Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Dr Abdul Fattaah handing over the challenge trophy to Mohd Aritz Maldini Haji Abd Majid, the grand winner of the Baiduri Masters 2019 during the prize presentation dinner held at Manggis Mall Ballroom. Accompany them were Mr Ti Eng Hui, Chief Executive Officer of Baiduri Bank and Mr Andrew Young, Deputy General Manager of Operations Management Division, Diversification and Strategic Development cum President of the Baiduri Masters Organising Committee.

Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar receiving a token of appreciation for its support of the event from the Ministry of Health

Last weekend, the 24th Baiduri Masters charity golf tournament concluded with a prize presentation dinner at the Hua Ho Manggis Mall Ballroom, Hua Ho Manngis. The event was attended by Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Dr Abdul Fattaah ibni Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Perdana Wazir Sahibul Himmah Wal-Waqar Pengiran Muda Mohamed Bolkiah, Chairman of Baiduri Bank.

In his welcoming address, Mr Andrew Young, Deputy General Manager of Operations Management Division, Diversification and Strategic Development cum President of the Baiduri Masters Organising Committee, said “This is our 24th year of hosting the Baiduri Masters. The aim has always been centred towards supporting our community and making a difference. We have strived to raise funds for local organisations, particularly those that cater towards the differently abled individuals with the hope to improve or alleviate their burden.”

He further elaborated that the Baiduri Masters has added another organisation who will be receiving donations based on the funds raised during the event. “This year, we have included Demensia Brunei as another recipient to help them achieve their mission towards a dementia-friendly community.”

According to Mr Ti Eng Hui, Chief Executive Officer of Baiduri Bank, “As part of Baiduri Bank Group’s CSR framework, we have actively contributed towards various charity and educational initiatives such as the Junior Achievement Programme, Global Money Week, our Blood Donation Drive and our annual Let’s Give Back This Ramadhan activity. The Baiduri Masters has been our longest running and flagship charity event.” He further elaborated that the Baiduri Bank Group Charity Committee is currently exploring other ways to allow more involvement by our customers and the general public. “Moving forward, we are actively looking at different ways to facilitate community development initiatives, whether it be as a volunteer, a participant, a partner or a sponsor.”

The charitable foundation recipients who benefited from the golf event – JAPEM, SMARTER Brunei, Dana Hospital RIPAS, Learning Ladders Society, Child Development Centre, Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al Hajjah Maryam and Demensia Brunei

Johari Ahmad, the previous winner, about to hand over the green jacket to this year’s winner

Mohd Aritz Maldini Haji Abd Majid became the youngest ever winner for Baiduri Masters. He’s only 18 years old.

The lady champion for Baiduri Masters 2019

Golfers checking out the lucky draw numbers on the projector

It was a full house at Manggis Mall Ballroom

Shortly after, the presentation of tournament prizes took place. These included Nearest to the Pin, Nearest to the Line as well as Most Active Participant. The prizes were presented by Mr Leonard Lee, Head of Risk Management. In the nearest to the pin category for the first weekend, the winners were: Haji Budin Abdul Rahman (No. 7), Haji Mohd Redwan (No. 9), Eric Tsang (No. 13) and Yaakub Jumat (No. 16). For the second weekend, the winners were: Pg Musa Pg Haji Mohd Jaafar (No. 7), Suwardy Haji Ahmad (No. 9), Razak Hassan (No. 13) and Pg Fakrudden (No. 16). For the nearest to the line, the winner was Azahar Haji Abd Latib (No. 8).

This was followed by the presentation of Team Event, the Junior Division as well as Ladies Division (Nett). These prizes were presented by Pg Azaleen PD Haji Mustapha, Head of Retail Banking and Branch Network cum Vice President of the Baiduri Masters.

Next were the presentation of Men’s Division C as well as Men’s Senior Division Prizes. The prizes were presented by Haji Haliluddin Dato Paduka Haji Talib, General Manager of Baiduri Finance cum Vice President of the Baiduri Masters.

This was followed by the presentation of prizes for Men’s Division B and Men’s Division A by Mr Andrew Young. Shortly after, the presentation of Ladies and Men’s Gross Division were presented by Mr Ti Eng Hui, Chief Executive Officer of Baiduri Bank.

The event culminated with the presentation of the coveted Baiduri Masters Green Jacket as well as the official announcement of the champion of the 24th Edition of the Baiduri Masters. Presenting the Challenge Trophy to the champion, Mohd Aritz Maldini Haji Abd Majid was Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Dr Abdul Fattaah. Mohd Aritz Maldini was also awarded a cash prize of BND1,500. Mohd Aritz Maldini concluded the tournament with a gross score of 70.

