TCY Motors recently launched the DFSK Glory 560, a seven-seater SUV, virtually on its YouTube channel DFSK Brunei.
The SUV is now available at its Peugeot Showroom in Kiarong.
Featuring a spacious cabin for seven, the Glory 560 features a powerful 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with 140hp/220NM output coupled with a CVT transmission, dual airbags for the front occupants and sporty 17” alloy wheels.
Other highlights include leather seats, LED daytime running lights, eight-inch touch screen, smart keyless entry and electronic parking brake.
TCY Motors will also offer a three-year or 60,000km warranty for this latest automotive brand to enter the Brunei market.
Formed in 2003, DFSK or Dongfeng-Sokon is a joint venture brand between Dongfeng Motor and Sokon Group, both established motor vehicle groups based in China.
Specialising in affordable light commercial vehicles and upmarket SUVs with engine capacity at 1.6 litres or below (for optimised fuel consumption), DFSK vehicles will appeal to families with mid-level incomes looking for a larger vehicle that can seat more than five. To celebrate the launch, TCY Motors is offering an early bird special price for a limited time. The public can test drive the Glory 560 seven-seater SUV by visiting its Kiarong showroom.
ABOVE & BELOW: The Glory 560 is a seven-seater SUV; and the interior of the vehicle. Its highlights include leather seats, LED daytime running lights, eight-inch touch screen, smart keyless entry and electronic parking brake. PHOTOS: WANI ROSLAN
To establish vital connections with the industries, the Food Science and Technology programme area under the School of Applied Sciences and Mathematics (SASM), Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) held the first Industry Advisory Committee Meeting with public and private food sectors to discuss future strategic directions.
The meeting at UTB was opened with welcoming remarks by UTB Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman.
She mentioned the titah of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the Chancellor of UTB, during the October 2016 UTB Convocation ceremony, acknowledging the establishment which offers Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology.
The programme provides human resource in the non-oil and gas industry and intends to support economic growth of the food industry, in line with the government’s effort to diversify economic resources through foreign direct investment (FDI). His Majesty also hoped the school would be able to elevate UTB as a contributor to the improvement of high-quality food industry, which is able to compete in the international arena.
Professor Dr Hajah Zohrah also highlighted the important role of the Industry Advisory Committee to improve and deliver a globally recognised degree programme that can produce high quality graduates to serve the nation.
ABOVE & BELOW: Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman speaks at the event; and Advisory Committee members GroPoint Sdn Bhd CEO Lee Wei Sheng, Saahtain Asia Sdn Bhd CEO Adeel Ali Khan and Ghanim International Corporation CEO Dr Nur Rahman. PHOTOS: UTB
UTB will work closely with relevant organisations through various collaborations in research, projects and work placement to create future employment opportunity that can be mutually beneficial to UTB and the organisations.
UTB produces graduates not only in food science and technology but also in other disciplines such as engineering, computing and informatics, design, architecture, business and management.
Present at the meeting were Saahtain Asia Sdn Bhd CEO Adeel Ali Khan, Ghanim International Corporation CEO Dr Nur Rahman, GroPoint Sdn Bhd CEO Lee Wei Sheng, and representatives from Golden Corporation Sdn Bhd, Kingston Beverage and Creamery Sdn Bhd, Mr Baker’s Bakeshop, PDS Abattoir Sdn Bhd, Health Promotion Centre of the Ministry of Health, Department of Agriculture and Agrifood of the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, Department of Scientific Services, Ministry of Health, and Halal Food Control Division of the Syariah Affairs Department, Ministry of Religious Affairs.
The progress of the ongoing programme and future plans was also discussed among UTB staff and the advisory committee members. The committee also provided feedback on current and future skill and knowledge needed in food science and technology for the development of the country’s food sectors and strategy requirements of Brunei Vision 2035.
The growing trends in food security, food safety, healthy food, appealing food supply and prosperity of people and the environment were also highlighted in the meeting.
The first cohort of students for Food Science and Technology programme area joined UTB in July 2017 and will graduate in 2021.
The semi-final of the National Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran for Youth was held at the lecture hall of Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium yesterday.
The competition, organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) through its Department of Youth and Sports, was carried out in two sessions and saw 30 semi-finalists battling it out.
Permanent Secretary at the MCYS Pengiran Haji Mohd Hasnan bin Pengiran Haji Ali Hassan, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Youth and Sports) at the MCYS Colonel (Rtd) Pengiran Haji Maiddin bin Pengiran Haji Said and Deputy Permanent Secretary (Cultural) at the MCYS Dr Siti Norkhalbi binti Haji Wahsalfelah were present.
