|      Azlan Othman      |

THE finals of the 21^st Police Cadet Precision Marching Competition for secondary schools and colleges nation-wide was held yesterday at the Police Training Centre at the RBPF Headquarters in Gadong. Eleven schools took part in the preliminary round and six competed in the finals.

Present as the guest of honour was the Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police, ACP Haji Mohd Hassan bin Pehin Penyurat Haji Ahmad. He got to see the transformation of the police cadets in their new uniforms with new logo and also presented certificates to 23 promoted teaching supervisors.

One hundred and fifty police cadets have taken part in various activities this year such as in the march past to mark the 95^th anniversary of the Royal Brunei Police Force, organising the basic course on precision marching, engaging in the 32^nd National Day parade and ceremonial parade to mark His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s 70^th birthday and campaign for the cadets.

These initiatives assisted them in gaining experience in preparation for their recruitment into the police force in the future.

The Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police inspecting the police cadets.

Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police, ACP Haji Mohd Hassan bin Pehin Penyurat Haji Ahmad delivering his speech. – PHOTOS: AZLAN OTHMAN

Police cadets marching past during the 21st Police Cadet Precision Marching Competition at the Police Training Centre at the RBPF Headquarters in Gadong.

A team of police cadets during the competition.

ACP Haji Mohd Hassan also lauded the move made by the Co-Curriculum Education Department of the Ministry of Education in integrating these programmes to co-curricular activities in their schools and colleges.

He also hoped that such activities could strengthen their physical and mental strength to build their national identity and nurture the spirit of “never losing hope”.

These initiatives are crucial as they are the future generation and in line with the theme for the National Day celebration this year, ‘Visionary Youths’, to support the nation’s Vision 2035.

ACP Haji Mohd Hassan later presented prizes to the winning team, the Katok Secondary School, followed by Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Masna Secondary School as first runner-up and Sultan Hassan Secondary School as second runner-up.

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|      Azlan Othman      |

AN INSIGHT into the history of coexistence in the Sultanate of Oman, the virtues of the Omani people and elements needed to attain coexistence was provided by the representative to the Adviser for the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, Dr Abdulla Said Khalfan Al Mamari, in his lecture on ‘Islam in Oman for common ground with shared values’.

The lecture was held in conjunction with an exhibition titled ‘Tolerance, Understanding, Co-existence: Oman Message of Islam’ held yesterday at the Arts Centre, Jerudong International School (JIS).

He said Oman historically plays a crucial role in trade with the world including Brunei Darussalam.

“The traders spread the word of Allah the Almighty and invited people to Islam by words, not by sword. We accepted Islam without any force.

“It was mentioned in history that trade relations between Oman and eastern countries go back to thousands of years and that there are many Malay words derived from Omani Arabic language indicating such relations. Other similarities are like politeness and generosity that we share together.”

He added that Islam is a religion of peace and mercy. “It is forbidden in Islam to kill people including non-Muslims or to insult people. What we see these days are some groups of people, who claim to be Muslims, but killing Muslims by detonating bombs. We should not be misguided by terrorists and fanatics.”

The lecture was attended by the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud.

Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud, attending the talk.

Meanwhie, Haji Harun bin Haji Junid, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the co-chair of the working committee of the exhibition, said as human beings, common values are what bring us together.

“Even though Brunei Darussalam and the Sultanate of Oman are two different nations with different language and culture, we share similar values, the values of Islam as the Ad-Diin, which is the complete way of life.

“It is hoped that from the lecture we could learn about each other, explore further our common grounds and thus improve not only the relationship between the two countries, but more importantly, our relationship with Allah the Almighty,” he said.

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|     Ishan Ibrahim     |

SEVERAL facets of the local tourism scene are still in need of some improvement, said Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, while chairing the Brunei Tourism Board’s inaugural meeting yesterday at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism.

The minister also voiced hope that the Brunei Tourism Board could be an efficient platform for a mutual exchange of ideas on ways to further develop packages with the potential to attract more tourists, in addition to providing quality services, comfort and safety to clients.

“These attributes can ensure that Brunei is a destination that is both attractive and competitive,” he said.

He also urged travel agents, product suppliers and tourism service providers to pool their resources and work together to assist the government in presenting Brunei as a tourist destination that can offer a unique experience for both local and foreign visitors.

The purpose of the conference was to uphold the new Tourism Order of 2016, by the consent of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

The Tourism Order of 2016 has already been in force since October 26 this year.

