Law Siew Vui, Head of Merchant Services, BIBD, Atika Hj Mahadi, Station Manager, Roxana Shell Service Station and Radi El Fassed, Head of Product Development, Progresif Cellular during the press conference for the launch of the first cashless payment system at Roxana Shell Service Station recently

Brunei Shell Marketing Company Sendirian Berhad (BSM) has collaborated with Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) and Progresif to provide a cashless payment solution for customers at Roxana Filling Station in Seria.

The BIBD QuickPay and ProgresifPay cashless payment methods will provide convenience to customers who visit the self-service station. Customers can just pay via scanning of the QR code using their BIBD QuickPay or ProgresifPay mobile app inside the Roxana Kedai at the cashier. These cashless payment methods can be used for both fuel and non-fuel purchases.

This is in line with BSM’s efforts towards digitisation and commitment to provide the best service to customers by giving them convenience and safe fuelling at the stations. The newly added service will create an enhanced next generation customer experience by enabling them to pay with their mobile phones at the counter.

BSM Head of IT, Hajah Natrah Hj Ahmad said: “Roxana Station is our pilot project with the objective of providing an alternative cashless payment option to the Roxana station customers. This new mode of payment will provide ease for both our customers as well as to our daily operations at the Station where this will help mitigate risks relating to cash handling at stations.

For further information, please call BSM 24 hours Call Centre at 2244739.

Pg Fitri Pg Shahminan – Corp Communication, BIBD, tested BIBD’s QuickPay over the service counter to pay for his petrol

Abby Chu, Segment Manager, Progresif Cellular, successfully paid her petrol through Progresif Pay

Congratulations Roxana Shell Service Station for making it convenient for customers and hopefully the trend will pick up in the coming weeks

RCanada and U.S. generated strong demands for the new Audi Q3 which will be available for sale in Brunei soon

“Our model initiative is gaining traction globally at the year-end,” says Hildegard Wortmann, Member of the Board of Management for Sales and Marketing at AUDI AG. “North America has been reaping the benefits of the full availability of the new Audi Q3 for the past few months; the two electric models, the Audi e-tron and Audi Q2 L e-tron*, as well as the Audi Q8 bolstered our portfolio in November in China. Despite the increasingly difficult environment, we therefore still expect our deliveries to customers to perform robustly and to see slight growth for 2019 as a whole.”

Deliveries in Europe increased to around 707,650 cars since January, a year-on-year increase of 2.2 percent. The sharp increase of 33.0 percent to around 58,300 units in November is once again also down to prior-year effects associated with the WLTP switchover and model changeovers. In Germany, Audi handed over 19,526 cars to customers in November, an increase of 24.3 percent. Deliveries rose 4.1 percent to 253,443 cars since January. The Audi Q3 (23,303 cars, +67.7%), the Audi A6 (41,899, +18.4%) and the Audi Q8 (5,751 cars, +131.2%) contributed positively to growth in the domestic market.

The North America region saw deliveries increase in November to a new record-breaking figure of 25,230 cars (+17.3%), with around 241,100 vehicles delivered to customers (-3.3%) since the start of the year. In the United States, deliveries increased by 20.7 percent to 20,618 cars in November. Audi delivered 198,261 cars in the United States since January, almost on a par with the prior-year figure (-1.1%). Deliveries in Canada were once again up in November (3,416 cars, +4.4%), with the company delivering 31,829 cars (-10.0%) since the start of the year. Both countries generated strong demand in November for the new Audi Q3, which went on sale in July, (USA: 2,497 cars, +256.7%; Canada: 929 cars; +231.8%) along with the new Audi Q8, which remains market leader in its segment.

In China, 67,402 cars delivered (+16.8%) in November set a new record-breaking figure. Cumulative deliveries were up 3.5 percent to 618,596 units. Growth was driven in part by the high demand for the A6 L (16,559 cars; +9.3%). The Audi Q2 L was also introduced in China as an all-electric model in November. Apart from the locally produced Audi Q2 L e-tron, the Audi e-tron also went on sale in China in the middle of last month.

Baiduri Bank received the coveted Bank of The Year award from The Banker magazine in an awards ceremony in London. The latest achievement marks the fourth international banking award this year for Baiduri Bank and is the fourteenth time that the Bank has received this accolade. This achievement also marks Baiduri Bank’s sixth consecutive year of receiving the Bank of The Year award.

The Banker’s twentieth annual Bank of The Year awards were presented at a gala black- tie dinner at the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, London on Thursday 28 November 2019. Mr Ti Eng Hui, CEO of Baiduri Bank received the award on behalf of the Bank.

