Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Computer (right) with Zul Abdul Rahman, Marketing Executive at Concepts Computer

Concepts Computer, with the support of Acer, will be expanding their range of Acer monitors to encompass all users from basic everyday office work to specific gaming or graphic-intensive use. With Acer, the keywords for ensuring they meet the needs of customers are Quality and Affordability, which is why Concepts will be offering monitors from $108 for basic 19.5 inch monitors to $338 for 31.5 inch curved, graphics-capable monitors and even all the way up to $1,398 for high-end gaming needs.

First on offer will be the Acer K202HQL HDMI monitors, entry level monitors perfect for use in offices especially when it comes to equipping multiple PC at cost-effective prices. These affordable display-solutions offers hassle-free usability, as easy as plug and play, and small footprint as to be space-saving. The Acer K202HQL will come with free HDMI cable and will only cost $108.

Next on offer is the Acer ET322QR, a curved flat-panel monitor which is perfect for watching movies or even working on graphic media especially because of the clear and vibrant colours it can produce. With the integrated Flicker-less technology and BlueLight shield, the Acer ET322QR will be easy on the users eyes so as to be optimal for long use. The Acer ET322QR will be available for $338 and comes with 3 years warranty.

Lastly, Concepts Computer will be also be introducing the latest iteration of their highly praised 34 inch gaming monitor, the Acer Predator X34P will be available for $1,398 and will be Nvidia G-Sync ready. The Acer Predator X34P has been made curvier, so as to increase the wrap-around effect, making the gaming experience more immersive. With premium styles and materials, the Acer Predator X34P will be the perfect ultra-wide G-synccapable gaming monitor for many Bruneian gamers.

Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Computer, speaking to the media, said, “Concepts Computer is doubling our efforts to ensure that we have affordable and wide-ranging products to offer the Bruneian IT market. This is also seen with our previous introduction of the large range of ACER notebooks, and also with the introduction of the full range of IT peripherals from both Epson and Logitech.” He continued, “We also believe that with the support of OnTime Service Network, the authorised service provider for Acer in Brunei, we can ensure peace of mind when using Acer products for our loyal local customers,”

Zul Abdul Rahman, Marketing Executive at Concepts Computer, also added, “We have been slowly increasing our core offering of gaming products, from the addition of new gaming equipments from ACER and LOGITECH. It’s plain to see that we have placed importance on Brunei’s small but hardcore gaming scene, and we hope with the addition of the ACER Predator series of premium gaming monitors, it will complement the other products we have on offer and adds something positive for local gamers active in Brunei.”

For more information on Acer monitors or any other products and services, please call 2233551, 2233552 or 2233553 or visit your nearest Concepts Computer showroom.

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Well, why not spend it at the Family Day Out Event this 28th – 30th September in Times Square, Berakas! Friday has gone and now you are left with Saturday and Sunday.

Oh yea, just to remind those who hasn’t pre-order, you still can do it until 30th September so you enjoy even more discounts for both Bebeland and Mothercare.

HOW IT WORKS:

> To confirm order, payment must be made at any Mothercare branch or thru online bank transfer.
>> Items to be then collected at the Family Day Out event, 28-30 September, 10am-10pm in Times Square Berakas.

For more details, WhatsApp us at 898-2811 or message them on Facebook.

Apart from that, do enjoy exciting free activities awaits you and your families like Baby Crawling Contest, Mega Blok Competition, Balance Beam, Face Painting, Coloring Competition by Global Arts, Stroller Fitness for Mothers, Gaming Activities from Hasbro and so much more during the event.

So save the date, bring the kids, and join the Family Day Out event!

I kinda like the idea that there is a Baby Crawling event happening. This is something new and unique. It will definitely be fun to watch. So parents, what are you waiting? Seize this opportunity.

There will be special discounts too when you use Baiduri cards.

Check out the Family Day out at Times Square Shopping Centre.

