Yang Mulia Dayang Dr. Nor Imtihan binti Haji Abdul Razak, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Development (centre) as guest of honour with the BIBD Senior Management during the launch of BIBD’s 13th Home Showcase Festival

Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) today organized its 13th ‘Home Showcase Festival’ aimed at highlighting the benefits of home ownership and providing a one-stop platform for current and prospective homeowners especially the young ones. The BIBD Home Showcase Festival will run until Saturday, 27th October 2018, and is open between 9am-7pm.

BIBD partnered with realtors and interior designers to showcase their products and services that will complement their search on their future homes. All home financing applications, and other eligible products and services taken up (T&C applies) during the 2-days event will automatically be entered to the BIBD Barakah 8 that offers a B$25,000 Umrah package as its main prize. The event also showcased Fabular as its featured event partner who launched their Fabular Village which introduced visitors to affordable and minimalist home opportunities and living lifestyle, the future homes targeting millennials.

Besides offering special discounted rates and waivers on processing fees, there are also Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf vouchers, and up to 100,000 Hadiah Points for new credit card applications.

The event also served as an avenue for some 30 local entrepreneurs and SMEs, and this is the first time that some participating vendors will be promoting cashless payments with the BIBD QuickPay, under its BIBD NexGen solutions.

A much better set up this time round

Check out Fabular latest product at BIBD Home Showcase

As part of BIBD’s efforts to support the de-cashing of the economy with seamless transactions via mobile-led technologies, services like QuickPay are part of the BIBD NEXGEN platform that caters towards mobility and convenience, aimed to bridge the digital gap between customers and business owners, particularly budding entrepreneurs. Also brought in to the event is BIBD’s support towards the cause of Breast Cancer Awareness, where the public also had the opportunity to understand more about it from representatives of the Pantai Jerudong Specialist Center (PJSC). This is part of BIBD’s CSR initiatives to bring awareness to the community and be in touch with the professionals.

BIBD Head of Retail Banking, Hajah Nurul Akmar binti Haji Md Jaafar, commented during the launch, “There are only a few emotions you can relate to when you first step into your dream Home. It represents the next steps in your life, where your family will grow and where you go to at the end of a busy day. We at BIBD want to ensure that your dream is realised by being with you every step of the way and bringing our friends from PJSC for the Breast Cancer awareness reinforces our position to the community of how we care about this cause for the nation.”

Present as the guest of honour to officiate the event was Yang Mulia Dayang Dr. Nor Imtihan binti Haji Abdul Razak, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Development. Also in attendance during the launch were BIBD senior management and personnel which was held at the BIBD Kiulap Branch.

Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre is selling Breast Cancer Awareness t-shirts and all the proceeds will be donated to Breast Cancer Support Group. I love their pins.

The best Breast Cancer Awareness pin to date. Only $3

JPMC also participating during the event

Food galore. Plenty of food vendors

Tried the curry puff at Piccolo booth and I love it

Find words that suits you 🙂

The press conference for the Brunei Travel Fair coming this weekend at International Convention Centre

Sabre Travel Network (Brunei) Sdn Bhd will host the 15th annual Brunei Travel Fair on 6th and 7th October, to provide airlines, national tourism offices, hotels and travel agents with a unique platform to showcase their products and services to travelers. Taking place at Plenary Hall, located in the International Convention Centre, Berakas, the two-day event is open to the public, and aims to provide travelers with the convenience of shopping for a wide selection of travel deals under one roof.

“Sabre Travel Network Brunei is proud to organize the Brunei Travel Fair, an important event for the country, benefitting Bruneians, the expat community, our partners and the travel industry at large,” said Irene Soon, General Manager, Sabre TN Brunei. “We are grateful for the continued support of our partners and travelers, and for their contribution to the 15th annual edition of the Sabre Brunei Travel Fair. Thanks to their participation, we will deliver new and unique content to travelers looking to book their dream vacation. Last year, we welcomed over 13,600 attendees to the Brunei Travel Fair, and we are confident that we will exceed these numbers this year,” she added.

