Marketing Manager of Insurans Islam TAIB Holdings Sdn Bhd (IITH) Shameon bin Tamil and Executive Officer of Teletakaful and Support Services (SSV) Norshahrul Azim bin Haji Abdul Rahman during the press conference of Insurans Islam TAIB General Takaful Helpline and their latest mobile app at Insurans Islam TAIB headquarter last weekend

Are you tired of queueing up? Do you want to simply pay for the services with your finger tips? Fret not. Insurans Islam TAIB has upped their game by introducing two new services – 1) Using their hotline services, General Takaful Helpline 222 3004 and 2) Insurans Islam TAIB Mobile Application (IIT App).

With the helpline, you can simply call the General Takaful Helpline 222 3004 and get a quote for your Takaful policy and after approving the quote, you can pay online without the need to go physically over the IIT counter. The customer can also opt for free delivery or Takaful policy pick-up at Insurans Islam TAIB General Takaful Head office (Kiulap) or their other branch in Kuala Belait. Now that’s very convenient and you don’t have to worry about queueing as much anymore.

Even better for IIT customers is that they have introduced a mobile app for the customers’ convenience. You can already get a quote and even pay online (through BIBD) without having to visit their counters where you also avoid the long queues. I have navigated on the IIT app and it was quite straightforward and simple.

The approval of the application of the takaful will take a maximum of one day but usually it can be done with 10 to 15 minutes after you confirm your takaful quotation. Its IIT way of providing a seamless service after listening to the feedback of customers especially when dealing with long queues over the counter.

The app was actually launched during Insurans Islam TAIB Holdings’ 25th anniversary back in November 2018.

Present during the conference were  Marketing Manager of Insurans Islam TAIB Holdings Sdn Bhd (IITH) Shameon bin Tamil and Executive Officer of Teletakaful and Support Services (SSV) Norshahrul Azim bin Haji Abdul Rahman who briefed the media on their ongoing services.

It was also announced that the first 100 customers with confirmed participations of the Comprehensive Motor Takaful and the Home Owner Takaful, through these facilities, will be rewarded with Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (CBTL) vouchers while stock lasts.

Executive Officer of Teletakaful and Support Services (SSV) Norshahrul Azim bin Haji Abdul Rahman briefing the media on the steps when using the IIT app

How the IIT apps look like. Very simple and easy to navigate.

Choose your policies and get a quote

Fill in the details before you get the final quotation

The GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ is the fastest series production SUV on the North Loop of Nürburgring

Affalterbach/Adenau.  With an officially measured and notarised lap time of 7.49.369 minutes, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ (combined fuel consumption: 11.9 l/100 km, combined CO₂ emissions: 270 g/km) is the fastest series production SUV in the world on the North Loop of Nürburgring. In autumnal track conditions, AMG development engineer Markus Hofbauer at the wheel of the series-production eight-cylinder model bettered the previous record time by a competitor at the first attempt.

The technical concept of the mid-size high-performance SUV provides the ideal basis for this outstanding lap time: apart from the powerful, high-torque 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, this includes the air suspension system with adaptively variable damping, the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution, the rear axle locking differential and the high-performance ceramic composite braking system. The GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ is not only the top performer, but also fully day-to-day suitable: it has plenty of space for passengers and luggage, a variable interior, extensive safety features and a high level of long-distance comfort.

As is usual at Mercedes-AMG, the record lap was measured precisely by the independent experts of “wige SOLUTIONS”. An independent notary also confirmed the lap time and that the vehicle’s condition was in accordance with regulations.

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 and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman paid a visit to Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin and family’s residence in Kota Batu during Chinese New Year. They were accompanied by Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim, Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah, Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda Muhammad Aiman and Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Faathimah Az-Zahraa’ Raihaanul Bolkiah.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah paid a visit to Jackson Ting’s residence during Chinese New Year. They were accompanied by Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim, Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah, Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda Muhammad Aiman and Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Faathimah Az-Zahraa’ Raihaanul Bolkiah.