The establishment of the Brunei Tourism Board incorporates several primary objectives, including serving as a platform for the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism to hold talks and discussions with the relevant ministries, hoteliers, transportation sector, travel and tourist guides, and catering businesses.

At the same time, the ministry has also identified three prime categories in the tourism industry – Prima, Emerging and Activity-based.

The Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, in a group photo with the Brunei Tourism Board members. – ISHAN IBRAHIM

Places falling within the Prima category include the Ulu Temburong National Park, Kampong Ayer and mangrove forests along the Brunei River, as well as other venues of interest around Bandar Seri Begawan. Sites within the Emerging category include several places of leisure that can be elevated into the Prima category, such as the Serasa Beach, Seri Kenangan Beach, Berakas Forest Reserve and Sungai Basong.

Within the Activity-based category are leisurely activities and interests, such as scuba-diving, bird-watching, Islamic tourism, traditional medicine tourism, sports tourism, cruise ship tourism, educational tourism, Meetings, Incentives, Conference, Exhibitions (MICE), adventure tourism and community-based tourism.

The last 12 months, with the involvement and participation of several ministries and relevant agencies, have seen various developments in the tourism sector that include easy accessibility and convenience for tourists from China, Taiwan, Russia and Turkey.

The Tourism Development Department has also launched a Temburong holiday package and a brochure for avid bird-watchers.

In addition, close collaboration with the Laksamana College of Business has made it possible for the Tourism Development Department to introduce a mandatory exercise for tourist drivers. The department has also produced a Request for Proposal to develop, administer, manage and organise a Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery in Kampong Lorong Sikuna.

Meanwhile, its mutual cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports is embodied through the Heritage Hall in Bandar Seri Begawan. Early next year, the Tourism Development Department will utilise a section of the former Royal Wharf (now known as Dermaga Diraja Bandar Seri Begawan) as a Tourist Information Centre. The department is also in cooperation with a magazine publisher from France, ‘L’Essentiel’, to promote Brunei as a tourist destination.

Another significant achievement by the Tourism Development Department is the preparation of the Tourism Strategic Planning with its core aim of expanding the volume of tourists into this country by air travel, from 218,000 in 2015 to 450,000 by 2020.

The members of the Brunei Tourism Board are the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism as the Chairman; Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism as the Deputy Chairman; Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs; Haji Azhar bin Haji Ahmad, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications; Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports; Haji Amer Hishamuddin bin Pehin Orang Kaya Amar Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Zakaria, the Director-General of the Public Works Department; Pengiran Dr Haji Mohd Khalifah bin Pengiran Haji Ismail, the Director-General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health; Karam Chand, the Chief Executive Officer of Royal Brunei Airlines; Abdul Rani Siteh, the President of Brunei Association of Hotels; Haji Sabli bin Haji Arshad, the President of the Association of Travel Agents Brunei; and Hajah Nikmah binti Haji Ibrahim, the Representative Manager of Restaurants.

Wardi bin Haji Mohammad Ali, the Deputy Permanent Secretary (Tourism) at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, currently holds the position of Secretary at the Brunei Tourism Board.

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|     Fizah HAB     |

THE Embassy of Japan in Brunei Darussalam in cooperation with the High Commission of Canada in Brunei Darussalam and with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) will be hosting the upcoming 3^rd edition World Assembly for Women: WAW! Brunei Darussalam 2016 seminar.

The event will carry the theme ‘Entrepreneurs-Women-Technology: Crossing the Glass Border’, Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, Noriko Iki said in a press conference held yesterday at the Embassy of Japan, Kiulap. Also at the press conference were Canadian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, Marina Laker, CEO of BAG Networks Haslina binti Haji Mohd Taib and Deputy Director of Social Services, MCYS Hajah Noridah binti Abdul Hamid.

The event will be held at the CAE Brunei Multi-Purpose Training Centre (MPTC) in Rimba on December 5. The seminar will feature talks by two eminent female businesswomen, namely, CEO of Y’s Staff as well as Telework Management Yuri Tazawa from Japan and CEO of BAG Networks Haslina. A networking reception will also be held at the end of the event.

The World Assembly for Women: WAW! 2016 will be held in Tokyo on December 13-14, 2016.

The Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam Noriko Iki with the High Commissioner of Canada Marina Laker, CEO of BAG Networks Haslina binti Haji Mohd Taib and Deputy Director of Social Services, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Hajah Noridah binti Abdul Hamid.

