The newly redesigned Mercedes G-Wagen

News from Jalopnik website. The newly redesigned Mercedes G-Wagen, the expensive body-on-frame off-roader that for the first time ever has independent front suspension, was crashed tested by the European New Car Assessment Program, and the results are exemplary. Just watch as this boxy fortress shrugs off barriers and avoids pedestrians with ease.

“Mercedes-Benz’s rugged G-Class also comes in with a five-star rating with an impressive performance in each of the four areas of assessment,” Euro NCAP says in its press release, lauding the G-Class’ safety assist systems, as well as its ability to protect adult occupants, child occupants, and pedestrians. Here’s a look at the G-Wagen being put through the wringer.

But the gist of it is that the vehicle scored 90 percent, 83 percent, and 78 percent in the areas of adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, and “vulnerable road user” protection, respectively. The Magna Steyr-built poshmobile did especially well in side impact testing, managing 16 out of 16 points for adult occupant protection and managing the full 8 points for child protection.

The G-Wagen also managed a 72 percent in the “safety assist” category, thanks to a good Automatic Emergency Braking system, as well as features like a seat belt reminder and speed limit assist, though apparently the lane keeping system isn’t great. From Euro NCAP’s report:

The AEB system gave generally good results in tests of its functionality at highway speeds. The car has a lane assistance system which helps prevent inadvertent drifting out of lane but can also intervene in some more critical situations. The speed control system uses digital mapping combined with a camera to identify what the local speed limit is and to inform the driver, who can then set the limiter to the appropriate speed. A seatbelt reminder is standard for front and rear seats.

The new G-Wagen has been receiving rapturous driving impressions from journalists, and now it has scored top safety marks. Plus it looks good. It took Mercedes decades to finally do a major G-Class redesign, but it appears to be paying off.

Strike Redemption matches

Strike Promotions founder, Firdaus Zainidi (centre) with event partners and charitable foundation representatives during the press conference last weekend

STRIKE Promotions will be hosting its second regional Amateur Boxing and Kickboxing Tournament titled ‘STRIKE: Redemption’ which will take place from 9-10 March at The Jerudong Park Amphitheatre. This event is being supported by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and sports and sanctioned by the International Sports Kickboxing Association and the Brunei Darussalam Boxing Association.

There are a total of 63 confirmed participants from 18 local and regional gyms who will be competing in the amateur tournaments. Regional gyms participating in this event include Kinabalu Fighter Martial Art and Fitness Centre, CoachPro from Philippines, Team Karabaw and Sabah Top team.

The event will kick-off with an Amateur Kickboxing Tournament on Saturday 9th March followed by the Main event which will take place on Saturday evening. On Sunday, the Brunei Darussalam Boxing Association will be hosting its Amateur Boxing Tournament. The Main event will feature a total of 8 pro-fights and will feature local fighters Aaron Lee of Project Mayhem, Wali Rahman of Silverback Muay Thai and Saufy Jaman of Nak Muay Fight Gym. Out of the eight bouts, 4 will be title fights and they will be for the Borneo ISKA 57KG K-1 title, STRIKE 73KG K-1 title, STRIKE 56KG K-1 title and the STRIKE 60KG K-1 title.

Firdaus ensuring that there is ample security personnel during the event. There will also be police officers overlooking the upcoming event.

Representatives from Setia Motors (Hyundai) handing over Strike tickets to one of the charitable foundations

This event will be unlike any other as the main event will showcase special needs athlete Sunny ‘The Silencer’ Sabornido who is the first and only hearing impaired Muay Thai fighter from Malaysia. The objective of this event is to raise public awareness to ensure inclusiveness and equality of persons with disabilities as well as to inspire them to pursue martial arts. To support this cause, the promotion has partnered with Setia Motors Sdn. Bhd., BruPay Sdn. Bhd. and Jerudong Park Country Club (JPCC) to invite various special needs organizations which include Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam, Persatuan KACA and Persatuan Orang Kurang Pendengaran Kebangsaan (OKP) to attend the event.

