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Archive for October, 2020

Digital Sedekah made possible by BIBD NexGen

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in Social News

 

Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Othman, Minister of Religious Affair, launching Digital Sedekah at Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque
   

Representatives from the respective mosques collected the BIBD QuickPay QR code from the guest of honour

    Members of the public will now be able to donate to individual mosques or to the Mosque Construction Fund via BIBD QuickPay. Powered by BIBD NEXGEN, BIBD QuickPay allows customers to make payments simply by scanning a QR code through the BIBD NEXGEN Wallet mobile app on their smartphones.

This latest initiative is part of BIBD’s drive to encourage customers to Go Cashless and Go Digital, bringing a digital twist to the concept of giving or ‘sedekah’. The BIBD QuickPay Service for Mosques, Suraus and Religious Halls Donation Fund and the Brunei Darussalam Mosque Construction Fund [Majlis Pelancaran Perkhidmatan QuickPay BIBD bagi Kewangan Tabung Masjid, Surau dan Balai Ibadat dan Tabung Dana bagi Pembinaan Masjid, Negara Brunei Darussalam] was launched by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Othman earlier today at the Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque.

Also present was BIBD’s Managing Director and CEO, Mubashar Khokhar, along with BIBD management and senior officers also attended the event. Speaking at the event, BIBD’s Managing Director and CEO, Mubashar Khokhar said “Brunei has over 500,000 mobile users, but there is still plenty of room for growth in terms of embracing the usage of digital payments.

One of BIBD’s priorities is to support the nation as we head into a cashless society. We are honoured to partner with the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and are confident that this collaboration will serve as a great example to drive a cashless society.”

Through this latest initiative, members of the public can make donations without needing to carry physical cash. With just their smartphones, they can scan and donate ‘digitally’ using BIBD QuickPay; these donations will then be transferred directly to the respective mosque accounts, avoiding the risk of loose cash and theft.

Currently, 65 mosques, suraus and religious halls around the country will accept donations to their respective mosque funds via BIBD QuickPay. Additionally, members of the public can also contribute to the Brunei Darussalam Mosque Construction Fund. The fund was first established by the consent of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang DiPertuan of Brunei Darussalam in 2015.

It is hoped that the provision of BIBD QuickPay will make it easy for Muslims to donate and increase their good deeds and invest in the Hereafter.

   

   

   

   

 

Season of Change

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in Social News

 

May Cho, Marketing Executive of Indera Motors, announcing the “Season of Change” at Indera Motors Showroom recently
   

Kapra Coffee @kapracoffee was in the house for a coffee collaboration for customers
   

@belleskitchenbn was also there
 

  Yes, the “Season of Change” is on going at the moment at Indera Motors Sdn Bhd. The final quarter of 2020 will be something to be happy about as Indera Motors Sdn Bhd introduced exciting offers for Jaguar Land Rover lovers in Brunei Darussalam.

First thing, Indera Motors is offering an Approved model promotion for Jaguar Land Rover which will end on October 31. Approved models are the pre-owned brands which have undergone stringent routine checks in making sure the cars are up to highest standard and quality. Those who purchased the Approved October Special promotion , he or she will be entitled for a choice of 1) BND 1,000 Cash Rebate Gift Bundle 2) an Aesthetic Gift bundle including JPD Approved Tinted Windows and Black Painted Rims or 3) an Accessory Gift Bundle with terms and conditions apply.

Secondly, there is the Season of Change Test Drive and Win Lucky Draw Promotion which ends on December 31. All you have to do is test drive any Jaguar Land Rover vehicle. Customers will be able to experience the feeling of driving a Jaguar or a Land Rover and they have sale consultants on stand-by to assist you with any queries.

So test drive from today till December 31 and you can stand a chance to win a Jaguar Heritage Watch, a Jab Gym 3-month membership, a Bang & Olufsen E8 True Wireless Ear Piece and Under Armour $50 Sports vouchers. The draw will be held on January 2021. So make a change this season and reward yourself.

