|     James Kon     |

ELEVEN athletes, who are actively involved in Ultimate Frisbee competitions both in the local and regional levels, have just added sports specific functional fitness training into their weekly regime at the Hybrid Movement Functional Training Centre in Menglait, under the head trainer, Darren Chai.

The training will help the athletes to be more physically and mentally prepared for their upcoming Ultimate Frisbee competitions.

Hybrid Movement is now offering Athletic Sports Performance training sessions for any sporting individual or team, to improve their fitness, coordination, game strategy and mental acuteness.

“I want to help local athletes to excel in their chosen sport,” said Darren Chai, the founder and head trainer at the Hybrid Movement Functional Training Centre.

“I have been a national athlete since I was young, in swimming, tennis and now, basketball. I also do golf, badminton and crossfit. I understand the challenges faced by athletes, and so with customised Hybrid Movement programmes for specific sports, I believe that it can support the fitness development of athletes that will complement their skills training.”

Group picture of the Ultimate Frisbee athletes with Darren Chai, the head trainer. – JAMES KON

Radzi Adnan, the Ultimate Frisbee coach of the Tropicals team, sees the performance training as crucial for his players’ weekly regime and team-building.

“All of us felt it was a very good session, when the hybrid movement coaches showed us how important it is to be fit both physically and mentally, in order to perform better on field.

“Our strengths and weaknesses were pointed out, in terms of endurance and explosive levels. We were also taught how certain mobility issues can be sorted out, by practising certain exercises and stretches,” he said.

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|     Achong Tanjong     |

PERSONNEL from the Fire and Rescue Department have been working hard over the past weeks, trying to extinguish peat fires at the Badas Forest Reserve in Belait District, and in the Kampong Sungai Tilong area of the Brunei-Muara District.

Peatland fires pose a major threat to the natural environment and also to the local population, due to high emissions of carbon. The fires are also difficult to eradicate, since flames can spread through the peat layers and smoulder undetected, for months or years.

These were among the issues discussed at a recent meeting on peat fires, led by Mahmud bin Haji Yussof, Chief Executive Officer at the Brunei Darussalam Heart of Borneo Centre, under the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism.

Several agencies were present during the meeting, including Brunei Shell Petroleum, the Fire and Rescue Department, the Public Works Department, Radio Televisyen Brunei, the Land Department and the Wildlife Division.

Meeting in progress to discuss about raising awareness among the public on how to protect peat forests and avoid massive wildfires. – ACHONG TANJONG

The meeting proposed holding talks at the village and mukim level, to raise more awareness among the general public on how to protect peat forests and avoid massive wildfires.

Meanwhile, the public is advised to avoid outdoor burning, which could exacerbate air quality problems in current dry weather conditions.

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|     Abdul Hakiim Yakof     |

FOUR students from the Hassanal Bolkiah Arabic Boys Secondary School (SMALHB) will be representing Brunei Darussalam in the third International Arabic School Debate Championship in Doha, Qatar, from April 10-13.

Led by Pengiran Haji Asmadi bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin, the Acting Principal of Mahad Islam Brunei, the students left for Qatar yesterday afternoon.

In an interview, Pengiran Haji Asmadi said that the com-petition is steering clear from the issue of religion, choosing to focus instead on politics, economy, business and society.

“The debating topics were chosen to appeal to the participants from various countries, and not to provoke unrest,” he said.

The delegation in a group photo with their family members. – ABDUL HAKIIM YAKOF

“I hope that we can achieve success in the competition but in view of the other participating countries, it could be a difficult task. What is most important for us is to acquire experience and strategy.”

The students taking part in the debate are Mohammad Najiihuddin bin Nooralizam, Mohd Amir Mukhlis bin Haji Shamsuddin, Abdul Shafiq bin Roszani and Abdul Qayyum bin Haji Isa.

The debating championship will feature students from Asean, European and Arab countries and the Brunei team is expected to return on April 15.

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|     Siti Hajar & Nuri Sufri     |

ALLAYING concerns raised by some members of the business community over Brunei’s initiatives in attracting foreign direct investment following HSBC Brunei’s decision to wind down operations, the Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD) said the Sultanate is still home to several other international banks that are able to meet business expectations.

Though HSBC does have a strong international presence with a range of services to cater to any financial needs, corporate or otherwise, the country’s financial regulator said in a brief e-mail statement to the Weekend Bulletin there are other banks of reputable stature still operating in the Sultanate.

“Due to the interconnectedness of the global banking industry, these banking institutions are also able to provide various financial products and services to cater to the public including foreign investors in both domestic and international markets,” the central bank said.

Reiterating that HSBC’s wind-down is not a reflection of the Bruneian economy, AMBD in another statement stated that HSBC’s decision is part of its global strategy to focus on its core business.

“Whilst respecting the decision made by HSBC, the role of AMBD is to ensure HSBC’s phased wind-down will be conducted in an orderly manner while safeguarding the stability of the financial system,” the statement said.