In addition, STRIKE and BruPay Sdn. Bhd, the payment provider partner for the event, will be running a donation campaign in support of Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam from 2nd March through 31st March. Members of the public can submit their donations through the BruPay app by scanning a shareable QR code, which can be found on BruPay’s and Strike’s social media pages.

Setia Motors Sdn Bhd, the official car partner for STRIKE: Redemption will also be having a special promotion from now through 30th April for anyone who purchases any Hyundai model where they can stand a chance to win a brand new Hyundai i30.

Tickets to the event are available to purchase online now at Brunei.events. You can follow them on @strike.bn IG and also on Facebook (Strikebrunei) and also on email info@strike-promotions.com

Check out Mercedes-Benz A200 and it’s now available for test drive

Ruby test driving the A200 and she was quite impressed

Hey Mercedes!!! This is the first voice operated command for Mercedes-Benz for the A200 and A250 model. You don’t even have to use the button and all you have to do is say “Hey Mercedes” and you can control the temperature, the moonlighting and a few more things. Though it’s not a full fledged like how it works in Siri, but this is already a big step for Mercedes-Benz.

I have driven both the A250 and A200 and I can understand why many opted for the A250 when it was launched back in November 2018. If you are into the body kit and just a little more power, then the A250 would be the obvious choice.

A200 is not much of a difference if you don’t take into account the exterior design. I have driven it for a few days and it’s so much of an upgrade compared to the previous version of the A200 (year 2013).

The A200 is quite a solid drive for the small nature of its size and definitely the most advanced car fo a hatchback segment. Handling wise, this is superb as I have taken this for a spin on the highway and corners – a ride that would give me more confidence.

I love the dual-screen layout which is similar to the E-Class and S-Class. The wide format makes it sleeker, showcasing stunningly vibrant and sharper resolution. The central display panel is a touch screen which is a plus for a driver like me.

I would have hoped for a slightly more leg space but it’s not bad for a A200 model. It’s a compact luxurious continental car that I won’t mind driving for my routine coverage.

Overall, the A200 justifies its position in the premium hatchback segment and furthermore, the price is quite reasonable from Jati Transport. The plus points are definitely the technology and infotainment and let’s not forget the safety features too of the Mercedes-Benz A200.

Drop by Jati Transport Headquarters or Autohaus for details of the Mercede-Benz A200. You can give this a test drive too.

Taking the A200 for a spin. I wish I had the A200 a little longer.

Loving the display panel and the interior of the A200

It’s even more colourful at nightfall

We also test drove the A250 and this was during our trip to Sepang International Circuit, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

One of the invited Bruneians test driving the A250 on the circuit. The A250 has been a huge hit in Brunei Darussalam.

Management of Brunei Shell Marketing with the management of Chua Automobile Repairing and Servicing (Chua Auto) at the launch of Chua Auto as Shell Helix Branded Workshop yesterday

Mr. Chua Kee Hoe, the sole proprietor of Chua Auto, Pg. Shamhary bin Pg Dato Paduka Hj Mustapha, Managing Director of Brunei Shell Marketing, Mr. See Shieng Meng, Manager of Chua Auto and Mohd Adini Mohd Daini, Head of Branding and Communications of Brunei Shell Marketing officiating the launch with a ribbon cutting.

It is slowly growing, the branding of Shell as they turned some of the local workshops as Shell Helix Branded Workshop. Yesterday saw the 4th of its kind as Chua Automobile Repairing and Servicing (Chua Auto) launched as a Shell Helix Branded Workshop which is located at the heart of Gadong commercial area.

The company has been in operation in Gadong since the 1980s and it has a very strong customer base because of the owner, Mr. Chua Kee Hoe, has a reputable relationship with his loyal customers. Most of the cars handled are continental cars and their customers have always been very satisfied with their service.