The event was also attended by sponsors, golfers as well as senior officials of the Baiduri Bank Group. The Baiduri Masters is organised by the Baiduri Bank Group with the support of the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports, the Minister of Health, event partners QAF Brunei, QAF Auto, QAF Eurokars and Brunei Press Sdn Bhd.

Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Defence II also participated in the Baiduri Masters 2019

Some of the participants during the two weekend event

Some of the participants during the two weekend event

Norlaili binti Abidin was the winner of the Umrah travel package from BIBD Barakah 8

Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) presented a mother of two with the winning of her lifetime after emerging as the grand prize winner of ‘Barakah 8’ campaign recently.

Norlaili binti Abidin won herself an Umrah travel package worth $25,000 through a draw in which 15 lucky finalists participated.

“I never expected to get such an opportunity throughout my banking experience with BIBD but then I got a call from the bank that I was selected for ‘Barakah 8’,” said the 51-year-old, who was ecstatic after she picked the winning number.

“Banking with BIBD has made my daily dealing easier, their facilities have helped me a lot in managing my finances and commitment. Facilities applications are also being approved timely and this is very helpful.”

Presenting the grand prize was the bank’s Head of Retail Banking, Hajah Nurul Akmar binti Haji Md Jaafar.

Meanwhile prizes of the second and third round were presented by Hajah Rohani binti Hj Mohd Salleh, the bank’s Head of Sales and Alternative Channels.

Winners of the second and third round won themselves iPhone X and B&O BeoPlay A1 speakers respectively.

Throughout the campaign period, BIBD customers had the chance to win monthly prizes and were automatically entered into the grand draw to win travel packages for either Umrah or a Euro trip worth B$25,000, and other exclusive prizes.

To be eligible, customers have to subscribe to any of BIBD’s products and services or assign their salary to BIBD from July 15, 2018 to January 15, 2019. For more information on any of BIBD’s other products or services, please log on to the BIBD website at www.bibd.com.bn, visit your nearest BIBD branch or get in touch with the BIBD Contact Centre at 2238181.

15 people were shortlisted for BIBD’s Barakah 8 and all of them walked away with awesome consolation prizes such as the Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay A1 speaker and the iPhone X

Norlaili binti Abidin with her family after the winning the grand prize

Yuslinayati Yusof the grand winner of Pan Bright Travel Service 5th Travel & Win a Hyundai or Birkin campaign with her family and the manage of Pan Bright Travel Service

The top three winners of the Pan Bright Travel campaign promotion

Finally the conclusion to the long campaign, again organised by Pan Bright Travel Service, where one could walk away with a Birkin bag or drive away a Hyundai Accent. Pan Bright has already become a household name in Brunei Darussalam when it comes to booking your flight tickets or your preferred travel agent. I was hoping to be short listed since I bought a few tickets from them as well but perhaps next time would be a much luckier prospect for me 🙂

Last night saw the top 15 vying for the top prize as they were already shortlisted a week prior to the grand draw. The grand prize of the Pan Bright Travel Service 5th Annual “Travel & Win a Hyundai or Birkin Promotion” 2019 was a brand new Hyundai Accent or an exclusive Hermès “Birkin” bag sponsored by the said travel agent.

On hand to present the grand prize was Abdul Rahman Abu Bakar, the Managing Proprietor of Pan Bright Travel Services. The grand winner was Yuslinayati Yusof who chose the Hyundai Accent instead of Birkin bag. Second prize went to Serine Khoo who won a trip to Melbourne while third prize went to Gary Young Chee Wai who won a trip to Seoul.

The good thing about the grand draw was that all the top 15 finalists will walk away with prizes sponsored by Baiduri Bank, Royal Brunei Airlines and Singapore Airlines. The prizes included return air tickets to Melbourne, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh, Tokyo, Seoul, Osaka, Beijing and Royal Skies Miles valued from 10,000 to 25,000.

Members of the media, senior management of Pan Bright Travel and other representatives from Royal Brunei Airlines, Baiduri Bank, Tourism Malaysia (Brunei) and Sabre Brunei were present to witness the event.

Second prize went to Serine Khoo who won a trip to Melbourne sponsored by Royal Brunei Airlines

Third prize went to Gary Young Chee Wai who won a trip to Seoul sponsored by Singapore Airlines

Consolation winners flying on Royal Brunei destinations

Consolation winners flying on Singapore Airline destinations

The short listed draw held last week prior to the grand draw

Jovian Mandagie with partners of the Boxing event next week

Continuing the success of 2 consecutive years of the annual ‘Raya’ sales event, JBoxing is returning to Brunei for its third year with brand new image, bigger venue, greater deals and more options from Jovian Ready-To-Wear for people to choose from.

