Dato Seri Laila Jasa Dr Babu Sukumaran, Medical Director of Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre (PJSC) cum Director of The Brunei Cancer Centre, Dr Mazrul Adimin bin Hj Awg Besar, Executive Director of PJSC and Dr Jamsari bin Khalid, Consultant Radiation Oncologist and Head of Radiotherapy Department during the press conference for surgical advancement and radiotherapy service at PJSC

Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre (PJSC) opened its doors to the media representatives across Brunei to speak on the latest surgical advancement in the field of radiotherapy this morning.

Chaired by the Executive Director of PJSC, Dr Mazrul Adimin bin Hj Awg Besar, the other members of the panel were Dato Seri Laila Jasa Dr Babu Sukumaran, Medical Director of PJSC cum Director of The Brunei Cancer Centre and Dr Jamsari bin Khalid, Consultant Radiation Oncologist and Head of Radiotherapy Department.

Also in attendance were Mr Varghese Paulose, the Chief Operating Officer of PJSC and Ms Vivian Tie, Hospital Administrator of PJSC and other staff members.

During the press conference, members of panel highlighted on the latest development and services provided by the Radiotherapy Department. Under the purview of The Brunei Cancer Centre (TBCC) at PJSC, they expressed their pride in making headway in the field of Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT). In brief, both the SRS and SBRT treatment are non-surgical ablative radiation used to treat tumours of the brain that is not accessible when conducting open surgery. In comparison to traditional radiation therapy, it delivers precisely-targeted radiation in fewer high-dose treatments than traditional therapy without affecting the surrounding healthy tissue.

Invited guests and media during the press conference

The new advanced Varian Edge which conducts radio surgical treatment that is frameless, non-invasive, fast and accurate

The radiotherapy department started functioning in 2016, where highly skilled clinical team have utilised highly advanced equipment and tailor-made techniques to treat specific cancer diseases. To date, they have treated more than 600 cases ever since it opened.

Armed with two new state-of-art linear accelerators namely the Varian Trubeam and Varian Edge, brachytherapy equipment, a CT-simulator and 3D treatment planning system, the department also conducts radio surgical treatment that is frameless, non-invasive, fast and accurate. In the past, it would have taken more than 2 hours to deliver treatment to the patient, however with the new technology provided at PJSC, treatment normally 5-10 mins.

The panel also elaborated on the recent referral case conducted by the radiotherapy clinical team as the team now embarks on handling their first few paediatric cases.

Amongst others, TBCC’sradiotherapy servicesincludesthe Image Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT), Volumetric Intensity Modulated Arc Therapy (Rapid Arc) and Conventional and 3-D conformal radiotherapy. Due to these advancement, number of patient cases sent overseas to get treatment has tremendously dropped. PJSC prides in providing a facility fully equipped to provide the best cancer care to the citizens of Brunei Darussalam. This is also in line with the vision and mission of the centre in working together to lead a specialized medical centre that provides the highest standard of healthcare practices.

Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre (PJSC) is a specialized medical centre situated in Jerudong. It consists primarily of three centres of excellence namely The Brunei Cancer Centre (TBCC), Brunei Neuroscience Stroke and Rehabilitation Centre (BNSRC) and Maxillofacial, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Centre (MFPRSC).

Ghanim International Corporation Sdn Bhd is at full speed this holy Ramadhan, distributing it’s first batch to more than 4,300 bottled oxygenated water to a number of Mosques in the capital as part of their ‘Beramal bersama di bulan Ramadhan’ donation initiative.

This first batch of deliveries is part of a month long programme of the distribution of bottled oxygenated water to mosques and individuals throughout the Brunei-Muara district generously contributed by the general public.
“This initiative is one of the many ways, bruneihalalfoods can be a platform for the public to give back to the community and helps to bring people together to engage with our communities,” said Dr. Nur Rahman, CEO of Ghanim International Corporation. “We are grateful for the continuous donations made by the public.

The ‘Beramal bersama di bulan Ramadhan’ campaign was launched in May 2017 where throughout the month of Ramadhan, the company opens donation channels for the public and distributes bruneihalalfoods products to mosques in which more than 14,400 bottled water were successfully distributed last Ramadhan.

For interests and inquiries on the bruneihalalfoods ‘Beramal bersama di bulan Ramadhan’ campaign, information can be obtained through all of bruneihalalfoods social media platforms @bruneihalal or call bruneihalalfoods at +673 245 0279.

This Ramadhan, Baiduri Bank is collaborating with some of Brunei’s top restaurants for the Sungkai with Baiduri promotion where Baiduri cardholders enjoy 30% savings off the total bill when they pay for their breaking of fast with their Baiduri Credit Cards.

