|      Hakim Hayat      |

CROWDS gathered to witness the unveiling of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class during an exclusive preview for invited guests hosted by Jati Transport, the authorised distributor for Daimler AG in Brunei Darussalam, last evening at the Radisson Hotel in the capital.

Dubbed the most intelligent business saloon, the new 10th generation E-Class delivers stylish highlights with its distinct, emotive design and high-grade interior. The new E-Class also marks the world premiere of numerous technical innovations, promising comfortable, safe driving on a new level plus a new dimension in driver assistance and a comprehensive infotainment and control systems offering an all-new experience – among other things, said Jati Transport.

The sum total of its inn-ovations, including the Active-Lane change Assistant which allows the driver to steer into the selected lane as if by magic, makes the E-Class the most intelligent saloon in the business class, Jati Transport added.

General Manager of Jati Transport, Alfred So, highlighted several awards the new E-Class has received, such as the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2016 for its Multibeam LED headlamps, the Automotive Interiors Expo Awards for the best interior of a standard-production automobile, with the touch control buttons on the steering wheel of the same model series being voted Interior Innovation of the Year.

The general manager went on to say that the new E-Class has always been the core of the Mercedes-Benz brand and in the past has repeatedly redefined the standards in the business-class segment. “Now it carries this tradition into the future with a wealth of top-class innovations. The new E-Class enhances efficiency, safety and comfort, reduces the stress level while driving and increasing the motoring pleasure.”

The new E-Class also achieved a full five-star Euro NCAP rating for its occupant safety, child safety, pedestrian protection and assistance systems.

At the event last evening, German Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, Roland Christian Grafe, together with Executive Chairman of Jati Transport, Pengiran Anak Haji Ja’afar ibni Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam, unveiled the new E-Class before hundreds of invited guests.

On display during the preview event were the E 300 AMG Line and the E 200 Exclusive Line.

Executive Chairman of Jati Transport, Pengiran Anak Haji Ja’afar ibni Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam (Right); German Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, Roland Christian Grafe (2nd from right) and other invited guests during the preview event. – PHOTOS: HAKIM HAYAT

One of the invited guests taking a closer look at the interior of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

The E 200 Exclusive Line on display during the preview event.

Guests getting a closer look at the E 300 AMG Line on display during the preview event.

The post Jati Transport unveils new Mercedes-Benz E-Class appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|      Azlan Othman      |

SINCE its inception in 2004, the Cosmopolitan College of Commerce and Technology (CCCT), has produced a total of 1,333 graduates with a significant number employed in both the government and private sector, said Dr Haji Abdul Aziz bin Haji Abdul Latip, Chairman of CCCT.

Speaking at the CCCT’s 10th Convocation Ceremony yesterday, Dr Haji Abdul Aziz said, “We are very proud of this achievement, and hope that our role as a strategic partner of the Ministry of Education will continue, in providing a better education and future for Brunei’s young population.

“Job opportunities in Brunei are getting harder and harder. The number of students graduating each year is growing faster than the jobs being created. Prospective employers these days are looking at not just qualification but also at how employee potential can contribute to the bottom line result of an organisation.

“It is for this reason we have been helping our students with their own supervised work attachment workshop. The purpose of this workshop is to prepare them for employability,” he said.

Meanwhile, three top students at the CCCT shared the secrets of their success with the Sunday Bulletin.

Adinasuaedah binti Damit, a part-time student who received the best student award in HND in Business Management, said, “Since I work during the day in a cottage industry and cooperative, and have a family, I had to manage my time well, to avoid stress.

“I had to divide my qualitative time between studying and enjoying life. Work-life balance is important.”

Muhd Adi Razi bin Sharbini (ABOVE), Adinasuaedah binti Damit (BELOW, 1st) and Siti Amal Munirah binti Yahya (BELOW, 2nd). – PHOTOS: AZLAN OTHMAN

On student life at the CCCT, she said, “We normally have group discussions to broaden ideas. After every assessment, we ask each other about how we are doing. It’s such a healthy competition.”

Having just completed her studies at CCCT, Adinasuaedah is currently pursuing a business management course at another private institution.

Meanwhile, Siti Amal Munirah binti Yahya, a full-time student and a recipient of the Best Student award in HND in Business Management, said that time management was crucial for the mother of a young child.

“Every evening, I revise for my examination and try not to wait till last minute,” she said. “My parents and husband gave me motivation to do my best, and were supportive of my endeavours.

“I have applied for several jobs, but am still waiting for a favourable outcome. Currently, I am engaged in online business selling food, although not on a regular basis.”

Meanwhile, Muhammad Adi Razi bin Sharbini who received the Best Student Award in International Diploma for Business Level 4, is currently working in a logistics company.

“I always wanted to be different,” he said. “Not being the most academically gifted in my class, I had to invent my own way of studying. My teachers and parents were my main motivators.

