| Bahyiah Bakir |
HIS Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah received the newly appointed Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Brunei Darussalam Emad bin Abdul Aziz bin Saad Al Muhanna yesterday afternoon.
In a separate audience His Royal Highness also received the outgoing Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Brunei Darussalam Vladlen Stanislavovich Semivolos.
The audiences took place at the Balai Penghadapan, Bukit Kayangan.
| James Kon |
HIS Royal Highness Prince (Dr) Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office graced the Crown Prince CIPTA Award 2019 ceremony at the Serambi Suluh Hall of Tarindak D’Seni yesterday morning. His Royal Highness also presented prizes to the winners.
His Royal Highness, who is also the Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB), was welcomed upon arrival by Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman, Acting Vice-Chancellor of UTB Dr Hajah Noor Maya binti Haji Md Salleh and Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd Patrice Girard.
Minister of Energy, Manpower and Industry Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mat Suny bin Haji Mohd Hussein, Deputy Minister of Education Datin Seri Paduka Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh, and Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar were also present at the ceremony.
The ceremony commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Hamid bin Bakal.
In her welcoming remarks, Dr Hajah Noor Maya highlighted a number of factors that are required to effectuate change and development to move the country towards a digital or ‘smart’ economy.
“To bring the country towards a prosperous and sustainable economy, what we need is creative and innovative workforce development, skills in the field of science and technology, as well as the ability to work efficiently in a ‘smart’ environment,” she said. “These are among the main factors for the development and changes happening in the current industry that is in line with the development of ICT.”
She added, “Aware of this trend and technology opportunities, UTB plays a vital role in instilling interest towards education and learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM. In addition, the university also provides a platform to enable high quality invention and innovation through the Crown Prince CIPTA Award competition.”
This year’s competition, themed ‘Industry 4.0: Convergence of Innovation’, was contested by 41 participants – 27 from Brunei and 14 from other ASEAN member countries.
The involvement of ASEAN contestants in the Crown Prince CIPTA Award has become somewhat of a catalyst in increasing the competiveness of local participants, with their submissions becoming benchmarks for quality in the competition.
The biennial competition, inaugurated in 2005 and organised by UTB with Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd as partner and sponsor, is aimed at inspiring the youth and public to develop creative products, processes or technologies to meet national aspirations, as well as to encourage inventions and innovations and to recognise and award creative talents.
It also serves to encourage research and development, to promote manufacturing processes and technological product development, to embed a culture of science, engineering and technology among the youth and public in Brunei Darussalam, and to foster collaborative linkages within Brunei Darussalam and the ASEAN region.
Hirman bin Haji Abu, one of the judges representing the competition’s technical committee, delivered a summary of the chief adjudicator’s appraisal of the Crown Prince CIPTA Award 2019 entries. Following this, the competition winners were announced.
Hirman announced that there were no winners for the Crown Prince CIPTA Award 2019 trophy as the winning project must be distinguished compared to the other projects and of “excellent quality”. He said the winning project for the award must achieve an overall score of at least 90 per cent.
He explained that despite a number of quality projects being submitted, “Those projects did not fulfil the standards that were already established and did not achieve the average score of 90 and above. Therefore there are no winners who are qualified to receive the Crown Prince CIPTA Award 2019,” he said.
After Hirman’s address, His Royal Highness, who is Patron of the competition, presented prizes and trophies to the winners for Category 1: Creating New Product, Process or Technology; Category 2: Modifying Existing Product, Process or Technology; Category 3: Creating New or Modifying Existing Product; Process or Technology by Young Inventors; Smart Junior Competition; and the ASEAN Category: New Invention & Innovation Category and Young Inventor Category.
A pesambah was presented to His Royal Highness by Dr Hajah Noor Maya on behalf of the Crown Prince CIPTA Award 2019 organising committee.
Prior to the end of the event, His Royal Highness toured the exhibition booths and interacted with the competition winners.
| Wani Roslan |
WITH the consent of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, two Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) senior officers were promoted at the Officers’ Mess, Bolkiah Garrison yesterday.
