The tourism and hospitality industry contributes to the economic growth of any country including Brunei Darussalam.
This was stated by Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) Acting Director Dr Haji Mohd Zamri bin Haji Sabli during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the NTec Apprenticeship in Professional Cookery and Services for the July 2020 session at Banquet Hall of The Garden’s Veranda in Rimba Garden Central yesterday.
The MoU was signed between the hospitality and food services industry and IBTE.
He added that the services and food industry through the hospitality industry has the potential to be expanded further.
In the programme, apprentices will undergo a six-month learning session at IBTE School of Hospitality and Tourism during their first and second year, followed by a six-month job placement at participating companies under the scheme.
Dr Haji Mohd Zamri said they will gain skills, increase confidence and develop their decision-making skills.
Seventeen companies signed the MoU yesterday. They are – Adika Restaurant, The Brunei Hotel, Coco Café, CountryPatch Café, Entrek (B) Sdn Bhd, Le Apple Bakery and Mart, Makan Ceria Sdn Bhd, Olies Café, PAR Group of Companies, Radisson Hotel, The Rizqun International Hotel, Royal Brunei Culinary Sdn Bhd, Serikandi Café and Restaurant, Sun City Bistro Sdn Bhd (Millennium Restaurant), The Empire Brunei, The Garden’s Veranda and Wafa Hotel and Apartment. Since its first signing on September 16, 1996, the programme has produced some 800 apprentices. It was initially known as RBC-MTSSR Joint Apprenticeship Programme.
Deputy Labour Commissioner Haji Shariful Bahri bin Haji Sawas witnessed the signings. IBTE’s signatories were Dr Haji Mohd Zamri and IBTE Central Campus Principal Armi Durani bin Haji Durhman.
ABOVE & BELOW: Deputy Labour Commissioner Haji Shariful Bahri bin Haji Sawas witnesses the signing between Sun City Bistro Sdn Bhd and IBTE; and IBTE Acting Director Dr Haji Mohd Zamri bin Haji Sabli exchanges the MoU with Makan Ceria Sdn Bhd. PHOTOS: YUSRIN JUNAIDI
ABOVE & BELOW: The deputy labour commissioner witnesses the signing between Royal Brunei Culinary Sdn Bhd and IBTE; and the IBTE Acting Director exchanges MoUs with The Empire Brunei
Several cats were rescued from a house and a convenience shop, gutted by a huge blaze in Kampong Madang yesterday.
The convenience shop was owned by an Indian national while the house was owned by a local woman. Nine residents of the house were safe.
According to the Fire and Rescue Department, 18 firefighters from the Lambak Kanan Fire Station led by station officer Yahya bin Haji Md Jali responded after receiving a call at 12.11pm. They were also supported by personnel from the Berakas Fire Station, Women’s Operation Unit and the Beribi Fire Station.
Firefighters combatted the blaze with five water hoses, a reel hose and water relay from a fire engine and a fire hydrant.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Commanding Officer of Operation ‘C’ Branch SSFR Pengiran Azizul Rahman bin Pengiran Haji Yusop oversaw the operation.
The FRD urged home owners to equip all households with a fire extinguisher and fire blanket.
Electrical items must be switched off when not in use while leaving cooking unattended should be avoided. Open all windows and doors for ventilation during a gas leakage.
The public is also urged to avail the services of an accredited company to install electrical wirings at home and avoid overloading.
Contact 995 during an emergency.
A convenience shop and a house were gutted by a huge blaze in Kampong Madang yesterday. Photo shows Fire and Rescue Department personnel dousing the fire.ABOVE & BELOW: FRD personnel dousing the fire; and a cat saved from the fire. PHOTOS: FRD
Sixteen Legislative Council (LegCo) members visited entrepreneurship, agriculture, forestry and tourism hubs in the Temburong District yesterday.
It was the third visit organised by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT), to share and understand the latest development of entrepreneurial, agriculture and tourism activities in the district.
The first was held in the Belait District on January 20 and Tutong District on January 25.
They were joined by Permanent Secretary at the MPRT Hajah Tutiaty binti Haji Abdul Wahab, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Tourism) at the MPRT Wardi bin Haji Mohammad Ali, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the MPRT Haji Mohd Yusree bin Haji Junaidi, department heads and senior officers from the MPRT.
The LegCo members first visited Bukit Patoi Forest Recreation Park at the Peradayan Forest reserve area. The park was first opened to the public in 1997 and is a forest recreation park under the purview of the Forestry Department.
Spanning 1,073 hectares, the park is equipped with several facilities for visitors such as a surau, resting huts, barbecue area and forest track. A total of 6,595 visitors were recorded last year.
Legislative Council members during the visit to Freme Rainforest Lodge. PHOTO: MPRT
At the park, the LegCo members were briefed on the construction of restaurant project suggestion at the site to increase its attractions.
From Bukit Patoi, the LegCo members were briefed on the luxury eco-resort project at Kampong Perdayan. The project was awarded to Eco-Green Sdn Bhd last January for the construction of a two-hectare luxury eco-resort accommodation.
It began construction last January and is expected to be completed by the third quarter of this year. Some 30 jobs will be up for grabs for locals.
Their next visit was the CropBee Farm at the Agriculture Development Site (KKP) Semabat in Mukim Bokok. The visitors were briefed by manager and proprietor of Cropbee Farm Siti Nursyazwani binti Haji Awang.
CropBee Farm operates on a 20-hectare plot of land under the pilot project in May 2019 to carry out farm activities for seasonal fruits such as durians, petai, rambutan, langsat duku and pulasan as the main crop. Non-seasonal fruits such as bananas, pineapples, coconuts as well as vegetables are also farmed as side plantations.
