RB flying forward
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Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Abdullah graced the ceremony of Royal Brunei Airlines double daily flight to KL. Also in the picture are Jamilah Abdul Halim, Director of Tourism Malaysia (Brunei), Abd Mutalib, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications, Dato Paduka Hj Bahrin, Deputy Minister of Finance and Chairman of RB, Dermot Mannion, Deputy Chairman of Royal Brunei Airlines and Mariani Hj Sabtu, Acting Director of Tourism Development Board (Brunei) yesterday held at the Muhibah room, Airport Restaurant
A moment for the guest of honour from RB. The event took place yesterday morning prior to our flight to KL where the program continued
Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) are in the process of rebranding and they have created some presence in the UK lately and also in the region and wow, I'm pretty impressed with their rebranded products and services. Tomorrow will be a milestone for RB as they will be flying to Kuala Lumpur twice daily from Brunei. This is good news because of the high traffic of Bruneians flying over to KL. It was noted by Dayang Mariani binti Hj Sabtu, Acting Director of Tourism Development Board, that there is a figure of over a million visits alone from Brunei to Malaysia. That's like 3 times more than our population. Perhaps it's also safe to say that most of the frequency takes place between Brunei and Miri.
Of yesterday's multiple events, I have to salute Dermot Mannion, Deputy Chairman of Royal Brunei Airlines, for his great leadership under RB ever since his appointment in 2009 and how he has turned the national carrier around step by step. Some of the new things introduced was the revamped online booking system and this year was the rebranding of Royal Brunei Airlines with their new logo and also a new theme carrying the message of "A Redefined Journey".
I could feel the previous leaders or CEOs of the airline did their best but I honestly felt the stagnancy in the direction they were heading then. To tell you frankly, a few years ago, I had this feeling where I would make RB my second preference for flight bookings. It was more of a confidence thing and slowly after seeing the changes and the new direction it is heading, I began to believe in RB. Now with this being said, this shows how these small little steps can slowly change one's mindset and made that difference.
After seeing Dermot's presentation last night dinner event, I'm much more excited about the new things to come for RB. The rebranding process has slowly paid off and I truly agree that it's not about the destination but the experience of the journey that makes a difference. Yes, there may still be complains here and there but RB has taken things more serious now and I could see the improvements over the past year or so.
RB's presence of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and instagram (@royalbruneiair) have also made communication easier and accessible and it also have played an important role in reaching to a bigger community especially through sharing information.
What I'm truly looking forward to is the the Dreamliner Boeing 787 which will make its debut insyaAllah by September 2013. The Dreamliner will be flown from Seattle and I hope I'm able to experience the new livery in September. The other tentative dates for 2nd, 3rd and 4th Dreamliner are October 2013, February 2014 and March 2014. For the record, RB will be the first airline in ASEAN to own a Dreamliner. That really shows of RB's vision of moving forward and taking that extra step. I remember such news of Dreamliner was even announced back in year 2007 and supposedly scheduled for delivery in 2009 which didn't materialized. So this time, it's for real.
So what's impressive about the Boeing 787 Dreamliner? It's fuel efficient by 20% and that will help to reduce cost in a long run. In fact, it's the most fuel-efficient airline. They have bigger seats even in economy section and this also means more leg room. You also won't feel as suffocated (not saying that you will *lol*) but because you will leave the airline feeling fresher because the cabin pressure allows more oxygen to be absorbed into your blood. Did you know also that the Dreamliner generate 60% less noise than the standard planes especially during take-off and landing? So just imagine once you are on air.. it will be quieter than usual.
Dato Sri Mohd Effendi Morwawi with his spouse Datin Seri Tiara Jacquelina looking at the RB's Boeing 787 Dreamliner model at last night's event
This is a planned appearance of how the interior of 787 Dreamliner looks like. Image taken from http://dreamliner.thomson.col.uk
Anyway, enough about the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Let's focus on the main subject here and that is the RB's moving forward in terms of the double daily flight to Kuala Lumpur. This is a good indication for Brunei Tourism Development as well as Tourism Malaysia to explore more opportunities and work on the synergies and each other's strengths.
Last night event also made a significant impact on the journalists and the media in Malaysia. Some said it's the first time they have seen Royal Brunei organizing such event or dinner for their milestones and rebranding phase. This shows that RB is not taking this campaign lightly and they want to create an impact and branding awareness of RB's vision and objectives and make make one's journey a "redefined" one.
After a slightly turbulent phase back in 2011 (where routes such as Brisbane, Perth, Kuching, Auckland and Ho Chi Minh City were cut off and also the restructuring of the company began), RB is gaining back its momentum, thanks to the direction of Dermot Mannion who has a solid track record of achievement in airline operations, characterized by strong cash flow, improved productivity, low unit costs, excellent customer service and high staff morale. So far, he has a planted new seeds and give it a few more years and you will probably see how much different and improved RB has been since its restructuring phase.