A young Qari during the competitionAn overview of the semi-final of the National Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran for Youth. PHOTO: BAHYIAH BAKIR
Dynamik Technologies celebrated its 19th anniversary with a digital charity pledge to give back to the community.
A donation handover ceremony was held recently at the Design and Technology building in Anggerek Desa Tech Park, where Dynamik Technologies Chief Executive Officer Haslina binti Haji Mohd Taib presented donations to representatives of local charity organisations – Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam, Brunei Council on Social Welfare (MKM), Children’s Cancer Foundation (YASKA), the Society for the Management of Autism Related Issues in Training Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei, Society for Community Outreach and Training (SCOT) and Goals for Education.
Dynamik Technologies has long been active in charitable programmes via its Dynamik Prihatin initiative that aims at assisting the underprivileged and the needy.
Due to the cancellation of corporate events during the COVID-19 outbreak, Dynamik utilised what was set aside and involved its personnel and clients in the charity pledge.
The CEO said, “As we reflected on this milestone event, we wanted to celebrate it in a unique and creative way, especially in the new normal. Giving back to the local communities is something we all can personally relate to.”
ABOVE & BELOW: Dynamik Technologies Chief Executive Officer Haslina binti Haji Mohd Taib presents mock cheques to representatives from Society for Community Outreach and Training (SCOT), Children’s Cancer Foundation (YASKA) and Brunei Council on Social Welfare (MKM). PHOTOS: ROKIAH MAHMUD
ABOVE & BELOW: Haslina presents mock cheques to representatives from Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam and SMARTER Brunei
Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) customer Haji Anuar bin Haji Suhaimi was all smiles upon receiving one million Hadiah Points as the grand prize winner of the Wave & Win campaign prize presentation ceremony at BIBD’s Headquarters in the capital yesterday.
Head of Product Engineering, BIBD Retail Banking Group Wan Hefnie bin Haji Hamidon presented the prize to Haji Anuar.
Ten monthly winners also received prizes of 100,000 Hadiah Points each.
The winners were Awangku Mohammad Aslin bin Pengiran Haji Jainal, Siti Nur Khadijah binti Haji Abidin, Wong Chuan Xing, Haji Kamarul Amir Ariffin bin Datu Haji Mohd Suni, Vivien Tho Chi Chean, Melissa Lim Wan Sze, Faizul Jefry bin Haji Zaini, Toh Keng Seng Sam, Muhammad Adli bin Japar and Rahmmana Wahab Velleparambil.
Purchases made with a BIBD Visa Gold or Platinum credit cards during the campaign from July until September were entered into the draw.
BIBD’s Wave & Win campaign was organised to encourage customers to support the local economy in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, by offering prizes and rewards when spending with local retailers.
BIBD continues its efforts to promote cashless transactions through its Go! Campaign which encourages customers to Go Digital or Go Cashless by making use of the digital and cashless services available under the BIBD NEXGEN banner.
BIBD Wave & Win Campaign winner Haji Anuar bin Haji Suhaimi and family. PHOTO: BAHYIAH BAKIR
Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) through its subsidiary BIBD Securities Sdn Bhd (BIBDS) launched two new investment products suitable for potential investors seeking a stable and consistent income as well as long-term returns, which are Syariah-compliant products from Franklin Templeton Investments.
The two mutual funds, an investment allowing investors with similar investment goals and objectives to pool their money in a diversified portfolio, are the Franklin Global Sukuk Fund and Templeton Global Equity Fund.
Franklin Templeton Investments is a global leader in asset management with over seven decades of experience.
This was shared at a launch introduction and campaign announcement at BIBD’s headquarters in the capital yesterday.
BIBD Securities Managing Director Haji Muhammad Yazid bin Dato Paduka Haji Mahadi and BIBD Securities Business Development Manager Lim Yuen Yuen briefed the media.
“We are happy to introduce two basic products that are easy to understand for investors who may have limited knowledge or are new to investing. The mutual funds are managed by industry professionals and do not require investors to be heavily involved in the management of the fund unlike other investment products,” said Haji Muhammad Yazid.
BIBD Securities Managing Director Haji Muhammad Yazid bin Dato Paduka Haji Mahadi and Business Development Manager at BIBD Securities Lim Yuen Yuen speak to the media. PHOTO: BAHYIAH BAKIR
BIBDS wanted to bring into the market simple products to educate and familiarise customers with investment products, which serves to support Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam’s (AMBD) national goal of improving financial literacy in Brunei Darussalam and eventually create a society able to participate in the local capital markets, he said.