Chua Auto has also a lasting relationship with Brunei Shell Marketing Sdn Bhd as the workshop has providing and purchasing Shell Lubricants since 2000. Chua Auto has always strived the mission of providing high quality service to customers by supplying genuine Shell Lubricants and having experienced technicians.

Now Chua Auto being the 4th Shell Helix Branded Workshop, there will be more workshops in the pipeline and this is a good sign for customers as these will give more confidence because of the Shell brand.

BSM initiated the Shell Helix Branded Workshop programme with the vision of supporting the relationship of workshops with their customers in an environment which reassures consumer that the products on sale are genuine and the service is excellent and reliable. This, in a way, increases customer satisfaction.

Present during the launch were Mr. Chua Kee Hoe, the sole proprietor of Chua Auto, Pg. Shamhary bin Pg Dato Paduka Hj Mustapha, Managing Director of Brunei Shell Marketing, Mohd Adini Mohd Daini, Head of Branding and Communications of Brunei Shell Marketing and Mr. See Shieng Meng, Manager of Chua Auto.

You can visit their workshop at Bangunan Hj Tahir. It’s a shop located located on the hill above Papparich in Gadong.

The first car being serviced after the launch

Genuine Shell Lubricants at Chua Auto

Group photo with the attendees

9000 engines and 700 cars are made at this Audi factory. Daily.

Audi Hungaria was founded in 1993 and started producing four-cylinder five-valve engines. In the following years automobile production was added in Győr in 1998, starting with the legendary Audi TT Coupe.

Today, the Hungarian Audi subsidiary produces up to 9,000 engines and 700 cars per day on an area of more than five million square meters. It also operates one of the largest toolmaking facilities in Central Europe.

Since 1993, Audi Hungaria has produced more than 34 million engines and approximately 1.21 million automobiles. A total of about 12,900 employees work at the Győr site. Through its service providers and suppliers, Audi Hungaria secures jobs for a total of more than 30,000 people in Hungary. This makes the company the biggest employer in the Hungarian automotive industry.

The company is preparing itself for the future and is consistently focusing on electrification and digitization: The production of electric motors started in Győr in July 2018. Audi Hungaria is thus expanding its range of drive systems with the addition of electric motors to the continuously improved gasoline and diesel engines and the engines running on compressed natural gas (CNG).

Marketing Manager of Insurans Islam TAIB Holdings Sdn Bhd (IITH) Shameon bin Tamil and Executive Officer of Teletakaful and Support Services (SSV) Norshahrul Azim bin Haji Abdul Rahman during the press conference of Insurans Islam TAIB General Takaful Helpline and their latest mobile app at Insurans Islam TAIB headquarter last weekend

Are you tired of queueing up? Do you want to simply pay for the services with your finger tips? Fret not. Insurans Islam TAIB has upped their game by introducing two new services – 1) Using their hotline services, General Takaful Helpline 222 3004 and 2) Insurans Islam TAIB Mobile Application (IIT App).

With the helpline, you can simply call the General Takaful Helpline 222 3004 and get a quote for your Takaful policy and after approving the quote, you can pay online without the need to go physically over the IIT counter. The customer can also opt for free delivery or Takaful policy pick-up at Insurans Islam TAIB General Takaful Head office (Kiulap) or their other branch in Kuala Belait. Now that’s very convenient and you don’t have to worry about queueing as much anymore.

Even better for IIT customers is that they have introduced a mobile app for the customers’ convenience. You can already get a quote and even pay online (through BIBD) without having to visit their counters where you also avoid the long queues. I have navigated on the IIT app and it was quite straightforward and simple.

The approval of the application of the takaful will take a maximum of one day but usually it can be done with 10 to 15 minutes after you confirm your takaful quotation. Its IIT way of providing a seamless service after listening to the feedback of customers especially when dealing with long queues over the counter.

The app was actually launched during Insurans Islam TAIB Holdings’ 25th anniversary back in November 2018.

