Azlan Othman

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has officially launched the call for nominations for ASEAN Prize 2020, the ASEAN Secretariat said.

Secretary-General of ASEAN Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi said, “At a time when the world is facing an unprecedented challenge in COVID-19, we see the best of humanity through frontline medical and health worker’s sacrifice, and those who keep essential public services running at great risks to their lives.

“Their examples remind us that there are many heroes out there and we should shine a light on their work.” He emphasised that “ASEAN Prize is one way that ASEAN honours their outstanding contributions to our community”.

Established in 2018, this annual regional award honours exemplary achievements of an ASEAN citizen or an ASEAN based-organisation in deepening collaboration between ASEAN member states and/or with the world through people-to-people connectivity, and social or economic cooperation to benefit the peoples of ASEAN, among others.

Nominations will be reviewed by a judging committee to be chaired by the incumbent Secretary-General of ASEAN and his predecessors.

The recipient of ASEAN Prize 2020 will, at the 37^th ASEAN Summit in Hanoi, Vietnam, receive the ASEAN Prize Trophy and a cash prize of USD20,000, sponsored by Temasek Foundation of Singapore and Yayasan Hasanah of Malaysia.

This is the third edition of the ASEAN Prize. In 2018, Erlinda Koe, a dedicated community leader from the Philippines, was the inaugural recipient to be awarded with the prize for her efforts in building an inclusive ASEAN Community by raising awareness on autism and championing support to families in need across the region.

In 2019, the ASEAN Prize was awarded to Dr Jemilah Mahmood, an ardent humanitarian leader from Malaysia for her contributions to support humanitarian responses in ASEAN.

For eligibility, the nominee must be an ASEAN citizen or an ASEAN-based organisation. The nominee must produce valid/verifiable documents highlighting his/her achievements and impacts to ASEAN since the launch of the ASEAN Community in December 2015.

The nominee should also share future plans in continuing the work after winning the prize.

The timeline for submission of nomination to the National Focal Points is 6pm local time on July 13.

National Focal Point for the ASEAN Prize for Brunei Darussalam is ASEAN-Brunei Darussalam National Secretariat, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam at email: dept.ofASEAN@mfa.gov.bn.

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Fadley Faisal

The Brunei Council on Social Welfare (MKM) launched a social media blitz to raise funds to provide iftar during Ramadhan for the needy in Brunei and for the students at the school for Rohingyan refugees in Unchiprang, Bangladesh.

Since MKM was first registered in 2009, they consistently provided iftar for the needy in Brunei. “This year we will be providing iftar for 650 needy persons in Brunei for at least the first 14 days in Ramadhan,” said Head of MKM Youth Wing Abang Haji Masrur bin Abang Haji Zainuddin. The Youth Wing will take charge of the local distribution for iftar.

“Because of the pandemic, we will practise social distancing in collecting and distributing the food. The youth members assisting us will be briefed and we will provide them with face masks and sanitisers.”

MKM President Mohd Yusof bin Halim said MKM had gone on a social media blitz since early April to raise funds for the iftar project in Brunei and for Bangladesh.

“We received overwhelming support from the public. We will increase the number of days we will be assisting the needy in Brunei or provide extra food should we receive more donations than targetted.”

MKM runs a school for Rohingyan refugees at Unchiprang Refugee Camp, Bangladesh since 2018 named ‘MKM-Gifting Humanity School and Orphanage’.

“We currently have around 500 students, 100 of whom are in the Tahfiz programme. The school has produced five 12-year-old Hafazan Quran. Some 100 of the students are orphans who are accommodated in the school premises.” MKM will be providing iftar to the students and staff of the school for Ramadhan and will provide food for sahur to the orphans staying in the school compound.

MKM is a registered charitable society and wholly depends on public donations to run its projects.

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Syazwani Hj Rosli

A total of 38 pints of blood were collected in a blood donation campaign organised by the COVID-19 Volunteer Operation (Sukarelawan Belia) in collaboration with the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital Blood Donation Centre yesterday.

The blood donation campaign was held at the Pusat Bahagia of the Community Development Department in Pulaie.

Present to support the blood donors at the campaign 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.

Volunteers of the COVID-19 Volunteer Operation, senior officers, officers and staff members of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports participated.

Permanent Secretary (Administration, Finance and Estate) at the MCYS Pengiran Mohd Amirrizal bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud

also participated. In ensuring the safety of all parties involved, social distancing measures as advised by the Ministry of Health were adhered to during the campaign.

All donors were assisted for a brief medical check-up by the medical officers in charge prior to the donation.

The donation was to support and replenish blood supply at the Blood Donation Centre.