Deputy Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy 342 Captain Haji Othman bin Haji Suhaili @ Suhaily was promoted to First Admiral, while Director of Intelligence at the Ministry of Defence 413 Colonel (U) Mohd Sharif bin Dato Paduka Haji Ibrahim was promoted to Brigadier General.
Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, former RBAF commanders, members of Defence Executive Committee, services commanders, commandants, defence advisers and attaches based in Brunei Darussalam, directors, senior RBAF officers whom are either retired or still in service, officers of the Ministry of Defence and RBAF and family members were also present.
The insignias presentation ceremony was led by Commander of the RBAF Major General Pengiran Dato Paduka Seri Aminan bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud.
The ceremony was blessed with a Doa Selamat by Head of RBAF Religious Department (JAMAAT) Commander Haji Ainolnizam bin Haji Ibrahim.
| Hakim Hayat |
ROYAL Brunei Navy (RBN) yesterday welcomed First Admiral Haji Othman bin Haji Suhaili @ Suhaily as its new commander at a Change of Command Ceremony that saw First Admiral Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Norazmi bin Pengiran Haji Muhammad handing over the post following his retirement.
Upon arrival at the parade square of the RBN Headquarters in Muara, outgoing Commander of RBN First Admiral Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Norazmi received the honorary salute and inspected the guard of honour which comprised of personnel from the RBN. The march parade was commanded by Lieutenant Commander Junaidi bin Haji Duraman.
The outgoing RBN commander in his final speech as the 15th Commander of RBN noted that since its formation 56 years ago, the RBN has achieved many significant milestones and has progressed and moved forward with new assets and a substantial number of personnel.
“Various initiatives and modernisation has been implemented in terms of policy and procedures including in service schemes, operations, maintenance and logistics to ensure the RBN can carry out its responsibilities of ‘To Raise, Train and Sustain’,” he added.
These efforts, he said is to enhance the capabilities of RBN to match with regional navies.
A signing ceremony of the handover certificates marked the official handing over of the Commander of RBN. A Doa Selamat was then recited to bless the ceremony.
Marking the new duty placement, the new Commander of RBN, First Admiral Haji Othman received the honorary salute and later proceeded to inspect the guard of honour.
In his inaugural speech as the 16th Commander of RBN First Admiral Haji Othman urged all the ranks in RBN to work together in building strength and force of a credible navy force.
“We must enhance our readiness and preparedness at all times and situation… we must continue to equip ourselves by enhancing our knowledge and skills in our respective areas,” he added.
Having served the RBN with excellence for 32 years, First Admiral Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Norazmi was appointed as the Commander of RBN since 2015. Under his leadership, the RBN achieved successes in both her regional and international operations.
He also contributed to Ministry of Defence and RBN by further strengthening the bilateral relations between RBN and other foreign naval forces.
THE Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Cross Country Competition 2019/2020 was held at Naval Training Centre, Muara Naval Base. More than 200 officers and personnel from the Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF), Royal Brunei Navy (RBN), Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF), Training Institute (TI) RBAF, Ministry of Defence (MinDef) and Special Forces Regiment (SFR) participated in the competition.
The guest of honour was Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy First Admiral Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Norazmi bin Pengiran Haji Muhammad. Also present were RBAF service commanders, commandants, military directors and RBAF personnel.
Two main categories contested were Category by Age Groups and Team Category where all participants were tested on their physical and mental endurance by running through high grounds, roads and coastal areas around Bukit Tempayan Pisang. The guest of honour also participated in a group run alongside the RBAF service commanders, commandants, military directors and RBAF personnel.
The overall champion for the team category was RBLF, while MinDef and RBN were in second and third places.
The RBAF Cross Country Championship 2019/2020 is an annual sport event that aims to inculcate the spirit of sportsmanship among the RBAF units and to instil a healthy lifestyle for all RBAF personnel.
A GROUP OF seven Universiti Teknologi Brunei students doing Masters in Management and Technology visited the Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei as part of their outreach programme recently.
The students met with the President of SMARTER Brunei, Malai Haji Abdullah bin Malai Haji Othman to know more about the functions and facilities available and experience first-hand on how students learn in their classroom at the centre.
