Ghanim International Corporation Sdn Bhd is at full speed this holy Ramadhan, distributing it’s first batch to more than 4,300 bottled oxygenated water to a number of Mosques in the capital as part of their ‘Beramal bersama di bulan Ramadhan’ donation initiative.

This first batch of deliveries is part of a month long programme of the distribution of bottled oxygenated water to mosques and individuals throughout the Brunei-Muara district generously contributed by the general public.
“This initiative is one of the many ways, bruneihalalfoods can be a platform for the public to give back to the community and helps to bring people together to engage with our communities,” said Dr. Nur Rahman, CEO of Ghanim International Corporation. “We are grateful for the continuous donations made by the public.

The ‘Beramal bersama di bulan Ramadhan’ campaign was launched in May 2017 where throughout the month of Ramadhan, the company opens donation channels for the public and distributes bruneihalalfoods products to mosques in which more than 14,400 bottled water were successfully distributed last Ramadhan.

For interests and inquiries on the bruneihalalfoods ‘Beramal bersama di bulan Ramadhan’ campaign, information can be obtained through all of bruneihalalfoods social media platforms @bruneihalal or call bruneihalalfoods at +673 245 0279.

This Ramadhan, Baiduri Bank is collaborating with some of Brunei’s top restaurants for the Sungkai with Baiduri promotion where Baiduri cardholders enjoy 30% savings off the total bill when they pay for their breaking of fast with their Baiduri Credit Cards.

The 30% discount applies at any of the 24 participating restaurants which are: Capers Café & Restaurant, Charcoal BBQ & Grill, Cheezebox Café & Restaurant, Freshco Buffet at Freshco Batu Satu, Grand Buffet at KB Sentral, Freshco Sungkai Mega Buffet (Parkview Hotel), Goldiana Café & Lounge (Mulia Hotel), I-Lotus Restaurant, Le Taj Restaurant, Millennium Restaurant, Misato Japanese Restaurant, Papparich Restaurant, Pondok Sari Wangi Gadong as well as Jerudong, Secret Recipe, Senja Restaurant, Seoul Garden and Yellow Cab Pizza Co.

The Sungkai with Baiduri promotion is available every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday throughout the month of Ramadhan and the 30% savings applies to the total bill with no minimum spend required, subject to a maximum discount of BND50.

Terms and conditions of the promotion can be viewed on Baiduri Bank website at www.baiduri.com.bn under the Promotions section, or on the Baiduri Bank mobile app – Baiduri Deals. For more information, customers may also contact the 24-hour Baiduri Bank Customer Hotline at 2449666.

Baiduri Bank is one of the largest providers of payment products in Brunei, and holds franchise to four major card brands – Visa, MasterCard, American Express as well as the UnionPay. On top of cashless convenience, Baiduri credit and debit cards come with an array of benefits, such as exclusive rewards and offers, easy instalment plans as well as ability to accumulate Bonus Points for the Baiduri Instant Rewards programme.

To be in the know of Baiduri Bank current promotions and events, the public can also follow Baiduri Bank Group on Facebook or @baiduribank on Instagram and Twitter.

Baiduri Bank, in collaboration with The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (CBTL), has launched the Sahur with Baiduri promotion where Baiduri cardholders enjoy 30% savings off the total bill when they pay for their food and beverages with their Baiduri Credit Cards.

The 30% discount applies at all CBTL outlets in Airport Departure Hall, Bandar Mayapuri, Centrepoint Gadong, Seaview Hotel in Kuala Belait, Supa Save Beribi, Supa Save Panaga, Times Square as well as The Mall, Gadong.

The promotions is available every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of Ramadhan from 6:00pm till closing time. The 30% discount applies to the total bill with no minimum spend, subject to a maximum discount of BND50.

Click image to enter website to learn more

Yang Berhormat Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof, Minister of Communications, launched Progresif Pay last week at Rizqun International Hotel. Progressive Pay is brought to you by Progresif and powered by BIBD NEXGEN.

Other countries have implemented it. I know China is known for their WeChat. Today, it is made possible by Progresif powered by BIBD NEXGEN known as Progresif Pay. It is definitely a stepping stone in terms of cashless payments in Brunei Darussalam.