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Lyna Mohamad

Graduate student Abdul Khaaliq bin Haji Abdul Razak from Kampong Masin was among the group of students who completed the 14-day mandatory quarantine and allowed to reunite with their families yesterday.

Abdul Khaliq flew from the United States (US) where he was on a 12-month internship, to London where he boarded a Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) rescue flight.

He thanked the Brunei Government for its repatriation efforts, and also expressed gratitude to the hotel staff, medical officers and volunteers at Al-Afiah Hotel.”The hospitality was very good. They checked on us every day, and provided us with delicious meals three times a day,” he said.

In the capital, Amni Izzati binti Haji Yahya completed her quarantine at The Brunei Hotel. A second-year student doing her degree in Information Technology specialising in Cloud Computing at the Asia Pacific University in Kuala Lumpur, she arrived in Brunei on March 29 via an early morning flight.

She was transferred to The Brunei Hotel with eight others from The Core at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) where they stayed for three days upon arrival in Brunei.

On her quarantine experience, “Apart from the three daily meals, we were given daily essentials such as toiletries, towels, detergents, toothpaste and toothbrushes,” she said.

“I spent most of the time learning new skills on YouTube, and polishing my programming skills for my next semester.” She expressed her gratitude for the continuous assistance and hospitality provided throughout her stay in both accommodations.

Lieutenant Irza binti Tuah from Kampong Kuala Lurah began her quarantine immediately on arrival from London, for which she and a few others were sent to Al-Afiah Hotel.

A military officer attached to the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN), Irza was thankful that she managed to complete her eight-month engineering course at HMS Sultan, Portsmouth, just before leaving the United Kingdom (UK). Speaking on her experience, Irza said, “It’s not that bad being alone in a room, as we had Wifi access, programmes and movies to watch on a laptop. “Food was served three times a day, except for Sunday, where it would be brunch and dinner. The room was comfortable, and the frontliners were always there to attend to our needs.”

Mohd Omar bin Sulaiman of Kampong Sengkarai, Tutong found the first few days of isolation difficult. “Worst of all was the feeling of uncertainty. Did I test positive? Would I see my family again? Lots of questions crept into my mind, but talking to my family members and friends helped ease these feelings,” he said.

“Performing my prayers and reading Al-Quran really helped me to get through each day, and Alhamdulillah, I made it through the 14 days. The daily check-up calls by the frontliners at the hotel also helped a lot.”

Mohd Omar thanked the Brunei Government, the Ministry of Health (MoH), Brunei’s diplomatic representatives in Turkey, Moscow and the UK, the Brunei House in London and RB for helping him to make the return journey home.

Siti Naqilah binti Haji Jali, who completed her quarantine at The Brunei Hotel, expressed her gratitude to the Brunei Government for providing a return passage to students abroad.

She praised the hard work, sacrifice and commitment of the frontliners and hotel staff “who took care of us from the airport to the hotel, until the completion of our quarantine.

“My thanks for the donations and relentless support provided to us, as well as to the food vendors who supplied us with food and other contributions.”

She said that the 14 days spent in isolation were mostly quiet and peaceful.

“We were also given Zikir booklets and copies of the Surah Yaasiin to fill up our spare time. Thank you, everyone, for everything,” she added.

The post Students heap praise after quarantine appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

Wani Roslan

QAF Brunei Group, represented by its senior management staff handed over 400 packed lunches and drinks for healthcare professionals at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital yesterday.

Chief Executive Officer of RIPAS Hospital Haji Abdul Khalid As’ari bin Haji Azahari was present.

The contribution was meant to thank frontliners for their contribution to the nation during the COVID-19 outbreak.

CEO of QAF Brunei Group Albert Lau said, “In these challenging times for Brunei and throughout the world, it is important that we acknowledge the sacrifices by frontliners and thank them for their efforts and contributions. This is a small gesture of our appreciation.”

The lunch packs prepared by Millennium Restaurant will be delivered to RIPAS Hospital until April 15, and to the Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Hospital in Tutong from April 16-18.

Normasayu binti Zulbakir, a frontliner at RIPAS Hospital expressed her appreciation and thanked QAF Brunei Group.

“We receive food contributions from the public, companies and individuals every day and they will be distributed to others involved,” she said.

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The Ministry of Defence (MinDef) and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) handed a BND43,200 donation to the COVID-19 Relief Fund yesterday.

The donation was presented to Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar at a ceremony at the ministry.

The donation amounting to BND40,000 collected by the RBAF was presented by Commander of the RBAF Major General Pengiran Dato Paduka Seri Aminan bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud, while the donation amounting to BND3,200 collected from the officers and staff of the MinDef was presented by Permanent Secretary at the MinDef Brigadier General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Shahril Anwar bin Haji Ma’awiah.

