Five stars for the Audi Q3 in Euro NCAP test

The new Audi Q3 offers bumper-to-bumper safety: The compact family SUV earned the top score of five stars in the Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme), one of the most important automobile safety tests in Europe.

To get the highest rating of five stars, a car has to score in all key Euro NCAP criteria. The new Audi Q3 succeeded in doing so with flying colors – in the category adult occupant protection as well as for child safety, vulnerable road user protection and driver assistance systems. The actively supporting safety systems – which include automatic emergency braking for city traffic and for highways – are included in the overall NCAP assessment with a 40% weighting for adult occupant, 20% weighting for vulnerable road users and 20% weighting for safety assist.

The new Audi Q3 has these technologies on board. The safety systems Audi pre sense basic and Audi pre sense front are standard equipment. The latter provides the driver with a visual, audible and haptic warning when critical situation involving pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles are detected via radar. It even initiates emergency braking if necessary. Also included as standard equipment is Audi side assist, which warns of hazards when changing lanes Audi active lane assist is also standard. This system helps to prevent the vehicle from leaving its lane unintentionally. The optional assistance package bundles the adaptive cruise assist, camera-based traffic sign recognition, parking system plus, high-beam assist and emergency assist.

The new Audi Q3 is also tops when it comes to passenger protection. Components made of hot-shaped steel form the backbone of the passenger cell. They are used primarily at the transition from the longitudinal members to the bulkhead, in the center tunnel, the sills, the A- and B-pillars, the roof frame and the rear longitudinal members. The hot-shaped components, which combine low weight with extreme strength, comprise 26% of the body by weight. Their combination lays the foundation for high crash safety and rigidity. 

The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) is supported by a consortium of European transport ministries, automobile clubs, insurance associations and research institutes. Twelve institutions from eight European countries are involved. Almost all new vehicles are tested and rated on their passive and active safety in the Euro NCAP. The program’s test requirements considerably exceed the applicable standards required under European legislation.

The Brunei representatives including the 10 lucky winners from Jati Transport Sdn Bhd during the Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience 2018 in Kuala Lumpur recently

Posing with the GLC AMG 63

One of the lucky customers of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd was very grateful that the company hosted such event outside of Brunei Darussalam for their customers. Not just one or two customers but 10 lucky customers had the privilege to test drive different ranges of the Mercedes-Benz models on the famous Sepang International Circuit, Selangor, Malaysia recently.

This was also made possible by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia as the winners were able to participate in the Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience 2018 in Kuala Lumpur.

Our Brunei representatives was grouped with the Philippines, Singapore and Bangladesh. All of us were treated to stay at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Kuala Lumpur and it truly fitted the occasion hosted by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

We were treated to a great hospitality team by MBM at the Paddock Club 1, maybe the best I’ve experience at Sepang International Circuit and we were given awesome Mercedes goodies. Let’s not forget the free flow of food and beverage during the whole day session.

Before experiencing the different rides on the different Mercedes-Benz models, the participants were greeted by Peter Hackett, MBM AMG Representative/Chief Driving Instructor/Australian Endurance Championship GT Race Driver and he gave a run down of the program and also a briefing on certain skills such as braking, wheels and most of important, safety in dangerous situations.

So which models did we drive? The C300, The A250, The CLS 450 and lastly, my favourite, The AMG C 43. Most of us were able to also drive the GLCs. The instructors were very accommodating and helped the participants to go through the activities – the Slalom course, the Race Start Simulation and the Drifting Session.

I actually enjoyed all the activities and especially the lapping sessions which took place after lunch. This meant we were able to drive the whole track of the Sepang International Circuit and we took turns to drive all the models prepared by MBM.

I didn’t try the Taxi Ride session where the instructors did a hot lap session so the participant got to experience how professional racers drive on the track.

The Brunei participants didn’t go empty handed as we walked with goodie bags and also certificate of participation. One Bruneian, Reuben Fang, was awarded the Best Male Driver by the organiser. Awesome, huh? Congratulations, buddy!!

I could tell that the Brunei group had fun during the one day event. They also took the opportunity to take photos with the newly launched AMG G 63 and also the AMG GLC 63 which were being displayed at the Sepang International Circuit.

Let’s hope this sort of event will be a yearly thing for Mercedes-Benz customers. I wonder what models will be introduced in the next driving event.

