Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC

Written by Rano Iskandar on November 30, 2020. Posted in Social News

The Mercedes-Benz AMG 63 S 4Matic+

With the 2021 model year, in production since September 2020, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ (fuel consumption combined: 12.5 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 286 g/km) is even faster on the legendary Nordschleife of the Nürburgring. Thanks to newly tuned elastokinematics and other fine-tuning measures, AMG development engineer Demian Schaffert set a new record time, putting the four-door coupé from Affalterbach impressively in first place on the official list of best cars in the “luxury class” category. The former racing driver beat his own previous lap record set in the fall of 2018 by more than two seconds. The officially measured and notary-certified values are: 7:23,009 min for the 20.6-kilometre-long version (without straight-line measurement for track section T13) and 7:27,800 min for the 20.832-kilometre-long complete track (with straight-line measurement for track section T13). Exactly this variant and this lap time is officially listed by Nürburgring GmbH on their homepage. Mercedes-AMG has thus impressively regained the crown in this class after only three months.

The 470 kW (639 hp) Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ looked to set a new record in its completely standard form, and it is outfitted particularly well for this: Its equipment includes dynamic driving highlights such as the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, active rear-axle steering, an electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential and the AMG DYNAMICS agility programme. The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 tyres fitted during the record-breaking drive, which every customer can also order as an option, provided the final bit of grip for optimum traction and powerful acceleration out of the total of 73 curves in the “Green Hell”. The aero package, which is also optionally available and mounted on the record-breaking vehicle, also increases stability at higher speeds and reduces the c_d value.

“Even though I’ve been accompanying our GT 63 through its development for several years now, it’s always impressive to see the wide spread we have been able to achieve with this exclusive vehicle. This is especially true after the recent slight revision. On the one hand, the four-door coupé is comfortable and equipped with many intelligent safety features for everyday driving, and on the other hand it offers this extremely high level of driving dynamics and precision, which we have now been able to demonstrate once again on the demanding Nordschleife,” said Demian Schaffert.

The conditions on the extremely demanding course in the Eifel were anything but optimal, as some sections of the course even had wet spots. At outside temperatures of seven and asphalt temperatures of ten degrees Celsius, Schaffert made optimum use of the full potential of the top model in the AMG GT four-door vehicle family. In the RACE driving programme, the AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension specifically tightens the damper characteristics, and the steering characteristic curve becomes more direct. In the “Master” position, the AMG DYNAMICS agility programme also utilises all the possibilities of the fully variable all-wheel drive system – as well as the rapid-response control of the electronic limited-slip differential – to ensure the highest possible dynamic response. As an additional safety measure for the driver, the vehicle was equipped with a bucket seat and four-point seat belts.

The data at a glance

	Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+
Engine	4.0 L V8 Biturbo
Displacement	3,982 cm³
Power	470 kW (639 hp) at 5,500-6,500/min
Max. torque	900 Nm at 2,500-4,500/min
Drive system	Fully variable all-wheel drive AMG Performance 4MATIC+
Transmission	AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G
Fuel consumption combined	12.5 l/100 km*
CO₂emissions combined	286 g/km
Efficiency class	G
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	3.2 s
Top speed	315 km/h

The Sultanate of Oman’s 50th National Day

Written by Rano Iskandar on November 18, 2020. Posted in Social News

Congratulations to the Sultanate of Oman for its 50th National Day which falls on the 18th November 2020. This year, the celebration of the Golden Jubilee will be a low key affair due to the global pandemic.

Interestingly enough, the Sultanate of Oman and Brunei Darussalam have similarities. Both countries are ruled by a Sultan and the economy is dominated by oil. Oman and Brunei have also established 36 years of outstanding bilateral relation.

The Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman to Brunei Darussalam has also launched their instagram account @omanembassybrunei where they will share events relating to Oman in Brunei Darussalam. You can also follow His Excellency’s IG account @ahmed_maskari

Message from His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hashil Al Maskari, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Brunei Darussalam.

On the 18th of November, the Sultanate marks its 50th National Day anniversary. With firm resolve, Omani citizens continue to make more achievements under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik, who vowed to upgrade the march of nation building and enhance the pace of progress, striking a high note in Omani people’s enthusiasm for an ambitious renaissance that covers all spheres of life.