The donations are part of the Ministry of Defence and RBAF’s commitment and social responsibility to actively assist the Ministry of Health in managing the COVID-19 outbreak in the Sultanate.

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Azlan Othman

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, the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) has announced that the temporary closure of mosques, suraus and religious halls across the country which ended last night, is extended again for another week starting from Subuh prayer today until the Isyak prayer on April 20.

The decision was made after a special Brunei Islamic Religious Council meeting last Saturday, following advice from the Ministry of Health (MoH), Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman told a press conference yesterday.

MoH said that although the COVID-19 outbreak in Brunei Darussalam is under control, there are still concerns about its harmful transmission.

The extension of the closure is to avoid the harm to congregants in particular, and to the public at large. It is also in accordance with the State Mufti’s Fatwa or decree number 02/2020. Further assessments will be conducted before the temporary closure period is over.

“Let us all pray that Allah the Almighty will bestow His blessings on us all to immediately get out of the danger of COVID-19 outbreak and return to the mosques, suraus and religious halls,” the Minister of Religious Affairs said.

“We must continue our joint efforts to curb the outbreak by taking care of our health.”

Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin also reiterated the need to follow the guidelines and advice from all parties, especially the MoH.

“We are actually in a position to earn or achieve rewards through our proper attitude and actions ordered by Allah the Almighty, and that we never do an act of throwing ourselves into ruin by doing something harmful or not complying with the instructions,” he said.

The MoRA has welcomed some new trends and charitable initiatives implemented by members of mosque Takmir committees, which can be beneficial and rewarding while mosques are still closed.

“Takmir committee members of Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Mosque in Kampong Sungai Akar recently had an Al-Quran reading session through online. This initiative is commendable for people to do in their free time in each house while receiving rewards from Allah the Almighty.”

MoRA also welcomes the initiative made by religious scholars such as members of the Brunei Darussalam Rabitah International Al-Azhar Alumni, who delivered a short religious talk through social media.

Online Al-Quran classes are also welcomed by the ministry. Nadi Quranic Learning Centre and Al-Huffaz Management are offering Al-Quran classes as well as the Iqra and Tarannum classes of Al-Quran by the An-Naghom Group comprising several male Al-Quran readers and religious teachers.

The An-Naghom Group also took the initiative to recite Surah Yaasiin and Doa (supplication) to free the country and its people from calamity. It is aired live every Monday to Thursday at 8.30pm.

MoRA thanked 36 companies under the coordination of the Prime Minister’s Office, MoRA and the Ministry of Development that have come forward to clean mosques nationwide.

“Such contribution is very much appreciated and may Allah the Almighty reward such charity acts in this world and in the days in hereafter,” the minister said.

Similarly, MoRA also extended its appreciation to individuals, organisations and companies that have made contributions to mosques.

The post Mosques, suraus closure extended to April 20 appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

James Kon

A large green meteor streaked through the sky over Brunei Darussalam last Sunday, with many excited observers taking to social media to discuss the natural phenomenon.

The passing meteor was photographed at 7.27pm by Mohammad Nazhif bin Haji Abdul Khalid, who was taking pictures of the planet Venus in the clear sky at his home in Kampong Lambak.

He recalled, “At first, I thought that it was a fireworks display, but there were no exploding sounds.”

The photo of the event uploaded to his Instagram page caught the attention of the Astronomical Society of Brunei Darussalam (PABD), which has been receiving eyewitness accounts about a vivid ball of light on the evening of April 12.

The fireball was also spotted in other districts, starting at around 7pm.

Bon Wei Chin, 25, said, “I saw the meteor passing over Pekan Seria…It flew past a very bright star.”

Azimah Alipah was at the Penanjong Camp in the Tutong District when she witnessed it. “I saw a very bright shooting star for five seconds, heading towards the sea,” she described.

Mohd Yusbi Ayub bin Yusof also saw the meteor, “which passed overhead in the Jerudong Park area, at around the time for Isyak prayer.”

A meteor is a small piece of an astronomical body that burns up upon entering Earth’s atmosphere, creating a streak of light in the sky. A huge meteor can create a massive bright light.

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Izah Azahari

The development of patients testing positive again for COVID-19 is very worrying, as there is still uncertainty of how the new virus infects and how it will evolve, said Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar at a press conference at the Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday.

Following the recent discovery of one recurring patient, seven more were found to have tested positive again for the coronavirus, bringing the total so far to eight.

“This means there are a plenty of things to learn, therefore information-sharing between neighbouring and regional countries is very important,” said the minister, adding, “The uncertainty is also whether the virus is infectious or not, the second time around in these recurring patients.”