Taking place at the Mercedes-Benz Autohaus from 26th to 28th of April 2019, 10 AM to 10 PM, the event is presented by the Bruneian powerhouse atelier and multi-label store, Bajoo Butik who remains as the Title Partner for the event and with an exclusive partnership with Jati Transport Sdn Bhd that is set to give a new reach, exposure and higher milestone.

“We have been so blessed with the overwhelming response we had received from our dearest Jovianistas in Brunei every year that without a fail, it’s the most exciting thing for us to keep coming back here. And this year, we thought we wanted to offer something bigger than what we’ve done before. New partners, new space and (of course) new collections!” –Dato’ Jovian Mandagie, Chief Executive Officer of Jovian Apparel Sdn Bhd and Creative Director of Jovian Ready-To-Wear.

Jackie Lim, founder of Bajoo Batik, with Jovian Mandagie

The crowd last night at Mercedes-Benz Autohaus

Jovian speaking to the audience

To fill a much bigger space at the Mercedes-Benz Autohaus’ flagship showroom, the event will carry a range of new collections from ‘Secret Garden’, ‘Jovian x Ria Miranda’, ‘Jovian Men’, ‘Jovian x OhMostWanted’, ‘Retro Raya’ and ‘Lace Edition” from Jovian Basic Raya. Not to mention, there will Jovian Hijab Exclusive to be launched exclusively during J Boxing Brunei only.

Joining in as the official Event Partner for J Boxing, Maszalina Event Management Services is the brainwork behind this year’s event setup to ensure the best shopping experience. With over 16 years in the field, Maszalina Event Management Services has handled massive production from corporate events, wedding, sales event, annual dinner, expo, and many more.

Apart from that, J Boxing is also supported by its other main corporate partners such as Mix Media Worx as the Official Digital Media Partner, Nyonya as the Official Catering Partner and CItyneon as the Official Media Display Partner.

For this three-day event, Jovian Ready-To-Wear will give away 15 special items to 5 lucky shoppers each day, not to mention special deals and promotions that will be happening during the period of ‘Happy Hour’ that should not be missed. Prices start from as low as BND10 and discounts up to 50% on selected items.

Jovian mingling with the management of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd

Dinner at Autohaus last night

Lim Jin Lee, Executive Manager of AutoMagination (3rd from right) with representatives from TEIN, INC. Japan (in green) and management of AutoMagination during the launch of TEIN EnduraPro Series

The brand TEIN has been around in Brunei for the past few years. Many car enthusiasts will be aware of the TEIN brand as they are known for good quality shock absorbers for your car. Recently AutoMagination company has brought in newer models of TEIN absorbers which are known as TEIN EnduraPro series.

The latest models from TEIN was launched with the presence of the TEIN, INC (Japan), notably Mr. Yasushi Furubayashi, Director of TEIN, INC, Mr. Tomoaki Himeno, Overseas Sales Manger of TEIN, INC and Mr. Ayumu Kikuchi, Overseas Sales Person of TEIN, INC. Also present was Lim Jin Lee, Executive Manager of AutoMagination, the sole distributor of TEIN products.

For the record, TEIN, INC. is a well recognized reputable manufacturer and distributor of high-quality automative suspension parts. So if you really, really, really want good quality suspensions, the choice is definitely TEIN.

Now with a better version, the EnduraPro Series, you can expect comfort, reliability, durability and adjustability to cater to different road conditions (especially in Brunei), streets, highways and winding roads for better ride quality.

The new feature being highlighted is the Hydraulic Bump Stopper (HBS). Basically this feature helps to convert the impact of the stroke to thermal energy (heat) and absorb it. This means it reduces the impact that disturbs the vehicle’s behaviour. This also means less damage or harm on the dampers in the long run and hence, increases the durability of the shock absorbers.

If you prefer a much better absorber, then I would recommend the EnduraPro Plus because it’s adjustable – whether you want it softer or firmer. Furthermore, if you want a much better experience with the EnduraPro Plus, then invest in the EDFC series where it’s a gadget that sends signal via an electronic controller from the cockpit and remotely adjust the damping force.

So you may be wondering to which cars are suitable for this? Well, any comfort cars are highly recommended with the new TEIN absorbers, be it Japanese cars (Toyota, Nissan, Honda), be it Korean cars (Hyundai, Kia).

Those interested to know more about the TEIN latest products, do visit their showroom at Lambak Kanan Industrial Area at AutoMagination. Oh yea, it also offers one year warranty for all TEIN products.

Would I recommend to install one? I would say yes if you are concern too much about the roads here in Brunei and if you drive to Miri regularly, this would be so, so ideal because of the bumpy road conditions.

