|     Faza Suraj     |

AROUND 70 per cent of the smoke from the blaze which broke out from the tyre filled junkyard in Anduki on March 29 has been cleared.

This was stated by Haji Sulaiman bin Mohd Yusof, Commander of the Seria Fire Station, who led 27 firefighters from the Seria Fire Station and the Sungai Liang Fire Station to combat the blaze yesterday.

According to the fire station commander, there is still fire due to the tyres buried under the burnt debris and a strategy has been devised to flood the area with water extracted from two floating pumps from a portable dam filled with supply by the Public Works Department and the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe).

“Monitor valves are being placed around the area and pointed to where there is still fire,” said the station commander.

Firefighters tackling the blaze at the junkyard in Anduki. – FAZA SURAJ

Haji Sulaiman added that the operation will pause at night and will continue the next morning.

According to the Fire and Rescue Department, the total area affected by the fire is estimated to be around two hectares.

The post Smoke subsides at Anduki tyre yard appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Nuri Sufri     |

IN ITS efforts to raise awareness among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the food industry on current procedures to attain Halal certification, the Ministry of Religious Affairs has created a set of guidelines, said Haji Mohammad Hadilah bin Haji Abdul Manaf, Scientific Officer from the Halal Food Control Division (BKMH), Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA).

Speaking at a session on Halal industry organised by the Darussalam Enterprise (DARe) at the Design and Technology Building in Anggerek Desa yesterday, he explained the necessary application procedure for restaurants and food factories to get the Halal certification.

The process will take 45 days under the Client’s Charter (TPOR) and involves the Halal supervisor test, audit by the inspection committee and the Islamic Religious Council.

The relevant authorities will also conduct checks based on Mesyuarat Menjalankan Kuasa-Kuasa Majlis Ugama Islam Berdasarkan Bab, 42A, PSHLH (amendment) 2008 before the awarding of the Halal certification.

The documents required to be submitted along with the application form comprises a copy of the identity card of the owner and the supervisor of the company; two copies of their passport-size photographs; a copy of the supervisor’s health certificate; and a copy of the business registration certificate.

Restaurants also need to provide the menu of food, beverages, and ingredients and food factories are required to present the list of products and ingredients used by them.

Haji Mohammad Hadilah bin Haji Abdul Manaf presenting a talk on Halal certification application. – ABDUL HAKIIM YAKOF

In addition, a declaration of ingredients is needed, but if the label on the ingredients bears the Halal logo issued by recognised bodies, then this declaration is not needed.

Also, the floor plan of the premises, business location plan, specification of packaging and chemicals used (for food factories) are required. SMEs must also prepare a Halal file.

For the Halal supervisor test, a minimum of two supervisors are needed and they are required to pass a written and oral examination based on several areas pertaining to the Halal food industry which include the definition of Hukum Syarak and Halal food; Najis according to Hukum Syarak; source of Halal foods and drinks; slaughtering; storage, display and serving; as well as hygiene and sanitation.

Another important step is the auditing procedure implemented under Chapter 18 of the ‘Halal Certificate and Halal Label’ and this will be conducted at the applicant’s premises.

The procedure requires documents on audit adequacy; on-site audit; and a follow-up auditing, if necessary.

The audit group members consist of auditors from BKMH as well as two auditors with religious background and one technical auditor.

The next stage is the consideration of reports presented by the auditors to the inspection committee, which will then proceed to the Islamic Religious Council and other relevant bodies.

They will further review the application and if the standards are met by the applicants, the Halal certification will be issued.

The certification for restaurants and food factories requires a payment of $90 every three years. Halal permits for each products applied for food factories is $50 for a lifetime.

Falsely advertising restaurants and food factories as Halal, Ditanggung Halal, Makanan Islam or with any other similar expressions is an offence and those who found guilty are liable to pay a fine $8,000 or serve imprisonment for a term of up to two years, or both.

The post MoRA official details Halal certification procedure appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Danial Norjidi     |

SINCE opening to the public in February, the Business Helpdesk has received a positive response from entrepreneurs and business owners.

Speaking to the Bulletin recently at the Helpdesk, which is located on the first floor of the Design and Technology (D&T) Building, Ilie Rahman, Executive Officer at Darussalam Enterprise (DARe) explained,“At our Business Helpdesk, people can come to the D&T Building and physically speak to someone and log in their issues and get feedback or enquire there, or they can do the same thing via the hotline or online through the business portal available on business.gov.bn.”

On how the system works, she shared, “What happens when a visitor logs in an issue is that a case analyst is assigned to their issue and we will get back to them within two weeks. This is with the objective of resolving the issue or to provide a status update to that issue. It depends on the complexity.

“Generally the type of issues that we receive relate to most of the agencies that are housed in the Business Support Centre, which is why we’ve invited them to come and sit here.”

A number of agencies have stations at the Business Helpdesk, including the Labour Department, Authority for Building Control and Construction Industry (ABCi), Land Department, Registry of Companies and Business Names (ROCBN), Royal Customs and Excise Department and many more.

