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Aifa undergoing LG training

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in technology, Business, Social News

 

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The management of Aifa Sdn Bhd with Tan Wee How, Product Trainer/In-Store Management, LG Electronics Singapore Pte Ltd (fourth from left) during the LG training workshop yesterday at Aifa Headquarters, Lambak Kanan Industrial Area.
 

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Mr. Andy Lau, Managing Director of Aifa Sdn Bhd, in his opening remarks before the start of the LG training workshop
 

Yesterday, Aifa Sdn Bhd, a sole distributor for LG, held a training session for the staff to be familiar with the current LG products ranging from washing machines to refrigerators to audio visuals (TVs). The training session was held at Aifa HQ at Lambak Kanan Industrial Area.

Present during the training session were Mr. Andy Lau, Managing Director of Aifa Sdn Bhd and Madam Lily Ngo, General Manager of Aifa Sdn Bhd. Conducting the LG training was Tan Wee How, Product Trainer/In-Store Management, LG Electronics Singapore Pte Ltd. He conducted a day workshop for the staff of Aifa to learn the functions and features of LG products that will be sold in Brunei Darussalam.

Mr. Andy Lau said that LG is one of the top products worldwide and he believes that it’s important for the staff to be aware of the LG products. Otherwise the products will be meaningless to consumers. Hence, training is very important in order for the staff to be fully equipped with the product knowledge and know-how so the consumers can feel more confident on LG products.

The training is normally conducted every one and a half year where the trainer is flown to Brunei as LG keeps introducing newer models/products. Hence training is very necessary.

Mr. Andy hopes that the consumers will enjoy the LG products that Aifa offers. With Hari Raya around the corner, why not invest in LG products? 🙂

For your information, Aifa company is as old as Brunei Darussalam’s National Day.

 

 

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Also present was Madam Lily Ngo, the General Manager of Aifa Sdn Bhd
 

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One of the most popular products from LG is the refrigerator
 

 

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LG TWINWash™ and this looks pretty convenient
 

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LG is also known for their TVs. The 4K TVs are gaining steam
 

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Our dinner session with the Aifa Team and a representative from MMW and LG.
 

As Salwaa Beauty Spa opened its door

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in lifestyle, Social News

 

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Partners Edy Zurina and Aleeya Jane with VIPs during the official launch of As Salwaa Beauty Spa
 

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Edy Zurina was very grateful to her mother, her partners and her team in making this a success
 

As Salwaa Beauty Spa, is a local Beauty establishment specialising in an all Natural & Organic Treatments for women.

A grand opening event was held at the Yayasan Complex Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in Bandar Seri Begawan last Sunday

The event was officiated by its founder and General Manager, Ms Edy Zurina Awang. It was also held to appreciate their customers support for As Salwaa Beauty since it online selling days in 2014 to the opening of the original store in 2017 until its relocation in Yayasan Complex which has an enhanced ambience that aims to provide that hint of Luxury and comfort to its customers.

It was made even special with the launch of a Luxurious Oud Based Skincare product, Oud Essentials by Fragrance Du Bois (FDB), born in Nature crafted in France. FDB were represented by Head of Operations Asia, Puan Anita Raphay based in Kuala Lumpur. All VIP guests were delightfully surprised with each getting 1 product from the Luxurious skincare line.

This Luxury brand is currently only available in exclusive stores Internationally such as London Mayfair, Selfridges, Robinsons and Starhill Gallery Kuala Lumpur. As Salwaa Beauty is honoured to be appointed as the Exclusive Distributor for this Luxurious Brand in Brunei.

With its tagline “Your Beauty, Truly Naturally”, As Salwaa Beauty is a true believer in the benefits of Natural Products and avoids products that contains harmful synthetic chemicals in its ingredients.

Visit their Instagram @assalwaa.beauty.spa to find out more or their soon to be launched website www.assalwaabeauty.com

 

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Puan Anita Raphay, Head of Operations Asia, Fragrance Du Bois (FDB) gave a short speech before the launch
 

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Check out the spa
 

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Relaxing room area
 

 

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One of the treatment rooms
 

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Dual treatment room
 

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Congratulations to both of you 😀
 

KFC Popcorn Chicken

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in food, Social News

 

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The size is slightly bigger than before and I love the fact that it’s spicy – KFC Popcorn Chicken
 

Brace yourselves KFC fans: one of the nation’s most popular KFC products has made a comeback. KFC Brunei is bringing back its iconic Popcorn Chicken by popular demand. This time with a new exciting Hot & Spicy flavour.

