Times Square Shopping Centre ended its Japanese Language and Culture Week yesterday on Sunday, 19th February 2017. The event took place on 17th February, Friday until 19th February, Sunday at 10:00am till 10:00pm. The event was organized by Embassy of Japan in Brunei Darussalam, Times Square Shopping Centre and Japan Foundation. The supporters comprised of Japan Brunei Friendship Association (JBFA), The Japanese Association Brunei Darussalam, Brunei Association of Japan Alumni (BAJA), Hibikiya Pte Ltd, Ms.Reiko Siu Lai Hung, BJFA-UBD chapters, Language Centre of University Brunei Darussalam, Community Education & training Division (IBTE-CET), BERSATU/SSEAYP Alumni, JUNE, Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), JENESYS Alumni, Miyazaki Prefecture, Niigata City, Brunei Kendo Alliance, Soul Industry and Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO).

The last day of Japanese Language & Culture Week was filled with exciting activities including kite making workshop for kids that took place at 11am to 12pm yesterday. Other activities that took place in the afternoon were Taiko Japanese Drum performance by HIBIKIYA, Yoyo & Kendama performance by JENESYS Alumni, Japanese Cooking demonstration by Chef Usuki, Study in Japan sharing session by Brunei Association of Japan Alumni, as well as other singing and dancing performances by BJFA-UBD Chapter, SSEAYP Alumni, Soul Industry and Brunei Cosplayers.

Throughout the event, there was a lucky draw by Times Square and the prize presentation took place yesterday at 8pm. Ten prizes were given away last night and the presentation was done by the marketing manager of Times Square as well as the general manager, Mrs Amal Majidah Hj Suhaili. Prizes for the lucky draw comprised of hotel stay vouchers from Times Hotel, Ba’diah Hotel, Starlogde Hotel, Parkview Hotel and Jubilee Hotel as well as restaurant vouchers from Excapade Restaurant and Shinobu Sushi Restaurant. About 100 participants registered for the lucky draw during the three days event. The grand prize winner Taufiq Al Hakim bin Mohamad Jais brought home Canon Camera Ixus 175.

There was also a prize presentation for the Manga colouring competition last night. Present to give away the prizes was Lim Yee Liang, marketing manager of Times Square. The Manga colouring competition, which took place on the first day of the event was held by Best Eastern. First place went to Elysia Lim Pei Ying bringing home goodie bag whereas Tang Ann Yii and Chia Xuan Lei won second and third place respectively, bringing home goodie bag as prizes. The event ended with dance performances by Soul Industry and the Brunei Cosplay community. More pictures on their Facebook Page.

Moreover, Times Square Shopping Centre will be having a 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament on 24th until 26th February 2017 as well as a National Chess Tournament on the same dates. For further information, please call 2338208 or 2338006 during office hours.

The official launch with the ribbon cutting with the master franchise and the guest of honour, the Malaysia High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam last weekend

I dined in twice at Manhattan FISH MARKET and I quite like it. I’m familiar with the franchise after my first try in Singapore a few years ago. It was just a matter of time before it made to Brunei market, considering the number of franchises that have been popping up in Brunei Darussalam.

Last week on 15th February, the Manhattan FISH MARKET finally had their official launch. For the record, it is an award-winning casual dining restaurant specializes in American style seafood, offering a wide variety of lip-smacking products ranging from Manhattan Fish n’ Chips to Garlic Herb Mussels and not forgetting their signature dish the legendary Manhattan Flaming Seafood Platter, an ideal dish for seafood lovers.

Manhattan FISH MARKET (Brunei) is managed by Nutrafood Resources Sdn Bhd which owns the franchise rights for Brunei market and they are confident of the brand’s success and hinted that there will be two more outlets in the Sultanate.

Haslinda bin Mohd Fauzi, the master franchisee for Manhattan FISH MARKET (Brunei) delivering her welcoming remarks

George Ang, CEO of Revenue Valley Group, a holding company that operates The Manhattan Fish Market.

A token of appreciation to the guest of honour, Datuk Ghulam Jelani bin Khanizaman, HIgh Commissioner of Malaysia to Brunei Darussalam

George Ang receiving memento from Haslinda

Garlic Herb Mussels

Salmon anyone? 😀 Yummm

Grilled flaming lobster platter

Fishy Chicky Bang Bang. It’s fish and chicken served in cheesy sauce. This is a popular dish among patrons in Brunei.