“Initially when the Helpdesk was introduced on the Enterprise Open Day, the majority of issues were related to the ABCi and Labour Department, which is why we invited them to come and be stationed here.”

“There’s a plan to do an integration of all the different agencies’ online systems under one single portal,” she said. “That’s the plan, to do that sort of integration, but that’s something that will take time.”

She said that, in the meantime,the plan is to provide links to all the different agencies’ online systems on the www.business.gov.bn website.

Ilie Rahman, DARe Executive Officer at the Business Helpdesk. – DANIAL NORJIDI

This, she explained, is so “you can go to one place and find it all listed there, rather than having to search individual agencies’ websites and trying to find their respective online systems. At least everything will be centralised on the business.gov.bn website.”

Asked how visitors have responded to the Helpdesk, she said, “It’s been generally very positive. I think easing access to the different government agencies is obviously a bonus for people. You just come to one place rather than going to all the different offices to find out what’s happening with their approval and the applications and so on.”

“Having to come to just one place is obviously beneficial for them, and also providing that helpdesk has been very good because we have been very welcoming to entrepreneurs who have issues.”

“We’ve been very encouraging to entrepreneurs, saying if you have an issue, do log it in so that we can help you find out what is actually going on with your application, or the reason for certain delays, or perhaps to attain a clear reason as to why you’ve been rejected. You can log this in with us and we follow up on your behalf.”

On how forthcoming people have been with their issues, she shared that some were a bit worried about formally logging in their issues because of fearing “any backlash that they might face.”

She said that their approach has been one of trying to understand and help the communication of the company and the relevant government agencies.

“A lot of times, these agencies will actually provide an answer, such as the reason why it’s been delayed is because the company didn’t provide us with the right documents. So there’s been a lot of back and forth.”

Going forward, the Business Helpdesk will be placed under the Business Support Centre, which DARe is looking to launch in April. Speaking on this, Ilie said, “The objective of the Business Support Centre is to be IT driven, so when we came up with the idea for the Business Support Centre, we wanted all the different agencies’ individual systems to be integrated under one single portal.”

This, she explained, is so that “the agency representatives themselves don’t have to be housed here, so that our own people are able to utilise their systems and actually then advise visitors to the Business Support Centre.”

“The physical centre itself provides an alternative avenue for people to come and seek assistance, because there will still be people who prefer the physical interaction with someone, but the actual objective is to provide assistance online. So anywhere you are, doesn’t matter what district you’re in, you can actually access the different systems online. It’s in a more aligned way.”

On the topic of simplifying applications themselves, she said that they are already in discussions with several respective agencies.

“We’re working together with the Ease of Doing Business team and the eGNC team who are also then speaking to all the respective agencies on how to improve their own internal processes,” she shared. “So even online, there’s plenty of room for improvement in simplifying the online process itself.”

Sharing her own experience, She said, “Sometimes I man the desk as well, so I get to speak to a lot of the entrepreneurs who come in, and in general, just listening to their problems and trying to understand what the issue is, for me it’s very helpful, because if the same issue keeps coming up, then it enforces the fact that we can speak to this agency and say it’s not just one or two companies that have said something about a particular agency or progress,” she shared.

“We’ve been collecting statistics and it’s quite a lot, and when the majority of it is about a particular issue, it is something we can raise up, saying it needs to be improved or modified,” she continued.

“In general, all the agencies are welcoming as well for the feedback, because everyone wants to ease doing business in Brunei.”

Adding on, she highlighted that the aim is to be seen as an action centre where people can easily bring all their issues and your feedback.

“What we want to do is basically implement your suggestions and recommendations, raise up your issues and any challenges you’re facing as an entrepreneur, and we want to escalate it and bring it to all the different agencies and help create a more conducive business environment for the local entrepreneurs.”

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|     Azaraimy HH     |

LOCAL food producers and traders have the potential to go beyond the Brunei market, said Dato Paduka Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, yesterday.

The minister was speaking on the sidelines of ‘The Flavours of BIMP-EAGA & Beyond: Culture and Food Expo 2016’ launching ceremony, at The Airport Mall.

He said that there are several programmes and initiatives that will help these producers to develop their commerce beyond the local market.

At the same time, he called on small-time producers and traders to use events such as the Culture and Food Expo 2016, as a platform for introducing their wares to the regional market.

During the interview, the minister also raised the issue that some local food producers are reluctant to develop themselves, and are quite content to remain where they are.

“As a consequence, most of them are still frozen at the micro level, even though they have been producing for the last decade,” said the minister, adding that if this trend continues, then government efforts to help small enterprises would be rendered less effective.

He also urged local producers to emulate their foreign competitors by emphasising quality, taste, packaging and an efficient delivery system.