Hats off to Dermot Mannion and his team of their new era and keep it up!!! Oh thank you to Royal Brunei Airlines also for inviting me exclusively for the coverage of this important milestone in Kuala Lumpur.
Upon arrival at the KLIA where our flight was blessed. Thank you @emmagoodegg for the wonderful moment shot
The traditional dance performance for the special guests
Another cake cutting ceremony held at the boarding room at KLIA. Also present during the press conference were Syed Yahya Syed Othman, Director of Tourism Malaysia, Dato Paduka Hj Ishaaq, Brunei High Commissioner to Malaysia, Dato' Azmi Murad, Senior General Manager of Operations Services Malaysia Airports, Dermot Mannion, Deputy Chairman of Royal Brunei Airlines and Karam Chand, Chief Commercial and Planning Officer at Royal Brunei Airlines
Group photo with the guests
Karam Chand at the press conference yesterday upon arrival at KLIA
Members of the local media from KL
This is a special privilege --> To actually dine in inside a boarding room *lol*
Dermot took the KLIA Express train to KL Central. More on this service later on. It's very ideal if you want to reach the city in less than an hour :D
Muaz preparing for the evening's event
On my right, Mr. David Hogan, founder of MalaysiaAsia and I love his job because he travels (more than me). Next to him is his Chinese editor of MalaysiaAsia, Janice Wong. Do check the website out!!!
This is to be launched by July in business class. Now you can watch movies or play games or listen to music through means of iPad. Of course, you won't be able to access the internet. The experience alone using iPad Minis on a plane is just a first step.
Dermot appreciating the RB management team based in KL
Ok, this is the finale of the cake cutting ceremony which took place last night at Hotel Istana
Another press conference held last night and a lot of focus targeted on RB's rebranding program. Dermot announced that RB invested USD 1 million in their rebranding journey.
Datin Seri Tiara Jacquilena who is famously known for her big role in Puteri Gunung Ledang had a photo opportunity with RB air steward and stewardess. Also in the picture is Jamilah Abd Rahman
Datin said service is the most important and she would like to fly RB one day.
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Off again to KL
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It's happening this weekend. Click image to find out more.
Deputy Chairman of Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) Dermot Mannion gave his remarks and he announced that all business class passengers will enjoy the luxury of the usage of iPad Mini as part of their inflight entertainment beginning July 2013
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, Chairman of BIBD, presented token to one of the longest serving employee of 20 years
Another long serving employee of BIBD for 20 years
Last week Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) held an “Awards Night”- themed annual dinner for all BIBD staff at the Grand Hall, Indera Samudra of The Empire Hotel and Country Club in Jerudong. The annual dinner was held to commemorate all the hard work the BIBD personnel has achieved over the past year.
The Guest of Honour of the event was the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, who is the Chairman of BIBD.
Also present were the BIBD board members, its Shariah Advisory Body as well as the Managing Director of BIBD Javed Ahmad, amongst some 600 managers, officers and staff of BIBD and its subsidiaries; BIBD At-Tamwil and BIBD Securities.
The dinner started with a recitation of the Doa, which was then followed by a welcoming remark by Managing Director Javed Ahmad, which was continued with a speech by the Guest of Honour. The annual dinner caps off a wonderful year for BIBD, with BIBD winning several awards on the regional front such as being awarded the Best Retail Bank in Brunei from The Asian Banker, Global Finance’s “World’s Best Emerging Markets Banks 2013 in Asia-Pacific" for Brunei and Best Islamic Bank in Brunei from The Banker, Global Finance and Islamic Finance News, to name a few.
Along 2012, BIBD also managed to enhance its client-banking relationship, bringing them ever closer together via the launch of the dedicated BIBD Mobile app, upgrades to the BIBD Online and Contact Centre. All these activities and more were made in line with our ever-continuous efforts to serve our customers better.
BIBD, via its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, has also increased their efforts to further serve the community around. This is exemplified by the recent launching of their ALAF (Advocating Life-Long Learning for an Aspiring Future) programme, a programme to help bring more educational opportunities to underprivileged children, adding to their ever growing contributions to the growth of the society.
The dinner continued with an award ceremony for a total of 91 BIBD staff, who each received service awards as a token of appreciation for their years of loyalty and commitment to the bank. Press release courtesy of BIBD.
Javed Ahmad, Managing Director of BIBD, in his opening remarks
IA Salon is having a special Mother's Day promotion until 30th June 2013. Any hair service spend $80 above with a single receipt and you will get a FREE Hair Treatment (L'Oreal product).
