Women & Girls in ICT
Women keen on harnessing the power of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) must be prepared to learn new skills and embrace opportunities to use the new technology for education and lifelong learning.
In her sabda at the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) 2012 yesterday, Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri PengiranAnak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah urged women in the ICT industry to continually seek ways to improve themselves in their careers.
"I would therefore encourage our women to capitalise on the opportunities....both in public as well as in private, to develop and upgrade their knowledge and expertise in ICT," she said.
"It is only in this manner that they (women) will be able to pursue meaningful careers in the ICT industry," said HRH.
"Alhamdulillah, under the wise and able leadership of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, through various initiatives undertaken by governmental agencies, there have always been equal opportunities for women's empowerment and participation in all forms of activities," added Her Royal Highness. To read more, click here. Courtesy of Leo Kassim of The Brunei Times.
Yesterday marked the World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) and is being celebrated annually by many countries across the world to commemorate the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention, and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) of the United Nations agency.
Brunei Darussalam observed WTISD at the Empire Hotel & Country Club, in an event organised by the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) in collaboration with Telekom Brunei Berhad (TelBru), DST and B-Mobile Communications Sdn Bhd.
Gracing the event as the guest of honour was Her Royal Higness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman.
On arrival, Her Royal Highness was greeted by the Minister of Communications, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdullah bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar; Dato Paduka Haji Awang Alaihuddin bin Pehin Orang Kaya Di Gadong Seri Lela Dato Seri Utama Haji Awang Mohamad Taha, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Chairman of AITI; and Haji Yahkup Haji Menudin, Chief Executive of AITI.
The event also saw a panel discussion by prominent ICT women from both the government and private sectors who shared several challenges and opportunities for women’s involvement and participation in the ICT-related activities as well as career prospects in ICT for women. The speakers in the panel discussion were Dr Sophiana Chua Abdullah, Researcher at CSPS; Mariah Taha, Senior Special Duties Officer and CIO at the Prime Minister’s Office; and Azizah Ali, Country Manager of Microsoft Sdn Bhd. The discussion was moderated by Haslina Taib, CEO of BAG Networks.
Click image to enlarge image
A local women entrepreneur, Hajah Noraini Haji Jamudin of Taste on Tray, then shared her experience on how ICT has helped her to successfully start, manage and run a home business in the bakery industry.
Her Royal Highness has later consented to present a mock certificate of ICT training Programme participation to the two women’s leading associations in the country, namely the Council of Women of Brunei Darussalam and Women Business Council of Brunei Darussalam. Two training providers, HAD Technologies and Tech One Global Pte Ltd, will be conducting the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) and website training courses respectively to about 70 women participants from both associations.
Her Royal Highness also consented to receive a pesambah from the organising committee.
This year's WTISD theme: "Women and girls in ICT" has been chosen by the ITU with aims to ensure that this vulnerable female half of the world’s population will march forward as equals. The theme also supports and promotes the ITU’s designated “Girls in ICT Day” which is celebrated every fourth Thursday of April.
AITI has lined up a number of activities to mark the WTISD celebration, amongst others include essay writing competition and radio quizzes.
Share this post
King Kenny leaves Liverpool
Have you signed up for Reebonz?
Click image to enter website and start shopping
Royal Brunei Airlines
Click banner to find out more
Finally the Spark will be unveiled tomorrow in Brunei and we had a special preview of the car before the launch. Thanks to Tony Chua, Sales Manager of Daha Auto Sdn Bhd, the local press had a sneak peek of the Spark which will be unveiled tomorrow at Chevrolet's showroom at Sumbangsih.
You may recall that the Spark model was featured in Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen. I won't spare much details just yet but all I can say that Spark has already won numerous awards such as the "Best Value Car of the Year" awarded by BS Motoring, "Best Supermini 2011" awarded by Wheels Magazine, UAE and "Top Performing Passenger Vehicle 2011" by Synovate Product Quality.
Stay tune for more updates soon.
TigerLim wanted to take the guys for a quick ride
Kenny Dagllish (right) parted ways with Liverpool. This picture was taken back last July during Liverpool Asia Tour in KL. Kenny was interviewed by the press then and he believed Liverpool would finished at least fourth.
I knew this will happen one day. King Kenny flew to the States to meet with the owners of Liverpool and his role was already in jeopardy as Liverpool finished a mediocre 8th in the Premier League. Even their bitter rivals Everton finished above them.
I believe it was the right decision that Kenny was to be replaced. After spending USD 100 million, you would expect Liverpool to challenge for the top four spot. Instead the players failed to deliver and their performance justified the results.