It was launched by Minister of Communications Yang Berhormat Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof who applauded both Progresif and BIBD for the collaboration in pursuing to be a smart nation in this era of digital economy. The minister shared that Brunei Darussalam is ranked 53rd in the world in the ICT development index.

Also accompany the Minister were Mubashar Khokhar, Managing Director and CEO of BIBD and Paul Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Progresif who both had inspiring quotes from Henry Ford and Michael Jordan respectively. Mubashar re-quoted, “Coming together is the beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success” while Paul mentioned, “Individuals win games while teamwork wins championships”.

Powered by BIBD NEXGEN, Progresif PAY creates an alliance between Brunei’s most innovative mobile operator and the country’s best digital bank at the forefront of branchless banking and mobile commerce by improving access and creating opportunities for greater commercial efficiency, diversification and development of Brunei’s digital economy.

Now what can be useful when you use Progresif Pay? A few things. You don’t need to bring a thick wallet, or even better a wallet. You don’t need a bank account to begin with to. You will still need to be a Progresif subscriber to be eligible for Progresif Pay.

Having said all that, first thing’s first – download the app, both available on IOS and Google Play. You will need to pop down to a Progresif Store or BIBD Branch for identity verification and registration. Then you will get your own virtual card (just like a virtual debit card). The maximum value that you can put into the virtual account will be BND 3,000 and the great thing about it is that your Progresif Pay virtual card is not tied to any of your bank accounts or credit cards. In other words, it’s safe and secured.

Once you have activated your Progresif Pay, you can pay your bills such as utilities or make donations. You can send money to other Progresif Pay users. You can even use your Progresif Pay to shop online, just like a credit card. Since you are a Progresif user, you can even top up to add data or minutes through Progresif Pay. Awesome!!

Marketing strategy will be a key component in helping others to adopt to the newly introduced Progresif Pay, according to Devin Edwards, Chief Marketing Officer of Progresif Pay. He envisioned that their neighbours at the popular Gadong wet market will make use of Progresif Pay among the vendors so it will be totally convenient and cashless.

It will be interesting to see the adoption rate of Progresif Pay because once they are many Progresif Pay users, it have a domino effect as users will find it very convenient in making transactions.

For more info and FAQ, you can click here to learn more of Progresif Pay.

Paul Taylor, CEO of Progresif, mentioned how the Progresif Radio app has around 17,000 downloads since its release a few months ago.

The minister touring BIBD NEXGEN outlet at The Mall

Press conference hosted by BIBD and Progresif on the launch of Progresif Pay

Some of the cakes and biscuits from RZ Lynz Bakery. They are taking orders until 25th May 2018.

The Tapak Kuda. Everyone’s favourite.

It’s the time of the year again. Cakes, biscuits and cake rolls, you name it. It’s the time of the year for you to make your orders in time for Hari Raya. This time round they have newer batch of biscuits such as the “Nutella Stuffed Red Velvet Cookies”, “Butter Swirl Shortbread Cookies” and “Salted Egg Yolk Cookies”

The pictures below are just a few from the list available from RZ Lynz Bakery and they are ready to accept orders and the final order will be on 25th May 2018. The numbers to contact on whatsapp – 886 6245 or 8370100. You can also download the order form here.

What can you expect from the list?

Cake Roll

1. Roll Bueno Marble (Kinder Beuno) Size 8” BND 8
2. Roll Durian Monthong Size 8” BND 8
3. Roll Choco Peppermint (Mint + Buttercream) Size 8” BND 7
4. Roll Nutella Delight (Nutella) Size 8”BND 7
5. Roll Lady Diana (coffee) Size 8”BND 7
6. Roll Purple Raspberry Size 8” BND 7
7. Roll Batek Choco Chip Size 8”BND 7
8. Tapak Kuda Ovomaltine Size 9” BND 8
9. Tapak Kuda Kit Kat Size 9” BND 8
10. Tapak Kuda Size 9” BND 6

