Vincent Pao, General Manager for Concepts Group of Companies receiving the award for Microsoft Top Cloud Mix for SEA New Markets FY18

Microsoft, a globally renowned provider of ICT solutions for the last three decades, has awarded Concepts Technologies, a subsidiary of Concepts Group of Companies, with the Microsoft Top Cloud Mix for SEA New Markets FY18.

Microsoft and Concepts Technologies have been working hand-in-in hand for the past year to promote Microsoft Cloud-based solutions including products like Microsoft Office 365 and Microsoft Azure. The award ceremony was held during the Microsoft SEA New Markets 2018 Partner Summit at The Athenee Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, and present during the awardpresentation was Vincent Pao, General Manager for Concepts Group of Companies.

Vincent Pao, speaking to the media, said, “Concepts are beyond honoured to be recognized for our contribution in this Microsoft journey on Digital Transformation, not just locally in Brunei Darussalam but globally in the South East Asia region.” He continued, “This award is unexpected but is recognized as the result of the effort put out by the team behind Concepts Technologies, with the support of Microsoft Brunei, and the team’s unwavering focus into making Microsoft cloud technology a priority in our initiatives for the Small-Medium Enterprise market in Brunei.”

Afif Mohamed Ali, Country Manager for Microsoft Brunei Sdn. Bhd., mentioned to the media, “Congratulations to Concepts Technologies for winning the Microsoft Top Cloud Mix for SEA New Markets FY18 during the Partner Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.” Afif added, “It’s been a great partnership between us at Microsoft Brunei and Concepts Technologies. And since Microsoft is a partner-led company, we are delighted to see our Brunei Distributor championing this course and getting recognized for it. We hope this partnership can grow better together.”

The Microsoft SEA New Markets Partner Summit is an annual Microsoft summit which includes representative companies from 9 countries that are regarded as new markets; these 9 countries are Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The summit is held in varying locations in South East Asia and this year was held in Bangkok, Thailand on the 19th of September to 20th of September 2018.

PEUGEOT PARTNER was elected International Van Of The Year 2019

The new PEUGEOT PARTNER was elected International Van Of The Year 2019 on Wednesday 19 September in Hanover. This award recognizes the PEUGEOT teams’ commitment to a project that is at the heart of the brand’s development strategy.

This prestigious trophy has been awarded even before the launch, which is scheduled to take place in a few weeks. The new PEUGEOT Partner is the fifth PEUGEOT Van of The Year since the trophy was created in 1992.

The new PEUGEOT PARTNER has unprecedented dynamic and acoustic qualities, a high technological and safety content, two lengths of bodywork (4.40m and 4.75m), and a wide range of engines and equipment designed to make life easier for its users.

Two major innovations attracted attention: the overload indicator for safe charging and the Surround Rear Vision that provides blind-spot camera vision.

The PEUGEOT PARTNER stands out through the exclusive and world-first adoption of this segment of the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit®, offering a new driving experience for greater productivity.

Every professional will be able to set up their own configuration that will allow them to work effectively, including with the Grip version to meet a need for robust services in all circumstances, or the Asphalt version for those who spend a lot of time in their vehicle.

The new PEUGEOT PARTNER strengthens our ambition to undertake to master the impossible.

By command of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, it is hereby announced that His Majesty The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to change the name of the following Ministries:-

Ministry of Finance has been changed to the Ministry of Finance and Economy; and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been changed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

His Majesty has also consented to the appointment of Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin as Deputy Minister of Finance at the Ministry of Finance and Economy and the appointment and transfer of senior officers.