“I have always felt great empathy and an appreciation for the teachers who are genuinely working hard to better their students,” he added.

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|      Azlan Othman      |

PRIVATE higher education institutions play an important role in offering programmes that are relevant to economic globalisation, and in equipping graduates with communication skills, high order thinking and proficiency in info-communications technologies, said Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, the Minister of Education yesterday, at the 10th Convocation Ceremony of Cosmopolitan College of Commerce and Technology (CCCT) at The Empire Hotel & Country Club.

“This was stated in a titah by 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, during the Teachers’ Day celebrations in 2014,” said the minister.

“The increasing number of graduates after the CCCT convocation, will contribute towards the aspirations of Brunei Vision 2035, which is to be a country with citizens that are educated, highly-skilled and a national asset.”

The minister also said that a ‘Whole Nation Approach’ was required to achieve this goal, in order to drive forward the development of national education that is in line with the government’s efforts to increase Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

”This includes increasing student exposure towards entrepreneurship, to promote interest in that field, as stated in the titah of His Majesty, during the recent Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) convocation,” he said.

“CCCT plays a role in instilling a culture of self-reliance and competitivenes in this generation, helping them to be prepared, capable, resolute, creative and innovative in facing a 21st Century that is more progressive and without borders.

Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, the Minister of Education, delivering his speech during the 10th Convocation Ceremony of Cosmopolitan College of Commerce and Technology yesterday.

ABOVE & BELOW: Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, the Minister of Education, presenting certificates to the graduates.

Graduates with their certificates. – PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR

Graduates pose for a photo after receiving their certificates.

“I hope that these graduates’ success will encourage more students to further their education by taking the opportunities on offer.

“At the same time, I hope that private higher educational institutions will also seek to enhance ‘graduate employability’ through cooperation in the form of placement or apprenticeship with the relevant firms, private companies and the public,” he said, adding that the technical skills acquired by the CCCT graduates would be a benefit to them in the world of employment and in real life.

A total of 473 students in BDTVEC programmes, NCC and Informatics received their graduation certificates at yesterday’s convocation ceremony.

Among the new graduates, 34 students were awarded with BDTVEC Higher National Diploma certificates.

A total of 128 received a Diploma in IT and Business Administration, 210 with a Level 3 Skills Certificate in IT and Business Administration, and 80 with a Level 2 Skills Certificate in IT and Business Administration.

Meanwhile, 10 students were awarded the NCC International Diploma in Business and the NCC International Certificate in Business, and 11 were awarded the Informatics Certificate.

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|      Azrol Azmi      |

HER Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah, the President of the Brunei Darussalam’s Girl Guides Association, yesterday morning received the Working Committee of the Friends of Asia Pacific World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (FAPW) at Istana Nurul Iman.

Amongst the Working Committee of FAPW present during the audience ceremony were: Dr Juseon Byun, Advisor of FAPW from the Republic of Korea; Susan Locsin, Chairperson of FAPW from the Republic of the Philippines; Helen Hargreaves, Deputy Chairperson of FAPW from Australia; Junko Sato, a member from Japan; and, Peggy Lee Fook Tai, a member from Hong Kong SAR.

Also present was Hajah Siti Hafsah binti Haji Abdul Halim, Chief Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam’s Girl Guides Association.

The delegation is in the country for a meeting with the Administrative Committee of Brunei Darussalam’s Girl Guides Association for the preparation of ‘The 5th General Assembly FAPW’, which will be held in Brunei in March 2017.

Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah, the President of the Brunei Darussalam’s Girl Guides Association, receives a pesambah from Dr Juseon Byun, Advisor of the Friends of Asia Pacific World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (FAPW) during an audience ceremomy at the Istana Nurul Iman yesterday.

Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah, the President of the Brunei Darussalam’s Girl Guides Association, during the audience ceremony with the Working Committee of the Friends of Asia Pacific World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (FAPW) at Istana Nurul Iman. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI

Her Royal Highness in a group photo with the Working Committee of the Friends of Asia Pacific World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (FAPW).

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|     Khairil Hassan     |

THE Wanderers Pasadena Co-ed Modified Pitch Softball Carnival got under way yesterday at Jerudong Sports Complex.

Four teams participated in the tournament, namely KenChi, Nothing Special, D&G and WanderPasa.

KenChi topped the table after winning both their matches yesterday.

They crushed Nothing Special 20-4 and defeated D&G 11-7.

D & G edged WanderPasa 5-2.

WanderPasa bounced back to beat Nothing Special 10-4.

Ak Shuwari of WanderPasa in action against Nothing Special. – KHAIRIL HASSAN

Mardi from KenChi was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the match against D&G, while Kujik of KenChi was named MVP against D&G.

G-Wadee of D&G was the MVP against WanderPasa while Fendi of WanderPasa took the honour against Nothing Special.

Next Sunday, D&G will face Nothing Special and KenChi go against WanderPasa in the morning.

The top two teams will play in the final at 2pm.