The seminar aims to promote the realisation of ‘A society where women shine”, a concept first conceived by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2013. The first ‘World Assembly for Women’ was held in September 2014.

Members of the public interested to join in the WAW! Brunei Darussalam 2016 seminar on December 5, 2016 can register for free by contacting the Embassy of Japan in Brunei Darussalam.

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|     Hakim Hayat     |

BRIEF but powerful thundershowers triggered flash floods in many low-lying areas in Bandar Seri Begawan and several other parts of Brunei-Muara District last night, leaving many main roads and houses submerged in water.

The heavy rain that began as early as 7pm and lasted for a few hours triggered flash floods that severely affected main roads in Kampong Jangsak, Kampong Beribi, Kampong Katok, Kampong Kiulap, Kampong Kiarong, Jalan Ban 1 to 5 in Kampong Mulaut, Kampong Tanah Jambu, Kampong Meragang and also parts of Mukim Kilanas and Mukim Sengkurong, including Kampong Jerudong.

Many vehicles were stranded and traffic snarls occurred as cars slowed down to evade and even wade through the floodwaters.

Several cars were also reported to be submerged in the floodwaters that were said to have reached up to waist-high and some residential areas were also reported to be partially submerged in water.

Photo which was circulated on social media, shows a car partially submerged in water.

The heavy rains also reduced visibility, causing long queues of cars on main highways in the capital.

The Brunei Darussalam Meteorological Department (BDMD) at 8pm yesterday issued a weather advisory for the Brunei-Muara District, warning of flashflood risks due to heavy continuous thunderstorms. It also warned that strong gusts of wind of up to 40km/h may be possible near heavy rains.

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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 specially commanded for the construction of a new building to be made into the night market in Gadong.

Coordination and management agency of the night market has been formed and the members consist of the officers from the Office of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, government agencies and several representatives of the private sector who are currently carrying out the construction of a permanent building to accommodate the current registered vendors operating at the night market.

This is an initiative of His Majesty to create a more conducive, friendly and comfortable environment for vendors and customers similar to the permanent Tamu Kianggeh.

The new night market building in Gadong is located between the car lots and near to the Gadong wet market and near the temporary existing night market tents. The building will be equipped with modern and organised infrastructure which covers an area of 5,979 square metres.

The proposed new building for the night market in Gadong.

The new night market will be equipped with a surau, parking bay, public restrooms and garbage disposal area as well as a building block that will house the security control room and the night market’s management office.

Seats for the public are also placed at the same area.

The project’s construction is expected to be completed by the end of December 2016.

While the project is being carried out, the public is requested to be cautious and patient in ensuring that the project is completed according to planned.

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HIS Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday morning visited the Home Team Tactical Centre, Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore.

The arrival of His Royal Highness at the centre was greeted by K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law of the Republic of Singapore.

His Royal Highness was given a briefing on the Home Team Tactical Centre.

His Royal Highness then view a demonstrations from the Ground Response Team, Emergency Response Team and Special Response Team from the Home Team Tactical Centre and toured the facilities of the centre.

His Royal Highness was then led to a group photograph session.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office during the visit at the Home Team Tactical Centre, Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore.

His Royal Highness with K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law of the Republic of Singapore during the demonstrations from the Ground Response Team, Emergency Response Team and Special Response Team from the Home Team Tactical Centre.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office in a group photo at the demonstrations area. – PHOTOS: INFOFOTO

His Royal Highness later received a pesambah from the Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law of the Republic of Singapore.

His Royal Highness then reciprocated with gifts to the Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Law of the Republic of Singapore.

At the end of the visit, His Royal Highness signed the Visitors’ Book.

His Royal Highness with S Iswaran, Minister for Trade and Industry during the visit at the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Singapore.

In the afternoon, His Royal Highness visited the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Singapore.

At the ministry, His Royal Highness was greeted by S Iswaran, Minister for Trade and Industry.

His Royal Highness was then led to a briefing by the Secretariat, Committee of the Future Economy of Singapore.

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|      Syazwani Hj Rosli      |

PANDORA, the international jewellery brand known for its popular and customisable handcrafted charm bracelets, has finally arrived in Brunei with the opening of its flagship stores at The Mall in Gadong in an official opening ceremony held yesterday that marked their second boutique in Brunei.

The renowned jewellery brand has recently opened one concept store in the Brunei International Airport.

