Manager Doreen Lau awarded the prizes for Group B.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

NATIONAL Day Run men’s 10km open winner Younes Ammouta acknowledged the improvement of local runners after third-placed Muhammad Haziq Syazwan bin Hermanti achieved a podium finish on a competitive scale for the first time in the country.

The long distance runner shared his thoughts on the ability of the locals in the national scene, evident with the breakthrough of Muhammad Haziq Syazwan during last month’s event.

“It is the first time that the third-place finisher in the men’s 10km open (Muhammad Haziq Syazwan) got a top three result in Brunei. He also improved his personal best with a time of 35:47s,” Younes told the Bulletin recently.

“He was even surprised with himself for the achievement. The local runners are improving,” he said.

“I met the team and the Brunei national long distance coach Suleiman Nyambui. While we are training together, it is good to see that the local runners are improving.”

The Moroccan competed in the half-marathon event of the Miri Marathon earlier this year where he finished third. He has also set his sights on the upcoming Borneo Run and the Re-Integration Run as well as the Kota Kinabalu (KK) Run before Ramadhan.

Younes, who set his personal best in Germany, admitted that he also takes advice from national long distance coach Suleiman Nyambui.

The runner, who regularly competes in local running competitions, successfully defended his National Day Run title having been tagged as a firm favourite.

Asked on his thoughts about the race, he said, “The race was not really hard and following my preparations, everything went smoothly. I managed to stay at the front from the start and I kept it like that until the finish line.”

Younes’ list of achievements also extended to European races mostly in Germany. He enjoyed a victory at a Frankfurt meet before moving to Brunei.

|    Daniel Lim    |

PENGIRAN Anak Puteri Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Secondary School (SMPAPHRSB) in Lumut, Belait District held its Guidance Programme after ‘O’ Levels at its premises yesterday for students who have just completed their Brunei-Cambridge GCE ‘O’ Level examinations.

Conducted annually by the school, the programme is designed to help its students make more informed educational and career choices by allowing them the opportunity to talk to representatives of selected education institutions and private and government bodies.

Among the bodies participating in the programme were Politeknik Brunei, Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Royal Brunei Police Force, the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood, the Ministry of Health’s (MoH) Dental Services and Nursing Services, Kemuda Institute, Cosmopolitan College of Commerce and Technology, Kolej International Graduate Studies, Laksamana College of Business, Royal Brunei Airlines, Findlay Education Services, Management and Science University (MSU), LiveWIRE Brunei, Teachmeguru, and the Youth Development Centre.

Over 140 of the school’s Year 11 students and their parents attended the programme, which was held at the school’s Discovery Theatre, the study area of the school’s library, and the school’s conference room.

The programme commenced with a recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by Nor Esuandi bin Haji Abas, followed by a brief speech by school Principal Hajah Halizawati binti Haji Kepli in which she outlined the programme’s aims and thanked the students’ parents and guardians for attending the programme.

Briefings and talks were also delivered by representatives of the participating bodies.

|    Azlan Othman    |

THREE hydroponic greenhouses will be set up – one each at the Youth Development Centre, Pusat Bahagia and the Welfare Centre, said Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin.

He said this at the official launching ceremony of a hydroponics farm set up by the Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei at its centre in Sungai Hanching.

The official launch also coincided with World Autism Awareness Day celebrated every April 2, with this year’s theme being ‘Assistive Technologies, Active Participation’.

The event was witnessed by SMARTER Brunei students and volunteers, many of whom have been directly involved in maintaining the hydroponics farm with the assistance of former students from the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE).

The minister lauded SMARTER Brunei for taking the lead in setting up the hydroponics farm, saying, “We have to admit that SMARTER Brunei is one step ahead of us.

“SMARTER Brunei has already started, which shows that it has a broad vision in taking a great leap ahead and thinking outside the box in incorporating the latest technology.

“This is in accordance with the theme of World Autism Awareness Day 2019 which is ‘Assistive Technologies, Active Participation’. In the three A’s of Awareness, Acceptance and Action, action has a huge meaning.

“I am impressed with SMARTER Brunei President Malai Haji Abdullah bin Malai Haji Othman’s speech in highlighting that the observances have not only raised awareness towards autism, but also underlined the importance of acceptance and action, which is to take steps towards empowering the SMARTER community and people with different abilities (OKU) so that they won’t be isolated or left behind in contributing to national development.”

The minister added, “We will continue to support these initiatives so that they will continue to empower people with different abilities in an inclusive manner within the community. We know that they have the capabilities and firm determination.

“Certainly, our objective is similar in giving opportunities to target groups, including SMARTER, to generate income and sustainable job opportunities in establishing their continual well-being.

“Accordingly, we will give full support through a whole-of-nation approach, to enhance the skills and capacity of the target group in the field of employment or entrepreneurship, by ensuring that all contributions will continue and be enhanced in the long-term.

“With such an approach, we will be able to fulfil the trust in providing equal opportunities for the whole community.”

The minister also shared the results of a preliminary study which found that around 100 people with different abilities are working in the government and private sectors.

“Although the figures did not give the true picture, we will strive to increase the number of employment for OKU, in addition to adding more skill acquisition courses for them, as conducted by the Youth Development Centre,” he said.

“Thus far, 11 OKU are undergoing the Skills Acquisition Programme at the centre, with eight already working in the private sector. We are proud that some of them received praise from their employers for their high confidence in carrying out tasks.”

|    James Kon   |

THE Fire Safety Division of the Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) will be led by Senior Superintendent Nohi Irwan Surkarki bin Haji Pawi, following a handing over of duties ceremony by Senior Superintendent Taib bin Haji Abdul Kahar yesterday.