Yet, this year’s celebration is impinged by sentiments of sour sorrow for the loss of the Father of the Omani renaissance, the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Bin Taimour, who shaped the Sultanate of Oman to what it is today, from scratch, his vigilant eye not missing a flaw in any side of the monument.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah with His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik, the Sultan of Oman. This was taken back in 2014 when His Majesty Sultan Haitham, visited Brunei in his capacity as the Minister of Heritage and Culture of Oman.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam with the former Sultan of Oman where the diplomatic relations began between the Sultanate of Oman and Brunei Darussalam. The first bilateral meeting took place back in 1984. This year marks the 36th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the Sultanate of Oman and Brunei Darussalam

Another bilateral meeting that took place in the year 2009
On Oman & Brunei: 36 years of outstanding bilateral relation.

This year marks the 36th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Sultanate of Oman and Brunei Darussalam. The two sultanates established diplomatic ties on 24 March 1984 and, ever since, the bilateral relations have always enjoyed stable and steady development, and has attained remarkable achievements.

Over the past three and half decades, Oman and Brunei have concluded numerous cooperative agreements and Memorandums of Understanding which had strengthened closer cooperation in different fields.

The close relations are also evident by the fact that a Joint Working Group, known as the “Bilateral Consultative Meeting”, was established in (1993) to fortify bilateral relations.

Cultural cooperation is one of the strong dimensions of our bilateral relations. Last February 2020, the Sultanate of Oman participated in Brunei Book Fair, as it consistently did over the past eight years. On the other hand, delegations from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of Brunei have been sent on a regular basis over the past six years to participate in Muscat International Book Fair.

Other cultural cooperation includes Omani publication corners at Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) in February 2016 and at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) library in May 2017 and at the Library of the Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) in July 2018 and at the Library of Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) in October 2019.

Additionally, in line with the Embassy’s efforts to make the most of the Bruneians admiration for Arabic language, a fifth batch consisting of four teachers from Brunei’s Ministry of Religious Affairs studied Arabic Language in the Sultan Qaboos College for Teaching Arabic Language to Non-Native Speakers, for duration of eight weeks during the year 2019, on a partial scholarship from the Government of the Sultanate of Oman.

Oman Brunei Investment Company (OBIC) has successfully acquired 50 percent share of Golden Corporation Sdn Bhd (GC). An agreement signing ceremony in this regard was held at the premise of the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman.

The State General Reserve Fund (SGRF) of the Sultanate of Oman and Brunei Investment Agency (BIA) have agreed to increase the capital of Oman Brunei Investment Company (OBIC) by another USD100 million, bringing the total capital of the company to USD 200 million.

Defense cooperation is another dimension of Brunei-Oman bilateral relation that has also grown steadily over the past years. Both countries’ armed forces regularly participate in command and staff courses and other military events and trainings in Oman and Brunei. Two officers from the Sultan of Oman’s Armed Forces participated in the 12th Brunei International Skill-At-Arms Meet (12th BISAM) Technical Meeting which took place during the month of March 2020.

In the investment sector, Oman Brunei Investment Company (OBIC) that was jointly established by our two governments on the year 2009, continued to make the most of business opportunities available in Oman and Brunei local markets, in order to further boost the two countries economic development and contribute to their economic diversification plans.

The State General Reserve Fund (SGRF) of the Sultanate of Oman, which is now known as the Omani Investment Authority (OIA) and Brunei Investment Agency (BIA) have agreed to increase the capital of Oman Brunei Investment Company (OBIC) by another USD100 million, bringing the total capital of the company to USD 200 million. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 19th Bilateral Consultative Meeting (BCM) between Brunei’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Oman’s Foreign Ministry, in Muscat on 09th December 2019.

Did you know that OBIC has 50% share of Golden Corporation Sdn Bhd? During the month of November 2019, OBIC has acquired (50%) share of Golden Corporation Sdn Bhd (GC), a company that specializes in fish farming, in addition to providing high-quality seafood products, based in Brunei Darussalam. This was OBIC first investment in Brunei.

The 1st Regional Arabic Language Camp in February 2020

Participation of the Sultanate of Oman Embassy in the Brunei Book Fair 2020

The biennial seminar, hosted alternately between Brunei and Oman, was established as a platform to share best practices in areas of mutual interest between both countries and to foster joint opportunities, as well as to enhance understanding of the business and investment environments in both countries, especially in industry sectors.