Elaborating that large global banks have been subjected to tougher global regulatory set of measures by their home regulators to mitigate any future systemic crisis following the Global Financial Crisis 2008, AMBD said that all banks and financial institutions around the world have been faced with tougher capital and liquidity requirements, “and have had to realign their business strategies as a result”.

In many cases, this has resulted in business shrinkage, sale of certain business operations, redundancies and even losses, the statement added.

According to AMBD, the Key Financial Soundness Indicators as of 2015 showed that the banking industry in the country has remained resilient and stable where aggregate regulatory capital adequacy ratio for the banking sector stood at 21.5 per cent, well above the minimum regulatory requirement of 10 per cent.

“The gross non-performing loans/financing ratio also shows continuous improvement by declining to 4.9 per cent as of the end of December 2015 from five per cent in December 2014.”

With regard to comments of alleged impact of profitability due to the regulatory environment, several of these regulations introduced by the AMBD were aimed at addressing household debt and shifting banks’ lending towards productive sectors to ensure diversified and sustainable economic growth.

“Furthermore, AMBD has also issued several necessary regulations to ensure the industry remains sound and robust in line with international standards.”

It was further stressed that HSBC’s profit rose in 2015 compared to 2014.

“The financial results of other major players in Brunei for 2015 portray a general picture of increasing income and profitability.

Since 2011, the banking industry remains profitable where Return of Equity and Return on Assets stood at nine per cent and 1.3 per cent respectively in 2015 compared to 7.9 per cent and 1.1 per cent in 2011.”

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|     Siti Hajar     |

TELBRU, the country’s telecommunications provider, is setting its sights on further providing the nation with even faster Internet by the end of 2017 with the aim to increase speeds to 10Mbps from the current average of 8.7Mbps.

In an interview with the Weekend Bulletin yesterday, TelBru Chief Executive Officer David Kay explained that the roll out is expected to reach 45,000 households and businesses next year adding to the current total of 36,000.

The improvement, he said, will place Brunei at least close to being on par with the likes of other Asian countries such as South Korea in terms of connectivity.

The success that TelBru has experienced over the recent years, he shared, has given the company a fresh perspective in the goals that it can achieve with the 10Mbps among the biggest milestones in its corporatisation history.

“We’ve never dreamed of this,” said Kay. “We had so many problems at the time we weren’t thinking about the future,” and it was only within the last three to 12 months that TelBru’s future was looking brighter.

TelBru CEO, David Kay, during yesterday’s interview. – AZROL AZMI

Work to realise this initiative is still ongoing with infrastructural repairs still in need of attention. But despite the challenges, “the target is still on track,” though sourcing contractors to take on the project still remains a slight issue, which is also being addressed.

The milestone will also include subscribers that are still on the copper network depending on quality but the CEO explained that most of the country would already be on fibre by the time the target date approaches.

With a strong momentum underway supported by the company’s drive to make profit through customer-care and quality service, the next 10 years is hoped to see all of Brunei enjoying the benefits of Fibre-to-the-Home that will also add to diversifying opportunities through the advancement of the Internet.

Among what could be a potential market, he explained, includes mobile application development for day-to-day usage in the areas of education, security and transport management with the Internet being the backbone of its services. At present, the CEO said that TelBru has been in talks with the Ministry of Health for the development of such an application to facilitate the management of the country’s health services.

“Once you build the network, the incremental is easy,” in the development of what is known as a Smart Nation such as Singapore’s national initiative to co-create a future of better living through tech-enabled solutions.

With more and more of the population getting on the fibre bandwagon, Kay explained that “we are now at the point of critical mass and with a few more we will start marketing products,” that are innovation-centric.

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|     Aziz Idris     |

LIGHT and shifty breeze poses a challenge for participants competing in the Royal Brunei Yacht Club (RBYC) Brunei Laser Open Championship at Serasa Clubhouse.

A total of 17 sailors participated during the first day of the race, including brothers Lim Jenn Kiat and Lim Jenn Hau, who represented Brunei in 28th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games sailing competition last year.

Other participants came from Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sailing Club, Kuala Belait Boat Club, Piasau Boat Club Miri, and Royal Varuna Club Thailand.

The first day saw unpredictable wind conditions, forcing some sailors to make tricky manoeuvres on the course. The race continues again today, followed by a prize presentation.

Brothers Lim Jenn Kiat and Lim Jenn Hau in a close race to the finish line. – AZIZ IDRIS

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|     Fadhil Yunus     |

HMD FT’s dreams of going to Anfield to watch English Premier League team Liverpool were realised after winning the Standard Chartered Cup 2016 following a 3-0 victory over Plan C FT in the final at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex.

The family-oriented team which comprised four brothers raced to a 2-0 lead after goals from Khairun Nadzereen and an own goal from Md Shahin.

The tie was as good as over after Ahmad Muhazzib bundled home to all but send HMD to Anfield to watch Liverpool play Watford on May 7.