Yang Mulia Pengiran Hajah Zety Sufina binti Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Sani, Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office has been transferred as Permanent Secretary (Performance and Corporate) at the Ministry of Finance and Economy;

Yang Mulia Awang Haji Khairuddin bin Haji Abdul Hamid, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance has been appointed as Permanent Secretary (Investment) at the Ministry of Finance and Economy;

Yang Mulia Dr Dayang Hajah May Faezah binti Haji Ahmad Ariffin, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance has been appointed as Permanent Secretary (Economy) at the Ministry of Finance and Economy;

Yang Mulia Awang Haji Adanan bin Haji Mohd Jaafar, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Administration and Finance) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been appointed as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Brunei Darussalam overseas;

Yang Mulia Pengiran Haji Saiful Rizal bin Pengiran Haji Razali, Acting Director of Protocol has been appointed as Deputy Permanent Secretary (Administration and Protocol) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin as Deputy Minister of Finance at the Ministry of Finance and Economy

Pengiran Hajah Zety Sufina binti Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Sani as Permanent Secretary (Performance and Corporate) at the Ministry of Finance and Economy

Haji Khairuddin bin Haji Abdul Hamid as Permanent Secretary (Investment) at the Ministry of Finance and Economy

Haji Halidi bin Haji Mohd Salleh as Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism

Yang Mulia Pengiran Indera Jaya bin Pengiran Haji Shamsu, Acting Director of Administration has been appointed as Deputy Permanent Secretary (Security and ICT) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Yang Mulia Hajah Norazlianah binti Haji Ibrahim, Director of ASIA, AFRICA Department has been appointed as Deputy Permanent Secretary (International Organisations) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

Yang Mulia Pengiran Norhashimah Binti Pengiran Mohd Hassan, Acting Director of Political Department has been appointed as Deputy Permanent Secretary (Politics) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

Yang Mulia Haji Mohd Yusra bin Haji Mohd Salleh, Deputy Permanent Secretary (International Organisations) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been transferred to Ministry of Religious Affairs as Senior Special Duty Officer;

Yang Mulia Dayang Hajah Mardiana binti Haji Omar, Deputy Permanent Secretary (politics) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been transferred to Ministry of Development as Senior Special Duty Officer;

Yang Mulia Dayang Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari, Deputy Permanent Secretary (trade) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been transferred to Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports as Senior Special Duty Officer.

Yang Mulia Pengiran Kamalrudzaman bin Pengiran Haji Mohd Ishak, Senior Special Duty Officer, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism has been appointed as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism;

Yang Mulia Awang Haji Halidi bin Haji Mohd Salleh, Director of Fisheries has been appointed as Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism.

The changing of the Ministry’s name and the appointment of Deputy Ministers as well as the appointment and transfer of several senior officers are effective from Thursday, 10th of Muharram, 1440 corresponding to 20th of September, 2018.

Some interesting facts:

1) After gaining independence in 1984, Brunei Darussalam established the Foreign Ministry and it was known as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 2005, the Brunei government renamed it as The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MOFAT). By the way, “Trade” used to be under the portfolio of Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources. Only recently it has been reverted back to the original – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA?) – Source Wikipedia.

2) The Ministry of Finance. This is an interesting one. When Brunei became a British protectorate, Brunei only had a few ministries and once the 1959 constitution was established, Brunei was given the authority to build an internal self-government. I am not quite sure when the Ministry of Finance was created but it could be during that era. Now the Ministry of Finance and Economy (MOFE?) Source: Brunei Resources

Who would have thought I will get exclusive access INSIDE an F1 paddock and only this VIP pass is possible. I also managed to get the Sauber F1 drivers to sign on them. Priceless tag 😀

The beaut of Alfa Romeo Giulia. With a V6 engine powered with a 2.9 litre, this is a powerful car. Had the honour to be chauffeured in this car 😀

I can’t believe it!!! I’m back in the Singapore for the F1 event. In fact, I went to the inaugural Singapore F1 back in 2008. That’s like 10 years ago. Now I’m so fortunate to be back here in Singapore and thanks to @alfaromeobrunei for sponsoring the trip and it was special indeed. Let me tell you why.