He further explained, “There are ways of testing whether the virus is active or dead, but as the virus is lethal, it is not recommended to carry out those tests, even by the World Health Organization (WHO), as this test would require the virus to be cultured. That may be harmful to those carrying it out, as well as for those in the vicinity, so other methods must be employed.” Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham also announced that a re-swab of the other recovered patients would be continued, starting on the 11^th day of their discharge from the National Isolation Centre (NIC).

At the same time, he updated on the status of the family members of one recurring patient, who were all swabbed and tested negative for COVID-19.

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Hakim Hayat

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 in a titah last night outlined an incentive in the form of a monthly special allowance of BND400 to healthcare workers and those involved in the fight against COVID-19 in Brunei, to recognise their sacrifices and commitment to the country amid this crisis.

The special titah, broadcast on Radio Television Brunei (RTB) from Istana Nurul Iman last night was His Majesty’s second address to the nation since the COVID-19 outbreak in Brunei was first reported on March 9.

His Majesty said that the BND400 allowance will be granted to doctors, nurses, paramedics, ambulance drivers, volunteers, cleaners, security guards and all those working with the Ministry of Health (MoH), especially at Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital, National Isolation Centre (NIC) in Tutong and also government-designated quarantine centres.

The monthly special allowance comes into effect March 2020 and will be extended until the eradication of COVID-19 in Brunei, His Majesty added. In the titah, His Majesty also announced that groups whose income are affected by the pandemic such as tamu traders, sellers at markets, taxi drivers and water-taxi drivers will also be given assistance that will be coordinated by the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB) of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA).

His Majesty in the titah also urged landlords such as owners of commercial properties to be considerate with their tenants during this dire situation by alleviating the burden of affected businesses by waiving or reducing rents for a while until the pandemic is over. “If this can be done, it is inevitably a sedekah (charity) that will bring bounties in return,” added the monarch. His Majesty also stressed the importance of being responsible and adhering to rules and regulations, in light of a recent case where a group of people were caught gathering in a party at a hotel room that was also the location of a self-isolation facility. “I hope the authorities will take stern action in this case and let it be a lesson for all.”

Earlier in the titah, His Majesty outlined some of the many measures that the government has undertaken since the first COVID-19 case in Brunei, including the construction of a new National Virology Reference Laboratory to boost and speed up testing capacity; investment in Artificial Intelligence for a more systematic healthcare implementation and the introduction of economic stimulus packages to support those affected in the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) categories. In the aspect of welfare, His Majesty has also consented for a National Welfare System (SKN) that will be launched in July.

“I am aware that even before or after the spread of COVID-19, many in the community still need assistance from the government. Insya Allah, this new system will make it easier for them to make their applications to the government,” His Majesty added.

His Majesty also said that Brunei as a community has proven its commendable caring attitude by rendering assistance to help the MoH in the fight against COVID-19. The establishment of the COVID-19 Relief Fund, His Majesty added, will be used for medical supplies in fighting the virus. His Majesty also extended his appreciation to all parties, including individuals in helping the government in this challenging time.

“Especially to the frontliners, including volunteers who have been working day and night to attend to COVID-19 patients and those under quarantine, I really appreciate their contributions,” said the monarch.

“I understand the burden carried by the frontliners. When others are bored sitting at home, they are always looking out for the time when they can go home. At home, their children are waiting and are missing them.” This, His Majesty, said is only the emotional side, and not to mention the risks they face as frontliners. “They are only equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) and standard operating procedures (SOP) as a shield, and the rest, only prayers can be made for them.”

His Majesty also extended his appreciation to the Royal Brunei Police Force, Royal Brunei Armed Forces, National Disaster Management Centre, crew and pilots of Royal Brunei Airlines, management and staff of Brunei Shell Joint Venture, Government-Linked Companies, Foreign Direct Investors, telecommunications providers, private companies and other government agencies for their support to the government. On the first COVID-19 related death in Brunei recently, His Majesty hopes that the deceased’s soul will be placed among those who are pious.

Before concluding the titah, His Majesty prayed to Allah the Almighty for the protection against COVID-19 and urged the people to practise the recitation of Surah Yaasiin, apart from other verses from Al-Quran.

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Aziz Idris

React Company and Eco Ponies Garden co-organised a Farmer’s Market dubbed Re/Think Food at Eco Ponies Garden in Tutong over the weekend, in conjunction with Brunei Gastronomy Week 2020. The third edition of the Re/Think Food also coincided with International Women’s Day yesterday.

The two-day event which began on March 7, featured talks and workshops based around the theme of sustainability, community building and protecting culture and heritage.