I would expect a major clear out of players too should Liverpool begin in rebuilding the squad. Henderson, Downing and Carroll have been disappointing though Carroll showed improvement in the final third of the season. Who will replace King Kenny is the big question now... We will just wait and see...
Kenny Daglish in the group photo with Liverpool representatives and Gavin Laws (3rd from right) Group Head of Standard Charted Bank
I managed to take a picture with Gavin Laws but not too sure if he still holds the position. Taken also during the Liverpool Asia Tour.
Liverpool match against Malaysia XI
This was hilarious. I didn't know what Shell Stars meant when I received the invitation. Until I came to the event yesterday, I was pretty blown away by the competition orgnaised by Brunei Shell Marketing Sdn Bhd (BSM) and this is an annual event called Shell Stars. The event was held at Manggis Mall.
So basically the petrol attendants (the frontline staff) are to selected to participate in Shell Stars and each of them are representatives from various petrol stations in Brunei. These exercises are good in a way to improve the customer service at petrol stations and this also boost confidence in handling difficult situations especially relating to Health, Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE).
The top 5 team will be attending the Shell Retail Academy in KL, Malaysia, in which they will undergo site visits and selected training programs to enhance their knowledge and gain experience.
One of the BSM representatives re-enacting a scenario using a mobile phone at a petrol station while the participant (petrol attendant) tried his best to handle the situation during the Shell Stars Qualifying 2012
I'm pretty sure the videos are worth watching over and over again. I was laughing my head off on some of the scenes.
The participant trying to tell the lady why the car must turn off the engine
The Managing Director of BSM, Hj Mohd Sufri Hj Sulaiman (left) was present to watch the competition
The judges who gave their feedbacks on each of the participants
Haha I thought this was a funny scene
One of the participants from TAIB Petrol Station (right) was given some feedback
I thought this guy (left) handled the situation well
Share this post
Make Oasia Your Oasis
Oh yes.... The phrase says it all...
Oasia Hotel is located at Novena and it has an interesting architectural feel
Sorry peeps... This post was overdue and it was during my last trip to Singapore last April where I was hotel hopping. So finally, one of the hotels that many of my readers have been requesting to post and here it is.....
One word to describe Oasia - "Awwweeeesomeee...!" It was my first time at Oasia Hotel and I've heard so much abou the hotel and I remember the presentation done by Singapore Tourism Board on the recommended list of hotels and Oasia is one of them. So it was a privilege that I finally get to experience the hospitality at Oasia Hotel which is located near the city area.
I love the layout of the room I checked in at Club Level. The ambience was just right and I'm always particular when it comes to Wifi too and it's inclusive as well as a patron of the Club Level rooms. The club room is not as spacious as Albert Village Court Hotel but still just the right size for me.
There's even an espresso machine *awesome* though I don't drink espresso. The bathroom is spacious. Oh yeah, the TV HD is freaking huge and it has a cool, welcoming personalised menu once you switch on the TV for their guests too.
Those who are staying at Club Level, you will enjoy the perks at the Club Lounge (Level 22) which serves great coffee, tea and breakfast too. The Club Lounge also has an infinity pool and guests can check in or check out through the front desk at Level 22.
Perhaps the greatest advantage for me is the location. Though it's not located around Orchard but Oasia Hotel is just next to Novena Square where there is also an MRT (one or two minutes walk from the hotel) and Orchard is just two stops away. So this hotel really suits me in terms of being away from the hustle and bustle of Orchard.
Oasia Hotel is also convenient for patients of Novena Medical Center which is also next door. My mom does her physiotherapy at Novena Medical Center on a regular basis so I'm quite familiar with this area. So this is a suitable medical hub in Singapore.
So to my readers, you can enjoy 10% discount if you make reservations through here and these are only available for Club room and on weekends. The weekend package includes 1) daily buffet breakfast at Club Lounge 2) Unlimited Internet Access 3) Buffet dinner for two at Zaffron 4) Daily cocktail and canapés form 6pm to 8pm at Club Lounge 5) Exclusive usage of pool at the Living Room (22nd floor).
Click on this link and you can enjoy 10% discount from the weekend rates at Oasia Hotel. Oh yeah, if you want to more in-depth reviews from others, you can read comments from Trip Advisor.
The Club Pool at the Living Room on Level 22 of Oasia Hotel
Betty Tan, Head of Marketing, Far East Hospitality, Ng Ee Von, Assistant E-Marketing Manger of Far East Hospitality and Alex Chan, Management Associate, Far East Hospitality. Taken at Club Lounge at Oasia Hotel.
The corner room (Deluxe Room) at Oasia Hotel. The Deluxe Room is cheaper than the Club Room.