The opening of the second boutique was officiated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by guest of honours – Datuk Ghulam Jelani bin Khanizaman, the Malaysian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam; Dato’ Sri Meer Habib Chairman of Pandora Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam, and Datin Sri Zarida Noordin, the Managing Director of Pandora Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Dato’ Sri Meer Habib said, “Today is a very special day for us because we are opening our first Pandora boutique in Brunei. We have been waiting for a very long time and today, our dream has come true.”

Datuk Ghulam Jelani bin Khanizaman, the Malaysian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam; Dato’ Sri Meer Habib, Chairman of Pandora Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam, and Datin Sri Zarida Noordin, the Managing Director of Pandora Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam tour the boutique. – BAHYIAH BAKIR

Datin Sri Zarida Noordin, in an interview with the Bulletin, said that since day one of its establishment, they have always wanted to open its branch in Brunei and was grateful with the opening with not just one, but two boutiques.

“I hope that we would be able to give the locals an excellent international service with the products Pandora offers.

“Every year, Pandora will release seven new designs, so there will never be a dull moment with Pandora,” she said.

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|     Fadhil Yunus     |

NATIONAL Pencak Silat Federation Negara Brunei Darussalam (PERSIB) has announced that five national athletes will be participating in the 17th World Pencak Silat Championship 2016 which will be held at GOR Lila Bhuana in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, starting today until December 9.

The national athletes are Md Syahiiruddin bin Haji Shahirulali who will be competing in Class ‘B’, Zainorarif bin Zaini in Class ‘C’, Abdul Rahim bin Sofian in Class ‘D’, Muhd Imanuddin bin Haji Ahmad in the male individual and Norleyermah binti Haji Raya as the sole female representative in the female individual.

The eight-strong member delegation will be led by team manager Haji Jaya Edris and also included Pg. Tajuddin bin Haji Md Salleh as the seni coach and Muhammad Asyhary as the tanding coach.

The athletes in a group photo.

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|     Fizah HAB     |

MINISTER of Communications Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat has welcomed current developments in the local shipping industry, which he said was in line with the laws and regulations of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

The minister was speaking during the annual observation of World Maritime Day at the Muara Ports Department yesterday, which also coincided with the official opening of a new wing to the department’s headquarters.

Also in attendance was Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications Haji Azhar bin Haji Ahmad.

“According to the data recorded by the Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE), the total imports and exports of Brunei Darussalam in 2015 were worth as much as $13 billion,” the minister said, adding that “almost 90 per cent of these goods were imported by ship.

“The country’s chief export of oil and gas also relies on sea shipping, which clearly shows that shipping is an important factor towards development and economic growth.”

Minister of Communications Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat inaugurating the official opening of the new wing to the Muara Ports Department headquarters. – FIZAH HAB

The event continued with a video presentation on World Maritime Day, which was followed by a presentation of certificates by the minister to 14 registered ship owners for their services in accordance with IMO provisions.

The guests then departed to the Muara Port and jetty, where they boarded a ship for a cruise along the Brunei River up to Dermaga Diraja in the capital, focusing on the development of several projects connected to the local maritime industry.

World Maritime Day is an annual celebration to promote the importance of maritime security, shipping safety and a healthy marine environment, in keeping with the standards set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

This year, the celebration carries the theme ‘Shipping: Indispensable to the World’.

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|     James Kon     |

SEVERAL offences came to light during a joint operation on Wednesday, codenamed ‘Ops Terjah 63/2016’, in which 60 personnel from the Law Enforcement Unit of the Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) Municipal Department, the Labour Department, Immigration and National Registration Department and the Health Enforcement Unit performed checks on the stalls at Tamu Selera in the capital.

During the night operation, officers from the Law Enforcement Unit of the BSB Municipal Department found 11 suspected cases of tenancy violations among the vendors.

Labour Department officers discovered a foreigner working as a dishwasher, while holding an employment permit pass as a personal driver. Further investigations into the case will be conducted through the man’s employer.

Employing foreign workers without a permit from the Commissioner of Labour is an offence under Chapter 112 (1) of the Employment Order of 2009, which carries a penalty of a fine of $6,000 to $10,000, or a prison term of six months to three years, or both.

Members of the public are asked to contact the Labour Enforcement Division of the Labour Department at 2381848 to report any misuse of the employment permit issued for foreign workers.

Enforcement officials checking the business licence of a stall operator. – JAMES KON

Meanwhile, Immigration officers issued special passes to four foreign workers for further investigation, and two summon letters to their employers.