The campaign kicked off Indera Motors hosting a coffee event a few weeks ago. They collaborated with Kapra Coffee, a specialty coffee roaster that sources only specialty grade coffees each season for the Coffee and Cars event. Also joining them was Belle’s Kitchen, providing delicious pastries.

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

 

Mercedes-Benz GLB test drive

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in Social News

 

The most popular segment in the premium SUV – the Mercedes Benz GLB 200
   

The awesome headlamp from Mercedes Benz GLB
 

  One of the most anticipated SUVs in Brunei and also the first in its class, the latest Mercedes GLB, which took the public by surprise. It was that popular that the Mercedes GLB’s orders are stretched till next year March 2021. I am not sure why this model is a big hit and I believe it’s because for many reasons. The main one reason is definitely the fact that Jati Transport brought it the newest class in the SUV segment. It feels like a fresher look for Mercedes SUV and we Bruneians like anything that is new.

And also the fact it is a 7 seater which is quite rare in most SUVs and this is very ideal as a family car and still carrying that premium feeling. Don’t be fooled by the letter “B” in GLB as it doesn’t mean that it’s way smaller than the GLCs in the market. It is, in fact, smaller but only by a few centimeter. So if you were to see it visually, you won’t feel that the Mercedes GLB is smaller than the other SUV models from the Mercedes line.

So the fact that it offers 7 seater, this is already a huge plus in the eyes of the customers. So hence, I’m not surprised by the popularity of the Mercedes Benz GLB in the Brunei market.

As for the performance, driving it for a few days, the Mercedes Benz GLB is a great ride though I yet to travel on long distances to experience the GLB to its fullest. The new GLB 200 places its trust in the four-cylinder petrol, with 1.3 litre power. This model has increaser power and improved efficiency and emissions. I have yet to try how powerful the GLB when I drive with a full load but that can be tested at another time.

The interior and the dashboard are something to shout about and this is already an expectation for customers when it comes to the Mercedes brand. Their infotainment is still the best and the aesthetics of the digital panel will give a good driving pleasure for the driver and passenger. Of course, the ambient lighting is already part of Mercedes Benz DNA and it gives the GLB a modern look.

As for body/leg space, this is a clear winner. There are plenty of front space and the leg room is very ideal for the front passengers. The furthest back seats (third row) might be the smallest space among the rows but still ideal for passengers alike. Owners of the Mercedes GLB will appreciate the flexibility when it comes to folding the seats. For instance, the third row seats can be easily stowed away and adjusted if necessary.

If you are really keen to test drive the Mercedes GLB, by all means, do contact Jati Transport and I hope there will be a suitable date for you when you happen to choose the GLB as your car-to-go. Drop by the Mercedes Autohaus and meet your salesman for a more in-depth review and knowledge on the popular Mercedes Benz GLB.

   

The front space of the Mercedes Benz GLB 200
   

The 3rd row seat, the feature of the 7 seater of the Mercedes Benz GLB 200
   

 

BIBD Securities, a shariah-compliant investment

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in Social News

 

Haji Muhammad Yazid bin Dato Paduka Haji Mahadi, BIBD Securities Managing Director of BIBD Securities BIBD Securities addressing a keynote on BIBD Securities latest products at The Empire Hotel recently
   

Abegail Lo, Relationship Manager at BIBD Securities, delivered a short presentation to Islamic Financial Planning
 

  BIBD have already introduced BIBD Aspirasi which has the main objective on cultivating the savings culture among Bruneians. The campaign has been a huge success and BIBD has just concluded the second season of Aspirasi and now only waiting for the grand draw where one winner will walk away with a BND 250,000. So after you are familiar with savings, why not up the game by investing where the returns is much higher than savings. Basically, it’s like savings but you earn more.

With BIBD Securities, mutual fund is an investment that allows investors with similar investment goals and objectives to pool their money in a diversified portfolio.

BIBD Securities also provides a professional fund manager that will manage and trade the pooled money in securities such as stocks, Sukuk and money market instruments to match the fund’s investment objectives. BIBD aims to bring into the market investment products that are easier to understand for investors who may have limited knowledge or are foreign to investing.

