The newly elected President of the United States of America, Donald Trump

The new American Dream. Hilary Clinton conceded defeated after the former Apprentice founder Donald Trump won the battleground state elections. Donald Trump broke the “Big Blue Wall” of Democratic Party led by Hilary and many of us especially in Brunei saw this as a shocking result. Donald was leading in the beginning during the electoral votes until Clinton picked up pace and overtook the votes at one stage. Her minor lead didn’t last long and when Donald won in Ohio and Florida, it was all his election to lose.

America has tremendous potential as quoted by President elect Donald Trump during his welcoming remarks. He even thanked Hilary for putting such a good fight. The influence of Obama who supported for Hilary was not strong enough to sustain the Blue Wall.

So what’s the outlook for Brunei and other ASEAN countries with the newly elected US President. We shall wait and see. To me personally, he wasn’t my choice neither was Hilary but between the two, I would have chose Hilary for other reasons.

The Blue Wall of Hilary Clinton was broken indeed

How the electoral votes went

US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Craig Allen at the US Embassy Election Day event at Radisson Hotel today

Some of the guests who attended the event at Radisson

Donald Trump playing part in a WWE storyline decades ago

Mr. Aldrin Arumugam, the General Manager of Singapore Airlines Brunei presenting the mock ticket to Hjh. Nurzainah Bte. Hj. Tuah, representative of Mr. Chin Yun Wui

Pan Bright Travel Service have selected their October lucky draw winner on the 02 November 2016. The lucky coupon was drawn by the General Manager of Singapore Airlines, Mr. Aldrin Arumugam witnessed by Singapore Airlines Head Of Sales Madam Wong Siaw Ling.

A prize presentation was held at Pan Bright Travel office in Bandar Seri Begawan earlier today by Mr. Aldrin Arumugam to the representative of Mr. Chin Yun Wui who won himself a return economy class ticket to Singapore sponsored by Singapore Airlines.

This is the second series for the monthly lucky draw promotion where customer stands a chance to win monthly air ticket to either Kota Kinabalu, Saigon, Bali or Singapore from September 2016 to February 2017. The Grand prize will be either a Hyundai ‘Accent’ car OR an exclusive Hermès ‘Birkin’ bag which is being sponsored by Pan Bright Travel. Other prizes up for grabs include air tickets to London, Melbourne and Tokyo are kindly sponsored by Royal Brunei Airlines & Singapore Airlines.

For more enquiries regarding the promotion, you can contact Pan Bright Travel’s offices at 2240980 for Bandar Seri Begawan, 3341154 for Kuala Belait or 3220078 for Seria. The lucky draw promotion starts from 02 September 2016 to the 31 March 2017.

Leslie Lai, Director of Honey Carsmart handing over a a mock key to Mohammad bin Rosdin the grand winner

Mohammad bin Rosdin was declared the winner of the HONEY Carsmart grand lucky draw last Friday at their showroom. He won himself a Suzuki Alto. His profession is as the Bilal of Perdana Wangsa Hj Mohammad Mosque.

Second place went to Zanudin bin Haji Salleh who won an LG refrigerator and third prize winner, Norliah binti Md Zain, won a Panasonic Flat Screen TV. As for the fourth prize, Hj Tahir Hj Tarip won a green mountain bike.

There were also consolation prizes such as hampers given to the lucky customers. The turnout was great as the guests were treated to refreshments and also Mr. Softy. According to the management, they had around 150 entries who bought cars from Honey Carsmart from July 7 to October 31.

Before the lucky draw presentation, the management welcomed the guests of honour, Awang Haji Ahmad bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Policy and Planning Trustee of the Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam and Malai Haji Abdullah bin Malai Haji Othman, President and CEO of Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER).

Congratulations to the winners during the grand lucky draw.

Zanudin bin Haji Salleh who won an LG refrigerator

Consolation prizes were hampers for the customers

Yummy.. A great move to bring in Mr. Softy 😀

The reason behind the closure of The Brunei Times. This is still a surreal feeling.

This is where the printing is being done for The Brunei Times. Colleagues gathered around past midnight to witness the final print of today’s The Brunei Times. Click image to enlarge.

So many things that went through my mind and the feeling was just surreal, even now. The fact that The Brunei Times printed its final edition today 7th November 2016 has put almost the whole nation to state of sombreness and sadness. The Brunei Times began its journey since 1st July 2006 as it was launched at The Mall, Gadong. Now that’s almost 20 years in the making before the Board of Directors had to make an abrupt decision in shutting down its publication.

Yes, it is very sudden and it was more like a 48 hour notice given to roughly 130 staff working under The Brunei Times flagship. Such move is unprecedented and for a national paper to shut down in short span of time gave them less allowance for be ready for the reality check. There were no rumours circulating prior to the shut down. No subtle hints at all. I remembered one scene though that a friend from TBT rushed out from a wedding dinner that haven’t begun because he had to rush back to TBT’s office for urgent matters.