The ceremony was held at the marching ground of the FRD Headquarters, witnessed by senior officers and members of Fire Safety Division.

The outgoing Head of Fire Safety Senior Superintendent Taib retired from service on March 23, 2019. He started his service with the FRD on July 23, 1985 and was placed at the Fire Safety Division in 1995 as a station officer.

Senior Superintendent Taib inspected a guard of honour mounted by FRD personnel, and observed an investigation led by Deputy Station Officer Haji Yusri bin Haji Ahmad.

He conveyed his gratitude for the support given during his tenure, and stressed on human resources as being vital to the development of an organisation, with values of trustworthiness, honesty and loyalty required to build strong members.

|    Azlan Othman    |

A TOTAL of 566 fire hydrants in the Brunei-Muara District were stolen, damaged or vandalised, leading to losses amounting to over BND200,000.

At the same time, 239 areas in the Brunei-Muara District are implicated, putting these places at risk. These cases have been reported to the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) and Public Works Department (JKR), via its Water Services Department.

These were highlighted during a press briefing yesterday by Officer-in-Command of Operation ‘F’ branch Acting Senior Superintendent Haji Nordin bin Haji Buntan, as a representative of the Fire and Rescue Department (FRD), along with Inspector Aprizam bin Haji Mohammad of the RBPF and JKR Water Section Engineer Pengiran Haji Mohd Saiful Hazman bin Pengiran Haji Duraman.

Acting Senior Superintendent Haji Nordin said, “The fire hose couplings for the hydrants were found to be missing, during an inspection conducted by  the FRD at several areas in the Brunei-Muara District.

“Most of the fire hose couplings were damaged, lost or stolen, and it is likely that such thefts will continue to increase if they are not curbed.

“The vandalism or theft of fire hydrants will bring a negative impact on the country, and would jeopardise public safety during fire incidents in high-risk areas.

“The main function of fire hydrants provided by the government through the JKR is not only to supply water to residential areas, but also as a water supply point to the FRD for putting out fires.

“It is difficult for the JKR to supply to water tankers to the public, in the event of water supply disruption and in supplying water for the FRD, especially during fire operations to protect the public.”

Meanwhile, Pengiran Haji Mohd Saiful Hazman said, “It is an offence under Chapter 121 of the Water Supply Act Chapter 26 (d) which states ‘Anyone without the permission of the water authority who interferes, opens or closes any valves, or pipe heads of fire extinguishers owned by waterworks, and if found guilty, upon conviction, is liable to a fine not exceeding BND20,000.

“‘And in the event of a second or subsequent offence, is liable to a fine not exceeding BND50,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or both.’

“And in Chapter 27 (1) (b), it states that ‘No one can take any water for any purpose from any fire extinguisher head owned by the water authority, except by written agreement or consent. Anyone who acts in violation of this chapter will be convicted, and upon conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding BND10,000.’”

The officers also highlighted other offences which involve using fire hydrants for the purpose of filling up water bouncers, swimming pools or reservoirs; or using them for the cleaning of housing compounds, without obtaining written permission from JKR.

Regarding the theft and vandalism of fire hydrants, Inspector Aprizam bin Haji Mohamamad said, “As of March 2019, the police have received 16 reported cases of missing fire hydrants at police districts nationwide.

“In investigations conducted by the police, no arrests have been made, but the monitoring and collecting of evidence are underway, to track the perpetrators or criminals believed to have been involved in this case.

“In the meantime, if an arrest is made on any individual with the evidence, the investigation paper will be brought before the Court for the accused to face the charge under Section 379 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Chapter 22, for theft cases which, upon conviction, the accused will receive three years’ imprisonment or a fine, or both.

“If there are any damages, the accused will be charged under Section 427 of Criminal Penal Code Chapter 22, for property damage, and upon conviction, the accused shall receive a prison term of up to five years and at least two strokes of the cane.”

The public is urged to play an important role in the protection of fire hydrant and to call the police hotline at 993, to report any instances of theft or damage to fire hydrants.

Alternatively, the public can also call the FRD hotline at 995 or the Darussalam line at 123, to report the vandalism of fire hydrants or cases of open burning.

|    Rohkiah Mahmud    |

BRUNEI Darussalam will observe the National Level Israk Mikraj celebration for 1440 Hijrah at the Plenary Hall of the International Convention Centre, Berakas today.

A full-dress rehearsal was held yesterday in ensuring the smooth running of the ceremony. Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman in his capacity as Chairman of the Executive Committee for Major Islamic Calendar Events for 1440 Hijrah witnessed the rehearsal.

Also present were Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud, Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar along with members of the executive committee.

The theme for this year’s National Level Israk Mikraj celebration for 1440 Hijrah is ‘Prayer Shapes a Pious Ummah’.

|    Daniel Lim    |

THE Information Department through its Belait District branch held a Nationhood Programme at St Margaret’s School on Tuesday.

The department officials led by Head of the Information Department, Belait District branch Pengiran Haji Ahmad Fadillah Akhbar bin Pengiran Haji Sellahuddin was welcomed by the school Deputy Principal Suresh Babu.

Sixty-six Year 7 students and teachers attended the programme.

Pengiran Haji Ahmad Fadillah Akhbar briefed them on the history of the Brunei monarchy, the procedures of hoisting the national flag and the history of the national anthem.

A quiz was held and students who answered correctly received prizes.