Haji Muhammad Yazid said in conjunction with the launch, BIBDS is conducting a campaign from September 15 to December 30 to provide and enable access to clients in a wide range of investment solutions.
Client participation is welcome while BIBDS recommends and encourages youth to start early as it will benefit their future.
“We are here to provide that solution and BIBDS, being the sole provider of Syariah-compliant products, will provide products enabling investors to invest as low as BND100 on a monthly basis.”
BIBDS started as a platform to allow and enable clients to trade BIBD shares until today and as part of that journey, what BIBDS wants to bring into the market is products or investment solutions that have been in the market, have a track record, have the credibility and mainly to provide confidence and the source of comfort among investors.
Regarding choosing Franklin Templeton, Haji Muhammad Yazid said, “Even in the Syariah segment alone, the market is relatively limited. So that’s how we scan what is available globally in which Franklin Templeton is one of the most compelling candidates, given their track record and credibility in the world.”
As for the mutual fund, a professional fund manager will manage and trade the pooled money in securities, such as stocks, Sukuk and money market instruments to match the fund’s investment objectives.
The Franklin Global Sukuk Fund invests in a fund offering monthly dividend pay-out and access to a diversified portfolio of Sukuk securities issued by government, government-related and corporate entities in developed and developing countries.
The Templeton Global Equity Fund, on the other hand is an investment fund that offers long-term capital growth with access to a fully diversified Syariah-compliant global investment across various countries and sectors.
A Doa Selamat ceremony for 30 Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) personnel who will be joining the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission under the Malaysian contingent (MALBATT 850-8) led by Major Zulazri bin Gapor was held at Surau Ad-Difa’ yesterday.
The ceremony began with the recitation of Al-Quran verses followed by the recitation of Surah Yaasiin and Doa Selamat led by Ustaz Mohd Nur Amin bin Haji Jali.
Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof; RBAF Commander Major General (U) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sahat; Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence (MinDef) Brigadier General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Shahril Anwar bin Haji Ma’awiah, service commanders, deputy permanent secretaries, directors, commandants, senior officers and staff of the MinDef and RBAF were present.
The RBAF has participated in UNIFIL peacekeeping missions since 2008.
Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof at the event. PHOTO: RBAF
The National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) decided to cancel the Brunei Super League 2020 (BSL) due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Participating clubs only completed two games in the BSL 2020, with 224 matches yet to be played. The league was initially slated to finish in November this year.
The Brunei football governing body has also announced the cancellation of the under-16 and under-19 tournaments as players need to readjust with their studies after the 86-day school closure due to COVID-19.
The decisions made through the NFABD Competition Standing Committee meeting took into consideration the weather conditions in the Sultanate.
The country is undergoing an uncertain weather condition, which may render the fields to be unsafe.
NFABD intended to replace the league straight with an FA Cup, with further formats and structure still in consideration until the next de-escalation.
The cut-off date to run the FA Cup will be by November 1, according to a press release.
“Competitions are slated to run in mid-November and hopefully will finish by the second week of December with the possibility of converting the NFABD artificial field to a competition venue,” the press release added.
This is to select the club which will represent the country in the 2021 AFC Cup edition.
NFABD also informed that the next national call-up in the FIFA calendar will be from October 5-13.
General Manager of Indera Sports Club (ISC) Rosdin bin Haji Abdul Aziz welcomes NFABD’s decision. He said, “ISC continues to conduct training to maintain the momentum of the players for a few months now according to NFABD procedures.”
National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) President Pengiran Haji Matusin bin Pengiran Haji Matasan during a meeting with senior officials. PHOTO: INDERA SC
Twenty-five road traffic offences were recorded during a joint roadblock operation conducted by multiple enforcement agencies at the Belait District at Sungai Liang areas on Friday night.
The operation, conducted by 50 personnel from the Traffic Control and Investigation Department of the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), Land Transport Department (JPD), and Royal Customs and Excise Department (RCED), was led by Belait Police District Traffic Investigation Officer Deputy Superintendent of Police Alvin Goh.
Out of the total number of offence, 16 were recorded by the RBPF, while RCED recorded one offence, and the JPD recorded eight offences.
The offences included blurred vehicle licence plate, worn out tyres, expired road tax, usage of car shades, vehicle modification, and possession of illegal cigarettes, among others.