Dato Paduka Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, during the ‘The Flavours of BIMP-EAGA & Beyond: Culture and Food Expo 2016’. – AZARAIMY HH

The minister even stressed on the importance of maintaining quality, which would prevent simulation, and enable the produce to compete sustainably.

Meanwhile, Melline Jaini, from Ghanim International Corporations, told the Bulletin that the Jerudong-based company is able to provide a guide for local traders on the necessary requirements to expand their businesses beyond Brunei.

She said that Ghanim’s experience of promoting the Brunei Halal brand on the international scene, including London and Australia, should be beneficial for local produce.

Currently, Ghanim is in the process of importing more high-quality products from abroad to Brunei; and its main focus is on healthy food content, with less sugar and fats.

In his opening speech, Pengiran Yura Kesteria bin Pengiran Setia Negara Pengiran Haji Mohd Yusuf, the Executive Chairman of the Brunei Darussalam BIMP-EAGA Business Council, said that people’s value systems and food traditions combine together to create culture, which is what BIMP-EAGA is famous for.

“BIMP-EAGA also houses a great variety of food and beverages, which can provide a new and unique tourism experience – not only for those in Brunei Darussalam and the EAGA territories, but also for the rest of the world,” he said.

“Food tourism plays a key role in sustaining and celebrating regional identity that we can be proud of. Just as importantly, it creates economic opportunities for people of the EAGA region,” he added.

He also said that the event would promote a greater appreciation and conservation of the sub-region’s unique customs.

The food expo also saw a launching of a cookbook titled, ‘Spice of Life: Recipes & Remedies”, consisting of herb recipes from Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines.

The post Local producers urged to go big appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

NEWLY promoted Kota Ranger FC have pledged not to dwell on past glories and instead focus on opening a new chapter in the Brunei DST Super League 2016.

The 2015 Brunei DST Premier League winners registered their first full points after a well-deserved 4-2 victory over rock bottom Jerudong FC last week but assistant coach Abang Nor Hillmy Abang Taha insists the league is a major step-up containing a wealth of quality players.

Tabuan Muda inflicted a heavy and first league defeat in 11 matches in the opening fixture of the season, serving as a painful reminder the quality of opposition in Brunei’s top flight.

Abang Norhillmy pinpointed the strong teams in the league such as Indera SC, Najip I Team and reigning champions MS ABDB and only to match them – not even remotely close to attempt to win a match – they will need to work hard 110 percent.

Only four players who were part of the Brunei DST Premier League-winning squad remain in the side including team captain Abang Nor Sillmy Abang Taha, who scored last week.

The team will be associated with pressure following promotion but any thoughts of their unbeaten season last year has already gone out of the window.

A Kota Ranger player (third right) challenges for the ball in their recent win against Jerudong FC. – FADHIL YUNUS

“We open a new chapter and we forget the fact that we never lost. The difference between the Super and Premier Leagues is huge and it is tougher in the Super League,” said Abang Nor Hillmy in a post-match interview with the Bulletin.

The assistant coach asserted that the main difference in both leagues is concerned with the quality of play inspired by the individuals.

He said that players in the Brunei DST Super League are mainly centred towards a training programme which ensures they play competitively which gears towards appropriate speed and stamina levels.

“If you do not possess stamina, physical and mental strengths, it will be extremely difficult to play in the Brunei DST Super League,” added Abang Nor Hillmy.

Kota Ranger will not be carried away after registering their first victory with the assistant coach labelling the Brunei DST Super League as ‘tough’.

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|     James Kon     |

THE Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) will be sending a contingent of 30 officers and personnel to compete with the Singapore Police Force in four sports at the 2016 Inter-Force Games to be held from April 4-11 in Singapore.

The four sports to be competed are golf, football, netball and badminton.

At a ceremony at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium, Police Headquarters yesterday, the guest-of-honour Commissioner of Police Dato Paduka Seri Haji Bahrin bin Mohd Noor handed over the Royal Brunei Police Force flag and sporting equipment to the contingent.

In his welcoming remark, Dato Paduka Seri Haji Bahrin said that the Inter-Force Games not only build the spirit of competitiveness, healthy lifestyle but also act as an important platform to provide a golden opportunity for officers of Royal Brunei Police Force to build on new friendship with officers and personnel of the Singapore Police Force as well as to strengthen the strategic partnership of both forces.

The Commissioner of Police handing over the RBPF flag to the flag-bearer of the contingent, PASP Haji Muhd Noor Fadzli. – PHOTOS: JAMES KON

The Royal Brunei Police Force contingent for the games with the Commissioner of Police Dato Paduka Seri Haji Bahrin bin Mohd Noor and senior police officers

He also revealed that each team that represented the contingent of Royal Brunei Police Force Sport Council has actively undergone preparation in terms of scheduled training for the Inter-Force Games.

The Commissioner of Police also reminded the participants to always maintain the good reputation of the force and good discipline as well as credibility of the force.

This is the 11th Inter-Force Games participated by Royal Brunei Police Force and Singapore Police Force. Both forces took turns to host the Inter-Force Games each year.