Re/Think Food vendors comprised communities from the Tutong and Belait districts, which included Que homebakemacaroon, Labi Coffee, Lamin Warisan, Kampong Lamunin Village Consultative Council’s (MPK) Women’s Bureau, MPK Melilas, MPK Bukit, Pangkalan Waris, Bidasari Hideout Community, Nilam Sari Hands On, Muiz Cornerliciouz, Mamat’s Corner and Creativate. React Company co-founder Nazurah binti Salleh said, “The Farmer’s Market aims to encourage more communities and small home businesses to adopt a farm-to-table lifestyle, and increase awareness of culture and heritage products among locals and foreigners.”

Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong attended the officiating ceremony of Re/Think Food in a show of support.

At the launch, Eco Ponies Garden – as one of the participant of Brunei Gastronomy Week 2020 – showcased its Gastronomy Week’s menu. A cooking demo was also presented by members of the Indonesian Chefs Association (ICA) & Bidasari. They demonstrated culinary preparations using resources from the jungle and community garden.

The event was supported by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) and Progresif Sdn Bhd.

Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong attended the officiating ceremony of Re/Think Food in Tutong yesterday. The Farmer’s Market aims to encourage more communities and small home businesses to adopt a farm-to-table lifestyle, and increase awareness of culture and heritage products among locals and foreigners.

ABOVE & BELOW: Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong with vendors at the Farmer’s Market; and Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali observes a basket weaving activity. PHOTOS: AZIZ IDRIS

Guests enjoying local delicacies prepared for the event

Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof was hosted to a dinner reception aboard the Australian Collins Class Submarine HMAS Dechaineux yesterday. The first submarine to dock in Brunei Darussalam will be in the Sultanate from March 7 until today.

Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Commander Major General Pengiran Dato Paduka Seri Aminan bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence Brigadier General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Shahril Anwar bin Haji Ma’awiah and Service Commanders were also present.

High Commissioner of Australia to Brunei Darussalam Nicola Rosenblum, Chief of Navy of the Royal Australian Navy Vice Admiral Michael Noonan and Commanding Officer of HMAS Dechaineux Commander Brad Francis welcomed the minister and the delegation from the Ministry of Defence and RBAF.

The inaugural submarine visit underscores the close and long-standing defence relations between Brunei Darussalam and Australia that in recent years received a boost through a comprehensive spectrum of bilateral and multilateral engagements.

Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof during the dinner reception aboard the Australian Collins Class Submarine HMAS Dechaineux. PHOTO: MINDEF

James Kon

The Rotary Club of Bandar Seri Begawan (Rotary Club BSB) on Sunday awarded the best teachers and students as well as offered aid to underprivileged students during a ceremony at Mulia Hotel.

Recipients of the Best Teacher Awards were Kwan Fui San of Chung Hwa Middle School BSB, Sim Lei Hui (Lily) of St George’s School and Chong Sook Tin of St Andrew’s School.

Meanwhile, Best Student Awards went to Sharon Ting Lang Xuan of Chung Hwa Middle School BSB, Sii Shiawa Yeu of St Andrew’s School and Cely Jelita Cristy of St George’s School.

Ten students from Chung Hwa Middle School BSB, St Andrew’s School, St George’s School and Maktab Duli Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah College received bursaries.

Rotary Club BSB President Jimmy Chung said, “This is a yearly event where we recognise the best teachers, best students and support students in need. This project is in line with the rotary goals to support basic education and literacy.”

Rotary Club BSB members in a group photo with the awardees

He added, “Education is the key to success, and we believe with education, you will be able to improve the quality of life of yourself and the people around you.”

“This year, we will support 10 students and will be spending approximately BND22,000 in tuition fees which will allow the students to continue their studies without any financial worries,” Chung stressed.

To the bursary recipients, Chung said, “I hope you will continue your studies and work hard for your future, as you will be the future leaders.” The president also revealed that the bursary will be obtained through the club’s charity golf event on April 19.

He said, “We hope members of the public will support the golf event for education.”

Also in attendance at the ceremony were Rotary Club BSB District Governor Jeff Yong and spouse Betty as well as other members of the organization.

Wani Roslan

The Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) hosted a Doa Kesyukuran in conjunction with its 60^th anniversary at the surau of FRD Headquarters in Old Airport, Berakas yesterday.

Permanent Secretary (Safety, Welfare and Law) at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) Mohd Amir Hairil bin Haji Mahmud was the guest of honour.

Over 150 officers and FRD personnel as well as senior officials under the MoHA attended the event. The ceremony began with mass Sunnat Hajat and Asar prayers led by Head of Religious Teachers of FRD Haji Othman bin Asat, followed by the recitation of Surah Yaasiin and Ratib Al-Attas and concluded with a Doa Kesyukuran.

Acting Director of Fire and Rescue Lim Hock Guan, assistant directors, senior officials, personnel and members of the department, as well as acting director of the National Disaster Management Centre were also present.