Last year, the company produced about 543kg of fruits worth BND2,076. It employs three locals.
The visit concluded at Freme Rainforest Lodge located on a 0.35-acre plot of land in Kampong Batang Duri and employs 14 locals as tourist guide, housekeeper and temuai driver.
The LegCo members will visit agricultural sites in the Brunei-Muara District on January 30.
An agreement between Authority for Info-Communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) with Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) on the initiative to showcase 5G use cases was signed yesterday.
The development of this agreement is following the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the two organisations earlier.
Signing on behalf of UTB was Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman, witnessed by Dean of School of Computing and Informatics Dr Mohamad Saiful bin Haji Omar.
Representing AITI were Acting Chief Executive Haji Jailani bin Haji Buntar and Assistant Chief Executive (Resource Management) Norshahrul Nizam bin Othman as witness.
AITI and UTB senior officials attended the ceremony at the Main Auditorium of the Design and Technology Building in Anggerek Desa.
The collaborative agreement is to nurture the development of 5G use cases such as remote video monitoring, augmented reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) applications, and advanced Smart Campus.
AITI and UTB agree that this collaboration will generate the development of use cases based on 5G’s capabilities and ecosystem which will be carried out at the UTB Campus.
The agreement aims to set up a 5G innovation technology lab in UTB to showcase the implementation of the prototype 5G use case applications and initiatives which will benefit both parties. The availability of such a lab to explore possibilities of 5G use cases will open up opportunities to collaborate with relevant segments across industries and academic institutions.
UTB Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman and AITI Acting Chief Executive Ir Haji Jailani bin Haji Buntar. PHOTO: SALAWATI HAJI YAHYA
Haji Mohamed Fitzila bin Haji Mohamed Yunus was selected as the Top Sales Overall winner of the Top Sales Award during the Jati Transport Star Performer Awards Ceremony at the Mercedes-Benz Autohaus in Beribi yesterday.
Luqman Hakim bin Abdullah was the Top Sales Overall runner-up, while the Top Sales for Mercedes-AMG went to Ivan Chia Ik Voon and Chiew Yan Yan bagged the Top Sales for Mercedes G-Class.
Jati Transport Executive Chairman Pengiran Anak Haji Ja’afar ibni Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam presented the awards.
Pengiran Haji Sallehuddin bin Pengiran Batara, Steven Chong Meng Watt and Zaikiah binti Haji Abdullah, who have served at Jati Transport for 30 years, as well as Law Siew Lane @ Angella (20 years) and Jeronimo G Castro (10 years), received the Long Service Awards presented by Jati Transport Executive Director Andrew Chiam.
In 2020, the brand increased its unit sales by 12 per cent, taking the top spot for the luxury automobile segment in the country.
More than half of the Mercedes-Benz sold by Jati Transport in 2020 were compact cars, with CLA being the best-selling model in the segment followed by the A-Class. With the introduction of the all-new GLA and GLB in the third quarter of last year, the growth within the compact cars segment is expected to continue.
In the performance automobile segment, the company delivered more than 50 units of Mercedes-AMG to customers last year, setting a new record and making Mercedes-AMG the number one performance automobile brand in Brunei.
Jati Transport Executive Chairman Pengiran Anak Haji Ja’afar ibni Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam with the Top Sales Award winners. PHOTO: IZAH AZAHARI
Several primary initiatives have been approved in addressing 5G adoption in Brunei Darussalam, namely the formation of the National 5G Taskforce in May 2020, in addition to the pilot projects and the proof of concept for 5G technology, said Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohammad Yusof.
Speaking at the Brunei Darussalam 5G Seminar at the Design and Technology Building in Anggerek Desa yesterday, the minister said, “The taskforce aims to create policy and regulatory recommendations as well as initiatives to generate sustainable demand, interest and awareness of 5G.
“On pilot projects and proof of concept for 5G technology, several strategic locations have been identified to showcase 5G in indoor and outdoor settings. These pilot projects will be implemented in phases starting April.”
Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib shared some international findings on 5G: “Ericsson has reported that 5G subscriptions are forecasted to reach 3.5 billion by 2026 and will account for 54 per cent of total mobile data.
“A report by AT Kearney suggested that for ASEAN, 5G can add up six to nine per cent to consumer revenues and 18 to 22 per cent of enterprise revenues by 2025.
“5G subscriptions in ASEAN are expected to exceed 200 million subscribers in 2025. These findings show a very promising outlook, with fast, intelligent Internet connectivity enabled by 5G.”
Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohammad Yusof delivering his speech. PHOTO: AZLAN OTHMAN
Regarding the seminar’s theme of ‘5G: Enabling Digital Transformation’, the minister said, “Digital transformation has always been a priority for the country, especially in our efforts to transform Brunei Darussalam into a Smart Nation.
“This poses an interesting question: is Brunei Darussalam ready and geared up for digital transformation?
“To give an indication on our readiness, I would like to share some key statistics which have been have been recorded as a result from the ICT industry restructuring which took place on January 24, 2020.
“Fixed broadband subscribers in Brunei Darussalam grew by almost 30 per cent between January and September 2020.
“At the same time, the utilisation of Internet bandwidth has also grown by 63 per cent.
“In terms of affordability, entry level or base price of postpaid mobile services has been reduced by 50 per cent, while the BND25 annual mobile licence fee has been removed.
“For fixed broadband, prices have been reviewed in accordance with the doubled quota and speed.
