It feels surreal. That’s the only word to describe. I have always remained optimistic on the situation in Brunei Darussalam. So many praises (and some envies) from my neighbouring friends on how we are living our lives on a normal basis – no masks, little attention to social distancing, mass gatherings, crowded malls etc. Basically we are enjoying in our own majestic bubble. It came to a point that I sometimes feel that we are invincible to the pandemic. 

After more than 15 months of being free from local transmission, 7 new local cases were reported yesterday. The first five, Case 340 to Case 344, were linked to a hotel used for quarantine purposes. It was known that the 5 cases had no travel history in recent months and there is a likelihood this particular cluster has been exposed to one of the imported case recently. 

Now here is where it got me curious. The other cases (case 345 & case 346) are isolated local cases and the source of the infection has yet to be identified and still under investigation. One is believed to be from a school and the other one from a district. Once the Ministry of Health have the correct information, they will definitely share accordingly. 

According to Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dj Hj Mohd Isham bin Hj Jaafar, there is a possibility that there was a breach of standard operating procedures (SOPs) which led to the new local transmissions. 

With the new local transmissions and 3 new clusters, with the consent of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, there will be control measures for the next two weeks to combat the local transmissions. These measures are something we were already accustomed to back in 2020. 

Here are the following control measures  :

• Mass gatherings are capped at 30 pax.
• Mosques, suraus, and places of worship to be closed.
• Online learning will commenced for schools, other educational institutions, tuition classes, music classes and special needs classes
• Restaurants will be limited to takeaway and delivery, with no dine-in allowed.
• Recreational centres including gyms, cinemas, internet cafés, playgrounds, leisure centres, museums and galleries to be closed.
• Beauty salons and barber shops to be closed.
• Businesses have been urged to implement a work-from-home policy (business continuity plan), allowing only essential workers on physical premises.
• Masks are now mandatory and to be worn indoor at public places and also outdoor 

Attending the press conference yesterday was already surreal. It was like waiting to sit for my final exams and not knowing which questions will popped up. I was running numbers in my head. Will it be 2 new cases, 5 new cases? I was just feeling anxious as everyone else. Even the false information of the poster was circulated around to stir more unnecessary drama. 

All I can say is I just felt overwhelmed with the unverified and verified information yesterday. Last time, it took a toll on me and I wasn’t in a good shape, mentally, emotionally and physically. The new wave have taught me something and this time, I feel that I am able to handle the pressure once again as a source of information to the public. 

It’s beyond our control that the re-instated control measures have already disrupted wedding functions, running/sporting events, expos and many more. Even my upcoming B3 Doubles Tennis Invitational Charity Cup 2021 is put on hold until further notice. With all these setbacks, the highest priority is the safety and health of our nation and nothing is bigger than this. I do hope those affected can understand the latest development and we should be very blessed and appreciative on how the Brunei Government especially the Ministry of Health have been championing this cause to combat the spread since Day 1. 

I have been getting reports from witnesses that the people are still visible at crowded places and some are not even wearing masks or adhering to the SOPs. Then again, this latest development was just less than a day old so let’s hope the business retailers step up their game and enforce the SOPs accordingly for the safety of the public. I believe the Ministry of Health will carry out “Operasi Merati” on business premises and take stern actions to those who don’t comply to the SOPs set by the Ministry of Health. It’s also being shared that the Royal Brunei Police Force are also monitoring in public places and setting up road blocks to remind people to wear masks.

I urged all my friends and families to stay home for now or if you do go out to adhere to the SOPs from the Ministry of Health. I alone cannot fight this but with all of us, with the same vision, we can fight the spread and save the nation. 

It has been a while since we saw a launch of a car under the Volkswagen umbrella. As I was given at the heads up, I was kinda excited what Maju Motors have in store for the sneaks of the much awaited Volkswagen T-Cross. 