The post KenChi top table at softball carnival appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     James Kon     |

HAJI Azman Latif bin Haji Aziz yesterday carded a total score of 38 to take home the winner’s trophy for the men’s Nett category of the 7th annual BIBD Perdana Golf Invitational Tournament yesterday held at the Empire Hotel’s golf course.

Second place went to Haji Suhaimie bin Haji Besar, who finished just a point behind Haji Azman.

Pengiran Anak Mohd Basheer took home third place with 37OCB score.

The two-day competition attracted some 200 BIBD Perdana and corporate clients.

Meanwhile, Lai Suan Long, who shot a total of 32, captured first place in the Male Gross category followed by Pengiran Mohd Musa, who settled for second place with a score of 29.

Haji Azman Latif bin Haji Aziz receives his prize from Mubashar Khokhar, BIBD managing director. – JAMES KON

Sharin Yusof claimed third place with the score of 26.

The winner of the Nett Senior category was Alfred Sim while Haji Yussop Daud won the Gross Senior Category.

On the ladies’ side, Hajah Rosemita Dato Noordin managed to captured the Nett ladies category’s trophy with a score of 35.

Mubashar Khokhar, BIBD managing director, presented the prizes.

The post Haji Azman Latif wins golf tourney by a whisker appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

BRUNEI Darussalam coach Kwon Oh Son heaped praise on winger Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Faiq on his return to the first team despite arriving from a long haul trip from the United Kingdom during the semi-final loss to Macau in the AFC Solidarity Cup on Saturday.

The national team were denied a place in Tuesday’s final after losing out in a 4-3 penalty shoot-out loss moments after Faiq unluckily struck his shot against the post having left two Macau players in his wake late in the second period of extra time.

His individual qualities on the pitch has not left unnoticed as Kwon was quick to point out how influential the player was to the team.

The Leicester City starlet’s return to the starting line-up was a welcoming boost to Kwon’s charges given his international experience at the club reserves level.

“Faiq was very important, he brought us a lot of positivity and he was excellent,” Kwon told AFC.

“I want to praise every aspect of his performance because he only arrived from the UK yesterday and it’s a 15-hour journey and he was ready in every way and he played the whole game,” said the South Korea tactician.

Kwon believes the winger could reach far greater heights in his progress in football and acknowledged his footballing status in the region.

Brunei’s goal-scorer Shahrazen Said keeps a watchful eye on a Macau player during their AFC Solidarity Cup semi-final tie.

“He was excellent, he’s an icon of Brunei and for South East Asian football and he can grow to be a world-class player. It’s important to support him well,” the coach added.

Meanwhile, the coach vented his frustration after seeing his side surrender their half-time lead despite a stellar performance from Faiq throughout the 120 minutes.

“The players fought really well for more than one hour with only 10 men,” said Kwon.

Kwon was surprised that his players performed well and could still create opportunities despite handicapped by goalkeeper Wardun Yussof’s sending-off in the second half.

“It’s true that really I didn’t expect the players to play this well with 10 men. They were excellent and we had plenty of chances, which is amazing with 10 against 11,” he said.

“We were fully prepared for the game mentally, physically and technically as well.”

The coach also said that it is a crucial for his players to get into good condition for the Laos game and warned the difficulty of their opponents as a good side.

“Laos is also a very good team and only lost on penalties to Nepal,” said Kwon.

The post ‘Excellent’ Faiq a shining beacon despite loss appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|      Abdul Hakiim Yakof      |

NUR Qistina Adriana binti Mohd Yusirwan was overjoyed when she was announced as the champion of the 39^th Bintang Kecil 2016 singing contest yesterday at the Dewan Raya, Radio Televisyen Brunei (RTB).

Present as the guest of honour to present the prizes was Mohamed Riza bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohamed Yunos, Permanent Secretary (Media and Cabinet) at the Prime Minister’s Office. Also present was Haji Mohammad Suffian bin Haji Bungsu, Director of RTB.

Eleven-year-old Nur Qistina, a student of Tentera Laut Diraja Brunei Primary School who performed the song ‘Bahtera Merdeka’ said that she didn’t expect to win and she was very happy to be able to make her parents proud.

“I have always loved singing and hoped to be a local artiste when I grow up, and I am thankful for the guidance and support from my parents in preparation for this competition,” she said.

In second place was Abdul Haziq bin Haji Masri @ Muhammad ‘Ataullah Hadi, who sang ‘Laksamana Raja Di Laut’; and in third place was Muhammad Azuan Anawi bin Arwen, who performed the song ‘Seni Berzaman’.

Mohamed Riza bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohamed Yunos, Permanent Secretary (Media and Cabinet) at the Prime Minister’s Office in a group photo with the participants . – ABDUL HAKIIM YAKOF

The champion of the competition received $1,000, the second place winner won $700, and the third place winner got $500. All three were each given a challenge trophy, vouchers from Royal Brunei Catering and SugarBun and a hamper from Handsome Enterprise.

