The cool bean bags while playing some console games

Rules of Survivors attracted more than 70 teams if I am not mistaken. Each team consists of 4 gamers.

This year’s TechXpo Cyber Games Tournament 2018 is the biggest e-sports tournament of all time with a record prize pool of BND15,000 worth of cash prizes to be won across seven games: the PC games – CS:GO, League of Legends and DOTA 2; console games – Tekken 7 and FIFA 18; and mobile games – Mobile Legends and Rules of Survival.

There are local gamers as well gamers from Sabah and Sarawak except for the Counter Strike:GO, which was only open to Brunei citizens and residents.

The champion of the CS:GO will walk away with a cash prize of BND2,088, while the first and second runner-up winners will receive the respective cash prizes of BND1,288 and BND888.

In DOTA 2, the prizes are BND988 for the champion, BND588 for first runner-up, and BND388 for second runner-up. Chicken Rice 1 from Malaysia was crowned the champion while Team CRRR and Team Daddy came second and third respectively.

For League of Legends, the champion will walk home with BND1,388, the first runner-up with BND888, and second runner-up with BND588.

The champion of FIFA 18 will win BND488 in cash, with BND388 for the first runner-up and BND288 for the second runner-up.

In Tekken 7, the champion will walk away with the cash prize of BND488, first runner-up with BND388, and second runner-up BND288. As far as I know, our local player Ivan Pang was victorious as he claimed the honour of being the Tekken 7 Champion.

In the mobile games category, the Mobile Legend champion will win BND800, first runner-up BND600, and second runner-up BND400.

For Rules of Survival (RoS), the champion will win BND1,000 and 10,000 Diamonds, the first runner-up BND500 and 5,000 Diamonds, and the second runner-up BND250 and 2,000 Diamonds. Third to fifth-ranked winners of Rules of Survival will be awarded with 1,000 Diamonds, while those in sixth to 10th place will get 500 Diamonds.

Of all the games, RoS has the biggest engagement among spectators during the Cyber Games tournament. The match is projected on a huge screen for spectators to watch and it is also being live casted by Kenneth Khoo.

A record pool of BND15,000 worth of cash prizes are to be won across seven games in which over 100 teams are competing in PC Games (CS:GO, League of Legends, and DOTA 2), Console Games (Tekken 7 and FIFA 18) and Mobile Games (Mobile Legends and Rules of Survival).

The Cyber Games Tournament is organised by D’Sunlit while Sigma Cyberspace and BruGames are the co-event manager. The Platinum Sponsor for the event is Progresif.

DOTA and LOL gamers

Alif Akmal and I were in the same group. He beat me handsomely 5-1 and I ended up winless in the group stage.

Spectators galore for the Rules of Survivor

Ivan Pang (right) was victorious once again in Tekken 7. He won the previous on organized by Game On

The champions of DOTA 2

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib, Minister of Communications visiting BIBD Pavilion and launching the new products from BIBD, BIBD BizNet and QuickPay at the TechXpo 2018 yesterday

First it was the eTunai (back in 2013) and now BIBD has upped their game by re-inventing the wheel, launching a better version, BIBD’s QuickPay. All you need is a QR Code and a BIBD app to settle a transaction. Easy peasy. The great thing about the QuickPay is that you won’t need physical terminals to carry out the transaction. The current eTunai which will be phased out, requires a presence of the tablet and there are currently 50 vendors using eTunai in Brunei Darussalam.

I believe BIBD’s move to introduce the QuickPay is to make payment more seamless especially among Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Brunei Darussalam and even start-ups. The other advantage is that they don’t have to invest in the cash register of point-of-sale machines to complete the transaction.

It was mentioned from a BIBD representative that they QuickPay will have a lower cost transaction than the current ones with terminal points. The other great thing is that BIBD has also launched its BIBD MSME Account which requires a minimum opening and average monthly balance of only BND 50. Now ain’t that great news?