The 30% discount applies at any of the 24 participating restaurants which are: Capers Café & Restaurant, Charcoal BBQ & Grill, Cheezebox Café & Restaurant, Freshco Buffet at Freshco Batu Satu, Grand Buffet at KB Sentral, Freshco Sungkai Mega Buffet (Parkview Hotel), Goldiana Café & Lounge (Mulia Hotel), I-Lotus Restaurant, Le Taj Restaurant, Millennium Restaurant, Misato Japanese Restaurant, Papparich Restaurant, Pondok Sari Wangi Gadong as well as Jerudong, Secret Recipe, Senja Restaurant, Seoul Garden and Yellow Cab Pizza Co.

The Sungkai with Baiduri promotion is available every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday throughout the month of Ramadhan and the 30% savings applies to the total bill with no minimum spend required, subject to a maximum discount of BND50.

Terms and conditions of the promotion can be viewed on Baiduri Bank website at www.baiduri.com.bn under the Promotions section, or on the Baiduri Bank mobile app – Baiduri Deals. For more information, customers may also contact the 24-hour Baiduri Bank Customer Hotline at 2449666.

Baiduri Bank is one of the largest providers of payment products in Brunei, and holds franchise to four major card brands – Visa, MasterCard, American Express as well as the UnionPay. On top of cashless convenience, Baiduri credit and debit cards come with an array of benefits, such as exclusive rewards and offers, easy instalment plans as well as ability to accumulate Bonus Points for the Baiduri Instant Rewards programme.

To be in the know of Baiduri Bank current promotions and events, the public can also follow Baiduri Bank Group on Facebook or @baiduribank on Instagram and Twitter.

Baiduri Bank, in collaboration with The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (CBTL), has launched the Sahur with Baiduri promotion where Baiduri cardholders enjoy 30% savings off the total bill when they pay for their food and beverages with their Baiduri Credit Cards.

The 30% discount applies at all CBTL outlets in Airport Departure Hall, Bandar Mayapuri, Centrepoint Gadong, Seaview Hotel in Kuala Belait, Supa Save Beribi, Supa Save Panaga, Times Square as well as The Mall, Gadong.

The promotions is available every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of Ramadhan from 6:00pm till closing time. The 30% discount applies to the total bill with no minimum spend, subject to a maximum discount of BND50.

Click image to enter website to learn more

Yang Berhormat Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof, Minister of Communications, launched Progresif Pay last week at Rizqun International Hotel. Progressive Pay is brought to you by Progresif and powered by BIBD NEXGEN.

Other countries have implemented it. I know China is known for their WeChat. Today, it is made possible by Progresif powered by BIBD NEXGEN known as Progresif Pay. It is definitely a stepping stone in terms of cashless payments in Brunei Darussalam.

It was launched by Minister of Communications Yang Berhormat Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof who applauded both Progresif and BIBD for the collaboration in pursuing to be a smart nation in this era of digital economy. The minister shared that Brunei Darussalam is ranked 53rd in the world in the ICT development index.

Also accompany the Minister were Mubashar Khokhar, Managing Director and CEO of BIBD and Paul Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Progresif who both had inspiring quotes from Henry Ford and Michael Jordan respectively. Mubashar re-quoted, “Coming together is the beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success” while Paul mentioned, “Individuals win games while teamwork wins championships”.

Powered by BIBD NEXGEN, Progresif PAY creates an alliance between Brunei’s most innovative mobile operator and the country’s best digital bank at the forefront of branchless banking and mobile commerce by improving access and creating opportunities for greater commercial efficiency, diversification and development of Brunei’s digital economy.

Now what can be useful when you use Progresif Pay? A few things. You don’t need to bring a thick wallet, or even better a wallet. You don’t need a bank account to begin with to. You will still need to be a Progresif subscriber to be eligible for Progresif Pay.

Having said all that, first thing’s first – download the app, both available on IOS and Google Play. You will need to pop down to a Progresif Store or BIBD Branch for identity verification and registration. Then you will get your own virtual card (just like a virtual debit card). The maximum value that you can put into the virtual account will be BND 3,000 and the great thing about it is that your Progresif Pay virtual card is not tied to any of your bank accounts or credit cards. In other words, it’s safe and secured.

Once you have activated your Progresif Pay, you can pay your bills such as utilities or make donations. You can send money to other Progresif Pay users. You can even use your Progresif Pay to shop online, just like a credit card. Since you are a Progresif user, you can even top up to add data or minutes through Progresif Pay. Awesome!!

Marketing strategy will be a key component in helping others to adopt to the newly introduced Progresif Pay, according to Devin Edwards, Chief Marketing Officer of Progresif Pay. He envisioned that their neighbours at the popular Gadong wet market will make use of Progresif Pay among the vendors so it will be totally convenient and cashless.

It will be interesting to see the adoption rate of Progresif Pay because once they are many Progresif Pay users, it have a domino effect as users will find it very convenient in making transactions.