Speaking about the Bank’s latest achievement, Ti said, “This award is yet another testament to the strides and accomplishments the Bank has made over the past 18 months. This year alone, the Bank has taken significant steps towards moving the organization to greater heights by investing heavily in cutting-edge technology, customer data security and its human resource capabilities.”

Among recent strategic initiatives undertaken by Baiduri Bank is a new digital banking platform targeted for launch in the first quarter of 2020. Other initiatives include enhancing the Bank’s human capital capabilities and the launch a local business skills training series as a long-term commitment to helping develop local business in partnership with Darussalam Enterprises (DARe).

Elaborating on a recent strategic business move, Ti said, “Baiduri Bank has the largest card merchant base in the country. By partnership with DST, Brunei’s premier telecommunications provider to launch an e-Wallet, the synergistic effect will be the creation of the largest digital payment ecosystem in the country with connectivity to regional and international payment platforms.”

Mr Ti Eng Hui, CEO of Baiduri Bank received the award on behalf of Baiduri Bank at the Bank of the Year Awards at Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, London recently

On the topic of human capital, Ti said, “We invested in a world-class online training platform to upskill our personnel with the intention to certify them to global industry standard; and we will soon be moving onto a cloud-based human capital management platform provided by another global service provider.”

“Under our recently launched Management Associate Programme, two candidates will undergo 12 months of intensive development aimed to maximizing their potential and advance in their career within the Baiduri Bank Group.”

Speaking on the latest award, Ti stated, “It gives us great pride in being recognized as the Bank of the Year for Brunei by a leading international financial publication. I would like to thank our customers, business partners and associates for the trust and support they have given us over the years making us the award-winning bank that we are today.”

In determining the award winners, The Banker, the world’s premier banking and finance resource, looks beyond raw data. The editorial team looks for evidence of banks setting new standards for their local industries whether it is through the use of new technology or innovative ways of expanding their business. The judging is carried out by an editorial committee on the basis of submitted entries, data from The Banker’s database and the editor’s personal knowledge of the market.

Earlier this year, Baiduri Bank received three other international awards, the ‘Domestic Retail Bank of the Year for Brunei 2019’ from the Asian Banking and Finance magazine, the ‘Best Banking Group for Brunei 2019’ from World Finance magazine as well as ‘Best Bank in Asia Pacific Region for Brunei 2019’ from Global Finance magazine.

#BELIHELIX

Brunei Shell Marketing Co. Sdn. Bhd. (BSM) is pleased to announce an exclusive Shell Helix and Shell Rimula promotion in conjunction with the company’s 60th Anniversary celebration starting last Monday.

A total of 60 prizes will be given out during the promotion period of 6 weeks which commences from 25 th November 2019 until 05 th January 2020. Eligible products are Shell Helix Ultra, Shell Helix HX7 and Shell Helix HX5 in 4 litres pack and Shell Rimula R4X in 5 litres pack.

10 winners will be chosen during the weekly draw and the top 3 will get to choose a return air ticket from one of these destinations – Jakarta, Ho Chin Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Singapore or Manila. There will also be 7 weekly consolation prizes of Vehicle Service Package at Shell Helix Branded Workshop which is inclusive of one pack of 4 litre Shell Helix Ultra, Oil Filter and Labour charges.

To enter for the lucky draw, customers who purchase one of the above-mentioned products are required to scan the QR code provided at our authorized outlets. The QR code will then direct them to a registration page where they need to fill up their details. Customers are also required to take a picture of their receipt and upload as proof of purchase.
Winners will be contacted to attend for the weekly prize presentation which will be held at BSM Head Quarters in PGGMB Building, Bandar Seri Begawan.

For further information, please call BSM 24 hours Call Centre at 2244739 or visit BSM website www.bsm.com.bn for the list of BSM Authorised Distributors, Dealers and Petrol Stations.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah chairing the 4th National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam Congress at NFABD House last weekend

With the newly installed executive committee of NFABD with representatives from Asian Football Confederation, Asean Football Federation and FIFA 

In the recent turn of events, Pg Hj Matusin bin Pg Hj Matasan was elected as the President of the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) for the term 2019-2023 in the 4th NFABD Congress at NFABD House last weekend. Pg Hj Matusin was the former Secretary-General of the defunct Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (BAFA) which was banned by the International Federation of Association Football (Fifa) back in 2008.

Pg Hj Matusin is the 3rd President of NAFBD, replacing His Royal Highness Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah who ran the presidency from 2013 to 2019. The first president of NAFBD was Dato Paduka Abdul Rahman Mohiddin where NAFBD was formed back in 2011.