This year’s competition focused on the theme of ‘Melayu Gemilang’, where the finalists were required to perform Malay rhythm songs to prove their ability.

The Bintang Kecil singing competition, which was introduced in 1978, is a platform for young performers to build self confidence, efficiency, intelligence, creativity, and spirit of competency by performing in front of an audience.

The post Nur Qistina crowned champion of Bintang Kecil appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

A REPRESENTATIVE from the Brunei Council on Social Welfare (MKM) attended the recently-concluded 9^th Asean Forum on Migrant Labour held in Vientiane, Lao PDR from November 9-10.

Themed ‘Better Quality of Life for Asean Migrant Workers Through Strengthened Social Protetion,’ the forum saw the involvement of 80 participants from Asean member states representing government agencies, employers organisations, workers associations and civil society organisations.

Two thematic sessions were held.

The first session was on the current situation of social protection of migrant workers in Asean.

Concepts on social protection by International Labour Organization (ILO) were discussed, including equal access for migrant workers, barriers some women migrant workers face when accessing social security systems and strategies that countries can adopt to extend social protection to migrant workers.

Concrete examples were shared on how migrant workers access social security, including health care and employment injury benefits.

Participants of the 9th Asean Forum on Migrant Labour.

Meanwhile, the second session discussed the portability of social security for migrant workers in Asean, describing frameworks in other regions that are successful and how Asean member states can work towards the inclusion of social protection provisions in bilateral labour agreements.

Sixteen recommendations were drawn calling for social protection measures for migrant workers in Asean that cover protection for sickness, medical care, invalidity, work injury, unemployment, survivor’s benefits and maternity among others.

MKM member Fatin binti Muzini shared on the importance of promoting and supporting best practices in social protection for migrant workers in Asean as they also contribute to the economic prosperity of the country where they are employed. Her participation at the forum was fully sponsored by UN Women.

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|      Fizah HAB      |

THREE Bruneian students have done Brunei proud after winning medals in the 13^th International Mathematics and Science Olympiad (IMSO) 2016 at Tangerang City, Banten in Indonesia.

Kiefer Lim Yi of Chung Hwa Middle School and Muhammad Yazid Syafie Muqri bin Haji Zulkhairi of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah School received bronze medals in the Mathematics category, while Liow Jia Shuan of Chung Hwa Middle School received a bronze medal in the Science category.

The students were led by Hajah Normimah binti Haji Abu Bakar, the coordinator from the Science, Technology and Environment Partnership (STEP) Centre under the Ministry of Education.

They were also accompanied by two supervising teachers – Amal Nadiah binti Haji Mulok from Sayyidina Husain Secondary School and Suriayanti binti Haji Junaidi from Sayyidina Abu Bakar Secondary School.

Hosted by the Indonesian Directorate of Management for Primary Schools, the Brunei delegates were in Indonesia from November 9 to 13, where the key activities included theoretical examinations, science experiments, social events, tour programmes and a cultural party.

Kiefer Lim Yi and Muhammad Yazid Syafie Muqri bin Haji Zulkhairi with the other local students who participated in the IMSO competition. – FIZAH HAB

In an interview, first-time participants Kiefer Lim and Muhammad Yazid Syafie Muqri said they were proud of their rankings in the competition.

IMSO is aimed at enhancing the competencies of elementary school students in Mathematics and Science, in addition to developing their intellectual skills in both subjects and fostering friendly ties between primary school students.

Among the countries invited to participate in the Olympiad were Bulgaria, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, the Netherlands, Nigeria and Tajikistan.

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|      Syazwani Hj Rosli      |

SIXTY  individuals yesterday attended a cancer seminar conducted by renowned medical experts from the Guangzhou Fuda Cancer Hospital, an hospital affiliated with Jinan University School of Medicine.

Held at Radisson Hotel, the talk was delivered by renowned oncologist and cancer survivor, Professor Xu Kecheng, the Chief President of Jinan University School of Medicine-Affiliated Fuda Cancer Hospital.

Professor Xu is also president of the 18^th International Society of Cryosurgery and Honorary President of Asian Society of Cryosurgery.

Also presenting a talk was Professor Mu Feng, the Vice-President of Fuda Cancer Hospital, who is also a thoracic surgery expert (for over 30 years) and a minimal invasive oncologist.

Professor Xu discussed the understanding of anti-cancer treatments and how to live with cancer.

“According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is a controllable chronic disease,” he said.

He touched on how to manage cancer as a chronic (ongoing) illness because it can be monitored, treated and controlled with treatment – just like other chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

The talk discussed how to manage cancer as a chronic (ongoing) illness because it can be monitored, treated and controlled with treatment. – PHOTOS: SYAZWANI HJ ROSLI

A section of the attendees.

He emphasised that the mission of cancer treatment is to prolong survival for cancer patients and encourage sufferers to enjoy life and live harmoniously with cancer.