Ok, this is the room I'm staying at (Club Room). I was just feeling jobless playing the timer with my Canon that day *lol*
The welcoming menu from the huge TV... Quite unique I must say.
Nice piece of art in the room
This is also important if I were to be a guest at any hotel
Toiletries are provided too
Ah... they used Thann bathing gels :D
Ok, another jobless moment indeed
The espresso machine is available at the Club Room
You can dine at Zaffron on ground level
We had a quick lunch at Zaffron
This lady is good at making coffee. Taken at the Club Lounge.
The choices of tea you can choose and each tube has a distinctive smell too
I had the mocha latte during my hi-tea at Club Lounge
The hotel pool is located on the 8th floor
You can also host events here which is on the 8th floor
Oasia Hotel is just next to these buildings including Novena Square where you can catch the MRT to other destinations
Do try out Curry Times (part of Old Chang Kee) at Novena Square. You won't miss this when you walk from Oasia to Novena Square. Carol and I love the food there.. *Yummm*
As I mentioned before that Novena is just two stops away from Orchard. How convenient :D
Share this post
Do do do
2nd Limited Edition T-shirts
The latest design for #WalkRunCycle2012 glow-in-the-dark limited edition T-shirts ready for pre-booking. First 50 can have their number preference. Please call Aewon 2611120, 2670481, 2670497. Last order Tuesday 15th May
So this is the 2nd batch of Limited Edition T-shirts for the upcoming #WalkRunCycle2012 event. This came after a huge interest with the first batch of glow-in-the-dark T-shirts that @kurapak design and it created a huge interest that HSBC Brunei decided to unveil a new design for the next batch of limited edition t-shirts.
So far they have been many phone calls to Aewon who created the design for this batch. You can call their office number 2611120 (9am to 10pm), 2670481 or 2670497 (9am to 7pm). The first 50 bookings will get the privilege to get their number preference on the t-shirts. The material will be cotton and the price is $50 each and the proceeds will go to #walkruncycle2012 fund.
The final order will be on Tuesday 15th May so better make your pre-bookings soon. Do not reach myself or HSBC outlets concerning the bookings of the t-shirts. Just call the numbers listed from Aewon - 2611120 (9am to 10pm), 2670481 or 2670497 (9am to 7pm)
Have you signed up for Reebonz?
A sneak preview of what's to come for the Spark
Click image to enter website and start shopping
Royal Brunei Airlines
Click banner to find out more
After 6 years into the project, Red Bull Rookies Racing 2012 will get a new look. Previously an all-female drivers team, this time a battle of sexes will be introduced to bring in the male drivers. All Bruneians (Yellow and Red IC holders) between the age of 18 and 25 years old are encouraged to participate.
The audition will be held at Times Square from 18th to 20th May 2012. Anybody born between 31st December 1994 and 1st January 1987 is eligible to take part. Valid IC’s are to be presented during the registration process. The male team which is to be spearheaded by Mark Darwin, a Malaysian, as the anchorman while the female team will be led by Melissa Huang of Singapore.
Red Bull Rookies Racing was introduced to Brunei Darussalam in 2010 where Noradzlianayati Abdul Razak (Liana) and Melline Jaini (Mel) made their debut and last year Fauziah Haziz (Ogy) made history as she was the first Bruneian to start the Sepang 1000km Race in Red Bull colours. And she did exceptionally well combining with Puteri Ayu Yasmin of Malaysia and Emmiline Ang of Singapore. The team came home in 15th placing out of 28 teams that started the race. It was a remarkable result considering the drivers were rookies and the only all-female team.
Mr.Raymond Lee, the Area Sales Manager (Brunei Darussalam) said that Red Bull introduced and continued this legacy project in the hope to provide the opportunity of a lifetime to potential young champions who have the dream to excel in racing industry. Many times it is very costly for one individual to prepare and race.
Come the 20th May 2012, 3 female and 3 male qualifiers will be announced to take part in the multi-stages and stringent elimination process to be conducted by the team led by Team Manager cum Trainer, Mr. Kenvin Low. Mr Low possesses an impressive resume in terms of racing and coaching. This will be his fourth year handling the team.
This is how the seach for the drivers will look like and the time line.. A bit confusing but you will understand soon
Mr. Wong, representative from Red Bull, at the press conference yesterday
This was the team of Red Bull Rookies 2011 and they all did quite well
So who will be the chosen ones??
Click image to find out more :))
Click image to enter website
The Revenue Division of the Ministry of Finance has continued its series of STARS Discovery Day Roadshow on 9 May 2012 at 8:30am at the Theatre Hall, Ministry of Finance Building. The is the second roadshow of a series of roadshows to introduce the System for Tax Administration and Revenue Services (STARS). The guest of honour is Puan Hjh Ning-Lela binti Dato Paduka Haji Mohammad Permanent Secretary (Performance). The roadshow was attended by company directors, accountants, auditors and tax agents.
