Severe Tropical Storm ‘Saudel’ was observed at the Northern part of South China Sea (17.8°N 112.6°E), at approximately 1,467km away from Brunei Darussalam as of 2pm yesterday. It is expected to continue moving westwards, further away from Brunei.

Additionally, a tropical depression was observed at Western Pacific (11.8°N 131.4°E) 1,946km away from Brunei Darussalam.

Unsettled weather condition is expected to continue until towards the end of next week. Heavy showers with occasional strong winds are expected, with wind gust possibly reaching up to 50km/h.

Meanwhile, sea state over Brunei waters is moderate to rough of up to two metres.

Members of the public are advised to take note of the risk of flash floods especially at low lying and flood prone areas during heavy showers or thundershowers as well as the risk of falling trees during gusty conditions.

Road users and fishermen are advised to always stay abreast with the latest weather forecast, advisory and warning issued by the Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Department, and to take precaution and necessary actions to ensure safety.

The department will continue to monitor the weather conditions and issue appropriate weather advisory or warnings if and when necessary.

To stay updated with the latest weather information, contact the duty weather forecaster at the Forecast Centre through Weather Line 114, visit www.met.gov.bn or follow Facebook account (bruneiweather), Instagram (@bruneiweather) and Brunei WX mobile application.

Foreign embassies in Brunei Darussalam sent condolence messages to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday.

EMBASSY OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Brunei Darussalam Vladimir Goncharenko said, “On behalf of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Brunei Darussalam and myself, I would like to express my deepest condolences to 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 over the passing away of Al-Marhum His Royal Highness Prince Haji ‘Abdul ‘Azim.

“Without any doubt, this irreparable loss makes us all think about the meaning of existence and life. We share the sorrow of the people of Brunei Darussalam,” he said.

EMBASSY OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN

Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Brunei Darussalam Homeira Rigi Zirouki said, “On behalf of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Brunei Darussalam, I would like to convey our deepest condolences and sympathy on the passing away of Al-Marhum His Royal Highness Prince Haji ‘Abdul ‘Azim to His Majesty, members of the royal family as well as the Government and people of Brunei Darussalam.

“I pray to Allah the Almighty for forgiveness of the deceased. May Al-Marhum His Royal Highness’ soul rest in peace. Al Fatihah,” she said.

James Kon

Brunei Darussalam marked its second day without any new COVID-19 cases, and 171 days without any local transmissions as of yesterday. The national tally of confirmed cases in the country stands at 148, including seven imported cases.

Meanwhile, there are two active COVID-19 cases receiving treatment at the National Isolation Centre in the Tutong District.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has taken 109 samples for SARS-CoV-2 virus testing over the past 24 hours, totalling 66,377 tests conducted since January 2020.

A total of 323 individuals are currently undergoing mandatory self-isolation at government monitoring centres after returning from abroad, while 7,330 have completed their mandatory self-isolation at monitoring centres since March 2020.

In its breakdown of COVID-19 cases in the country, healthinfo.gov.bn revealed that there were 114 cases in the Brunei-Muara District, 28 in the Belait District and six in the Tutong District.

Updates can be obtained from www.moh.gov.bn, Health Advice Line at 148, BruHealth app or the healthinfo.gov.bn.

Satami Group of Companies recently organised an Educational Store Exposure Programme (ESEP) for 17 hospitality students to better understand the daily operations in the food and beverages industry.

The four-hour course, facilitated by representatives from My Kopitiam and Sugar Bun Restaurant at the Times Square Shopping Centre, included visits to the eateries and hands-on activities such as customer service and food preparation.

Upon completion, students, who are undertaking a Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) course, received certificates of participation from Irene Sandra Liza of Satami Group of Companies. Meanwhile, the Group also received a certificate and a token of appreciation from Senior Education Officer at the Department of Schools, Ministry of Education (MoE) Andree Asmara bin Haji Abidin.

Daniel Lim

The Nigerian Section of the Panaga Club recently donated to the Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei Edge Centre in the Belait District in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence.

A group from the community visited the centre on Saturday, led by Mazi Michael Ikebudu, during which BND3,000 was handed to Acting President of SMARTER Brunei Pengiran Zamri bin Pengiran Haji Bujang.