The other executive committees that have been elected are Haji Abdul Razak bin Haji Ibrahim, Bujang bin Haji Japar, Abdul Adib bin Haji Abdul Khani and Pengiran Haji Aliudin bin Pengiran Haji Tajudin.

In NFABD, there are 20 congress members which consists of those registered in the Brunei Super League Clubs. The 20 votes are from Brunei Muara clubs, Tutong football association, Kuala Belait clubs, Temburong clubs, MS PDBD, MS ABDB and referee. During the election process, 19 votes were casted with one spoilt vote and one absentee.

Pg Hj Matusin is no stranger in the football scene as he has vast experience and knowledge on the local football scene. I do hope he can carry the legacy of HRH Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah and lead his team for the betterment of football in Brunei Darussalam. And yes, he is a Chelsea fan too.

Brunei Darussalam is also making their presence felt in the international scene as HRH Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah was elected as a member of the organising committee for FIFA competitions, member to the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) Social Responsibility Committee and Deputy President of AFF for 2019-2023 as well as Deputy Chairman of ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Financial Committee and Emergency Committee.

It was also interesting to see the official visit by Gianni Infantino, the President of FIFA recently to Brunei Darussalam. In all my life, I would have never thought a President of FIFA would pay a visit to our small country.

Let’s see what the new executive committees’ plans are for the next year or so. Change is the only constant and let’s hope for a brighter (football) future. All the best.

During the 4th NFABD congress

The newly elected NFABD executive members

The annual report of NFABD

A Congress member of NFABD from Brunei-Muara casting a vote

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Pg Hj Matusin bin Pg Hj Matasan (2nd from left), the newly elected President of NFABD with the management of Indera SC. He is also the advisor of Indera SC.

Group photo after the 4th NFABD Congress

Some of the Brunei’s local entrepreneurs in partnership with DARe and Baiduri Bank

In partnership with Darussalam Enterprise (DARe), Baiduri Bank has been organizing a series of skills training workshops for Brunei’s local entrepreneurs as a component of the Industry Business Academy (IBA).

Following the success of the inaugural workshop held in April, followed by the second workshop in August, today the third workshop, on the topic of e-commerce was held, conducted by Mr Eu Gene Ang, the founder and principal trainer of ClickAcademy Asia.

One of the participants of the course, Ms Elina Zin of Bloom Project, commented, “This workshop gave me a lot of confidence and motivation to elevate my website into an e- commerce site as they introduced not only strategies, but shared free tools and resources that I can use as I consider going into the e-commerce space.”

The workshop today focused on helping SMEs in Brunei understand key components in e- commerce and relevant tools and guide them in their decision to invest in e-commerce. Mr Ti Eng Hui, CEO of Baiduri Bank explained, “Today’s workshop is the final workshop out of a series, that Baiduri Bank has committed to run in collaboration with DARe for 2019. Our objective for this series has been to enable growth for local SMEs which we believe can be achieved by empowering them through education.”

Darussalam Enterprise (DARe) launched the Industry Business Academy (IBA) in July 2016 as an integral component of the MSME developmental programme to provide knowledge for aspiring or seasoned entrepreneurs who need to start, grow and export a business. Offering programmes focused on business plan writing, financial literacy and related topics, the IBA has played a pivotal role in developing the local MSMEs in Brunei.

The partnership between Baiduri Bank and DARe is aimed at implementing a series of skills training workshops designed to complement existing training programmes offered by IBA, thereby providing a more comprehensive, well-rounded training curriculum to local entrepreneurs, empowering them to achieve greater success in their business ventures.

For more information, customers may log on to www.baiduri.com or contact the Baiduri Bank Customer Helpline at 2449666.

Mr Eu Gene Ang, the founder and principal trainer of ClickAcademy Asia, conducted the workshop

His Majesty the Sultan having a dialogue with one of the students at Sekolah Rendah Puni Temburong. Perhaps, the positive highlight of the impromptu school visits at Temburong. Image by @pingako

Social media is always on high alert whenever His Majesty the Sultan does impromptu visits and spot checks on certain places such as schools and ministries in particular. The outcome has been only satisfactory at most upon inspection and there’s always a bigger room for improvement. Ironically the voices being heard are from the end users, in this case, the people (the rakyat) or in schools, students and teachers, when they have dialogues with the monarch.