There is also a manicure + pedicure + foot scrub with 20% off from Monday to Thursday only. For Wash & Blow + Scalp treatment (L'Oreal product) - $30 for Men, $35 for Women.
So do come and make your appointment at IA Salon. Call 242 3232 or 8738232 and the business hours are from 10am to 8:30pm daily. IA Salon is located at the ground floor, The Mall.
Cecilia Lee of IA Salon, a very passionate hairstylist and make-up artist, always learning new trends
You can get your scalp check which reminds me I better get mine re-checked again
Hair and make-up done by IA Salon
Guess what peeps? Another instagram competition is being organised and this time it is by AITI who partnered with Brunika and it's known as "AITI Instagram Competition". This is also in conjunction with AITI 10 Years Anniversary. The first prize is an iPad Mini while second prize is a Sony Xperia.
The closing date is on 20th May 2013 by midnight and you will have to take photos that portray AITI. Example AITI buildings or anything ICT related or even activities or events related to AITI. Then make sure that you include their official hashtags #insta_a_i_t_i and #brunika to be eligible for the competition. Oh, do make sure your instagram is not priviatised, otherwise it will be hard for the judges to view your photos via hashtags.
So what are you waiting for? The deadline is by midnight tonight :D So this is something to keep you busy as well during the weekends. I will put up my own shots too (since I don't mind an iPad Mini :p). Anyway, Happy 10th Year AITI.
Want to win an iPad Mini?
Please take note of the following rules:
1. The opening date of the AITI Instagram Competition is on 6 May 2013 and the closing date will be on 20 May 2013, midnight.
2. This competition is open to local and permanent residents in Brunei Darussalam.
3. Participants can submit as many photos as they wish to (either old or new photos) and include both hashtags #insta_a_i_t_i and #brunika. AITI employees are disqualified to enter this competition.
4. The selected Top 10 participants will be contacted via their Instagram account. And they must attend to the AITI 10 years anniversary carnival on 26 May 2013 to collect their prize.
5. The Top 3 participants will be announced on the day of the carnival.
6. Images must portray on AITI (such as AITI’s office buildings, ICT technology, any activities/events related to AITI, etc).
7. Images must NOT express any forms of profanity, sexual and/or racist elements. Image must NOT incite religious hatred and/or phrases that may be deemed inappropriate to other races.
8. AITI and BRUNIKA reserve the right to reuse any photo that are submitted to the official hash tag of the AITI Instagram Competition #insta_a_i_t_i
9. Upon submission, the owner of the photo will no longer have rights to use the photos upon submission and after the competition for personal or professional use, giving AITI sole rights of the photographs in an unrestricted, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, display, publicly perform, transmit and distribute such photographs.
10. AITI and BRUNIKA shall determine winner eligibility in its sole and absolute discretion. Decisions made by the judges are final and no forms of communications will be entertained at any time.
Mohammad Hasrol bin Bagol receiving the grand prize for winning the 2013 Brunei Telephone Directory Cover Design Competition from Lim Ming Doon, Chief Marketing Officer of Telekom Brunei Berhad and Dyg Mariani binti Hj Sabtu, Acting Director of Brunei Tourism Board
Mohammad Hasrol bin Bagol’s artwork made him the first-prize winner of the “2013 Brunei Telephone Directory Cover Design Competition”, winning him a cash prize of B$1,500, after it was announced last Friday at a prize presentation ceremony held at the TelBru Headquarters.
Handing over the prizes were Lim Ming Soon, Chief Marketing Officer of Telekom Brunei Berhad; James Lee, Managing Director of Tele Directories (B) Sdn Bhd; and Dayang Mariani binti Haji Sabtu, Acting Director of Brunei Tourism.
The entries for the competition which were collected since early March were recently judged by the managers from TelBru, Brunei Tourism and Tele Directories. Among the participants were customers, subscribers and students, as well as artists who were keen on displaying their talents, expressing awareness based on the theme “Kenali Negara Kitani” (KNK) to promote Brunei Tourism in their drawings.
Judging criteria were based on the most visually expressed drawing on the essence of KNK, portraying tourist attractions and activities available in the country.
Mohammad Hasrol, an Art teacher from PAP Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Secondary School in Lumut, during an interview explained that the inspiration behind his drawing originated from his family’s trip to Brunei from oversea, who then asked to see the attractions in the country.
“The reason why it is shaped in a circular form is because it represents how easy it is to reach these landmarks in Brunei and that it is also easy for tourists to find these places in all four districts,” he said.
His artwork was chosen as the winner as it showcased the most creative piece of work that had achieved the depth of understandings of the concept.