“Among ASEAN member countries, the improvement in telecommunications infrastructure has taken Brunei Darussalam to the second place in the Telecommunications Infrastructure Index, as recorded in the United Nations (UN) E-Government Survey 2020.
“Brunei Darussalam is also within the top two ASEAN member countries in the Measuring Digital Development: ICT Price Trends 2019 Report published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
“The report monitors the affordability of ICT services by analysing and comparing price data for mobile-voice services, mobile data and fixed broadband. However, we must not be complacent. There are still more that we can do together for Brunei Darussalam to progress further in digital transformation.”
On the Digital Economy Masterplan 2025, Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib said, “Digital Transformation has been a key enabler in propelling Brunei Darussalam towards the Smart Nation status. As the way forward to support digital economy in Brunei Darussalam, this digital transformation initiatives involves the government, industry and society by leveraging on technologies to achieve impactful outcomes and increased productivity.
“Therefore, each ministry will pursue their respective digital transformation plans, covering not just the ministry alone, but also the whole sector under its purview.
“In this regard, the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC), through the Smart Nation Office, has been in active consultation with various ministries and agencies on their respective digital transformation plans. The Smart Nation Office is also in the process of preparing for a stock take on plans and progress undertaken for respective ministries’ plans.”
On data protection, the minister said, “The MTIC and AITI, in consultation with other relevant agencies, are also actively preparing the legal and regulatory framework on personal data protection, targetted to be ready within the year.
The minister said, “This will complement the MTIC’s current efforts in formulating and reviewing related policies, including the need to address the importance of data sovereignty for Brunei Darussalam. In the meantime, Brunei Darussalam is subscribing to the ASEAN Framework on Digital Data Governance as the guidance in digital data management and cross border data flows.”
The seminar was hosted by Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) in collaboration with the Brunei Darussalam Taskforce.
Also in attendance was Deputy Minister of Energy and Chairman of AITI Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Matsatejo bin Sokiaw and Acting Chief Executive of AITI Haji Jailani bin Haji Buntar, as well as permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries, AITI Members of Authority, government officials, and representatives from the academia and private sector.
The objective of the seminar is to raise awareness on 5G economic impact and opportunities with the advent of various 5G emerging applications towards innovation and digital transformation.
Themed ‘5G: Enabling Digital Transformation’, the seminar explored the reality of 5G and how it can pave the way towards digitalisation and innovative solutions.
The seminar also featured interactive panel discussion to share and communicate experiences and knowledge, in encouraging government and industries to adopt digitalisation using 5G technology and beyond.
The event, which can be accessed online, brought together experts and speakers from local and international organisations such as the Smart Nation Office under the MTIC; the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA); Telecommunications Regulators from ASEAN member states, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commissions of Thailand (NBTC), as well as Unified National Networks Sdn Bhd (UNN) and StarHub Mobile Pte Ltd; and from industry players such as Ericsson and Samsung Electronics.
The seminar also showcased a 5G speed test using the proof of concept network located within the Design and Technology Building.
A total of 651 graduates received their Levels 5 and 4 Diploma certificates during the 6th Politeknik Brunei (PB) Convocation Ceremony at Universiti Brunei Darussalam’s Chancellor Hall yesterday.
Two sessions were held and in adherence to the Ministry of Health’s (MoH) guidelines to curb the COVID-19 outbreak, with the morning session graced by Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman.
Deputy Minister of Education Datin Seri Paduka Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh, in her capacity as Chairperson of the PB Board of Governors was also present.
PB Acting Director Lim Kian Boon said, “The current total number of students taking up programmes at Politeknik Brunei is 2,303. In helping to achieve the target of national key performance indicators (NKPIs) 1.4 and 1.5, Politeknik Brunei continues to strive at various methods to help improve student admissions.
“One of Politeknik Brunei’s key performance indicators (KPIs) is related to student admissions. Based on the findings of the KPIs, the actual target for the July 2020 intake has almost met the goal, which is 94.4 per cent.
Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman and Deputy Minister of Education Datin Seri Paduka Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh during the 6th Politeknik Brunei (PB) Convocation Ceremony. PHOTOS: JAMES KONIt was a day of celebration for 651 graduates who received their certificates at the 6th Politeknik Brunei Convocation Ceremony yesterday. Photo shows a graduate receiving her certificate from Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman.Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah presents an award to a studentDatin Seri Paduka Dr Hajah Romaizah presents a certificate to a studentABOVE & BELOW: Photos show the Politeknik Brunei graduates posing with their certificates
“In the effort to increase the number of qualified student admissions, Politeknik Brunei has opened two recruitment sessions for the first time, starting with the academic year of 2020/2021. The 10th intake was in July 2020 and also in January 2021.
“When the COVID-19 epidemic occurred in our country, Politeknik Brunei took swift action by optimising the existing Politeknik Brunei Learning Management System (PBLMS) platform, as well as online teaching and learning approaches for teachers and students,” Lim said.
“In addition, Politeknik Brunei has designed and introduced the Politeknik Brunei Virtual Learning Experience (PBVLX), a new online platform system, which can be utilised continuously between lecturer and student.
“Politeknik Brunei also actively worked with stakeholders and industry players by introducing six new programmes, which include three Level 5 Diplomas in Health Science programmes in the fields of Cardiovascular Technology, Environmental Science, and Diabetes Nurse Educator, which began in January 2021, with the cooperation of Ministry of Health; a Level 5 Diploma in Laboratory Technology, which commenced in July 2020; a Level 5 Diploma in Chemical Engineering, which started in January 2021, in collaboration with Hengyi Industries Sdn Bhd; and a Level 5 Diploma in Data Analytics working with Manpower Industry Steering Committee (MISC) ICT and Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI), through the Brunei ICT Industry Competency Framework (BIICF).