A few weeks ago, members of the media had the privilege to attend the press conference on the launch of BIBD Securities’ latest product – Franklin Global Sukuk Fund and the Templeton Global Equity Fund. Not to worry as all the products from BIBD Securities are all Shariah-compliant. Last week, BIBD Securities officially launched their latest product with two events held at The Empire Hotel and V-Plaza Hotel respectively.

It’s the first time that BIBD Securities partnered with Franklin Templeton Investments, one of the top 20 mutual funds in the world, and also a global leader in asset management with over seven decades of experience.

   

YAM Pg Anak Wadood also attended the event
   

Congratulations BIBD Securities
   

Click image to read more
 

  Haji Muhammad Yazid bin Dato Paduka Haji Mahadi, BIBD Securities Managing Director of BIBD Securities BIBD Securities, gave a keynote address last week, unveiling the latest products BIBD Securities had to offer. He believes that the products introduced are easier to understand and they are equipped with well knowledge financial fund managers to guide interested customers and prospects.

Haji Muhammad Yazid announced that the campaign will run until 30th December and he hopes this will also encourage the youth to participate in investing for their future. The best attraction, perhaps, is that you can be part of this investment by forking out as low as BND 100 to begin with on a monthly basis. Investing has been made more accessible and attractive.

The Franklin Global Sukuk Fund invests in a fund offering monthly dividend pay-out and access to a diversified portfolio of Sukuk securities issued by government, government-related and corporate entities in developed and developing countries.

The Templeton Global Equity Fund, on the other hand is an investment fund that offers long-term capital growth with access to a fully diversified Syariah-compliant global investment across various countries and sectors.

If you want to understand more, you can click on the link here to read more or do give BIBD Securities a visit at BIBD Kiulap, 1st Floor, next to Perdana.

   
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Click image to read more
   

Yang Berhormat Dato Minister of Education also in attendance
   

Managing Director of BIBD with former Deputy Minister of Home Affairs
   

Deputy Permanent Secretary of Energy was also present
   

   

   

 

Behind the scene of PCs

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in Social News

 

With the Ministers and media representatives after a press conference at the Ministry of Health
 

  This is in relation to the episodes of press conferences hosted by the Ministry of Health which is normally held at the Ministry of Health. I never had any expectations, really. I was more about being concerned with my health and also the safety of my family members at home. It was just a matter of time before the pandemic hit our waters and for a little moment, the whole nation was on the verge of panic. I still remember the Public Relation Officer from the Ministry of Health approached me and asked if I could be part of the media team as they will provide information to share with the public. That was the moment I realized how important role I can play in disseminating information as many were craving for the right information.

Yang Berhormat Minister of Health replied to my question on why PCs are important. YB Dato shared that this source of medium is able to keep the public well equipped with the right information and also it will help to dispel any rumours (quite common in Brunei) that can create unnecessary panic among the public. Come 8 months, I can see the positive impact on the press conferences and also a huge thanks to the other media agencies that has helped in sharing vital and true information for the public to digest.

Of course, being invited to be one of the media personnel, is a privileged. It also has its drawback, well, for my case. It’s more about my responsibility as a netizen to be consistent and constantly educating my readers on what has been shared officially. There is no room for second guessing or speculation per se. Whatever I share to my friends and readers, the information must be verified and true. If possible, I will just share my thoughts based on the facts presented from the MOH and that’s how far I will go.

   
   
 

  I am blessed that I can play a part in people’s life in sharing information, based on the numerous calls, Whatsapp messages, Insta DMs and in real life. I always have taken information for granted but these press conferences have made me become more alert and aware, on how I should present myself and always double checking my fact findings. Yes, I really do feel the pressure but at the same time, I also wanted to help the community. It came to a point that I was mentally challenged as my daily routine was just absorbing covid news 24/7. I seriously don’t know how the other reporters handle this especially the media celebrity James Kon. Honestly, covid news consumed my daily life and it took a toll on me. It affected me emotionally and physically. I hid myself in the my room like a caveman. I avoided seeing my family members at home and just focused on my own health and safety. This cycle went on for weeks and at one point, my body was heating up a little and I panicked as it could a related symptom of Covid-19. Ah, it was a really terrible feeling.