For more info and FAQ, you can click here to learn more of Progresif Pay.

Paul Taylor, CEO of Progresif, mentioned how the Progresif Radio app has around 17,000 downloads since its release a few months ago.

The minister touring BIBD NEXGEN outlet at The Mall

Press conference hosted by BIBD and Progresif on the launch of Progresif Pay

Some of the cakes and biscuits from RZ Lynz Bakery. They are taking orders until 25th May 2018.

The Tapak Kuda. Everyone’s favourite.

It’s the time of the year again. Cakes, biscuits and cake rolls, you name it. It’s the time of the year for you to make your orders in time for Hari Raya. This time round they have newer batch of biscuits such as the “Nutella Stuffed Red Velvet Cookies”, “Butter Swirl Shortbread Cookies” and “Salted Egg Yolk Cookies”

The pictures below are just a few from the list available from RZ Lynz Bakery and they are ready to accept orders and the final order will be on 25th May 2018. The numbers to contact on whatsapp – 886 6245 or 8370100. You can also download the order form here.

What can you expect from the list?

Cake Roll

1. Roll Bueno Marble (Kinder Beuno) Size 8” BND 8
2. Roll Durian Monthong Size 8” BND 8
3. Roll Choco Peppermint (Mint + Buttercream) Size 8” BND 7
4. Roll Nutella Delight (Nutella) Size 8”BND 7
5. Roll Lady Diana (coffee) Size 8”BND 7
6. Roll Purple Raspberry Size 8” BND 7
7. Roll Batek Choco Chip Size 8”BND 7
8. Tapak Kuda Ovomaltine Size 9” BND 8
9. Tapak Kuda Kit Kat Size 9” BND 8
10. Tapak Kuda Size 9” BND 6

Cake Lapis

1. Cake Lapis Favourite Nutella (Coklat Emulco + Nutella) Size 6”x 9” BND 36 or Half Size BND 18
2. Kek Batek Kenyalang 6”x 9” BND 36 or Half Size BND 18
3. Cake Lapis Sisik Ikan (Hawflake) Size 6”x 9” BND 30 or Half Size BND 15
4. Cake Lapis Strawberry Chocolate Rice Size 6”x 9” BND 30 or Half Size BND 15
5. Cake Lapis Begawan Solo (Banana) Size 6”x 9” BND 28 or Half Size BND 14
6. Cake Lapis Coffee Princess (Coffee) Size 6”x 9” BND 28 or Half Size BND 14
7. Cake Lumut Cheese Size 7” x 7” BND 25
8. Cake Kukus Lumut (Tepung Suji) Size 7” x 7” BND 20
9. Cake Kukus Mata Kucing Size 8” x 8” BND 20
10.Cake Lapis Kukus Cream Cheese Size 6” x 9” BND 25
11. Cake Batik Empire Size 8”x 8” BND 28
12. Cake Lapis Cheese Size 8”x 8” BND 18
13. Cake Batik Vico Size 8”x 8” BND 22
14. Cake Batik Size 8”x 8” BND 16

Cerelac biscuits

Crunchy Nutella

Tops Crispy Choco

Nutella stuffed red velvet cookies

Butter Swirl Shortbread Cookies

Salted Egg Yolk Cookies

Biscuit

1. Nutella Stuffed Red Velvet Cookies
2. Cranberry Almond Cookies
3. Almond Nutella Thumbprint
4. Nutella White Choco
5. Crunchy Nutella
6. Butter Swirl Shortbread Cookies
7. Tops Crispy Choco Cookies
8. Cerelac
9. Tart Nanas (Pineapple)
10. Rainbow Cookies
11. Salted Egg Yolk Cookies
12. Biscuit Sarang Semut
13. Bubblerice Cornflake Rainbow
14. Cornflake Madu
15. Kush Mor Kacang
16. Kueh Mor Cornflake
17. Kueh Mor
18. Popia Gulung Nestum
19. Popia Simpul
20. Popia

Cake Batik

1. Cake Batik Padang Golf
2. Cake Batk Red Velvet
3. Cake Batik Yam/Strawberry/Chocolate
4. Brownies – Walnut/Almond/Cheesy/Marble/Nutella Brownies
5. Nutella Gunung Berapi
6. Frambozen Kenari
7. Cake Velvet Classic

Cake Lumut Cheese Size 7” x 7” BND 25

Cake Lapis Sisik Ikan (Hawflake) Size 6”x 9” BND 30 or Half Size BND 15

Tapak Kuda Kit Kat Size 9” BND 8

5. Cake Lapis Begawan Solo (Banana) Size 6”x 9” BND 28 or Half Size BND 14

Trying out the Final TANE Silver IEM earpiece and fine tuning it during a DIY Workshop hosted by AV Electronics last weekend

An audiophile specialist who conducted the workshop

Last Sunday, I attended the DIY Workshop hosted by AV Electronics where I was given a pair of Final TANE Silver IEM (refer to picture below). So I had the privilege to see how construct and fine tune a Final brand earpiece which was conducted by an audiophile specialist from Singapore.