After a Plan C FT player was expelled from the pitch and HMD content to sit back, the latter’s goalkeeper produced an amazing fingertip save with the ball arrowing to the top corner.

The father of the four brothers Haji Mohd Daud bin Haji Abdul Kadir, whose team was formed under his name, had planned to join the tournament but pulled out due to injury.

Nevertheless, he was still grateful that his sons had made it to one of the iconic stadiums in the world especially after the quarterfinal heartbreak last year in the Standard Chartered Trophy.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, and HMD FT players posing with the mock cheque. – FADHIL YUNUS

Haji Mohd Daud was wary of the threat of Real Five FC which he considered as favourites prior to the final but agreed that his team’s chances was tightly balanced after Plan C scraped through the semi-final contest through penalties.

“We never imagined that we would go to Anfield because there are a lot of strong teams in the competition. We also have young players and the other teams also enlisted players who had experience in the national team,” said Haji Mohd Daud in an interview with the Bulletin after the final.

“The boys in the team (HMD) play in normal clubs and in schools”, he added.

There were individual prizes up for grabs as well as Mohd Fauzan of HMD won an autographed Liverpool Football Club Jersey for the most assist together with Md Abd Khaalid as the top scorer of the tournament. Meanwhile, Azamri Zainal of Brunei Shell Lions won a fully autographed football as the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper.

The guest of honour was Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, who presented the mock plaque to the winners.

During the closing ceremony, a mock cheque of $2,400 was be handed over to the Community Development Department on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports for the Welfare Home Complex Fund.

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|     Aziz Idris     |

INTERNATIONAL superstar, Wu Chun, took time off his busy schedule to share his success story with 80 students from Laksamana College of Business (LCB) recently.

The students listened attentively to Wu Chun’s view of changing the world, one day at a time, in which he emphasised on how important it is to set goals in life.

“We live with an exciting and challenging global industry that is changing, and growing fast.

“The young generation in Brunei must keep up with that competitive world, and not just settle with what is available,” he said.

His advice to the students was, “We have to care. We must care.”

Wu Chun with LCB students holding up promotional posters for the upcoming ‘She Runs 2016’ slated on May 15. – AZIZ IDRIS

Wu Chun is reaching out to various organisations in Brunei, especially to the young generation, because he believes that youthful energy and enthusiasm are capable of raising the bar to the next level, in bringing about global change.

Nurul Ibrahim, a lecturer at LCB said, “I specifically chose Wu Chun to be the guest speaker, because he is a role model for many, and definitely connected to the entertainment industry.

“To have him conduct the talk is not only delightful, but also educational and beneficial for my students.”

Meanwhile, Fitness Zone, one of Wu Chun’s flagship businesses, has announced an additional 500 slots for the upcoming ‘She Runs 2016’, in response to public demand.

Scheduled for May 15, the charity event has received positive feedback from young professionals and the youth community in Brunei.

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|     Azlan Othman     |

A GROUP of Bruneians who are volunteering to teach English for underprivileged students at a Brunei secondary school beginning April 8 will later extend their work to teaching in Cambodia by the end of this year.

Some 14 volunteer trainers from the Society for Community Outreach and Training (SCOT), comprising current Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) students and fresh graduates, are involved in the SCOT Education programme.

The Project Manager of SCOT Education, Sharifah Mashhorina binti Malai Shahran, told the Sunday Bulletin that the local underprivileged students chosen for the programme were mostly from Year 9 to Year 11 from Rimba II Secondary School near the capital.

“The volunteer trainers have completed their six-week basic teacher training course and their teaching commenced on April 8. The teaching programme, which is done in collaboration with Rimba II Secondary School and the Rimba II Village Consultative Council, is Phase II of the SCOT Education Literacy and Skills Enhancement programme. It will be conducted every Friday and Sunday at Rimba II Secondary School for 10 weeks,” Sharifah Mashhorina said.

Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil, in a group photo with members of SCOT. – AZROL AZMI

Yesterday, SCOT held its official opening ceremony followed by a report presentation on the progress of the SCOT Education programme and certificate presentation to 14 volunteer trainers.

The certificates were presented by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil.

Meanwhile, Anwar Mohammad, Chairman and Founder of SCOT, said the SCOT Education Project has also opened up opportunities for SCOT to form partnerships with countries in the region.

He said the second phase of the project will take place in Cambodia this December.

Anwar added that the volunteers have been trained since February this year through tailored approaches facilitated by SCOT. He said this year is the year for SCOT to emphasise on the importance of education as a sustainable key driver to move out of poverty.

Once the programme is completed, SCOT Education will be going to Cambodia for a two-week English teaching programme in collaboration with Organisation for Building Community Resources (OBCR) in Samrong Tong, Cambodia.

“The trip (to Cambodia) will not only be focussing on teaching but SCOT Education will also be helping the community in terms of infrastructure improvement projects and farming as part of SCOT Education contribution to the community in Cambodia,” Anwar said.