Afterwards, Professor Xu Kecheng provided an in-depth explanation on Cryosurgery and NanoKnife cancer treatments.

Meanwhile, Professor Mu discussed cancer prevention and new techniques that can be used to fight cancer. He focused on treatment for advanced and recurrent cancers. He also emphasised on living a healthy lifestyle.

He said, the main concept is to treasure life and to not give up quickly. He also emphasised on treatment offered at Fuda Cancer Hospital — the ‘3C + P’ which includes Cancer Microvascular Hepasphere Chemo (CMI), Cryosurgical Ablation and Nanoknife Ablation, Combined Immunotherapy for Cancer (CIC) and Personalised Cancer Therapy (PCT).

Speaking to the Bulletin, Professor Xu noted the main objective of the seminar was to educate the locals about new cancer treatment options.

“As a doctor, I wish to provide patients with the most appropriate smart treatment. As a cancer patient and survivor, I hope that our doctors can also provide our patients with the best-fit, least painful treatment,” he said.

Professor Mu explained that the seminar is part of their corporate social responsibility in supporting the Brunei Government in raising awareness on leading a healthy lifestyle through good dietary plans and exercise as steps to per cent cancer.

To date, over 1,000 cancer patients from 76 countries across the globe have sought treatment at Fuda Cancer Hospital.

The post Experts discuss new cancer treatment options appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|      James Kon      |

BANK Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD), the largest Islamic bank in Brunei Darussalam providing personal and business banking services in the Sultanate, is looking to further spread its presence overseas as well as in the local financial industry with the opening of an additional office abroad as well as another three new branches in the country.

This was revealed by Mubashar Khokhar, Managing Director of BIBD, in his brief speech at the prize presentation ceremony for the 7th annual BIBD Perdana Golf Invitational Tournament, held at The Empire Hotel & Country Club yesterday.

He cited that following the opening of the Singapore office, BIBD is planning to open an office abroad and three new branches in the country.

In his speech, Mubashar Khokhar also recalled some of the achievements of the bank, among which include this year’s ‘The Safest Bank in Brunei Darussalam’ award by Global Finance and the strong ‘A’ rating from the leading international credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P) and others.

Mubashar Khokhar conveyed his gratitude for the continuous support of the loyal customers of BIBD before concluding his speech.

Mubashar Khokhar, Managing Director of BIBD, delivering his speech at the prize presentation ceremony for the 7th annual BIBD Perdana Golf Invitational Tournament, held at The Empire Hotel & Country Club yesterday. – JAMES KON

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|     James Kon     |

DATO Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, joined 500 cyclists yesterday morning, at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien in a cycling expedition to mark the 25^th anniversary of the Malaysian Citizens Association (PWM).

Held as part of the Bandarku Ceria (My Happy City) initiative, the number of those in attendance far exceeded the expectations of at least 400 cyclists, with participants from the neighbouring states of Miri, Labuan and Sabah.

Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali made a brief speech, in which he welcomed the Malaysian cyclists, and expressed the hope of hosting similar events in the Temburong District.

Supported by the Brunei Darussalam Cycling Federation, the expedition was divided into two categories: the 5km and the 23km routes.

James Lee, the President of PWM, said in an interview, “This is our first expedition, and we were expecting 400 cyclists taking part. There were very encouraging responses from the public, and we had to turn away some last-minute applicants, because we couldn’t accommodate a large number of cyclists.”

Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, joined 500 cyclists yesterday morning at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, in a cycling expedition to mark the 25th anniversary of the Malaysian Citizens Association (PWM) – JAMES KON

Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, presenting the grand prize, a brand-new BMW bicycle, to Zainal bin Haji Md Salleh.

Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali in a group photo with sponsors and the organising committee.

A section of the cyclists participating in the event.

More events have been planned for PWM’s 25^th anniversary celebrations, including the Muhibbah Golf Tournament at the Pantai Mentiri Golf Club this Sunday, and an induction night on November 30, for the newly elected office bearers.

The expedition concluded with a presentation of certificates to the event sponsors and the Malaysian cyclists.

There was also a presentation of prizes to the winners of a lucky draw contest, in which Zainal bin Haji Md Salleh received the grand prize, a brand-new BMW bicycle.

The post Minister joins 500 cyclists in PWM expedition appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|      Rokiah Mahmud      |

THE Department of Schools at the Ministry of Education yesterday presented donations to three victims whose lives have been disrupted following a house fire.

Acting Senior Special Duties Officer (Corporate) at the Ministry of Education Haji Mohd Sharifuddin bin Haji Mohd Salleh presented the donations to the recipients.

A sum of $1, 232 was each presented to Norsharizawati binti Md Said – a relief teacher from Pengiran Anak Puteri Besar Primary School; Muhammad Naqiuddin Ariel bin Jenin – a Year 5 student at Sungai Kebun Primary School; and Muizudin Aiman bin Jenin – a Year 8 student from Awang Semaun Secondary School.