The EnduraPro Plus (adjustable) and The EnduraPro absorbers

Mr. Tomoaki Himeno, Overseas Sales Manger of TEIN, INC, explaining the EDFC series where you can use an electronic gadget to adjust the absorbers from the cockpit

The older models from TEIN

You can get a bundle package if you buy the EnduraPro Plus with the EDFC

Lim Jin Lee believes many customers will appreciate the durability and features of the TEIN EnduraPro series

At Auto Shanghai 2019, Audi is introducing a visionary mobility concept for the megacities of the future: The showcar, known as the Audi AI:ME, offers compact dimensions, a spacious, futuristic interior, and the ability to drive autonomously at level 4. This allows the occupants to do what they like with their time on board. The Audi AI:ME offers a broad range of high-tech features for communication, entertainment, or simply relaxation.

The body line of the Audi AI:ME demonstrates how emotion and spatial economy can form a perfect synthesis in an electrically driven compact car. There is a reason that the name AI:ME emphasizes the relation to the Audi AIcon, the study of automated long-distance operation introduced in 2017. The affinity of the body line and the concept of these two cars will become evident in Shanghai, as the AIcon will flank the world premiere on the stage of the Audi booth at Auto Shanghai 2019.

Compact architecture, electric drive: The concept

With an exterior length of 4.30 meters (14.1 ft) and a width of 1,90 meters (6.2 ft), the Audi AI:ME takes up as much traffic space as a present-day compact car. However, the wheelbase of 2.77 meters (3 ft) and the height of 1.52 meters (5 ft) indicate interior dimensions that are more likely to be found in the next higher class at least. This is made possible by the architecture of the electric drive. It allows for short overhangs and a large-volume interior without a propeller shaft tunnel. The drive unit is positioned on the rear axle and mobilizes 125 kW (170 metric hp).

For the occupants, the compact drive package offers a maximum amount of objectively available space, spatial comfort, and a great deal of variability. The Audi AI:ME is designed as a 2 plus-x-seater. Its layout relies on a variety of configurations for seat positions and stowage space. While only the individual seats at the front will be used during most journeys, the car offers space for up to four people in the front and on the rear bench if necessary.

Audi AI:On our way to automated mobility

Audi AI:ME and Audi AIcon: two concept cars whose very names refer to the new, two-letter abbreviation under which Audi is bundling an entire cluster of innovative mobility technologies. Audi AI is the cipher for a variety of electronic systems that relieve strain on drivers and simultaneously offer them new possibilities to use the time spent in the car. To this end, Audi AI also uses strategies and technologies from the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Audi AI also combines vehicle intelligence, which makes automated driving possible in the first place, and interaction intelligence, which turns the vehicle into the occupants’ partner. The name of the Audi AI:ME thus already makes the connection between AI and the users themselves.Audi AI systems are capable of learning and thinking, while also being proactive and personal. Thanks to Audi AI, models bearing the four rings will be both intelligent and empathetic in the future. They will be able to continually interact with their surroundings and passengers, and thus adapt themselves in a better way than ever before to the requirements of those on board.

Automated driving at level 4: Relax while gliding through the city
What is long established in rail transportation and even aviation is at the threshold of a breakthrough in automotive transportation—automated driving. The Audi AI:ME is designed for use in the city and for driving at what is known as level 4. This is the second-highest level on a standardized international scale for increasing automation. Although systems with level 4 do not require any assistance on the part of the driver, their function is limited to a specific area—such as highways or a specially equipped area in inner cities. In these places, the driver can completely transfer the task of driving to the system. The driver needs to resume the task only when the car leaves the area defined for fully automated driving. By contrast to the Audi AIcon, a vehicle with level-5 function that is always fully autonomous, the Audi AI:ME is therefore equipped with the traditional steering wheel and pedalry control elements in addition.

This means that the car, as well as the remaining road users, will drive automatically in a defined traffic area equipped with the corresponding infrastructure in the future. Self-regulating and self-controlling flows of traffic allow the vehicle to glide along calmly, avoiding heavy longitudinal or lateral acceleration. This is an important requirement for the occupants of the car to be able to detach themselves mentally from the traffic around them.

Luxurious refuge and high-tech control center: the interior
Audi AI fundamentally changes how automobiles are used and significantly enhances the time spent on board. The car is increasingly becoming a “third living space” alongside our homes and workplaces. It is thus only consistent that the Audi designers did not subordinate the interior of the Audi AI:ME to the shape of the body. On the contrary. They prioritized the interior and made it the core of the whole vehicle. The focus here is less on the traditional connection between driver and vehicle—steering wheel, instruments, pedals—and more on the time spent in the automated vehicle. This is why these control elements are retracted with an elegant and sophisticated choreography and are then almost fully concealed by a stowage compartment with a surface made of open-pore walnut wood.

In general: Stowage space will become more important than before in automated vehicles. The Audi AI:ME features large areas both on the cockpit cover and between the front seats that conceal a further innovative detail: Magnets serve as cup holders and hold metal cups or plates in place as required. Occupants can enjoy a relaxed meal while riding in the automated Audi AI:ME.