Present during the conference were  Marketing Manager of Insurans Islam TAIB Holdings Sdn Bhd (IITH) Shameon bin Tamil and Executive Officer of Teletakaful and Support Services (SSV) Norshahrul Azim bin Haji Abdul Rahman who briefed the media on their ongoing services.

It was also announced that the first 100 customers with confirmed participations of the Comprehensive Motor Takaful and the Home Owner Takaful, through these facilities, will be rewarded with Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (CBTL) vouchers while stock lasts.

Executive Officer of Teletakaful and Support Services (SSV) Norshahrul Azim bin Haji Abdul Rahman briefing the media on the steps when using the IIT app

How the IIT apps look like. Very simple and easy to navigate.

Choose your policies and get a quote

Fill in the details before you get the final quotation

The GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ is the fastest series production SUV on the North Loop of Nürburgring

Affalterbach/Adenau.  With an officially measured and notarised lap time of 7.49.369 minutes, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ (combined fuel consumption: 11.9 l/100 km, combined CO₂ emissions: 270 g/km) is the fastest series production SUV in the world on the North Loop of Nürburgring. In autumnal track conditions, AMG development engineer Markus Hofbauer at the wheel of the series-production eight-cylinder model bettered the previous record time by a competitor at the first attempt.

The technical concept of the mid-size high-performance SUV provides the ideal basis for this outstanding lap time: apart from the powerful, high-torque 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, this includes the air suspension system with adaptively variable damping, the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with fully variable torque distribution, the rear axle locking differential and the high-performance ceramic composite braking system. The GLC 63 S 4MATIC+ is not only the top performer, but also fully day-to-day suitable: it has plenty of space for passengers and luggage, a variable interior, extensive safety features and a high level of long-distance comfort.

As is usual at Mercedes-AMG, the record lap was measured precisely by the independent experts of “wige SOLUTIONS”. An independent notary also confirmed the lap time and that the vehicle’s condition was in accordance with regulations.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman paid a visit to Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin and family’s residence in Kota Batu during Chinese New Year. They were accompanied by Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim, Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah, Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda Muhammad Aiman and Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Faathimah Az-Zahraa’ Raihaanul Bolkiah.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah paid a visit to Jackson Ting’s residence during Chinese New Year. They were accompanied by Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim, Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah, Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda Muhammad Aiman and Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Faathimah Az-Zahraa’ Raihaanul Bolkiah.

Chinese Near Year is almost a week old. I haven’t been posting stuff for a while. The lazy syndrome is kicking in again. So let’s make a u-turn and do some progress before I procrastinate more. My phone habits has its moments. There were times where I was quite disciplined, other times I just binged surf on my phone. Then again, my screen time has improved ever since the social media purge. So at least that’s an improvement. I am yet to do a “no phone” challenge but that could be sometime around February or March.

Chinese New Year has been great by the way. Maybe because I am $350 richer LOL. Kidding. I truly enjoyed the visits so far and some of the hosts were pretty wonderful which taught me to be more hospitable whenever I host an event at home or anywhere. I just realized how much energy is required for the host to hold the energy for the visitors and guests which can last at least 5 hours. A good host also takes good care of their visitors and being attentive whenever he or she holds the conversation. I am still behind in that department but I know I can do something about it when Hari Raya kicks in.

What is quite interesting is the fact during my recent trip to Taiwan, Chinese New Year has a different vibe to it. In Malaysia and Singapore, you will be drawn to the CNY decorations in the malls, public areas and around the populated cities. Now, not so much in Taipei which I find it pretty strange. The most I have seen are lanterns decoration and that’s it. I did ask my friend who works in Taipei and she said that it’s quite dull in terms of CNY vibe and they don’t even do house visits like how SEA countries do. Instead they will just chill and rest at their homes and the city of Taiwan will simply be quiet. It could be a reason why my friend chose not to spend CNY in Taipei. Nonetheless, Taiwan is a must visit country and I’m heading there again soon in March.