“With the forged cooperation, Politeknik Brunei has altogether offered 27 Level 5 Diploma programmes as of January 2021, and will be introducing new Level 5 Diploma programmes in July 2021.”
In the afternoon session, the Deputy Minister of Education presented certificates for Level 5 Diploma in Business Accounting and Finance, Level 5 Diploma in Business Studies (Human Resources), Level 5 Diploma in Information Systems, Level 5 in IT Network and Security, Level 5 Diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Level 5 Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Level 4 Diploma in Health Science (Midwifery), Level 4 Diploma in Health Science (Nursing), and Level 4 Diploma in Health Sciences (Paramedics).
The graduates completed their three-year academic term at PB’s School of Business, School of Information and Communication Technology, School of Science and Engineering and School of Health Sciences.
The Levels 5 and 4 Diplomas are recognised by the Ministry of Education, through the Brunei Darussalam National Accreditation Council.
Chief Justice Dato Seri Paduka Steven Chong detailed the judiciary’s response to the pandemic and how “the judiciary has the responsibility to remain open and functional even during times of crisis”.
As far as tradition goes to mark the opening of the Legal Year 2021, the Chief Justice welcomed guests and addressed the legal fraternity at the Supreme Court of Brunei Darussalam.
He stated that the main priority has been to ensure the health and safety of its personnel and the public, while minimising disruption to services.
Despite ceasing some physical operations temporarily in the first half of 2020 due to COVID-19, the Chief Justice said, “With the help of technology, the courts were still deemed ‘open’ for filing, issuing and returning of processes and for making orders via our e-filing system.”
The Chief Justice added that the use of Microsoft Teams and Zoom to conduct remote hearings and video conferencing allowed for the court’s continued functioning. He highlighted a case in October 2020 where Judicial Commissioner Justice Kannan Ramesh in Singapore conducted a High Court hearing virtually with witnesses in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and counsel in Brunei Darussalam.
Special Advisor to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Diraja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Isa bin Pehin Datu Perdana Manteri Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Ibrahim, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud, Attorney General Haji Ahmad bin Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Diraja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Isa, Chief Syar’ie Judge Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar, the Justices and Judges of the Civil and Syariah Courts and guests at the event. PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIRChief Justice Dato Seri Paduka Steven Chong speaks during the opening
The Chief Justice stated that in ensuring timeliness and efficiency in delivering justice, the Judiciary focussed on tackling issues relating to the backlog of cases and delays in disposing of cases.
The Chief Justice announced various initiatives for 2021, which included the formation of a committee to review pupilage training.
The committee will be chaired by the Chief Registrar and comprise of members from the Attorney General’s Chambers and Law Society to develop a comprehensive framework for the training of pupils.
He said, “It is imperative that the standards and quality of training for those who wish to qualify to the bar is regulated” and added that “improving the standard of pupilage will ensure that young lawyers will be better equipped to meet the multifaceted challenges of the legal profession”.
He commended senior members of the bar for taking on pro bono cases for accused persons who cannot afford to pay for legal services and encouraged young lawyers to volunteer their services to serve the community.
The Chief Justice ended his speech by urging the Attorney General’s Chambers and the Law Society to work together with the Judiciary to prepare a Code of Practice for the Conduct of Criminal Proceedings by the Prosecution in order to ensure due process and fair outcomes in the criminal justice process.
It was followed by speeches from Attorney General Haji Ahmad bin Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Diraja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Isa and Law Society President Pengiran Izad Ryan bin Pengiran Laila Kanun Diraja Pengiran Haji Bahrin.
Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman urged private companies to assume a vital role in developing the education sector, notably the country’s technical and vocational education sub-sectors.
The minister made the call during Politeknik Brunei (PB)’s 6th Convocation Ceremony at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) yesterday.
“The technical and vocational fields are among the biggest contributors to job opportunities in the country. With more access to technical and vocational programmes in the private sector, it will create an innovative and competitive educational environment in producing high-quality manpower with high marketability,” he said.
The minister advised graduates to make full use of their knowledge and experiences, saying, “In addition to academic success, I believe that the main skill acquired by graduates is learning to learn.
“It is this skill that determines success when entering the world of work or entrepreneurship later. Mastering one or two skills is not enough to guarantee a lifetime of employment, because of the rapid pace of economic and technological changes.
“In other words, practise lifelong learning so that you stay relevant and possess the latest knowledge in whatever field you are involved in.
“PB must always be attentive in adapting to circumstances and needs, especially in terms of pedagogical approach, at this time. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual and online teaching and learning have become the new norm on the educational landscape. Make use of the challenges of digital teaching as an opportunity for PB to be more determined and innovative in applying the skills and competencies, in the use of educational technology for students and instructors.
“The Ministry of Education (MoE) urges PB to include educational and industrial interests in the Strategic Plan of 2021-2025, which I understand is currently being planned and carried out to produce graduates who are innovative, future-ready and resilient, who are much needed in jointly supporting the development of the country’s progress.”
Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman hands over a certificate during the Politeknik Brunei’s 6th Convocation Ceremony. PHOTO: BAHYIAH BAKIR
Two foreigners were found to be in breach of their work permit during Operasi Selongkar 23/2021 by the Labour Enforcement Division (LED) of the Labour Department on Tuesday. The operation aimed to ensure employers comply with the Employment Order 2009.