Made with 100% real tender, juicy chicken, the KFC Popcorn Chicken returns bigger and better. Every ‘pop’ offers a satisfying crunch with a Hot & Spicy kick, giving you a guaranteed indulgence. Its portable format not only makes for a great on-the-go snack, it also works perfectly as an add-on to complete any of your favourite KFC meals.

“It might have been gone from sight, but never from the hearts and minds of our KFC fans. Many have been asking for this comeback, and we hear you! We are extremely excited to bring back this much awaited iconic KFC Popcorn Chicken, another signature offering that we are truly proud of. Get it before its gone!” said Mr. Ooi, general manager of KFC Brunei.

Enjoy KFC Hot & Spicy Popcorn Chicken À la carte from only BND 4.40. It is also available in combo with Crispier Fries and Pepsi and box meal which comes with an additional piece of chicken.

KFC Hot & Spicy Popcorn Chicken is available nationwide at all KFC restaurants from 2 April 2019, while stocks last.

 

 

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Ruby’s quite impressed with KFC’s Popcorn Chicken
 

The new Nissan Teana

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in automative, Social News

 

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Check out the new Nissan Teana at Boustead showroom
 

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I love how you can start the car remotely within 100 metres
 

After a few years, Nissan Teana has unveiled its updated, refurbished look and of course, not forgetting its latest features. The Teana finally arrived in Brunei Darussalam last weekend, being showcased at Boustead showroom at Beribi. As you know, Boustead Sdn Bhd is the sole distributor of Nissan in Brunei Darussalam.

It does look sportier compared to the older model. It looks bolder with a slicker front design with the Nissan V motion grille. If you are familiar with the older Teana, the new model is longer and slightly higher too.

Perhaps the best feature is the Remote Start Engine. Maybe the first I’ve seen in Brunei. Basically you can start the engine of Teana remotely within 100 metres, using the Nissan Intelligent Key. This is definitely an advantage for me since I’m always on the move and I can convenient warm up the car’s engine before driving off. I’m pretty sure other competitors will follow suit but for now, Teana has the edge.

There is also the new four-inch 3D Information Display for the convenience of the passenger.

The Nissan Teana is powered by a 2.0 litre engine and has a horsepower of 136 with a maximum torque of 190nm at 4,400rpm.

If you are keen to know of the price or check out the new Nissan Teana, do visit the showroom at Beribi or Kuala Belait.

 

 

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The interior of Teana
 

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MSME Festival 2019

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in lifestyle, Business, Social News

 

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Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mat Suny bin Haji Mohd Hussein in his welcoming remarks on the first day of MSME Festival 2019
 

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The guest of honour with the panel of speakers for MSME Festival 2019
 

My first impression – Very, very impressed for once. I have seen many local expos in Brunei and this is maybe the right mix of all sorts kinda expo. I’m quite glad that Darussalam Enterprise (DARe) initiated this exhibition known as MSME Festival 2019 (stands for Micro Small Medium Enterprises). The four day event is taking place at the halls at BRIDEX, Jerudong.

It was a nice touch to see more than 200 vendors participating in the first ever Brunei MSME and this will eventually alleviate the presence of their businesses to the consumer ends apart from their presence on the social media platform.

Most of all, I am quite surprised that there are many uprising local vendors that I don’t know such as @ultimatewallet and @lunalid to name a few. Of course, you won’t be leaving the BRIDEX area hungry as there are many eateries to choose from, the biggest group being the food vendors from the BIBD Seed initiative.

If you are still into white rabbit, the local ice-cream vendors such as Rumah Gelato, Kyna, Project Ice-cream and Happy Cream are selling them. Though I wonder if the phenomenon of the White Rabbit has died down a little. My personal favourite is still from Kyna because I prefer solid types and you should try their blackcurrant flavour. Me loves…

I do hope one day the local vendors can expand their horizons out of Brunei. As for now, Brunei’s non-oil related exports only accounts to 3% which is pretty low. I would say we are heading to a right direction and yes, step-by-step, create a good business portfolio, then expand nationally and sustaining the business before pursuing the overseas market.