The scenario at Times Square today

Don’t forget to pre-order and enjoy discounts

Me part of the membership of Mothercare and Bebeland

Baiduri Bank is the official bank for the event and you enjoy some discounts as well

Some of the products being displayed and ready to be bought

Don’t forget to pre-order and enjoy discounts from Bebeland

Also you can enjoy some freebies 😀

Your kids can also enjoy some time during the event

Top 3 winners, with Pg Azaleen Pg Dato Hj Mustapha, Head of Retail Banking & Branch Network

With the conclusion of the promotion in collaboration with Mastercard, Baiduri Bank hosted a prize presentation today at the Kiarong Branch.

Between 25 May 2018 to 25 August 2018, new and existing Baiduri Mastercard cardmembers stood a chance to win Royal Skies miles that can be redeemed for a pair of return air tickets to delightful destinations all over the world. During the promotion period, they simply needed to use their Baiduri Mastercard credit or debit cards when they shop both locally and globally. Every BND50 spent on the Baiduri Mastercard received one chance to qualify for the grand draw.

15 customers were shortlisted and after the final draw, Ms Margaret Low won the grand prize of a trip for two to London. Her husband, who accepted the prize on her behalf, remarked, “I can’t believe we won the grand prize! I am looking forward to bring my family on this trip of a lifetime!”

Happy faces of all the winners of the promotion, together with Pg Azaleen and Mr Lim Kian Chiong

Presenting the prizes on behalf of Baiduri Bank was Pg Azaleen Pg Dato Hj Mustapha, Head of Retail Banking and Branch Network. He commented, “It’s amazing to roll out promotions that excite our clients. We are always finding ways not only to reward our customers but also to provide them benefits in terms of exclusivity and experiences to complement their lifestyles.”

Additionally, second prize winner Nurul Rafidah Binti Mahmod won a trip to Melbourne, third prize winner Mr Lim Lee Shan won a trip to Dubai and other winners won tickets for two to Seoul, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Bangkok, Surabaya, Singapore, Manila, Jakarta, Bali, Saigon, Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu.

Also present at the event was Lim Kian Chiong, Head of Card Business, Baiduri Bank.

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

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 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.

For more information, customers may also contact the 24-hour Baiduri Bank Customer Helpline at 2449666, or enquire from the official Baiduri Bank Group Facebook page.

Vincent Pao, General Manager for Concepts Group of Companies receiving the award for Microsoft Top Cloud Mix for SEA New Markets FY18

Microsoft, a globally renowned provider of ICT solutions for the last three decades, has awarded Concepts Technologies, a subsidiary of Concepts Group of Companies, with the Microsoft Top Cloud Mix for SEA New Markets FY18.

Microsoft and Concepts Technologies have been working hand-in-in hand for the past year to promote Microsoft Cloud-based solutions including products like Microsoft Office 365 and Microsoft Azure. The award ceremony was held during the Microsoft SEA New Markets 2018 Partner Summit at The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, and present during the awardpresentation was Vincent Pao, General Manager for Concepts Group of Companies.

Vincent Pao, speaking to the media, said, “Concepts are beyond honoured to be recognized for our contribution in this Microsoft journey on Digital Transformation, not just locally in Brunei Darussalam but globally in the South East Asia region.” He continued, “This award is unexpected but is recognized as the result of the effort put out by the team behind Concepts Technologies, with the support of Microsoft Brunei, and the team’s unwavering focus into making Microsoft cloud technology a priority in our initiatives for the Small-Medium Enterprise market in Brunei.”

Afif Mohamed Ali, Country Manager for Microsoft Brunei Sdn. Bhd., mentioned to the media, “Congratulations to Concepts Technologies for winning the Microsoft Top Cloud Mix for SEA New Markets FY18 during the Partner Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.” Afif added, “It’s been a great partnership between us at Microsoft Brunei and Concepts Technologies. And since Microsoft is a partner-led company, we are delighted to see our Brunei Distributor championing this course and getting recognized for it. We hope this partnership can grow better together.”

The Microsoft SEA New Markets Partner Summit is an annual Microsoft summit which includes representative companies from 9 countries that are regarded as new markets; these 9 countries are Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The summit is held in varying locations in South East Asia and this year was held in Bangkok, Thailand on the 19th of September to 20th of September 2018.