In Kampong Mabohai, a foreign worker holding the position as a tailor was found working as fuel pump assistant.
At a mobile phone store at Darussalam Complex Jalan Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, a foreign welder was found working at a different company.
The employers are believed to have allocated their foreign workers to work positions not in accordance with their Foreign Worker Licence permit.
If found guilty, the department will issue a BND600 compound fine for the first offence and BND900 for the second offence, in accordance to Section 86 and Section 112.
Employers are reminded to ensure the welfare of their foreign workers, including providing an employment contract and clean dormitory, as well as regular salary payment, in accordance with the Employment Order 2009.
The department can be reached at 2381848 (office hours) or 7298989.
Operasi Selongkar in progress. PHOTO: MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
Brunei Darussalam has detected four new imported COVID-19 cases, including a 10-month- old infant, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 180.
With the new imported cases and one recovered case, there are seven active COVID-19 cases receiving treatment at the National Isolation Centre (NIC) in the Tutong District. All patients are in stable condition.
The updates were revealed in a press conference by Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar yesterday.
“Case 177 is a 10-month-old baby who arrived in Brunei Darussalam on the Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) BI4112 flight from India on January 15.
“Case 178 is the 26-year-old aunt of Case 177. She also arrived in Brunei Darussalam on January 15, on the RB BI4112 flight from India.
“Case 179 is a man aged 28, who arrived in Brunei Darussalam on the Singapore Airlines SQ148 flight from Indonesia via Singapore on January 15.
Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar speaks at the press conference. PHOTO: BAHYIAH BAKIR
“Case 180 is a woman aged 29, who arrived in Brunei Darussalam on the Singapore Airlines SQ148 flight from Dubai via Singapore on January 25.
“All of the new cases are being monitored and treated at the NIC, and the contact tracing for these cases is still being conducted.
“The Ministry of Health (MoH) has found an increase in the trend of reported COVID-19 infection cases in the country, where all of the cases are imported. This is in line with the increase in COVID-19 cases worldwide.
“However, with the strict measures implemented at Brunei Darussalam’s borders, such as quarantine and laboratory tests we have been able to control the infection from spreading in the country,” Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham said.
With the detection of the new cases, a total of 39 imported cases have been confirmed. Since the last local infection case reported on May 6, 2020, the Sultanate has recorded 267 days without local transmissions.
One previous case treated at the NIC has recovered, bringing the total number of recovered cases to 170.
A total of 599 individuals are undergoing mandatory self-isolation at the monitoring centres provided by the government, having just arrived from abroad. At present, 12,008 individuals have completed their mandatory self-isolation at monitoring centres.
In the past 24 hours, 515 samples have been tested for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which brings the total number of laboratory tests conducted since January 2020 to 90,972.
The MoH urges the public to practise their social responsibilities during this pandemic. Additionally, the public is advised to be equally responsible by ensuring not to violate the regulations and directions issued during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Updates can be obtained at www.moh.gov.bn, or by contacting the Health Advice Line at 148 or through the BruHealth app.
The Blue Raincoat Collective is inviting 101 creative-minded individuals to join its project, 101 Tables: A Community Giveback project. The project idea stemmed from discarded school desks and chairs donated by Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah School (YSHHBS).
The project aims to upcycle, beautify and improve the chairs and tables to donate to underprivileged children from Kampong Bolkiah B, Kampong Ayer, in need of school essentials.
Project organiser Shinny said, “We came up with the initiative to see the school desks and chairs put back into use. They will be displayed in a free-to-public exhibition from March 1 to 14, after participants freely design them, before being distributed as study tables for 101 children in their homes.
“The exhibition will showcase the participants’ unique creations before being sent to their new home in Kampong Bokiah B,” she said.
She added that interested participants can bring home a table and chair at the Collective makerspace after registering and confirming their involvement in the project.
The Blue Raincoat has a long-term partnership with Ristaan Abadi Initiative, to work on supporting the community, in particular the Kampong Bolkiah B youth, and improving the lives of the Kampong Bolkiah residents for the long term.
They also renovated a residential unit area into a community centre, to be used to host workshops and upskilling events.
The press conference in session. PHOTO: ROKIAH MAHMUD
Sixteen participants took part in the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) Coach Educator Course at the association’s multipurpose hall.
The one-day course, conducted by NFABD Technical Director Sivaji Narayanan, was held to develop potential coaching instructors in Brunei Darussalam as well as to produce more qualified coaches who are able to add value to coaching development at local football clubs.
The course also served to develop potential mentors who have the right attributes to support coaches at clubs, and assist with the growth of the sport.
The participants who attended the educators’ course hold either an A or B certificate licence.
Participants at the NFABD Coach Educator Course. PHOTO: NFABD
The Brunei Association of Japan Alumni (BAJA) President Hajah Najmina Fairuz binti Haji Abdul Latif firmly believes digitalisation is the way to go.
She highlighted how 2020 was a lesson in adaptation and innovation. Reflecting on what has past, the president said there is a need to think of improvement for the future.
Hajah Najmina Fairuz made these comments at BAJA’s annual general meeting (AGM) at the Mutiara Ballroom of the Radisson Hotel yesterday.
The AGM presented the summary activities for 2020 and proposed some activities for the fiscal year 2021.
Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam Eiji Yamamoto was the guest of honour.
BAJA members were also joined by the Embassy of Japan to Brunei Darussalam’s First Secretary Aoki Atsushi.