No matter what they are doing, the passengers can always find a comfortable seating position. The front seats are inspired by the classic lounge chair and feature a wide, comfortably cushioned seat, upholstered with textile material in warm shades of gray. The backrests are designed as curved shells that are attached to the seat cushion only with a vertical carrier. When the pedalry is not needed, drivers can rest their feet on the supports under the dashboard, such as on an ottoman. On the rear bench, which reaches around to the side sections of the car, occupants can vary their seating position almost any way they like.

The horizontal angle in the deep window in the interior is a significant element of the side section—a feature quoted from the Audi AIcon, so to speak. It offers an obvious ergonomic advantage to the occupants: It extends the range of motion of the arm resting on the door rail and also visually increases the size of the entire interior to a significant degree.

The vehicle and as the communication and interaction systems are operated by means of eye tracking, voice input, and touch-sensitive fields in the door rail. They are positioned perfectly in terms of ergonomics and are normally integrated into the surface, making them invisible. The lighting is activated only when approached, and guides the user’s gaze to the functional surfaces.

There is a multifunctional, three-dimensional OLED monitor that runs below and along the entire length of the windshield and is used primarily in dialogue with eye-tracking control. Terminologically coded function menus, for example for navigation or infotainment, can be activated with the eye and then open up further levels that move from the background into the sharp view mode on the 3D monitor.

There are VR goggles on board for the visual output of the infotainment system. They turn Internet use, watching movies, or even interactive gaming into a fascinating experience for the passengers. Audi demonstrated the possibilities that await us in the future with the Holoride system at the CES 2019 in Las Vegas. Here, the vehicle’s own movement is detected by a sensor system and then integrated interactively into the visual course of a game. Passengers feel like they are literally in the midst of the action.

The occupants experience the interior of the Audi AI:ME not simply as a means of transport, but as a luxurious atmosphere with numerous high-tech features. It also literally acts as a filter that keeps out the omnipresent traffic all around. The high-quality audio system is coupled with noise compensation that can completely suppress the outside noise level by means of active noise control. This allows occupants to enjoy meditative silence or listen to music in concert-hall quality in the Audi AI:ME.

Surfaces and structures that are familiar from the home environment dominate even in terms of the materials. High-quality textiles, some of which are made of recycled products, wood, and the touchpads in the door rails made of the mineral composite material Corian, which is particularly pleasant to touch, give the predominantly technical character of the vehicle a cozy and luxurious touch. The interior gets its special ambiance from the tension between the natural and technological elements. Large glass surfaces in the deep windows and the roof area make the interior light and transparent. Electro-chromatic control can insulate the entry of light and heat if necessary, and shield the interior with the continuously tintable windows. Filigree wooden struts in the roof area create a pergola above the interior.

The use of real plants in the interior of the automobile is a first. Vegetation, which is rarely found in the hostile city environment, gives occupants a feeling of proximity to nature and helps to objectively improve air quality in the automobile at the same time. Sophisticated filter technology prevents odors from traffic and the city from entering into the interior of the Audi AI:ME in the first place.

Systems that determine the stress levels for vital parameters also serve the wellbeing of the occupants. Intelligent algorithms allow the Audi AI:ME to get to know the driver better and better and improve their options in a specific manner.

A face in the crowd: the exterior

The Audi AI:ME is immediately recognizable even in the rearview mirror: Its face is characterized by the hexagonal Singleframe with the inverted shape and surface typical for an electric Audi. The architecture of the body is a newcomer to the pool of Audi shapes. If you look closer, though, the relation to the Audi AIcon concept car introduced in 2017 becomes apparent. Despite the completely different proportions, there are clear similarities in the precise graphics of the contours and the long arch of the roof line. But the main connection between the two different autonomous vehicles is the significant angle in the side windows.

The exterior differs strongly from the mainstream competition. The Audi AI:ME is a targeted alternative design. More than just a hint of a wedge shape, the accentuated and drawn out wheel wells that are typical for the brand and the striking window graphics create a highly emotional overall shape. The traffic area is clearly subordinate to the small space requirement: With an exterior length of 4.30 meters (14.1 ft) and a width of 1.90 meters (6.2 ft), the vehicle fits into the compact car segment. Its height of 1.52 meters (5 ft) offers great advantages in the interior in particular, and gives occupants a sense of ample space, makes it easy to get in, and offers excellent headroom. The large side doors that open in opposite directions and are fastened at the front and back also facilitate getting into the vehicle. And yet, the Audi AI:ME does not appear as a cubic van, but exudes dynamism even at a standstill. Large 23-inch wheels emphasize this appearance.