The RBPF in a press release said that the operation aimed to ensure road users adhere to traffic regulations for the safety of all.
Brunei Gas Carriers Sdn Bhd (BGC) and Brunei Shell Joint Venture Companies (BSJV) held their seventh year beach cleaning campaign in conjunction with the 35th International Coastal Clean-up Day, themed ‘Achieving a Trash Free Coastline’.
BSJV comprises Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (BSP), Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd and Brunei Shell Marketing Company Sdn Bhd (BSM).
The cleaning campaign was concurrently along the beaches of Jerudong, Muara, Panaga and Lumut.
At the Jerudong Beach, BGC collaborated with the Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD) for the second year in celebrating World Maritime Day, marked on September 24 this year.
Over 200 participants helped fill 190 trash bags with 1,095 kilogrammes of discards.
BGC Managing Director John Cook said, many countries will not be able to participate in the event due to restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
ABOVE & BELOW: Brunei LNG Deputy Managing Director Ee Chang Sern joins others in the clean-up at Sungai Liang Beach; and volunteers pick off trash from the Muara Beach. PHOTOS: ROKIAH MAHMUD, AZIZ IDRIS & BSM
Volunteers cart filled trash bags at Jerudong Beach
“Fortunately in Brunei, we are able to continue this annual event, albeit in smaller numbers compared to last year’s record of 700 people joining the campaign on this beach.
“It is encouraging to see so many volunteers, students, members of the local community, business partners and youth from various associations working together towards a common goal to keep our beaches and seas clean, and most importantly, safe for our family and friends. As keen supporters of Brunei Darussalam’s efforts in promoting environmental sustainability, we will continue to organise events such as these to further promote environmental conservation and increase environmental consciousness in the country, especially with the younger generation,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, 266.8 kilogrammes of waste was collected from Muara Beach yesterday.
The event began with a recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat.
BSM Managing Director Muhammad Norshafiee bin Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil underlined that everyone has a part to play in achieving a waste free coastline.
Legislative Council (LegCo) member and Acting Penghulu of Mukim Serasa Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Mohamed bin Pengiran Haji Osman @ Othman, Brunei-Muara District Officer Misle bin Haji Abdul Karim, BSM staff and management team, as well as local communities, government representatives and business partners stepped forward to lend a helping hand.
At the Sungai Liang Beach, nearly one tonne of trash was collected in the space of two hours.
Some 200 participants collected 230 bags of trash, weighing over 960 kilogrammes.
Acting Village Head of Sungai Liang Haji Mohd Ibrahim bin Daru Maharaja Setia Dian was the guest of honour.
LegCo member Yang Berhormat Khairunnisa binti Haji Ash’ari (in her capacity as Green Brunei Co-Founder and Community Engagement Director), Deputy Managing Director of Brunei LNG Ee Chang Sern, village heads, Brunei LNG staff, members of the Mukim Liang Community and Belait District Senior Citizens Association, as well as volunteers from Green Brunei and Poni Divers participated.
Ee Chang Sern said, “The International Coastal Clean-up encourages people to clear beaches of the garbage.
“We also hope to create awareness about preserving and protecting the world’s oceans and waterways.
“The most common types of garbage found on beaches are food wrappers, plastic straws, plastic bottle caps, and plastic beverage bottles. Plastics are especially harmful as they are non-biodegradable. Let’s do our best to collect as much rubbish this year and hopefully sustain the cleanliness of the beach so the community and all visitors can continue to enjoy Sungai Liang Beach.”
The clean-up was attended by surrounding communities of all ages, demonstrating the increasing environmental consciousness in Brunei Darussalam.
Deputy Permanent Secretary (Tourism) at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) Wardi bin Haji Mohammad Ali opened the Local Fest 2020 at The Airport Mall, Berakas on Friday.
The event is aimed at providing a platform for local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in food and beverage as well as tourism industries to be active in promoting their products, especially during the current school break.
It is also hoped the festival will serve as a benchmark for future events across all four districts.
The Local Fest 2020 is organised by AIZ Management with support from the MPRT.
Open to the public from September 17-20 and September 24-27 between 10am and 10pm, the festival features a wide array of local food items, souvenirs and services.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their own reusables, such as drinking straws, shopping bags, containers, cutlery and bottles, to reduce the use of plastics in the country.
