First customer Ricky Chua unboxing his new iPhone X

The distribution of the iPhone X as Ricky Chua received his new iPhone X at DST outlet at Airport Mall

Following the wave of excitement since the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus bundle plans were launched one month ago, DST opened its doors to the public for the long-awaited iPhone X which was released together with DST’s bundled plans.

DST celebrated the launch by congratulating customers for their purchases of the iPhone X who patiently awaited the arrival of the iPhone X and the plans offered by DST. A consensus of eager customers who queued in line waited for the release of the plans despite offers elsewhere that offered pre-orders earlier than DST.

For the launch, DST gave the first 50 customers in the queue DST vouchers worth B$100 together with an iTunes gift card worth USD15 to take home. First 50 customers also received special access to the iPhone X Launch Lounge. All customers were also treated to special food and beverages from Little Gourmet, Gong Cha, Magnum and the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. I was privileged to be among the Top 50 customers, being the 19th person in the queue. The first person was Ricky Chua.

DST also entertained customers hours before the launch by playing games and providing giveaways. There were around 5 iPhone X covers being given away with DST merchandise such as umbrellas. One of the prizes was the latest Apple TV for those who were queueing up.

In attendance to open the doors to welcome the first customers was Suhaimi Hussain, CEO of DST and Haji Marshad Bin Hj Ismail, Deputy CEO of DST.

The postpaid bundles of the iPhone X offers various monthly subscriptions and upfront payments. For example, an Apple iPhone X 64GB with a $938 upfront payment is bundled with an B$85 monthly subscription for 24 months and customers will receive 9GB local data.



The plans are launched exclusively at DST’s Airport Mall branch only.

Aside from postpaid plans, customers can choose based on their preference whether to purchase an iPhone without a contract.

DST is Apple’s certified carrier with the largest and most preferred 4G network nationwide.

For more information on DST’s iPhone bundle plans, please visit: iphone.dst

A huge crowd at the iPhone X launch. Almost 80 people queued up for the launch.

The queue half way after the official launch at 10am.

Jason Rumpus was one of the winners of the mini game

Magnum ice-cream for customers

DST officials helping out with the pre-registration

iPhone X customers get a special treatment with food after receiving their iPhone X unit

Such a wonderful reception by DST officials

Gongcha anyone?

Doing my face detection huhu 😀

He dropped his phone a day before the launch. He was already targeting the iPhone X for a while. A huge upgrade indeed.

A former iPhone user before switching to Samsung. Now he’s back to Apple 😀

Donation given to Yayasan Kanser Kanak-Kanak from Freshco Management yesterday

Freshco Management in collaboration with Heroes Event Management hosted a fundraising running event called “Freshco Carnival Run” yesterday.

The event took place at Freshco Batu Satu to raise funds for the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Yayasan Kanser Kanak-Kanak Brunei (YASKA) in support of their activities.

The run was able to raise a total of $7234.20 for YASKA which they will use to fund their activities and cause.

The run was only 3km long and saw participants running from Freshco to the newly opened Eco-corridor at the capital before they make their way back. Attending as the guest-of-honour and conducting the flag off is Chairlady of Yayasan Kanser Kanak-Kanak Dr Hjh Norehan Binti Hj Johari.

Runners were given one of four T-shirt design featuring Looney Tunes characters, a finisher medal as well as a tag which can be used to redeem their coupons, pretzels and biscuit sandwich and drinks sponsored by Freshco and Kingston. During the run, the official car partner Proton ensured the safety of the runner by providing a lead car, support car and safety car.

In conjunction with the run, a carnival featuring entertainment and food was held around the Freshco Shopping Centre.

Participating in the Freshco Carnival Run as official partners are Kingston as the official beverage partner, Fitness Zone as the official health partner, Proton as official car partner and Kristal FM as the official broadcast partner, Processta as the official printing partner, Digimark as official logistics partner, Abdul Razak Holding as official venue and Youc1000 & Sehat Water as official drink partner. The event was also greatly supported by Sunlit, All Seasons, Auntie Anne’s and Balloon Buzz. Images courtesy of Freshco Brunei.