See and be seen—the lighting
With the self-driving cars of the future, headlights will have a part-time job at best because the driver will be concerned with other things most of the time and will rarely need the road to be brightly illuminated. It is another function of the lighting that takes on a more important role here: communicating with other road users. The Audi AIcon already demonstrated how digital matrix luminous surfaces can use moving graphics to output clearly understandable signals relating to the driving condition and, of course, also to mark the vehicle itself.

The Audi AI:ME takes this approach one step further: As road users come even closer in the city, the traditional positions of the front and rear lights are often not visible. Because of this, Audi lighting designers integrated LED elements in the body in an unusually high position above the wheel wells, where they are visible from all angles. This 360-degree communication is an important additional safety feature for pedestrians or cyclists.

Like in the AIcon, the LED units at the front and the micro matrix projectors can use easily identifiable symbols to signal to pedestrians when the AI:ME is letting them cross the road, for example. The graphics can be projected onto the road or a wall. This function is also used to illuminate the door area to ensure that occupants can enter or exit the vehicle safely and also to mark the vehicle for other road users. The matrix projectors can also provide additional safety to other road users with weaker lighting by automatically illuminating their surroundings.

The Audi AI:ME features a further innovation: It can interpret signals from other vehicles and use its own lighting technology to amplify them if this benefits the surroundings. Example: A vehicle driving in front indicates danger with faint hazard warning flashers. The AI:ME can detect this signal and amplify it with projections and the LED units on the body so that it is clearly visible to all road users.

As a level 4 vehicle, the Audi AI:ME is equipped with bright LED headlights and perfectly visible brake and tail lights for all those situations in which drivers take the wheel themselves. When driving actively, being able to see is just as important by night as it is by day in the future, too.

Mobile for hours: the drive architecture

Audi took a targeted approach to tailoring the specifications of the AI:ME to the scope of use of a city car. This means that extreme acceleration values and top highway speeds are just as obsolete as high cornering speeds and ranges that are suitable for driving long distances. An automobile like the AI:ME will drive predominantly in the speed range between 20 and 70 km/h (12.4 and 43.5 mph) and will often have to remain mobile for hours at a time without charging. However, long ranges in terms of kilometers are less relevant than the ability to make good use of the operating time.

The engineers therefore drew on a comparatively simple, yet light, basic configuration. A battery unit with a storage capacity of 65 kilowatt hours is sufficient for meeting these requirements. A permanently excited synchronous motor that can mobilize 125 kW (170 metric hp) if necessary operates in the area of the rear axle of the AI:ME. A fraction of this is usually sufficient for keeping up with the flow of city traffic. Thanks to brake energy recuperation and its comparatively low weight, the Audi AI:ME exhibits extremely low energy consumption even in city traffic.

The axles and other components of the suspension are found in the portfolio of compact sister models of the Audi portfolio. The tried and tested combination of adaptive dampers and small unsprung masses ensures good ride comfort in the city. The body is made of a light-weight multi-material compound consisting of high-tech steel, aluminum, and plastic components, particularly in the attachments.

Audi on request: innovative offer concepts

After the Audi AIcon, which debuted at the International Motor Show in 2017, and the radical Audi PB 18 sports car, which was introduced in the summer of 2018, the Audi AI:ME is now the brand’s third vision vehicle to present an offer for use in clearly defined areas (“use cases”). While the Audi AIcon offers the qualities of a business jet for long-distance drives, the PB 18 is a vehicle for the occasional trip to the race track. The Audi AI:ME is the perfect companion for use in conurbations. A fourth vision vehicle will complete the concept quartet at the International Motor Show in September 2019.

The top priority given in the specifications for these test mules is not to design an all-rounder for the versatile and long-term spectrum of use of a heterogeneous clientele. These are highly specialized premium automobiles that can be ordered as needed and with extensive possibilities for individualization as part of an on-demand offer. This approach is based on the requirement profile of many customers, especially in urban areas, which is undergoing a transition. Automobiles are to be available and ready for use upon request and should ideally be custom tailored, but they need not pass into permanent personal ownership. However, premium customers still demand that they can order their automobiles with as many individual features as possible—and, of course, with the same high quality they are used to and expect—from the Audi.

Customers who book a vehicle will then not only get their desired vehicle, but can also have it configured to suit their personal preferences as far as possible. The color, interiors, and technical options can be pre-configured online with the app or via the driver details stored in the “myAudi” system. Even drivers’ preferred interior temperature, the perfect ergonomical seat adjustment, and their personal music library are already activated when they get into the car.

This offer is accessible and easy to use via an app that connects the vehicle order, personal preferences of the user, and numerous options that can be used while driving. Users make use of this app to order their Audi AI:ME and can preorder the car with two or more seats, and even a child’s seat, as required. They will find the AI:ME at the requested time and in the agreed-upon place and can simply park it somewhere after using it. In zones with the appropriate equipment, the vehicle can even travel between the depot and the customer’s address without a driver.