Permanent Secretary (Safety, Welfare and Law) at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) Mohd Amir Hairil bin Haji Mahmud at the event. PHOTOS: WANI ROSLAN

A section of the attendees

James Kon

A delegation of 20 travel agents from Taiwan arrived in Brunei for a site-survey tour yesterday. It was organised by General Manager of Tourine Travel Loma whose agency focusses on Brunei as one of its priority overseas delegations.

The aim of the visit was to understand the potential tourism market as well as exploring opportunities to boost tourism industries for Brunei and Taiwan.

Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Brunei Darussalam Andrew Lee met with the delegation at the Brunei International Airport for an in-depth discussion.

Due to the resumption of Royal Brunei Airlines direct flight to Taipei since December 3, 2018, there has been a huge growth of visitors to both sides.

Statistics by Taiwan’s Tourism Bureau revealed that in 2019, 6,317 visitors from Taiwan visited Brunei while 3,557 Bruneians visited Taiwan.

The figure has shown an increase of 478 per cent of Taiwan visitors and 42.6 per cent increase of Bruneians visiting Taiwan as compared to 2018.

Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Brunei Darussalam Andrew Lee in a group photo with tour agents from Taiwan at the Brunei International Airport. PHOTO: TECO

James Kon

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 received a courtesy call from Minister for Welfare, Community Well-being, Women, Family and Childhood Development of Sarawak Dato Sri Hajah Fatimah binti Abdullah at the minister’s office yesterday.

Both ministers exchanged ideas on welfare, well-being and community development. The discussion aimed to increase cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and Sarawak.

Accompanying Dato Sri Hajah Fatimah were Deputy High Commissioner of Malaysia to Brunei Darussalam Nadia Azura binti Mohd Nudri; Assistant Minister of Women, Family and Children’s Development Hajah Rosey binti Haji Yunus; and member of the Early Children Education Sarawak Dato Dr Adi Haji Badiozaman Tuah.

Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Pengiran Haji Mohd Hasnan bin Pengiran Haji Ali Hassan and Deputy Permanent Secretary (Community) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Saidah binti Haji Wahid @ Burut were also present.

The Sarawak delegation visited Pusat Bahagia in Brunei-Muara District. Acting Director and Assistant Director of Community Development briefed the delegation on the role and tasks of the department especially on the services for women, children and family institution.

Dato Sri Hajah Fatimah also visited the skills classes and training in Pusat Bahagia.

She saw cooking, tailoring, the weaving of Kain Tenunan, the learning of braille, religious class and woodwork demonstrations.

The delegation also toured the exhibition booth showcasing products made by senior citizens, special needs individuals, widows, individuals under the underprivileged programme, One Village One Product and Curahan Ilmu Programme.

The Malaysian delegation is on a five-day official working visit to Brunei Darussalam until March 12. They will also visit the Ministry of Education, Council of Women Brunei Darussalam and associations under it as well as local private companies and the Royal Regalia Museum.

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 and Minister for Welfare, Community Well-being, Women, Family and Childhood Development of Sarawak Dato Sri Hajah Fatimah binti Abdullah during the meeting. PHOTOS: JAMES KON

Dato Sri Hajah Fatimah tours a booth in Pusat Bahagia

Izah Azahari

Progresif Sdn Bhd launched its Progresif Women’s Future Academy at the Cultivate Bistro of the Progresif Headquarters yesterday. The launch was held in conjunction with International Women’s Day 2020

The event is the first of its kind in the country, aimed at empowering and encouraging women’s professional and personal growth on a higher level through an 18-week coaching session.

This was revealed by Big BWN Project/Womennovation Brunei founder Noorhafizah binti Haji Rashid, alongside Progresif Sdn Bhd Head of Brand Strategy Hafizah binti Mohamad and Life and Business Coach Lisa binti Dato Paduka Haji Ibrahim at the launch.

The coaching session is designed to help women identify their goals and full potentials, while building their business and a life that is more profitable and sustainable for their future.

The academy aims to help transform challenges into possibilities by working with women business owners to achieve clarity, focus and take action towards designing and building a business and a life they love.

Lisa binti Dato Paduka Haji Ibrahim (C) speaks at the event. PHOTO: BAHYIAH BAKIR

“We thought that being in 2020 we should be doing something much more impactful, especially for women around the country,” said Noorhafizah. In partnership with Womennovation Brunei – a local women empowerment initiative under Big BWN Project, the participants will be coached by Lisa, an internationally recognised Associate Certified Coach (ACC) under the International Coach Federation (ICF) as well as a Certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP).

No stranger to the local business industry, Lisa has over 20 years’ experience running companies as well as entrepreneurial ventures. She has now embarked on her coaching career.