The group noted that the students were well-behaved and acquired knowledge well. Malai Haji Abdullah believes in nurturing individuals with autism through gentle guidance and treating them with empathy and compassion. With this mindset, SMARTER Brunei has met the International Standards under APQI (Autism Program Quality Indicator, New York) in 2001 and the Colorado Autism Task Force in 2010. SMARTER Brunei has also obtained the gold stars (the highest score) in all 14 areas of APQI.
SMARTER Brunei students were exposed to basic skills including cooking, cleaning after themselves and social interactions to prepare them for life as young adults.
In conjunction with the World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, the group and their classmates raised awareness on autism by wearing blue outfit. They also delivered a presentation on their experiences and how to help SMARTER Brunei achieve its goals to create acceptance and remove discrimination and marginalisation on individuals with autism.
The group believed it will make a huge difference if the society stops creating barriers between themselves and individuals with autism. Society needs to be their heroes, that is by being humanistic, empathetic, resourceful, optimistic, engaging (enabling) and supporting to produce a CURE – namely understanding, respecting and embracing.
With this in mind, it will help create a world where everybody accept one another.
BY THE end of the first day of play in the second weekend, Mohd Aritz Maldini, last week’s leader, was unseated from his top spot by Nujaimi bin Haji Jumat who played a phenomenal game of golf yesterday morning. Nujaimi improved his score by five strokes placing him as the new leader of the Baiduri Masters to date.
Mohd Aritz Maldini fell one spot with his score of 69. Next was Seruji bin Haji Setia, who was absent from the leaderboard since the second day of the Baiduri Masters. Seruji was tied with Ali bin Haji Rashid and newcomer Haji Ramlee bin Haji Jaafar with a score of 70.
Tied with a gross of 71 were five players: Suhaimi bin Haji Ibrahim, Dato Harith bin Haji Karim, Kahar Bakar, Haji Shahminan bin Haji Damit and Diny bin Haji Karim.
Rounding off the top 12 were Zulhilmi bin Haji Rosli and defending champion, Johari Ahmad with a gross of 72.
The Baiduri Masters will continue until April 21. To make the cut, the top 12 gross players overall will get the opportunity to vie for the Green Jacket on the final day.
Besides the coveted Baiduri Masters Green Jacket and Challenge Trophy, the golfers also have the chance to score the fantastic hole-in-one prizes as well as novelty prizes.
As with every year, proceeds raised during the Baiduri Masters will be donated to local organisations. This year, the organisations are Children’s Cancer Foundation (YASKA), Child Development Centre, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital Fund, Learning Ladders Society, Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei, Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam and Demensia Brunei.
| Hakim Hayat |
BRUNEIAN Queen’s Counsel Professor Dr Colin Ong delivered a speech and moderated the first session at the Hong Kong International Dispute Resolution Conference at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
Vice President of the Arbitration Association Brunei Darussalam (AABD) Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Indera Negara Pengiran Anak Haji Puteh ibni Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam was present.
Over 900 government leaders from Hong Kong and China; lawyers and in-house counsel from many countries were also present.
Professor Ong moderated the first session on Trends of Using International Dispute Resolution to Address Trade and Investment Disputes. He also delivered a paper on the use of mediation in resolving International Intellectual Property (IP) Disputes and dealt with the interplay with litigation and complex IP disputes involving copyright; patent and trade secrets.
Speakers at the conference included leading Hong Kong senior counsel; Queen’s Counsel; government lawyers and leading academics and focussed on latest trends of mediation; mediation techniques and the interplay between Mediation and Arbitration and Litigation.
The event was sponsored by the International Dispute Resolution and Risk Management Institute; Hong Kong Mediation Centre; United Nations (UNCITRAL) and Hong Kong Department of Justice.
The opening remarks were first delivered by several leaders including the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR; the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in Hong Kong SAR; and the Deputy Director General of Department of Treaty and Law, Ministry of Commerce of the PRC.
