Prestige customers registering before entering the venue

Prestige customers browsing through the collections

Baiduri Bank Group, the main sponsor of J Boxing by Jovian, organised a preview of the collection this morning at the Empire Hotel and Country Club. The closed-door event was organised exclusively for their Baiduri Prestige members.

During the event, the invited guests were able to browse through the wide variety of the latest collections of Jovian Apparel which include Jovian Borsa (handbags), JLuxe Raya 2017, Jovian Men 2017, Savannah, JBasic Raya 2017, Lisa Surihani for Jovian, Jovian Hijab and Jovian Kids.

Hjh Maripaz Abdullah, Head of Prestige Programme in Baiduri Bank said, “The Baiduri Prestige programme is based on five principles, Privileges being one of them. Invitations to exclusive events like this are among the many benefits that our Prestige members enjoy.”

She further elaborated, “Baiduri Prestige first held a similar event in September last year with Bait Al-Hijab showcasing locally designed modest wear.  We received very positive feedback from our customers, and encouraged by that, we decided to bring more such events to our customers.  In today’s event, we are collaborating with leading local fashion retailer ‘Bajoo’, to bring to your doorstep, this exclusive collection in anticipation of your needs for the coming Hari Raya festive season. We felt that the Jovian collection currently being offered would be ideal not only for the ladies, but the whole family.”

During the three-day J Boxing by Jovian event, Baiduri Prestige members can enjoy a 10% discount when they shop using their Visa Infinite Credit Card or their Baiduri Prestige Mastercard Platinum Debit Card, while all other Baiduri cardholders will receive a 5% discount.

Baiduri Prestige is a programme for Baiduri’s high net-worth customers designed to provide a range of personalised services and offers. The Prestige programme is built around 5 principles: Personal Touch, Progression in Wealth, Privileges, Priority Recognition and Platinum Status. Baiduri Prestige members have exclusive access to our Baiduri Prestige Centres located at the Kiarong Branch, the Kiulap Branch, the Kuala Belait Branch and the Seria Branch.

For more information about Baiduri Bank’s products and promotions, visit our website at www.baiduri.com or call our Baiduri Bank Customer Helpline at 244 9666.

Audi R8 LMS #6 (Team Audi R8 LMS Cup), Alex Au/Alex Yoong

The Audi R8 LMS Cup will start its sixth season in Sepang (Malaysia) on the weekend from May 5–7. It has established itself as one of the leading motorsport platforms for young talents in Asia. The Cup is even more attractive this year: thanks to an agreement with the Blancpain GT Series Asia, Audi’s customer teams are able to compete in two different series under profitable conditions.

This year, the teams in the Audi R8 LMS Cup will compete in ten races at five events in Malaysia, Japan, Korea and China. There will also be a premiere: for the first time, the Audi R8 LMS Cup will cooperate with another racing series, the Blancpain GT Series Asia. The series have aligned their calendars so that the teams can compete in all races. There are no additional costs for the teams to transport the cars between both racing series. The winner of the amateur classification in the 2017 Audi R8 LMS Cup will also be able to line up in the 2018 Spa 24 Hours without an entry fee.

There is a diverse grid for the one-make cup: from professionals like former Formula 1 drivers Will Stevens from Great Britain and Alex Yoong from Malaysia, to ambitious junior talents and local gentleman drivers. The amateurs in particular are the backbone of the Audi customer racing program and therefore will enjoy special support this year. The organizers will reimburse the winner of the amateur rankings with the total of their tire budget at the end of the season. In addition, the amateurs will receive privileges in every race. For example, the “Push-to-Pass” technology will return for the 2017 season, which will release additional power from the V10 engine for a limited time, thus facilitating overtaking. The amateurs are allowed to use this function twice as often as the pros. Interested parties can compete with their own teams in the Audi R8 LMS Cup or make use of the turnkey application concepts from the four service providers, Absolute Racing, Phoenix Racing Asia, KC Motorgroup (KCMG) and Team WRT.