This relationship is further fortified with the exchange of professionals through the staff cross-posting between Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd and Petroleum Development Oman, as well as Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd and Oman Liquefied Natural Gas LLC (Oman LNG) an arrangement which has been ongoing for several years.

Therefore, it’s evident that relations between the two Sultanates have extended beyond the political spheres to include other important areas of cooperation and we firmly believe that with the joint efforts of both sides, more positive results will be yielded in Oman-Brunei good and beneficial cooperation.

We hope that the friendship and cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and Brunei Darussalam will grow from strength to strength and we are confident that with the outstanding leadership of their Majesties Sultan Haitham Bin Tariq Bin Taimour and His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, the bonds of friendship between Oman and Brunei will be further cemented in the years ahead.

I had a short dialogue with His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hashil Al Maskari, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Brunei Darussalam prior to the Sultanate of Oman’s 50th National Day at the Sultanate of Oman Embassy recently. Thank you for your hospitality.

Celebrating Renewed Renaissance, Setting Further Milestones

The glory of the Sultanate of Oman blessed march towards renaissance and development is reflected in various areas of life across the country and it is witnessed by the progress achieved and still being made, while the citizens and the community enjoy sustainable development from the Governorate of Musandam in the north down to the Governorate of Dhofar in the south.

The capital city of Muscat

Al Sahwa Public Garden at Oman

The Special Economic Zone at Duqm is one of the worldwide renowned economic destinations with great potentials

Foreign Policy

As soon as he assumed power, in his first nation address, His Majesty Sultan Haitham reaffirmed the permanent stands of the Sultanate of Oman’s foreign policy, saying that the Sultanate advocates peaceful co-existence among nations, good neighborliness and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. His Majesty the Sultan also stressed that he would follow the footsteps of the late Sultan Qaboos Bin Said bin Taimour.

This stance was reaffirmed by the Sultanate’s Government last September in a speech delivered by Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi before the 75th general assembly of the United Nations. Sayyid Badr said, “His Majesty the Sultan has reaffirmed beyond any doubt that the Sultanate will continue the prudent policy set by the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Bin Taimour, Founder of Oman’s Modern Renaissance and architect of its foreign policy and its international relations over the past 50 years.”

It is worth noting that Omani foreign policy principles are derived from basics of Oman’s centuries-old civilization and original values of Omani society that indicate a sincere desire to promote humanity and moderation. As a result, the Sultanate is widely accepted as mediator in the international arena.

The Mercedes-Benz Actros

Written by Rano Iskandar on November 17, 2020. Posted in Social News

The Mercedes-Benz Actros

Stuttgart / Warsaw – The Mercedes-Benz Actros has already received numerous awards, including the prestigious “International Truck of the Year 2020” title – selected by a jury of expert international journalists. In a contest run by the specialist magazine “Polski Traker” in Poland, readers have now chosen the Mercedes-Benz flagship as the winner for the sixth time. This year’s contest was the first to be held online. It meant readers had the opportunity to post comments: they wrote that they were particularly fascinated by the modern assistance systems of the Actros. Particularly the young truck drivers expressed enthusiasm for the vehicle with its digital Multimedia Cockpit and MirrorCam instead of classic exterior mirrors. The best way to experience the innovations of the Actros is at first hand: there are 65 “SmartTrucks” ready at dealerships all over Poland waiting to be test driven.

BIBD YES

Written by Rano Iskandar on November 13, 2020. Posted in Youth, community

With the host sponsor, BIBD, and other corporate sponsors – Progresif, Total E&P Borneo B.V., CIC Environmental Services and Brunei LNG as part of BIBD Youth Empowerment Summit 2020

BIBD’s Chief Marketing Officer Hjh Nurul Akmar binti Hj Mohd Jaafar during the press conference

Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) recently announced the launch of the BIBD Youth Empowerment Summit (BIBD YES!), a youth-focused initiative which aims to inspire positive change by reminding the youth that they are never too young to make a difference.

Themed, It’s Your Turn, the hybrid summit will be held on 12th & 13th December at Jerudong International School. Over 30 schools received their scholarship certificates for the Summit at a press conference held at the BIBD Executive Lounge.