I had my fair share of reporting for The Brunei Times. I used to contribute articles to The Brunei Times in the early days. Some Home News and mostly Sports section. I would say that I really enjoyed the relationship I have with The Brunei Times and visited their office a couple of times.

There are many people I want to thank for during The Brunei Times’ era. There are just so many that it won’t be fair if I miss out anyone in particular. You know who you are and I deeply empathise what you are feeling or going through right now. I’ve never seen the over pouring of love and support for the staff of The Brunei Times especially on my social media news feed.

My thoughts are all of you and thank you for the wonderful memories you have given to the Brunei community. You have touched other lives with your news reporting and inspiring stories (People, Line of Duty) and we as the community appreciate what you have contributed. The one thing I observed from this closure is the unity among the staff and management of The Brunei Times. It’s a never ending journey as it will open new doors of opportunities. Some images taken by a few TBT reporters.

Yesterday’s headline was the most shocking news of 2016 and I just couldn’t comprehend the situation given

Will this be the last time we see this machine put to use? 🙁

Thank you The Brunei Times for your contribution and efforts

AJ, thank you so much for your help in these years and I truly appreciate the little things you have shown in your line of work

This was back in July 1, 2010 when The Brunei Times introduced a compact version and I was so kiasu that I headed to The Brunei Times office to grab the first copy that entered the office.

TBT photographers and videographer holding the final edition, fresh of the print earlier this morning

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in the recent Youth Day 2016 at International Convention Centre

With YEAB

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam presented four awards to excellent youths and a non-governmental organisation at the 11th National Youth Day celebration at the International Convention Centre.

The presentation of the youth awards recognises and gives appreciation to the youth movements in Brunei, in support for the monarch’s titah and desire to encourage the youth in building and maintaining the spirit of volunteerism among the community.

The monarch was accompanied by HRH Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and HRH Prince ‘Abdul Malik.

With the Brunei Toastmasters

Minister of Education, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman as the guest of honour at Baiduri Green Festival 2016

Pierre Imhof, the CEO of Baiduri Bank, delivering his welcoming remarks

The Baiduri Green Festival kicked off yesterday with the opening ceremony launched by the Minister of Education, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman at the Jerudong Park Amphitheatre last night.

Pierre Imhof, the CEO of Baiduri Bank, said in his welcoming speech that this event aims at promoting the awareness of healthy lifestyle as well as supporting the local SMEs in Brunei Darussalam. You will see sense a holistic approach from Baiduri in creating this event.

So what can you expect from this event? It’s definitely recommended for families and friends. There will be flower crown workshops be conduced by The Collective and a football clinic by DPMM FC. On top of that, you seek for financial wellness, Baiduri Bank will also assist you on that.

Don’t forget that there will be some local artists being lined up for the event such as Aziz Harun and Eia to name a few. It’s open from 10am to 10pm today and tomorrow. For updates, you can follow @baiduribank on Instagram.

It’s Zumba time

Come and experience a fun-filled weekend beginning this Friday at a Baiduri Bank festival that is centred on living holistically.

The Green Festival will be held at Jerudong Park Amphitheatre and compasses financial, physical, social and emotional well-being aspects through a line-up of vendors, activities, live music and food.

This was mentioned at a media lunch hosted by the bank yesterday at The Energy Kitchen, Kiulap, to promote the upcoming festival.
Baiduri Bank’s Marketing Senior Officer Wajihah Abas said the three-day festival will run from 2pm to 10pm on Friday and 10am to 10pm over the weekend.

“During this time you can expect live music by local artistes, special offers by Baiduri Bank Group, games, activities such as special workshops and clinics as well as a variety of vendors selling products ranging from healthy food and beverages, fitness and eco-lifestyle,” she said.

There will be plenty to keep you and the kids entertained with an interesting line-up of activities such as a unique twist on basketball, outdoor bowling, colouring activities, crossword puzzles, giant ball games and more, including a football clinic by DPMM FC, flower crown making workshop by The Collective and a natural beauty workshop by Aloha Nature House Brunei.

Also don’t forget to catch live performances by local artistes Aziz Harun, Nabeela Fadzil, Method Six, Do It Good Records and more.
Entrance is free for everyone and visitors will receive a redemption card upon entry, where they can redeem free gifts upon collecting 10 stamps from visiting the different booths or taking part in games and activities.

Visitors can also take part in the slogan contest, where forms can be obtained during the day, and write in not more than 15 words about the importance of early financial planning.

The five best entries will be selected after the end of the event, and winners will receive prizes, which includes a grand prize of a trip for two to Bali, which includes accommodation at Novotel Nusa Dua.

For further information about ‘The Green Festival’, Baiduri’s 24-hour call centre is always ready to answer your calls on all things related to the bank at 2449666. Text courtesy of Azmi Zainal of The Brunei Times.

A little special table for our RIPAS hospital children cancer ward fundraiser. Image courtesy of Make A Book Brunei Facebook Page

One of the set up for this weekend. Image courtesy of Make A Book Brunei Facebook Page.