At the same time, the Health Enforcement Unit identified one of the stalls as selling unauthorised perfumes, in violation of the Poison Act of 1956 and the Medicine (Cosmetic Products) Regulations of 2007.

The Health Enforcement Unit also found the hygiene levels of the premises unsatisfactory, particularly in terms of food handling, structural maintenance and storage of basic equipment.

The BSB Municipal Department urges all business establishments under its jurisdiction to adhere to standards of health, hygiene and safety, in keeping with the country’s laws and regulations.

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|     Abdul Hakiim Yakof     |

A LAUNCHING ceremony was held yesterday at the Malay Technology Museum in Kota Batu for a photographic and watercolour exhibition jointly organised by the High Commission of India in Brunei Darussalam and the Museums Department.

Officiating at the launch was Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.

Also present were Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Qudduus bin Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz; Hajah Fatimah binti Haji Aji, the Acting Director of Museums; permanent secretaries from several ministries; and members of the diplomatic corps in Brunei Darussalam.

The Indian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, Nagma Mohamed Mallick, gave a brief outline of India’s historical monuments in her speech.

“They are spread all over the country,” she said. “Some historical mosques and temples are still in daily use, while others are in ruins. India is like a vast archaeological park. We wish to present some glimpses of this living history through monuments to the art and history lovers of Brunei Darussalam.”

Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports tours the exhibition accompanied by Nagma Mohamed Mallick, High Commissioner of India to Brunei Darussalam.

A photo of Diwani-i-Khas in Delhi built by Shah Jahan in 1648. – PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR

The photographic exhibition focuses mainly on the Indo-Islamic style of architecture that began with the advent of the Mogul dynasty in the 12th century, while the watercolour exhibition depicts massive forts and palaces of the Hindu Rajputs of Rajasthan in western India.

“These two collections together – the watercolours by Kashinath Das, and the photographs by Benoy Behl – show only a small sample of the monuments of India…but they represent some of the important architectural styles of India. There is much in this exhibition that I hope will be more attractive to Bruneians and I hope to tempt many to visit India through this exhibition,” said Mallick.

The exhibition will continue until December 14. Visiting hours are 9am-5pm, on Monday to Thursday and Saturday. The museum will also be open on Friday, from 9-11.30am and from 2.30-5pm.

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|     Danial Norjidi     |

TELEKOM Brunei Berhad (TelBru) reached another milestone in its contribution to higher education in Brunei Darussalam yesterday with the signing of two Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) students under its sponsorship programme.

The signing took place at TelBru’s Learning Centre in Berakas, and saw UBD Faculty of Integrated Technologies (FIT) undergraduates Tan Chien Loong in Year 4 and Muhamad Afieq bin Rosle in Year 3 officially recognised as sponsored students, in a move that will position them to undertake professional technical responsibilities within the next three to five years as part of TelBru’s localisation initiative.

By being under the sponsorship programme, the engineering students who are currently undertaking their degrees in Information Communication Systems will be provided with practical training opportunities while on attachment with TelBru, making them more marketable and ready for service upon their graduation.

Signing on behalf of TelBru was its Chief Executive Officer, David Kay and Head of Resourcing, Dayangku Surayani binti Pengiran Haji Tajuddin, witnessed by the guest of honour Rubiah binti Haji Yacub, Assistant Vice Chancellor (Corporate and Administration) at UBD.

Dayang Rubiah in her speech said, “It is a great pleasure to be here at the TelBru sponsorship signing ceremony for our students.

TelBru Chief Executive Officer, David Kay, signing the agreement with Tan Chien Loong (R). – PHOTOS: DANIAL NORJIDI

The signing under way for the agreement with Muhamad Afieq bin Rosle (R).

“The sponsorship is a direct outcome from the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TelBru a few months ago in March,” she said, expressing her thanks to TelBru for their continuous support and commitment.

“The sponsorship signifies the importance of industry-support/input as strategic partners in preparing and training the future workforce of the country to be ready with the skills and expertise that are relevant for the new economy and at the same time realising Brunei Darussalam’s Vision 2035 to attain highly-skilled and well-educated citizens.”

Industry support is one of the essential components for the advancement of higher education, she highlighted, saying that it generates creativity, innovation and enterprise.

“In the current climate, with the expectation for universities to be more self-sustainable, these attributes can only be attained by engaging the industry in curriculum development to inculcate a culture of creativity, innovation and enterprise amongst our students and staff.”

She shared that the Faculty of Integrated Technologies offers a broad-based engineering programme with added emphasis on entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation and environmental awareness.