The donation came in the form of cash raised by various departments and units under the Ministry of Education. The donation presentation was held at Awang Semaun Primary School.

The trio lost their Kampong Sungai Panga home to a fire on July 13, 2016.

Acting Senior Special Duties Officer (Corporate) at the Ministry of Education Haji Mohd Sharifuddin bin Haji Mohd Salleh presenting the donations to Norsharizawati binti Md Said (pic above) and Muhammad Naqiuddin Ariel bin Jenin (pic below). – PHOTOS: ROKIAH MAHMUD

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|      Hjh Saemah Kepli      |

FORTY St John’s School students got a feel of what it is like to be a firefighter during an educational visit to the Kuala Belait Fire Station recently.

The group of KG3 students was led by Kindergarten Teacher Supervisor Yong Min Chu.

Pointing out that the visit was the first to be organised for the KG3 pupils, she said, “Our next trip will be to the Kuala Belait Police Station, while the KG2 students will be brought to KB Sentral. Our KG1 pupils were recently brought for a trip to The Coffee Bean Brunei at SupaSave in Panaga.”

At the fire station, the group viewed an exhibition on the equipment used during rescue operations, while the highlight of the day was the opportunity for the young ones to get on the fire engines.

Present to brief the visiting group was Station Officer Azalina binti Haji Adanan, the Public Relations Officer of Operation ‘B’ Kuala Belait Fire Station.

Photos above and below show the Kingergarten 3 students during their educational visit to the Kuala Belait Fire Station. – PHOTOS: HJH SAEMAH KEPLI

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THE UBD-APEN JAIF Multiversity Seminar 2016 was held yesterday at the Institute of Leadership, Innovation and Advancement (ILIA), Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD).

According to a press release, the seminar themed ‘To Develop an Effective Curriculum For Engineering Education’ was one of the initiatives agreed upon in the memorandum of Understanding inked on March 30 between the Advanced Institute of Industrial Technology (AIIT), Japan and UBD, which formalised collaborations under the Asia Professional Education Network – Japan Asean Integration Fund (APEN-JAIF) projects.

The main scope of the multiversity project is to carry out comparative studies of professional education systems at the higher education institutions.

Along with UBD, other participating countries and universities in the APEN-JAIF projects include the Institute of Technology Cambodia (Cambodia), the Institute of Technology Bandung (Indonesia), the National University of Laos (Laos), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (Malaysia), Yangon Technological University (Myanmar), De La Salle University (Philippines), Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) and Vietnam National University (Vietnam).

In his welcoming remarks, Professor Chandratilak De Silva Liyanage, Dean of the Faculty of Integrated Technologies (FIT), UBD, said, “Today, it has been over three years since UBD and APEN (Asia Professional Education Network) signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which solidified our collaboration. Significant achievements have been made since then. Some of the projects include Project-Based Learning (PBL) through teleconferencing between Japan, Brunei and New Zealand, student and staff mobility and Innovation project competitions.

“This year, UBD has spearheaded a new and exciting collaboration between Asean member countries and Japan through APEN under the support of JAIF.

“The MoU for APEN-JAIF was signed in March 2016 and it enabled us to broaden our scope to enhance the networking between Asean member countries under two projects titled: Credibility Index for Small and Medium Enterprises (CIS) and the comparative studies of professional education systems in the higher education institutions of Asean member countries.”

Detailing the multi-fold benefits of the project, he said that a successfully-mapped education system will provide the respective universities and institutions with a benchmark tool for curriculum development and the data obtained could be published as research.

Group photo of the attendees of the seminar.

“At UBD, we have initiated a major transformation of our education system in 2008. The curriculum is broad-based and multi-disciplinary.

“The curriculum underscores entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation and environmental awareness in all our students. We call it the Generation Next curriculum. We prioritise the importance of enterprise and are continually reviewing the curriculum to suit the needs of stakeholders. In fact, this kind of broad-based educational model is the preferred type of professional education system proposed under the Multiversity project map.

“In addition, we at the Faculty of Integrated Technologies, in consultation with Stevens Institute of Technology in the USA, have pioneered in Brunei Darussalam, a unique ‘Design Spine’ curriculum in the Systems Engineering programme which involves the teaching of engineering design modules. This enables our students to be better prepared and exposed to real-life engineering design problems as well as hands-on experiential learning.

“UBD always ensures its existence will be relevant through mutual collaborations and partnerships with other universities and institutions. We will fully take advantage of these opportunities to the best of our abilities by collaborating with Asean and Japan. This Multiversity project helps us to shape our engineering curriculum to align with the needs of the country and the region,” Professor Chandratilak De Silva Liyanage said.

Also present at the seminar was Dr Chin Wei Keh, Director of the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE), Dr Seiichi Kawata, President of AIIT, APEN members, representatives from participating universities and institutions and FIT faculty members.