Deputy Permanent Secretary (Tourism) at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism Wardi bin Haji Mohammad Ali having a light moment at a booth. PHOTOS: AZLAN OTHMANThe deputy permanent secretary briefed on the array of posters on display
Climate change issues should be addressed through a whole-of-nation approach by supporting Brunei Darussalam Government’s initiative while also proactively conducting own activities, K N Nursery (B) Sdn Bhd Managing Director Patrick Lau said.
He made these comments at the official launch of Rimba Garden Central’s (RGC) Green Avenue to commemorate World Ozone Day 2020 yesterday.
Lau said the ozone layer protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation of the sun.
“In the 1970s, scientists discovered that the ozone layer was thinning increasing the risk of detrimental effects such as melting ice caps, rising sea levels and unpredictable weather conditions,” he said.
Increased UV radiation levels on the earth’s surface also affect human health, causing certain types of skin cancer, cataract and immune deficiency disorders. It also affects terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, food chains and biochemical cycles and plant growth, reducing agricultural productivity, Lau said.
He said in 2007, the government signed a declaration to conserve the Heart of Borneo, emphasising in planting more saplings in Brunei forests and protecting areas from unchecked human activities such as deforestation which contributes to increased global temperature, air pollution and the extinction of flora and fauna.
Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Apong and Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Ir Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar received 200 local dipterocarp tree seedlings during the official launch of Rimba Garden Central’s Green Avenue from Lau yesterday.
The launch of Green Avenue is aimed to raise awareness on how plants can positively affect the Earth’s climate as well as protecting the ozone layer by making ornamental plants and tree seedlings more accessible and affordable to the public.
In support of Brunei Government’s ongoing tree planting initiative, RGC is contributing 200 local dipterocarp tree seedlings to the Ministry of Development and Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism. Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Haji Tahamit bin Haji Nudin, Deputy Minister of Development Dato Seri Paduka Ar Haji Marzuke bin Haji Mohsin, Green Building Council President Dato Paduka Haji Idris bin Haji Abas and guests also participated.
Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Apong and Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Ir Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar at the event. PHOTO: JAMES KON
Brunei Darussalam yesterday joined the global community to celebrate World Ozone Day 2020 by planting 421 new tree seedlings at the new Recreational Park, Jalan Pusat Persidangan in Berakas.
The event was organised by the Ministry of Development through the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe) in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood and Department of Forestry, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT).
World Ozone Day is celebrated on September 16 annually. This year’s theme is ‘Ozone for Life: 35 Years of Ozone Layer Protection’.
The tree-planting event is in line with this year’s World Ozone Day theme where planting trees can reduce the earth’s exposure to UV-B radiation. The event also serves to achieve one of the main strategies of the Brunei Darussalam National Climate Change Policy (BNCCP) launched on July 25 – the target of planting 500,000 new trees by 2035.
Leading the tree planting event were Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Apong, Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Ir Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar and Minister of Energy Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mat Suny bin Haji Mohd Hussein as Co-Chairpersons of the Brunei Darussalam National Council on Climate Change, and Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof.
Brunei Darussalam yesterday joined the global community to celebrate World Ozone Day 2020 by planting 421 tree seedlings at the new Recreational Park, Jalan Pusat Persidangan. Photo shows Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Apong, Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Ir Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar, Minister of Energy Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mat Suny bin Haji Mohd Hussein and Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof at the eventABOVE & BELOW: Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Apong, Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Ir Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar, Minister of Energy Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mat Suny bin Haji Mohd Hussein and Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof plant the saplings during the event. PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR
The ministers planted fruit saplings at designated areas of Recreational Park, Jalan Pusat Persidangan followed by the planting of ornamental and forest trees by other guests.
The ministers toured different tree planting zones. Together with the planted new tree seedlings, the park now has 911 trees.
There are around 15 varieties of trees in the park including Jagus (Anacardium occidentale), Jambu Mawar (Syzygium jambos), Jambu Putat (Syzygium malaccense), Luli (Garcinia hombroniana), Durian Salat ( Annona muricata), Nona (Annona squamosal), Asam Aur-aur (Garcinia forbesii), Sabal telor (Dacroydes macrocarpa, Dacroydes expansa), Sabal besar (Dacroydes macrocarpa, Dacroydes expansa), Durian (Durio graveolens), Tarap (Artocarpus odoratissimus), Ru Runang (Gymnostoma nobile), Yellow Tabebuia (Tabebuia aurea), Pink Tabebuia (Tabebuia impetiginosa), Pink Tabebuia (Tabebuia impetiginosa) and Rain tree (Samanea saman).
Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Khairunnisa bin Haji Ash’ari, Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Tiffany McDonald, High Commissioner of the Republic of Singapore to Brunei Darussalam Lim Hong Huai, Canadian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Jeanette Stovel, permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries, heads of departments and senior officials from the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, Ministry of Development, Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications and Ministry of Energy, Hengyi Industries Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer Chen Lian Chai and World Environment Day 2020 Virtual Run participants were also present.
The Australian High Commissioner lauded the Government 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’s initiative of tree planting to commemorate World Ozone Day 2020.
“This is a wonderful initiative and it is an honour to be a part of the event. His Majesty also planted a sapling during a visit to Australia. This is a very good symbol of not only contributing to the environment but it also strengthens bilateral relations between both countries,” she said in an interview.
She said she was looking forward to learn more about the BNCCP.
In term of green technology, she added, “I would also continue to explore the opportunity to exchange and share experience.”
The 29-hectare park is managed and maintained by JASTRe in collaboration with the MPRT and other departments. It is planned to be opened to the public once cleaning and maintenance works are completed.
By embracing technology we have empowered the people with a sense of responsibility and involvement in the fight against COVID-19, which is instrumental in keeping the pandemic under control, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah said.
Addressing an event in conjunction with the Teens in AI Brunei Demo Day yesterday, he said BruHealth to date has had more than 24 million scans with 354,366 users, 433,980 members and 14,966 premises signed up to the app.
The minister said this is only one aspect of AI (Artificial Intelligence) that Brunei Darussalam embraced while there are more to come.
“As Chairman of DARe (Darussalam Enterprise), we are always supportive of encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship and building the capacity of our youth. It is also imperative that we connect this capacity and skills with the demand of the industry – which is why having mentors from local start-ups, industries and corporations is a key component of this programme,” Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew said.
The minister said youth can highlight real-world industry problems to the participants and guide them with insider knowledge and experience.
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah speaks during the event. PHOTO: LYNA MOHAMAD
He said it is an exciting moment with Brunei being the first country in ASEAN to conduct the Teens in AI programme while it is encouraging to know that many organisations and corporations (sponsors) are supporting the programme and seeing the importance of educating the youth in digital skills.
This shows that many organisations are embracing technology and digitalisation to prepare for the future, which is aligned with the Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 that envisions Brunei as a Smart Nation, working towards a digital and future-ready society, a vibrant and sustainable economy and a digitally conducive ecosystem, the minister said.
He said, “One strategy being looked to make this a reality is to prepare the future of all youth for Industry 4.0, which is through the development of education programmes to equip the youth with the right skills so that they can easily adapt to the rapid developments in technology.
“By building a future-ready workforce, we can then begin to see more companies and organisations utilising AI and technology to advance humanity – creating apps, devices and other technology that help keep us safe and make our lives better.”
Taking into example where the world is still facing a pandemic, Brunei has brought the situation under control with the BruHealth app playing a major role in managing the outbreak here.
It has become a routine for everyone to generate one’s own health code and scan before entry to any premises. What may not be realised is that AI is being applied in the background to determine individual risk profile, taking into consideration a multitude of personalised factors in real-time, the minister added.
In Teens in AI, participants are paired with teachers and industry-specific mentors who can help them broaden their perspectives. By being exposed to digital skills and topics such as Design Thinking, Machine-Learning and Ethics in AI, teens have more time to explore them and will be able to create amazing things by utilising and building on this knowledge in the future.
“I heard there are quite a few ideas that the teams have come up within the past week. I have been told that they are providing solutions to address unemployment, financial literacy, mental health awareness and education. All that, within a week. Imagine what you all can do given a longer time,” he said.
The Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) remains committed to ensure Brunei is a safe place to work and live. This is in line with the nation’s aspirations under Brunei Vision 2035 to achieve a high of quality of life, SHENA Chief Inspector Jaime Rebelo said.
He made these comments during a talk at the Chinese Chamber of Commerce Bandar Seri Begawan (CCC BSB) headquarters in the capital recently.
CCC BSB President Malcom Lim welcomed Rebelo and representatives and thanked them for sharing the history and future outlook of SHENA on safety measures in Brunei Darussalam.
Lim also thanked the Chamber’s Youth Business Council director Lim Ting Guan for providing the platform for the event and the collaboration from the Chamber’s Vice President Thomas Koh who is also representing the industry HSE group, to conduct the event as part of the awareness programme.
The Executive Council and business owners of various industries also participated.