Cake Lapis

1. Cake Lapis Favourite Nutella (Coklat Emulco + Nutella) Size 6”x 9” BND 36 or Half Size BND 18
2. Kek Batek Kenyalang 6”x 9” BND 36 or Half Size BND 18
3. Cake Lapis Sisik Ikan (Hawflake) Size 6”x 9” BND 30 or Half Size BND 15
4. Cake Lapis Strawberry Chocolate Rice Size 6”x 9” BND 30 or Half Size BND 15
5. Cake Lapis Begawan Solo (Banana) Size 6”x 9” BND 28 or Half Size BND 14
6. Cake Lapis Coffee Princess (Coffee) Size 6”x 9” BND 28 or Half Size BND 14
7. Cake Lumut Cheese Size 7” x 7” BND 25
8. Cake Kukus Lumut (Tepung Suji) Size 7” x 7” BND 20
9. Cake Kukus Mata Kucing Size 8” x 8” BND 20
10.Cake Lapis Kukus Cream Cheese Size 6” x 9” BND 25
11. Cake Batik Empire Size 8”x 8” BND 28
12. Cake Lapis Cheese Size 8”x 8” BND 18
13. Cake Batik Vico Size 8”x 8” BND 22
14. Cake Batik Size 8”x 8” BND 16

Cerelac biscuits

Crunchy Nutella

Tops Crispy Choco

Nutella stuffed red velvet cookies

Butter Swirl Shortbread Cookies

Salted Egg Yolk Cookies

Biscuit

1. Nutella Stuffed Red Velvet Cookies
2. Cranberry Almond Cookies
3. Almond Nutella Thumbprint
4. Nutella White Choco
5. Crunchy Nutella
6. Butter Swirl Shortbread Cookies
7. Tops Crispy Choco Cookies
8. Cerelac
9. Tart Nanas (Pineapple)
10. Rainbow Cookies
11. Salted Egg Yolk Cookies
12. Biscuit Sarang Semut
13. Bubblerice Cornflake Rainbow
14. Cornflake Madu
15. Kush Mor Kacang
16. Kueh Mor Cornflake
17. Kueh Mor
18. Popia Gulung Nestum
19. Popia Simpul
20. Popia

Cake Batik

1. Cake Batik Padang Golf
2. Cake Batk Red Velvet
3. Cake Batik Yam/Strawberry/Chocolate
4. Brownies – Walnut/Almond/Cheesy/Marble/Nutella Brownies
5. Nutella Gunung Berapi
6. Frambozen Kenari
7. Cake Velvet Classic

Cake Lumut Cheese Size 7” x 7” BND 25

Cake Lapis Sisik Ikan (Hawflake) Size 6”x 9” BND 30 or Half Size BND 15

Tapak Kuda Kit Kat Size 9” BND 8

5. Cake Lapis Begawan Solo (Banana) Size 6”x 9” BND 28 or Half Size BND 14

Trying out the Final TANE Silver IEM earpiece and fine tuning it during a DIY Workshop hosted by AV Electronics last weekend

An audiophile specialist who conducted the workshop

Last Sunday, I attended the DIY Workshop hosted by AV Electronics where I was given a pair of Final TANE Silver IEM (refer to picture below). So I had the privilege to see how construct and fine tune a Final brand earpiece which was conducted by an audiophile specialist from Singapore.

The Final TANE Silver IEM (DIY set) costs around BND 99 and it included the workshop. I found many interesting things about what goes inside the earpiece. There are these little tiny sponges, filters, stickers and many more that can actually make a difference in an earpiece. The un-tuned earpieces in the DIY Kit gives you this raw sound that lacks in treble, bass and mid. So this is where we learn on how the little components can make a difference and improve the quality of the earpiece.

The workshop made me feel more appreciative on earpieces and headphones as so much engineering is required to bring the best of these gadgets.

It’s also great to see that AV Electronics at The Airport Mall branch is now bring different range of brands on headphones and earpieces. The one I was impressed was the Stax line. I tried the demo at the Sound Experience Centre and I was blown away with the crisp and quality. Of course, the price is out of my budget but man, was I really impressed.

If you opting for a more affordable earpiece, then you can start with 1More brand which starts as low as BND 19 and you will still be amazed for the price you are paying that it still has the quality.

If you are thinking of getting a good set of headphones, head down to AV Electronics and they will be able to assist and even consult you according to your preferences and budget.