Oh yea, MSME Festival also has a good line up of forums, local and international speakers, speaking on the topics of entrepreneurship and growth. There are speakers such as Noor Azian Romlan, Director MATRADE, Sabah Regional Office, Pg Mohd Khairi bin Pg Haji Metussin, CEO, Mindplus Edu, Dr Nur Rahman, CEO, Ghanim International Corporation, Fione Tan, CEO, 28Mall.com, Anderson Lim, CEO & Founder, Nimanja, Azri Jumat, CEO & Founder, Rotuku Group of Companies, Christy Ng, CEO & Co-Founder, Christy Ng Shoes and Keeran Janin, CEO & Founder, Avantist Watches.

I would visit Brunei MSME once again before it ends. See it as a localized Consumer Fair kinda of thing. Parking can be a hassle but I would say it’s worth a visit. Do go in the day time or you might be disappointed when food vendors’ food runs out.

The opening ceremony of MSME Festival 2019 was launched by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Awang Haji Mat Suny bin Haji Mohd Hussein.

You can check out MSME Festival 2019 details here.

 

 

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Do visit Sparks Park at Hall 2, BRIDEX
 

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At Cendana Booth
 

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Madison
 

 

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Check out @lunanid pins 😀
 

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One of the speakers at MSME Festival 2019
 

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Many food vendors
 

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Another forum on the first day in the afternoon
 

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I bought myself a pin from Lunanid
 

 

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Check out BIBD Seed food vendors
 

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Interesting wallet concept from @ultimatewallet
 

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Oh yea, I have been paying my things at MSME Festival using Progresif Pay
 

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Seng Yee craving’s for Alin’s Legacy
 

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Sabre Sizzling Fare Promotion 2019

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in travel, Social News

 

 

Sabre Sizzling Fare 2019
 


Contact your favourite travel agents to find out more. Win attractive prizes such as air tickets, iPad, TV and luggage bags.
 

Sabre Travel Network (Brunei) Sdn. Bhd., in collaboration with Royal Brunei Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Ranoadidas.com, today (27 March 2019) launched the Sabre Sizzling Fare Promotion 2019. One week air fare promotion runs from 27 th March to 2 nd April 2019.

Attractive fares to destinations serviced by Royal Brunei Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines can be obtained from one of the 23 locations of the 14 participating travel agents.

“During the 2019 Sizzling Fare Promotion, travellers have the opportunity to shop from a wide selection of attractive fares to their favourite travel destinations and run the chance to win attractive prizes, including three return economy class air tickets to Kuching and Taipei sponsored by Royal Brunei Airlines, one return economy air ticket to any Singapore Airlines South East Asia destinations sponsored by Singapore Airlines, an Apple iPad Pro 9.7, a 32” television and Exclusive luggage bags,” said Irene Soon, General Manager, Sabre TN Brunei.“We thank our partners; Royal Brunei Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Ranoadidas and travel agents for their support and participation in this promotion”.

Travel agents participating in the 2019 Sabre Sizzling Fare Promotion include: Anthony Tours & Travel Agency, At-Taqwa Travel Tours, Century Travel Centre, Continental Yachting, Dar El Ehsan Travel, Darussalam Holdings, Freme Travel Services, Grace Travel Agency, Halim Tours & Travel, JJ Tour Service, Pan Bright Travel Service, Mas Sugara Travel Services, Southern Cross Travel Agencies and Straits Central Agencies.

Culinary School to bring the best chefs in town

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in Youth, community, lifestyle, food, Social News

 

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Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Hj Ali bin Hj Apong addressed a key note speech during the launch of the Culinary School at Laksamana College of Business recently
 

I liked what the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Hj Ali bin Hj Apong said during his remarks on the launch of the Culinary School at Laksamana College of Business. He said that Brunei need more chefs rather than cooks because chefs can create impact both locally and internationally. I would totally agree on that as being a chef is an entirely different ball game.

I was honoured to witness the official launch of the new Culinary School at Laksamana College of Business and the set up itself was pretty up to standard I must admit. The culinary school has a proper kitchen (see thru concept), preparation area, study area and of course, the dining area to serve the customers.

I could see that LCB has put their sweat and efforts in making the culinary school possible and finally it was officially launched. Being the syllabus coming from City & Guilds, do expect a reputable learning experience for the culinary students guided and facilitated by highly qualified chefs.