Customary group photo before the first session

Azlan Ahmad, founder of Mixmediaworx, receiving his certificate of participation

Another Bruneian receiving a certificate

Izah Azahari of Borneo Bulletin also enjoyed her session

Pg Abdullah posing for the camera

Reuben Fang the Best Male Driver

I loved the bean bags

Chilling at the hospitality section at Paddock Club 1

The Mercedes-Benz CLS 450

The drifting session with the A200/A250. I kinda enjoyed this.

The ladies were excited for their sessions

Ready, Get Set, Go

I love the C 43 😀

I don’t mind this as my garage

Take your pick

Daniel and I chilling before the ride

Olala… The AMG GT C

This AMG can be a collateral for your new home

I don’t mind being caged with the Mercs

The Brunei Film Blitz is back with bigger and better opportunities for film enthusiasts in Brunei Darussalam. This year, the Brunei Film Blitz is hosting various events including Mark Shepherd Masterclasses, Power Up Workshops and Level Up International Screenings. All these are designed to support the local film culture and explore national identity through film.

This Sunday, 9th December 2018, the Brunei Film Blitz kicks off with a retrospective screening from the legendary Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa at Mahakarya, Level 3 Plaza Athirah.

The three films being screened are: Hidden Fortress 1958 (12:00pm), Yojimbo 1961 (3:00pm) and High and Low 1963 (7:30pm). A KINO Close Up: Akira Kurosawa Influences and Influencer will be held at 5:30pm consisting of a presentation discussing the cinematic relevance of Akira Kurosawa.

Akira Kurosawa was a Japanese film director and screenwriter, who directed 30 films in a career spanning 57 years. He is regarded as one of the most important and influential filmmakers in the history of cinema.

As the first Asian filmmaker to achieve international prominence, Kurosawa has naturally served as an inspiration for many notable Hollywood directors today. Oscar winning film director Guillermo del Toro (The Shape of Water, Pacific Rim) referred to Kurosawa “one of the essential masters”, citing Throne of Blood, High and Low and Ran as among his favorite films. Similarly, A-list film producer J.J. Abrams says he drew from Kurosawa while producing Star Wars: the Force Awakens.

In 1990, he accepted the Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement. Posthumously, he was named “Asian of the Century” in the “Arts, Literature, and Culture” category by AsianWeek magazine and CNN, cited there as being among the five people who most prominently contributed to the improvement of Asia in the 20th century. His career has been honored by many retrospectives, critical studies and biographies in both print and video, and by releases in many consumer media formats.

On Sunday, a retrospective will be held as part of the Brunei Film Blitz from 12 Noon. Reserve your seats today by logging into www.bruneifilmblitz.org or contact us on +673 8188777.

Synopsis for Brunei Film Blitz Kurosawa Screening

Title : Hidden Fortress (1958, Japan, Akira Kurosawa). George Lucas’ Star Wars (1977) is undoubtedly one of the most entertaining films ever made, a global phenomenon that shaped and defined modern Hollywood. But not many people realise that it was profoundly influenced by this classic samurai film. Not only are the two stories remarkably similar – with the assistance of two bickering peasants (robots), a samurai (Jedi knight) escorts a princess with hidden treasure (secret plans) through a landscape dominated by enemy forces and a powerful secret fortress (space station) – but Lucas also borrowed certain stylistic devices from Kurosawa’s classic! Once again, the great Toshiro Mifune delivers a masterful central performance and Akira Kurosawa directs with his usual consummate skill in this action classic. To be played at 12pm at Mahakarya, Level 3 Plaza Athirah.

Hidden Fortress (1958, Japan, Akira Kurosawa)

Title : Yojimbo (1961, Japan, Akira Kurosawa). A dishevelled ronin (masterless samurai) arrives in a run-down rural village dominated by two rival gangs and pits one against the other, setting them on a course of mutual self-destruction. This classic samurai film was later remade as an Italian Western (For a Fistful of Dollars, 1964, with Clint Eastwood) and an American gangster film (Last Man Standing, 1996, with Bruce Willis), demonstrating that in the end, it is both a universal story and a brilliant action film. With a superb and unconventional central performance by the great Toshiro Mifune, audacious widescreen compositions and an unexpected mix of violence and dark humour, this is one of the most memorable and influential Japanese films ever made. To be played at 3pm at Mahakarya, Level 3 Plaza Athirah.

Yojimbo (1961, Japan, Akira Kurosawa)

Title : KINO Close Up: Akira Kurosawa influences and influencer This presentation discusses the cinematic relevance of Akira Kurosawa. Open to all ages and film experience/interest levels. 5pm at Mahakarya, Level 3 Plaza Athirah.