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|     Siti Hajar     |

IT IS said that teamwork breeds success. Among many others, this particular mantra is repeated by organisations irrespective of their trade to achieve the best possible outcome with the country’s own health industry holding close this principle for the betterment of its varying patient demographics.

The establishment of The Brunei Cancer Centre (TBCC), regulated by the Ministry of Health, brings with it a renewed outlook in catering to the needs of cancer patients as it explores the globe, adopting international best practices and implementing these learning lessons at home as an extension of its services that has been mandated in its core values.

Apart from the acquisition of state-of-the-art technology to add to its healthcare arsenal, the people who treat patients also play a symbiotic role in TBCC’s healthcare environment and this includes the banding of a diverse group of healthcare providers who discuss, deliberate and decide the best way forward for each individual that walks through their doors.

Under the watchful eyes of TBCC’s multidisciplinary tumor board (MDT) that inherited the responsibility from the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital, patient care is created through the exchange of information among participating specialists from both the centre and hospitals under the Ministry of Health who are able to share their expertise based on their own experiences, knowledge and up-to-date literature by way of ensuring that those seeking aid are given the best possible chance to survive.

“An important objective of the MDT,” explained TBCC Medical Director Dr Kenneth Kok, “is to provide a mechanism for the review of the quality of professional care provided by hospital staff members.”

Held in an informal setting, the weekly MDTs for general surgery, ear, nose and throat (ENT), gynaecology and the monthly gathering for urology is strict on confidentiality without judgment, where the contribution of individual members of staff can be discussed.

The Brunei Cancer Centre and the Rehabilitation Department of Brunei Neuroscience, Stroke and Rehabilitation Centre building

“It is this informal interaction between specialists that provides for quality assurances,” he shared, as per such practices in countries including the United States, Europe, Australia and Japan.

As it continues to develop its facilities with a new building on the way, Dr Kok shared that MDTs for head and neck, as well as breast cancer cases will be entrusted into TBCC’s hands from MDTs in RIPAS thus rounding out their MDT portfolio by the end of the year.

“The initial evaluation and treatment decisions are the most critical in the outcome for a patient diagnosed with cancer,” he said of the important role this gathering plays, adding that detection, diagnosis, management and treatment are not typically a one-person responsibility bur require the participation of surgeons, oncologists of medical and radiology specialists as well as nurses.

With a formal structure to assure that communication lines are open, each member of the team can benefit from the expertise of others among them include Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, USA, the Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK, Krankenhaus Nordwest, Frankfurt, Germany, Maastricht Radiation Oncology, Maastricht, Holland, Chinese University of Hong Kong, SAR China and the National Cancer Centre, Singapore through knowledge and education, while at the same time contribute to the development of standardised patient management protocols as well as linkages among institutions to ensure appropriate referrals and timely consultation and optimise patient care.

With information derived from these meetings, MDT team members, he said, then formulate a management plan based on current medical guidelines where individualised cancer treatment may be achieved in the best interest of the patient where possibilities that two patients with the same type of cancer may find themselves on different pathways of cancer management.

Studies conducted in the UK and Scandinavia have shown that “through the introduction of MDT alone, patient outcome in terms of survival may improve by nearly 20 per cent,” without the added need for new drugs, surgical therapy or equipment.

Other studies, it was added, have also concluded that MDT conferences have resulted in positive patient outcomes, “particularly in terms of diagnosis and/or treatment planning and patient satisfaction,” with the added incentive that clinicians also experience better cooperation and communication.

“Patients should feel more assured that their case has been reviewed in a MDT conference by all specialists and that the management plan obtained is a consensus opinion of the specialists based on international guidelines and currently available medical evidence.”

Though there are occasions when consensus among members continues to be debated, the MDT, it was clarified, forges ahead through its platform to iron out differences to find the best possible approach.

“TBCC will make available to cancer patients in Brunei Darussalam the latest and state-of-the-art facilities for cancer treatments,” ideals of which also fall under the Ministry of Health’s three strategic priorities which include the delivery of excellence through consolidation and realignment of healthcare services.

The centre, added, Dr Kok, will include the likes of radiotherapy and up-to-date diagnostic investigations crucial to the management of cancer patients which will add to the Medical and Surgical Oncology services that are currently available in the country.

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|     Azaraimy HH     |

THREE Muslim convert families in Temburong District were presented with the keys to their new houses yesterday, by Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, the Minister of Religious Affairs.

The recipients were Masnah binti Abdullah Bana, Norhayati binti Abdullah @ Pok Anak Kanang and Nursabariah binti Abdullah.

The three families were selected by the Islamic Da’wah Centre, in an ongoing effort to provide assistance for Muslim converts.

From 1993 to 2015, 82 houses were given by the Islamic Da’wah Centre to Muslim converts, comprising five houses in the Brunei-Muara District, 30 in Tutong District, 18 in Belait District and 29 in Temburong District.

Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, the Minister of Religious Affairs, handing out mock key to one of the recipients

The house key recipients in a group photo with their mock keys. – PHOTOS: AZARAIMY HH

The houses are fully financed by the Brunei Islamic Religious Council, through the Zakat Asnaf Muallaf group.

The housing assistance scheme is an approach by the Islamic Da’wah Centre towards improving the quality of life for Muslim converts, so that they would be able to carry out their religious obligations with ease.

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|     Azaraimy HH     |

IN BID to spur Tutong’s economic development through promoting local products and tourism destinations, the district authorities are all set to launch a website later this month.

A joint initiative of the Tutong District Tourism Coordinator and Promotion Body (BPPPDT) and the Corporate Division under the Tutong District Office, the portal will feature an online shop for products made under the ‘One Village, One Product’ (1K1P) initiative as well as a facility for online booking for various tourism packages offered in Tutong District such as cottage industry tour, city tour, Islamic tour and others.

Tutong’s tourism industry and its 1K1P initiative have been making encouraging progress, helped by BPPPDT and the Corporate Division under the Tutong District Office.

Siti Joriahati binti Johari, Special Duties Officer cum Head of Corporate division under the Tutong District Office, said the portal is created by BPPPDT with the Corporate Division assisting to setting it up.

It is set to be launched on April 16.

Speaking to Sunday Bulletin on the sidelines of a meeting session (Muzakarah) between the Corporate Division, Tutong District Office, mukim penghulus and village/longhouse heads at the official residence of the Tutong District Officer, she said, “The online portal will help diversify the marketing platform of tourism products in Tutong District and products under the 1K1P initiative.

Acting Tutong District Officer, Haji Adnan bin Haji Adam giving talks to penghulus and village heads. – AZARAIMY HH

“The website has three main components: tourism products, an online shop and also the recently launched ‘Walimatul Urus’ initiative,” she added.

‘Walimatul Urus Destinasi Tutong’ is a wedding service package introduced to promote the ethnic heritage, arts and culture that exist in Brunei, especially in Tutong District.

The inclusive wedding package involves members of the community as providers of services and products – from photography services to traditional dance performance to enrich wedding ceremonies as well as and local products from the 1K1P initiative such as door gifts, wedding gifts (hantaran) and catering services, she explained.

Established on June 20, 2015, BPPPDT was officially launched on August 31 by the former minister of home affairs,

Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman.

It was set up as an agent to promote tourism products under the ‘Destination Tutong’ initiative that include coordinating all types of visitor activities and offering attractive services.

The Corporate Division is responsible for product and service development and elevating the quality of products and innovation to make them competitive and progressive – through comprehensive marketing strategies.

Yesterday’s meeting session was organised by the Corporate Division to further strengthen the manage-ment and implementation of the 1K1P initiative in the district through information-sharing with the mukim penghulus and village/longhouse heads.

The meeting explained the roles and functions as well as the strategic plans of various agencies involved in the promotion of the 1K1P initiative including the Corporate Division, mukim and village consultative councils and BPPPDT.

Also discussed were the strategic plans of the ‘Destination Tutong’ programme as well as the role of relevant parties.

During the event, the mukim penghulus and village/longhouse heads had the opportunity to see a 1K1P showcase and the ‘Destination Tutong’ Package Exhibition jointly organised by the Corporate Division and BPPPDT.

Speaking during the meeting were senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism as well as members of BPPPDT.

YB Orang Kaya Jaya Putera Dato Paduka Awang Haji Muhammad Taha bin Abdul Rauf, a Legislative Council member and Penghulu of Mukim Keriam was also present.

The post ‘One Village, One Product’ to go online appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

IN COMMEMORATING its 56th years of service to the nation, the Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) yesterday held a grand parade at the marching field of the FRD headquarters, Old Airport Berakas.

In an interview on the sidelines of the event, the Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, said in ensuring the compatibility of the roles, duties and responsibilities of the department’s personnel, the FRD needs to be equipped with more knowledge and skills as now they are facing uncertain and unpredictable situations derived from changing lifestyles and rapid development.

The minister added that starting 2016, 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 consented for the Fire Safety Order 2016 to boost provisions for the FRD to ensure fire safety and related matters.

FRD has its own mission and vision that need to be accomplished, and at the same time it needs to tackle the alarming number of fire cases that increased by 15 per cent in 2015 compared to 2014.

Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong inspecting the guard of honour

Minister of Home Affairs delivering a speech. – PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR

Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong speaking to the media

Therefore, the department needs to constantly equip itself with knowledge and skills in combating the challenges, the minister said.

At the same time, the minister advised members of the public to understand and acquire knowledge on how to prevent fires at their houses as well as commercial buildings.

“Inspections conducted by the department have found that there are some premises where fire exit is blocked by putting stuff at the area. This makes evacuation difficult during times of emergency,” he pointed out.