Ikebudu hoped the contribution would support the centre in its bid to provide children with autism education and skills.

“We trust that SMARTER Brunei will put the donation to good use,” he said. “We have partnered with them for eight years and we always look forward to providing the centre with help in any way.” He also thanked the local community for the hospitality shown to his compatriots, adding that “we have made plenty of good memories here and we will continue to take advantage of opportunities presented to make many more”.

Meanwhile, the Acting President of SMARTER Brunei expressed his gratitude for the donation on behalf of SMARTER Brunei, noting that the contribution would be valuable in ensuring the continuity of its services to the differently abled community in the country.

Lyna Mohamad

Chung Hwa Middle School Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) held a motivational talk for its Year 6 students who will soon take the Primary School Assessment (PSR) examination next month.

Principal Kho Guik Lan, who expressed hopes that the students are ready for the examinations, called on them to be self-confident in reaching their targets and strong-willed in claiming the success of excelling with flying colours.

Kho believed that under the teachers’ guidance the students would “no doubt bring outstanding results” because “Chung Hwa Can!.”

Daniel Lim

Thirty-nine students from Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) School of Energy and Engineering (Satellite) attended a workshop on Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods from October 21-22.

The students are from the programmes of NTEC in Machining and NTEC in Industrial Equipment Maintenance.

The event at the IBTE Sultan Bolkiah Campus (SBC) was part of an engagement workshop by Mozzat Enterprise Sdn Bhd.

The Mozzat team presented on the NDT theory, its equipment and various NDT methods. Discussions were also held on the use of abseil gears, often required on the NDT field.

Certificates of participation were presented to the students on the second day.

Mozzat’s management team including Chief Executive Officer Emily Voon, General Manager Richard Liew, Contract Manager Jeyasekhar MA Chellathurai and Deputy Contract Manager Zulkefli Abang encouraged the students to lead the nation in the NDT field.

Mozzat believed such workshops allow more students to better understand NDT methods, work opportunities and the potential work stress that might accompany the job.

Mozzat hoped to see more Bruneians becoming the country’s future NDT workforce in the oil and gas sector, as well as other sectors requiring NDT.

Daniel Lim

The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of Sayyidina Ali Secondary School (SMSA) held an award ceremony to commemorate Teacher’s Day recently.

Over 120 teachers and staff attended the event including Deputy Principal (Academic) Sharifah Raihani binti Haji Wan Ali and PTA Chairman Nordin bin Haji Zainal.

The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by a speech from Nordin, during which he acknowledged the dedication and hard work of the teachers in ensuring students receive proper education.

He also attributed the students’ academic achievements to the commitment of the PTA and called on all parties involved to continue to strive for excellence.

He presented Teacher with Character Award to Senior Head of Student Affairs (Pre-U) Erna Sumarne binti Haji Sumardi and PTA Award to SMSA Operations Manager Haji Jaafar bin Ahmad as well as 28 awards to teachers who have shown outstanding teaching abilities.

Meanwhile, Sharifah Raihani said this year’s Teacher’s Day theme, ‘Quality Education, the Core of Student’s Excellence’, is a reminder of the importance of a teacher’s role in the growth of students.

“Following the advice of our principal Steven Shim Sheau Huei, teachers must always be ready to tackle all challenges with a positive attitude,” she said.

Ministry of Religious Affairs

Azlan Othman

The Ministry of Religious Affairs’ (MoRA) 12-night Dikir Maulud ceremony continued on Saturday at Kampong Selangan Mosque in the Temburong District in conjunction with the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Head of Policy, Planning and Research at the MoRA Pengiran Anak Dr Haji Amiruddin Alam Shah bin Pengiran Anak Haji Ismail attended the event as personal representative of the Permanent Secretary at the MoRA.

The religious ceremony is held at mosques, suraus and religious halls nationwide to gain blessings from Allah the Almighty and to instil awareness and repentance among Ummah in remembering the sacrifice of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in propagating Islam, as well as to gain reward and assistance for those praising the Prophet through Selawat.

It also provides an opportunity for officers and staff from ministries and congregants to forge closer ties.