Ice cream served with friend oreos.. Interesting combo 😀

Manhattan FISH MARKET’s concept for fresh and flavourful seafood goes back over 180 years ago, with its inspiration drawn from the famous Fulton Fish Market located in Manhattan, USA. Patrons who step into the warmth restaurant are pleasantly greeted by its décor evoking a deeply rooted sense of the historical market and original inspiration with a contemporary touch.

I was privileged to be invited for the launch of Manhattan FISH MARKET last week and we were treated to a gastronomical feast in a 5 course meal. Yummy!!!

I’m honestly impressed with the quality of the dishes and I hope they can remain consistent in this competitive market (in the F&B industry).

Haslinda demo-ing the flaming action

Well done to the CHMS entourage for putting up a good show. Click image to enlarge.

Story by Abdul Hakim Yakof of Borneo Bulletin: Students and former students of Chung Hwa Middle School (CHMS) had a blast enlivening the Tiong Hua community’s Chinese New Year (CNY) get-together, with performances following the ‘Innovative Youth as the Prime Mover of National Vision’ concept, which combines unique Brunei traditions with the latest innovation.

The event opened with a Hadrah performance, and was followed by the singing of the national anthem by the school’s brass band, and the ‘Ikrar Taat Setia’ oath reading.

After the traditional Tiong Hua dance performance involving firecrackers and a lantern formation, as well as a lion dance, the guests were treated to a CNY song performance and a Syair delivered by students. Young students of the CHMS Wushu extracurricular activity then showcased their acrobatic and martial art skills in the ‘Panda’ performance.

A contemporary dance dubbed ‘Thousand Yachts are Sailing’ told the story of how the ancestors of the Tiong Hua community of today landed in the Sultanate.

After the traditional Malay ‘bermukun’ performance, the dance troupe performed the Malay dance ‘kesubukan,’ which combines modern dance moves and tells of how youngster behave towards their elders and society.

Following this was the ‘Let the Earth Resound’ performance, believed to bring happiness and prosperity.

Members of the Legislative Council Yang Berhormat Hafimi binti Abdul Haadii and Yang Berhormat Khairunnisa binti Ash’ari who were present during the celebration

Speaking to the Bulletin, former student Aizat Rosli said, “We’ve been performing for the Tiong Hua Chinese New Year get-together for seven years now and we still get nervous – even though you can say we are experienced.

“We are fortunate to have performed in front 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,” he added.

“We staged three dance performances at the event. We are relieved, knowing that we were able to deliver despite some of us feeling under the weather,” said dance troupe member Bryan Wong.

Dance troupe member Limyi Shien said, “Although the Chinese are a minority in Brunei, it’s nice that His Majesty takes notice, coming down to join in the celebration.

Chen Hui Yen, performance coordinator, said, “This year we had a combination of Chinese and Malay performances as Brunei is home to different religions and races. We are trying to express a sense of unity, showing that we can all live peacefully together.

“Some 250 students and former students performed this year. We are very happy and appreciate that His Majesty is always able to join us in this celebration. We are honoured to have performed for His Majesty, it means a lot to the students,” she added.

Behind the scene

Behind the scene

It’s happening today (Sunday, 19th February) till 5pm at No.21, Simpang 18, Jalan Anggrek

Mock plane models for sale

Waiting for guests to come

The Architecture Lego for sale

The Architecture Lego for sale

Check out the Coke collection and collectibles for sale

Even the Harley bike is up for auction

Macalister being the scenes and he has also been helping out in preparing for this event

Pranika Lama and Dalton Lim helping out with the Estate Sale for the past week or so

Hello Seng Yee :p

Yang Mulia Dr. Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh, Permanent Secretary (Core Education) of Ministry of Education handing over mock key to Mr Barnaby Sandow, Principal of Jerudong International School for the new Sport Complex last Wednesday

Mr Barnaby Sandow in his welcoming remarks before the hand over

The Board of Directors and Principal of Jerudong International School (JIS) held a “Handover Key Ceremony” of the new Sports Complex designed by local architects, EcoBumi on Wednesday, 15th February.