Lisa added that they want to improve the life of women in Brunei as there are opportunities aplenty out there, and not necessarily jobs. Lisa will help equip them with the tools and confidence, as well as the focus and drive to actually start a business of their own.

As a company dedicated to giving back to the community, Progresif has made every effort to support innovative and new initiatives with the hopes of creating positive societal outcomes. With education as one of Progresif’s four key CSR pillars (alongside Environment, Arts and Culture, and Entrepreneurship), supporting Brunei women’s life and career development is a worthy cause for Progresif to throw its support behind.

“This year we want to focus mainly on the ladies because in the era of feminism and also women empowerment, we feel that it fits in very well with this project,” said Hafizah.

“Our first quarter magazine discusses over 20 women in Brunei, through a section called ‘Letter To My Younger Self.’ It talks about women empowering, being in a business or corporate world, how growth is, and how to build confidence among the younger girls in Brunei, therefore fitting into our CSR strategies,” she added.

With the creation of the Progresif Minds educational platform and hosting the Youth Empowerment Conference last year, Progresif has reaffirmed its commitment, enabling education and life-long learning in all demographics, by working alongside Big BWN Project.

The first cohort is open to four candidates, at a minimum age of 23. Applications open on March 12, with the deadline set for March 21. The Progresif Women’s Future Academy is in line with Progresif’s CSR pillars for education and entrepreneurship, and is under the Progresif Minds platform.

James Kon

Brunei Darussalam recorded its first case of COVID-19 after a local male aged 53 with a history of travelling to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was tested positive for the contagious disease yesterday.

Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar in a press conference announced the updates on the COVID-19 situation yesterday evening at the Ministry of Health. The minister urged the public not to panic.

He stated that initial laboratory tests indicated positive result for the infection yesterday afternoon.

The patient arrived in Brunei on March 3 from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia together with three friends.

The patient is receiving treatment at the National Isolation Centre, Tutong.

Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar speaks to the media

The minister added “The patient initially felt unwell, with body ache, high fever, cough and runny nose on March 7, and received treatment at the Emergency Department, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital the next day.

As a monitoring measure, based on the patient’s travel history to the affected country and showing signs of respiratory infection, a test to detect COVID-19 was conducted. From the preliminary test result, the patient was found positive to COVID-19 infection. The Ministry of Health is waiting for further confirmation of the test result.”

At this moment, he said “the patient is in a stable condition.”

The Ministry of Health responded immediately to detect and conduct contact tracing to all of the patient’s contacts including family members and three of his friends who were on the same trip as the patient.

All members of the family living in the same house with the patient have been notified to undergo 14 days quarantine.

All contacts involved will also undergo laboratory tests to detect the COVID-19 infection. The Ministry of Health will continuously maintain high vigilance to prevent and control the spread of the COVID-19 infection in Brunei Darussalam, as well as heighten surveillance and risk assessment due to the rise of infection cases within the Asia-Pacific region.

The Ministry of Health advised the public not to panic and continue to take preventive measures such as observing good personal hygiene; practising frequent hand washing with soap and clean water (especially before handling food or eating, after going to the toilet, or after coughing or sneezing); wearing a face mask if one develops respiratory symptoms such as a cough or runny nose; covering nose and mouth with a tissue paper when coughing or sneezing, and disposing the soiled tissue paper in the rubbish bin immediately; being socially responsible if one developes any respiratory symptoms, ie to seek medical attention and rest at home, as well as avoid going to public places and attending social gatherings.

The Ministry of Health reiterated that the public should postpone unnecessary travel to affected countries. This is to tighten the control of imported cases into the country, as there is definite human to human transmission of the disease.

The ministry sought public cooperation to act responsibly and avoid spreading any information that is misleading and untrue, as well as to respect the privacy of the patient and his family members. The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor the development of the COVID-19 through information received from the World Health Organization (WHO) and regularly update the public.

The Ministry of Health will also ensure continuous prevention and control measures are in place at the highest level.

For latest information, members of the public can visit the Ministry of Health’s website at www.moh.gov.bn/SitePages/COVID-19.aspx or contact Health Advice Line at 2381380 or 2381383 (during office hours) or; Darussalam hotline 123 (after office hours).

Lyna Mohamad

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to open the 16^th Legislative Council (LegCo) session at the LegCo building in Jalan Dewan Majlis.

Also in attendance were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.

On arrival at the LegCo building, His Majesty was greeted by LegCo Speaker Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib.

His Majesty then took a royal salute to the national anthem and inspected a guard of honour mounted by 108 personnel of the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) led by Superintendent of Police Haji Mahran bin Haji Ahmad.