Title : High and Low (1963, Japan, Akira Kurosawa). Although Kurosawa is best known for his period piece samurai films, he also directed just as many films set in contemporary Japan. This is one of the best: an incredibly tense crime thriller about a rich businessman held to ransom when his chauffeur’s son is kidnapped by mistake, which, in its second half, unexpectedly morphs into a powerful drama about social injustice. This, then, is both a brilliant, stylistically audacious genre film and a brave and complex piece of social filmmaking with a strong moral message. It is all held together by Kurosawa’s usual deep respect for humanity and sense of justice – perfectly embodied by Toshiro Mifune’s riveting central performance. Another undoubted classic of world cinema. To be played at 7pm at Mahakarya, Level 3 Plaza Athirah.

High and Low (1963, Japan, Akira Kurosawa)

The Light Tunnel leading to “The Story of Lights” at Jerudong Park

Step into your favorite Aesop fables with ‘The Story of Lights’ at Jerudong Park held in conjunction with Brunei December Festival 2018. It’s the first time Brunei’s premier tourist destination has organized an outdoor light exhibition since re-launching in 2014.

‘The Story of Lights’ is held alongside other December activities organised inside Jerudong Park, which include Movie Nights, ‘Animals in the Park’ and Interactive Games.

For ‘The Story of Lights’ – visitors are greeted by a light tunnel which leads into an illuminated open book, setting the scene for the five Aesop fables depicted. The Lion and The Mouse, The Peacock and The Crane, The Tortoise and The Hare, The Ants and The Grasshopper and The Fox and The Goat.

The Aesop fables are scattered around the lagoon area, Double Carousel and Children’s ride area. As ‘The Story of Lights’ opening book reads, “It is important to keep alive the enriching habit of reading in order to gain the unfathomable treasure hiding and stored in the books which a person’s best friends do not deemed anything but always give knowledge and wisdom.”

‘The Story of Lights’ believes that ‘today’s readers will be tomorrow’s leaders’. Children are encouraged to read more, learn more, which will ultimately lead to better lives. Children at a very young age need to stimulate their imagination, explore and discover the magical world of books.

To enliven the holiday period visitors can also enjoy 30% off (terms and conditions apply) once they complete 10 questions from one of the interactive games – an activity booklet. Clues for the questions can be found all around JP. Vouchers are available from the ticketing counter once all 10 questions are answered correctly.

‘Animals in the Park’ is also back! This time with an expanded area for new animals such as black palm civets, geckos and a falcon. Not forgetting the reptiles, iguanas, tortoise, birds of prey and floppy-eared rabbits which are also on display.

JP Movie Night is held on the 8th, 22nd and 29th December. The movies are screened outdoors at the JP Colonnade. To enjoy your experience visitors are recommended to bring picnic mats or blankets to sit on. Find out what films are showing by following Jerudong Park on social media.

Visitors can get more out of Jerudong Park this December with Combo Deals. ‘Yellow’ Combo or the Entrance Combo deal is only $16 and includes, Interactive Games, ‘Animals in the Park’ and ‘The Story of Lights’. To enjoy all the rides, waterpark, ‘The Story of Lights’, ‘Animals in the Park’ and Interactive Games visitors can get the ‘Grey’ Combo Deal: $27 for local adults and $21 for local children.

Jerudong Park would also like to inform visitors who have purchased tickets before the December period to purchase top-up tickets to enjoy ‘The Story of Lights’ and ‘Animals in the Park’ in order to enter. For more updates follow Jerudong Park on social media on Instagram at Jerudong Park and on Facebook at Jerudong Park Playground.

Check out the illuminated open book concept feature Aesop fables

Every spot has a story behind it and children can learn messages from the short story series

The Animal in the Park area at Jerudong Park

Parrots at the “Animal in the Park” section

There’s an eagle at the “Animal in the Park” section

If you are interested to go for the Combo Grey package and ideal for families

Warehouse Clearance Sale by GrowTec Marketing Enterprise at their warehouse at Kg. Salar, Jalan Muara. Ends 18th December 2018

GrowTec Marketing Enterprise, the parent company of Mothercare Brunei and Bebeland is holding a Warehouse Clearance Sale from 28 November until 18 December from 9am – 7pm at Block 1-4 Higher Point Industrial Phase 1, Kampong Salar, Jalan Muara.

The sale which started recently offers up to 70% discount on various kids and baby products.

Among the big brands featured include Mothercare, Hauck, Graco, Joie, Nuby, TollyJoy, Babylove, Hasbro, Lego, Vtech, Hape, Barbie, Disney and more.