I was given access to enter the paddock of the Sauber team who partners with Alfa Romeo in this season of the F1 Grand Prix. This access is different to that of Paddock Club ticket holders (ranging from BND 1,300 to BND 8,000). Those paddock holders can allow walk outside the paddock line to view all the constructor cars. They will be given a specific time to tour around and take pictures and videos.

Now for my pass, it’s a special pass where I have the privilege to enter inside the paddock of Sauber and witness the operations of the engineers on how they deal with the car and the driver when he pits the car. Each driver have their dedicated engineers and support team and I can see why it’s important to be meticulous when it comes to F1 racing. The car and its conditions have to be in perfect, mint condition every time it’s being pitted so the driver can drive to the best of his ability with a highest optimum specs from the car.

We weren’t allowed to take photos inside the paddock and that is quite understandable. We did have a chance to take videos and photos but only outside the perimeter of the Sauber paddock.

The best part of the Friday tour activity was the 5 minute moments with both drivers of Sauber F1 team – Marcus Ericsson (29) and Charles Leclerc (20) whom will be driving for Ferrari next year. This, for me, was an amazing feeling. To be up close and personal to an F1 driver is not an easy feat alone. So a huge thanks to @alfaromeobrunei for making this dream come true.

I also had the privilege to be driven in the Alfa Romeo Giulia, a 2.9 litre with V6 engine. It was launched in Singapore and that car alone costs a hefty BND 380,000. Gulp!!!! That’s Singapore for you. As for Brunei, Alfa Romeo will be making its comeback pretty soon and I shall keep you posted.

Thank you once again @alfaromeobrunei for making this memorable trip for me. I can’t wait to see a Giulia on a Brunei road. Many of you will be impressed. Trust me.

The meeting point before being sent to the paddock

Inside the Alfa Romeo Giulia

The catalogue. I should have taken one with me.

Blessed!!!! With future Ferrari driver, Charles Leclerc, from Poland

A humble driver, Marcus Ericsson, from Sweden

Outside the paddock of Sauber F1 team

Cleaning out the debris and dirt from the F1 tires

Our hospitality area for the paddock team.

How the steering looks like inside the Sauber car. Buttons galore.

Charles didn’t had a good run in the first practice session. His tire hit at turn 13 of the track.

Thank you once again, @alfaromeobrunei for this opportunity

Test drive some of the models of Jaguar. Today is the final day.

INDERA MOTORS Sdn Bhd the official retailer of Jaguar and Land Rover kicked off the month of September with a Test Drive Event held at the Chill Café, Mall Gadong from 10am to 6pm. The Roadshow starts today until 16^th September 2018.

The public can personally test drive and experience the stunning vehicles crafted by Jaguar and Land Rover. Models present are Jaguar F-Pace, Jaguar XE, Jaguar XF, Range Rover Evoque and Discovery Sport. In addition, there will be food and beverages provided by the Chill Cafe.

During the event period, members of the public are invited to register and test-drive a selected range of Jaguar or Land Rover Vehicles. The event’s objective is to create an awareness and gather with their sales team to let customers learn more about Jaguar and Land Rover models.

High power, a discreet understatement, ample features and a high degree of everyday practicality – all of these strengths come together in the Audi S models. Each model applies its power to the road with quattro permanent all-wheel drive.

Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 7.1 – 6.4 (33.1 – 36.8 US mpg)

Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 163 – 148 (262.3 – 238.2 g/mi)

In the Audi S3 Sedan, the 2.0 TFSI produces 213 kW (290 hp) and in combination with S tronic, torque increases to 380 Nm (280.3 lb-ft) between 1,800 and 5,100 rpm. The Audi development engineers further improved the steering characteristic and exhaust system management, making the Audi S3 Sedan very dynamic.

Equipped with the seven-speed S tronic which comes with a freewheeling function, the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) takes just 5.3 seconds in the Audi S3 Sedan. The models’ top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155.3 mph).