I’m not sure which vendors have already utilized the QuickPay mechanism but before that, you will need to update to BIBD’s app version (3.8.0) so you can use QuickPay.

The other product launched by BIBD is BIBD BizNet banking platform app provides corporate customers along with government-linked companies in Brunei Darussalam mobile access to the BIBD BizNet web-based platform.

Launched earlier this year, BIBD BizNet is an upgrade to its previous digital Corporate Internet Banking platform that provides day-to-day accounts and payments operations support with real-time account access along with a collection of other enhanced features.

These include single security token access for Parent and Subsidiary accounts, payment approval, fund transfers and bill payments along with information such as foreign currency rates and branch/ATM locator and other services.

Both BIBD BizNet and BIBD’s QuickPay were launched by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Abdul Mutalib, Minister of Communications at the TechXpo 2018 at International Convention Centre yesterday.

Both products are testament for the BIBD NEXGEN initiative. I just hope one day will see NFC in form of payment where all you need to do is tap with your phone to make a transaction. I know in the UK have already carried out this technology and it’s on the rise. Let’s give it a two years or so maybe?

The Minister of Communications being briefed on BIBD’s QuickPay by BIBD representative. Image courtesy of Ridhwan Kamarulzaman of The Bruneian.

Now payment can be done as easy as 1-2-3

The press conference for BIBD’s new products the day before the launch

Pengiran Sanusi Iskandar Pengiran Haji Ismail, Senior Manager of Corporate Banking of BIBD explaining on BIBD’s new products during the press conference

Eric Tang, Retail Sales Manager for Epson Malaysia handing over a moment to Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Computer for High Achiever Award for Retail Business Development by Epson

Concepts Computer has done it again. First, the company was awarded Microsoft Partner of the Year and recently, the company was presented with the High Achiever Award for Retail Business Development by Epson in recognition of its business and customer service excellence in the country for the year 2017.

The plaque was presented to Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Computer by Eric Tang, Retail Sales Manager for Epson Malaysia last weekend.

Epson brand has been performing very well under the leadership of Concepts and they have been working together for the past three years or so. Epson is known for their L-series printers and 3LCD projectors.

According to Vincent Pao, Concepts Computer has always operated with the premise of providing high quality IT solutions to the Bruneian market, while maintaining affordability and quality after-sales service.

Congratulations once again to Concepts for their milestone and keep up the great work!!

Customer checking out the Mercedes-Benz GLC 200, one of the most popular models

Checking out the car models at Autohaus Showroom

Last weekend, Jati Transport held at a High-Tea and Test Drive event at Mercedes-Benz Autohaus Showroom and it was quite a successful one. Many turned up and enjoyed the personalised attention given by Mercedes-Benz sale representatives towards their customers.

Hi-tea was also served on top of that and they were given the opportunity to test drive some of the Mercedes-Benz models.

According to Marketing Executive of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd Daniel Loo, there are two models that are going on promotion, the Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 and the C180 where both will be given an extended warranty to four years of unlimited mileage. Awesome deal if you ask me.

Hi-tea was served to the customers

The GLA is undergoing promotion with a 4-year warranty with unlimited mileage 

The E-Class

The Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. Wicked!!!

Check out the latest ES 250. Click here to read more.

The biggest talk town is here!! I have seen various models of the Lexus line and usually the prices are in the slightly premium range. Now I have to say that Lexus Brunei have done an excellent job for future customers of Lexus that the latest edition of the Lexus family, the ES 250, will be a much more affordable than before and furthermore, the new ES 250 is a much better car than the previous ES model. There are so many to brag about. Let’s go..

Beauty – People normally say it’s the inner beauty that counts. Well, Lexus ES 250 killed two birds with one stone. Both inner and outer look-and-feel are LIT!!!!!