At the starting line

The all-new Audi Q5 comes equipped with quattro ultra technology. The quattro with ultra technology combines driving dynamics with efficiency and helps to cut consumption by up to 0.3 l/100 km. By switching between four-wheel drive and the more efficient front-wheel drive, four-wheel drive is used whenever the driving situation calls for it. The predictive operating strategy activates within a matter of milliseconds.

Actively controlled torque distribution constantly monitors the drive forces and distributes them between front and rear axle to suit current conditions i.e. whatever the driving situation calls for. Torque vectoring assists when cornering by enhancing traction and dynamics. Targeted braking of the inner wheels increases drive torque at the outer wheels.

With this new technology, Audi has developed an all-wheel drive system optimised for efficiency, which feels just like permanent systems in terms of traction and driving dynamics. With the new ultra technology, it is designed to set the standard in its class for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions – particularly under everyday conditions.

Yang Berhormat Dato Paduka Ali Apong as the guest of honour with Pehin Goh King Chin, Managing Director of GHK Sdn Bhd and Wu Chun, founder of Roti Culture and his two children officially launching Roti Culture last Friday. Image courtesy of Roti Culture Facebook Page.

The invited guests enjoying the culture performances during the grand opening

Roti Culture, the recently opened family oriented and kids friendly restaurant is based in Batu Bersurat serving scrumptious and most loved roti and an array of savoury dishes, tantalizing local taste buds with an international touch. During the grand opening, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Yang Berhormat Dato Paduka Ali Apong was invited as the guest of honour to officiate the opening. Along the VIP guest lists were Managing Director of GHK Sdn Bhd, Pehin Goh King Chin, the Russian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, Vladlen Semivolos, former CEO of the Brunei Tourism Board, Sheikh Jamaluddin and Marketing Manager of Royal Brunei Airlines, Alirahim Hj Abdul Rani.

The owner is our Brunei’s very own international artiste and philanthropist, Wu Chun who recently just finished the shooting of the very popular TV show “ Daddy, where are you going?” with an online viewers of more than 5 billion in China alone. Looking at his weibo account, we know he is just back from his 11 days trip, which he traveled to 11 cities for his commercial events and international endorsements. Including a recent award in Beijing where he was awarded the 2017 NetEase Most Influential Artiste Award. Wu Chun was known for his endeavours making Brunei known to the world and vice versa, him bringing the outside world experience to the country.

This is why, in Roti Culture, one can find what they are looking for, on the menu to satisfy one’s hunger ranging from the Indian-inspired signature roti kosong, roti bomb, dosai, nasi briyani to Malay cuisines such as our pandan nasi lemak, laksa, and otak-otak, as the founder would describe it as a one-stop place to eat and kid friendly atmosphere equipping a kid’s corner.

Guest of honour signing on the plaque. Image courtesy of Roti Culture Facebook Page.

A token of appreciation to the guest of honour and group photo with the associates of Roti Culture. Image courtesy of Roti Culture Facebook Page.

That’s some grand cake there. Image courtesy of Roti Culture Facebook Page.

You can see behind the scenes on how they make roti.

“My whole family loves roti, my overseas friends love roti to the max. Our menu comprises mainly of famous roti made by our very own chef and each dish is carefully infused with culture and are Bruneians’ favourite like the nasi ayam penyet and Temburong Cendol which you can get every day and we hope Roti Culture can be a ‘must-stop restaurant for the tourists in Brunei” said the owner and founder of Roti Culture, Wu Chun.

“We have tourists from Singapore, Taiwan and China who are crazy for Brunei’s roti and martabak as they claimed that ours (Brunei’s) has a different richer taste. Tourists craziness for roti is one of the things that inspired me to open Roti Culture,” he said. “I want to bring the Asian and Outside Culture together through what people commonly love, food.”