The app, which is operated via a smartphone and in the car itself, also serves as an assistant and intermediary for many other services. For example, it can be used for spontaneous communication with friends via the Internet or social media. Users can take selfies on board and share them in social networks. They can access the entire Internet for the purposes of entertainment, research, and service. Users can order food on the way and make a quick, automated stop at a restaurant to have it delivered to the car, and then enjoy their meal in the vehicle on their way home.

The connection between the user’s home network and the Audi AI:ME even allows users to continue watching a movie using the VR goggles in the car, picking up where they left off at home. On their way home from work, they can close their eyes, enjoy the silence on board, and relax.

The Audi AI:ME becomes a fixed point in its user’s personal digital biotope. The tedious daily journey from A to B turns into an enjoyable ride with free time.  After they have arrived at their destination, the users can get out of the car, relaxed and in good spirits, and do not even have to look for a parking spot or charging station. The Audi AI:ME will find its own way back to the depot.

“Audi on demand” is available in metropolises on several continents and is already the perfect example of the future expansion of Audi’s offer into a global mobility service provider. With the simultaneous expansion and specialization of the vehicle fleet, this program will become even more attractive to customers with high demands in the future. The premium vehicle offer itself and the digital integration of the automobile and living environment will give the Audi brand a head start in this segment, too: Vorsprung durch Technik.

Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture launching the BIBD’s 14th Home Showcase Festival

It’s the 14th edition of the BIBD’s 14th “Home Showcase Festival” and this has become a household name in Brunei Darussalam. I remember attending almost all their home showcase events but to date, this is the biggest because it’s held for three days (12th to 14th April).

Buying a home has slowly become a culture among Bruneians and BIBD wants to ensure that home buyers’ dreams can become a reality by facilitating their needs with every step of the way.

According to Hajah Nurul Akmar binti Haji Md Jaafar, BIBD Head of Retail Banking, the Home Showcase will benefit the home owners and also providing a one-stop platform for current and prospective homeowners especially the young professionals.

Officiating the ceremony last Friday was Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, who spent quite some time visiting all the vendors that participated in the Home Showcase Festival.

Of course, let’s not forget BIBD’s QuickPay function where it’s cashless payments where you don’t need to fork out your physical money. I have been actively using it and I find it very, very convenient. The adoption rate was pretty good during Brunei’s MSME where the usage of QuickPay doubled, showing signs that people are ready to go cashless.

Customers can also get a BIBD NEXGEN Foldable Shopping Bag as long as stocks last with a minimum spending of BND10. The event also served as an avenue for local entrepreneurs and small and medium and enterprises (SMEs) as well as partnering realtors and interior designers to showcase their products and services.

BIBD Seeds, a special program for “Special Mothers Empowerment Entrepreneurship Development” Programme, aimed to transform underprivileged mothers into successful and resilient entrepreneurs, and some of the BIBD Seeds participants were present to sell their food and beverage business. Some of them will be graduating by end of April 2019 under the BIBD Seeds programme and soon, the second batch of entrants will partake in this successful program.

BIBD Home Showcase ends this Sunday. So do drop by BIBD Kiulap later and check out your home needs and also the local vendors participating in the event.

Guest of honour visiting the realtors

@kapintar.bn

Some of BIBD’s Seeds

Ken View pavilion

Awesome range of home deco and interior design by Ken View

@bloomproject.co

An up and coming tuition school, Edu Champ Academic aims to change the way Brunei sees education – one neighbourhood at a time. With affiliated branches in Mentiri, Berakas, and Rimba – and more on the way, the goal is to make quality tuition available to as many corners of the country as possible.

“Our vision is to be a friendly neighbourhood tuition school. I have students from Masin, Serasa and even Tutong! That’s why we try to open in so many places – to make it more convenient for the parents”, said Sumi, one of the founders of Edu Champ Academic who teaches at the Rimba branch.

Founded in 2017, Edu Champ Academic saw the need for accessible and affordable education to the citizens of Brunei. They wanted the opportunity to not only help the students, but also the parents and teachers – by saving funds on transportation fees and reducing class sizes so learning can be more effective.

“We actually wanted to explore up to what extent a tuition school can be developed into. Because in Brunei, a traditional class would be like, 4 classrooms, whiteboard, the teachers come and teach, and that’s it. But actually, it can be something more, or beyond that. With small class sizes, the teachers can focus on individual students better,” stated Wong Teck Sion, who is responsible for the day-to-day operation of Edu Champ Academic.