The post RBPF for Inter-Force Games in Singapore appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Aziz Idris     |

A RANGE of innovative bruneihalal products are currently being showcased at ‘The Flavours of BIMP-EAGA: Culture and Food Expo 2016’ from March 30 to April 3 at The Airport Mall.

Ghanim International Corporation (Ghanim) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Nur Rahman shared his views on what bruneihalal will bring to the market this time.

“We can confidently say that we are bringing in a number of innovative products to the market – different from what is currently available, and will provide solutions to consumer needs,” he said.

“Some of the products also offer nutritional benefits or are an alternative product solution, as we are a lifestyle brand that is set on helping fellow Bruneians achieve a healthy approach to their daily food consumption,” he added.

With most of the products produced by local manufacturers, Dr Nur views this as a major accomplishment for Ghanim towards its objectives in supporting local small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Bruneihalal products, set for June launch, being showcased at the food expo. – AZIZ IDRIS

While the majority of bruneihalal products are inspired by international research and development organisations, Ghanim sees the prospect of working closely with local suppliers to create an array of recipes suited to the local market, and unique enough to be launched for export.

“We are partnering up with local businesses as we foresee a win-win situation: Ghanim is sharing its expertise in the food trading business, and is supporting their development into export-ready standards and capacity. Bruneihalal will also benefit from being on the local product range. We intend to become the preferred household brand that will cater to everyone’s needs,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ghanim International Corporation Sdn Bhd is conducting sampling sessions at the food expo for feedback and research on a new product line set for launch this June.

The post Spotlight on innovative bruneihalal products appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Azaraimy HH     |

PERSISTENT bush fires spreading across hectares of land in Tutong are beginning to affect residents, particularly those living near the Tutong-Jerudong Highway in Penanjong, where the fires are most visible.

Some residents said that they found it difficult to sleep at night, due to the unpleasant smell of smoke and ash drifting into their houses.

The Fire and Rescue Department has been working hard to control the bush fires in Tutong District for more than two weeks now.

According to recent information from the Public Relations Officer of the Tutong Fire and Rescue Department, they are working to contain the fires from spreading outside the areas of origin.

Bush fires visible from the highway producing smokes and ashes that are blowing into nearby residential area. – AZARAIMY HH

The public is advised to avoid open burning which could only make the situation worse, especially in the current dry weather conditions.

Road users have also been advised to be extra careful, especially when driving through smoke-filled sections of the Tutong-Jerudong Highway.

Members of the public are urged to call 995, if the fires should spread to surrounding residential and commercial property.

The post Tutong bush fire affecting Penanjong residents appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Abdul Hakiim Yakof     |

IN CONJUNCTION with the school holiday, Royal Brunei Recreation Club (RBRC) hosted its Junior Boot Camp 2016 programme at the Royal Brunei Recreation Club complex for its junior members and non-members yesterday.

A total of 65 youngsters, aged seven to 16, joined the activities which kicked off at 1.55pm.

The activities included water polo, tennis and dodgeball, badminton, basketball, futsal and kids zumba.

Each activity was facilitated by in-house coaches of RBRC.

Children enjoying a game of dodgeball

Boys warming up before their futsal match

The programme was held to improve skills as well as discover other different sports, to encourage them to pursue their preferred sport on another level.

The participants had the opportunity to socialise with others in the same age group and make new friends from different schools.

Upon completion of the camp, the participants were given a certificate of participation.

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|     Siti Hajar     |

THE country’s flagship Brunei Halal brand is looking to penetrate the markets of six countries this financial year following milestones that have seen exports to neighbouring Singapore as well the United Kingdom.

In an interview yesterday on the sidelines of a BIMP-EAGA dialogue at The Airport Mall in Berakas, Dr Nur Rahman, the recently-appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghanim International Group, explained that the company is targeting countries in Asia, the Middle East as well as those in Europe, stating that current supply of Halal products in a number of countries is not meeting demand and Brunei could provide a Halal solution.

With the lack of Halal options on a global scale, he said, “someone has to take the lead and Brunei Halal is taking this lead to come up with product solutions for the international market”.

The CEO explained that the Middle East is the next anticipated market for the brand with the next few weeks slated to see the fast-tracking of procedures including registration to facilitate the brand’s introduction to the Arab world starting with Dubai with support from the Brunei Embassy.

BIMP-EAGA forum discussion yesterday. – PHOTOS: BAHIYAH BAKIR

Dayang Melline Jaini (2nd from R), from Ghanim International Corporations in a group photo with her team

He said that LuLu, the Middle East’s biggest retailer group with 123 outlets in the Gulf Cooperation Council, has selected a number of Brunei Halal products for the company’s United Kingdom (UK) operations with consumers in the Middle East also ready to welcome the move.

“This is really exciting not just for Ghanim International but also for Brunei.”