I also could see the passion and dedication from the front line (waiters and waitresses), the preparation crew team and the cooking team. They just started the course a few weeks ago and the launch event was their biggest task to date where they served a three course meal to the invited guests at the dining area of the Culinary School.

I was quite pleased to see such establishment and course made available in Brunei and furthermore, with the guidance of the reputable chefs, the students will be able upgrade themselves in the world of culinary.

The Culinary School, one of the first private culinary schools set up in Brunei Darussalam, offers students two City & Guilds culinary programmes: the Level 1 Certificate in Food Preparation and Cooking and Level 2 Diploma in Food Preparation and Cooking.

The Level 1 Certificate covers all the main elements of food preparation, while the Level 2 Diploma builds on the Level 1 Certificate course.

For more details, you can visit Laksamana College of Business website.

 

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Officiating the launch of the Culinary School by the Minister
 

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The Minister touring the dry kitchen area
 

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The Minister viewing the kitchen area where the food were being cooked and prepared
 

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The dining area
 

 

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One of the students from the Culinary School preparing the entree for the guests
 

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Another student busy preparing the entree
 

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I love this dish the most. Good texture too.
 

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The finishing touch for the sago
 

Audi the overall winner in “Best Brands in All Classes”

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in audi, lifestyle

 


Audi the overall winner in “Best Brands in All Classes”
 

Audi is the big winner in the Auto Bild “Best Brands in All Classes” reader survey. The four rings won seven individual victories in the quality assessment – and easily took the overall win. Audi also placed first in the design and price/performance categories as well as in the “Reliable Cars” image field. No brand performed better in the core criteria of the image survey, in which over 70,000 readers participated.

Bild readers found that Audi does the best job in terms of quality, design and price/performance. Readers voted the four rings overall brand winner with 55.2 percent approval – ahead of Porsche and Skoda.

No other manufacturer enjoys more trust than Audi when it comes to quality. “We want to consistently delight customers with top quality in the premium segment,” says Michael Neumayer, Head of Audi Quality Assurance. “Auto Bild readers have emphatically confirmed that we have once again succeeded here.”

In the “Best Brands in All Classes” survey, readers of Auto Bild trade magazine rated 38 car brands in 14 vehicle categories. Quality, design and price/performance ratio are considered the core criteria here.

Audi topped the quality ranking in seven categories: compact, midsize, full-size and convertibles up to EUR 50,000, as well as all SUV categories – small, medium and large. The brand chalked up additional individual wins in design in the full-size category and in the price/performance category for convertibles over EUR 50,000. In addition, the “Reliable Cars” category went to the four rings across all classes. The brand thus achieved a total of ten first place finishes – an achievement that continued Audi’s strong finish in the “Best Brands” of 2018.

 

Cashless payments on the rise

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in technology, bank, gadget, Business, Social News

 


Radi El-Fassed, Progresif’s Head of Product Development, Dr Gyorgy Ladics, BIBD Chief Operating Officer  and Hajah Nurul Akmar binti Haji Mohd Jaafar, BIBD Head of Retail Banking addressing the media on cashless payment trends yesterday
 

We are heading towards a cashless society. It takes two to tango though – the consumers and also the merchants (retailers). It was easier to adopt when a bank introduces newer convenient services then such as ATMs, followed by online banking and transferring money through your mobile phones to another account. Now BIBD has provided a better platform where you can pay your services and goods through your mobile on selected merchants. This basically mean you don’t have to use physical money to pay over the counter. All you need is just your smartphone and waalaaa, you don’t need your change back physically and plus you will look cooler just by paying your items using your phone.

Yesterday BIBD emphasized how branchless banking have made it so convenient for their customers as it allows everyone and anyone to have access to financial services and they don’t even have to physically drop by a bank to do so. I was quite surprised that BIBD NEXGEN Wallet has generated more than 14 million worth of transactions in 2018 alone. That’s pretty high for such a small country like Brunei Darussalam. This really shows how technology has made it easier for the flow of money from one account to another account at your finger tips. Actually I am a high user of BIBD NEXGEN Wallet as I have received and send payments through the BIBD mobile app.