According to the website of the International Dispute Resolution Conference, Professor Ong was described by Who’s Who Legal Arbitration Analysis 2019 as maintaining “a worldwide reputation for his skill in arbitration with great experience in both civil and common law”.
| Daniel Lim |
BRUNEI Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (BSP) held a 90 Times Khatam Al-Quran ceremony at Pusat Insani in Seria to mark its 90th anniversary. Over 140 participants made up of BSP officials participated.
Permanent Secretary (Energy) at the Ministry of Energy, Manpower, and Industry (MEMI) Haji Azhar bin Haji Yahya, Permanent Secretary (Manpower) at the MEMI Haji Zolkiflee bin Haji Abdul Karim and Deputy Permanent Secretary (Corporate and Industry) at the MEMI Hajah Tutiaty binti Haji Abdul Wahab were present.
Legislative Council member and Penghulu of Mukim Liang Yang Berhormat Haji Abdul Hamid bin Haji Mumin, Acting Belait District Officer Ridzuan bin Haji Ahmad, senior government officers and community leaders from the Belait District also attended.
The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by BSP Junior Guidance Counsellor Haji Mohd Najimuddin bin Haji Mohd Said and continued with the Khatam Al-Quran (from Surah Adh-Dhuhaa to Surah Al-Masad) led by Haji Hassan bin Haji Bungsu, and a Tausyeh performance. Scented oil was later sprinkled on the participants and invited guests.
Forty students of the Belait Arabic School recited the Takhtim and Dikir Marhaban.
The event also aimed to encourage Al-Quran reading and foster closer relations among staff.
It is also in line with 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 vision of turning Brunei into a Zikir Nation.
In celebrating its anniversary on April 5, BSP has lined up a series of activities for the entire year.
The celebration carries the theme ‘Honouring the Past, Making the Future’, symbolising the long-standing warm relationship between BSP and the Government of Brunei Darussalam.
| Lyna Mohamad & Danial Norjidi |
MORE than 40 students and lecturers from Kolej International Graduate Studies (KIGS) participated in a workshop organised and conducted by Strayholders on Thursday.
Held at the Business Marketing and Communication Centre at KIGS in Kiulap, the workshop aimed to raise awareness on the situation of stray animals in Brunei and at the same time provide participants the opportunity to learn about the importance of caring for animals from an Islamic perspective.
It was shared in a press release that the workshop was targetted at youth in their late teens to adults who are passionate about learning more on how to help strays. The workshop began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah by Muhd Masrur bin Abang Zainuddin, followed by welcoming remarks from Strayholders Head Noor Amal Azirah binti Haji Azlan.
The first workshop was a talk on the situation of strays in Brunei delivered by Project Leader of the Strayholders Workshop Nor Amalina binti Haji Abdul Rahim, followed by a quiz on stray animals conducted by Nur Nazurah binti Haji Muhd Alizul.
The second module was a talk on caring for animals and pets from an Islamic perspective titled ‘Animal Care: An Islamic Perspective,’ which was delivered by Strayholder member and lecturer from Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) Dr Mohd Hilmy Baihaqy bin Haji Awang Yussof.
The workshop ended with a practical demonstration on how to cleanse oneself after rescuing a stray animal in need under the module of ‘Binatang and Taharah’ facilitated by invited lecturer from KUPU SB Ustaz Haji Syahiran bin Haji Md Sofian.
Strayholders also collaborated with local pet store Nimanja Inc Sdn Bhd, which donated its products to one of the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) active in rescuing, rehabilitating and caring stray animals, Care and Actions for Strays (CAS).
Formed in August 2017, Strayholders is made up of six government officers from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Religious Affairs who were part of the Young Executive Programme (Cohort – 2) under the Civil Service Leadership Pipeline (CSLP), an initiative by the Public Service Department, Prime Minister’s Office.
| James Kon |
WORK of 31 local comic artists are currently on display at the Comic Art Exhibition 2019 titled ‘Kami Urang Brunei’ at the Art Gallery at Dermaga Diraja.
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 launched the exhibition yesterday.
The exhibition is organised by Birdhouse Studio Brunei.
Wan Zahidah representing founder of Birdhouse Studio Brunei Haji Ahmad Zukhairi bin Haji Matzin, in her welcoming remarks, conveyed her gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and Museums Department for supporting the artists.