Audi R8 LMS, Blancpain GT Series Asia 2017

While the first race of the Audi R8 LMS Cup is imminent, the Blancpain GT Series Asia season has already started for Audi in April – and very well too: the Australian-Indian driver duo Mitchell Gilbert/Aditya Patel from the OD Racing Team celebrated a historic first victory with an Audi R8 LMS at Sepang in the new racing series. After second place in the second race, the two drivers now lead the table in front of Marchy Lee/Shaun Thong, who are competing for Audi Hong Kong in the R8 LMS. The squads from Milestone Racing, Team Audi R8 LMS Cup, Team WRT and KCMG are also lining up with four additional Audi R8 LMS cars.

But not only these two championships offer the Audi customer teams exciting applications in Asia. The Super GT series is the most prestigious program of events in Japan. With the Audi Team Hitotsuyama and the Taisan Sard team, two teams with an Audi R8 LMS each will face tough competition with 28 other competitors in the GT300 class.

A still young field of action for the Audi GT3 sports car is the China GT Championship, which is about to hold its second year. For this, Phoenix Racing Asia prepares two Audi R8 LMS, whilst customer teams 300+, JRM, Kings Racing, Linky Racing and Shan Xi Tian Shi Racing will line up with additional Audi GT3 sports cars. Additional clubsport platforms in Japan, China and Taiwan open up further opportunities for Audi customers. In Thailand, the team B-Quik Racing is presenting the Audi R8 LMS for the first time in the Thailand Super Series. The FIA GT World Cup will take place from November 16–19 in Macau. Here, Audi is the defending champion.

In addition to the Audi R8 LMS, the new Audi RS 3 LMS is now available for customers in Asian racing. In the TCR Asia Series, Jasper Thong from Hong Kong has already recorded the first victory for Audi Hong Kong in this model at the Zhuhai race in April.

Coming live tonight by 8pm 5th May 2017

First when I thought of the new car ride app, will this actually work since it’s our culture that we drive our own cars or either be driven by families and friends. I mean, that’s how hospitable our culture in Brunei.

Then come to think of it, there is a demand when it comes to reaching to destinations even for the locals. It just that we are not used to a fact of using taxis here in Brunei. Even I haven’t been in one. Surprisingly my mom has been in one before back in the 70s *lol*

So this is where Dart (Brunei) comes in to help improve the business of taxi services in Brunei rather than relying on calls or walk-in guests. We all are mostly familiar with Uber or Grab Taxi when we travel. So the same applies here for Brunei and it is made possible by Dart, Brunei’s first car ride booking app which will go live tonight by 8pm after the official launch by the Minister of Communications.

I had a quick chat with Zul’ Amali Idris, the CEO and founder of Dart and he was quite excited for the fact that it is really happening. Furthermore, their company became the first startup company to be accepted by Progresif Cellular and they just practically moved in a few days ago before the launch. So everything is darting in a quick pace and I believe Zul’s team of six are capable to run a good launch tonight.

You can read more from an article from BizBrunei.com or visit their website at dartbrunei.com

I have downloaded the app and hopefully I shall try it in days to come. Congratulations on this initiative. It has finally happen. I’m pretty sure the Minister will be more than happy for such technology to take place in Brunei Darussalam.

With the team behind Dart (Brunei).

Their office space at Progresif Cellular

Dato Paduka Hj Jamain bin Hj Julaihi, Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office with members of the French Bruneian Business Association and invited speakers yesterday

The man of the hour, Brandon Ng, co-founder of AMPD Energy

Thank you for the invitation, French Bruneian Business Association, for the interesting dialogue and forum on “Energy Transition & Innovation”. The event was held at Radisson Hotel and the guest of honour was Dato Paduka Hj Jamain bin Hj Julaihi, Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office.

Of course, the main highlight of the event was the invited speaker, Brandon Ng, a Bruneian born who is based in Hong Kong. Now why is he the highlight of the show? Because of his amazing credentials this year alone. His company Ampd Energy exhibited their product at the CES 2017 earlier this January. CES is one of the biggest innovative showcase that I know of and it stands for Consumer Technology Association where you will see giants like Apple, Playstation and many more. This is also a great platform for start-ups to showcase their prototype or products to consumer ends.