Dr. Strange was strangely entertaining

Dr. Strange. There are so many things I wanna talk about the latest Marvel flick. Something different from the typical superhero movies be Marvel or DC. At the beginning, I was skeptical how Dr. Strange will turn out after watching the first trailer. Can the audience accept this? Or will it be too “mystical” for some? I found it to be very entertaining and hell yeah, I was engaged from beginning to the end.

The audience have become so accustomed to super heroes with super powers. Now you bring magic powers in the equation and this is something refreshing to our eyes. Call it weird but I still came out satisfied and fulfilled. Even my peers had similar comments that Dr. Strange was well crafted Marvel movie.

The Good. I can relate this to Inception, the first movie that caught many eyes when it came to the special effects. It explored further and it may be confusing in the beginning but the visuals made sense after a set piece or so. It was a “trippy” ride and I still could follow the logic and especially the plot.

Cumberbatch was well suited for this role and I can’t wait for the sequel. This movie is such a great teaser for future Dr. Strange movies. The movie also failed not to cast some humour (spells) to make this mystical movie light hearted. For the visuals alone, this latest Marvel movie is worth the trip and I love the final confrontation scene. Ingenious.

The Bad. Sometimes I wonder how it will fit to the Marvel Universe when Dr. Strange meets up with The Avengers and other Marvel Super Heroes. I can become philosophical when there’s a mismatch of super powers or super natural stuff. For instance, Suicide Squad vs a Supernatural villain which was a total mismatch.

It can be confusing for some when it comes to the twisting digital kaleidoscope. Young adults will appreciate the artistry but children might get lost in translation. I also wished they could have a better score to suit the theme of the movie.

Verdict: Totally love this movie. I had so much fun and I caught it twice already. Just imagine a mash up of Matrix and Inception but I rather you experience it for yourself on a trippy ride. Score: 8.5/10

Pranika gave it a thumbs up even before watching the movie. Magical indeed.

Both Jerry and Laurence loved it and to top it off, they caught me snoring for 3 seconds :p

3 more days left. You can have the opportunity to enjoy the Flavours of USA which will end on 5th November. Head down to Tasek Brasserie and feel the spirit of US as the US election is just near the corner.

the Flavours of the USA promotion is available at the hotel’s all day dining restaurant Tasek Brasserie from 6.30pm to 10pm.

For your info, the buffet is priced at BND 39 adult and BND 19 children (4-11 yrs) and the spread is pretty good too. You will get the see the different names being given to the dishes and it relates to the menu being served in the US.

The menu collection originated from the well known dishes along Route 66.

For Baiduri Card holders, you can enjoy special discounts (20%). So head down to Tasek Brasserie or call 224 4272 ext 8872.

The welcoming party for the arrival of Dananjaya Hettiarachchi at Brunei International Airport yesterday

Each year, the Toastmasters Semi-Annual District Conference culminates in the final round of the Humorous Speech and Evaluation Contest, where the District Champion is chosen. In this exciting event, 30 English & Mandarin contestants from Brunei, Labuan, East Malaysia and Indonesia deliver 5 to 7 minute humorous speeches and 3 minutes evaluation on a test speaker that are judged by a panel of experienced Toastmasters. After few months of competing in club, area and division these contestants have advanced for the chance to win this prestigious accolade.

This year, Brunei was chosen to host the event at Rizqun International Hotel from 29th to 30th October. As an integral part of the conference, educational workshops are conducted by renowned public speakers, trainers and industrial leaders. For the first time, the conference will feature 2 World Champions of Public Speaking, Dananjaya J. Hettiarachchi (Sri Lanka), and Darren Tay (Singapore) who deliver his semifinal speech and Past President of Toastmasters International, Muhammed Murad (Dubai). Other featured speakers include Soon Loo, CEO of Darussalam Enterprise and a local professional speaker Stuart Lee, a productive trainer and consultant. There are also two Mandarin speakers – Lu Li Ming (Sandakan) and Liw Hui Peng (Bintulu) for the Mandarin session. This is bound to be the biggest Toastmasters event ever in Brunei Darussalam

The customary of bringing our international guests to Brunei – Jing Chew

Thank you for hosting us, Pondok Sari Wangi. Both Dananjaya and Mohammed Murad loved the food last night.

Dalton Lim (left) helping out in welcoming international delegates for the Brunei Conference 2016. Around 110 international delegates will be in Brunei this weekend 😀

The event is jointly organized by local Toastmaster clubs namely The Brunei Speakers’ Club, Brunei Advanced Speakers’ Club, Oil Town Talkers Toastmasters Club and Universiti Brunei Darussalam Toastmasters Club. “The Brunei conference hopes to inspire youths to be confident communicator and leader as part of their daily lives so he or she can empower others. These are the reasons why I selected such speakers to be part of the biggest toastmasters event in Brunei.” shared by Organizing Chairman, Rano Iskandar. In line of Rano’s vision, the conference is open to members of the public. Tickets for full day educational session are available at BND120 and BND50 for contest. While tickets for tertiary/university students are priced at BND50 and BND35 for secondary students. For more event, speaker and venue details, visit http://d87bruneiconference.com or view the agenda in the few pages pages.