Moreover, what makes our menu special is that some of the dishes are signature recipes contributed by Wu Chun’s family members, which recipes go back to the 1980’s.

“I come from a big family and all of my aunties love to cook. So, we picked some of the best recipes to be included in our menu like the Kolo Mee, Nasi lemak, sup tulang, otak-otak and curry. It’s a fusion of culture here.” added Wu Chun.

Meanwhile, Wu Chun is keen to incorporate bits and pieces of Brunei’s own landmark Kampong Ayer in the restaurant by putting a large wall sticker showing the water village’s view and recycling colourful wooden planks from remnants of demolished water village houses. “They represent Brunei as Kampong Ayer is known as the Venice of Asia so when tourists come and dine in here, they have the feel and take pictures as memories,” said Wu Chun.

If you have not visited Roti Culture just yet, we are located at Block H, Unit 8 & 9, Ground Floor, Kg Pengkalan Gadong. So, come by, have a bite and feel the welcoming ambiance by the aromatic smell of the roti. For more information or booking, please call 242 1000 or follow their Facebook page or instagram @ROTICULTUREBRUNEI.

Wu Chun posing for the media a few days before the grand opening

Wu Chun speaking to the media

That looks appetizing

I love this dish. The rendang.. Slightly spicy and to my liking

Wu Chun with the members of media and social influencers

Wu Chun with his staff of Roti Culture

Located at Batu Bersurat

His Majesty the 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 delivered his titah last evening. Image courtesy of Hakim Hayat of Borneo Bulletin.

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 in a titah reminds those entrusted with rank or authority not to use them to oppress others.

The Monarch says oppression or tyranny will never be allowed in Brunei Darussalam because it an enemy of the country and there will be no compromise in dealing with it.  His Majesty emphasises the matter in a Titah in conjunction with Prophet Muhammad’s Sallallahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam birthday celebration which was broadcast by Radio Television Brunei earlier this evening.  In the titah, His Majesty also reminds that any effort to dispute or belittle the Maulid Ar-Rasul Shallallahu ‘alaihi Wasallam will face legal action not simply advise or religious propagation. Source: RTB News

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 announces that His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to the appointment of Yang Mulia Dato Paduka Dr Haji Md Isham bin Jaafar, Executive Director, Medical Director and Member of the Board of Jerudong Park Medical Centre, Jerudong, as Minister of Health to replace Yang Mulia Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Zulkarnain bin Haji Hanafi.

I know of Dato Paduka Dr Haji Md Isham through his work at Jerudong Park Medical Centre as I have covered a few of JPMC events with his presence. He is a very dedicated worker and many have commended him of his leadership for JPMC.

Dato Dr Isham graduated from Dundee University, Scotland in 1995. Following his housemanship in Dundee, he worked at Glasgow University as a lecturer, teaching Anatomy. Then, he proceeded to do his surgical rotation in England before returning to Brunei. From his vast experience in General Surgery, he later specialized in Cardiothoracic Surgery in the biggest cardiac hospital in region, Institute Jantung Negara (IJN). Following that he did his Fellowship at Papworth Hospital Cambridge, United Kingdom. He has been a consultant in Brunei since 2005.

In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf and most of the racquet sports (badminton, tennis and table tennis).

Yang Mulia Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Zulkarnain bin Haji Hanafi was sworn in as the Minister of Health on the 22nd October 2015. That meant he would only have served two years as a Minister for the Brunei Government. It’s perhaps the shortest duration for a ministerial post that I have came across. I knew him during his UBD Vice-Chancellor’s days. He was promoted to Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education before being appointed as the Minister of Health in 2015.

The replacement has come to a shock to myself and many others as the usual reshuffling of the cabinet ministers happens every 5 years which is supposedly in 2020. With the sudden replacement, it’s an indication for better things in moving forward. I believe Dato Dr Isham will do a great job in his new role and level up with the rest of the ministries.