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PEHIN Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) watched the Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta 2016 in Kuching at the invitation of the Sarawak Government.

Four teams from Brunei Darussalam are participating in this event namely Lela Cheteria team (MLP, KLD), TelBru Brunei, a team from the Ministry of Education and a team from the National Boat Race Association.

Present to officiate the event themed ‘Race For Harmony’ was Datuk Amar Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Johari bin Tun Abang Haji Openg, the Deputy Chief Minister, who is also Minister of Housing and Urbanisation and Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak.

The minister was also invited by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to watch the semi-final match between Brunei Darussalam and Macau at Sarawak Stadium. The minister was pleased to see that the sport was given recognition, respect and equal importance with other social sectors to achieve national development goals, unity and continued stability.

Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports with Datuk Amar Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Johari bin Tun Abang Haji Openg, the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Housing and Urbanisation and Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Sarawak during the official launching of the Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta 2016.

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|      Wani Roslan      |

UNIVERSITI Teknologi Brunei (UTB) hosted the Presentation of Dean’s List and Co-Curricular Activities ceremony in conjunction with the UTB Convocation 2016 at its premises yesterday.

Present as guest of honour at the ceremony was Deputy Minister of Education Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar, who presented the certificates to the recipients.

A total of 37 students received the Dean’s List award in their respective programmes from the UTB School of Business, School of Computing and Informatics, and the Faculty of Engineering.

Six students who excelled in co-curricular activities also received awards.

The award categories for the co-curricular activities included Religious Activities, Outstanding Community Services Achiever, Outstanding Life Skills Achiever, Outstanding Cultural Activities Achiever, Sportsman, and Sportswoman. Award was sponsored by the Student Representative Council and Syarikat Millilab.

Two other students received the UniCup Prestige Award sponsored by BIBD At-Tamwil Berhad.

UTB Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman noted in her welcoming remarks that the presentation of Deans’ List aimed to recognise the outstanding achievements of the students.

Photos above show Deputy Minister of Education Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar presenting certificates to the recipients. – PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR

“I hope such achievement encourages the spirit of the recipients to enhance their efforts towards success. It also goes to recipients of co-curricular activities, recognising students in non-academic fields, such as their successful achievement in life skills, community service, cultural activity, sports and religion, as well as the prestigious UniCup awards that was organised between UTB and BIBD At-Tamwil,” said the Vice-Chancellor of UTB.

UTB introduced the Dean’s List for the first-time in 2015, awarding recognition to first, second and third year students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements in their studies. They represent the Top 5 per cent of students in their respective fields.

Later, the Deputy Minister of Education toured the 30th anniversary exhibition at the UTB Gallery, which was launched during the UTB Convocation Festival on October 27.

The exhibition showcases historical milestones notched by the university over the past three decades since its establishment in 1986.

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|      Danial Norjidi      |

THE 6th Brunei International Conference on Engineering and Technology (BICET 2016) and the 9th Asean Civil Engineering Conference (9th ACEC) were officially opened yesterday at Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB).

Attending the opening ceremony as the guest of honour and to launch BICET 2016 and ACEC was Dato Paduka Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar, the Acting Minister of Development.

BICET 2016 will be held for three days from November 14-16 with the theme ‘Recent Advances in Engineering Sciences and Technology’, while the 9th ACEC will be held in parallel with BICET 2016 from November 14-15.

BICET is a biennial event for academicians, researchers and engineers from industry, research laboratories and university to exchange information and engage each other.

Following the success of the last event, BICET 2016 will bring together state-of-the-art developments on all major topics of interest in engineering sciences and technology.

UTB is the organiser of the conference with The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and Oxford Business Group as technical co-sponsor and research partner respectively. Petrokon Utama Sdn Bhd and PTD Technology are the sponsors.

Meanwhile, 9th ACEC is co-organised by UTB and the AUN/SEED-Net, supported by the Japan Intentional Cooperation Agency (JICA). AUN/SEED-Net is a sub-network of the Asean University Network (AUN) with 26 member institutions from 10 Asean member countries selected from leading institutions in engineering in respective countries with support from 15 leading Japanese supporting universities. UTB is a member of AUN/SEED-Net.

At the opening ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of UTB, Professor Dr Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman delivered welcoming remarks, in which she said, “The conferences will provide a platform for mutually beneficial collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants, both locally and internationally, who are working on wider domains of engineering and technology. I am therefore proud for UTB to host both conferences.”

Acting Minister of Development Dato Paduka Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar launching BICET 2016 as UTB Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman looks on. – AZROL AZMI

Adding on, she said, “I hope BICET 2016 and 9th ACEC will bring new exciting experience, provide a good opportunity to learn from each other, a venue for new networking and an inspiration to continue with current and new research.”

The Acting Minister of Development also delivered a speech before officiating the opening of the two conferences.