The ministry will hold a Dikir Maulud ceremony today at STKRJ Kampong Lambak Kiri Mosque after the Maghrib prayer.

Belait District Scouts Association

Daniel Lim

The religious body of the Belait District Scouts Association (PPDB) organised a Dikir Maulud ceremony yesterday at its premises in Jalan Maulana to mark the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Acting Scouts Commissioner of PPDB Mohamad Hatta bin Haji Suhaili attended the event as the guest of honour.

The event began with a mass Maghrib prayer followed by a Tahlil ceremony for Al-Marhum His Royal Highness Prince Haji ‘Abdul ‘Azim.

A mass Isyak prayer was held before the recitation of Dikir Assalai and Dikir Marhaban before concluding with a Doa Selamat.

Former residents of SOAS College Hostel

Azlan Othman

Former residents of Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien (SOAS) College Hostel held a Dikir Malidur Rasul in Beribi on Friday, led by Haji Rusdi bin Haji Abdul Latif.

It was the third religious event held in conjunction with the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), with the first last Monday, led by Dato Paduka Dr Haji Morni bin Othman, Haji Aji bin Haji Bagol and Haji Ismail bin Haji Yusof along with their spouses, and the second on Thursday, hosted by Haji Zaini bin Haji Mohd Yussop at his residence in Jalan Pantai Berakas, Kampong Lambak.

Legislative Council (LegCo) member and head of the group’s advisory board Yang Berhormat Haji Abdul Hamid @ Sabli bin Haji Arshad and patron Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Kassim bin Haji Johan were present along with advisory board members Dato Paduka Seri Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Johan, Dato Paduka Dr Haji Morni, Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Lahab and Dato Paduka Haji Talib bin Haji Berudin as well as their spouses.

Rokiah Mahmud

About one in 16 women in Brunei Darussalam will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death among women in the world. In Brunei, 132 breast cancer cases were diagnosed in 2018. However by 2040, the cases will grow to 240.

Brunei-Muara District has the highest percentage of breast cancer patients followed by Belait, Tutong and Temburong districts. Those in the age group of 50-59 have 30 per cent higher risk than those in 40-49 age group.

These statistics were shown in an exhibition organised by the Early Detection and Cancer Prevention (EDCP) of the Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre (PJSC) held in conjunction with breast cancer awareness month, recently.

Apart from the exhibition, talks were held on early detection and prevention and sharing sessions.

Posters also depicted symptoms of breast cancer among men.

It is estimated that one per cent of the breast cancer cases are among men. Despite the rarity, studies have shown the disease in male cases is no different than those in female cases.

The death rate among men with breast cancer is relatively lower but there is a lack of awareness among men.

Old age is one risk factor in men as breast cancer is often diagnosed in men in their 60’s. Exposure to oestrogen due to hormone therapy for prostate cancer increases the chance of breast cancer.

Another risk factor is if the men have close family members with breast cancer.

Klinefelter’s syndrome (a genetic disorder where some men produce lower levels of androgens but produce more female hormones), liver diseases and obesity could also contribute to the risk factor of breast cancer in male breast tissues. Having inflamed testicles or testicles removed surgically can also be risk factors to having breast cancer.

Physical examination by a doctor and self-examinations are sufficient in detecting breast cancer in men.

A delegation from the Ministry of Defence (MinDef) and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) attended the Dikir Syarafil Anam at Kampong Kilanas Mosque yesterday. It was held in conjunction with Maulidur Rasul.

Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof led the delegation of senior officers from MinDef and RBAF.

The event began after the Maghrib prayer with the recitation of Tahlil followed by Dikir Syarafil Anam. After the Isyak prayer, the Religious Department from RBAF performed a Qasidah. It was followed by a Dikir Marhaban and Doa Marhaban followed by a recitation of Doa Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam.

The delegation attended a similar event at Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Wakeel Mosque on Saturday night.

The event began after the Maghrib prayer with the recitation of Tahlil led by Imam of the Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Wakeel Mosque Haji Mahari bin Haji Metussin followed by the recitation of Sirah Nabawiyyah and Dikir Syarafil Anam. After the Isyak prayer, the event continued with the reading of the Prophet’s Hadith and Dikir. The event continued with Doa Marhaban and Doa Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam.