After introducing Tesco’s shelves with the Brunei Halal product line, Dr Nur Rahman said that grocery chain Asda will carry 24 of Ghanim International goods in its 110 stores across the UK starting this month.

It is hoped that by the end of April, “our products will have a presence in every part of the United Kingdom,” through the agreement with the UK food venture.

With marketing the main driving force behind its success, he said that getting distribution off the ground and expanding Brunei Halal’s reach is being facilitated using the foundation that has been created since the company’s introduction in 2009.

“We have improvements in opportunities and we are using this opportunity as the platform,” for market diversification.

The brand, he said, “is a good concept and its objective is excellent and what we need to do is strategise and execute,” including provision of more Halal products, which is hoped to eventually include pharmaceutical products as well as cosmetics.

“We have significant plans for the next financial year and the team is excited to reach these milestones.”

The company’s financial future, he explained, “is going to be profitable, sustainable and it has the opportunity grow. We will look forward to what we can do. The signs we are seeing are substantial and the responses we have been getting have been positive.”

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|     Faza Suraj     |

THE Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in collaboration with the KB Sentral Property Management Sdn Bhd recently held a roadshow on drug awareness at the atrium of the Sentral Shopping Centre on March 28 and 29.

NCB officials took the opportunity to educate those in attendance on the different kinds of drug abuse.

Present at the event was Pengiran Hajah Masnah binti Pengiran Haji Damit, Assistant Director (Preventive Drug Education) of the Narcotic Control Bureau.

“There were many who stopped by and received reading materials from us,” said the assistant director.

Posters, books and leaflets about prevention were given away especially to parents to educate themselves on how to prevent drug abuse amongst children and teenagers.

A Narcotics Control Bureau personnel explaining to a member of the public on the different types of equipment drug addicts use during the roadshow on drug awareness at the atrium of the Sentral Shopping Centre recently. – FAZA SURAJ

NCB officials also displayed various equipment related to drug abuse. Pengiran Hajah Masnah said the equipment was put on display to make the public aware of their appearance.

“This is so that the public can identify the objects especially at home because some of them can appear like any other normal household object and to ensure that people they love do not fall victim to drug abuse,” added the assistant director.

Hajah Norhayani binti Abdullah, an official from the NCB’s Belait Branch, said that one of the most common questions voiced by the public is the existence of illegal labs which produce the drugs in the Sultanate.

“We assured them that through our investigations there is no illegal production of drugs in the Sultanate,” said Hajah Norhayani.

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|     Azaraimy HH     |

TWO Bruneian youths are hoping to share the Sultanate’s approach to tackling poverty, by empowering the underprivileged through capacity-building and skills development, to break the cycle of poverty.

Fakhriah binti Dato Seri Setia Haji Lamit, a Youth and Sports Assistant Chief Officer at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and Najihah Kamilah binti Haji Mohd Rosellan, an undergraduate student from Universiti Brunei Darussalam, will be participating in the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Youth Week, to be held in Hanoi, Vietnam, in conjunction with Model ASEM 2016.

The ‘ASEM Youth Week: Stronger Actions to Address Zero Hunger Challenge’ is an initiative co-sponsored by Vietnam, Brunei, Ireland and Lao PDR, which was endorsed at the 10th ASEM Summit in October 2014, in Milan, Italy.

The events are aimed at enhancing the youths’ understanding of Asia-Europe partnership and the ASEM process, raising awareness of potential cooperation on poverty eradication, and providing them a platform to take action in the fight against hunger.

The young participants also have a chance to develop their skills in the fields of negotiation, diplomacy and consensus-building.

Fakhriah binti Dato Seri Setia Haji Lamit and Najihah Kamilah binti Haji Mohd Rosellan will be partici-pating in the ASEM Youth Week, to be held in Hanoi, Vietnam, in conjunction with Model ASEM 2016. – AZARAIMY HH

Fakhriah – who is heading the Brunei contingent – and Najihah Kamilah had a short conversation with the Bulletin, prior to their departure at the Brunei International Airport, yesterday.

The two delegates said that they would be bringing with them Brunei’s experience of alleviating poverty, through social programmes designed to empower the poor with education and skills training.

Fakhriah also said that their team hopes to learn more about helping the poor from other delegates, especially during field visits to lucrative projects in Vietnam.

Najihah Kamilah explained that their three-day programme will include a forum among the European and Asian youth delegates, where she hopes there will be discussions on overcoming poverty.

There will also be speeches from each ASEM country head of delegation, where the delegates hope to share Brunei’s approach to helping the poor and underprivileged.

Present at yesterday’s send-off was Faisal bin Yunos, Youth and Sports Chief Officer from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

According to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Model ASEM is a three-day youth conference and a political simulation exercise of the actual ASEM Summit. It is primarily aimed at providing a platform for university students to engage in the ASEM process, and interact with the ASEM Leaders.

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|     Azlan Othman     |

LOCAL farmers should go for large scale farming using high technology and good quality seedlings to produce more so that they can take advantage of the economies of scale and tap overseas export markets Dato Paduka Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, said yesterday.