To ensure that travelers experience quality service, Sabre will provide more than 60 terminals to the eleven Sabre-connected travel agencies participating in the fair. “The annual Brunei Travel Fair is an excellent opportunity for Brunei-based travelers to shop for overseas and domestic travel packages, making it an event that simply cannot be missed,” said Abd Halim Haji Abd Rahman, Senior Manager, Sales & Marketing, Sabre TN Brunei.

Participating travel agents include Anthony Tours & Travel Agency, At-Taqwa Travel Tours, Century Travel Centre, Dar El Ehsan Travel, Darussalam Holdings, Freme Travel Services, Grace Travel, J J Tour Service, Pan Bright Travel Service, Southern Cross Travel Agencies and Straits Central Agencies.

National tourism organisations attending the Brunei Travel Fair include Brunei Tourism Board, Korean National Tourist Office, Ministry of Tourism – Republic of Indonesia Sarawak Tourism Board, Taiwan Tourist Bureau and Tourism Authority Thailand. Baiduri Bank Berhad, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam, Korean Airlines, Standard Chartered Bank and Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) will also be on site with their own booths to support participating travel agents and assist visitors.

Medical and Insurance services will be represented by Bangkok Hospital, Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council and Takaful Brunei Am.

Malaysia Airlines Berhad and Singapore Airlines will also be supporting the travel fair by providing attractive fares to participating travel agents, as well as enticing lucky draw prizes.

At-Taqwa is quite known recently for their Umrah packages and top-notch service. But did you know they also provide interesting places to fly to enjoy your travels? They even have a good lucky draw for their customers. Check out Trips by At-Taqwa Travels & Tour.

Some of the rates offered by At-Taqwa Travels & Tour

You can stand a chance to win BND 25k Umrah travel package or a trip to London. Visit BIBD Booth at the travel fair.

Many privileges await you when you swipe with your Baiduri cards (credit & debit). Click image to learn more.

The benefits you will enjoy when using Baiduri

Even better if you haven’t sign up for a Baiduri Credit Card

As always, Pan Bright Travel Service also have a grander prize such as a car or a Birkin bag. Many reasons to book your flights with Pan Bright.

Check out the rates from Century Travel. Very comprehensive indeed.

Darussalam Holdings is also having their promotion, monthly and grand prizes to be won

Freme Travels also have upped their game with a grand draw of BND 10,000 of cash vouchers to be won

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam handing out a certificate to one of the UTB graduates.

Congratulation to all the graduates of UTB’s 6th convocation. Gracing the ceremony was His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam where 461 graduates compromising of Master’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree and Level 5 Higher National Diploma graduates, being held at the International Convention Centre.

Technology was highlight in His Majesty’s titah in welcoming an establishment of a new research centre designed to boost national agricultural capacity through the means of technology.

The centre will be called CrAFT which stands for Centre for Research on Agr-Food Science and Technology.

His Majesty was also pleased with UTB’s milestone as it was listed at 442nd place on the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings. It is also rated as a five-star university by QS and ranked 57 for Young Global University under 50 years of age.

For those interested to buy photos of their graduation, you can simply click here and the photos will be available on 1st October 2018 for viewing. Images courtesy of Dean Kassim

Click image to enter folder (Only available on 1st October onwards)

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

His Excellency Mehmet Suat Akgün, the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Brunei Darussalam (4th from left) and Hj Rusdi Asdani bin Hj Jorsni, the President of WeCare (5th from left) with members of WeCare during the press conference of Syrian Warm Winter project earlier this morning at Knowledge Hub

Earlier this morning, a press conference was hosted by WeCare, a small NGO consisting of 8 members. The press conference was to highlight the fund raising campaign called “Syrian Warm Winter”. They will be departing for Turkey on 15th October 2018 according to the press conference held at Knowledge Hub.