Azlan Othman

The Language and Literature Bureau, through its Library Division, is organising a short video advertisement competition for its storybook cover design contest.

The competition is part of the bureau’s effort to encourage people, especially children and young adults, to visit the library, while cultivating a reading culture in the society.

The event is open to all residents of Brunei Darussalam, and the entries themed around reading practices and activities.

Meanwhile, the storybook cover design contest is open to all residents between 15 and 30.
Participants must prepare designs for five books – Arina Elizabeth, Takdir Kita, Imam Misteri, Sempurna Bukan Dia and Unwritten Love.

The deadline for submission is December 15 via email to perpustakaan.bsb@dbp.gov.bn.

Azlan Othman

Marketing nature and trends in Brunei Darussalam and how telecomunication provider Progresif carries out its marketing were shared when Progresif Marketing and Communications Senior Executive Devin Edwards delivered a talk to a group of Business Management, International Tourism Management, Computer Science students and lecturers of Laksamana College of Business (LCB) recently.

Progresif’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy is to focus on four pillars – Environment, Education, Entrepreneurship and Culture and Arts. Progresif also has a Startup Lab, which provides support services for start-up businesses such as Dart.

Devin shared on a few strategies of how it tried to revive B-Mobile and rebranded it to Progresif. Other important things shared included the power of data and the importance of data analysis, emphasising on the importance of collecting every type of relevant data in Brunei.

He also mentioned other initiatives that Progresif is doing, such as promoting arts and culture for Brunei youth via Progresif Radio and Progresif Media.

He ended his talk with a Q&A session.

Daniel Lim

Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) Jefri Bolkiah Campus (JBC) recently invited coach Ed Lim to conduct a motivational talk for 94 of its final year students.

The talk titled ‘Interview Skills and Work Etiquette’ focussed mainly on refreshing students’ knowledge.

The students were from the HNTec in Building Services Engineering, HNTec in Instrumentation and Control Engineering and HNTec in Information and Communication Technology programmes.

The talk concluded with the presentation of a token of appreciation to Ed.

A total of 71 participated in a Khatam Al-Quran ceremony at the Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) Mosque in Tungku Link, in conjunction with the UTB Convocation 2020.

Participants comprised 28 male and 43 female graduands of Master’s Degree and Bachelor’s Degree.

UTB Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman was the guest of honour. Principal officers, lecturers, staff, parents and guardians of the Khatam participants also attended.

The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by UTB Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Services) Haji Ady Syarmin bin Haji Md Taib, followed by the recitation of Surah Adh-Dhuhaa until Surah Al-Masad by the participants, led by Bachelor of Science in Creative Multimedia graduand Muhammad Muizzuddin Asyur bin Mat Japar.

The event continued with a Takhtim and Doa Khatam recitation by Bachelor of Business in Finance and Risk Management graduand Muhammad Khaliq Syafie bin Md Don.

Certificates and souvenirs were presented to the Khatam participants.

The ceremony concluded with a Doa Selamat read by the university mosque Imam Mohammad bin Bagol.

A Tahlil ceremony for Al-Marhum His Royal Highness Prince Haji ‘Abdul ‘Azim was also held after the Khatam Al-Quran ceremony. The Tahlil recitation was led by Imam of the university mosque, who later read the Doa Arwah.

Daniel Lim

The Islamic Da’wah Centre and the Belait District Dakwah Unit recently held a Dikir Syarafil Anam ceremony at the Julangan Titah Longhouse religious hall, Melilas in Ulu Belait, in conjunction with the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Assistant Director of Islamic Da’wah Centre Abdul Aziz bin Haji Abdul Kahar led the officials from both bodies.

Longhouse residents, many of whom embraced Islam recently, attended the event.

The ceremony commenced with the observing of mass Maghrib prayers, recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and a Tazkirah delivered by Islamic Da’wah Centre Officer Muhammad Syamim Farhan bin Haji Sufri. The ceremony continued with the Dikir Syarafil Anam and a recitation of Doa Selamat and Doa Allah Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam.

The officers handed over Mushaf in the form of books to aid the new converted in their everyday lives after embracing the faith.

The ceremony helped converts deepen understanding on Islamic faith, encourage them to participate in religious activities and gain blessings from Allah the Almighty.