During a visit to AE Asia Agri-Mart Sdn Bhd, a one-stop destination that sells agriculture machinery and plantation products located at Jalan Bengkurong Masin, the minister told the local media that our farmers, especially paddy cultivators, need to go on a big scale as it would make manure, pesticides and equipment cheaper.

“It (agriculture production) should not be just for catering to the domestic market but also for exporting to overseas markets in Asean and East Asia region. Our small size of the market should not be a hindrance to our economic growth,” he added.

“They (farmers) should go for big scale paddy cultivation like 50 to 100 hectares and not merely one to five hectares. Farmers who operate small scale farms will have to buy their manure, seedlings and so on directly, resulting in higher cost. If they buy or order in bulk, cost will be less. Of course, it requires huge capital,” the minister explained.

Dato Paduka Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, during his visit to AE Asia Agri-Mart Sdn Bhd

Dato Paduka Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, in a group photo with officials. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI

“Our farmers should also look for seedlings that could produce higher yield and sell produces at a higher price. Large scale farming coupled with the use of high technology and good seedlings would produce higher yields,” he pointed out.

“Government provides subsidies to farmers and buys their paddy at times. If we use high technology and quality seedlings, then the output and profit will be higher, and there is no need for the government to give subsidies or buy the paddy from farmers.

“It’s a win-win situation where farmer reaps the profit and the government will not incur any losses as it doesn’t need to buy the paddy at a higher price and sell it at a lower price,” the minister said.

“Currently, our paddy yield is three to five tonnes per hectare annually whereas in countries such as in Indonesia and Thailand, the yearly yield is up to 12 tonnes. But, we are going to introduce new hybrid varieties like Padi Titih by next year which can produce up to eight tonnes. We are also planning to develop other hybrids that can produce up to 12 tonnes per hectare by 2019,” he added.

Prior to visiting AE Asia Agri-Mart, the minister also visited a poultry farm in Sungai Tajau and plantations in Kampong Batang Mitus.

The post Small local market no barrier appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

BAIDURI Bank has been recognised by Global Finance as The World’s Best Emerging Markets Banks in Asia-Pacific 2016 for Brunei. This marks the second time Baiduri has received this award, the first being in 2012. The award will be presented to Baiduri Bank at Global Finance’s World’s Best Banks 2016 Awards Ceremony at the National Press Club in Washington, DC on October 8.

According to a press release, the magazine’s annual ranking of World’s Best Banks has become one of the recognised and trusted standards of financial performance in the world for more than 20 years.

Speaking on this latest recognition, the first for the bank in 2016, Pierre Imhof, CEO of Baiduri Bank said, “We are honoured to have been globally recognised as the best bank in Brunei by Global Finance. Winning this award is testimony of our commitment and capability to effectively leverage on our position as the leading conventional bank in Brunei. We will continue to deliver value to our customers and communities in Brunei.”

He further elaborated that as a bank in an emerging market, the challenges faced by banks in this market segment are different from other banks in more developed markets. He went on to say, “As evident by the increasing demand for financial products and for the development of capital markets, factors which are closely linked to economic growth, we believe that there are opportunities for growth in our country, and by extension, our region, despite the challenging business environment.”

Baiduri Bank in Kiarong. – BAIDURI BANK

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|     Achong Tanjong     |

DEPUTY Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Haji Mohammad Sunadi bin Haji Buntar, yesterday launched Kampong Pelambayan Consultative Council’s (MPK Kg Pelambayan) 7th Charity Sale and Walkathon Charity Event 2016 for Orphaned Children, Society and Culture.

The charity event, organised by Kampong Pelambayan Consultative Council, took place yesterday at the residence of its Village Head, Haji Hanipah bin Begawan Pehin Udana Khatib Haji Junit.

The village head in his speech said such activities are part the of the village consultative council’s annual project aimed at generating village residents’ income through sales as well as to expose youths to healthy, welfare, and team work activities.

He hopes the village residents will continue to give support to activities organised by the village through active participation and cooperation.

Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Haji Mohammad Sunadi bin Haji Buntar, presenting a certificate to a member of the Kampong Pelambayan Consultative Council’s Youth Hadrah team. – ACHONG TANJONG

He said the walkathon activity will be held on Sunday.

The highlight of the event yesterday was the presentation of certificates of appointment to members of MPK Kg Pelambayan Youth Hadrah team.

The certificates were presented by the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The activities held yesterday included charity sales which featured booths selling various local food produced by the village residents.

The village head encouraged the public to visit the event and take part in the charity walkathon on Sunday.

Present at the event yesterday was YB Awang Haji Gapor @ Haji Mohd Daud bin Karim, Member of the Legistative Council cum Village Head of Kampong Belimbing; Dato Paduka Haji Abu Bakar bin Haji Samad, Advisor of MPK Kg Pelambayan; Naim bin Haji Kamis, Penghulu of Mukim Kota Batu as well as village heads under Mukim Kota Batu and village residents.