Two presentations then followed, beginning with a keynote address for the 9th ACEC entitled ‘Long-term Management of Bridges – Fatigue Analysis of RC Bridge Deck Slabs’ delivered by Professor Takashi Matsumoto, Professor in Engineering and Policy for Sustainable Development at Hokkaido University, Japan.

Next was BICET keynote speaker Professor Chen Zhong, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Nanyang Technological University Singapore. His presentation was entitled, ‘Towards mechanically icephobic coatings: from the science to engineering.’

Another keynote presentation will be delivered today by Professor Won Yong-hyub, Professor in Electrical Engineering at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology.

This year’s BICET 2016 will see 160 papers presented across five symposia and 35 sessions: Symposium A – bioresources, agricultural and mechanical systems; Symposium B – chemicals & materials, energy and environment; Symposium C – education & training and human safety in engineering; Symposium D – information &communications, computational and electrical engineering; and Symposium E – future built environment.

This year, the Civil Engineering component of BICET 2016, Symposium E, will also be held in conjunction with the 9th ACEC.

Paper presenters are from Australia, Brunei Darussalam, China, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and the United Kingdom.

UTB is the only university in Brunei that offers comprehensive training in civil, mechanical, petroleum, chemical, mechatronic, electrical and electronic engineering.

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|      Syazwani Hj Rosli      |

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 has embarked on various initiatives and reforms aimed at making the country’s environment conducive, attractive and competitive for both local and foreign businesses.

This was highlighted by the Deputy Minister of Finance, Dato Paduka Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, in his capacity as the Deputy Chairman of DARE (Darussalam Enterprise), while delivering his speech at the launching of Brunei Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (DPPMB) new image, ‘The Way Forward’, held at the main auditorium of the Design & Technology Building in Anggerek Desa.

He explained that Brunei has been recently announced as the most improved economy for the second year running by the World Bank in its Doing Business 2017 report. In terms of doing business, Brunei jumped 25 places from the previous year to rank 72 out of the 190 economies surveyed worldwide.

“The improvement initiatives undertaken by the government have demonstrated its continued commitment to ensure the overall ecosystem remains relevant and effective for business,” he continued.

“These efforts have also been consistent and in line with the country’s endeavour to encourage greater participation and contribution of our local businesses towards economic growth of the country, particularly in the non-oil and gas sector.”

He noted that it has been the government’s top priority to create a dynamic and sustainable economy for the country. Considering the current situation, he said that Brunei’s economy still depends on oil and gas and that it is crucial for all stakeholders to play their role and take bold measures to spur growth and transform the economy into a more competitive and sustainable position.

He also emphasised the importance of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to actively engage in economic activities that have the strong potential to bring about sustainable growth, particularly in the non-oil and gas sector.

Dato Paduka Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Finance speaking at the launching event. – SYAZWANI HJ ROSLI

He urged MSMEs to step up their efforts in increasing not only their level of competitiveness and capability, but also in becoming more competent, resilient, as well as creating economies that can present more new business opportunities, employ more local people and generate more revenue and export opportunities.

“In supporting and encouraging the development of our local businesses, the establishment of DARE has provided a platform for better facilitation of the overall support system. The setting up of the Business Support Centre has allowed for a more integrated and streamlined approach towards handling business-related processes as well as resolving business-related issues,” he continued.

According to him, the expansion of DARE in Kuala Belait allows it to reach out to a greater part of the business community. The deputy minister also highlighted DARE’s effort to further enhance the fundamentals of local enterprises in starting, running and growing their businesses, which has led the organisation to introduce a well-structured learning and development programme called the Industry Business Academy (IBA).

“This programme was created after analysing the various issues and real needs of our businesses, with the aim to provide a holistic development platform where they can increase their skills and knowledge in multi-aspect and multi-level of their businesses,” he said.

However he also stressed that one of the main challenges faced by local businesses is the access to finance, especially for the MSMEs, because bank loans are still considered as the main source of external funding for the majority of them.

“The recent launching of the revised Microcredit Financing Scheme is hoped to ease access to funding for micro and small enterprises, it is however important to note that as businesses grow and mature, there is a need to consider other funding sources such as angel investors, venture capital as well as private equity funds where opportunities to strengthen financial base and the expansion of market network can be achieved,” he said.

He further emphasised that MSMEs have become more important in achieving Brunei’s economic development agenda and that greater focus is needed towards making the sector more viable and significant. He said that it is essential to transform MSMEs into a business system that can create sustainable and competitive opportunities for the people and economy.

“DPPMB’s renewed focus, I believe, will present opportunities for more concerted efforts to further the interest of the local business community and ensure that their development is always at the forefront of our economic goals.

“I urge DPPMB to play a bigger role and stand out in shaping the growth of our local businesses, continue to seek opportunities in areas of common interest and contribute to the strengthening of trade and business relations for the country’s greater economic prosperity, in line with the objectives of Brunei Vision 2035,” he added.

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