The firmer S sport suspension lowers the vehicle body by 25 millimetres (1.0 in). Large brakes operate behind the 18-inch wheels with their S-specific design; the brake callipers are painted red (or optionally black) and adorned by S logos. The ESC electronic stabilization control acts with particular sensitivity. The electrically assisted progressive steering varies the steering ratio – it is somewhat more indirect in the center position, but increasingly more direct as the steering wheel is turned. The Audi drive select dynamic handling system is standard, with Audi magnetic ride suspension available for Brunei standard.

The Audi S3 Sedan is currently the top model in the A3 range from TCY Motors, other variants include the entry level A3 Sportback and A3 Sedan, all available for viewing and test drive at Audi Kiarong showroom.

Looking for something fun to do during the weekend? Well, why not spend it at the Family Day Out Event this 28th – 30th September in Times Square, Berakas!

Exciting free activities awaits you and your families like Baby Crawling Contest, Mega Blok Competition, Balance Beam, Face Painting, Coloring Competition by Global Arts, Stroller Fitness for Mothers, Gaming Activities from Hasbro and so much more!

So save the date, bring the kids, and join the Family Day Out event!

For more information, contact us at 898-2811 or message us here on Facebook.

Click image to enlarge

Check out BIBD Aspirasi. Click image to find out more.

AMBD Managing Director Yusof bin Haji Abdul Rahman being introduced to BIBD’s latest savings product – BIBD Aspirasi at last weekend’s event

BIBD Aspirasi is an awesome product introduced by BIBD (Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam). Launched last weekend during the AMBD National Savings Day Roadshow, it created a great hype and their limited BIBD Digital Coin Boxes have ran out of stock as they are only exclusive for BIBD Aspirasi customers.

So what’s so special about BIBD Aspirasi?

1) You can earn a lucky draw coupon for every BND 50 you deposit into BIBD Aspirasi. The more you invest, the better your chances.
2) The lucky draw prizes are awesome!! Monthly prize is BND 2,500, quarterly prize is BND 25,000 and the grand prize is BND 250,000. AWESOME!!!
3) You can earn 0.2% per annum if I’m not mistaken
4) You have better returns than the normal savings deposit
5) It has a flexible savings scheme allowing you to participate and withdraw anytime and no withdrawal fee imposed
6) You can open the Aspirasi account through your BIBD app and online. So easy!!! I got mine done on BIBD App.

All these are good enough to make me open an BIBA Aspirasi account and I was one of the early subscribers and I’m happy to get a Digital Coin Box of my own 😀

The BIBD Aspirasi was launched by AMBD Managing Director Yusof bin Haji Abdul Rahman last weekend.

In a nutshell, BIBD accountholders can start their ‘BIBD Aspirasi’ journey to financial freedom by subscribing to an initial ‘BIBD Aspirasi’ e-certificate for as low as BND500 with a one-time subscription fee of BND5.

So what are you waiting for? I have signed up and hundred others. Do join the bandwagon and this is also great initiative to start saving.

As for the grand prize, the BIBD Aspirasi subscribers will have a cut of date on 31st August 2019 and the grand draw will be announced maybe in September 2019 or later.

Let’s start saving and it’s never too late 😀 Thank you, BIBD, for this awesome savings product. For more information, you can click here to read more.

Group photo with AMBD and BIBD management during the launch of BIBD Aspirasi

Hajah Nurul Akmar binti Haji Md Jaafar, BIBD Head of Retail Banking. during the press conference of BIBD Aspirasi

 Adinah binti Haji Janudin, BIBD Head of Product Management Department, explaining the mechanism of BIBD Aspirasi and its benefits

Seng Yee was also on the early subscribers of BIBD Aspirasi

You will also get a digital certificate of deposit once you register for BIBD Aspirasi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One of the participants of the Fitness Zone Summer Camp

One of the participants of the Fitness Zone Summer Camp

All smiles from the kids

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

During the summer camp session at Yippy Tunes

The basketball session during the Fitness Zone Summer Camp

The kids displaying their masterpieces at Jo Art Gallery