Secondly, Brandon Ng is listed as “Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 list under the Industry, Manufacturing and Energy sector. Now that’s an amazing accolade or resume to have in the year 2017 alone. That says a lot about Brandon’s brighter future. Ok, let’s not get carried away. Let’s talk more about the forum that took place yesterday.

The guest of honour mentioned something interesting that will hopefully change the landscape when it comes to energy consumption. He said that the Energy Industry Department at the Prime Minister’s Office and Brunei National Energy Research Institute (BNERI) have completed a draft on Renewable Energy Act which will hopefully be implemented by 2018. Dato Paduka Hj Jamain also shared how Brunei ranks one of the worst in terms of energy consumption per capita. So it’s important on how newer frameworks and policies will help to reduce energy consumption that can benefit the country.

We are definitely in the transition period after the launched of the Energy White Paper back in 2014 where Brunei has set a target of 10% of electricity generation from renewable resources by 2035. That’s 18 years away from now and let’s not get complacent.

I like the presentation by Vincent Dutel, the CEO of Total E&P Borneo BV who shared on climate change being affected by energy efficiency. We might be thinking things like pollution and such in contributing climate change but even energy consumption especially in the oil and gas industry can play a huge role.

He also shared some tips on how turn the oil and gas industry sustainable for stakeholders in a long run. Firstly is to have cost effective measures such as cost reduction. For instance, Total’s latest project, the Maharaja Lela South Project, performed some cost cutting measures and saved at least BND 400 million in cost alone. The previous estimated project costs BND 1.3 billion.

Secondly is to implement integration by using renewable resources. For instance, turning gas into electricity or even using solar energy to create electricity. Thirdly, simply be innovative by creating cutting edge technology to make a project or the company more sustainable.

Brandon Ng shared his ready-to-be-marketed product the AMPD Silo, an energy storage for solar, that will change the landscape of energy consumption, replacing current diesel generators and even high powered UPS.

The AMPD Silo uses advanced, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to store electricity. They will come to good effect when the main source of electricity fails and the AMPD Silo will restore electricity in a matter of a second. I believe this product is so ideal in places such as hospitals or places that has huge servers and such.

I shall talk more on Brandon Ng on my future post and I can understand why he sees a better future being based in Hong Kong as he will be able to grow faster in getting his product out in the global market. Being in Brunei may bring new opportunities but should he wants to grow bigger in a faster rate, places like Hong Kong would be ideal for his business venture and plus it makes more economic sense.

Thank you once again for FBBA for the invitation and thank you for making this event possible.

Pierre Imhof, the President of FBBA in his welcoming remarks

Panel discussion with guest of honour, Brandon Ng and Vincent Dutel.

Vincent Dutel giving a presentation on sustaining the oil and gas industry

Token of appreciation to the speakers

Mr. Karam Chand, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) and Mr. Bilal Ekşi, Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chairman of Turkish Airlines (TK) are pleased with the new expansion to provide customers with more options to travel to Turkey

Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) and Turkish Airlines (TK) began its code share agreement in February 2016 that allows passengers to connect seamlessly from Bandar Seri Begawan to Istanbul via Dubai (and vice versa). Both airlines are pleased with the results and plans to further enhance this connectivity via Singapore.

So effective 1st May 2017, flights from Singapore to Istanbul (and vice versa) will be operated by Turkish Airlines whereas the flight between Bandar Seri Begawan and Singapore will be operated by Royal Brunei Airlines.

To Turkey via Singapore through RB

To Turkey via Dubai through RB

Mr. Karam Chand, Chief Executive Officer of RB said, “We are very pleased to have partnered with Turkish Airlines to provide our customers with more choices. The results to-date have been very encouraging and as a result, we are expanding our partnership. The RB and Turkish Airlines code share flights offer the best connection to Istanbul and vice versa and we believe we will further enhance the tourism and business links between two countries.”