Yang Berhormat Dato Paduka Awang Hj Hamzah bin Sulaiman, Minister of Education, handing out first class honours to Joanne Yen. She said that she dedicated her time for studies and paying attention in lectures are important. She’s also happy with the lecturers and the facilities. Image taken by James Kon of Borneo Bulletin.

Ivan Ninan is also one of the first class honours recipients of the Chester University. Image taken by James Kon of Borneo Bulletin.

Laksamana College of Business (LCB) recently held two graduation ceremonies, one for the University of Chester UK degree students and the other for BTEC Programmes, University Foundation Course and Kensington College of Business (KCB) Programmes Students. A total of 103 graduated from the Chester University courses while over 400 students graduated from the other courses in LCB.

The first graduation ceremony was graced by the Minister of Education, Yang Berhormat Dato Paduka Awang Hj Hamzah bin Sulaiman. Also present were Mr. Ian Pirie, Principal Director of KCB/LCB, Awang Hj Suhaimei bin Hj Awang Besar, Director of LCB and Mr. Sivarajah Subramaniam, CEO and Deputy Principal of LCB. The second graduation ceremony was graced by Datin Seri Paduka Dr. Hjh Romaizah bin Hj Mohd Salleh, Deputy Minister of Eduction.

In the Chester University program, 11 students received first-class honours.

Ian Pirie mentioned of a new programme during his welcoming remarks. In September, LCB will open a new culinary school and launching to new degree courses in Hospitality and Tourism. Speaking of culinary, there will be a first Brunei young chef competition. Interesting. These courses are introduced due to the rising demands.

He also mentioned of new Masters and first degree level courses in Computing, Finance and Management in response to the increasing need for computing staff.

He believed the LCB Student Council has played an important role for the institution. They have assisted in the Graduation ceremonies and also LCB 15th year anniversary celebration apart from the sports and social events. He thanked both Zara and Saufi, outgoing President and Vice-President of the Student Council for their contribution.

So LCB has been impressed in building their reputation. Ever since year 2003, they have over 4,000 students who have graduated and completed their courses at LCB. I remember visiting the premises when it only had limited space and now LCB have expanded and upgraded their facilities to cater to the growing demand of students.

LCB is definitely a good college and I have a few friends who are currently studying in Laksamana. There is perhaps room to register for September intake. You can visit their website for more details and also follow their IG @lcb_brunei

Datin Seri Paduka Dr. Hjh Romaizah bin Hj Mohd Salleh, Deputy Minister of Eduction (4th from left) as the guest of honour for the second graduation ceremony

Mr. Ian Pirie, Principal Director of KCB/LCB giving his welcoming remarks

One of the graduates

One of the graduates

Happy graduates of LCB

Over 400 students graduated last Friday

The anticipation is over

The waiting game

Congratulations to all the graduates

Congratulations to @malsdaud who will be continuing her courses in LCB

Parents, families and friends witnessed the graduation ceremony

Feeling relieved after receiving the certs

Click image to apply or register

Another milestone as LCB celebrated its 15th anniversary last weekend

@malsdaud dressed in all white for the special celebration

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib, Minister of Communications visiting BIBD Pavilion and launching the new products from BIBD, BIBD BizNet and QuickPay at the TechXpo 2018 yesterday

First it was the eTunai (back in 2013) and now BIBD has upped their game by re-inventing the wheel, launching a better version, BIBD’s QuickPay. All you need is a QR Code and a BIBD app to settle a transaction. Easy peasy. The great thing about the QuickPay is that you won’t need physical terminals to carry out the transaction. The current eTunai which will be phased out, requires a presence of the tablet and there are currently 50 vendors using eTunai in Brunei Darussalam.

I believe BIBD’s move to introduce the QuickPay is to make payment more seamless especially among Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Brunei Darussalam and even start-ups. The other advantage is that they don’t have to invest in the cash register of point-of-sale machines to complete the transaction.