Present during the press conference was His Excellency Mehmet Suat Akgün, the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Brunei Darussalam. His Excellency expressed his support to WeCare’s on-going efforts in providing aid to the Syrian refugees who are based in Turkey.

“Turkey pursues a humanitarian foreign policy and takes concrete initiatives to promote stability and prosperity in its region and beyond. According to the Global Humanitarian Assistance Report, Turkey ranks the biggest donor country world-wide with its USD 8 billion humanitarian assistance in 2017 and furthermore, Turkey maintains its position as the country’s largest host of refugees,” shared His Excellency Mehmet Suat Akgün.

“Turkey has been pursuing an open door policy for Syrians who had to flee their country in the past seven years due to ongoing violence. Over 3.5 million Syrians are currently hosted in Turkey. More than 600,000 Syrian children continue their education in Turkey and 20,000 teenagers are studying in Turkish universities.”

According to the press release, this is WeCare’s second visit to Turkey in giving out aids to the Syrian refugees. Hj Rusdi Asdani bin Hj Jorsni, the President of WeCare, highlighted that the Syrian Warm Winter initiative aims to raise funds from the public to purchase basic food and necessities such as rice, sugar and cooking oil as well as warm clothing. These items will help to ease the burden of the Syrian refugees during the winter season in Turkey.

A basket of food will cost BND 45 and a bag of winter clothing compromising of woolen gloves and jackets will be BND 38. Donate will be opened until 7th October 2018. Members who wish to contribute may contact them thru the following numbers

Hadi – 8603371
Azlin – 8870326
Waznah – 8907122
Bazilah – 8661588

Older people have always played a significant role in society, as leaders, caretakers and custodians of tradition. Yet they are also highly vulnerable, with many falling into poverty, becoming disabled or facing discrimination.

As health care improves, the population of older people is growing. Their needs are also growing, as are their contributions to the world. Fitness Zone Brunei supporting these endeavors and addressing the phenomenon of global ageing, actively promoting the adoption of wellness support for older people and meet their needs.

“The first of October, the International Day of Elderly. We commemorated in conjunction with our 3rd leg of fund raising event with Puhsat Ehsan, for a day to stand against ageism and to promote the development of a society that is hospitable to people of all ages.” Commented Wu Chun, Managing Director and owner of Fitness Zone. “In this event, we want the public to know that in living a fit life, age should not restrict us. Options may be limited, but it (age) should not be a hindrance. Simple stretch and a brisk walk, guided movements are sufficient. Just keep our bodies and  mind active.” He added.

25 Senior members of the club above 70 years old were recognized and given awards presented by Wu Chun himself for their commitment and setting good example to the younger generation. Present also were Demensia Brunei team led by Datin Jacqueline Wong, and Dr Teo from Ministry of Health and tackled the generous advocacy on the importance of good health and risk reduction of illness and active ageing.

Hjh Haziah Binti Dato Hj Azar, one of the 25 elderly awardees during the event commented om a statement “I have always considered as my second home. I have not come only to workout but to meet friends and have a great time. Some of my truest friends I met here at the gym.” Hj Azar commented. “That is what life is all about. Making friends. I have tried a lot of gyms in Brunei and here in Fitness Zone, hose to stay because it promotes joyful, harmonious friendly and happy environment.  She concluded.

Wu Chun is currently the Demensia Brunei and ASEAN Goodwill Ambassador. The International superstar is very passionate for community services and active involvement and he uses his influence to make change and be the voice of advocacies that needed to be heard.

For further information regarding the registrations/ upcoming events/ membership enquiries please contact Kiulap branch at 223 3338 or The All Women’s Club, Serusop branch at 2448488 or visit Facebook and Instagram official pages @FitnessZoneBrunei

JIS Senior students participating in a peace themed chalk drawing event

Jerudong International School once again celebrated Peace Week, a spectacular combination of educational, artistic and recreational events, designed to celebrate the United Nations International Day of Peace.

