Want to enjoy a good movie outing at the comfort of your home? Check out the latest deal from Bilster Technologies – the Dell S320 projector. It inspire audiences with vivid 3D and shadow-free video projections and furthermore, it offers interactive and wireless capability.

As I mentioned, it reduces shadowy images with a short-throw projection. It has an HDMI port that lets you project multimedia from your PC, DVD player and of course for me, my PS4 or Blu-ray player. This projection is also ideal for 3D imagery.

It’s simple to use, maintain and secure. It’s also an energy saving device as it keeps the costs low with a long lamp life (up to 3,000 hours in normal mode and 4,000 hours in Eco-mode). It also has an authorized feature (password protection).

So check out the Dell S320 projector at Bilster Technologies at Citis Square.

For professional games, Steelseries have been the popular accessories among the youths here in Brunei. Do check the special promotion items at Bilster Technologies. So much rave reviews on the V/2 Headset from Steelseries and it’s a real steal for gamers.

Designed in cooperation with Apple, the SteelSeries Siberia v2 for iPod, iPhone, iPad features around the ear noise dampening, leather earcups with a comfortable over-the-head suspension design. The headset delivers incredible sound through its 50mm driver units for all types of entertainment from listening to music tracks, VOIP and web applications to interactive and competitive games. The headset also includes a unidirectional microphone that can be pulled out from the left earcup for talking on the phone, VoIP or communicating in a game, and then retracted and hidden when it’s not needed.

I haven’t yet to try the Kana Optical mouse but I’m pretty sure it will be doable for my work station as I don’t play games on my computer. This could be a good give for your loved ones and don’t be surprised as they are a lot of female gamers too here in Brunei.

Frankie Ho, Managing Director of Grand Motors Sdn Bhd, Hj Shaiful Rizal bin Pehin Dato Dr Haji Ahmad, Executive Director of Grand Motors, Jacqueline Koh, Kia Sales Manager, Precious Casao, Marketing Manager of Grand Motors Sdn Bhd and Hj Shaiful Rizal bin Pehin Dato Dr Haji Ahmad, Executive Director of Grand Motors posing with the all-new Kia Rio

Grand Motors Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor of Kia vehicles in Brunei Darussalam reveals the all-new, 4th generation Kia Rio. It was first revealed in Paris at the 2016 Mondial de I’Automobile. Earlier this morning, the Kia Rio was launched at the showroom at Grand Motors.

So what’s new with the Kia Rio?

It has a new design of course, defined by straight lines and smooth surfacing, giving the car a distinctive, confident new look.

It has a progressive exterior design. At the front, the Rio wears the latest evolution of Kia’s tiger-nose grille, now thinner in height and wider across the front of the car. Integrated bi-function projection headlamps – again, thinner and more sculpted than those of is predecessor – project a new U-shaped LED light signature. Changes to the front of the car, including moving the fog lamps’ position outwards within the front bumper, are designed to add greater visual width for a more stable overall look. The new Rio grows by 5mm in width, further adding to this effect.

The rear section of the Rio is now more upright, with a near-vertical rear windscreen and a shorter overhang. It also features a new arrow-shaped LED light signature. Like the wider-looking “face” of the car, the rear design of the new Rio gives it a stronger overall appearance.

As for the cabin, it has been redefined, featuring sculptural forms and a more ergonomic layout than previous models.You will see the straight lines running the width of the dashboard characterize the shape of the interior, giving the cabin a wider appearance and increasing the sense of space for occupants. The dashboard is now angled towards the driver with a high resolution touchscreen to power the Rip’s audio and new connectivity systems.

The all-new Rio will offer buyers class-leading practicality and safety technology, the latest connectivity features and more assured and engaging ride and handling characteristics.

Did you know that the Kia Rio is Korean manufacturer’s global best-selling model with more than 473,000 sold around the world in 2015 alone? Awesome!!! Do check out the new Kia Rio at their showroom.