The guest of honour was Yang Mulia Dr. Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh, Permanent Secretary (Core Education) of Ministry of Education. Other distinguished guests included guests from the Ministry of Education, Darussalam Assets and the Board of Directors of Jerudong International School. For your info, JIS is now under Darussalam Assets.

The ceremony started with the recital of surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat by Cikgu Mohammad Norisham bin Hj Kamis followed by opening remarks by Mr Barnaby Sandow, Principal of JIS. “The new Sports Complex provides JIS students with further opportunities to be the best that they can be. We look forward to welcoming the Bruneian community at our community sports events in the future too.”

Following the ceremony, the guest of honour and distinguished guests were given a guided tour of the newly established sports complex. The key features of the new sports complex are the two large indoor multi-purpose courts, an indoor 8-lane, 25 metre swimming pool, a fitness suite and 2 classrooms. The excellent indoor multi-purpose courts will facilitate students to be able to do team sports such as Basketball, Netball, Volleyball, 5 a-side Football and other court games.

Director of Sports, Chris McGeorge raised that, “students have missed at least 50 hours from PE time in the past academic year due to poor weather conditions such as lightning and now with our new indoor facilities we are able to run PE classes smoothly despite any bad weather we may encounter.”

Located near JIS’ Boarding houses, Ugama block and the current V-Block sports field, the new Sports Complex is a wonderful addition to the facilities at Jerudong International School.

The 8 lane 25 meter swimming pool

It also has a security code (lock) to enter

The guests having a tour around the Sports Complex

The multipurpose sports hall and they were training indoor tennis then. Cool 😀

Guest of honour with associates from Darussalam Assets touring the premise

This is another sports hall

The representatives from the respective schools receiving donation from Pierre Imhof, CEO of Baiduri Bank, during the CNY Open House hosted by Baiduri Bank Group at The Empire Hotel & Country Club

Chinese New Year might be over but the celebration in terms of Open Houses are still around. Few days ago, I attended a few and one of them is Baiduri Bank Group which was hosted at The Empire Hotel & Country Club in conjunction with the Year of the Rooster.

Present was Pierre Imhof, sporting a traditional chinese attire for the CNY Open House. The Chung Hwa Middle School performed another stunning drum performance.

It was a cheerful moment when the under privileged students received donations from Baiduri Bank Group. The recipients were from CHMS, Chung Hwa Kidding, St. Andrew’s School and St. George’s school.

Thank you once again, Baiduri, for the invitation.

Stand a chance to win this book

Enrich your life with #VorsprungdurchTechnik and tag a friend in the comments from @audibrunei post (based on the video below) for a chance to win The Book of Challenges! It’s 45 pages of Audi innovation that packs in even more than what you see in this video. 7 winners will be randomly selected by lucky draw when the giveaway ends next Thursday (23rd February 2017). #quattroThursdays

Tag and comment on the IG post and stand a chance to win a 45 page book of Audi innovation

I attended the launch of the Brunei Gastronomy Week held at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism building yesterday. It was launched by Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism.

Now what can you expect during Brunei Gastronomy Week which will run from 22nd to 26th February? Selected cafes and restaurants will introduce local cuisines in a more modernized and sophisticated way. I managed to view and did some tasting on the samples given yesterday after the launch. There’s something definitely to look forward to next week.

The Brunei Gastronomy Week is an initiative by the Brunei Tourism Board under the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism and also coinciding with the upcoming 33rd National Day celebrations. They have collaborated with local cafes and restaurants and even Royal Brunei Airlines.

There were dishes such as the Bamboo Chicken, Acar Buah-Buahan, Sup Kembayau, Sup Tahai, Nasi Katok, Soto Brunei and many more.

On 23rd February, Royal Brunei Airlines will be serving local cuisines in all regional flights and the travel agents will work closely to help to promote to their passengers who will be visiting Brunei Darussalam.