Final TANE Silver IEM start pack

How the inside of the earpiece looks like

A few of us attended the DIY Workshop

Some of the audio brands at AV Electronics. Check them out at The Airport Mall branch

The Sound Experience centre

Special discount on 1More earpiece/headphone

I’m loving the CHORD Electronics Mojo which is like a portable amplifier that helps to amplified the sound from a headphone

Audi Brunei to hold weekend showroom open day

As the month of Ramadhan is just around the corner, TCY Motors as the local Audi dealer welcomes the public to its Kiarong showroom this weekend to have a look at what’s on offer and test drive any of the Audi models available.

Special seasonal offers on almost all Audi models include free oil-service packages (worth $250.00) and shopping vouchers valued from $500.00 to $3000.00 (for purchase of the Audi TT Coupe). The promotion is valid until end of June.

The weekend open day will start from 9.00am to 6.00pm on Saturday and Sunday, everyone is welcomed with coffee and snacks available.

Brunei will be hosting the Asia Rugby Championship on 8th, 10th and 12th of May 2018. Teams that will be participating are Brunei as host, Guam and China. This will be the 6th Asia Rugby Tournament that Brunei has hosted since 2007, and the last one was against Mongolia and Laos in 2014, where Mongolia emerge as champion for this division.

Brunei Rugby is hoping to make this event an annual event, as it will be a holistic approach to promote rugby in the country, by having such regional marquee rugby event to the sultanate. We are also hoping to organize a Asian 7s tournament and Asian age group tournament in the near future.

The organisers would like to thank our partners & sponsors Ministry of youth and sports, RYS entertainment, Head Hunter sport, Asia Rugby, Rhino, Asian Flair, Youc1000 Isotonic drink and Rainfresh water for the support in this tournament.

Brunei Rugby will also be organizing Level 1 Medic First Aid in Rugby (L1FAIR) course during the tournament. It will be conducted by Dr Azril Syazwan bin Mohd Ali, a World Rugby Medical Educator, from Malaysia’s Institute of Sports. Brunei Rugby not only hope to produce rugby players, coaches, referees and administrators, but also medical professionals to become more professional in their approach to promote Rugby.

Handing over of the official jersey sponsored by Head Hunter sport for the Brunei national team to Mohd Azahar b Timban, Captain of Brunei Darussalam while Dr Haji kamaluddin, Acting President of Brunei rugby union looks on

Mercedes-Benz Brunei customers with the management of Jati Transport at the Sepang Circuit, Malaysia recently

This was an event that I totally missed due to unforeseen circumstances. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia hosted a Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience #MBDE at Sepang Circuit, Selangor, Malaysia in the final week of April 2018. As part of the appreciation from Jati Transport, the authorized dealer for Mercedes-Benz for Brunei Darussalam, the said company invited a few of their customers to join the Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience during that weekend.

The customers were able to test drive many Mercedes-Benz models such as the awesome AMG C43, the AME C43 Coupe, the AMG GLC 43, the SLC 300 and the AMG GLA 45 to name a few.

The Brunei Mercedes-Benz owners were treated to a special driving session such as drifting and AMG Slalom to name a few. There were even lapping sessions starting from basic at 120km/h to 150km/h to a no speed limit session.

There were also certified driving instructors – Mikko Nassi, Nathan Antunes, Jake Fouracre, Dom Storey and Peter Hackett.

The selected Brunei customers were part of the Mercedes-Benz promotion where any passenger who registered a Mercedes from January 2018 to March 2018 will stand a chance for a driving experience in Sepang, Malaysia.

Terry Wong, Chan Man Ching, Kai Anwar, Siti Kamaluddin, Liyana Yus, Munji Athirah, Dhimas Amanda, Ian Zulkifli during the press conference of ‘Hari Minggu Yang Ke-Empat’ (HMYK4)

Following the success of its first film Yasmine, Origin Artistic is set to release its very first Bruneian Hari Raya flick in local cinemas nationwide on June 14, in time for the start of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.

Directed and produced by award-winning director Siti Kamaluddin, the new film, ‘Hari Minggu Yang Ke-Empat’ (HMYK4), is a heart-warming drama-comedy about family forgiveness and second chances. It is the first Hari Raya movie to be produced by a local filmmaker.