Chinese Near Year is almost a week old. I haven’t been posting stuff for a while. The lazy syndrome is kicking in again. So let’s make a u-turn and do some progress before I procrastinate more. My phone habits has its moments. There were times where I was quite disciplined, other times I just binged surf on my phone. Then again, my screen time has improved ever since the social media purge. So at least that’s an improvement. I am yet to do a “no phone” challenge but that could be sometime around February or March.

Chinese New Year has been great by the way. Maybe because I am $350 richer LOL. Kidding. I truly enjoyed the visits so far and some of the hosts were pretty wonderful which taught me to be more hospitable whenever I host an event at home or anywhere. I just realized how much energy is required for the host to hold the energy for the visitors and guests which can last at least 5 hours. A good host also takes good care of their visitors and being attentive whenever he or she holds the conversation. I am still behind in that department but I know I can do something about it when Hari Raya kicks in.

What is quite interesting is the fact during my recent trip to Taiwan, Chinese New Year has a different vibe to it. In Malaysia and Singapore, you will be drawn to the CNY decorations in the malls, public areas and around the populated cities. Now, not so much in Taipei which I find it pretty strange. The most I have seen are lanterns decoration and that’s it. I did ask my friend who works in Taipei and she said that it’s quite dull in terms of CNY vibe and they don’t even do house visits like how SEA countries do. Instead they will just chill and rest at their homes and the city of Taiwan will simply be quiet. It could be a reason why my friend chose not to spend CNY in Taipei. Nonetheless, Taiwan is a must visit country and I’m heading there again soon in March.

Few days ago, I had a major back problem, playing tennis against someone who is 20 years my senior. I was schooled on the court and there was this one particular shot I wanted to return but I twisted my back and the sharp pain happened on my lower back. Sitting down and standing up were troublesome as I needed support. Lying down was fine but getting of the bed was pretty challenging. I was definitely under a lot of pain and I realized how back pains do limit your mobility. After visiting a chiropractor in Tungku, I felt much better in terms of mobility but the massage/therapy was quite a torturing feat. After posting my back problems on IG, I didn’t know many have back problems like I do. So fellas, be aware of your daily habits such as walking, sitting down and even crossing your legs as these can contribute to back problems in a long run.

I still have a few open houses to visit this week. Thanks for reading this post and enjoy the pictures. Do stalk me on my instagram. I am more active there. I shall be back again this week 😀

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah consented to sign one of the picture frames

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah with some guests during Chinese New Year

Managing Director of Indera Motors Sdn Bhd Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Ghaffar bin Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Haji Idris with Indera Motors General Manager Alfred Yong Foh Sen accept offerings from the lion dance troupe

 

Photo app with Alfred Yong Foh Sen

My CNY partner-in-crime. Thanks for the company on my visits 😀

My first house visit of CNY. A very hospitable host and Jun Jun and Brendan have grown up.

Thank you Thanis for the invite

Maybe the longest visit and the food was great. Thank you Stephen for being such a great host and even Ruby enjoyed the hospitality.

Thank you Soon Loo for the invite. I love the simple outfit.

Andy Lau, Managing Director of Aifa Sdn Bhd and Mdm Lily Ngo, General Manager of Aifa Sdn Bhd hosted a lion dance performance at their headquarters

Andy and his family. Thank you Andy for the recommendation of the traditional chiropractor

The lion dance performance at the Chinese temple on the first day of CNY

Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Computer (center) with Alice Chan, Chief Financial Officer of Concepts Computer and Datuk Seri Lau Kung Ching, Managing Director of Goldmyne

Vincent Pao and Alice Chan doing the Yee Sang with the members of the media

Thank you, Ming Rui, for the invite 😀

Handing over of donation to YASKA from the Cabaran BSB 2019 Charity Event at Taman SOAS recently

Recently, Peugeot Brunei was involved in the event called Cabaran BSB 2019 Charity Event at Taman SOAS. Peugeot Brunei was the main sponsor for the said event and it was supported and sanctioned by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The recipient of the charity event was YASKA (Yayasan Kanser Kanak-Kanak) or the Children’s Cancer Foundation.