Edu Champ Tuition branch at Mentiri

Tutor giving guidance to a student

Teachers of Edu Champ Academic are also not restricted to one tuition school and are able to move between affiliated tuition branches. This way, students can have their teachers close to them instead of driving long distances for education. In addition, the teachers themselves can choose to take on more classes at different schools, supplementing their income with extra earnings and providing a more stable employment.

“We want to be able to set standards of how tuition schools are being run in Brunei. We want those who are running home tuitions to come out, to use our facilities and teach. We have different visions of trying to establish ourselves as a neighbourhood tuition school. And trying to encourage more people to come in and see tuition as a career. Which means we are moving forward with the MOE agenda,” stated Allen Ang, who plans for the growth and expansion of the tuition school.

For more information on the locations of each branch of Edu Champ, as well as the range of subjects that they offer, visit www.educhampacademic.com or follow their social media accounts at @eca_tuition_school for IG and educhampacademic for FB.

Kids being tuted at Berakas outlet

You can also learn foreign language such as Japanese

Another outlet at Rimba

The management of Aifa Sdn Bhd with Tan Wee How, Product Trainer/In-Store Management, LG Electronics Singapore Pte Ltd (fourth from left) during the LG training workshop yesterday at Aifa Headquarters, Lambak Kanan Industrial Area.

Mr. Andy Lau, Managing Director of Aifa Sdn Bhd, in his opening remarks before the start of the LG training workshop

Yesterday, Aifa Sdn Bhd, a sole distributor for LG, held a training session for the staff to be familiar with the current LG products ranging from washing machines to refrigerators to audio visuals (TVs). The training session was held at Aifa HQ at Lambak Kanan Industrial Area.

Present during the training session were Mr. Andy Lau, Managing Director of Aifa Sdn Bhd and Madam Lily Ngo, General Manager of Aifa Sdn Bhd. Conducting the LG training was Tan Wee How, Product Trainer/In-Store Management, LG Electronics Singapore Pte Ltd. He conducted a day workshop for the staff of Aifa to learn the functions and features of LG products that will be sold in Brunei Darussalam.

Mr. Andy Lau said that LG is one of the top products worldwide and he believes that it’s important for the staff to be aware of the LG products. Otherwise the products will be meaningless to consumers. Hence, training is very important in order for the staff to be fully equipped with the product knowledge and know-how so the consumers can feel more confident on LG products.

The training is normally conducted every one and a half year where the trainer is flown to Brunei as LG keeps introducing newer models/products. Hence training is very necessary.

Mr. Andy hopes that the consumers will enjoy the LG products that Aifa offers. With Hari Raya around the corner, why not invest in LG products? 🙂

For your information, Aifa company is as old as Brunei Darussalam’s National Day.

Also present was Madam Lily Ngo, the General Manager of Aifa Sdn Bhd

One of the most popular products from LG is the refrigerator

LG TWINWash™ and this looks pretty convenient

LG is also known for their TVs. The 4K TVs are gaining steam

Our dinner session with the Aifa Team and a representative from MMW and LG.

Partners Edy Zurina and Aleeya Jane with VIPs during the official launch of As Salwaa Beauty Spa

Edy Zurina was very grateful to her mother, her partners and her team in making this a success

As Salwaa Beauty Spa, is a local Beauty establishment specialising in an all Natural & Organic Treatments for women.

A grand opening event was held at the Yayasan Complex Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in Bandar Seri Begawan last Sunday

The event was officiated by its founder and General Manager, Ms Edy Zurina Awang. It was also held to appreciate their customers support for As Salwaa Beauty since it online selling days in 2014 to the opening of the original store in 2017 until its relocation in Yayasan Complex which has an enhanced ambience that aims to provide that hint of Luxury and comfort to its customers.

It was made even special with the launch of a Luxurious Oud Based Skincare product, Oud Essentials by Fragrance Du Bois (FDB), born in Nature crafted in France. FDB were represented by Head of Operations Asia, Puan Anita Raphay based in Kuala Lumpur. All VIP guests were delightfully surprised with each getting 1 product from the Luxurious skincare line.

This Luxury brand is currently only available in exclusive stores Internationally such as London Mayfair, Selfridges, Robinsons and Starhill Gallery Kuala Lumpur. As Salwaa Beauty is honoured to be appointed as the Exclusive Distributor for this Luxurious Brand in Brunei.

With its tagline “Your Beauty, Truly Naturally”, As Salwaa Beauty is a true believer in the benefits of Natural Products and avoids products that contains harmful synthetic chemicals in its ingredients.

Visit their Instagram @assalwaa.beauty.spa to find out more or their soon to be launched website www.assalwaabeauty.com

Puan Anita Raphay, Head of Operations Asia, Fragrance Du Bois (FDB) gave a short speech before the launch

Check out the spa

Relaxing room area

One of the treatment rooms

Dual treatment room

Congratulations to both of you 😀