His Majesty’s entry into the conference hall was accompanied by the cokmar or the Royal Mace, a sterling silver-crafted scepter which represents the symbol of authority, carried by the Sergeant-at-arms.

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; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah in a group photo with Cabinet Ministers and Legislative Council members. PHOTOS: RAHWANI ZAHARI & INFOFOTO

His Majesty delivers the titah; and His Majesty, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah being greeted upon arrival

His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah entering the conference hall of the LegCo building

Foreign dignitaries at the ceremony

His Majesty then delivered a titah, which was followed with the recitation of a Doa Selamat by State Mufti Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned marking the conclusion of the opening ceremony.

Prior to the official opening ceremony, the first meeting of the 16^th LegCo session was convened to verify the minutes of the previous LegCo session, and later adjourned for today.

Apart from deliberations on the Supply Bill for 2020/2021 the meeting will also deliberate on two formal proposals that have been listed, as well as questions that have been given notice.

The 16^th LegCo session will be chaired by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman, with the assistance of Clerk to the LegCo Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Jaya Dato Paduka Haji Judin bin Haji Asar, and Deputy Clerk to the LegCo Rose Aminah binti Haji Ismail.

Members of the public who wish to attend are required to adhere to rules and regulations, specifically the dress code and procedures for entry into the LegCo building, including the Dewan Persidangan.

Lyna Mohamad

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has stated that the annual Legislative Council (LegCo) session is in need of more empowerment, while urging the appointed LegCo members to express their views without hesitation.

In a titah at the official opening of the 16^th LegCo session yesterday, His Majesty said, “We have high hopes for the Legislative Council as a strategic platform for the consideration and deliberation of issues that are crucial for the citizens and the country.

“All ideas or deliberations need to be based on careful thought and research, supported by accurate facts and focussing only on relevant issues.

“It has come to my notice that the Legislative Council is in need of more empowerment. Most of the appointed members tend to raise more questions, instead of giving ideas. This causes the deliberations to be less interesting.

Touching on the current economic uncertainty, His Majesty nevertheless said, “Alhamdulillah, our country is still able to record an encouraging economic growth, apart from enjoying reforms in terms of infrastructure and policies.

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 inspects the royal guard of honour. PHOTO: RAHWANI ZAHARI

ABOVE & BELOW: 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; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah take the royal salute to the national anthem. PHOTOS: RAHWANI ZAHARI

Photos above show the Cabinet Ministers and Legislative Council members in group photos

“This uncertainty is further exacerbated by continuing geopolitical tensions and the startling, adverse effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on the world’s financial markets, particularly in the Asian region. The outbreak has hindered the economic growth and development of many countries, resulting in a reduction in demand for the world’s oil and gas, automatically causing the prices of these two commodities to drop.

“This can lead to our country experiencing a deficit, after recording an excess in fiscal balance for the Financial Year of 2018/2019.

“Throughout 2019, my government made several significant achievements, including the transformation of the telecommunications sector which is capable of enhancing innovation for change on the nation’s economic landscape towards the digital era and the 4^th Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0), through the establishment of Unified National Networks Sdn Bhd, which is wholly owned by my government.

“On the subject of human resources, I have given my consent for the Manpower Planning and Employment Council (MPEC) to be placed at the Prime Minister’s Office, for the cogitation of effective methods towards raising employment opportunities and tackling unemployment issues.

“It is also important to review current policies, such as those related to the recruitment of foreign workers; obstacles or processes that can prevent the business community from expansion; conducting training to help job hunters, reviewing the syllabuses for training programmes; and reviewing the processes to expedite the filling of vacancies in civil services and others.

“I also gave my consent to the establishment of the Temburong District Development Authority (AKDT), for the purpose of generating economic activities and upgrading the living quality of the citizens and residents in the district.”

The monarch then touched on the rising government expenditure over the years and called on all agencies to be sparing in the use of the allocated budget. “It must be remembered that large revenues are not necessarily capable of securing financial stability or strength, if they are not managed properly and efficiently.

“With prudent practice and efforts to diversify the economy, Insya Allah, our country can reinforce the stabilisation of the micro-economy and the nation’s financial standings.

“In this regard, it is important to remind that when using the government budget, it must be with transparency and trust. The fact that this is government expenditure does not mean that it can be used up for unimportant projects, or on large expenses, or when the big budget involves ‘back-door’ drama between certain parties outside of the government.

“It is especially regrettable that when the project is carried out under weak supervision, it ends up with plenty of defects or shortfalls upon completion. Why is this so? Firstly, it is due to weak supervision. Secondly, when weak supervision occurs, then embezzlement is bound to take place, such as the use of cheap or poor quality materials.

“With this, I call on the appointed council members to give voice to their opinions without any reserve. Their voices are needed for the common good.”