The week was led, planned and coordinated by the Head Girl, Rania Teguh and Head Boy, Jacob Hill. They spoke in detail about the week in a recent interview on Progresif Radio with DJ Jenny Malai.

The week commenced with peace themed activities and videos in tutor periods on Monday. The focus was on the UN Sustainable Development Goal 16: To promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies. Monday lunchtime saw Senior students participate in a peace themed chalk drawing event. Music with a focus of peace was performed by students during lunchtimes through the week.

On Wednesday, students could choose to pay B$2 to wear clothes including white to symbolise peace. Monies raised from this will be donated to the charities which the School supports including the Polio Points initiative. The extended lunchtime included a number of outside vendors coming into school to sell their products. The students had carefully included several new and start-up companies. A ‘Peace Museum’ was set up by the students as a display to encourage and challenge students about the UN SDG 16.

Random Act of Kindness Day was Thursday! This was the launch of a new “Kindness” project to encourage students to consider others. Administration staff were delighted to receive cookies with “Thank you” on from senior students!

The week culminated in Peace Themed assemblies planned and led by the student leadership team.

The School’s Principal, Mr Barnaby Sandow said: “Peace Week is a unique and special week at JIS, in part due to the hard work and leadership of the Senior students. Seeing everyone working together to raise money for charity is inspiring and it reminds me that genuine education goes well beyond the classroom. Where more appropriate to focus on International Day of Peace than in Brunei Darussalam – the abode of Peace. It reminds us to value the blessing of living in such a beautiful country of peace.

A middle years’ student hand-painting the Peace Week banner

Head Girl, Rania Teguh, singing at Peace Week lunchtime performance

JIS Senior students participating in a tie-dye t-shirt activity

Wu Chun, Managing Director of FitnessZonem, Ken Han of OMNI Sports International, Deon Ong of Yippy Tunes and Jo Jo Yim from Yippy Tunes with the kids who participated in the Fitness Zone Summer Camp

Ken Han giving his closing remarks and thanking the wonderful kids from the successful summer camp

A total of 46 children aged between 5 to 10 years old participated in The Fitness Zone Summer Camp, a 3-in-1 holiday camp which took place from 9th July to 11th August 2018. In this unique holiday camp, participants had the opportunity to explore different types of art, music and sports. The end of the programme was marked by a showcase event held on 3rd September 2018, where the skills, talents and works of the campers were shared with the public.

Gaby Chin, Fitness Zone Summer Camp Director said, “As a camp coordinator, watching the children come back day after day with excitement and running to show me the work they’ve created has been one of the most impactful results of the camp. Our FZ Summer camp showcases a promising hand full of upcoming talented stars!”
The Fitness Zone Summer Camp 2018 was a collaboration between Fitness Zone, OMNI Sports International, Jo Art Gallery and Yippy Tunes. It was designed to allow campers to explore new skills, uncover special talents and nurture the entire potential of the child.

Fitness Zone provided dance and exercise sessions to help nurture an active lifestyle. Wu Chun, Managing Director of the health club said in a statement that “This is a well rounded camp where children learned, creativity, fitness and being part of a community. Sports help girls and boys build patience and confidence. They learn that they can practice, improve until achieve goals” he concluded.

Similarly, OMNI sports developed knowledge and skills for basketball and other sports that build confidence and encourage teamwork. Yippy Tune, a multi-award winning music school, provided voice and keyboard lessons whereas Jo Art Gallery, an arts and crafts academy taught campers creative skills such as brush lettering and watercolour painting. The programme was also supported by The Energy Kitchen, Progresif Pay and Beza Creative.

“Being part of the summer camp was really fun for me as one of the teachers,” said Deon Ong from Yippy Tune. “Music activity helps the kid’s mind and body work together. Exposing them to summer camp helps them to cultivate social skills and boost their self-esteem. Singing and music movement to music helps children build motor skills while allowing them to practice self-awareness and confidence,” she added.