Let’s talk about the exterior – it has a dynamic feel with a bold coupé-like silhouette. It’s wider than previous model and just slightly lower than previous model. Yes, it does look sporty and still elegant to drive. Many commended on the rear view of the ES 250, giving a sleek appeal. I love the new design of the front grill too. People will still recognize the brand and at the same time, they will appreciate the intuitive design.

So now’s let talk of the interior. The common word I listened to what the attendees mentioned during the launch was the spacious interior. Believe it or not, I tried myself and wow, it is really spacious though looking from outside doesn’t give that impression. So this could be a winner among customers, the commendable space inside.

I also like the idea of the driver-centric cockpit which has become another seller point for decision makers. This is also the first time I’ve seen a trackpad being used for the tech console. Hence you will see a cursor moving around as if you are using a mouse. Impressive. Let’s not forget the sound system built-in, a Pioneer 10-speaker system producing crisp and original sound.

I have yet to test drive the Lexus ES250 but hopefully soon, maybe next weekend and give you more on the update on my experience with the ES 250.

For your info, this is also the first Lexus for having a 2.5 liter engine with great fuel efficiency and not compromising on performance. According to the fact sheet, it has an enhanced efficiency with the new 8-speed direct-shift automatic transmission for smarter, sharper gear shifting.

Price: Many are quite shocked when the price was revealed for the Lexus ES250. Many would have thought the price range will be BND 75,000 – BND 85,000 but no, the price of the newly launched Lexus ES 250 is BND 69,450. Now, my friends, if you ask me, that is a great buy for the pricing you paying and the quality a Lexus can offer. An affordable luxury car and now you be part of the Lexus statistics. You can read here for more.

More review of the Lexus ES 250 in my future post. Stay tune. Congratulations NBT Brunei Sdn Bhd on the launch of the Lexus ES 250.

Looks sleek, right? Visit Lexus showroom to find out more.

The public get to see the Lexus ES250 up close and personal

Amy Wong is impressed with the new Lexus

Lexus Sales Executive, Pg Ariulhisham Pg Johnis sharing some insight of the Lexus ES250

NBT Executive Deputy Chairman Ninan Chacko and NBT Deputy Managing Director Hj Ahmad Omar Hj Hussin

Loving the new grill

The rear angle view of the Lexus ES250

Are you impressed? Because I am

Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Computer and Alice Chan, Chief Financial Officer of Concepts Group with representatives from Acer Malaysia during the Acer Day in Brunei held at The Empire Hotel & Country Club

Held for the second consecutive year, Acer Day this year sees Brunei joining other countries in Pan Asia Pacific to celebrate a special season dedicated to rewarding Acer customers. Acer Day 2018 is being concurrently held in 20 countries. Besides Brunei, other countries hosting Acer Day for the first time are Bangladesh, Cambodia, Mongolia, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka; these countries join China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam which participated in the inaugural edition last year.

Acer Pan Asia Pacific President Andrew Hou recounted, “The inaugural Acer Day launched last year was well received by the public. It generated more than seven million clicks on the campaign video across social networking sites, and over 2,500,000 page views on the microsite. As we continue to seek ways to engage with customers, we will continue to invest in Acer Day while looking to broaden its scope in the hope that Acer Day will become the most representative annual campaign.”

This year’s edition is themed ‘Acer Day – Play Music Together’ and it draws inspiration from the belief that music is the best language that transcends borders and race. Acer hopes to connect people via the Acer platform through music and colour. Acer aspires to close the gap with consumers through this Acer Day campaign and at the same time, build an image of “Young, Trendy and Technology” around Pan-Asian countries.

In conjunction with Acer Day 2018, Acer is introducing several new products in the gaming line including the Predator Helios 500 gaming laptop. Also introduced are the Nitro 5 laptop which is designed for casual gamers seeking great performance at a superb price and the Nitro 50 desktop that offers performance that exceeds expectations for superior gaming performance and graphic-intensive tasks.