To be honest, I hardly cover any impromptu visits by His Majesty and all the my first hand news are from Whatsapp (viral) and Reddit before I read the official version from newspapers or listen/watch RTB news on radio and TV respectively. I do hope I one day I have a little bird to drop me and info or two should there be another impromptu visit.

I believe all these impromptu visits by His Majesty the Sultan are necessary in order to maintain and further improve the welfare and the well being of the residents of Brunei Darussalam. I still find it amazing that His Majesty the Sultan (in his 70s) has the drive and passion to make regular visits around Brunei Darussalam and this will help to keep the ministries on their toes because they are the agencies, entrusted by His Majesty to run the show and make sure the goals and objectives are met. This truly indicates how His Majesty cares about the well being of his people.

It’s always nice to notice action being taken after being scrutinized. A prime example was the unscheduled visit of His Majesty the Sultan to the Department of Immigration on the 8th of October and the monarch questioned the Citizenship section where hundreds (or maybe thousands) have yet to be granted Brunei Citizenship. Two and a half weeks later, the Ministry of Home Affairs held a formal ceremony for the 222 recipients of the Citizenship Status Certificates which was held at the International Convention Centre on 24th October 2019. As soon as I posted that story, many questioned me on which year that it coincided with for the 32nd intake of the citizenship recipients. I have no clue whatsoever but it surely is progress to see that steps have been taken swiftly by the relevant ministry. I’m also waiting for my application and I hope one day, insyaAllah, that I will be a Bruneian. Amen.

All these unscheduled visits, however, judging from the stories that have been circulated, the news broadcasted on the radio and TV, the published report on the print media, the vibe I sensed was less of a positive note. Furthermore, people became more vocal on social media, adding more salt (to the wound) on the respective agencies. Nonetheless, sometimes the responses on Reddit do carry some weight and logic with their recommendations and I am pretty sure the Ministries are aware of all the publicity they have been exposed to on these social media platforms.

The latest visit by His Majesty the Sultan raised more eyebrows from the public after images of the government schools in Temburong district were circulated. It is really embarrassing that we have to find out this way but yea, the truth always hurts. I really feel sorry for the students and teachers who have no choice but conduct their lessons in cabins [Again, if this is true as I received second hand information] and one of the halls at a school really looked in a very bad shape. I wonder how long it was in that state before the Royal visit.

Honestly, this looks very bad on the relevant ministries and it’s not my position to say but such things could have been avoided. Even the huge pile of mess at the Immigration Department (back in October) could have been avoided. If these things are not handled internally, then my advice is to the powers that were empowered by His Majesty the Sultan – the Legislative Council members – to make such visits randomly as they are the voice of the people, the driving force in the making. They can exercise their power to question the respective ministries on certain issues or scenarios when they conduct their visits. I sometimes read how LegCo members made visits to established companies and such but I am sure there are many agencies that need to be scrutinized and these visits can act as a catalyst for the agencies to take appropriate steps to reduce any underlying concerns for the benefit of our people. Anyway, this is just my point of view because I believe we all can cooperate and work with another.

Let’s move forward and work together to come up with a solution and tackle the problems one by one. It’s never too late and I believe collaboration and teamwork even among the ministries will be more effective in providing solutions and making them a reality.

The conditions of the floor in one of the schools left in that state. Courtesy of Whatsapp Image.

I am not sure which school this was but this is such an awful sight. Courtesy of Whatsapp Image

How the school hall looks like. Courtesy of Whatsapp Image.

This school needs proper attention. Courtesy of Whatsapp Image.

Jati Transport Sdn Bhd’s Customer Appreciation Day at Autohaus yesterday

Pg Anak Hj Jaafar ibni Al Marhum Pg Pemancha Pg Anak Hj Mohamed Alam, Executive Chairman of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd (center) with Andrew Chiam, Executive Director of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd and Pg Nasir bin Pg Anak Hj Jaafar during the Customer Appreciation Day

Yesterday was a great day for the customers of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd as they enjoyed the festivities during Customer Appreciation Day hosted by Jati Transport, the authorised auto dealer for Mercedes-Benz. Around 800 people showed up with their family to enjoy the food and the entertainment provided by Jati Transport Sdn Bhd.

Present during the Customer Appreciation Day were Pg Anak Hj Jaafar ibni Al Marhum Pg Pemancha Pg Anak Hj Mohamed Alam, Executive Chairman of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd, Andrew Chiam, Executive Director of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd and Alfred So, General Manager of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd.

The customers enjoyed the activities provided such as face painting for their children, dance lessons, mini treasure hunts, photo booth and not forgetting the discounts on their merchandise items.