During the launch today, Grand Motors had some activities for the public such as hanna

There was also a pancake station

The crowd earlier this morning

Only for today that when you take a selfie and post on social media, you will get a portable speaker

Sentral Shopping Centre is pleased to announce that there will be a Chinese Cultural Week from 1st to 10th February from 4pm to 6pm as to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Chung Hwa Middle School will be taking an active part in the Chinese Cultural Week with Wushu performances, Chinese cultural dance and drumming will be performed by them on the 10th February 2017. On 10th February 2017, there will be an opening ceremony by Mr. Chai Tze Yun Hong, President of Hakka Association, at 2:30pm.

Colouring activities will be held on the 4th Feb 2017, at 5pm open to 8 – 12 years old. On the 3th – 5th Feb 2017 there will be Orange Eating Competition open to 18 years old above and max of 5 participants per session. Registration form can get at our Lucky Draw counter or 3rd floor management office.

Cooking Demo happening today and tomorrow (3rd and 4th February)

Cooking Demo taken last year

Cooking Demo will be on the 3rd February & 4th February, 1st Floor Sentral Shopping Centre. The menu for the cooking demo will be Steamed Prawn Dumpling, Hot plate, Yam Basket w Chicken Chestnut and Butter Prawn w Spring onion. This cooking demo will be demonstrated by the head chef from KBSentral, Chef Sofia. Registration forms are available at Lucky Draw Counter.

There is also Angpow or red packets and oranges giveaway as part of the activity at the atrium of Sentral Shopping Centre for all our customers in light of the ongoing festive spirit! To be able to get the Angpow and oranges, customers need to visit the shopping centre as often as they can during the 10 days event. Also Chinese Theme Photo Booth available for customer to take photo and customer can tag us for Instagram @KBSentral and facebook KBSentral Shopping Centre.

The Management of Sentral Shopping Centre would also like to take this opportunity to wish all customers a prosperous Chinese New Year!

If you need further information, please call 3339889 or email to kbsentralmarketing@gmail.com or you can follow their updates on social media @kbsentral instagram or Sentral Shopping Centre Facebook page.

Orange eating competition happening this weekend

His Excellency Craig Allen US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam had the privilege to launch the latest outlet of Burger King (Brunei) at Kiulap. Guess what? His Excellency used to be an employee of Burger King back in the US 40 years ago. Interesting.

He was also happy to see the growing number of franchises in the Brunei economy as this will help to stimulate the SMEs growth in Brunei Darussalam as these are priorities 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 hoped that there will be more variety of industry in the franchise category, for instance, professional services and such as we don’t have that much or any in Brunei Darussalam. It could be in the field of beauty salon or plumbing or automative.

Present during the launch of the 7th Burger King outlet were Burger King (Brunei) Director Pg Hashim bin Pg Jaya and Deno Goh, Operations Director of Burger King (Brunei).

Also during the launch, Burger King also unveiled their latest menu – Golden Nacho Burger and it comes in beef or chicken. My preference is definitely the Golden Nacho Cheese Beef.. Yummy…

Do check out the latest Burger King outlet in Kiulap. They even have an upper floor where there is a small play area for children.

His Excellency Craig Allen US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam with the management and associates of Burger King at the 7th outlet launching at Kiulap

Craig Allen reliving his memories as an employee of Burger King

The play area at Kiulap outlet

Craig Allen having a word with Deno Goh

Craig Allen has a big appetite for burgers 😀

Golden Nacho Cheese Beef

Sunrise Orange Pancake Tower

Pancake House Brunei is inviting customers to celebrate Chinese New Year at their Giant, Rimba outlet with their special promotion for the month of February.

In conjunction with the Chinese New Year, Pancake House Brunei is offering an 18% discount on their Sunrise Orange Pancake Tower – a stack of six pancakes drenched in lemon-orange syrup with cream cheese filling in between, topped with orange zest, going for only $4.50.

And with one order of Sunrise Orange Pancake Tower, customers will also be able to enjoy another 15% on all available ala carte main course menu. So it is now a good time to come and try the local favourites like the Classic Pan Chicken, Burger Steak, Southern Maple Chicken, etc.

This promotion will end at the end on 28 February 2017.

Located on the first floor of the new wing of Giant, Rimba, the outlet is opened daily from 10am to 10pm, serving a range of breakfast menu to the ever popular pancakes and waffles.

For reservations, please contact 2463593, or get the latest updates by following “@pancakehousebn” on Instagram and or “Pancake House Brunei” on Facebook.