A few Peugeot models were being showcased during the event. There was also awareness on road safety and Advance Driving Aids featured in Peugeots latest SUV.

Will Audi make this 700hp+ electric supercar?

Like a true track-race car, the all-electric Audi PB18 e-tron will offer no complex systems for piloted driving on board and no comfort features to add weight. In their place are a driver’s seat and cockpit that are integrated into an inner monocoque shell that can be slid laterally. When driven solo, the driver’s seating can be moved to the center of the car.

The concept uses three powerful electric motors – one up front and two in the rear. The latter are centrally located between the steering knuckles, each directly driving one wheel via half-shafts. They deliver power output of up to 150 kW to the front axle and 350 kW to the rear – the Audi PB18 e-tron is a true quattro, of course.

Maximum output is 500 kW, with boosting, the driver can temporarily mobilize up to 570 kW. The combined torque of up to 830 newton meters (612.2 lb-ft) allows acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in scarcely more than 2 seconds – a speed that differs only marginally from that of a current LMP1 prototype.

Minister of Finance and Economy II and MInister at the Prime Minister’s Office, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah (3rd L) and Managing Director of BIBD, Mubashar Khokar ( 2nd L) in a group photo during the BIBD ALAF Scholarship Awards presentation ceremony at The Empire Hotel and Country Club recently. 47 students from Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ministry of Education were recently awarded with BIBD ALAF scholarship.

Forty-seven students from the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) and Ministry of Education (MoE) were recently awarded with Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam’s (BIBD) ALAF (Advocating Life-long Learning for an Aspiring Future) scholarship.

Presenting the awards to them was the Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and second Minister of Finance and Economy Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah, in an event held at the Empire Hotel and Country Club. Also present was the Acting Minister of Education Datin Seri Paduka Dr Hjh Romaizah Hj Mohd Salleh.

The BIBD ALAF Digital Hub, opened under the BIBD ALAF programme, is aimed at encouraging the students to adapt technology in their learning and development to better prepare them for a more digital age. The ALAF Innovators Workshop 2018 was also launched as part of the BIBD ALAF programme.

The workshop introduces students to Micro:Bit, a learning and development platform designed by the BBC for use in computer education that focusses on student knowhow and creativity.

The BIBD ALAF programme was launched back in May 2013 graced by Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman and programme has currently supported 215 students.

The Minister handing the scholarship award to a recipient

Good luck to all the BIBD ALAF Scholars

Hello, peeps. I hope to be back blogging on a regular basis but that’s my word …. against myself.. It’s never easy to be back “blogging” per se. My social media platforms have been my usual outlet to share my personal stuff but hardly on my blog. You know, sometimes, it’s difficult to actually blog since I’m bogged down with work on my blog. It is still possible to blog as long as I set a time or a schedule. Blogging is definitely therapeutic for me so I will put this on my priority list. My head is full of thoughts and one way to make it lighter is to blog. So this will be my commitment for 2019.

So how does it feel after the social media purge? A lot of my friends have been wondering what were the impacts or side effects of detoxing myself. Frankly speaking, I have many thoughts about this, about blogging my “post social media purge.” Because for me, it has been open up a whole new level of mindset in terms of how I post on social media. The 12 day challenge saw a difference in how I handle social media for the current moment but it’s still early days to see if these changes will be consistent.

So what have changed?

• Spending less time with my addiction – the phone. I can’t say that has entirely changed. I have been spending less time on social media. From the screen time report, it stated that my habit has decreased by 1 hour LOL. That’s not a huge improvement but still good progress nonetheless. This is perhaps the hardest thing to do – to completely cut off social media in a long run. I have pledged to cut at least one hour of social media a day. Current fact: Did you know I spend at an average of 8-9 hours a day on social media? Basically that’s almost like 70% of my waking hours. It’s about time you check on how much you have spend on social media and you will realize how productive you are when you are awake.