Promotions such as purchase with purchase and bundle sets are also offered. For more information, kindly call 239-3692 or 898-2811.

One of the first customers of the clearance sale

Click image to enlarge map

Devin Edwards, Progresif’s Chief Marketing Officer, 3rd from left, with students from Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien College, Meragang Sixth Form, Rimba Secondary School, Raja Isteri Girls High School, Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College and Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Masna Secondary School. Also in the photo were representatives from Brunei Film Blitz.

Progresif is paving the way for the development of future filmmakers and producers in its latest Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative for Brunei’s creative industry.

The company announced that they are sponsoring 15 students from six schools for their entry into the Brunei Film Blitz 2018 (BFB), giving them the opportunity to expand on their talents and passion for film.

Abd Mateen Yakof, Wan Wafiy Hasif Hj Wan Joffry, Md Adam Aiman Hj Mohd Firman, Md Ilyas Abdullah @ Ilyas De Lara Bautista, Md Rosmuliamin Mustapa, Md Haziq Hafizzudin Shahron, Mohd Danial Basyri Zamain, Md Azizul Halif Hj Bagul, Lim Hui Ying, Muhammad Adam, Dk Syarifah Afiqah binti Pg Hj Shamsir, Dk Aida Nabilah binti Pg Haji Dahlan, Nabilah Munazah binti Raup, Abdul Hazim bin Mastadi and Rauufah will all have full access to film workshops and screenings during the BFB 2018.

The nominated students are currently studying at Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien College, Meragang Sixth Form, Rimba Secondary School, Raja Isteri Girls High School, Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College and Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Masna Secondary School.

This is also the second consecutive year that Progresif has supported the Brunei Film Blitz as part of ongoing efforts support and nurture the growth of Brunei’s creative industry.

Devin Edwards, Progresif’s Chief Marketing Officer, said: “Our investment into the local creative industry stems from our belief that Brunei’s creative talents can grow much further when they have a platform that supports them.”

“This is our second year of supporting the Film Blitz and we’re proud to be able to play a role in nurturing the abilities of young filmmakers, so they are inspired to pursue their passion and turn their talents into viable careers or businesses,” he said.

The BFB aims to push the abilities of local filmmakers to international standards through a series of workshops, screenings and a competition to produce a short film in 96 hours.

The winner of this competition will receive a full scholarship for a two-year Diploma in Screen and Media, also sponsored by Progresif. Winners will be announced on December 24 during the Gala Awards Night.

Registration for the BFB is open from November 9 until December 20, 2018. To register for the event, visit www.bruneifilmblitz.org

Lavie’s Youth defying Night Crème, Beauty Insider Winner for Best Breakthrough Product 2018

Dr. Juliana Latif (2nd from left) sharing her product line to the guests at Avenue 41 last Sunday

According to their official website, Le Miracle De La Vie was created and formulated by a pair of female doctors who were driven scientifically for results, in search for the perfect skincare products that could address everyday women’s skin needs and concerns. Their decisions were based on two key elements, effectiveness and user experience.

Premium active ingredients, clinically tested for their effectiveness on the skin, were handpicked from an award-winning Switzerland based lab, with the primary objective to address essential skin issues of hydration, whitening and anti-aging which are the main focus for Le Miracle de La Vie. It was imperative that the concentrations of each active ingredient were kept high and never compromised.

To enhance the user’s experience luxurious textures with sophisticated scents are a pivotal characteristic of each product. Like a shot of caffeine, the daytime products are refreshing and awakens the body and spirit. Like a relaxing cup of camomile tea, the night-time products will calm and sooth the mind to melt away stress. Immaculately wrapped in exclusively designed boxes, Le Miracle De La Vie chose Rose Gold as their signature stamp to emulate sophistication, luxury and premium quality.

To my surprise, one of the founders happened to be a Bruneian and a mutual friend of mine, Dr. Juliana Latif, who nows run two clinics, one General Health Clinic and the other in Aesthetics and Wellness, in Singapore. It has been her dream to pursue into aesthetics when she noticed changes in her own skin. Slowly, she created her own brand Lavie that focuses on whitening range and anti-aging range.

Even with a short span of time in the market, Lavie have won two awards from Beauty Insider Singapore in the Beauty & Wellness Awards 2018 – the first being Best Breakthrough Product for Lavie’s Youth Defying Night Crème and the second being Best Face Save Facial Serum for Lavie’s Intense Lightening Serum. That alone is a great testament for Lavie and Dr. Juliana shared how the awards have boosted their exposure in Singapore market and now she targets the regional market including China where her products are quite well received.