“The sponsorship of our students demonstrates the dedication of TelBru as one of our key industry partners in shaping and producing future GenNEXT engineers.

“I hope in the years to come, TelBru like us at UBD will feel how gratifying it is to see our product, our students make an impact not just in Brunei but the region. It is encouraging to see them grow and develop into their own unique and successful individuals.”

“In closing, I hope through our collective effort and commitment, UBD and TelBru will be able to achieve more, further develop and strengthen our relationship to maintain a successful and fruitful partnership,” she added.

David Kay in his speech said, “Eight months ago, TelBru inked its partnership with UBD to stimulate its academic environment by enriching teaching and learning at the university.

“The sharing of technical expertise and resources and direct interaction with the experts within TelBru can offer undergraduates a real world working environment giving them a deeper understanding of the dynamics of the industry,” he said.

He added, beyond that, UBD can offer its innovation and discovery-driven culture while TelBru can share its market and customer-driven environment.

“I am very happy that to date, we have managed to forge successful collaboration at different levels with various institutions in the country,” said the TelBru CEO. “Just recently, we took on 10 students from IBTE for the HNTec Apprenticeship Training Scheme in Telecommunications and IT.

“Today, we are taking another important step forward by formalising an agreement with two UBD students through the Faculty of Integrated Technologies,” he said. “All these partnerships reaffirm our strong commitment to working together for the benefit of our young people and the development of education in Brunei Darussalam.

“We believe that educating our young people is a shared responsibility. That is why industry and academic partnership like ours is significantly important to us, and as a potential employer for your graduates, this partnership will enable the undergraduates to attune themselves to the needs of this constantly evolving industry,” he added.

“As your graduates will be trained according to industry specification and needs, it will not only broaden their experience but more importantly expose them to real problems and solutions and increase their marketability in an ever growing challenging job market.”

The two students who signed the agreement yesterday spoke with the Bulletin, beginning with Tan Chien Loong.

“It feels really good, I’m happy. This shows that there’s understanding between industry and academic. It makes you feel secure, because you have this job opportunity waiting for you after you graduate,” he said, adding that he was very thankful.

Muhamad Afieq was also very pleased, saying, “I feel very honoured. I’m happy to have been chosen. I’m happy to be here, and I’m looking forward to my future with TelBru.”

Among the attendees for yesterday’s event were members of TelBru staff as well as the company’s partners from UBD.

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|     Wani Roslan     |

TEN male and four female participants, aged between 18 and 21 years, have been selected to join the Innovation Visionary Youth Programme or ‘Program Inovasi Belia Berwawasan’ (PIBB) which was launched yesterday at the Di-Gadong Hall at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS).

The programme was launched by guest of honour, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.

The programme is a collaboration between the Community Development Department (JAPEM) of MCYS and Politeknik Brunei under the Ministry of Education (MoE) that aims to strengthen the identity and mind as well as improve the skills of the youth in facing challenges of life.

There are three phases in the programme.

The first phase ‘Migration Self and Mind’ sees the participants undergo training under the National Service Programme (PKBN) for three months to build their self-esteem and mind.

PIBB participants in a group photo with Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, along with other officials.

Signing of plaque between Rostinah binti Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Sura Pahlawan Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Tahir, Acting Director of Community Development, and Denis Ho Mun Tai, Director of Politeknik Brunei. – PHOTOS: MCYS

Under the second phase, ‘Basic Skills Training 21st Century’, the participants undergo basic skills education at Politeknik Brunei where each participant will be paired with a student of Politeknik Brunei who will act as a counsellor.

Under the third phase ‘Job Placement’, the participants will undergo industrial training with private companies to expose them to a real working environment and also improve their employability and job opportunities.

Dayangku Siti Saihalina binti Pengiran Haji Mohd Daud, Assistant Director of JAPEM, said JAPEM hoped that the participants will be able to use the skills they have gained to become part of a visionary generation.

Yesterday’s ceremony also saw the signing of a plaque between Rostinah binti Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Sura Pahlawan Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Tahir, the Acting Director of Community Development, and Denis Ho Mun Tai, Director of Politeknik Brunei.

Also present at the ceremony were Dr Haji Junaidi bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the MoE; Dato Paduka Dr Haji Affendy bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin and Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil, Permanent Secretaries at the MCYS, as well as heads of departments and directors of MoE and MCYS.