She also thanked the ministry for providing a platform to exhibit and expose the artworks.
Following the launch, the minister toured the exhibition and interacted with the artists.
The exhibition which started yesterday concludes on April 23.
A drawing workshop will be held today at 10am while a colouring event will be held tomorrow from 7am during Bandarku Ceria.
| Rokiah Mahmud |
HAJI Muhammad Fikri bin Haji Awang Metussin (pic below) took third place in the 10th Kuwait International Prize for Memorising, Recitation and Tajweed of the Holy Quran for 1440 Hijrah/2019 in Kuwait held from April 9-17.
He was welcomed on arrival in Brunei yesterday to the recitation of Dikir Marhaban and Hadrah. Haji Muhammad Fikri participated in the Tilawah (Recitation) category and scored an overall 94 per cent out of 31 participants.
Haji Muhammad Fikri, who won a cash prize of 3,000 Kuwaiti Dinar, a trophy and certificate of participation, said he performed his best amid strong competition from other participants and was satisfied with his success.
Brunei Darussalam was represented by two Qaris who participated in the Tilawah and memorising category. This marked the first time the Sultanate reached as high in such a competition.
He was welcomed by Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Yussof on arrival at the Brunei International Airport.
Also present were Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Religious) at the MoRA Haji Mohd Serudin bin Haji Timbang and directors, deputy directors and senior officers.
The Tilawah category champion was a Malaysia Qari who scored 96 per cent, followed by Indonesia with 95 per cent.
Haji Muhammad Fikri was also one of the participants during the finals of the National Al-Quran Reading Competition for Adults for 1440 Hijrah / 2019.
| Wani Roslan |
A DONATION presentation to the Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei was held in conjunction with the charity event during the Bakti Dewa School ‘Sports Fun Day’ yesterday.
Pengiran Anak Hafeezah Syukrina binti Pengiran Anak Haji Hassanuddin Al Hajj presented the donation to President of SMARTER Brunei Malai Haji Abdullah bin Malai Haji Othman at the SMARTER Edge Centre in Kampong Mata-Mata. The donation was collected through charity sales and activities on March 14.
The event continued with a tour of SMARTER Edge Centre to shed light on how to handle special students and the structure of classes to develop students.
| James Kon |
SOME 70 volunteers from the Rotary Club of Bandar Seri Begawan together with their friends as well as students of St Andrew’s School gathered yesterday afternoon to plant 700 saplings at the Berakas Forest Reserve, part of the Rotary Club’s ‘End Polio Tree Planting’ event.
The Rotary Club of Bandar Seri Begawan with the support of the Department of Forestry at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism has organised such activities since 2017 with the objective of raising funds for its ‘End Polio’ initiative and to raise awareness on environmental conservation.
Present were President of the Rotary Club of Bandar Seri Begawan Klaus Tomalla and Rotarians. Mohd Zukrina bin Haji Daimun, a forestry assistant at the Department of Forestry briefed on the right way to plant the saplings to prepare the volunteers for the activity.
“From today’s event, we are raising funds for the Rotary International’s ‘End Polio’ campaign, the organisation’s signature project for reducing polio cases by 99.9 per cent worldwide, and we won’t stop until we end the disease for good,” Tomalla said of the planting activity in an interview.
“We will also save the environment by planting 700 trees from the activity. Young children as well as students from St Andrew’s School who volunteer today also gain an understanding on the importance of the natural environment and gain awareness on climate change.”
Tomalla also conveyed his appreciation and thanks to the donors of the saplings and volunteers, noting that he “hopes the event will continue every year”.
The saplings were donated by Sumitomo Corporation Tubular, Rotary Club of Bandar Seri Begawan, Rotary Club of Singapore, Rotary Club of Singapore West, Rotary Club of Sentosa, Rotary Club of Sarikei, Rotary Club of Tanjong Pagar, Rotary Club of Novena, and Rotary Club of Miri Oil Town.