Richard Soo, Miri & Brunei Branch Manager, Acer Malaysia

Edmund Hoh, Product Manager, Acer Malaysia

Jeffrey Lai, Product Manager, Acer Malaysia

Predator Helios 500

Designed to take up to an overclockable NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1070 graphics and powered by up to 8th Gen Intel Core TM i9 processors and up to 64GB of memory, the Predator Helios 500 keeps the action going. With its offer of premium gaming experiences, this is one beast that makes good gaming company at home and on the go. Extreme gamers were in mind when the Predator Helios 500 was developed, thus it is little wonder that this machine chews up graphic-intensive AAA titles and live streaming with ease.

For a gaming laptop, the display is ‘huge’ at 17.3 inches with FHD IPS and delivering high-brightness (300 nits) visuals. It also supports NVIDIA® G-sync technology with super fast and crisp 144Hz refresh rates, allowing for blur and tear-free gameplay. Two built-in stereo speakers with subwoofer, Acer TrueHarmonyTM technology and Waves MaxxAudio® sound technology deliver immersive, incredible sound and hyper-realistic 3D audio using Waves NxTM.

The Predator Helios 500 sports a dual-fan system that features Acer’s proprietary AeroBladeTM 3D metal fans and five heat pipes that boost the thermal system and keep the laptop running at optimal temperatures. With the preloaded PredatorSense application, gamers can monitor, control and customize overclocking, lighting, hotkeys, temperature and fan control from one central interface.

The Predator Helios 500 connects wirelessly with Killer Doubleshot Pro Gigabit Internet connection, Bluetooth 5.0 and NVMe RAIDO SSDs for ultra-fast connection.

The Predator Helios 500 will be available at Concepts Commercial Suppliers, Bridgelink, Netcom, DCL Communication, Yappie, and selected authorized resellers in Brunei. In Brunei, the Predator Helios 500 will be available in two options:

Predator Helios 500 will be showcased during the TechXpo 2018

Predator Helios 500

Acer Nitro 5

Powered by 8th Gen Intel® Core TM i7+ processor, NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1050 Ti with 4GB RAM, the Acer Nitro 5 is targeted towards mainstream users who enjoy the thrill of gaming with friends and building their own network of like-minded players. The Acer Nitro 5 delivers a smooth and responsive computing experience enabled by Intel® Optane TM memory to accelerate everyday tasks.

Ideal for rapid boot-up time and shortening in-game loading time, the Acer Nitro 5 is equipped with a super-fast 16GB Intel Optane memory paired with a 1TB HDD for storage. The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display offers brilliant imageries with uncompromised audio quality for an immersive experience during gameplay or movie watching thanks to its Dolby AudioTM and Acer TrueHarmonyTM technology.

With the Acer CoolboostTM technology that features dual fans to deliver superior fan speeds and cooling ability, the Nitro 5 keeps the system running optimally. Users are also able to manually control the cooling process with the NitroSense application.

Priced at BND1,428 the Acer Nitro 5 is available at all Acer authorized resellers in Brunei.

Acer Nitro 5

Acer Nitro 50 Desktop

Designed for outstanding casual gameplay at affordable prices, the Acer Nitro 50 series desktop is powered by 8th Gen Intel® CoreTM i7 processor, comes with 8GB of DDR4 RAM upgradable to 64GB and equipped with NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1050 to offer superior gaming performance and handle graphic- intensive tasks.

The desktop is capable of delivering stunning 4K resolution visuals and supports up to four displays simultaneously for immersive game play. With up to 1TB HDD and 128GB SSD storage, storing high- resolution files is definitely not a problem. The optional wireless charging deck which supports wireless charging for any Qi-enabled wireless device is a bonus to power up mobile devices even when in the game.

Priced at BND 1,518, the Acer Nitro 50 desktop is bundled with Acer wireless keyboard and mouse and is available at all Acer authorized resellers in Brunei.