Needless to say, I was quite impressed by its looks and its features. Though it has been around for almost two years, it only made to Brunei waters this year. The final reveal to the public was held last week at The Mall where the launch was officiated by Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Ratna Wijaya Brigadier General (R) Pengiran Haji Hasnan, Chairman of Maju Motors Sdn Bhd and Pg Hj Rosli bin Pg Hj Daud, Head of Sales Division, Baiduri Finance Berhad. Also present was Chan Key Hong, the Managing Director of Maju Motors Sdn Bhd. 

What to love about T-Cross (from my point of view)

• Striking exterior
• Surprisingly spacious interior
• Compact SUV
• 1.0L turbo
• Fuel efficient
• CarPlay enabled
• “Beats” premium sound system
• Practical family car
• Love the boxy feeling 
• It uses USB-C ports

As for other specs, it is 1.0L TSI engine producing a 115 hp and 200 Nm of torque with an improved 7 speed DSG for a smooth and safe driving experience. It has integrated LED headlight and daylight running light. It sports a 17” rim wheels. Park Assist with Park Distance Control & Rear-view camera system. It is also equipped with 6 airbags 

Well, it has been reviewed by a few car websites that the T-Cross is a good driving experience and even well-mannered at cruising speed. I shall wait for the test drive unit and give a further in-depth review of the Volkswagen T-Cross. 

You can contact or visit Maju Motors showroom at Telanai. It’s a pity that they won’t bring many units due to limited production. There will be shipments regularly to cater to the demand. 

The Sonax Cup by Brunei Darussalam Golf Association (BDGA) was completed last Sunday. The tournament ran for three days from Friday 19/3/2021 and a total of 244 golfers participated in the competition in various categories namely: the open (gross and net), senior and ladies. The total cash prizes for this event was $4450 and the list of winners is as attached, including the champion in the gross open category which went to Suhaimi Ibrahim who shot 71 gross, one under par. Suhaimi Ibrahim also received the Sonax Challenge Trophy presented by Mr. Mike Chua, the Managing Director of Sonax Brunei Sdn. Bhd. The tournament took place at Mentiri Golf Club.

There was also a hole-in-one winner, Lim Shen Quan, on hole 13th, and he won the $5000 cash prize. 

This was the first BDGA golf tournament at the national level for the year 2021, with next one planned for 28 to 30 of May at the RBGCC. This tournament was a great success with participation of more than 200 golfers. BDGA thanked Sonax Brunei Sdn. Bhd., the tournament main sponsor, and expressed the hope that its partnership with Sonax Brunei Sdn. Bhd. would continue to grow. 

BDGA also gave $1000 donation to “Tabung Anak Anak Yatim” (Orphans Fund) and the representative from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Ms. Nurul Nazurah bte Jaya, was present to receive the sponsorship.

Since the new BDGA Governing Council was elected back since 5th January this year, it received feedbacks from golfers in Brunei that the most sought after deliverable is golf tournaments. Hence, BDGA decided to organize the first tournament (Sonax Cup) and a few more planned for this year. This will help to provide a competitive platform at the national level for golfers to showcase their skills. In the process, it was hoped that scout for new golfing talents could be spotted and to be further developed to represent the country in the near future. Images courtesy of Pg Azam Omar and Shahiruddin.

Overall Gross:
Suhaimi Ibrahim  71
Ak Syakir  74
Ahmad Yani  75

Overall Net:
Angphula Sharpa  67 OCB
Chong Chee Soon  67
Ak Rizam Faizal Pg Salleh  67

A – Division Category:
Kahar Bakar 70
Irwan Hj Hamid 71 OCB
Pg Zaki  71

B – Division Category:
Hj Rosmadee 69
Dullah Sitai 70
Hj Ramlie Damit  71

C – Division Category:
Mardhini Khan Ali 70
Ariff Dato Suhaimi 70
Pg Ibrahim 70

Senior +60 Category:
Lim Soon Bee  65
Hj Zamri   68
Dato Sheik Adnan  68

Ladies Category: 
Almas  Khamis 74
Salyahrinah Yahya  75
Hjh Rusni Hj Lamat 76

Pro – Category:
Pg Wira Salleh 72 OCB
Qazzri Aslimon 72
Qawim Aslimon 73

Hole in One on Hole no.13 on Friday 19/3/21: LIM SHEN QUAN 

Nearest to the Pin (NTP)
NTP No.7  Hj Shaiful
NTP No.9  Suhaimi 
NTP No.13  Pro John
NTP No.16  Pg Ibrahim