Eight types of saplings were planted yesterday: the Meranti Sarang Punai-Shorea Parvifolia Dyer, Tolong-Agathis Borneensis, Selangan Batu Daun Tebal-Shorea Crassa, Penaga Laut-Calophy Inophyllum, Kapor Paji-Dryobalanops Aromatica, Kapor Bukit, Dryobalanops Beccarii, and Binchaloi-Aisoptera Spp.
| Aziz Idris |
HEAD of Business and Hospitality Department at Laksamana College of Business (LCB) Simon Keenan yesterday urged tour guides to continuously improve.
“Much like the way the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) and LCB’s collaboration on this training is offering continuous improvement, so must you continuously improve, whether you are an experienced guide who has taken this course to legitimise your practise, or if you are fresh to the industry,” he said.
“I urge you all to keep your eyes and ears, to continue to learn and to continue to raise the standard of excellence in the industry,” he said.
He made these comments at a ceremony to present certificates of completion to the latest batch of 17 tour guides.
The 17 tour guides received their certificates of completion from Deputy Permanent Secretary (Tourism) at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) Wardi bin Haji Mohammad Ali during a ceremony at the MPRT yesterday.
The Tourist Guide Basic Licensing Course is a collaboration between MPRT and LCB to enhance the quality of tour guides in Brunei Darussalam, in line with the growing tourism sector and influx of tourist arrivals.
Keenan said there have been significant improvements made to the course over time; the most recent being able to secure a long-term service of an international trainer.
Registration for the Tourist Guide Basic Course at LCB is open for the June and September intakes.
During the course, participants were exposed to basic practical and theory technical skills on the procedures of being a tour guide, and introduced to the major tourist destinations and places of interest, as well as the tourism industry in the country. The course gave them the opportunity to work in a team, improve time management skills and stay up-to-date with their knowledge on Brunei, such as its historical facts. It also opens employment opportunities for locals, especially youth.
Tour guides who passed the course are required to submit their application to the Tourism Development Department at the MPRT to obtain the Tourist Guide Licence.
Under Section 21 of the Tourism Order 2016, it is now a requirement for tourist guides in the Sultanate to be licensed.
Any person found guilty of operating without accredited licence will be fined not exceeding BND5,000 for the first offence, and in the case of a second or subsequent offence, a fine not exceeding BND10,000.
As there is a high demand for tour guides, the Tourism Development Department welcomes youth looking for work to participate in the upcoming course.
Over 180 tour guides have completed the Tourist Guide Basic Licensing Course since it was introduced in 2016.
| Khairil Hassan |
BRUNEI Darussalam will be participating in the Arafura Games, which will be held from April 26 – May 4 in Darwin, Australia.
The 23-strong contingent comprise 14 athletes including two para athletes and nine officers including the Chef de Mission, secretariat officers, communication officers, team managers, coaches and medical staff.
A flag handing ceremony was held for the Brunei Darussalam Contingent to Arafura Games at the Green Room of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium yesterday afternoon.
Her Royal Highness Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah was present as one of the athletes competing in the Arafura Games.
Present to greet Her Royal Highness was 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.
The ceremony started with a recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Mustafa bin Haji Murat, followed by speeches from Acting Deputy Director of Youth and Sports Mariam binti Ulat as the chairperson and the minister. The minister then handed the national flag to Acting Director of Youth and Sports Haji Zafri bin Haji Mohamed as the Chef de Mission for the Brunei Darussalam contingent to the Arafura Games.
Also present were Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil, Permanent Secretary (Administration, Finance and Estate) at the MCYS Pengiran Mohammad Amirrizal bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud, senior officers from the MCYS and family members of the athletes.
Brunei Darussalam will be competing in three events – netball led by Her Royal Highness, swimming and athletics for the para athletes.
The Arafura Games is a multi-sports competition games organised by the Northern Territory, Australia. Held bi-annually, it has grown in quality and quantity since it was first organised in 1991 and Brunei Darussalam have joined the Arafura Games for 10 times including the para athletics events for five times.
The Brunei Darussalam Contingent is scheduled to depart to Darwin on different dates starting April 23.
| Khairil Hassan |
HER Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman yesterday attended to watch Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim ibni Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah binti Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah participate in the 27th Brunei Age Group Long Course (LC) Swimming Championship at the Aquatic Centre of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.
Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim took first place for event 18 of 25 for the Boys 7-22 50 LC Metre Freestyle, with the time of 35.95 seconds.
Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah was in seventh place for event eight of 15 for the Girls 7-24 50 LC Metre Freestyle with the time of 51.23 seconds.
Today will be the final day for the swimming championship.
| Lyna Mohamad |
THE curtains to the Islamic Calligraphy Art Exhibition and Activity were raised yesterday during a launch officiated by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin.
The exhibition at the Brunei History Centre (PSB) in the capital, is one of the activities in conjunction with the recognition of Bandar Seri Begawan as the Asian Capital of Islamic Culture by the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO).
Organised by the Brunei History Centre, the exhibition is themed Melestari Sejarah Melalui Seni Kaligrafi Islam (Preserving History through Islamic Calligraphy).
It focusses more on the art of Islamic calligraphy as one of the mediums towards getting the community, particularly the younger generation, to get closer to history.
The launch was initiated with a recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa.
Acting Deputy Principal of the Brunei History Centre Hanafi bin Haji Salleh said, “This is the first time PSB is organising the event. It is a different approach by the centre towards preserving the importance of the nation and country’s history, while at the same time uplifting the dignity of the art of calligraphy and Jawi writing in general as the writing of Al-Quran and religion as well as national writing,” he said.
The three-day event’s objective is to promote history through Islamic calligraphy to the community and provide an opportunity for youth to showcase their product to the public.
“History-based calligraphy art and Jawi writing can contribute to the economy in general and the creative industry in particular,” Hanafi said.
The art of Islamic calligraphy can be used in the writing of selected Doa and verses of Al-Quran on canvas, paper, and wood, and it is also produced and introduced to the public through computer applications.
Exhibits showcased include the names of Brunei monarchs in Islamic calligraphy, Islamic Creative Art activities by youth, government agencies and higher learning institutions, Persatuan Seni Khat Sabah and Sarawak, as well as the sale of Islamic calligraphy publications, souvenirs and decorations.
The activity will end tomorrow, while the exhibition of Islamic Calligraphy Arts will run for three months from 8am to 4pm daily (including during Bandarku Ceria), excluding Fridays and public holidays.
| Fadhil Yunus |
DPMM FC survived a brave fightback from Warriors FC to snatch all three points in a hugely entertaining 4-2 victory amid a match interrupted by a lengthy delay in the AIA Singapore Premier League at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas last night.
The league leaders opened the scoring with just 52 seconds of the clock gone through an amazing strike from Azwan Ali Rahman.
The league’s leading scorer Andrei Varankou doubled the lead in a prolonged first half after the match had been suspended for nearly an hour due to inclement weather.
But the visitors showed resurgence in the second half after clawing their way back through goals from Gabriel Quak and Sahil Suhaimi.
DPMM FC foreign import Blake Ricciuto put his team’s noses back in front before Andrei Varankou wrapped up the points in the final minute of normal time.
DPMM FC midfielder Hendra Azam replaced Shahrazen Said in the starting line-up after the striker picked up an unfortunate injury during a training session while Yura Indera Putera returned after missing out the Balestier Khalsa game.
The hosts started brightly as Hendra slipped a pass to the advancing Abdul Mu’iz Sisa who made a cutback to Abdul Azizi Rahman. The striker’s subsequent shot was blocked by a Warriors man before Varankou subsequent header was calmly saved by the goalkeeper Fashah Iskandar.
The Gegar Gegar men did not wait long for the lead as Azwan Ali Rahman brilliantly dinked the ball over the goalkeeper after chasing a loose ball from Charlie Clough’s header inside a minute.
Warriors striker Jonathan Behe wriggled his way from two DPMM FC players before picking out Ryhan Stewart who drilled the ball into the box for Gabriel Quak whose tame shot gave DPMM FC goalkeeper Wardun Yussof no problems.
Behe beautifully flicked the ball for Warriors captain Sahil Suhaimi who drove forward unopposed and flashed his shot wide.
Azwan Ali took advantage of a half-hearted clearance before lifting the ball for Varankou but the Belarussian was denied from pulling the trigger by defender Tajeli Selamat.