Acer Nitro 50 Desktop

“Play Music Together” and Enjoy Fabulous Prizes and Gifts from Acer

From 1st August to 30th September 2018, customers who purchase selected Acer devices in the Acer Aspire, Acer Swift, Acer Spin, Acer Switch or Predator series will be rewarded with value-added gifts such as a TT eSports Predator Gaming Chair, Predator Cestus 300 Gaming Mouse, Microsoft Office 365 Personal or an earphone.

Customers who are interested to grab fantastic offers during this Acer Day “Play Music Together” campaign, will be available at Concepts Commercial Suppliers, Bridgelink, Netcom, DCL Communication, Yappie and selected authorized resellers in Brunei.

The Ministry of Energy, Manpower and Industry (MEMI) in collaboration with Brunei Gas Carriers Sdn Bhd (BGC) is proud to introduce the BGC iUsahawan programme, to support the iUsahawan initiative, an entrepreneurship development initiative to support our young Bruneian SMEs to start, own and grow their own business. The programme is also part of BGC’s Social Investment initiative.

Participants will be required to go through a Training (Start-Up Accelerator) Programme and will be invited to a competitive tender exercise For selected contracts. Successful participants will be awarded a 3-year contract, with potential extensions and experienced mentors throughout the contract period.

This invitation is open to:

• Rakyat Jati Business Owners or Entrepreneurs aged between 18-40 years old
• No prior contract with Government or Government—Linked Companies (GLCS)
• Business areas: Cleaning Services, Event Management and Transportation Services.

BGC invites all eligible entrepreneurs to attend a dialogue on the following date:

Date: Friday, 17th August 2018
Registration: 09:00 hrs
Time: 09:30 – 11:30 hrs
Venue: Abadi Training Room, BGC Office, Bangunan Lim Kah Sik, Jalan Jerudong

For more information and to register your interest to join the dialogue, please contact BGC at 7290898 or via email to BGCExternal-affairs@bgc.com.bn by Wednesday, 15th August 2018.

With the organizers and partners for the upcoming TechXpo 2018 event happening this Saturday

The TechXpo 2018 is just around the corner. A few more days to be exact. The highlight of the TechXpo is definitely the TechXpo Cyber Games Tournament, jointly organized by D’Sunlit and Sigma Cyberspace where Progresif will be the title sponsor. A record pool prize of BND 15,000 is slated to be the biggest yet for Brunei cyber tournaments, featuring games such as Counter Strike, League of Legends, DOTA, Tekken 7, FIFA 18 (which I am joining) as well as Mobile Legends and Rules of Survival. All the registrations have been closed for now and there are more than 300 participants already that have signed up for the tournament.

Another highlight for the TechXpo are the robots, all the way from Belgium known as Zora Robotics NV (ZoraBots), a pretty interactive humanoid robot for the public to interact with.

The theme for this year’s TechXpo is “Innovative Technology for All” as the Chairman of InfoCom Federation Brunei, Sheikh Hj Abas, said that everything we do nowadays are linked with technology, even with food. Hence, the theme suits to attract crowd of all ages.

The Plenary Hall will be used for the upcoming TechXpo and do check it out as they will be special offers from participating vendors.

The event will take place this Friday 18th August and ends on 21st August 2018. Oh yea, if you are keen to try out the latest Samsung Galaxy Note 9, you can check out the demo unit at DST booth during the TechXpo before the official launch next week.

The TechXpo 2018 is organized by InfoCom Federation Brunei and D’Sunlit.

D’Sunlit and InfoCom Federation Brunei exchanging documents

Cuckoo (Brunei) will be one of the partners for the event

Progresif playing a major role as the title sponsor for the TechXpo Cyber Games Tournament

Sigma Cyberspace will be organizing the gaming tournament

TelBru is also one of the partners of the event

Registration has already been closed

After a huge success for the first trail game (Epidemic: Race to Rescue), BAG Networks have launched the second edition, an augmented reality mobile game which will take place during the upcoming TechXpo 2018.