NAUTICAL AISYA has recently completed her 5-year dry docking maintenance in Singapore and has returned to Brunei to continue her campaign for Brunei Shell Petroleum by 1st February 2021.

A Doa Selamat ceremony commemorated the milestone for Jisco Marine for achieving 1 Million Manhours without loss time injury since 2017. This milestone is an accomplishment for the company, especially their team members for their outstanding contribution, dedication and efforts in upholding the highest standards in maintaining safety.

Following that, Jisco Marine will continue with the deployment of our 2nd Bruneian flag vessel – MWV FALGOUT, to service a long-term charter with Brunei Shell Petroleum Company for its Offshore Reliability Maintenance Contract (ORMC) project. The charter will commence sometime in mid-February 2021.

MWV FALGOUT is a Dynamic Position 2 offshore maintenance vessel and will be one of the first hybrid diesel-powered engined vessel working in Brunei waters. She is equipped with a 70 metric tonne crane and will be able to accommodate up to 200 persons onboard.

Present was Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Retired Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Second Minister of Defence. Shaikh Khalid bin Shaikh Haji Ahmad, Chairman and Director Serikandi Group of Companies in his speech explained that Nautical Aisya, Accommodation Work Boat, AWB measuring at 85 metres, is in contract under the Marine Department, Brunei Shell Petroleum, BSP since 2018. It holds a good safety and trustworthiness record, and has also received an appreciation for being BSP’s best ship in 2019. 

The function followed by momento presentation to the Second Minister of Defence and Award Presentation to best local crew of the year 2020.

For updates, you can follow their Facebook page and congratulations once again on the milestone and your upcoming contract with BSP.

In 2020, the brand with the three-pointed star increased its unit sales by 12% and taking the top spot for the luxury automobile segment in Brunei.

More than half of the Mercedes-Benz sold by Jati Transport in 2020 were compact cars, with CLA being the best-selling model in this segment followed closely by the A-Class. With the introduction of the all-new GLA and GLB in the third quarter of last year, the growth within the compact cars segment is expected to continue.

In the performance automobile segment, the company delivered more than 50 units of Mercedes-AMG to customers in 2020, setting a new record and making Mercedes-AMG the number 1 performance automobile brand in Brunei. The growth was mainly due to the increased in demand for the AMG 35 and 45 model series.

The number 1 position in the premium luxury automobile brand was a result of the strong support of their valued customers and the great teamwork of their dedicated staff. Jati Transport took the opportunity to honour their top sales executives and long service employees at the Star Performer Awards ceremony.

The Top Sales Awards were presented by the Executive Chairman of Jati Transport – Yang Mulia Pg Anak Haji Ja’afar Ibni Al-Marhum Pg Pemancha Pg Anak Hj Mohd Alam.

The long service awards were presented by Mr. Andrew Chiam, Executive Director of Jati Transport.

Top Sales Awards

1. Top Sales Overall Winner – HAJI MOHAMED FITZILA BIN HAJI MOHAMED YUNUS
2. Top Sales Overall Runner Up – LUQMAN HAKIM BIN ABDULLAH
3. Top Sales (Mercedes-AMG) – IVAN CHIA IK VOON
4. Top Sales (Mercedes G-Class) – CHIEW YAN YAN

Long Service Awards

1. 30 years – PG HJ SALLEHUDDIN PG BATARA
2. 30 years – STEVEN CHONG MENG WATT
3. 30 years – ZAIKIAH HJ ABDULLAH
4. 20 years – LAW SIEW LANE (ANGELLA)
5. 10 years – JERONIMO G CASTRO

Jati Transport Sdn Bhd is hosting a three days new year open house celebration at Mercedes-Benz Autohaus from 10am to 5pm this weekend (8th January to 10th January) inviting their customers and fans of Mercedes-Benz Brunei.