SHENA and Chinese Chamber of Commerce BSB members during the event. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
Rebelo also said as part of their drive to reach out to stakeholders, SHENA believes in raising HSE standards in the workplace while working to prevent workplace injuries and fatalities.
The Chamber said the HSE Outreach Programme initiative marks another milestone for
the Chamber.
Interaction provides better understanding of the law and requirements of the workplace health, safety and environmental issues, and gears to meet changes and challenges.
The Chamber members comprise those from the manufacturing, construction, logistics and retails’ sectors.
The Chamber will work closely with SHENA to create a safer, healthier and more environmental friendly working environment for employees and the public.
Lim said the Chamber will play its part and conduct a series of awareness and educational events. He believed that through continuous efforts, a safety culture can be instilled at
the workplace.
As a governing body, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) looks forward to supporting the Fashion Designers Alliance through a Fashion Designers Council in the Sultanate, emphasising the need to create a fashion ecosystem to aid in diversifying the country’s creative economy.
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 as the guest of honour said this during the recent Fashion Designers Alliance Showcase at Karya Kitani Boutique in Jerudong.
Deputy Permanent Secretary (Cultural) at the MCYS Dr Siti Norkhalbi binti Haji Wahsalfelah, Assistant Director of the Youth Development Centre (PPB) and President of Malam Minggu Pusat Belia (MMPB) Hajah Noor Monasaliena @ Suzie binti Haji Mohd Salleh also attended.
The showcase highlighted the hard work and creativity of local fashion designers with a display that varied from women’s wear to traditional men’s wear from Naforrer, Mahkota Design, XOIA, Chantique, Little Dayang, Tapih Rancung, Rebels and Queens, Paperplane,
and TheaSeera.
The newly formed alliance brought together individuals from various backgrounds, achievements and specialties as part of efforts to unify and develop the fashion industry in
Brunei Darussalam.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin at the Fashion Designers Alliance Showcase. PHOTO: IZAH AZAHARI
Collectively, members of the alliance won the Islamic Designs and Fashion Council Award in Dubai, participated in international fashion shows abroad, featured in British Vogue, while some designers will participate in the upcoming ASPARA Fashion Week via a virtual
fashion show.
In her welcoming remarks, Fashion Designers Alliance representative Farhanna Pura shared that the decision to form the alliance was to show that a need for a common bond between designers in Brunei Darussalam and to grow collectively to be marketable in the niches that they are in, both within and outside of Brunei.
“Fashion designers in the country often experience difficulties starting, most starting from zero with barely any help at all,” she said. “The hardships and difficulties commonly felt by each one called for the need to create a platform to help one another and create a
healthy competition.”
The head representative further highlighted that fashion is one of the biggest industries in the world and is an ecosystem of its own – from designers that do fashion and textile, jewellery, shoes and handbags, down to the manufacturers, suppliers, photographers, make-up artists, models and agencies, trend analysts, influencers and bloggers among others.
“These are skills that can be developed to enhance and support not only the Bruneian fashion scene, but in turn the economy,” Farhanna said.
Farhanna emphasised it is the alliance’s vision to nurture a creative, sustainable and competitive ecosystem for Bruneian fashion designers to flourish locally
and internationally. “It is high time that the country creates jobs based on this industry as well as not being overly dependent on imports. Start buying Bruneian products by Bruneians.
It is hoped that this vision can be shared by the MCYS in developing the youth into a vast market that is untapped,” said Farhanna.
The event also saw a speech by Karya Kitani Founder Muhammad Shahrul Azri bin Ramlan, along with the signing of the Fashion Designers Alliance plaque by the guest of honour and a souvenir presentation to the minister by the alliance’s representatives.
The Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah yesterday conducted mass Sunnat Hajat prayers for students sitting for the public examination and attending tuition classes under the Education Intervention Programme (PIP) of Yayasan for the Brunei-Muara and Temburong districts.
Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar in his capacity as member of the Board of Directors of Yayasan was the guest of honour.
PIP focussed on core education to ensure students can achieve best results in the examination.
Al-Quran and Amali Ugama subjects were also emphasised under the programme known as Project Tahsin.
The ceremony commenced with mass Sunnat Hajat prayers followed by the recitation of Surah Yaasiin and Doa Kesyukuran led by Mosque Affairs Officer Mohd Afif bin Dato Seri Setia Haji Japar.
Some 325 students attended the PIP tuition conducted at eight centres nationwide. Two hundred and seven will sit for the Primary School Assessment (PSR), 60 the BGCE ‘O’ Level (Year 11) and 58 the Religious Primary Schools Education Certificate (SSSRU).