Recently, Dr. Juliana hosted a small event at Avenue 41 to introduce her Lavie line in Brunei Darussalam. The reception has been very positive during the short visit and she hopes one day, the products will be readily available in Brunei Darussalam in the near future.

For the moment, those who are interested, you make your order online through their official website or if you happen to be in Singapore, you can visit Lavie’s physical store at #04-11, Wheelock Place, 501 Orchard Road.

All the best, Dr. Juliana, in your business venture in aesthetics and wellness. Your dreams are definitely being pursued. It was great to see you again after such a long time.

One of the products from Lavie being displayed at Avenue 41

You can opt for this box and try out four products from Lavie

A beautiful set up at Avenue 41

Dr. Juliana mingling with her guests

Another award from Beauty Insider for Lavie’s Intense Lightening Serum

A photo opportunity with Dr. Juliana Latif

With the top three winners of At-Taqwa Travel Tours promotion held yesterday

The grand winner, Massharyanti binti Haji Hussain who an Umrah package for two, receiving the prize from Ak Md Nassiruddeen Pg Hj Yussof, Chief Financial Officer of At-Taqwa Travels Tour

At-Taqwa Travel Tours Sdn Bhd has been making a name for themselves for the past year or so. With a very solid team, they provided the best service to every customer they can within their resources. I have worked closely with them last year during my Umrah trip and they were very particular when it came to service.

And yes, when you provide good service, you will eventually get more customers and so they did. The last travel fair, Sabre Travel Fair 2018 drew 562 bookings and it was the biggest milestone for a new player in the industry.

Apart from that At-Taqwa also had special lucky draw promotions and yesterday, three top winners were feted with awesome prizes from the travel agent.

The Grand Prize went to Massharyanti binti Haji Hussain who won an Umrah package for two. The second prize winner went to Fauzian Hj Samat with a BND 2,500 travel voucher while third place winner won a BND 1,500 travel voucher which went to Muhd Wazif Asryaf bin Md Affendy.

Ak Md Nassiruddeen Pg Hj Yussof, Chief Financial Officer of At-Taqwa Travels Tour thanked the customers for their support during the travel fair and also to their loyal customers.

All present during the prize presentation were Pg Hj Rosdimar bin Pg Hj Omarali, Managing Director of At-Taqwa Travels Tour and the management as well as representative from Royal Brunei Airlines.

At-Taqwa Travels Tour will be in full swing this until next year as the first batch of Umrah pilgrims will fly off today. They have been busy with the preparations especially with the practical session for the pilgrims to be familiar before they reach the Holy land.

You can follow their updates on IG @at_taqwa_travel_tours for updates.

Ak Md Nassiruddeen delivering his welcoming remarks

Fauzian Hj Samat receiving 2nd prize from Pg Hj Mohd Fakhrulrazi Pg Hj Omarali, Head of Department, Haji and Umrah, At-Taqwa Travels Tour

Representative of Muhd Wazif Asryaf bin Md Affendy receiving third prize from Dk Sabtuyah binti Pg Hj Abdul Rahman, Head of Department of travel and tourism, At-Taqwa Travels Tour

Representatives from At-Taqwa and Royal Brunei Airline

Check out the merchandise from At-Taqwa

The first batch of Umrah pilgrims flying to Jeddah today

Evergreen Park, Haikou. Image from Hainan Explore website

Royal Brunei Airlines is pleased to announce that the national carrier has launched direct scheduled services to Haikou effective 22 November 2018.

RB’s CEO Karam Chand said, “We are pleased to introduce Haikou, the capital of Hainan province, to our growing network of scheduled flights to China. Adding Haikou to our scheduled services will support our airlines’ network development and builds on the strong bilateral relationship between Brunei and China. The new route presents a very special opportunity for both cities to boost tourism and trade sectors.

In addition to Haikou, we have already launched Nanning and Hangzhou routes and soon Changsha which will operate effective 15 January 2019. Further establishing RB’s presence in China is very important for us as we are constantly exploring new opportunities to grow our footprint in one of the largest market in the world. With the growth of our short-haul network to China and vice versa to Brunei, we are confident our guest will benefit from the increased connections and enhanced travel experience from non-stop flights and signature RB service on our game changing A320 NEO aircraft.”

The flight is available on www.flyroyalbrunei.com and also at RB’s travel agents.

RB flies twice weekly to Haikou

View of Haikou. Taken from South China Morning Post

Marriot Hotel, Haikou, Hainan Province.