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|     Fizah HAB     |

IN CONJUNCTION with the school holidays, the Kampong Kiulap Village Consultative Council (MPK), together with the Brunei-Muara District Office, is hosting a charity sale at Muara Beach.

The four-day bazaar was officially launched by Legislative Council member and Penghulu of Mukim Gadong ‘A’ YB Awang Haji Tahamit bin Haji Nudin.

Also attending the event was Penghulu of Mukim Gadong ‘B’ Major (Rtd) Haji Bakar bin Sapar.

YB Awang Haji Tahamit said, “I am very proud of the success and cooperation of MPK Kampong Kiulap and Kampong Kiulap Women’s Bureau in holding this charity sale.”

The event continued with the presentation of donation to the orphans.

Legislative Council member and Penghulu of Mukim Gadong ‘A’ YB Awang Haji Tahamit bin Haji Nudin leads the tug-of-war match. – FIZAH HAB

The guest of honour then proceeded to visit the stalls at the event and participated in a tug-of-war.

The charity sale will continue until Sunday, with fun activities including zumba, fishing competition, tug-of-war competition and colouring competition.

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|     Wani Roslan     |

THE Fashion Hijab Expo 2016 was officially launched yesterday at Times Square Shopping Centre by Hajah Sarimah binti Haji Abu Bakar, the spouse of Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Haji Harun bin Haji Junid.

The four-day expo is organised by Ezamay Enterprise Event Management in collaboration with its official partner Faiz Boutique from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

In her welcoming remarks, event chairperson Hajah Nor Aine Khalizahyati binti Haji Matamit noted that 16 local and Malaysian vendors, experienced in the field of Muslim/Muslimah fashion, are involved in the event.

“Such participation increases the spirit for new vendors to further explore, particularly in the field of entrepreneurship,” she said.

Guest of honour Hajah Sarimah binti Haji Abu Bakar touring the expo. – BAHYIAH BAKIR

Aside from the selling of Muslim/Muslimah items, various activities for children are also being held to enliven the event, including a colouring competition, henna session and face painting.

A majority of the vendors run online-based business with the help of popular social media tools such as Facebook and Instagram.

One of them is Arumi Izaazwazini, a local vendor and owner of Juniehk, who has had her business since 2012.

“At this expo, Juniehk is bringing in shawls of new shades and designs. We offer hot-sellers including the plain Miriam shawl, Humaira Square, Batik, Songket, instant shawls and other varieties of shawls,” she said.

Meanwhile, Hajah Saf, owner of Safs Random Hijab, explained that she grabbed the opportunity to participate in the expo because of the Muslim/Muslimah concept. It also serves as a fresh platform for her to start her business after a hiatus.

“This is the first time Safs Random Hijab is participating in such an expo. We are bringing iBawal as well as random shawls, bawals and other hijab. As a first timer, I am hoping to gain experience and receive good feedback from the public. Insya Allah, we will continue to be active in the field of entrepreneurship in the future,” she added.

Nita, owner of Nita Haus of Tudong & Jami’al Helwah from Malaysia, explained that she was invited by a friend to participate at the expo and to expand her business in Brunei.

“I hope that through this expo, I can expand my business. As this is my first time, Alhamdulillah, there will be good feedback from the public,” she added.

Meanwhile, visitor Siti Azimah binti Haji Suhaimi highlighted that the expo makes it convenient for customers to purchase their items directly from online vendors.

Bringing a wide selection of fashion apparels, shawls and others accessories, the expo is open between 10am and 9.30pm.

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|     Aziz Idris     |

GET the latest promotions and win prizes at the ‘DST District Tour’ which was officially launched yesterday in-conjunction with DST’s 21st anniversary celebrations held at the newly completed block of Giant Hypermarket in Rimba.

Present to officiate the three-day event was the guest of honour, Abdul Latiff bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof, member of DST Board of Directors. Also in attendance were Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Hussain, Chief Executive Officer of DST; Haji Marsad bin Haji Ismail, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of DST; DST management and staff.

Dona Eldeyana Johan, DST Head of Group Marketing and Loyalty, lauded the service provider’s role in empowering a new generation of Bruneian leaders in shaping the country’s future through its commitment in innovation and exploration of possibilities.

The DST District Tour for Brunei-Muara District continues today (April 2) from 10am to 9pm and tomorrow (April 3) from 10am until 9pm and is packed with exciting promotions, activities and chances for customers to win prizes.

Abdul Latiff bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof, member of DST Board of Directors as the guest of honour cuts the celebration cake in conjunction with DST’s 21st anniversary

Customers trying out smartphones displayed at the ‘DST District Tour’. – PHOTOS: AZIZ IDRIS

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|     Azaraimy HH     |

THE Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) yesterday began a week-long military exercise – ‘Eksesais Hikmat Bersatu V/2016’ – involving all units of the RBAF such as the Royal Brunei Land Force, Royal Brunei Navy, Royal Brunei Air Force, Joint Force Headquarters, Special Forces Regiment and directorates in the Ministry of Defence.