“We look forward to continuing doing good work through our association and, Insya Allah, incorporating more innovative and fresh ideas into BAJA’s platform to further cultural and educational exchanges between Brunei Darussalam and Japan,” she said.
BAJA is a network of Bruneians who have studied in Japan for at least six months.
BAJA was founded in 1986 by late Pengiran Setia Negara Pengiran Haji Mohd Yusof bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahim.
BAJA’s long-time president and founding member Dr Chin Yam Chin passed away last year.
Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam Eiji Yamamoto and BAJA President Hajah Najmina Fairuz binti Haji Abdul Latif at the meeting. PHOTO: IZAH AZAHARI
A total of BND35,000 was handed over to 35 winners of the first monthly draw of the Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) Aspirasi 3 Rewards Campaign during a ceremony yesterday.
Head of Sales of BIBD Retail Banking Group Rohani binti Haji Salleh presented the cash prizes, with each winner bringing home BND1,000.
The BIBD Aspirasi 3 is a unique investment and savings programme allowing customers to earn dividends. It encourages customers to keep their funds for longer term savings.
Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) aims to nurture the discipline of saving among its customers by offering a rewards programme which presents an opportunity to win in monthly, quarterly and grand prize draws.
When BIBD Aspirasi was first introduced two years ago, it served to provide customers with a savings initiative platform to save easily and consistently, in support of the national vision of providing the society with a national savings plan.
In response to public feedback, the minimum deposit for Aspirasi 3 has now been lowered to BND50, while the maximum deposit increased to BND250,000.
Customers need to maintain a minimum holding period of 90 days, with a minimum holding deposit of BND50 for the entire duration of the programme to qualify for the reward draw.
Monthly draw winners and BIBD officers in a group photo. PHOTO: FADLEY FAISAL
Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) has pledged its commitment to prepare students for life after graduation by providing first-hand knowledge to its students, delivered by academicians with industry-backed experiences.
Faculty of Engineering Professor and Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Research) at UTB Professor Dr Mohamed Hasnain Isa served three top ranking universities in India and Malaysia, and worked as a Senior Environmental Consultant in Hong Kong. He represented UTB as a member of Sea Level Rise and Waste Management Task Forces organised by the Brunei Climate Change Secretariat (BCCS).
Concerned about the environment, particularly sustainable consumption, Professor Hasnain has led numerous sustainability-related research projects on waste water treatment, sludge treatment and waste management aimed at achieving resource efficiency and thus advance sustainability through research.
He is working on research projects with postgraduate and undergraduate students on the environmental impacts of landfill leachate and its treatment.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Assistant Professor and Director of Planning and Development Office Dr Lim Tiong Hoo has over two decades of experience in industry and academia. His way of teaching focusses less on theories and more in the development of good learning practices as well as practical and analytical skills.
With background in computer science, engineering and artificial intelligence (AI), Dr Lim hopes that by imparting his AI and robotics research to his students, they will be able to enhance their readiness to face the changes brought on by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0).
With the rapid advancement of technology, he is leading research in of e-health for diabetes, smart agriculture to increase production, and intelligence transport systems for traffic control.
ABOVE & BELOW: Professor Dr Mohamed Hasnain Isa; Dr Lim Tiong Hoo Professor Dr Ramesh Singh Kuldip Singh; and Dr Syazana binti Abdullah Lim. PHOTOS: UTB
He was awarded to conduct research with University of Virginia under the US-ASEAN Fulbright Scholar Program to look into autonomous vehicle for the mitigation of traffic congestion.
Senior Professor Dr Ramesh Singh Kuldip Singh teaches mechanical engineering and has 25 years of teaching and research experience in mechanical and materials engineering. He also supervised 78 postgraduate students and over 300 undergraduates in their final year and group design projects.
He was appointed Fellow of the Academy Sciences Malaysia, a Chartered Engineer with the Engineering Council UK, a Chartered Professional Engineer with Engineers Australia, a Professional Engineer with the Board of Engineers Malaysia, and a Fellow of five prominent professional societies including the Institution of Mechanical Engineers UK and the Institution of Engineers Australia.
Professor Ramesh has been organising industrial talks for mechanical engineering students since he joined UTB last year.
“These industrial seminars are delivered by engineers from various industries to provide students with first-hand experience in real industrial operations and the working environment,” he said.
Assistant Professor from the School of Applied Sciences and Mathematics Dr Syazana binti Abdullah Lim highlighted that the aesthetics of being an educator is having the opportunity to influence and be directly involved in shaping future leaders.
She believes that once the students graduate, they should be perceived as an asset to boost the food industries in Brunei at all levels as they have the correct skills, expertise and exposure.
She has been actively assisting in developing the food science and technology programme since its establishment in 2016 and building rapport with not only in-house, but overseas institutions such as Osaka University for internships.
Dr Syazana initiated several collaborations with industries and relevant organisations to come up with real-world projects. From there, students are exposed to the current needs of the industry.
According to Dr Syazana, UTB signed a number of agri-food related memoranda of understanding to encourage innovations in the hope they would have spillover effects on local business and industries.
Two boats collided in the waters below the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha (RIPAHS) Bridge, resulting in several passengers falling into the Brunei River.
Personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department (FRD), the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), Emergency Medical Ambulance Services (EMAS) and the Maritime Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD) were deployed to the site for a search-and-rescue mission.
This was the scenario of a recent exercise codenamed ‘Exsesais Sekoci 2021’, led by Exercise Director and Commanding officer of the Operation ‘D’ Branch SSFR Muhd Shahreeni bin Haji Mohd Yussof.
FRD Acting Director Lim Hock Guan observed the exercise with the FRD Senior
Management Team.