The Final TANE Silver IEM (DIY set) costs around BND 99 and it included the workshop. I found many interesting things about what goes inside the earpiece. There are these little tiny sponges, filters, stickers and many more that can actually make a difference in an earpiece. The un-tuned earpieces in the DIY Kit gives you this raw sound that lacks in treble, bass and mid. So this is where we learn on how the little components can make a difference and improve the quality of the earpiece.

The workshop made me feel more appreciative on earpieces and headphones as so much engineering is required to bring the best of these gadgets.

It’s also great to see that AV Electronics at The Airport Mall branch is now bring different range of brands on headphones and earpieces. The one I was impressed was the Stax line. I tried the demo at the Sound Experience Centre and I was blown away with the crisp and quality. Of course, the price is out of my budget but man, was I really impressed.

If you opting for a more affordable earpiece, then you can start with 1More brand which starts as low as BND 19 and you will still be amazed for the price you are paying that it still has the quality.

If you are thinking of getting a good set of headphones, head down to AV Electronics and they will be able to assist and even consult you according to your preferences and budget.

Final TANE Silver IEM start pack

How the inside of the earpiece looks like

A few of us attended the DIY Workshop

Some of the audio brands at AV Electronics. Check them out at The Airport Mall branch

The Sound Experience centre

Special discount on 1More earpiece/headphone

I’m loving the CHORD Electronics Mojo which is like a portable amplifier that helps to amplified the sound from a headphone

Audi Brunei to hold weekend showroom open day

As the month of Ramadhan is just around the corner, TCY Motors as the local Audi dealer welcomes the public to its Kiarong showroom this weekend to have a look at what’s on offer and test drive any of the Audi models available.

Special seasonal offers on almost all Audi models include free oil-service packages (worth $250.00) and shopping vouchers valued from $500.00 to $3000.00 (for purchase of the Audi TT Coupe). The promotion is valid until end of June.

The weekend open day will start from 9.00am to 6.00pm on Saturday and Sunday, everyone is welcomed with coffee and snacks available.

Brunei will be hosting the Asia Rugby Championship on 8th, 10th and 12th of May 2018. Teams that will be participating are Brunei as host, Guam and China. This will be the 6th Asia Rugby Tournament that Brunei has hosted since 2007, and the last one was against Mongolia and Laos in 2014, where Mongolia emerge as champion for this division.

Brunei Rugby is hoping to make this event an annual event, as it will be a holistic approach to promote rugby in the country, by having such regional marquee rugby event to the sultanate. We are also hoping to organize a Asian 7s tournament and Asian age group tournament in the near future.

The organisers would like to thank our partners & sponsors Ministry of youth and sports, RYS entertainment, Head Hunter sport, Asia Rugby, Rhino, Asian Flair, Youc1000 Isotonic drink and Rainfresh water for the support in this tournament.

Brunei Rugby will also be organizing Level 1 Medic First Aid in Rugby (L1FAIR) course during the tournament. It will be conducted by Dr Azril Syazwan bin Mohd Ali, a World Rugby Medical Educator, from Malaysia’s Institute of Sports. Brunei Rugby not only hope to produce rugby players, coaches, referees and administrators, but also medical professionals to become more professional in their approach to promote Rugby.

Handing over of the official jersey sponsored by Head Hunter sport for the Brunei national team to Mohd Azahar b Timban, Captain of Brunei Darussalam while Dr Haji kamaluddin, Acting President of Brunei rugby union looks on

Mercedes-Benz Brunei customers with the management of Jati Transport at the Sepang Circuit, Malaysia recently

This was an event that I totally missed due to unforeseen circumstances. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia hosted a Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience #MBDE at Sepang Circuit, Selangor, Malaysia in the final week of April 2018. As part of the appreciation from Jati Transport, the authorized dealer for Mercedes-Benz for Brunei Darussalam, the said company invited a few of their customers to join the Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience during that weekend.

The customers were able to test drive many Mercedes-Benz models such as the awesome AMG C43, the AME C43 Coupe, the AMG GLC 43, the SLC 300 and the AMG GLA 45 to name a few.

The Brunei Mercedes-Benz owners were treated to a special driving session such as drifting and AMG Slalom to name a few. There were even lapping sessions starting from basic at 120km/h to 150km/h to a no speed limit session.

There were also certified driving instructors – Mikko Nassi, Nathan Antunes, Jake Fouracre, Dom Storey and Peter Hackett.

The selected Brunei customers were part of the Mercedes-Benz promotion where any passenger who registered a Mercedes from January 2018 to March 2018 will stand a chance for a driving experience in Sepang, Malaysia.