It was mentioned from a BIBD representative that they QuickPay will have a lower cost transaction than the current ones with terminal points. The other great thing is that BIBD has also launched its BIBD MSME Account which requires a minimum opening and average monthly balance of only BND 50. Now ain’t that great news?

I’m not sure which vendors have already utilized the QuickPay mechanism but before that, you will need to update to BIBD’s app version (3.8.0) so you can use QuickPay.

The other product launched by BIBD is BIBD BizNet banking platform app provides corporate customers along with government-linked companies in Brunei Darussalam mobile access to the BIBD BizNet web-based platform.

Launched earlier this year, BIBD BizNet is an upgrade to its previous digital Corporate Internet Banking platform that provides day-to-day accounts and payments operations support with real-time account access along with a collection of other enhanced features.

These include single security token access for Parent and Subsidiary accounts, payment approval, fund transfers and bill payments along with information such as foreign currency rates and branch/ATM locator and other services.

Both BIBD BizNet and BIBD’s QuickPay were launched by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib, Minister of Communications at the TechXpo 2018 at International Convention Centre yesterday.

Both products are testament for the BIBD NEXGEN initiative. I just hope one day will see NFC in form of payment where all you need to do is tap with your phone to make a transaction. I know in the UK have already carried out this technology and it’s on the rise. Let’s give it a two years or so maybe?

The Minister of Communications being briefed on BIBD’s QuickPay by BIBD representative. Image courtesy of Ridhwan Kamarulzaman of The Bruneian.

Now payment can be done as easy as 1-2-3

The press conference for BIBD’s new products the day before the launch

Pengiran Sanusi Iskandar Pengiran Haji Ismail, Senior Manager of Corporate Banking of BIBD explaining on BIBD’s new products during the press conference

Eric Tang, Retail Sales Manager for Epson Malaysia handing over a moment to Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Computer for High Achiever Award for Retail Business Development by Epson

Concepts Computer has done it again. First, the company was awarded Microsoft Partner of the Year and recently, the company was presented with the High Achiever Award for Retail Business Development by Epson in recognition of its business and customer service excellence in the country for the year 2017.

The plaque was presented to Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Computer by Eric Tang, Retail Sales Manager for Epson Malaysia last weekend.

Epson brand has been performing very well under the leadership of Concepts and they have been working together for the past three years or so. Epson is known for their L-series printers and 3LCD projectors.

According to Vincent Pao, Concepts Computer has always operated with the premise of providing high quality IT solutions to the Bruneian market, while maintaining affordability and quality after-sales service.

Congratulations once again to Concepts for their milestone and keep up the great work!!

The Ministry of Energy, Manpower and Industry (MEMI) in collaboration with Brunei Gas Carriers Sdn Bhd (BGC) is proud to introduce the BGC iUsahawan programme, to support the iUsahawan initiative, an entrepreneurship development initiative to support our young Bruneian SMEs to start, own and grow their own business. The programme is also part of BGC’s Social Investment initiative.

Participants will be required to go through a Training (Start-Up Accelerator) Programme and will be invited to a competitive tender exercise For selected contracts. Successful participants will be awarded a 3-year contract, with potential extensions and experienced mentors throughout the contract period.

This invitation is open to:

• Rakyat Jati Business Owners or Entrepreneurs aged between 18-40 years old
• No prior contract with Government or Government—Linked Companies (GLCS)
• Business areas: Cleaning Services, Event Management and Transportation Services.

BGC invites all eligible entrepreneurs to attend a dialogue on the following date:

Date: Friday, 17th August 2018
Registration: 09:00 hrs
Time: 09:30 – 11:30 hrs
Venue: Abadi Training Room, BGC Office, Bangunan Lim Kah Sik, Jalan Jerudong

For more information and to register your interest to join the dialogue, please contact BGC at 7290898 or via email to BGCExternal-affairs@bgc.com.bn by Wednesday, 15th August 2018.