• Being more present. This means if there’s someone in front of me or during a conversation, I will be less likely to play with my phone, scrolling or replying Whatsapp messages and I will give my full attention to the other party. This issue is quite common among us that we tend to be distracted by our gadgets and not giving enough respect to the person we are conversing with. Now, I become agitated when I become the victim. It’s like – “Yea, Rano, you deserve this for the countless time for not being present in front of the people you are communicating with.” My awareness level is very on medium alert and I am aiming it to be on high alert because I still have the tendency to check my phone quickly for 3-5 seconds LOL. My friends have told me that I spend less time on my phone when I’m around them.

• I feel way lighter. I don’t feel being bogged down with information which is always accessible through my finger tips. The more I know, the deeper I dwell into. That alone can be really draining when you have too much information to handle because your thoughts keep spinning in your head with all the questions, answers and opinions. Sometimes my friends will alert me of my name being featured on Reddit (maybe the most sought for news in Brunei nowadays) and I would be curious to know what is mentioned of me on any topic. Now, I don’t have the tendency to check on it even though my friends deliberately forward to me a screenshot from Reddit and that alone has made me feel way, way lighter and it’s a nice feeling to have.

• Phone tendency to be in pocket. Usually when I walk, either hand will be holding the phone. During the purge, it was mostly in my pocket because I have been “blacked out” to check on social media. It did feel naked at times because it was an uncommon habit. Again, I felt a similar feeling of freedom because I was being present with my surroundings. So, what happened after the purge was over? I won’t say that the good habit continued as I was still holding my smartphone in my hand from time to time. However, it has been lesser than usual and I just have to be more aware of it. If the purge would have lasted longer, it would turn into a natural habit.

• My phone gallery. Even with my smartphone, packing a huge storage of 256 Gigs, I was already reaching my limits. Because I didn’t do any posting during my purge, hence the need for me to take photos or videos was pretty low. In other words, I really saved a lot of space on my phone and it reminded me that it’s better to take photos that matters to me rather than simply taking videos or photos that serve no purpose to me. After the purge, the tendency is still lesser than usual. I am proud of it and it makes me more of an efficient photographer. No more multiple shots of the same pose or a particular scenario in an event. Well, I still do sometimes but I notice the decline in that habit of mine.

• Validation. Now here is an interesting take for me. As someone who is very relevant to social media and being the eyes for many, I created this feeling that I must be relevant and important to people. But at the same time, I sought for validation and this also applied to my daily life where I want to be relevant, acknowledged and important to my peers. In other words, I don’t feel good enough just because I don’t have enough views or likes on social media. I don’t have enough comments on social media to keep me motivated. All of these play a part on how I feel about myself. I wanted to be validated. The social media purge has made me realize that how connection with real friends are more important than the likes, comments and what so on social media. These peers are the real deal and I will not be drawn to the validation from social media.

• Stalker mode. LOL. This is so true. I’m sure many fall into a similar trap like me. You tend to stalk on your close friends, your loved ones online – to spy if they are online or their so-called “last seen”. If the other party doesn’t reply and have received and acknowledge your text with the blue ticks, you will start bombard your head with questions and this, my friend, can eat you, drain you and make you feel more anxious. Even though with delayed replies, you still feel anxious. So yes, I have stopped stalking or even if I did, it was only momentarily rather than committing repeated “offences”. I am grateful that the social media purge have slowly made me feel good about myself and slowly dismissing the usual habits of stalking. Sorry, blue ticks or gray ticks, I have beaten you at your own game 😀

• My mood. Oh yes, it has been 16 days after the purge and I have notice that my mood is better. It’s hard to determine just yet because it coincides with the beginning of the year. Relatively, I feel much better about myself and I’m not even trying to begin with. When I wake up in the morning but I won’t check the phone straight away. I even invested an actual clock so that will be my go-to-gadget when I check the time in the morning. Yes, generally I am a happier person and I hope this will also help me to become more productive and efficient. Let’s see if I can maintain this for the next month and hopefully the following months.

So that’s it in terms of my post mortem on my social media purge. Now I still have one challenge that I want to conquer and that is a no-phone challenge for at least 1 to 2 days. This will be even a bigger step for me to further test my will and courage that I can survive without the phone. I was just imagining myself back in the teen years where smartphones and even mobile phones haven’t existed yet. And, we all survived back in the 80s without phones, right? I am sure I can survive for one/two days without my phone. I shall be alert my friends and especially my clients when the time is near.