Exsesais Sekoci 2021 is one of the efforts by the FRD to improve joint operation preparedness among agencies in dealing with water accidents, as well as an update of the agencies’ standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Exsesais Sekoci is also aimed at assessing emergency action plan’s effectiveness and SOPs in response to water accidents, by taking into account the interaction of the emergency management centre with response agencies and incident commander post (ICP), in addition to using emergency management mechanisms based on each agency’s emergency
action plan.
The public is encouraged to use life jackets when travelling by boat. In the event of a drowning, one should be proficient at swimming and wear a life jacket first before trying to save the victim.
Personnel from Fire and Rescue Department, the Royal Brunei Police Force, Emergency Medical Ambulance Services and the Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam held a search and rescue exercise yesterday. It was at Brunei River with the scenario of a boat collision.ABOVE & BELOW: Fire and Rescue Department Acting Director Lim Hock Guan watches the exercise, and emergency personnel during the drill. PHOTOS: FRD
Brunei Darussalam’s Instagram users are the second highest globally in terms of population ration reaching audiences of 70.5 per cent (by eligible audiences above 13 years), after Kazakhstan (78.7 per cent), which is up by one spot compared to the previous year.
The Sultanate has also the 14th highest Facebook users of 13 years old and above, reaching 90.2 per cent (or 320,000 users). Mongolia came first, with 105 per cent, followed by Libya with 104.7 per cent.
We Are Social and Hootsuite stated this in its annual report on Tuesday that gives insights into global social media usage and digital trends for the past year.
In last year’s report, the number of Instagram in Brunei was the third highest in the world, reaching audiences totalling 210,000 (or 60 per cent). Instagram usage growth rate is about 2.4 per cent. The Sultanate levelled with Iceland and Kazakhstan, which also recorded a rate of 60 per cent.
The number of Facebook users in the Sultanate was the 10th highest globally in last year’s report, with 89 per cent or 310,000 users (13 years and above) in terms of population ratio. Aruba, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) came in the top three, with 96 per cent, 96 per cent and 95 per cent.
Last year’s report also stated that Brunei is second highest in terms of social media use by eligible audiences (13 years and above) with use rates of 117 per cent or 410,000 users. Kuwait came in top with 122 per cent or 4,200,000 users. (This year’s report on Brunei will only be available in mid-February.)
According to the report, Digital 2021 showed that while the world spent much of 2020 in lockdown, social media users indicated the fastest growth rate in three years. To date, there are about 4.20 billion social media users around the world, representing year-on-year growth of more than 13 per cent (490 million new users).
The number of social media users is now equivalent to more than 53 per cent of the world’s total population.
Meanwhile, there has been a surge in overall time spent online, with the average internet user now spending almost seven hours per day using the Internet across all devices. This means the average user spends more than two full days online out of a seven-day week, up by 16 minutes, or four per cent year-on-year.
Digital 2021 shows that there are now 4.66 billion people around the world using the Internet in January 2021, up by 316 million (7.3 per cent) since this time last year.
The report stated that Facebook remains the world’s most used social platform, followed by YouTube and WhatsApp. Facebook-owned apps account for four of the top five most used social platforms globally.
“Increasingly, consumers connect with brands in the same way they do with their friends and family members, via social and messaging apps,” said Hootsuite CEO Tom Keiser. “The pandemic has only accelerated this shift, with even laggard brands now moving to online interactions.”
The findings also outlined that with 45 per cent of users aged 16 to 64 are searching for brand information on social networks, while 40 per cent are using social media for work purposes.
There has also been an increasing popularity of messaging platforms, with 91 per cent of internet users aged 16 to 64 now using chat apps each month and in that messaging has surpassed social media; platform use, now in second place at 88 per cent.
“Providing the global perspective on demographics and usage patterns on these platforms helps our customers focus their digital strategies and connect with their audience in the most relevant and authentic way,” added Keiser.
The Philippines tops the world again for the fifth consecutive year, spending an average of four hours and 15 minutes each day on social media.
The global average for social media usage is two hours and 25 minutes, with Japan taking the last spot in the rankings, recording an average of 51 minutes. No figures were available for Brunei Darussalam.
The Philippines is also the highest in internet usage, clocking in close to 11 hours per day. Brazil comes second, with an average of 10 hours and eight minutes, while Colombia is placed third, with an average of 10 hours and seven minutes.
The Digital Report 2021 rounds up the reasons people use social networking sites, which include staying up-to-date with news and current events, and to find funny or entertaining content.
Other reasons are to fill up spare time, staying in touch with friends, sharing photos or videos with others, researching products to buy, general networking with other people, sharing opinions, and meeting new people.
The Digital Report 2021 is compiled by the We Are Social agency, in collaboration with the social media management platform, Hootsuite.
The most common labour law violations by employers are non-payment of salaries (35 cases), and not providing return tickets to the employees’ home country at the end of their contracts (47 cases), statistics from the Labour Department in 2020 shows.
Labour Department Acting Commissioner Muhammad Saufi bin Haji Ibrahim, who is also Chairman of the Task Force for Public Awareness, National Committee on Trafficking in Persons (TIP), shared the numbers during an interview with the Weekend Bulletin. He also shed more light on the department’s role in looking for signs of exploitation of foreign workers in the country and any elements of TIP, while the Sultanate underlines its commitment in rooting out human trafficking cases by ensuring integrity right from the recruitment process to their employment.