PIBB is a pilot programme developed to empower youths by equipping them with the basic skills to prepare them to enter the workforce and also reduce the number of recipients of government assistance, especially among the youth.

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|     Abdul Hakiim Yakof     |

TO ENLIVEN the nights leading up to the Maulud Nabi celebrations of 1438H/2016, the Ministry of Education began its series of Dikir ceremony at the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan last night.

The congregation was led by Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, the Minister of Education.

Also present was Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar, the Deputy Minister of Education.

The congregation performed the mass Maghrib prayer which was led by Zulkifli bin Haji Murad from the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque.

Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, the Minister of Education, and other senior officials during the ceremony lastnight. – ABDUL HAKIIM YAKOF

The minister then led the recitation of Surah al-Fatihah, followed by the recitation of Dikir Syarafil Anam.

The ceremony continued with mass Isyak prayers and concluded with the Doa Allah Peliharakan Sultan.

The congregation will continue the Dikir ceremony at the Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah, Kampong Kiulap on 4th of Rabiulawal 1438 Hcorresponding to December 4, 2016.

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HIS Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, and General of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) yesterday visited the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Camp.

Upon arrival at the Sungei Gedong Camp, His Royal Highness was greeted by Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) and Second Minister for Defence of Singapore; Major General Melvyn Ong, Chief of Army of Singapore; and Brigadier General Kenneth Liow, Armour Chief of Singapore.

At the camp, His Royal Highness proceeded to the Armour Gunnery and Manoeuvre Simulator (AGMS) building. His Royal Highness was then presented with a briefing of the Armour Simulation Centre (ASC) and toured the facilities of the building.

His Royal Highness received a pesambah from Major General Melvyn Ong, and His Royal Highness reciprocated with gifts to Ong Ye Kung. His Royal Highness then signed the visitors’ book and met with RBAF personnel who are currently attending courses in the Republic of Singapore before proceeding for a group photograph session.

His Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, and General of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, with Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) and Second Minister for Defence of Singapore; and Major General Melvyn Ong, Chief of Army of Singapore in a group photo with RBAF personnel who are currently attending courses in the Republic of Singapore. – PHOTOS: INFOFOTO

His Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah witnessing a demonstration of the Leopard 2A4 Main Battle Tank simulation at the Instructor Operating Station.

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|     Rokiah Mahmud     |

A TOTAL  of $3,848,655 has been collected for the Mosque Construction Fund as of November 30, Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, the Minister of Religious Affairs said.

The fund mobilised at least $200,000 on a monthly basis and received overwhelming response from government employees, government-linked companies (GLCs), corporate bodies as well as the general public, Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin shared during a media conference at the Musyawarah Hall, Ministry of Religious Affairs extension building.

The fund mobilised $120,919 via Data Stream Technologies (DST) and Progresif Cellular Sdn Bhd (PCSB) from June 2 until July 16, 2016, the minister said, adding that more than 4,000 government employees including uniformed personnel and GLCs contributed their donations via banks, assigning a certain amount from their salary to be contributed to the fund.

According to him, donation boxes allocated at the mosques and suraus across the country further encouraged the general public to make their contributions.

The minister said that with the support of the Brunei Islamic Religious Council and with the consent of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the fund will be used to construct a mosque in Kampong Tanjung Bunut, replacing the current surau there. The project is estimated to cost about $3.5 million.

Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, the Minister of Religious Affairs, receiving the donation from Dato Paduka Haji Yahya bin Haji Idris, Permanent Secretary (Corporate and Governance) at the Prime Minister’s Office. – ROKIAH MAHMUD

The fund will also be utilised to repair and renovate existing mosques in the country.

The event also saw presentation of donations collected via DST and PCSB campaign.

DST’s donation cheque was presented by Abdul Latiff bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof, member of the Board of Directors of DST Sdn Bhd.

The telecom provider collected $104,507 through SMS campaign.

DST also presented its own contribution of $10,000.

Meanwhile, Normah Ahmad, a member of the Board of Directors of PCSB, presented a contribution amounting to $16,412 that was collected via its SMS service.

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) also presented its donation amounting to $4,362.47 which was collected from officers and staff at the PMO. It was presented by Dato Paduka Haji Yahya bin Haji Idris, Permanent Secretary (Corporate and Governance) at the PMO.

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|      Hakim Hayat      |

THE three-day regional disaster emergency drill, Asean Regional Disaster Emergency Response Simulation Exercise 2016 (ARDEX-16), concluded on a high note at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas on Thursday.