The Guest of honour with the board members, general managers and chefs

The Guest of honour with the general managers and chefs

The Guest of honour with chefs

Royal Brunei Catering is one of the participants of the Brunei Gastronomy Week

Urbn Kitchen is also one of the participants of the Brunei Gastronomy Week

The Brunei Gastronomy Week will also be judged based on the given criteria to give incentives to the participating restaurants and cafes. The judges will make their rounds and sample the dishes served and the winners will be announced at the Tourism Industry Award ceremony in April.

This is a very good initiative by Brunei Tourism Board and this will help to create more awareness on local cuisines and also promoting the restaurants and cafes as well as improving the quality of the dishes.

The Brunei Gastronomy Week is a way to celebrate and create awareness on Bruneian cuisine, a way to encourage more hotels and restaurants to serve Bruneian cuisine in a more sophisticated way, to improve on the state and elevate the presentation of Bruneian dishes that be part of a fine dining experience and it’s a way to provide a unique Bruneian gastronomical experience to visitors within and outside Brunei.

The Deconstruct Nasi Katok

The Minister touring and sampling food for the Brunei Gastronomy Week

Representing Royal Brunei Airlines

Kolo Mee with prawn from My Town Cafe

Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Computer with Mr. Shimizu Tomoya, Epson Country Manager (Malaysia), Mr. Eric Tang, Epson Sales Manager, Retail Division (Malaysia), Alice Chan, Finance Controller of Concepts Group with associates of Concepts Computer during the launch of the new Epson printer earlier this morning

Today, Epson, a top printer-maker for the last 10 years, with the help of Concepts Computer, will be launching the latest printers from Epson in Brunei, a multi-function A3 printer with a continuous ink tank system in the form of the Epson L1455; it can print, scan, copy and fax with a total print-out of up to 10,000 pages total, and in duplex mode as well, making the Epson L1455 perfect for SMEs and even large corporate offices.

With the launch, Epson and Concepts Computer will be expanding its market-leading range to offer even wider selections, allowing schools, businesses or professional users to choose the most suitable model for their needs and take business printing beyond ordinary volumes to an extraordinary amount of pages.

A3-sized printing provides users with more creative and flexible options for all business printing needs, and gives the ability to go beyond normal limits of A4-sized printing. A3 printing will also make it easier to print larger and clearer architectural plans, spreadsheets, diagrams and charts, bringing out maximum clarity and details in your print-outs, making it easier to submit official government submissions as the need arises. A3 printing will also create greater visual impact when creating posters, newsletters and marketing materials when printed full from edge to edge. Add to this the value of a first party continuous ink tank system, A3 printing would now be easier and cheaper, making it a valuable, economical tool for those with large printing needs.

The first of it’s kind, on offer from any Printing Solutions provider; Epson will be unveiling the first duplex A3-sized multi-function printer with an external refillable ink tank which has not been tampered with by a third party. It will be the first printer with an affordable consumables solution through first party refillable continuous ink tanks. The Epson continuous ink tank printer will utilize Epson’s proven Ink Tank System to deliver reliable printing with unrivaled economical costs. It will also feature Epson’s fast ink top-up technology for easy mess-free refills; special tubes in the printer will ensure smooth and reliable ink flow at all times.

Vincent Pao delivering his welcoming remarks

An interesting invidual, Mr. Shimizu Tomoya, who hails from Japan but currently based in Jakarta, taking care of Indonesia and Malaysia market. He spoke how Epson continues to be innovative and investing more into R&D

A token of appreciation to Mr. Shimizu Tomoya

Eric Tang making his yearly visit to Brunei and presented product knowledge on the Epson L1455 printer

The new A3-sized Epson L1455 printer will be available for $1,318. It will utilize the standard Epson 644 colour inks but the Epson L1455 will also utilize the water resistant blank ink Epson 7741, which will make the black print outs be more versatile. Each of its colour consumables will be available for $10 per bottle for the Epson 664 series bottle inks, and $28 for the water resistant black Epson 7741 bottle ink; making the Epson L1455 one of the cheapest upkeep for any A3-sized printer available in the market and perfect for business use.

As you know that Epson has been a popular product and gaining more product awareness since it’s inception in the Brunei market in 2010. This has been the popular choice among students and businesses due to its cost effective measures and also its quality. I also learnt from today’s sharing that Epson invested heavily in R&D to further embed new technology into Epson products. It’s no surprise that Epson is among the Top 10 in Japan for its patent and registration.

Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Computer, said, ”Concepts Computer puts a lot of worth in value and we believe that this new printer model on offer from Epson will be valuable to businesses and most corporate users not only in terms of monetary value, that is cost-saving, but also in terms of value in usage, that is print quality and product quality, making them great tools for any IT-centric usage.”

Zul Abdul Rahman, Marketing Executive of Concepts Computer, added, “Third party modifications of printers is one of the main concerns for Printing Solution providers right now, as it affects print quality, machine durability and is sometimes toxic especially with the usage of unknown refillable inks, which is why Epson is trying to curb this problem by putting a lot of effort into research and development to come up with a larger range of continuous ink tank printing solutions”.

Also present during the launch was Epson Country Manager (Malaysia) Mr. Shimizu Tomoya, and Mr. Eric Tang, Epson Sales Manager, Retail Division (Malaysia).

For more information, please visit your nearest Concepts Computer showroom or call 2233551/2233552/2233553.

The new A3-sized Epson L1455 printer will be available for $1,318 and it’s a multi function purpose. Now available at Concepts Computer

The inks for Epson

Product demo to the resellers in Brunei

Ustaz Don Daniyal bin Don Biyajid of KUISCELL Sendirian Berhad (Malaysia) with Awang Haji Khairul Nazif bin Haji Damit, Assistant Lecturer Usuluddin Faculty, University Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) at the Ceramah Perdana at Indoor Stadium last Friday

Last Friday evening, Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei welcomed over 6,000 guests to the Indoor Stadium National Sports Complex Hassanal Bolkiah in Berakas for a Ceramah Perdana entitled “Jutawan Akhirat”, an event organized in conjunction with TAIB 25th Anniversary.

The premier talk was delivered by an invited speaker from Malaysia, Ustaz Don Daniyal bin Don Biyajid of KUISCELL Sendirian Berhad (Malaysia) and moderated by Awang Haji Khairul Nazif bin Haji Damit, Assistant Lecturer Usuluddin Faculty, University Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA).

During the talk, Ustaz Don Daniyal spoke about the various aspects that could lead a person to become “Jutawan Akhirat”. He added Islam is a pure religion that is not concerned with property and wealth, and a person’s wealth until he becomes a millionaire is not viewed from his accumulated assets but how noble the heart is.

The Prophet Muhammad S.A.W is an example that needs to be emulated. The Prophet has been involved in business since the age of 12 years old. According to Ustaz Don Daniyal, the experience and knowledge acquired by the Prophet for over 20 years as a businessman was able to attract communities in Mekah when the Prophet delivered his teachings. He added that to become a millionaire in the hereafter, one should educate oneself with a good personality.

Earlier on Friday morning, Kuliah Subuh with Ustaz Don Daniyal entitled “Hutang dan Rezki” was also organized by Perbadanan TAIB in commemoration of its Silver Jubilee. The event was held Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, Kampong Kiarong. Among the content of Kuliah Subuh was the greatness that Subuh prayer could bring to a person which is rezeki.

On the following Saturday morning, 11th February 2017, Ustaz Don Daniyal was invited to deliver a special talk entitled “Iman, Cinta dan Ikhlas” which means Faith, Love and Piety at the Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA). The special session was organized by Perbadanan TAIB with the support of UNISSA Student Welfare Committee.

During the talk, Ustaz Don Daniyal highlighted the Greatness of Al-Quran and its miracles. He touched on the strength and virtues of reading Al-Quran, saying it should be read properly, accurately with complete focus of humility. Most importantly the verses should also be understood for desired spiritual effect.
He added Prophet Muhammad S.A.W said that Muslims should read Al-Quran and teach it to the children because the Holy Book contain laws and rules as well as teachings, covering believe in Allah the Almighty, morality, life and other lessons that could stir repentance and strengthen iman or faith.

In attendance at the special session were Dr. Haji Awang Mohammed Hussain bin Pehin Penyurat Haji Awang Ahmad, Deputy Rector of UNISSA, students of the university and officers of Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei (TAIB). Images by Haqimie.

Ustaz Don Daniyal giving a ceremah during Kuliah Subuh entitled “Hutang dan Rezki” at Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque last Friday