Brunei has law provisions that protect the foreign workers’ rights in the country, which, according to Muhammad Saufi are enshrined in the Employment Order, 2009; the Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1957; and other legislation enforced by the Labour Department.
“These laws protect foreign workers in Brunei from the threat of exploitation, by ensuring that they receive fair and ethical treatment from their employers,” he added.
Muhammad Saufi said that the Labour Department, in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies, also supports the enforcement of legislation in protecting foreign workers’ rights.
This, he said, includes the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Order, 2019 under the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), where labour enforcement officers are authorised to investigate cases under this Order.
“As part of their standard operating procedure (SOP), they will look for signs of exploitation and other elements of TIP while conducting routine investigations into labour disputes or other employment issues,” he said.
Another aspect is the legislation enforced by the Immigration and National Registration Department (INRD), including Chapter 146 of the Passports Act that forbids employers from withholding their foreign workers’ passports.
In ensuring that the recruitment process for foreign workers in Brunei is followed through within the law, the department underscores its commitment for these processes to be adhered to in line with ethical employment practices.
Muhammad Saufi said in accordance with Brunei’s law, a number of measures are in place to protect the foreign workers’ rights in the recruitment process.
“As part of these measures, only licensed employment agencies are allowed to recruit foreign workers to Brunei. These agencies have to fulfil the Labour Department strict licensing requirements which include the need to have a thorough understanding of the laws and regulations, especially those relating to foreign workers’ rights,” he said.
He also said that the department works closely with JobCentre Brunei, the Ministry of Development, the Ministry of Energy and other regulators, in safeguarding the integrity of the recruitment process.
Muhammad Saufi underscored the department’s stance against TIP, which they view as a major crime.
“We pay close attention to the recruitment of foreign workers in sectors that are vulnerable to TIP. For example, when a construction company applies to bring in foreign workers to Brunei, the department will conduct mandatory inspections on their project site to assess their eligibility for a Foreign Workers Licence (FWL),” he said.
To inculcate more awareness on foreign workers’ rights in Brunei, the department has intensified roadshows, dialogue sessions and briefings with employers and employment agencies. In 2020, the Labour Department conducted four roadshows with employers and four dialogue sessions targetting employment agencies.
In addition, labour enforcement officers also disseminate information on labour rights through leaflets and briefings during inspections on employers’ premises and business activities.
At the end of 2020, the National Committee on TIP appointed the Labour Department to lead the Task Force for Raising Public Awareness on TIP.
The acting labour commissioner said the taskforce has lined up a number of initiatives to help disseminate information on TIP to foreign workers, employers and the public in general.
“These initiatives include the distribution of leaflets on the rights of foreign workers that will be available in their own languages.”
The Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) yesterday resumed the fourth series of its programmes for 15 Legislative Council (LegCo) members with visits to agricultural sites in the Brunei-Muara District.
The visits were aimed at sharing the latest developments and achievements in the agriculture, fisheries, forestry and tourism.
It also provided LegCo members with exposure to the techniques employed by entrepreneurs in increasing productivity and farm output; the involvement of locals as private owners or in joint-venture with foreign entrepreneurs; and employment opportunities for locals.
Permanent Secretary at the MPRT Dayang Hajah Tutiaty binti Haji Abdul Wahab and Deputy Permanent Secretary at the MPRT Haji Mohd Yusree bin Haji Junaidi, as well as the department heads and relevant senior officials from the MPRT were also present.
The first stop was IAm Food Enterprise owned by Lau Cze Kuang and managed by Ellin Chong in Tungku Agricultural Development Area (KKP).
The company was offered a two-hectare site under a pilot project in September 2019 to cultivate high-value vegetable crops, such as tomatoes, lettuces and non-seasonal fruits, using a vertical farming and fertigation system in a protected home, using Internet of things (IoT) technology.
ABOVE & BELOW: Legislative Council members during visit to Hua Ho Agricultural Farm and IAm Food Enterprise. PHOTOS: AZLAN OTHMAN
The delegation also had the opportunity to review the construction work and installation of sheltered house facilities that were near completion. Eight locals are employed by the company.
The delegation continued their visit to the farm owned by Hua Ho Agricultural Farm at KKP Si Bongkok in Kampong Parit, Masin, owned and managed by Lau How Teck.
Hua Ho Agricultural Farm has been offered additional sites under the expansion programme to cultivate integrated fruits and vegetables in contributing to the local crop industry. It has a total of 68 employees, 10 of whom are locals.
In 2020, the value of the company’s farm output increased from BND10.4 million in 2019 to BND11.2 million in 2020.
The delegation also visited a waste processing project operated by the CIC Environmental Services Sdn Bhd in the DARe DARe (Darussalam Enterprise) Kuala Lurah Site.
This project is implemented on a private finance initiative (PFI) with support from the MPRT through the Department of Agriculture and Agrifood.
The process of transforming and optimising chicken manure into organic fertiliser is expected to help improve soil fertility, increase crop yield and productivity and reduce the operating input cost.
The project is also an effort to overcome the issue of fly infestation in several villages in Mukim Pengkalan Batu which is said to be caused by poultry farming. It aims to reduce the government’s expenditure of providing assistance in the form of subsidised prices on agricultural goods such as fertilisers, pesticides and dolomite lime and to create employment opportunities.
The project will begin its operations in the first quarter of 2021 and will be the first locally-made organic fertiliser to be marketed domestically and targetted for the export market in the future.
A feedback session held at the MPRT building during which comments, views and suggestions for improvement were shared by the LegCo members.
The feedback will be used as a benchmark to enhance strategies and in efforts to diversify economic resources and increase growth.