I do feel bad in not replying some of the questions put forward but there were just overwhelming and it was a one man show. I felt like the Yellow Pages, or in this era, the Google, for Brunei related covid updates. The hardest part was putting a calm, collected face when being confronted by strangers who sought for information. Yes, I was criticized at times for the questions I raised during PCs. Simple questions, silly questions, good questions, and there will be never be any satisfaction.

Now, I am gonna just share what goes behind the scene during the Press Conferences and this is from my point of view.

Firstly, if you were to dig my brain, here is an insight on how I approach in providing questions and honestly, this is no easy feat and if you’re in my position, you will understand. The questions are mostly collected and written down on my notepad. I will screen them first and you will be surprised some of the questions you thought may be silly to you but it’s very relevant and important at the same time for the public to know. There are times I rather not asked these particular questions but because there is a huge demand (based on messages from the public), the PCs become the best platform to answer even how obvious or silly the questions can be. To my experience, this strategy somehow worked. This is also beneficial from the relevant ministries especially the MOH in giving factual information that are sometimes not included in the press statement by the respective ministers and press releases. The additional and impromptu questions did add more weight and gives the public more assurance. Because of the nature of the Q&A session, the public kind labeled it as a mini-Legco session.

Secondly, the answers from the respective Ministers feels like “gazetted” (if I were put it that way) which means that it is quoted by the Ministers and hence, the information is verified to the satisfaction of the public. The print media has also played an important role too as the readers will also read verified information and quotes from the Ministers and it will remain as a fact. So rather than myself giving what information I gather, the articles posted by Borneo Bulletin, Media Permata, Pelita Brunei, The Scoop, The Bruneian and other media agencies, will solidify the facts and people will be more confident rather than hearing or believing speculations. We as the media representatives can be easily judged by the public on the questions that are put forward but the questions themselves need to be asked and very relevant especially in the first few months of the outbreak in Brunei.

Thirdly, the questions now are now usually vetted which means the questions will be screened an hour before the press conferences. Some people may get the wrong idea but there are reasons questions need to be vetted. One obvious thing that I can pick is asking the relevant questions to the relevant ministries. There were times questions put forward didn’t involve the respective ministry and it will be put YBs in a difficult situation and it won’t look favourable should the Minister deflect the question. There were times when the media personnel was asking a question that has already been answered during the press statement. This also shows the complacency that we play a part that we weren’t basically listening or perhaps didn’t understand what was being addressed at the time.

Now that being said, I know the questions that we asked have been “questioned” by the public and some media representatives including myself, have been bashed. But I do hope you do have the compassion and understand deeper on the things that we have to go through and cater to the public to ensure we present the right facts and information. Sometimes those silly questions whether you know it or not, do have an impact on people’s assurances. I remember asking YB Dato Minister of Health on predicting the tipping curve. Some appreciated I asked the question, some didn’t. Well, honestly, I have been watching BBC, Astro News, CNN, and this was a common question asked by the media and I thought this would be an interesting question as an indicator.

On that note, I do want to convey my apologies to those I haven’t replied (just too many) on their questions and also for my lack of professionalism as a source of media, if any, during press conferences. I am not a certified journalist to begin with and I am doing a huge favour for the MOH and they are truly appreciative how much I have contributed. I have learnt a lot by just being part of the media team and it has been a rewarding journey. I will do my best to improve and I appreciate all the comments (positive and negative).

Huge thanks to the Ministry of Health in appointing my services and this shows a level of trust and reliability in disseminating the right information to the eyes and ears of the public. It also create good rapport with the Ministers and the people behind the scene. I wish to share more. Perhaps I can leave that for another time.

This is Rano, signing out and till next time 😀

Contact RA

ranoadidas (a) gmail.com
Instagram & Snapchat @ranoadidas
Contact: +6738677773

About RA

A blogger since 2002, using platforms from blogspot, joomla and now currently wordpress. A readership that stands on average of 20,000 visits per month. Also on active on social media platform on IG, Facebook and Snapchat (@ranoadidas)

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