It’s the festive season for Chinese new year and it’s the year of the rooster. I could have bought some shirts from Singapore that has some rooster designs on them. I might look cheesy in them but it’s only once (maybe in a life time that I would wear it lol). It wasn’t as many invites that I had but it was evenly spread out during the weekend.

I’ve told myself that I will go on a no-carb diet from 6pm onwards starting next week. Let’s see how that goes. With my travels in February, It might just get a bit tricky. It’s all about the discipline, right?

Below are some of the pictures from my recent CNY visits last weekend.

The Yee Sang tradition during Gong Xi Fa Cai

Concepts Computer hosted its Chinese New Year open house at its establishment at Kiulap earlier today. The guests were among the business partners of Concepts Computer and Bilster Technologies as well as members of the media. As you know, this is the celebration in conjunction with the Year of the Rooster.

Present during the open house were Mr. Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Computer and Alice Chan. Finance Controller of Concepts Group.

Thank you once again, Mr. Vincent Pao, on your invitation and your continuous support in the local SMEs here in Brunei Darussalam. His company has been one of my longest business clients and it boils down to the strong relationship and professional friendship that I have with Mr. Vincent Pao. He is one of my aspirations to be a successful entrepreneur and I’m truly happy where he is right now.

A photo opportunity with Concepts Computer management and Richard Soo who drove all the way from Miri 🙂

With the management and associates from Netcom Computer House

Another photo opp

Zul Abd Rahman, Marketing Executive of Concepts Computer (centre) with representatives from the Brunei Press

The Mercedes-Benz designers have restyled the product range with great success. The upcoming compact class generation marks the dawn of an even more rigorous implementation of the design idiom of “sensual purity”. The “Aesthetics A” sculpture provides a first indication.

The designers at Mercedes-Benz are reconciling tradition and modernity in designing the cars for the future. Their work centres on ‘Sensual Purity’ as an expression of modern luxury. In applying this design philosophy, Mercedes-Benz sparked a transformation in design with the current AClass, launched in 2012. The new design idiom featuring edges and creases – indentations and recesses in the sheet metal – aimed to create clear forms and sensual surfaces which showcase high tech while also arousing emotions. This played a decisive role in making the brand younger and was key to the company’s excellent sales results. Every Mercedes-Benz model that followed since was born from this philosophy despite having an individual character.

With the “Aesthetics A” sculpture, the design team now presents the vision of a saloon car in the compact car segment which is stripped down to the essential body. It also provides a clear indication of how the design philosophy of ‘Sensual Purity’ will be manifested in the not too distant future. The “Aesthetics A” sculpture embodies the advancement of the Mercedes-Benz design idiom.

“Form and body are what remain when creases and lines are reduced to the extreme. We have the courage to implement this purism”, says Chief Design Officer of Daimler AG, Gorden Wagener. “In combination with perfect proportions and sensual surface design, the upcoming generation of the compact class has the potential to herald a new design era. Design is also the art of omission: the days of creases are over”.

Rather than modifying the basic shape with lines and creases, the Mercedes-Benz designers employ sweeping surfaces at angles to each other to contour the body design with light and shadow and to emphasise the proportions. This makes the essence of a body visible and communicates it in a credible way. The expressive and confident red as a new signature Mercedes-Benz colour underscores the sensuality and emotion of the sculpture.

“Aesthetics A” has a three-box design and is thus also a sign of new forms in the compact class, because outside of Germany and Europe classic saloons are also very much in demand in this segment.

The “Aesthetics A” sculpture is a continuation of a series of sculptures from Mercedes-Benz which to date comprises the works “Aesthetics No. 1” (2010), “Aesthetics No. 2”, “Aesthetics 125” (both 2011) and “Aesthetics S” (2012).

Design as a key success factor for Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz design serves to showcase a passion for automobiles in a modern design idiom. The importance which Daimler AG attaches to design today was highlighted when the post of Chief Design Officer was established on 1 November 2016. Dr Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: “Good design is about much more than simply creating beautiful products: It combines functionality with fascination and gives brand values a distinctive form. We are delighted that our design team under the leadership of Gorden Wagener is among the best in the industry, because the excellent global sales of our vehicles is ultimately also due to their outstanding design”.