Dubbed the “Trail to TechXpo 2018”, registration has already been opened for all of you to participate leading to the upcoming event. The new game utilizes both GPS and AR technology with the help of your smartphones as you gather clues around Brunei-Muara district and the end point will be at TechXpo event itself at the International Convention Centre.

Apparently there will be 8 check points if I’m not mistaken for “Trail to TechXpo 2018” and the new game will three rounds. First step will be checking in on the checkpoints, then solve the puzzles during the TechXpo and final mystery will be on the main stage of the Plenary Hall at ICC. You can register your team here and good luck 😀

The prizes were not announced yet but the prizes will be sponsored by DST.

The Trail to TechXpo 2018 game is open for registration

Representatives from BAG Networks during the recent press conference

Check out the special promotion by Jati Transport. Register and purchase yourself any Mercedes-Benz from now until 30th Sept 2018. You will stand a chance to win an all expenses paid trip to participate the AMG Performance Drive Even in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Seize this opportunity and call 244 1763 / 244 1777 or visit their Mercedes-Benz Beribi showroom / Autohaus today.

Wong Yee Chiang the grand winner of the Kia Picanto 1.2L GT-Line with Haji Shaiful Rizal bin Pehin Dato Dr Haji Ahmad, Executive Director of Grand Motors Sdn Bhd during the lucky draw presentation at Kia Showroom last Friday.

It has been a busy period for Kia Brunei for the past few months. With their recent Hari Raya promotion and also their engaging World Cup promotion, Kia management has been very busy in creating entertainment for the public. Last Friday, a winner was feted with a grand prize of the latest Kia Picanto 1.2L GT-Line, a model that was launched back in May 2018. The winner was no other than Wong Yee Chiang who bought himself a Kia Sportage.

The second and third prize winners were Dahlia Calidro Fajardo and Aldrin bin Benging respectively as they won an Apple iPhone X 256GB and Apple iPhone 8 256GB. The other consolation winners were Pengiran Mahidi bin Pengiran Haji Mat Salleh (Samsung Galaxy S9) and Shahri Husain (Apple iPad Mini 128GB).

Kia Brunei managed to draw in almost 500 new Kia customers during Kia’s Hari Raya Deals promotion (1st May to 31s July 2018). Their promotion also included attractive package such as first three years of free insurance and road tax and on top of that, a free 50,000km service maintenance package.

Presenting the prize to Wong Yee Chiang was Haji Shaiful Rizal bin Pehin Dato Dr Haji Ahmad, Executive Director of Grand Motors Sdn Bhd.

The top 5 winners with the management of Grand Motors Sdn Bhd

Dahlia Calidro Fajardo was very excited even though she didn’t win a car because now her old iPhone has been upgraded to an iPhone X 256

Photos show Baiduri Finance Berhad’s Sales Officer Suwardi bin Haji Abdul Wahab, and BIBD At-Tamwil’s Manager for Offsite Sales Services Mohamad Asmall bin Razali drawing the names earlier this week to determine the top 20 finalists. Image courtesy of Bahyiah Bakir of Borneo Bulletin.

The shortlisted winners for the Kia’s Hari Raya Deals

The shortlisted winners for the Kia’s Hari Raya Deals

According to the marketing team of Grand Motors, Kia Rio was the biggest hit among the lot

Last May, as part of the Kia World Cup campaign, Mohd Azmi Firdaus won a trip to Russia 2018

Mohd Azmi Firdaus’ dream came true as he caught a World Cup match recently in Russia

@kiabrunei instagram gained popularity as they organised a “Guess the winning country” gimmick during the World Cup 2018

Earlier in July, Grand Motors unveiled their new Kia service centre at Lambak Kanan Industrial Area. The launch was witnessed by After Sales Manager of Kia Motors – Asia Regional Headquarters JY Lee and Sales Manager of Kia Motors Corporation – Asia Regional Headquarters Joseph Choi.