Yang Mulia Dato Paduka Dr Haji Md Isham bin Jaafar is the newly appointed Minister of Health. Image courtesy of Danial Norjidi of Borneo Bulletin.

By command of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, His Majesty has also consented to the appointment and transfer of the following senior officers:

Yang Mulia Awang Haji Abdul Manap bin Othman, Director General of Public Service Department, Public Service Department as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health to replace Yang Mulia Awang Haji Zakaria bin Haji Serudin, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health who has been transferred to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports as Senior Special Duties Officer. Yang Mulia Dr. Awang Hazri bin Haji Kifle, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health has been transferred to the Ministry of Education as Director of Planning, Development and Research: and

Yang Mulia Datin Paduka Dr. Dayang Hajah Maslina binti Haji Mohsin, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health has been transferred to the Ministry of Religious Affairs as Senior Special Duties Officer. The appointment of the Minister of Health as well as the appointment and transfer of the said officers are effective from Friday, 1st of December 2017.

This meant that all the higher positions in the Ministry of Health have been replaced.

Sandy Tan, the founder of Sound & Canvas, delivering her opening remarks

Have you visited Sound & Canvas lately? It was launched earlier recently at Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap, above Games & Latte. It’s managed by Sandy Tan who has the desire and passion for a creative community, devoted to experiment art in Brunei Darussalam. Her new studio aims at establishing creativity merging original music with various forms of arts.

Sound & Canvas (@soundncanvas) collaborated with Other Half Studio (@otherhalfstudio) for the theme “Can you keep a secret?”, an immersive Audio-Visual Exhibit. It is also supported by @happypetalsnco, Bloom Project Co. (@bloomprojectco) and Piccolo Cafe (@piccolocafebn). The Audio-Visual Exhibit will be ongoing until 31st December and it opens from Thursday to Sunday from 7:30pm to 11:00pm.

There is section of beautifully crafted paper petals on the wall where guests can write and post their comments or love notes for Sandy and her new studio.

So far the response has been encouraging and it was good to see the youth turning up for the Audio-Visual Exhibit and beginning to appreciate the artistic value of creative arts merging with original music.

This could be a new space for local artists and musicians to work together in promoting arts and music in Brunei Darussalam. Hence the space will be continually reconfigured throughout the year to host various exhibits and showcases.

In terms of services, Sound & Canvas provides advertising soundtracks, film/short film/tv/podcast soundtrack (that caught my eye huhu) and sounds/music for apps and games.

At Sound & Canvas, Sandy hopes to connect with musicians, artists, performers and independent makers who share a passion for creating original, ambitious work.

She holds BA of Communications (Hons.) from RMIT University Melbourne and BA of Music (Composition & Production) from the Australian Institute of Music Sydney.  Sandy’s creative practice usually involves electro-acoustic instrumentations and manipulating found sounds. Her work is inspired by a curiosity for how sound and music influence our social experiences, as well as parallels drawn between sound and other art forms.  Sandy has learned that anyone can create and showcase art. Talent is made valid with practice.

For updates, you can follow @soundncanvas on Instagram.

It was good opening night where they turned and hung out for the occasion

It’s a looping effect to see arts and music combining to give the euphoric feeling

I love this part of the art

The flower arch created by @bloomprojectco

Awwww so sweet

The mirror floor

A place to chill and destress 😀

Supporting Sandy’s opening night

Hello Fiza :p

Times Square shopping Centre Marketing Manager Lee Yee Liang, Marketing Manager Siti Noor Arrifah and Pet Lovers Centre owner Lim Hui Ling during the opening of the store last weekend

Pet Lovers Centre (PLC) held their grand opening for their Times Square Branch on November 26th providing Bruneians with high quality pet products ranging from food, toys and equipment among other things.