Check out their CNY promotion at Garden Sentral Hotel from 27th January to 5th February

Garden Sentral Hotel wish to inform that they are back with their Chinese New Year Festive Promo in Kuala Belait. Promotion valid between 27th January – 5th February 2017. Garden Sentral hotel has the facilities of supermarket, variety of dining outlets, kids play, cinema, arcade, swimming pool, gymnasium, car park, open space balcony, garden courtyard and etc. All under one roof.

Hotel Serviced Apartment offer short term, long term, business or leisure stay, Garden Sentral Hotel offers the needs. Our fully Serviced Apartment (modern contemporary design) comes with fully equipped kitchen, laundry, dining and living room. Living room and bed room equipped with 42” and 50” full HD LED TV with cable channels / ASTRO & DVD Player, Local & IDD calls facilities well as free High Speed Internet (Fiber Optic). Provide open space balcony for BBQ and relaxation. Housekeeping service, Laundry Services, Maintenance service, Complimentary transportation within KB Areas, Free access to swimming Pool & Gymnasium, Arcades & Children Playground, sheltered car park, 24 hours CCTV & security, 24 hours Reception & Concierge, Discounts on food and beverage outlets at KBSentral Shopping Centre. To add the convenience, we have provided car rental on daily, weekly and monthly basis with special rate for our in house guest.

All of this for only @BND$ 98.00 NETT Inclusive *BUFFET BREAKFAST for Two Persons for a Superior Room at Garden Sentral Hotel.

You also enjoy special discounts at *All Seasons – 5% *SugarBun – 10% *Beesket – 10% *Pastamania – 10% *Sushi Tei – 20% *Waroeng Penyet – 5%

Please call the hotel’s hotline 3338333 for further information or email us at sales@gardensentralhotel.com

The new faces of Brunei Basketball Association. Image taken from BBA Facebook Page.

Late post: In-conjunction with the 33rd National Day celebration, the Brunei Basketball Association (BBA) will be hosting an inter-district basketball tournament at the BBA Indoor Basketball Hall from 19th to 26th February 2017. The tournament is supported by Core-Lee Enterprise, Easy Way Tea and Café, and Soon Lee Holdings.

One of the key objectives of the tournament is to identify potential players who are capable and willing to represent Brunei Darussalam in regional and international basketball competitions.

“One of our priorities is to revitalize the platform for youth who aspire to represent our country. The aspiration for the new executive committee for the next three years is to develop a team that is competitive in SEABA competitions.” said Johnny Ang, the Deputy Chairman of BBA.

The tournament will be opened to Brunei Citizens and Permanent Residents and players who are interested to participate in the tournament can contact the basketball association in their respective districts for further details. For Tutong District, the contact point would be Mr. On Wei Yeah at 8737528. For Belait District, the contact point would be through the Chairman of Belait District Basketball Association, Mr. Wong Ming Ching, at 8758873. Although Temburong District does not have a basketball association, the Temburong team will be organized by Mr. Tan Chu Eu at 8758338.

“For this tournament, we will have a stronger focus on youth. Each team is required to have at least 3 players under the age of 23 and one youth player must be playing on the court at all time during the tournament” said Wira bin Pori, the BBA secretary.

As one of the most active sport associations in Brunei Darussalam, the new executive committee of BBA aims to play a stronger role in the youth development in the country which is in line with the call for youth to make Vision 2035 a success.

Lim Ting Guan handing over records and documents of the BBA to the new chairman, Kwang Ming Heng. Image taken from BBA Facebook Page.

It’s good to see new blood, the young ones in the Brunei Basketball Association (BBA). There are a mixture of the young and the old and it will be interesting to see a different mix of people in the committee.

During the election in December, Kwang Ming Heng won the vote as the new Chairman of BBA and Ang Han Then was elected as the Deputy Chairman.

According to the report at Borneo Bulletin, BBA under the previous committee has agreed to upgrade the basketball court at Batu Bersurat as per FIBA’s specifications. The project is estimated to cost around $91,350, while the new gym and equipment will cost around $23,952. The basketball rack and rim will come with the cost of $3,000.

The renovation project, which is scheduled to begin in January, will be delayed until March waiting for the FIBA-approved flooring to arrive in the country. The renovation is expected to take 10 weeks.