The rain started to pour heavily by the time Sahil took a free-kick which just missed contact from his teammate.
Behe managed to get his shot from outside the box but Wardun was equal to the task with a decent save.
Varankou played in Azwan Ali who returned the favour with a pass but Fashah pulled out a brilliant stop to deny the foreign import. Charlie Clough got off with a header from a Hendra Azam’s corner which ended wide.
Just as when Warriors were preparing to take a corner, the match was suspended after 25 minutes due to inclement weather. The match was delayed for up to 50 minutes with play restarting from a Warriors corner.
Abdul Mu’iz provided the springboard for an attack as Abdul Azizi was set up by Varankou but Delwinder Singh made a crucial intervention to deny the local striker.
Abdul Mu’iz cuts the ball back to Blake Ricciuto whose shot was heroically blocked by Kento Fukuda.
The Australian got into an advanced position and cut inside Warriors defender Faizal Raffi who stuck his leg out leaving him floored. The referee pointed to the spot for a penalty which Varankou converted with aplomb for his ninth goal of the season.
Tajeli struck a decent attempt from range but the ball ended safely to the experienced Wardun Yussof.
Warriors’s Gabriel Quak handed his team a lifeline after his shot found the near post off Wardun’s goal in the 53rd minute.
There was a change in formation for the visitors as Fukuda was deployed as centre defence while Tajeli played in the defensive midfield role.
The hosts got off the hook after their defence switched off as Behe’s advances were thwarted by Wardun following good work from a combination of Sahil and Gabriel. Clough came to his team’s aid with a long clearance as Ryhan looked to punish the league leaders.
The performance of the visitors belied their actual position in the league as Behe won a duel with a DPMM FC marker and called Wardun into action.
Gabriel made a marauding burst into DPMM FC’s final third before unleashing a fierce drive which Wardun saved well but the danger was not over yet as Sahil fired home the equaliser.
Helmi Zambin produced an excellent delivery into the box as a looping header from Ricciuto looked to find the target, however, the outstretched arms of Fashah kept the ball out.
Varankou brought the danger back into the box as Blake planted his header into the roof of the net to send his team back into the lead.
The Belarussian made sure of the points after a devastating counterattacking play having won an aerial battle with a Warriors player before laying the ball for substitute Razimie Ramlli.
Unselfish play from Razimie led to a pass for Varankou who slotted home into an empty net for his 10th goal of the season.
| Lyna Mohamad |
PERBADANAN Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei (Perbadanan TAIB) organised a Ramah Mesra appreciation dinner for it Syariah Advisory Committee at the Member’s Lounge of The Empire Hotel & Country Club in Jerudong on Friday.
Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, who is the Advisor to Perbadanan TAIB Board of Directors was the guest of honour.
Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, as Chairman of Perbadanan TAIB Board of Directors; Chief Syar’ie Judge and former Chairman of Perbadanan TAIB Syariah Advisory Committee Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar; and Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Fiscal) as the Deputy Chairman of Perbadanan TAIB Board of Directors Dato Seri Paduka Awang Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman were also present. Board members of Perbadanan TAIB, Insurans Islam TAIB Holdings Sdn Bhd, Darussalam Holdings Sdn Bhd; Syariah Advisory Committee as well as Perbadanan TAIB’s senior officials and officers also attended.
The event began with a speech by the Chairman of Perbadanan TAIB Board of Directors.
The newly appointed Chairman of Perbadanan TAIB Syariah Advisory Committee is Senior Istinbat Officer at the State Mufti’s Office Haji Dennie bin Haji Abdullah.
Haji Dennie has been a member of Perbadanan TAIB’s Syariah Advisory Committee from 2008 until 2018 and was appointed as the Chairman of Perbadanan TAIB Syariah Advisory Committee on September 27 last year.
Two new members, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Religious) at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Haji Mohd Serudin bin Haji Timbang and Acting Secretary of Brunei Islamic Religious Council Haji Abdul Aziz bin Haji Akop were also appointed as Perbadanan TAIB Syariah Advisory Committee.