To officiate the grand opening, Times Square shopping Centre Marketing Manager Lee Yee Liang along with PLC Owner Lim Hui Ling and Marketing Manager Siti Noor Arrifah will be holding a ribbon cutting ceremony.

In conjunction with their grand opening, Pet Lovers Centre held a two days discount promotion of up to 60% from 26th November 2017 to 27th November 2017. Pet Lovers Centre is also holding a free VIP membership giveaway for any customer who brings their pet to the shop during the grand opening.

Meanwhile, existing Pet Lovers Centre VIP members will have the opportunity to receive a free goodie bag for purchases above $50 in a single receipt.

Pet Lovers Centre is a pet store chain whose headquarters are in Singapore. It was founded in 1973 and is currently the largest pet store chain within Singapore and Malaysia.

For more information and updates, members of the public can follow Freshco at their Facebook page and instagram, @FreshcoBrunei or call 2201083.

Check out the cat products available at their store

Something to shop for your pets

Click image to enlarge

I came across a venue that provides a banquet hall, a meeting conference and also a place for corporate and private events. If you happened to be in KB town (Kuala Belait), then this is one of those choices that you can consider.

If you look at the banquet hall, it’s surprisingly huge where it can accommodate 800 to 1,300 guests. For those who are keen, you can refer to the meetings & events factsheet below for the price range.

The banquet hall is inclusive of:

• Projector & screen
• PA System
• Wifi
• Tables and chairs arrangements
• Food & beverages
• Audio video lighting
• Podium with goose neck microphone
• Basic sound system and lightings
• Side projector and screens

For the Meeting Conference, it is inclusive of:

Projector & screen
• PA System
• Wifi
• Tables and chairs arrangements
• Two 2in1 flip chart whiteboard stands with one paper & two markers
• Sets of stationaries
• Mineral water 600ml
• Complimentary candy
• Food and beverages (an additional charged based on menu selection)

For Corporate & Private Events, it is inclusive of:

• 4 hours maximum with minimum 10 person
• All prices are subject to 10% service charge
• 50% deposit is required once confirmed
• Final guest count and pre-payment of function due 1 week prior to event
• Cash, cheque or credit card term only.

These facilities are now available at Garden Sentral Hotel, Kuala Belait. The meeting/conference room is located on 3rd floor while the banquet hall is located on the 6th floor of the Garden Sentral Hotel.

For more information, you can call 333 8333 or you can email inquiry at reservations@gardensentralhotel.com You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram @gardensentralhotel for updates.

The banquet hall area at Garden Sentral Hotel

The meeting and conference area

It can be arranged in this setting for corporate events

Click image to enlarge

Check out the big discount they have at Concepts Computer as part of the Salebration

Zul Abdul Rahman, the Marketing Executive of Concepts Computer holding mouses that are going at 50% discount

It’s back and Concepts Computer is also taking part in the Salebration and Sales Bonanza which will last for 65 days in the Sultanate. This will be a great opportunity for the public to buy good deals at Concepts Computer where the discounts will be up to 70%.

So far roughly 130 items are on discount and this is also in conjunction with Concepts Computer very own Month End Promo.

Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Computer said, “The company being one of the premier IT solutions provider in Brunei Darussalam places great emphasis on improving the local shopping experience. In collaboration with the Salebration initiative, this will help to alleviate the purchasing power among the locals.”<br/ >
Zul Abdul Rahman, the Marketing Executive of Concepts Computer shared that people are more tech savvy and even spend more things online than before. This helps them as retailers to come up with something more creative and innovative to draw more customers especially when it comes to service.

For more information, you can contact 2233 566, 2233 551 or 2233 552.

Vincent Pao and Alice Chan speaking to the members of the media

Another item going at 50% discount

50% discount and this price is before discount

50% discount and this price is before discount

This does come in handy. I have one too.

Powerbanks are also on 50% discount 😀

HD will be on 15% discount and the 1TB is a huge hit

15% discount on HD