Apart from the celebration, Jati Transport introduces their latest offers on the Mercedes-Benz S 450L, E 300 and C 300.

The S 450L comes with numerous assistance system that keeps you safe on the road at all time. DISTRONIC Active Proximity Control and Active Steer Assist now provide even more comfortable support for the driver to keep a safe distance and steer. The speed is now adjusted automatically ahead of curves or junctions. This is complemented by Evasive Steering Assist, a considerably improved Active Lane Keeping Assist and also the additional functions of the Active Emergency Stop Assist. Also included in the Driving Assistance package is PRESAFE PLUS®, which additionally takes into account dangerous situations caused by traffic following behind, such as a rear impact for example.

The interior of the S-Class sets new standards when it comes to comfort and well-being. The extended ambient lighting showcases the interior like a work of art by composing 10 colour worlds from a total of 64 colours.

The E 300 is available in two equipment line, the AMG Line and AVANTGARDE. The AMG line is distinguished by its brawny AMG bodystyling that enhances the sportiness and sophistication of the vehicle. It carries the modern luxury hallmark and exclusivity made possible through Mercedes-Benz craftsmanship.

While the AVANTGARDE line demonstrates your extravagant  leanings. The distinctive front bumper immediately attracts attention, while design elements in chrome and aluminium add dynamic highlights. 

The interior of the E 300 embodies the synthesis of emotion and intelligence. It includes two brilliant next-generation high resolution displays. Beneath their shared glass cover, the two displays visually conflate into a wide-screen cockpit that seems to be hovering in thin air, creating a central element that emphasises the horizontal orientation of the interior design. As the instrument cluster, this wide-screen cockpit contains a large display with virtual instruments in the direct field of vision of the driver as well as a central display above the centre console. The driver can choose between three different styles to select their preferred look for the wide-screen instrument cluster: “Classic”, “Sport” and “Progressive”. As the entire cockpit is fully digital, the driver is free to configure the information and views and thus create their own personal cockpit.

The C 300 combines emotionality with intelligence. The vehicle’s appearance is defined in particular by its front end and the design of the headlamps and tail lights. The C 300 comes with the AMG Line that features the diamond radiator grille as standard.

The C 300 adopts the control and display concept from the SClass and comes with a fully digital instrument display with three individually selectable display styles. It’s has the touch-sensitive controls in the steering wheel. The infotainment system can additionally be operated via the touchpad with controller in the centre console or by means of LINGUATRONIC voice control.

On Wednesday, 16^th December 2020, “Brunei Darussalam from the Eyes of Foreign Diplomats and their Families” exhibition was officially launched by Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna binti Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, the Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the Royal Regalia Museum in the Capital.

Upon arrival, Her Royal Highness and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar, were greeted by The Honourable Major General (Retired) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports and the following heads of diplomatic missions who are also members of the exhibition organizing committee:

• His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed bin Hashil Al-Maskari, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Sultanate of Oman.

• His Excellency Suat Akgun, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey.

• His Excellency Christian Ramage, Ambassador of the French Republic.

• Her Excellency Yoon Hyun Bong, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea.

• His Excellency Christopher Montero, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines. 

• Her Excellency Tiffany Anne McDonald, Australian High Commissioner.  
  
  
  

The ceremony began with the recital of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa selamat led by Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Setia Raja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Suhaili bin Haji Mohiddin.

In his welcoming remarks, His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed bin Hashil Al-Maskari, among other things expressed gratefulness to 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 Negara Brunei Darussalam for consenting for the exhibition to be held at Royal Regalia Museum.