The large-scale simulation exercise featured the involvement of all Asean member countries. The exercise aimed to test and evaluate mechanisms pertaining to emergency response and disaster management.

The event was jointly hosted by Brunei Darussalam through its National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) as well as the Asean Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre). Over 150 emergency response personnel from Asean and other international and regional bodies took part in the exercise.

In his remarks during the conclusion of the exercise, Haji Idris bin Haji Ali, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), said that the table top and coordination exercises showed the complexity and involvement of many sectors of Asean, particularly the coordination between civilians and the military. He noted that the exercise also tested the mechanisms for coordinating between Asean sectoral bodies and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).

“It also tested the means of communication between Asean in the coordination of offering assistance through the Asean-Standard Operating Procedure for Regional Standby Arrangements and Coordination of Joint Disaster Relief and Emergency Response Operations. The role of the Secretary-General of Asean as the Asean Humanitarian Affairs Coordination was also tested,” he explained.

Haji Idris bin Haji Ali, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs presenting appreciation letter to coordinating organisers of the exercise. – NDMC

He added that the coordination exercise also saw the cooperation between the AHA Centre and the UNOCHA as well as mobilising foreign military assets through the Multi-National Coordinating Centre, the Ministry of Defence. “It was also good to learn of the interoperability between our local and international responders; where they worked together using a common command structure,” he added. “It was seamless how they operate together in providing support to the affected authorities.”

Meanwhile, Said Faisal, Executive Director of AHA Centre reiterated that Asean Leaders and Head of States have agreed to materialise the ‘One Asean, One Response: Asean Responding to Disasters as One in the Region and Outside the Region’ to achieve faster response, mobilise greater resources and establish stronger coordination to ensure Asean’s collective response to disaster and added that they are pleased that ARDEX would be the first exercise as an embodiment of the vision of ‘One Asean One Response’.

He also highlighted that the way forward for disaster management in the bloc requires hard work and determination. “With the conceptualisation of the Asean Vision 2025 on Disaster Management, Asean will need to invigorate existing regional mechanisms embodied in the Asean Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) accordingly to ensure that it would still be as relevant as it has been over the past 10 years and would continue to serve as a comprehensive regional framework and policy backbone for disaster management and emergency response in Asean,” he added.

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|     Wani Roslan     |

THE Deputy Minister of Defence, First Admiral (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Abdul Aziz bin Haji Mohammad Tamit, yesterday received a courtesy call from First Admiral (Rtd) Azhari bin Abdul Aziz, Senior Political and Security Adviser at the International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) Office based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

During the call, the Deputy Minister of Defence expressed his appreciation for the cooperative relationship between Brunei Darussalam and the ICRC, which had been increasing in recent years and praised the activities to date of the ICRC in undertaking humanitarian aid work in dangerous conflict areas.

The ICRC Senior Political and Security Adviser also shared that the organisation is in the process of developing a Centre of Excellence for International Humanitarian Law. The Centre will serve this region to build capacity in the realm.

Both sides also explored the possibility of deepening cooperation between the Ministry of Defence and the ICRC in future regional activities.

First Admiral (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Abdul Aziz bin Haji Mohammad Tamit, Deputy Minister of Defence poses for a photo with First Admiral (Rtd) Azhari bin Abdul Aziz, Senior Political and Security Adviser at the ICRC Office, Malaysia. – MINDEF

Founded in 1863, the ICRC is an independent, neutral organisation that aims to ensure humanitarian protection and give aid for victims of war and armed violence. It takes action in response to emergencies and promotes respect for international humanitarian law.

The ICRC has worked in Malaysia since 1972 and opened its regional delegation in Kuala Lumpur in 2001.

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A DELEGATION of six people from Guangxi International Youth Exchange Student Institute, China recently made a courtesy call to Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports. The ceremony was held at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) building.

The delegation led by Weng Hua, a representative of China Guangxi International Youth Exchange Institute was on a six-day visit to Brunei to meet and share experiences with the Asean Young Leaders Training Programme (AYLTP) alumni.

Also present were Permanent Secretaries at the MCYS, Dato Paduka Dr Haji Affendy bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin and Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil as well as the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam, Yang Jian.

During their visit, the delegation paid a visit to the Youth Development Centre, Kampong Ayer and Kampong Sungai Matan among many other places.

Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports in a group photo with the delegation.

Exchange of gifts between the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports and Weng Hua, a representative of China Guangxi International Youth Exchange Institute.

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