Few days ago, I had a major back problem, playing tennis against someone who is 20 years my senior. I was schooled on the court and there was this one particular shot I wanted to return but I twisted my back and the sharp pain happened on my lower back. Sitting down and standing up were troublesome as I needed support. Lying down was fine but getting of the bed was pretty challenging. I was definitely under a lot of pain and I realized how back pains do limit your mobility. After visiting a chiropractor in Tungku, I felt much better in terms of mobility but the massage/therapy was quite a torturing feat. After posting my back problems on IG, I didn’t know many have back problems like I do. So fellas, be aware of your daily habits such as walking, sitting down and even crossing your legs as these can contribute to back problems in a long run.

I still have a few open houses to visit this week. Thanks for reading this post and enjoy the pictures. Do stalk me on my instagram. I am more active there. I shall be back again this week 😀

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah consented to sign one of the picture frames

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah with some guests during Chinese New Year

Managing Director of Indera Motors Sdn Bhd Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Ghaffar bin Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Haji Idris with Indera Motors General Manager Alfred Yong Foh Sen accept offerings from the lion dance troupe

 

Photo app with Alfred Yong Foh Sen

My CNY partner-in-crime. Thanks for the company on my visits 😀

My first house visit of CNY. A very hospitable host and Jun Jun and Brendan have grown up.

Thank you Thanis for the invite

Maybe the longest visit and the food was great. Thank you Stephen for being such a great host and even Ruby enjoyed the hospitality.

Thank you Soon Loo for the invite. I love the simple outfit.

Andy Lau, Managing Director of Aifa Sdn Bhd and Mdm Lily Ngo, General Manager of Aifa Sdn Bhd hosted a lion dance performance at their headquarters

Andy and his family. Thank you Andy for the recommendation of the traditional chiropractor

The lion dance performance at the Chinese temple on the first day of CNY

Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Computer (center) with Alice Chan, Chief Financial Officer of Concepts Computer and Datuk Seri Lau Kung Ching, Managing Director of Goldmyne

Vincent Pao and Alice Chan doing the Yee Sang with the members of the media

Thank you, Ming Rui, for the invite 😀

Handing over of donation to YASKA from the Cabaran BSB 2019 Charity Event at Taman SOAS recently

Recently, Peugeot Brunei was involved in the event called Cabaran BSB 2019 Charity Event at Taman SOAS. Peugeot Brunei was the main sponsor for the said event and it was supported and sanctioned by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The recipient of the charity event was YASKA (Yayasan Kanser Kanak-Kanak) or the Children’s Cancer Foundation.

A few Peugeot models were being showcased during the event. There was also awareness on road safety and Advance Driving Aids featured in Peugeots latest SUV.

Minister of Finance and Economy II and MInister at the Prime Minister’s Office, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah (3rd L) and Managing Director of BIBD, Mubashar Khokar ( 2nd L) in a group photo during the BIBD ALAF Scholarship Awards presentation ceremony at The Empire Hotel and Country Club recently. 47 students from Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ministry of Education were recently awarded with BIBD ALAF scholarship.

Forty-seven students from the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) and Ministry of Education (MoE) were recently awarded with Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam’s (BIBD) ALAF (Advocating Life-long Learning for an Aspiring Future) scholarship.

Presenting the awards to them was the Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and second Minister of Finance and Economy Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah, in an event held at the Empire Hotel and Country Club. Also present was the Acting Minister of Education Datin Seri Paduka Dr Hjh Romaizah Hj Mohd Salleh.

The BIBD ALAF Digital Hub, opened under the BIBD ALAF programme, is aimed at encouraging the students to adapt technology in their learning and development to better prepare them for a more digital age. The ALAF Innovators Workshop 2018 was also launched as part of the BIBD ALAF programme.

The workshop introduces students to Micro:Bit, a learning and development platform designed by the BBC for use in computer education that focusses on student knowhow and creativity.

The BIBD ALAF programme was launched back in May 2013 graced by Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman and programme has currently supported 215 students.

The Minister handing the scholarship award to a recipient

Good luck to all the BIBD ALAF Scholars