With the organizers and partners for the upcoming TechXpo 2018 event happening this Saturday

The TechXpo 2018 is just around the corner. A few more days to be exact. The highlight of the TechXpo is definitely the TechXpo Cyber Games Tournament, jointly organized by D’Sunlit and Sigma Cyberspace where Progresif will be the title sponsor. A record pool prize of BND 15,000 is slated to be the biggest yet for Brunei cyber tournaments, featuring games such as Counter Strike, League of Legends, DOTA, Tekken 7, FIFA 18 (which I am joining) as well as Mobile Legends and Rules of Survival. All the registrations have been closed for now and there are more than 300 participants already that have signed up for the tournament.

Another highlight for the TechXpo are the robots, all the way from Belgium known as Zora Robotics NV (ZoraBots), a pretty interactive humanoid robot for the public to interact with.

The theme for this year’s TechXpo is “Innovative Technology for All” as the Chairman of InfoCom Federation Brunei, Sheikh Hj Abas, said that everything we do nowadays are linked with technology, even with food. Hence, the theme suits to attract crowd of all ages.

The Plenary Hall will be used for the upcoming TechXpo and do check it out as they will be special offers from participating vendors.

The event will take place this Friday 18th August and ends on 21st August 2018. Oh yea, if you are keen to try out the latest Samsung Galaxy Note 9, you can check out the demo unit at DST booth during the TechXpo before the official launch next week.

The TechXpo 2018 is organized by InfoCom Federation Brunei and D’Sunlit.

D’Sunlit and InfoCom Federation Brunei exchanging documents

Cuckoo (Brunei) will be one of the partners for the event

Progresif playing a major role as the title sponsor for the TechXpo Cyber Games Tournament

Sigma Cyberspace will be organizing the gaming tournament

TelBru is also one of the partners of the event

Registration has already been closed

After a huge success for the first trail game (Epidemic: Race to Rescue), BAG Networks have launched the second edition, an augmented reality mobile game which will take place during the upcoming TechXpo 2018.

Dubbed the “Trail to TechXpo 2018”, registration has already been opened for all of you to participate leading to the upcoming event. The new game utilizes both GPS and AR technology with the help of your smartphones as you gather clues around Brunei-Muara district and the end point will be at TechXpo event itself at the International Convention Centre.

Apparently there will be 8 check points if I’m not mistaken for “Trail to TechXpo 2018” and the new game will three rounds. First step will be checking in on the checkpoints, then solve the puzzles during the TechXpo and final mystery will be on the main stage of the Plenary Hall at ICC. You can register your team here and good luck 😀

The prizes were not announced yet but the prizes will be sponsored by DST.

The Trail to TechXpo 2018 game is open for registration

Representatives from BAG Networks during the recent press conference

Afif Mohamed Ali, Microsoft Brunei Darussalam Country Manager, handing over the 2018 Microsoft Country Partner of the Year Award to Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Group last Friday

Concepts Technology does it again!!! The renowned company was awarded as the recipient of the 2018 Microsoft Country Partner of the Year Award and this is in recognition for its outstanding services and excellent subsidiary engagement in Brunei Darussalam.

Three years ago, Concepts Technologies was appointed as the official distributor for Microsoft in Brunei Darussalam and this year, they won their first prestigious award.

Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Group, expressed his delight over the prestigious award. He was truly grateful towards Microsoft Brunei for their continuous support and their strong relationship among each other. This has helped to tackle the challenging business climate in the country.

Afif Mohamed Ali, Microsoft Brunei Darussalam Country Manager, said, “As our Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella, once said, ‘Microsoft has always been a partner-led company, and this ecosystem drives local economies and creates massive growth’. By winning the country partner of the year award, Concepts Technologies showcases the extraordinary commitment towards driving digital transformation in Brunei. As we aim to empower every person and organisation on the planet to achieve more, our partners support us live on this mission.

“I also would like to commend the extraordinary efforts of Concepts Technologies, and I look forward to working with Concepts in empowering every person and organisation in Brunei towards digital transformation.”

Congratulations to Vincent Pao and his team from Concepts for raising the bar.

Group photo with Concepts Group and Microsoft Brunei