His Excellency the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, informed how the Diplomatic Corps was trying to organize the exhibition since the year 2018, by saying: 

“The idea of setting up this exhibition was initiated on the year 2018 and ever since many attempts were made to bring it to fruition, until we realized that having an exhibition of such caliber requires combined efforts from many partners. 

“Thus, the diplomatic corps thought to take on board two partners namely; the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD), who both played a vital role in ensuring this long-awaited event finally takes place”.

His Excellency the Dean then expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports for generously consenting to transfer and organize the exhibition in other districts, while emphasizing that this notable gesture form the Ministry greatly contributed to the exhibition success and continuity.

The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps also thanked Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) for sponsoring the event and reserved further praise for the participating diplomatic missions and the exhibition organizing committee. 

Further enlivening the event was the screening of a short video showing selected photos on display at the exhibition. 

Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna then consented to cut the ribbon to signify the launching of the photo exhibition that features rare glimpses of the surreal beauty and lifestyle of the Abode of Peace.

Prior to touring the exhibition Her Royal Highness was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Her Excellency Yoon Hyun Bong, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea on behalf of the organizing committee.

Among those present were: 

• The Honourable Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Finance and Economy.

• The Honourable Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Apong, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism.

The Honorable minister of Culture, Youth and Sports said at the sideline of the event:

“We are very pleased to have been closely involved with the Diplomatic Corps in Brunei Darussalam in organizing this extraordinary exhibition that displays for the first time, how foreign diplomats and their families see Brunei Darussalam through the camera lens.  I was very impressed with the photos on display, demonstrating wonderful expressions inspired by the way foreign diplomats and members of their families view Brunei Darussalam– our people, our scenery and our culture.” 

The Honorable minister of Culture, Youth and Sports also congratulated the exhibition organizing committee on its success by saying: 

“Congratulations and thank you to all those who were involved in the project, especially His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed bin Hashil Al Maskari, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and all members of the organizing committee”.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mubashar H. Khokhar, the Managing Director and CEO of Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) said:

“As a bank that is Bruneian at Heart, we take great pride in supporting this exhibition. It’s true that a picture is worth a thousand words; the photos on display today give us all a unique view into how foreign diplomats and their families have been welcomed and made to feel like a part of the community, and I hope that everyone will take the opportunity to view and enjoy this exhibition”. 

Baiduri Bank and Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today for the secondment of up to fifteen RB employees to Baiduri Bank. The signing ceremony took place at Baiduri Community Space, Baiduri Bank Headquarters. Mr Ti Eng Hui, Chief Executive Officer of Baiduri Bank signed the agreement for the Bank. Signing as witness was Ms Veronica Chong, Head of GroupHuman Resources and Administration of Baiduri Bank.

Signing for Royal Brunei Airlines was Captain Saiful Bahrin Awang Bahar, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Royal Brunei Airlines while Shaarill Fred Teo, Manager Performance and Engagement signed as witness.During his opening remarks, Mr Ti Eng Hui said, “We are proud to be the first bank in

Brunei to seal this secondment agreement with Royal Brunei Airlines. I believe both organisations will benefit greatly from this collaboration.”

He further elaborated that the secondees will be deployed to customer-service related roles for a six-month period. “I am confident that their knowledge, international airline industry training and award-winning customer service will add tremendous value to our continuous efforts in enhancing customer experience.”

He went on to state that both Baiduri Bank and RB are successful and established Brunei brands. “Our organisations have done well in our respective industries, achieving success on a number of fronts and are synonymous with innovation and customer service.”

According to Ms Veronica Chong, “The RB secondees will gain exposure to a different industry which offers unique challenges and development opportunities. They will undergo training specific to the banking industry, thereby broadening their skill sets, opening up more career opportunities in the near future.”

Captain Saiful Bahrin Awang Bahar said, “RB and Baiduri Bank are two strong and proud Bruneian brands with a strong track record in product innovation and service excellence. Through this momentous partnership, both RB and Baiduri Bank have established a commitment to venture into building and expanding the scope of our people through this secondment programme.”