Thank you once again for your patience and I really hope you can learn a thing or two from my findings. Who knows you will challenge yourself with the social media purge and the impact will be different from mine because of our wants and needs. Give it a shot. I challenge you 😀

Winners of their promotion in collaboration with Baiduri Bank Mastercard holders. Presenting the prizes was Pg Azaleen Pg Dato Hj Mustapha, Head of Retail Banking & Branch Network at Baiduri Bank

Baiduri Bank hosted a prize presentation today for winners of their promotion in collaboration with Mastercard.

Between 20 October 2018 to 31 December 2018, cardholders stood a chance to win a trip for two to Resorts World Sentosa. To be eligible, cardholders simply needed to use their Baiduri Mastercard Credit Card to make their purchases during the promotion period. Cardholders who spent a cumulative amount of at least BND1,000, received 1x lucky draw chance.

Eight cardholders were shortlisted and after a final draw today, three lucky winners namely, Wong Mei Hua, Gan Sin Siong and Chung Yee Wuen each won an unforgettable trip for two to Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore. The package includes a 2-night stay at the 5-star hotel, a VIP tour of Universal Studios Singapore and a priceless dining experience for two.

The three other winners were rewarded with a consolation prize of 25,000 Royal Skies Miles.

Presenting the prizes to the winners was Pg Azaleen Pg Dato Hj Mustapha, Head of Retail Banking & Branch Network at Baiduri Bank. Speaking on the promotion, he said, “With this promotion, we aim to highlight the exceptional benefits, rewards, services that come with using Baiduri Mastercard Credit Cards.”

“Mastercard would like to congratulate the winners and thank them for choosing cashless payments options when making their purchases. The promotion was an opportunity to continue to demonstrate Mastercard’s commitment to reduce cash and increase electronic payments. Mastercard is pleased to collaborate with like-minded partners such as Baiduri Bank to provide exciting and unique offerings to cardholders and in turn raise awareness of the convenience, security and speed of electronic payments,” said Perry Ong, Country Manager, Malaysia and Brunei, Mastercard.

To be in the know of Baiduri Bank’s current promotions, the public may stay updated by following Baiduri Bank Group on Facebook and Twitter or via our Instagram handle, @baiduribank.

Baiduri Mastercard Credit Cards comes with an array of benefits, such as exclusive rewards and offers, easy instalment plans as well as the ability to accumulate Bonus Points for the Baiduri Instant Rewards programme. With every purchase, customers will enjoy Bonus Points, which in turn gets converted into Baiduri Dollars stored in the Instant Rewards card for instant redemption at any Baiduri merchant.

Currently, Baiduri Bank has over 2000 merchants all over Brunei who participate to give Baiduri cardholders special offers, privileges as well as exclusive shopping discounts. Overseas, Baiduri Mastercard Credit Cardholders not only enjoy access to a wide variety of offers and deals for travel, dining, shopping, sports and entertainment, but also 24-hour global emergency assistance, and depending on the card tier, complimentary travel insurance, and access to over 900+ VIP airport lounges around the world.

To find out more, the public can visit Baiduri Bank website at www.baiduri.com. Customers may also contact the 24 hour Baiduri Bank Customer Helpline at 2449666.

Introduced on the 2018 Audi Q5, Quattro Ultra is a new improved Quattro all-wheel drive system that is more efficient while still ensuring optimal grip in any condition.

The major difference between the standard quattro and quattro Ultra is the presence of a two-clutch system which enables the rear differential to be decoupled when all-wheel drive is not needed.

In normal conditions, the car will drive off and continue in front-wheel drive and all the wheel drive “on demand” standby, with the system automatically kicking in the moment surface conditions require it. Thus saving fuel by about 0.3 litres which is quite impressive.

At the start of 2016, the new Audi A4 all road quattro became the first Audi model to feature quattro with Ultra technology.