Jati Transport Sdn Bhd is hosting a three days new year open house celebration at Mercedes-Benz Autohaus from 10am to 5pm this weekend (8th January to 10th January) inviting their customers and fans of Mercedes-Benz Brunei.

Apart from the celebration, Jati Transport introduces their latest offers on the Mercedes-Benz S 450L, E 300 and C 300.

The S 450L comes with numerous assistance system that keeps you safe on the road at all time. DISTRONIC Active Proximity Control and Active Steer Assist now provide even more comfortable support for the driver to keep a safe distance and steer. The speed is now adjusted automatically ahead of curves or junctions. This is complemented by Evasive Steering Assist, a considerably improved Active Lane Keeping Assist and also the additional functions of the Active Emergency Stop Assist. Also included in the Driving Assistance package is PRESAFE PLUS®, which additionally takes into account dangerous situations caused by traffic following behind, such as a rear impact for example.

The interior of the S-Class sets new standards when it comes to comfort and well-being. The extended ambient lighting showcases the interior like a work of art by composing 10 colour worlds from a total of 64 colours.

The E 300 is available in two equipment line, the AMG Line and AVANTGARDE. The AMG line is distinguished by its brawny AMG bodystyling that enhances the sportiness and sophistication of the vehicle. It carries the modern luxury hallmark and exclusivity made possible through Mercedes-Benz craftsmanship.

While the AVANTGARDE line demonstrates your extravagant  leanings. The distinctive front bumper immediately attracts attention, while design elements in chrome and aluminium add dynamic highlights. 

The interior of the E 300 embodies the synthesis of emotion and intelligence. It includes two brilliant next-generation high resolution displays. Beneath their shared glass cover, the two displays visually conflate into a wide-screen cockpit that seems to be hovering in thin air, creating a central element that emphasises the horizontal orientation of the interior design. As the instrument cluster, this wide-screen cockpit contains a large display with virtual instruments in the direct field of vision of the driver as well as a central display above the centre console. The driver can choose between three different styles to select their preferred look for the wide-screen instrument cluster: “Classic”, “Sport” and “Progressive”. As the entire cockpit is fully digital, the driver is free to configure the information and views and thus create their own personal cockpit.

The C 300 combines emotionality with intelligence. The vehicle’s appearance is defined in particular by its front end and the design of the headlamps and tail lights. The C 300 comes with the AMG Line that features the diamond radiator grille as standard.

The C 300 adopts the control and display concept from the SClass and comes with a fully digital instrument display with three individually selectable display styles. It’s has the touch-sensitive controls in the steering wheel. The infotainment system can additionally be operated via the touchpad with controller in the centre console or by means of LINGUATRONIC voice control.

Week 1 winners of BSM 60th Anniversary celebration promotion

Week 2 winners of BSM 60th Anniversary celebration promotion

A total of 60 prizes will be given out during Brunei Shell Marketing Company Sendirian Berhad’s (BSM) 60th Anniversary celebration promotion which commences from 25th November 2019 until 05th January 2020.

This is the third week into the promotion where users who purchases Shell Helix Ultra, Shell Helix HX7 and Shell Helix HX5 in 4 litres pack and Shell Rimula R4X in 5 litres pack stands a chance to win
amazing prizes from BSM.

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.

Week 3 winners of BSM 60th Anniversary celebration promotion

Week 4 winners of BSM 60th Anniversary celebration promotion

Drive home a new A 200 AMG Line

Drive home a new A 200 AMG Line before 31st December 2019 and receive *2 years extended warranty with unlimited mileage or *5 years free servicing. The A 200 features a high-resolution 10.25-inch instrument display with selectable display styles, while Smartphone Integration keeps you connected via Apple® CarPlay® or Android Auto®. Call us now at 2441763/2441777 to book for a test drive or visit Mercedes-Benz Beribi showroom/Autohaus today for more information. You’ll be glad you did!! * Terms & Conditions apply.

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.

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 😀