“As one of the brands in Brunei well-known for our award-winning services, we have continuously encouraged the learning and training of our people to help them achieve an even higher standard for their personal and professional development. It is hoped that through this secondment, it will improve their proficiency and level of skills while broadening their knowledge in a new industry,” added RB’s Acting CEO.

Also present at the signing ceremony were management and staff from Baiduri Bank and Royal Brunei Airlines. An ‘open day’ for selection of the secondment candidates will be held at the RB Campus on Jalan Kustin in January 2021. The secondment of RB employees to the Bank will begin on 1 February 2021 until 1 August 2021.

How close the new Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series (fuel consumption combined: 12.8 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 292 g/km) actually is to motorsport has now been impressively demonstrated by GT3 racer Maro Engel on the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring. With an officially measured and notarized certified time of 6:43,616 min for the 20.6 kilometre-long track (measured without the straight at track section T13) and 6:48,047 min for the 20.832 kilometre-long total track (measured with the straight at track section T13), the new V8 meteor is placed in the top group of the street-legal “sports cars” category and number one among the fully standard, unmodified models.

Maro Engel made full use of all the possibilities offered by the new Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series as standard: such as the most powerful AMG V8 series engine ever with 537 kW (730 hp), the sophisticated aerodynamics and extensive suspension adjustment options. For example, the front splitter made of visible carbon fibre was extended to the “Race” position, and the lower and upper wing blades of the rear spoiler were each adjusted in the middle position. The adjustable AMG coilover suspension with adaptive adjustment damping was lowered by five millimetres at the front and three millimetres at the rear to further enhance the venturi effect of the front diffuser. The camber was adjusted to the maximum possible values of negative 3.8 degrees at the front axle and negative 3.0 degrees at the rear. In the case of the adjustable anti-roll bars, racing professional Engel opted for the hardest of the three possible settings, and the 35-year-old adjusted the nine-stage AMG traction control between positions six and seven -depending on the section of the track. AMG GT Black Series customers can also take advantage of all these settings and variations. 

This also applies to the MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 R MO tyres with “soft compound,” which are completely standard equipment and were developed in collaboration with development partner Michelin especially for the top sports car in the AMG GT series. The highest possible level of safety was ensured not only by the standard AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system, but also by the Track Package with rollover protection system and four-point safety belts offered as standard equipment.

“That was a really impressive ride,” said Maro Engel after completing the record lap. “With speeds of up to almost 270 km/h in the Kesselchen section of the track or well over 300 km/h on the long Döttinger Höhe straight, the AMG GT Black Series is significantly faster than my GT3 race car. To finally drive around the Nordschleife in 6:48.047 minutes with a production road car in these track conditions is really awesome. Like my GT3 race car, the AMG GT Black Series offers a lot of adjustment possibilities, all of which enabled me to create a setup that was tailor-made for me.”

Also in terms of aerodynamic efficiency, the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series takes a great deal from the race car. A direct derivation from motorsport, for example, is the carbon-fibre hood with two large exhaust outlets. These specifically guide the warm air that flows from the slanted radiator setup out of the engine compartment. This increases overall downforce, as does the sophisticated rear wing concept and the largely enclosed underbody.

“It’s really impressive how much downforce the Black Series generates and how confident and reliable it can be driven, even at the absolute limit. My hat is off to the developers from Affalterbach for what they have put on wheels here. And I’m very pleased that I was able to demonstrate these fascinating engineering skills with this great lap time,” said Engel.

Just as they were for AMG development engineer Demian Schaffert, who set a new lap record with the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ (fuel consumption combined: 12.5 l/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 286 g/km)¹ on the same day, the conditions were not quite ideal for Maro Engel either. Because when the GT3 professional drove through the light gate of the timing system on November 4, 2020 at 5:02 p.m., not only were 20.832 kilometres of Green Hell behind him in the dim light – the GT3 professional also set the fastest time at an outside temperature of seven degrees Celsius and ten degrees Celsius on the asphalt. In addition, some passages of the extremely demanding track were not yet totally dry.