James Kon

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, eight police officers of the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) had their positions confirmed while another nine police officers were promoted to rank of Inspector of Police with effect from August 1.

A ceremony for the promotion and positions was held at the Officer’s Mess banquet hall of the Police Headquarters in Gadong recently.

Commissioner of police Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohammad Irwan bin Haji Hambali was the guest of honour.

Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police ACP Haji Mohammed Fadzillah bin Haji Ismail, directors and deputy directors as well as senior officers of the RBPF and the police officers’ family members were also present.

James Kon

Brunei Darussalam yesterday continued its streak of no local transmission of COVID-19 case for 173 days and fourth consecutive day with no new COVID-19 cases, keeping the national tally of confirmed cases at 148.

Meanwhile, the two active COVID-19 cases are receiving treatment at the National Isolation Centre (NIC) in the Tutong District.

The latest update on the current COVID-19 situation as of noon yesterday was released by the Ministry of Health (MoH) in a statement.

The MoH has taken 412 samples for SARS-CoV-2 testing over the past 24 hours, totalling 66,995 tests conducted since January.

Two hundred and eighty-seven individuals are undergoing mandatory self-isolation at government monitoring centres after returning from abroad, while 7,374 have completed the mandatory self-isolation at monitoring centres since March.

In its breakdown of COVID-19 cases in the country, healthinfo.gov.bn revealed that there were 114 cases in the Brunei-Muara District, 28 in the Belait District and six in the Tutong District.

The public can visit www.moh.gov.bn, contact the Health Advice Line at 148, or check BruHealth app or healthinfo.gov.bn for information and updates.

Hakim Hayat

Typhoon Molave, that was observed over the Philippines (13.2°N 121.3°E), at approximately 1,333 kilometres away from Brunei Darussalam as of 5am local time yesterday is expected to indirectly influence the Sultanate’s weather situation causing unsettled weather conditions, according to the Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Department (BDMD) in a statement.

The BDMD said occasional gusty and heavy showers are expected, although Typhoon Molave is expected to continue moving northwest-wards, further away from the country. Winds of up to 50km/h are expected during heavy and gusty showers.

Meanwhile, the sea state over Brunei waters is moderate to rough, reaching up to 2.5 metres.

The BDMD advised the public to take note of the risk of flash floods especially at low lying and flood prone areas during heavy showers or thundershowers as well as the risk of falling trees during gusty conditions.

The public is advised to be up to date with the latest weather forecast, advisory and warnings issued by BDMD, and to take precautions.

BDMD added that they will continue to monitor the weather conditions and issue appropriate weather advisory or warnings when necessary. Contact the Weather Line at 114, or visit www.met.gov.bn, follow BDMD’s social media accounts or check the Brunei WX application for updates.

Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Apong attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Virtual Ministerial Policy Dialogue on Food Security yesterday.

Malaysia’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Industries Dr Ronald Kiandee chaired the dialogue.

APEC ministers and high-level representatives responsible for food security expressed condolences in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on livelihoods, food security, agriculture and fisheries, as well as food supply chains in the region.

They also acknowledged the efforts by economies in combatting the virus spread.

APEC ministers urged economies to strengthen cooperation and ensure global food systems remain open, innovative and sustainable due to the disruption to trade and supply chains as well as a sudden change in consumer demand.

They urged economies to focus on meeting vulnerable groups’ needs and building resilience to be prepared to respond to future pandemics. APEC ministers reiterated their commitment to supporting a swift economic recovery in line with the APEC 2020 theme, as well as achieving a sustainable food system in the region.

They took note of the APEC Food Security Roadmap Towards 2020, the APEC Action Plan for Reducing Food Loss and Waste, the APEC Food Security Business Plan, and the Action Plan to Enhance Connectivity of APEC Food Standards and Safety Assurance.

Member economies took note of the review of the APEC Food Security Roadmap Towards 2020 and look forward to progressing the development of a new roadmap post-2020 next year. The next APEC Ministerial Meeting on Food Security will be hosted by New Zealand in 2021.

Permanent secretary and senior officers from the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, Department of Agriculture and Agrifood, and Department of Fisheries were also present.

Borneo Bulletin Online