The next step now is to actually capitalized on the latest featured made possible by BIBD and Progresif and that is making payments to the merchants using your phone through BIBD’s QuickPay and Progresif’s Progresif Pay.

Present during the demonstration and press conference were  Dr Gyorgy Ladics, BIBD Chief Operating Officer , Hajah Nurul Akmar binti Haji Mohd Jaafar, BIBD Head of Retail Banking and Radi El-Fassed, Progresif’s Head of Product Development.

In the press release, Mubashar Khokhar, BIBD’s Managing Director and CEO, said that whilst BIBD have placed efforts into encouraging the adoption of a digital Bruneian economy via our own technologies that resulted in over 140,000 BIBD NEXGEN banking users, they remain cognisant we need to go further and evolve if we were to create more impact for a truly digital economy.

With mobile penetration, it will create even a bigger digitized financial ecosystem and it will help spur the economy due to the convenience. This will also be a win-win situation for both consumers and even the merchants because of the lowered set-up costs and the barrier to entry (in business) is low too.

So far, they are 100ish merchants that have used QuickPay and one of the leading merchants is Fuel’d, a popular healthy food joint in Kiulap. As more people getting the hang of using digital payments through mobile phones, future merchants/retailers will see the surging demand of cashless payments through means of paying through your mobile phones.

Progresif’s latest product Progresif Pay have entered the market and now they have even bettered their mobile app. You don’t have to be a Progresif subscriber to make use of Progresif Pay (Awww, nice of you) and you can switch numbers through the App as well at your convenience. I am happy for the fact that you’re able to buy iTunes credit through their e-credit tab on the Progresif Pay. Now that’s very convenient.

If you really want to know more about BIBD’s QuickPay and Progresif’s Progresif Pay, head over to MSME Festival to be held at the BRIDEX International Conference Centre 28th to 31st March and you will see some vendors (especially the ice-cream vendors) making use of these said services. You will see how convenient it is to make payments and furthermore, it is secured.

What I am more excited is that you can even pay through means of NFC where you simply tap on your smartphone on the merchant payment terminal and your transaction will be completed, just like that. Easy, huh? I know Brunei is currently behind when it comes to NFC or payments through mobile phones but the momentum is slowly growing and kudos to the first 100 merchants in believing the power of cashless transactions.

We are definitely heading on the right direction and thank you to BIBD and Progresif on making this service available in the Brunei market.

 

 


A demo on how easy it is making payments over the counter through means of your mobile phones
 

 

BND 10,000 worth given to Baiduri cardholders

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in bank, lifestyle, Social News

 


25 customers were in delightful mood as they were in for a treat from Baiduri Bank for the “Shop & Win Lucky Draw Bonanza” at Hua Ho Department Store (Manggis Mall). Handing over the prizes were Pg Azaleen Pg Dato Hj Mustapha, the Head of Retail Banking and Branch Network, Baiduri Bank and Mr Lau Soon Tiong, Manager of Hua Ho Department Store (Manggis)
 


The grand winner – Mazlan Bin Haji Zaini
 

Baiduri Bank hosted the prize presentation ceremony for the “Shop & Win Lucky Draw Bonanza” promotion in collaboration with Hua Ho Department Store. The event was held at Hua Ho Manggis recently.

During the promotion period held from 14 December 2018 to 14 February 2019, with every BND100 spent and paid using a Baiduri Bank issued credit or debit card in participating Hua Ho outlets, customers receive one chance to enter the draw and win shopping vouchers.

25 customers were shortlisted and after a final draw. Additionally, the remaining 10 winners received consolation prize of a Tefal Infiny Press Juicer each.

Presenting the prizes on behalf of Baiduri Bank was Pg Azaleen Pg Dato Hj Mustapha, the Head of Retail Banking and Branch Network and on behalf of Hua Ho Department Store, was Mr Lau Soon Tiong, Manager of Hua Ho Department Store.

To be in the know of Baiduri Bank current promotions and events, the public can visit Baiduri Bank website at www.baiduri.com under the Promotions section, or on the Baiduri Bank mobile app – Baiduri Deals, like the official Baiduri Bank Group Facebook page or follow @baiduribank on Instagram and Twitter.

 


Playing some games at Hua Ho Department Store
 


Second prize winner – Bong Tjiap Fha
 


Hjh Siti Raihani Haji Abdul Hamid, one of the consolation winners.
 

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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