The fast lap times were precisely measured by neutral experts from “wige SOLUTIONS”. An independent notary also certified the condition of the vehicle as well as the measurements.

Bureau Veritas, the leading and the largest third party inspection and certification company in Brunei Darussalam organized an event recently to highlight the importance and the benefit of Third Party Inspection and Certification towards an organisation.

The event, held at the Level 1 Auditorium, Design & Technology Building, Angerek Desa on the 17th December 2020 was catered to better establish a better foothold in various Brunei industries via a collaboration SHENA (Safety, Health, Environment National Authority). The aim of the event was to familiarize guests that are the industrial tenants of DARe: Construction with Bureau Veritas Services and the significance of what Bureau Veritas can offer in terms of HSE and to ensure that all equipment is compliant as required by SHENA.

With its global presence, Bureau Veritas aims to become the leader in the industry and a major player in each of the market segments and key geographical market it ventures into.

Country Chief Executive Mr.Rizan Latif in his opening address said, “As a Business to Business to Society company, Bureau Veritas is dedicated to building trust between client companies, public authorities and consumers. Our mission, he said, “is to reduce our clients’ risks, improve their performance and help them innovate to meet the challenges of quality, health & safety, environmental protection and social responsibility.”  

Rizan Latif has been with the company for almost 9 years and started of as a Business Development Manager, then Head of Technical HSE and being appointed Country Chief Executive of Bureau Veritas Group (Brunei) since February 2020. He is also the youngest Chief Executive within the Southeast Asia Region. On a side note, Rizan Latif also heads the Beach Bunch Brunei as the President and Founder. 

Rizan added, “We acknowledge the challenges of growing urbanization, anticipating the need for safer, smarter cities. “We anticipate the expectations of an expanding global population, including the need for secure and reliable agricultural production.”

“We understand the impact of climate change, working to ensure people worldwide have access to cleaner energy, while supporting our clients in the efficient management  or conversion of their existing assets. We embrace digitalization, while mitigating the risks it brings and support the development of revolutionary materials and technologies.”

Services catered towards the construction industry also help to secure a brighter relationship with government and private sector industries where HSE plays a huge role in developing trust. These include Feasibility /risk analysis, Material testing, Site inspection, Periodical inspections that are crucial to the health and well-being of asset types Residential buildings, Commercial buildings, Equipment, Infrastructure (airport, rail) and so on.

A Bureau Veritas standard certification in any aspect of these fields is projected to greatly benefit both client and consumer as ISO standard certifications under Bureau Veritas are globally recognized and well trusted.

I am always curious what Bureau Veritas offer as a company. All I could relate is that there are involved with oil and gas companies. Apparently, Bureau Veritas offers a wide range of services – Marine (their biggest portfolio), construction, in-service inspection & verification, certification, commodities (inspection, testing on oil, metals, minerals etc), consumer products (eg food) and even government services and international trading. 

I am also surprised by their growth in revenue where Bureau Veritas Group Brunei reached a high milestone of BND 2.4 million dollars in revenue in 2019. They have also seen a huge jump in employees from 8 to 85 as they have increased number of clienteles. This is a testament that Bureau Veritas Group is receiving more traction as a more trusted entity as a third party inspection and certification. 

The session was concluded with a Q&A session where invited guests, clients were given to opportunity to ask questions. Joining the panel discussion were Rizan Latif, Country Chief Executive of Bureau Veritas Brunei, Nurham Rappe, Industry Manager of Bureau Veritas Brunei and Lydia Lai, Business Development Manager of Bureau Veritas Brunei while the session was moderated by Jenny Malai Ali. 

For more info on Bureau Veritas, you can click here for more information or you can also visit their instagram @bureauveritas