The diversity of the participants also created an interesting experience for the coordinators. Jo Jo Yim, from Jo Art Gallery, said, “(The kids were from) various ages and nationalities. We taught them art but got to learn about them as well…the camp served as an eye opener for most of our teachers.”

Gaby Chin believes the camp has played an important role in the participants’ character-building, giving them the opportunity to explore their potential in different disciplines and form many friendships.

During the five-week summer camp, participants were able to join for any number of days, from just one day to the entire camp duration. The next multi-disciplinary holiday camp is planned to take place at the end of the year.

The parents and kids attending the certificate ceremony at Energy Kitchen last weekend

One of the participants of the Fitness Zone Summer Camp

One of the participants of the Fitness Zone Summer Camp

All smiles from the kids

The kids showcasing their artwork to their parents at Jo Art Gallery

During the summer camp session at Yippy Tunes

The basketball session during the Fitness Zone Summer Camp

The kids displaying their masterpieces at Jo Art Gallery

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

The cool bean bags while playing some console games

Rules of Survivors attracted more than 70 teams if I am not mistaken. Each team consists of 4 gamers.

This year’s TechXpo Cyber Games Tournament 2018 is the biggest e-sports tournament of all time with a record prize pool of BND15,000 worth of cash prizes to be won across seven games: the PC games – CS:GO, League of Legends and DOTA 2; console games – Tekken 7 and FIFA 18; and mobile games – Mobile Legends and Rules of Survival.

There are local gamers as well gamers from Sabah and Sarawak except for the Counter Strike:GO, which was only open to Brunei citizens and residents.

The champion of the CS:GO will walk away with a cash prize of BND2,088, while the first and second runner-up winners will receive the respective cash prizes of BND1,288 and BND888.

In DOTA 2, the prizes are BND988 for the champion, BND588 for first runner-up, and BND388 for second runner-up. Chicken Rice 1 from Malaysia was crowned the champion while Team CRRR and Team Daddy came second and third respectively.

For League of Legends, the champion will walk home with BND1,388, the first runner-up with BND888, and second runner-up with BND588.

The champion of FIFA 18 will win BND488 in cash, with BND388 for the first runner-up and BND288 for the second runner-up.

In Tekken 7, the champion will walk away with the cash prize of BND488, first runner-up with BND388, and second runner-up BND288. As far as I know, our local player Ivan Pang was victorious as he claimed the honour of being the Tekken 7 Champion.

In the mobile games category, the Mobile Legend champion will win BND800, first runner-up BND600, and second runner-up BND400.

For Rules of Survival (RoS), the champion will win BND1,000 and 10,000 Diamonds, the first runner-up BND500 and 5,000 Diamonds, and the second runner-up BND250 and 2,000 Diamonds. Third to fifth-ranked winners of Rules of Survival will be awarded with 1,000 Diamonds, while those in sixth to 10th place will get 500 Diamonds.

Of all the games, RoS has the biggest engagement among spectators during the Cyber Games tournament. The match is projected on a huge screen for spectators to watch and it is also being live casted by Kenneth Khoo.

A record pool of BND15,000 worth of cash prizes are to be won across seven games in which over 100 teams are competing in PC Games (CS:GO, League of Legends, and DOTA 2), Console Games (Tekken 7 and FIFA 18) and Mobile Games (Mobile Legends and Rules of Survival).

The Cyber Games Tournament is organised by D’Sunlit while Sigma Cyberspace and BruGames are the co-event manager. The Platinum Sponsor for the event is Progresif.

DOTA and LOL gamers

Alif Akmal and I were in the same group. He beat me handsomely 5-1 and I ended up winless in the group stage.

Spectators galore for the Rules of Survivor

Ivan Pang (right) was victorious once again in Tekken 7. He won the previous on organized by Game On

The champions of DOTA 2