BIBD’s Chief Marketing Officer Hjh Nurul Akmar binti Hj Mohd Jaafar said, “The youth today faces an unprecedented challenge unlike any of the previous generations. However, they are also blessed with an unparalleled amount of resources at their fingertips and support from both the public sector and the private sector who are cheering them on, as reflected by the many corporate sponsors for this initiative. At BIBD, we take the leadership in this particular tough time to stand together with our future generation, to educate and equip them to be mentally ready for the challenges to come in the future.”. She added that BIBD YES! is part of BIBD’s initiative to help prepare the youth for a world of uncertainty and rapid changes, and to address the pressing issue of high youth unemployment in the nation.

BIBD YES! 2020 is departing from a traditional event format in favour of a hybrid model, in accordance with COVID-19 precautions and guidelines. According to the event organizer, Shaun Hoon, “BIBD YES! will be capping the attendance to to 350 delegates, which is half of the full capacity of the venue. However, we will be expecting a larger than ever participation, with over 20 schools locally and overseas hosting part of the programs at their respective schools through live-telecast.” This is the first time a hybrid conference of such scale is to take place in Brunei and represents a sign of things to come as the events industry adapts to the new normal.

BIBD YES! will feature international speakers from Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and Hungary conducting live presentations online, along with prominent entrepreneurs and youth leaders in Brunei delivering keynote addresses physically. Among them will be Bruneian success story, Steve Lai, ChannelNews Asia’s leading Anchor and Producer. He will be dialing in on Zoom from Singapore to discuss about the importance of maintaining global perspectives amid a world of physical barriers.

This year, BIBD will be the leading supporter of the Summit as the Host Sponsor. Progresif will be the Platinum Sponsor. CIC Environmental Services and Total E&P Borneo B.V will be the Gold Sponsor, and Brunei LNG will be the Silver. The Summit is organized by Curious Mind, endorsed by Brunei Tourism Board, Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sports and Ministry of Education, and supported by Young Entrepreneur Association Brunei, Global Shapers and Young Professional Network Brunei.

The Summit was originally slated for July this year, but had been delayed due to COVID19. During this time, BIBD YES! conducted a total of 20 Career Webinars over Zoom on a weekly basis reaching out to more than 1000 students and youths in Brunei, interviewing a wide range of career professionals, which include game designers, engineers, doctors, entrepreneurs and actor. For recordings of theses webinars and full information about the Summit, visit www.BIBDyes.com.

Members of the audience witnessing the event

Hafiza Mohamad, Head of Brand Strategy, Progresif receiving token of appreciation from Shuan Hoon, the event organizer.

Madam Tan, Principal of St. Andrew’s School receiving scholarship entries for the BIBD YES from Javed Ahmad.

Insurans Islam TAIB also sponsoring students from Seri Mulia Serjana School to attend the event in December

Students from Universiti Teknologi Brunei receiving sponsorship from Daniel Wong

Harina Ramlee, Corporate Services Manager, Total E&P Borneo B.V., presenting scholarship for students from Sekolah Menengah Pg. Anak Puteri Hjh Rasidah

Mizan Adiliah Hj Mohamed Deli, Human Resources, Communications & External Relations Manager, Brunei LNG, sponsoring students from Politeknik Brunei

Denny Azriman from Takaful Brunei handing over sponsorship for students from Universiti Brunei Darussalam to attend the BIBD YES event

Shaun Hoon, the founder of the youth empowerment event

UBD’s 32 Convocation

Written by Rano Iskandar on November 3, 2020. Posted in Social News

The 32nd Universiti Brunei Darussalam’s convocation

His Majesty Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, UBD’s Chancellor, gracing the 32nd UBD’s convocation yesterday

Congratulations to all the graduates of UBD 2020 and the event was held yesterday. The 32nd convocation kicked off the early morning with strict measures in place, following Covid-19 SOPs to ensure the safety of everyone. Graduates were required to undergo swab test and self-isolation before the graduation ceremony.

The 32nd UBD Convocation was graced by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and during the titah, it highlighted Universiti Brunei Darussalam to step up its digital initiatives. The pandemic has definitely changed the landscape and it has spurred the adoption of technology in Brunei Darussalam. This initiative will be in-line with the Digital Economy Masterplan 2025 where Brunei will head towards a Smart Nation, being a digitally, well ready economy with sustainable economy.

This year, a total of 1,182 graduates received their graduation certs. There are broken down to 40 PhD graduates, 265 master’s degree holders, 805 undergraduates, 65 graduate diploma and 7 diploma.

The afternoon session was graced by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Thank you to all the contributors of the photos of yesterday’s convocation. Very much appreciated.