The film stars Kai Anuar aka Babu Si Nur, Liyana Yus, lan Zulkifli and Terry Wong.

News of the film release was announced yesterday at a press conference at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT). Among those in attendance were HMYK4 cast members and production crew, including director and producer Siti Kamaluddin.

HMYK4 is the culmination of experience gained from producing Yasmine, and sees many firsts.
According to Siti Kamaluddin, she said, “This new film is different from Yasmine, as in Yasmine a mix of standard Malay and Bruneian Malay was used, but HMYK4 is very Bruneian,” she said, adding that the idea of doing the movie came up while she was working on her new script just right after Chinese New Year.”

“I thought, why not make a movie on Hari Raya as there has never been one on it, and it will be a good topic of conversation during our Hari Raya visits.”

“I hope everyone will come and support the film and get it trending with the hashtag #liatsekampung come in groups to watch it as it is always fun to have a good laugh together,” said Siti.

“Unlike Yasmine, this film is also a very interesting model for me, as I worked with a Brunei-friendly budget and our cast is fully local. Hopefully we can draw a good response for the film and maybe progress to making a few movies a year.

“What I find as a director and writer – and I am also involved in the production side – is that I have to work extra hard. We multitask and we work with a much smaller team compared to Yasmine and this is a much scaled-down project.”

Liyana Yus is back once again. Image courtesy of Bahyiah Bakir of Borneo Bulletin.

On the choice of the cast, Siti said the new actors were selected after viewing audition tapes. However, Kai Anuar’s (Babu Si Nur) talent was spotted by her during Brunei Film Blitz, which Origin Artistic participated in as part of the Brunei December Festival held in collaboration with Brunei Tourism.

“During Brunei Film Blitz, I got to watch a short film of one of the winners – Kai – in the open category. I got to see Kai as a different character from Babu Si Nur, and I was amazed to see how talented he was… I had him in mind (as part of the cast) for the script,” she said.

Talking about local films in general, Siti said making movies is not just simply shooting and screening them in the cinema, but the film profession requires a lot of career responsibilities and involves many interconnected disciplines and skills.

“It is a very technical job but is also very creative and corporations play a big role in supporting the local film. This (HMYK4) is not just a one off television show… 10 years from now you can still refer back and see the movie,” she said. “For me HMYK4 is very iconic as it our very first Hari Raya movie and it will probably be popular in other countries as well. We look forward to the screening.”

Siti Kamaluddin with Babu Si Nur on the set

Dhimas Ananda, Director of Photographer on the set

The production team in deep focus during the shoot

Main cast member Kai Anuar beamed that it has been a pleasure to be part of the film and that it has been one of the best experiences he’s ever had in his life.

“I’ve learnt a lot in the filming process… from pre-production with rehearsals and script reading, right up to sessions with the director and the other cast. All this was done to build chemistry before the actual shooting, and to get a feel of the emotional states we should be and to familiarise ourselves all the filming dos and don’ts,” he said.

As for the star of Yasmine, Liyana Yus, the new film was a much less nerve-wracking experience and more of a chance to display the acting skills she has honed in the previous production.

“I just applied what I’ve learnt from Yasmine, and at the same time shared my experience with the new actors. For me perhaps the next challenge will be to progress from playing a teenager role as in Yasmine to a character aged in the 30s,” said the actress.

Siti expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support for the film from various corporations such as Progresif Cellular Sdn Bhd, Brunei Press, Radio Television Brunei, Jollibee Brunei, Archipelago Development Corporation, Tiong Jaya, Sri Sentosa (Hertz), Cuckoo Brunei, Nazmi Textile Mall, Aiking Trading Co, Harwood, Golden Corporation, Colourland and Smart Paint, Rainfresh, and Brunei Halal.
She also accorded appreciation to the MPRT, Department of Civil Aviation, Royal Brunei Police Force, Fire and Rescue Department, the Ministry of Health, as well as her Brunei fans for their support of the film.

“I love making films for Brunei and wish to thank the Brunei audience for their continuing support. I hope to produce more films from Brunei to continue sharing our stories to the global audience,” she said. Source: Lyna Mohd of Borneo Bulletin.

You can follow updates of their production on social media @harimingguyangkeempat