Mr. Bilal Ekşi, Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chairman of TK stated that; “This expansion in the scope of the codeshare will not only provide our respective passengers with varied options for traveling to Brunei, but also create a great opportunity for a seamless travel with the reduced layover durations. It is a pleasure for us to improve our service to Bandar Seri Begawan, which I believe will eventually contribute to the enhancement of the good relations between two countries.”

Customers can now choose to travel to Istanbul, Turkey via Dubai or Singapore. For further information on the Turkish Airlines cooperation, please contact your nearest Royal Brunei Airlines Office.

The grand winner of the lucky draw presented by Hj Harris bin Othman, the Belait District Officer at the KBSentral Brisk Walk event last Sunday

The warm up session

In conjunction of World Health Day 2017, Sentral Shopping Centre (KBSentral) hosted the KBSentral Brisk Walk that took place starting and finishing at the Car Porch Area of Sentral Shopping Centre yesterday 30th April 2017.

About more than 280 participants registered to join the event where they were all clad in a blue and orange striped uniform, emblazoned with The Brisk Walk logo along with its theme of Its Not Just A Walk, It’s a Workout.

Hj Harris bin Othman, the Belait District Officer was the guest of honour and also present were village heads and invited guests, sponsors and partners of the event.

According to the organizer, KBSentral Shopping Centre, the objective for this event were to increase self-awareness among the public about the importance of maintaining good health, both physically and mentally; and to change the perception of those who thinks exercise is a waste of time and troublesome.

There was also a lucky draw for participants who registered for the walk with the A360 Polar Watch as the grand prize.

In her opening remark, Miss Abby Lim, Sentral Shopping Centre’s General Manager stated, “We believe that starting your day off early in the morning with a walk is always a good starter. There has never been any better way to start your day with a bit of exercise and a good healthy breakfast.”

She also thanked the sponsors and partners for their support – REF Station, Origroce, Belait Police Station, volunteers from PJN Secondary School and Kemuda Institute, students from Pusat Eric Goh and Pusat Ehsan and also thanking her team from KBSentral Event.

For further information, please call 3339889 or 8307788 during management office hours from 8:30am to 5:30pm every day except Sunday.

The warm up session before the walk

The 6 KM walk around KB

Good to see families participating in this event

Walking past KB Sentral

The guest of honour in the group photo

KBSentral Management team

The players during Day 3 of the Baiduri Masters 2017 last Sunday

Following are the updates from the RBA Golf Club. By the end of the first weekend, the Baiduri Masters saw a total of 328 golfers vying for their opportunity to don the coveted Green Jacket and Challenge Trophy.

By the end of today’s session, the Top 16 Leaderboard saw a lot of movement with the addition of seven new contenders: Ahmad Yani Hj Md Noor, Hj Shahminan Hj Damit, Pg Hj Zamani Pg Hj Ahmed, Md Kamarul Hafiz, Pg Hj Razali Pg Sabli, Chu Vui Kiat, and Edwin Liew.

Tied for today’s top spot are Ahmad Yani Hj Md Noor, Pg Ahmad Zaki, and Seruji Hj Setia with a terrific score of 71. Pg Ahmad Zaki improved his previous score by 3 strokes. Tied for fourth and fifth places are newcomer Hj Shahminan Hj Damit and Suhaimi Ibrahim with a gross of 72. Suhaimi Ibrahim dropped 3 places in the leaderboard.

The next three spots consist of Nujaimi Hj Jumat, Zulehram Yakub, and Pg Hj Zamani Pg Hj Ahmed with a gross of 73 each. Nujaimi Hj Jumat fell down the leaderboard by 3 places whereas Zulehram Yakub returned to the Top 16. He improved his last score by 7 strokes.

The next two spots saw Md Kamarul Hafiz and Pg Hj Razali Pg Sabli tied with a score of 74. Similarly, the next two spots also saw a tie between Rudy Hairywan Yussof and Chu Vui Kiat with a score of 75. Rudy Hairywan Yussof went down 6 places.

Rounding off the top sixteen were Pg Dato Hj Wahab, Hj Azaman Daud, David Liaw, and Edwin Liew with a tied score of 76. Both Hj Azaman Daud and David Liaw moved down the leaderboard by 8 places.