This event is to appreciate the loyal customers of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd and continue the strong relations with the company and their customers. There were also a test drive session for those interested.

The huge crowd at the food section

The kids dancing after a few lessons by Relentless Entertainment

Families enjoying themselves

Some of the winners of the mini treasure hunt

The AMG G63 😀

At the Tokyo Motor Show 2019

The Tokyo Motor Show 2019 came to an end on the 4th November 2019. Those who attended were privileged to catch cutting edge vehicles such as self driving cars and much of the focus was also on mobility. My previous visit to the Tokyo Motor Show was back in 2013 so I would say the experience this time was totally different.

It was the first time the Tokyo Motor Show opened the exhibition to children, aimed at reversing the flagship attendance. The 2017 show drew a mere 770,000 people but this year, it managed to break the 1 million mark and finished with 1.3 million attendees in the 10-day Tokyo Motor Show.

It was participated by 192 carmakers according to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) and I shall be focusing on the cars/vehicles introduced by Toyota and Lexus.

The members of the press were given a dedicated day (October 23) where the Presidents of the respective brands launched their products as the media got first hand viewing before the Tokyo Motor Show was opened for public viewing.

At the Lexus Pavilion at the Tokyo Motor Show 2019

Yoshihiro Sawa, the International President of Lexus with the Lexus LF-30 Electrified, the first full fledged electric vehicle from Lexus

Check out that beauty

In the late morning, Yoshihiro Sawa, the International President of Lexus unveiled Lexus first ever electric vehicle (EV), the Lexus LF-30, which left the audience in awe. The LF-30 is more than a concept vehicle. The Lexus Electrified vision unveiled targets a fundamental leap in vehicle performance, handling, control and driver enjoyment, and let’s not forget autonomous driving and vehicle electrification.

What was interesting was the “Lexus Sense theatre” at the Tokyo Motor Show, a space where people can experience the simulation of five senses. es”. It consists of two experience spaces, audio and visual. In Theater 1, the sensual engine sound of Lexus LFA stimulates hearing with 360° 3D sound.

Theater 2 offers a visually stimulating experience with the Lexus LC model by projection mapping – which changes its appearance according to the time of day and the viewing angle. In this booth layout you can appreciate the Lexus philosophy, while enjoying sensory stimulation through “real experience”.

Interviewing Lexus’ International President with other members of the press

We also had a privilege to interview with Yoshihiro Sawa with other selected members of the press. He was quite welcoming individual with full of knowledge especially with the automative industry. When asked about how Lexus will positioned themselves among other luxury car brands, Sawa said that Lexus aims to be different from others and hence Lexus upped the scale by providing a more amazing experience for their customers. Hence, Lexus aims to focus on luxury lifestyle experience with the car rather than luxury car brand. He shared that the owners of luxury cars are not satisfied with just owning the product. They hunger for something more as they are eager to have a more unique experience.

Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corp, making a grand entrance during Toyota’s presentation at the Tokyo Motor Show 2019

He came in with the e-Palette which will be featured in the Olympic Games next year

A very energetic showcase coming from Toyota

In the afternoon, Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corp, had an interesting approach to the launch of their Toyota products, focusing on digital presentation on the mega horizontal interactive display on stage. Toyoda engaged the audience with his younger digital self and shared to all of us how “people will be the centre of the future.” With advancement of technologies in modern era of automotive industry, Toyoda can’t discount how important human capital is and still very relevant for both to co-exist.

The company also envisioned to position Toyota as a brand that focuses “mobility for all”. This is evident as the President announced models such as the e-Palette (electric modular vehicle) and Sora, a fuel celled electrified vehicle bus (refer to my previous blog post) that will be featured in the Tokyo 2020. This is definitely exciting times for Toyota, being one of the partners for Tokyo 2020.

The day ended with ended with a press conference hosted by JAMA where it showcased the global FIA Gran Turismo Championship 2019 World Tour 5 competition. This was held at the MEGAWEB area at the Aomi Exhibition Hall which also collaborated with KidZania. Hence, making this year’s Tokyo Motor Show 2019, the biggest in terms of variety since its inception.

A big thank you to NBT (Brunei) for sponsoring my trip to Japan and the Tokyo Motor Show 2019. It was really an honour 😀

The president making headlines in the newspaper the following day

One of the beautiful assistant at Toyota pavilion

Toyota going the extra mile to give more rewards to customers when you try their Toyota experiences in the near future

Loving the lanyard and I got myself one too

The e-racer

Toyota LQ, another concept car from Toyota

I am excited to try the e-Palette next year hopefully