The RBAF stated that the ‘Eksesais Hikmat Bersatu V/2016’, launched yesterday, will be conducted for one week.

First Battalion of the Royal Gurkha Rifles (RGR), the Gurkha Reserve Unit, Royal Brunei Police Force, District Offices, several mukims and villages have been providing assistance in the conduct of the exercise.

The exercise will affect several areas within Brunei Darussalam’s territorial water as well as rural, residential and commercial areas including various roads in the Brunei-Muara, Belait, Tutong and Temburong districts.

Present to launch ‘Eksesais Hikmat Bersatu V/2016’ at the Parade Square of the Training Institute RBAF, Penanjong Garrison was the Commander of the RBAF, Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah.

Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah, the Commander of the RBAF inspecting the mass parade at the launch of the ‘Eksesais Hikmat Bersatu V/2016’

Apart from officiating the launch, the Commander of the RBAF also presented armbands to the chiefs of respective Working Groups of ‘Eksesais Hikmat Bersatu V/2016’

Some of the personnel participating in the military exercise

Royal Brunei Armed Forces personnel mounted a mass parade for the opening ceremony. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI

Welcoming the Commander of the RBAF was Colonel Haji Abdul Hadi bin Haji Saim, Director of Personnel, Ministry of Defence as Exercise Director.

Prior to launching the exercise, the Commander of the RBAF inspected the mass parade commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Pengiran Sharifuddin bin Pengiran Haji Yusof. The Commander of the RBAF also presented an armband to the chiefs of the respective Working Groups of ‘Eksesais Hikmat Bersatu V/2016’.

The launching of the exercise concluded with a recitation of Doa by Captain Ariffin bin Amit. Also present were the Services Commanders and Joint Force Commander, senior officers, officers and other members of the RBAF. Sunnat Hajat prayer was also held at all Suraus in the RBAF Camps.

The exercise aims to provide a comprehensive training opportunity for the RBAF, set in the context of a realistic contemporary scenario, a follow-up of ‘Eksesais Perisai Kebangsaan (EPK) 4/2015’ conducted in October 2015.

Its objectives are to exercise and test RBAF’s current capability to plan and operate within a joint environment at the operational level, validate RBAF’s reviewed Joint Operational Doctrine and Standard Operating Procedures; and identify potential future capability requirements. The focus of ‘Eksesais Hikmat Bersatu V’ relates to Non-Traditional Security Threats.

This year’s ‘Eksesais Hikmat Bersatu’ is the fifth series.

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|     James Kon     |

THE second edition of the all-women charity fun run, She Runs 2016, organised by Fitness Zone, continues to receive international acclaim with famed stars Ella, Blackie and Nichkhun of Korean boy band 2PM becoming the latest glitterati to endorse the event.

The celebrities expressed their support for the charity run during the recent ‘Beat the Champions’ reality TV show in China, said Wu Chun, the Brunei-born international super star, who is also the Managing Director of Fitness Zone.

“One of the best things in life is to get the support from your friends when you needed it most. She Runs is a very meaningful event and when I shared this project with my celebrity friends, they were upbeat and wanted to be part of it.”

Wu Chun was invited to Shanghai to join the final episode of the reality show alongside Ella, Blackie, Nichkhun and NBA superstar guest, Tracy McGrady.

“I am so happy that She Runs is receiving such a positive response from the public after last year’s success and our team is full of passion to make the event more meaningful and fun this year for all the participants and our proud sponsors,” Wu Chun said.

Wu Chun holding She Runs 2016 poster with the various international stars for the ‘Beat the Champions’ reality TV show that took place in Shanghai, China. – Zhe Jiang TV station

On the opportunity to play basketball with Tracy Mcgrady, Wu Chun said he has a special feeling for basketball.

“Basketball has already been an important part of my life. Many parents don’t realise the importance of getting their children involve in sports. Sports help children develop physical skills, get healthy, be a team player, learn to play fair, and improve self-esteem.

“I had the chance to work with the NBA superstar, Tracy McGrady in the TV reality show.

“His success is all about hard work which is why his story is full of inspirations and he is a great role model for his fans.

“It’s also one of my dreams to inspire our children to live an active lifestyle and I hope all parents will start becoming a good role model for their children.

“It’s not easy, but we know it’s worth our time and effort.”

Set to take place on May 15, 2016, She Runs this year aims to raise funds for two non-government organisations – the Children’s Cancer Foundation (YASKA) which supports children diagnosed with cancer and their families while they undergo treatment, and the Special Olympics Brunei Darussalam (SOBD).

Split into two categories of 3.7km and 5km, She Runs 2016 is limited to 1,500 participants.

Online registration at sheruns.com.bn has commenced on March 23 and will conclude on April 10.

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