At the conclusion of the first weekend, it is still anyone’s championship. Will the final weekend see another major shift in the leaderboard? Will the conditions be optimal for another exciting round of golf? Let’s find out next week.

The Baiduri Masters 2017 will continue next weekend, 5 to 7 May 2017. The top 16 gross players overall will get the opportunity to vie for the Green Jacket.

Besides the coveted Baiduri Masters Green Jacket and Challenge Trophy, the golfers also have the chance to score the fantastic hole-in-one prizes comprising two luxury cars and three cash prizes of B$20,000 each.

Other than the BMW 320i M Sport at hole 14, other hole-in-one prizes on offer this year are the Mini Cooper S for Hole 5, and B$20,000 cash each for Holes 2, 12 and 16.

Additionally, there will be novelty prizes up for grabs for the nearest to the pin throughout the tournament and also longest drive as well as lucky draw prizes.

As with every year, proceeds raised during the Baiduri Masters will be donated to local charity organisations that help persons with special needs integrate into the wider society.

Those who haven’t registered for the tournament can still do so at the RBA Golf Club, First Floor, VIP Room. Registration opens at 6.00 am to 8.30 pm. Participants are encouraged to play more than once to improve their chances of winning, and they will enjoy a discount on the registration fee on their subsequent rounds.

The Baiduri Masters are held over two weekends at the RBA Golf Club, Berakas and played on format System 36 (Stroke Play) and the challenge trophy will be decided on gross. The Baiduri Masters tournament is divided into 4 divisions – Men’s, Group, Ladies and Junior. The Men’s division will be further divided into Men’s Gross, Men’s Nett and Senior Golfers Nett.

For more details, the public can log onto the website www.baiduri.com or call the Baiduri Bank Customer Helpline at 244 9666.

We all enjoyed Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 So did you too?

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

The Good. So many to love about Volume 2 and I love the fact that they used Volume 2 to indicate as a sequel instead of labelling it Guardians of the Galaxy 2. Neat indeed. I totally was immersed with the visuals. This was quite comparable to Dr. Strange when comparing visuals but GOTG2 was perhaps more spectacular. Maybe more refined especially when it comes to the battle scenes in space. Maybe even better than some of the Star Wars battle scenes in space.

The biggest draw for me is the humour they infested in the sequel. If you ask me, this is the funniest superhero movie after Deadpool. This is also one reason why Deadpool was so popular despite its R-rating – the humour was on point and well executed. The same can be said of GOTG2. Ironically enough, Draxx stole the limelight here and of course, who would not forget about Baby Groot.

Iron Man and a few Marvel sequels have been mediocre. However, this can’t be said for GOTG2. I won’t say it was better than the first but man, it surely know how to make it fun and engaging at the same time. A nice blend of classic music and action set pieces. The new characters were introduced effectively. Emotionally I was satisfied especially in the end (no spoilers). Definitely different from the other Marvel Cinematic Universe movies you have seen. Now I’m very geared up for the upcoming Thor.

The Bad. It doesn’t have the same intensity as the first. That sense of urgency was lacking. The storyline was just above average and I thought it was predictable as well. It also seemed that the audience were more entertained by certain characters such as Drax and Baby Groot. They were enough to distract us from a you-can-do-better plot.

With the light-hearted, happy-go-lucky feeling tone to the movie, it will tough for GOTG series to blend into a darker tone for the next installment. On the topic of humour and jokes, some didn’t land quite well and I knew they were expecting laughs from us. Then again, these are just minor flaws that can be easily excused. The one-liners were sharper and funnier in the first in my opinions.

The Ugly. I was hoping for a better and more ruthless villain. Well, there’s not much of the ugly side. I was entertained from start to finish. Perhaps, another second viewing?

Verdict: A sequel that won’t disappoint but I expected more. Rating: Rano 8/10 Sandy 9/10 Pranika 9/10 Jidun 8.5/10

Which was your favourite character for GOTG2?