STARS was first launched on 22 October 2011, gradually rolled-out to the tax community in stages. This system provides online access to a suite of transactions, enquiry and account management services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The most prominent feature of STARS is the electronic service that allows tax payers to submit their tax returns online. With the access online, the taxpayers will be able to enjoy the ease and comfort of performing their tax obligations such as filing tax returns wherever internet access is available. With this online system, the tax payers no longer have to physically come to the Revenue Division to make payment, as this can be done online.
Taxpayers are now required to file and pay for their Income Tax Returns for years of assessment 2012 onwards by a new submission date which is 30th June. Taxpayers are also required to submit and pay their estimated chargeable income within three (3) months after the end of the accounting period, as stated under Section 52A(i) of the Income Tax Act relating to that year of assessment.
At this roadshow, the Revenue Division also shared the latest amendments to the Income Tax Act, such as the reduction of the corporate tax rate from 22% to 20% for Year of Assessment 2012. Tax incentives were also explained whereby in support of local employment, tax credits can be claimed for employing locals and sending local employees for training.
So the next roadshow will be tomorrow Wednesday 16th May at Theatre Hall, Ministry of Finance. Workstations for online presentations will be provided and participants are encouraged to bring your own notebooks or tablets with WiFi/3G to avoid queueing. You can book your seat by calling 238 0651.
The panelists running the STARS workshop for the participants
The participants in attendance
Reading the booklet on STARS
Register with STARS
The Revenue Division invites taxpayers to register for STARS at www.stars.gov.bn as it offers greater convenience and efficiency, thus making it simpler for the tax-paying community to comply with Brunei Darussalam’s tax regulations.
Pre-requisites steps to filing your tax returns online are:
1. Directors of a company must register personally with STARS
2. To enable access for an employee to perform tax matters on behalf of the company, the director must set up a relationship with the employee in STARS.
3. To enable access for a tax agent to perform tax matters on behalf of the company, the director must set up a relationship with their tax agency in STARS.
Helpdesk
Taxpayers who need help with filing their tax returns via STARS can visit the Revenue Division where STARS kiosks are available with the assistance of a Revenue Division representative. Taxpayers can also call the STARS helpline on + (673) 238 3933 or 2380651. These services are available daily during working hours only from 8am to 12pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Additionally, taxpayers may email to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. Latest information may also be obtained from the facebook and Twitter @RevenueDivision
I can also registered online personally even though I don't have a company account
This is how it will look like online
Apparently I didn't know that I'm still a director of these companies *lol*
The next roadshow will be tomorrow 16th May from 8:30am at Theatre Hall, MOF. Please call 238 0651 for details or bookings.
Share this post
Make a date to Boracay
So I've heard so much about Boracay which has one of the best beaches in the world!!!! Did you know that it is voted as one of the world's best beach by the Sun Herald, Australia? It's a good getaway island located in Aklan provence, 345km south of Manila. It is accessible by air from Manila through two principal gateways: Caticlan Airport or Kalibo Airport.
Reading from the articles, there are tons of things you can do at Boracay Island. Of course, some of the things you can do are diving, snorkeling and windsurfing. You can also sail around the island or kayaking, paddle boat, speed boating and many more.
It's a norm that most travelers love to lie under the sun or under the shade of coconut trees. The sunset is something to be amazed of from the view of the beach. And when the night hits, there will be more exciting activities in store for tourists.
Now doesn't the beach look awesome??
You can get massages on the beach too
There's also under water activity
Another great view of the beach… Don't you just want to relax here?
Lots of tourists on the beach
Wanna do parasailing?
Boracay Beach also known for its seafood
There's a huge chance that I will be flying over there to feel the "Boracay Experience" so that would be an excellent coverage for my readers. I'm pretty sure a few Bruneians have ventured here after hearing rave reviews of the island.. Forget Bali, Kosamoi, Pulau Redang for the moment.. Boracay is the in-thing in terms of beach experience.
So the question is how do you get there? Easy peasy… Now Anthony Tours have launched a special package where you can go to Boracay for a 4 days 3 nights holiday package (31st May to 3rd June) and this is considered a long weekend because of the Army Day in Brunei.
The package is as low as BND 999 and you will be catching two flights (RBA and Cebu Pacific) and it includes Hotel Twin Share room only, return transfer Airport-Hotel. You can book online or call Anthony Tours 222 2666, 222 8668 or 222 7965.
Check out the great deal on
Share this post