“These emergency exits need to be cleared at all time.

“Maybe people might not consider it as important, but, from fire safety perspective it is vital,” he added.

The post FRD needs to be more skilled in combatting challenges: Minister appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

|     Fizah HAB     |

MORTON Jakobsen from Royal Varuna Club Thailand emerged victorious yesterday at the Royal Brunei Yacht Club (RBYC) Brunei Laser Open Championship at Serasa Clubhouse.

A total of 17 sailors from Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sailing Club, Kuala Belait Boat Club, Piasau Boat Club Miri, and Royal Varuna Club Thailand battled through the windy conditions on the second day of the race, including brothers Lim Jenn Kiat and Lim Jenn Hau, who represented Brunei in 28th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games sailing competition last year.

“I’m pleased to find talented sailors here in Brunei, who gave me a tough challenge,” he said after his win in the Laser Standard class and overall championship.

Tied in second place were Beng Wee and Barney Sandon from Royal Brunei Yacht Club (RBYC).

Commodore Paul Turton presents the medal to Morton Jakobsen from Royal Varuna Club Thailand

Royal Brunei Yacht Club (RBYC) sailor John Pletdon placed third.

Lim Jenn Hau won the Laser Radial class and Radial Novice Champion, while Lim Jenn Kiat and Alex Marquis finished second and third respectively.

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|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

THE newly added routes to the 2016 Bukit Markucing challenge run will be more challenging than previous years, with an added 1km to three categories of the event, announced Yusrey bin Haji Gapor at a press meet at the Tasik Sarubing Recreational Park yesterday.

Yusrey is the friendly and jovial Head of the Youth and Sports Bureau of the Consultative Council of Kampong Belimbing (MPKB) and he is also the Secretariat of the Bukit Markucing Challenge Run 2016.

The challenge run is scheduled to take place on May 29, 2016 at 7am, where it will commence and conclude at the Tasik Sarubing Recreational Park of Kampong Belimbing, where the additional route will take the runners around Bukit Markucing Recreational Park as well as around the Tasik Sarubing Recreational Park. This route is 5.7km long, an increase from the previous years of 4.7km.

The shorter route is 3.3km in the other categories.

The challenge run is divided into five categories for both male and female runners, with Category A for ages 7-12, Category B for ages 13-25, Category C for ages 40-55, Category D for ages 56 and above, whilst Category E is an open category with no age limit. All participants aged between 26 to 39 years of age and hold a green IC Smart Card, and participants registered at the Youth and Sports Department (National) fall into Category E.

Yusrey bin Haji Gapor at the press meet. – ISHAN IBRAHIM

The registration forms can be obtained at the Gallery Room of the Tasik Sarubing Recreational Park or at the residence of the Village Head of Kampong Belimbing YB Awang Haji Gapor @ Haji Mohd Daud bin Karim.

Registered participants have to be present at the registration section of the Gallery Room of the Tasik Sarubing Recreational Park on May 27 and 28 to get their official running shirt and their running number.

The route has 11 designated checkpoints and each runner will get a printed wristband at Checkpoint 9 for the 5.7km run category whilst the other runners will get a printed wristband for the 3.3km run category.

Yusrey said the challenge runs in previous years were always well supported, with over 250-300 participants each time. Last year, 268 runners participated in the challenge run. The top five finishers will get prizes in the forms of electrical goods.

All participants will get a medal and a certificate of participation, added Yusrey.

The challenge run always aims to promote Kampong Belimbing as the ‘Hiking Village’, as it has a route around the tranquil and beautiful Tasik Sarubing Recreational Park.

The challenge run is also part of the ‘One Kampong, One Product’ programme of Kampong Belimbing.

The route has always been popular with fitness enthusiasts and some of their families, as they can enjoy the scenery whilst keeping their minds and bodies fit and healthy.

There are food stalls nearby to replenish energy after a gruelling workout and it’s a popular hangout for many village residents and outsiders alike.

The post Another 1km added to Bukit Markucing Challenge Run appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.

A POSTGRADUATE student from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) left for Prague in the Czech Republic last week to join 63 students from 51 Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) countries at the 5th ASEM Rectors’ Conference and Students’ Forum (ARC5).

Dayangku Salimatul Sa’ada binti Pengiran Mohd Saleh had been selected by the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) out of over 3,400 applicants across Asia and Europe to participate in the forum as a student-representative from Brunei Darussalam.

ARC is an Official Dialogue Partner of the ‘ASEM Ministers of Education’ Meeting (ASEM ME). The theme of ARC5 is ‘Employability: Asia and Europe Prepare the New Generation’.

This included the discussion on how cooperation between universities, businesses and governments can provide students with the necessary skills and competences to better prepare and adapt the new generation for the labour market.

Based on focussed group discussions, ARC5 participants jointly developed policy recommendations that will be compiled and delivered to the ASEM ME6 next year.