Permanent Secretary (Planning, Land Use and Environment) at the Ministry of Development Dr Nor Imtihan binti Haji Abdul Razak in her capacity as the Managing Director of Yayasan was also present.
Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Pengiran Dato Seri Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar at the ceremony. PHOTO: ROKIAH MAHMUD
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, 12 police personnel were promoted to the rank of Inspector effective August 15.
A ceremony to officiate the promotion was held recently at the Banquet Hall of the Officer’s Mess at the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) headquarters.
Commissioner of Police Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohammad Irwan bin Haji Hambali participated along with his spouse Pengiran Datin Hajah Zauyah binti Pengiran Haji Sulaiman as well as senior police personnel and family members of the promoted RBPF personnel.
Commissioner of Police Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohammad Irwan bin Haji Hambali presents an insignia to a police officer.PHOTO: ROYAL BRUNEI POLICE FORCE
The Lions Club of Bandar Seri Begawan on Friday organised a seminar at Laksamana College of Business (LCB) to raise awareness on diabetes among the 60 students that took part in the talk.
Speaker Dayangku Salawati binti Pengiran Haji Aji, a staff nurse at the Health Promotion Centre of the Ministry of Health (MoH), highlighted that diabetes is a non-communicable disease that directly affects millions of people globally.
“The complications that come with diabetes have a high cost on our healthcare system,” she said.
She shared facts on diabetes which included the statistics such as one in 10 people are living with diabetes and that every eight seconds, someone dies from diabetes.
She also cautioned that the non-communicable disease has been the third leading cause of death in Brunei Darussalam since 2012, and most importantly, 44 per cent of diabetics remain undiagnosed.
Sixty students from Laksamana College of Business attend a talk on diabetes at the college premises. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
Meanwhile, Lions Club of Bandar Seri Begawan President Sushell Kaur said the club organises a diabetes awareness campaign annually as part of the international effort to bring an end to the disease.
“Diabetes is the signature cause of Lions Clubs around the world,” she said. “This year, the Lions Club International has partnered with the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) to screen one million people for Type 2 Diabetes via an online risk assessment ahead of the World Diabetes Day on November 14.”
This year’s World Diabetes Day is themed ‘The Nurse and Diabetes’, which according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is aimed at raising awareness on the crucial role of nurses in supporting people living with diabetes.
Meanwhile, according to the IDF, diabetes is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease, blindness, kidney failure and lower limb amputation in most high-income countries; and it is expected to affect some 629 million adults by 2045.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when there is an increasing level of glucose in the blood due to the body’s inability to produce enough insulin.
There are two types of diabetes – Type 1 and Type 2.
Type 1 diabetes, which is more common in children, requires daily injection of insulin while Type 2, more common among adults, occurs when the pancreas makes insufficient amount of insulin or when the insulin produced does not work as intended, resulting in high glucose level in the blood.
The treatment for Type 2 Diabetes is medication or daily insulin injection.
Meanwhile, Dayangku Salawati said symptoms of diabetes are frequent urination, excessive thirst, excessive hunger, blurred vision, weight loss, numbness in the hands and feet, fatigue and slow healing wounds.
She suggested healthy eating and regular exercising as strategies to manage diabetes, with medication being the last resort.
The speaker also called on diabetics to adopt the habit of choosing plain water over sweetened beverages.
“Most importantly, avoid smoking as a cigarette contains more than 4,000 chemicals, out of which 60 are known to cause cancer,” she said.
Brunei Darussalam continued to record no new COVID-19 cases, keeping the national tally of confirmed cases at 145. At present, there are no active cases.
According to the Ministry of Health (MoH), 447 individuals are undergoing mandatory self-isolation, while 5, 845 individuals have completed their mandatory self isolation since March 2020.
The MoH has taken 196 samples for SARS-CoV-2 testing over the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of tests conducted since January 2020 to 56,272.
Individuals wishing to take the SARS-CoV-2 swab test for travel purposes are advised to do so within three to five days before their flight date.
They can do so at the Berakas Health Centre from Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 8am to noon and 2pm to 4pm. On public holidays, Friday and Sunday, the centre will be open from 2pm to 5.30pm.
Alternatively, the public can get the test done at the Sports Complex of the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital daily from 7am to 10pm. It is shut during public holidays.
For information and updates, the public can visit www.moh.gov.bn, contact the Health Advice Line at 148 or check the BruHealth app.