Dayangku Salimatul Sa’ada binti Pengiran Mohd Saleh, a postgraduate student from Universiti Brunei Darussalam, during the 5th ASEM Rectors’ Conference and Students’ Forum

Dayangku Salimatul Sa’ada in a group photo with other participants in ARC5

“Youth unemployment, including among university graduates, is a global issue that needs to be addressed. I believe that the ARC5 provides a good platform for this as it allows students’ voices to be heard by education leaders and policy-makers, and allowing collaboration between Asia-Europe students to explore ways that can better shape the education system for employability in both regions,” Dayangku Salimatul Sa’ada said.

She went on to say that among the key points highlighted throughout the discussions were the importance of employability-friendly curricula, private and public partnerships in reforming the education system, the development of soft skills among students, flexibility and adaptation to the changes in the new economy, as well as working towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Apart from plenary and working group sessions, there were also skills workshops led by trainers from different industries, as well as formal and informal visits to several places, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cultural Tour in Prague.

Dayangku Salimatul also took the opportunity to showcase one of Brunei’s traditional dances during the Asia-Europe Cultural Evening.

Also attending from Brunei were Datin Dr Hajah Anita Binurul Zahrina binti Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Aziz, Vice-Chancellor of UBD, and Dr Teo Siew Yean, Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Global Affairs) of UBD, who were representatives for the ARC5 Conference, which was held from April 6-8.

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|     Izah Azahari     |

A TOTAL of about 60 students from six different schools in the Cluster 3 area came together yesterday at the Auditorium of the Lambak Kiri Secondary School to participate in the one-day MENTEROH (Mental, Physical and Spiritual) Village Programme for Secondary Schools 2016.

Present to launch the event was the guest of honour, Hajah Rosimah binti Haji Ibrahim, the Acting Senior Education Officer at the Counselling and Career Guidance Unit under the Department of Schools at the Ministry of Education.

The event began with the recitation of the Surah Al-Fatihah and a Doa, followed by a welcoming speech by Cikgu Hajah Sharifah binti Haji Matsawali, the Principal of Lambak Kiri Secondary School in her capacity as chairwoman of the event.

During the guest of honour’s speech, she highlighted that the students are urged to take in the benefits and lessons through the activities, lectures and courses given throughout the programme.

“Every individual has the potential and a role in shaping their personality and work for results that they want to achieve,” said the guest of honour.

Hajah Rosimah binti Haji Ibrahim, Acting Senior Education Officer at the Counselling and Career Guid-ance Unit under the Department of Schools, Ministry of Education, in a group photo with the programme participants. – MENTEROH Village Programme Committee

“If the individual doesn’t put in persevering efforts, the results that are hoped for won’t bear excellence.”

Conducted once a year, the objectives of the programme are to refine the reading skills during prayer and the recitation of Surah Yaasiin through the spiritual activities; enhancing student knowledge on the importance of EQ (Emotional Quotient) in achieving excellence holistically; listing out the characteristics of a healthy youth from an Islamic perspective; strengthening bonds and group work ethics that is dynamic amongst participants and work committee, and to give exposure and experience to participants in becoming role-models that have the characteristics of an Islamic leader.

This programme is organised and carried out by a committee of counselling teachers from the Cluster 3 schools, and this is the first year Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College (MSPSBS) has joined the programme.

The participants comprised students from Lambak Kiri Secondary School, Berakas Secondary School, Sayyidina Abu Bakar Secondary School, Sayyidina Umar Al-Khattab Secondary School, Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Masna Secondary School and MSPSBS.

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|     Aziz Idris & Hakim Hayat     |

TAMAN Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien was abuzz yesterday as over 1,000 runners gathered in the heart of the capital to participate in the ‘Running Challenge’, one of the events of the month-long Inter-Company Sports Fest.

This marks the first in the series of sporting events, which will run until May; with competitive tournaments for badminton, basketball, bowling, futsal and netball to be held at numerous venues in the Brunei-Muara District.

Present to officiate the ‘Running Challenge’ was Haji Mohd ‘Abdoh bin Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Salam, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs in his capacity as the guest of honour.

The event was divided into three categories: the all-men’s 10-kilometre challenge, all-women’s 10-kilometre challenge and the two-kilometre fun run.

Both 10-kilometre challenges were open only to company employers and employees while the fun run was open for all members of the public.

The guest of honour, Haji Mohd ‘Abdoh bin Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Salam, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs sounding the horn to mark the start of the 10-kilometre challenge

A section of the participants of the event. – PHOTOS: AZIZ IDRIS

Only those who participated in the 10-kilometre challenge were awarded with a cash prize of $400, $300 and $200 for the first, second and third place respectively.

Airince Liam from PYP Holdings Sdn Bhd emerged on top while Cecilia Macsimon came in second and Herney Vivienty from DST placed at third.

As for the men’s category, Mohd Shah Azahar Abdullah Ahar from Ben Foods Brunei Sdn Bhd was the first to cross the finish line, followed by Mohd Nazrul Effendy Ali Hassan from Jerudong Park Country Club, and Mohd Norhadi Mustafa.

Also present were Haji Rani bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Haji Mohd Yusof, Commissioner of Labour Department and Jackson Ting, Managing Director of D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd together with representatives from other participating companies.

The 6th Edition of the Inter-Company Sport Fest is organised by the Labour Department in-collaboration with D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd and various sporting associations including the Brunei Basketball Association, Brunei National Badminton Association, MegaStrike Bowl Sdn Bhd, National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam and Brunei Netball Association.

The friendly sporting event aims to encourage the workforce to compete and build unity among them.

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|     Achong Tanjong     |

DST with the support of the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) held the ‘DST Futsal Cup 2016’ at the Jerudong Sports Complex in Kampong Jerudong yesterday.

Over 150 orphan participants were selected through the penghulu and village heads from Mukims in Brunei-Muara, Tutong, Belait and Temburong districts.

Present as guest of honour was Abdul Latiff bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof.

Also in attendance were Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Hussain, CEO of DST; Pengiran Amirrizal bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud, Acting Secretary General of NFABD; Misle bin Haji Abdul Karim, Acting Brunei-Muara District Officer; village heads as well as government and NFABD officials.

The event began with the registration and distribution of football jersey kits to all players contributed by the telecommunications service provider. This was followed by opening remarks from Radin Sufri bin Radin Basiuni, Assistant General Manager of Group Corporate Communications in DST, who welcomed the players and their guardians.

Young players demonstrate their skills. – PHOTOS: ACHONG TANJONG

Abdul Latiff bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof with the category champions: Team Croatia (pic above) and Team England (pic below)

He noted that such events provide the opportunity for all orphans to gather in one venue and proudly represent their team and district. In the previous event, there were orphans who stood out as outstanding players and were later inducted into NFABD’s Grassroots Football Scheme, he said.

He concluded that the DST Futsal Cup will be an annual event for DST together with NFABD as part of company’s ‘Ihsan Kasih’ initiative for orphans in the coming years.

DST’s third futsal tournament was divided into two categories – Under 12 and Under 15.

The England team from the Brunei-Muara District emerged as champions in the Under 12 category. Second place went to the France team from Brunei-Muara District, while team Russia from the Temburong District took third place.

In the Under 15 category, Team Croatia from the Brunei-Muara District won first place, followed by Team Austria from the Brunei-Muara Distric and Team England from Temburong District.

Amirul Zakwan bin Abdullah (Team Russia) and Muhammad Amirunnezam bin Haji Mohd Yakub (Team Croatia) were awarded Top Scorer (Golden Boots) honours for the Under 12 and Under 15 categories respectively.

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|     Achong Tanjong     |

THE Rotary Club of Bandar Seri Begawan yesterday held its Bursary Award Presentation Rotary Year 2015-2016 at the Orchid Garden Hotel.

Four teachers from three different private schools (St Andrew’s School, St George’s School and Chung Hwa Middle School) received the Best Teacher Award, while three students (Hanson Chin Heearn from St Andrew’s School, Alexandra Jacklya binti Dakius from St George’s School and Ivy Wong Ker Hsing from Chung Hwa Middle School) received the Best Student Award.

Fourteen students received the Bursary Award. Eight were from St Andrew’s School, four from Chung Hwa Middle School, one from Duli Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah College and one from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD).

The Best Teachers, Best Students and Bursary Awards were presented by the Rotary Club of Bandar Seri Begawan’s Past President (PP) Jeff Yong and Past President (PP) Low.

PP Jeff Yong in his speech said, “Best Teachers and Bursary Awards are an annual project for the Rotary Club of BSB and it is also part of the avenue service of rotary.”

PP Jeff Yong with the principals and Bursary Award recipients. – ACHONG TANJONG

“Why are teachers important?” he asked, before explaining, “Research shows teachers have a huge impact on how much a student learns.

“Students who get the best teachers learn a lot and students who get the worst teachers fall behind,” he said.

He explained, teacher quality matters so much that students are likely better off in a bad school with a good teacher than in a good school with a bad teacher.

“Ineffective teachers can be found in good schools and effective teachers in bad schools, but struggling schools tend to have more ineffective and inexperienced teachers. A great teacher can change a student’s life.

“Today, we are giving out a small token of appreciation to the best teachers from their respective schools. Each of the best teachers is recommended by the respective school principal and hopefully they can set a good example and be an inspiration or role model to colleagues,” he said.

He also expressed hope that students who receive the bursary award would appreciate the effort of trying to ease the burden shouldered by parents.

“Rotarians have gone to interview and visit your homes, in hopes of trying to understand your situation better,” he said, adding, “we are raising money yearly through our annual golf tournament therefore, please try to focus and study hard.

“If your year end results have shown signs of improvement then we will not hesitate to continue to support your school fees as long as you have met our criteria,” he said.

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