Certificates and tokens of appreciation were also given out to 10 consolation prize winners during the prize presentation ceremony. Text courtesy of Izah Azahari of Borneo Bulletin.
One of the consolation prize recipients
Well done, Winnie, for making the top 10 :D
Merrick Chin was also a consolation winner
Another consolation winner
Mohammad Hasrol bin Bagol the grand winner
Winnie's design entry :D
One of the top 10 entries
Group photo with the Top 10 entries
In an effort to bring together young adults for a chance to meet new friends and socialize with old friends in a casual setting, Fun Bee Park invited the talents of an Improv Group to put up their version of ‘Who’s Line Is It Anyway?’ and conduct a short workshop to introduce the spectators to the fun world of Improv recently.
The group of Improv loving folks were pulled together by Joshua and the show was hosted by Liz.The night was filled with good laughter and also good eats. Set in a casual theme, spectators sat on cushions, munched on finger food and sipped on spritzers created by the Chef Will, the newly appointed head chef of Fun Bee Park.
Following the success of Improv Night, next in plan would be a Movie Night along with movie charades and themed dress up fun. For more info regarding the movie night, contact Fun Bee Park at 245 7729. Images below courtesy of Fun Bee Park.
Yugo BBQ lunch promotion from Monday to Thurs
Have you tried Yugo BBQ yet? I have made a few visits there already and the food is great.. Now they have a new lunch promotion for the Shabu-Shabu lunch whic is only $6.90.. You can choose either beef or chicken lunch set with a soup base selection of either chicken, beef, milk or curry. You can also have a choice of noodle or rice and you will be served with either cold or hot tea.
Now isn't that a great deal for only BND 6.90 and the lunch promotion is only available from Monday to Thursday, from 11am to 2pm. For reservation, you can call 242 7790 or 878 5398 at Yugo BBQ. You can also follow updates on instagram @yugobbq
We tried the lunch set and we were kinda full but then again we ordered a few more side dishes
The lunch set comes with this
So you can either choose the chicken or beef
Do try out their home made spices
Fina loved the combo of the soup with the Kampung sauce
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Celebrating WTISD
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Wu Chun picked this up upon cleaning the Muarha beach yesterday. He was pretty sad why mothers or caretakers would simply dump diapers on the beach. He pledged to the public not to simply throw any types of rubbish to our beautiful beaches.
Deputy Chairman of Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) Dermot Mannion (center) was the guest of honour for the RB's Agent Appreciation Night 2012/2013 held last night at the Royal Berkshire Hall at Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club last night
This is the replica model of the Dreamliner which is expected to be unveiled this August or September. I'm excited :D
Registration is open and the last day will be 22nd May (Wednesday). This is limited ot only 16 players for either FIFA 13 and Super Street Fighter. Registration fee is only $5 and the cash prizes are pretty good too - BND 200 for first place for FIFA 13 and Super Street Fighter IV.
You have to register at AITI office at Spg 32-5 Kg Anggrek Desa, Jln Berakas during office hours. The contact person will be Mr. Faizullah or Ms. Hui Nee. The event is organised by AITI and managed by ITS and Counter Attack. The console competition is in conjunction with AITI's 10th year anniversary.
B-Mobile will be giving their YES! Prepaid subscribers $50 free credit reward on 17th May 2013. All YES! Prepaid users are requested to keep their line on active status on or before the 17th May 2013 in order to receive the reward. Well, today's the 18th, so let's hope you have already activated it.
Thank you DST for yesterday's event in hosting the media and social media people at yesterday's hi-tea at Tarindak D'Cafe. The event was graced by Deputy CEO of DST, Hj Marsad Hj Ismail who gave his appreciation to the media and hope for a well-balance reporting of news and coverage. He hoped for a better relationship with DST and media and bloggers in future events.
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More to come
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Last night AITI held a Doa Kesyukuran Ceremony and a mass prayer at the Ash-Shaleehin Mosque, Prime Minister's Office. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the World Telecommunication & Information Society Day (WTISD) and also celebrating AITI's 10th year anniversary. Did you know that every 17th May of the year is World Telecommunication Day? and the theme for this year is "ICTs and Improving Road Safety".
The guest of honour was the Minister of Communications, YB Pehin Hj Abdullah with the presence of Abdul Mutalib, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Chairman of AITI and also Hj Yahkup Hj Menudin, the Chief Executive of AITI.
For your info, there will be a public exhibition from 1pm to 6pm at Sutra Hall, Level 4, at Rizqun Hotel and there will be essay writing and drawing competition as well. AITI will also celebrate their 10th year on the 26th May at the AITI premise.
Physically I'm not there yet but mentally it's almost there. This is one of my bucket lists for 2013.
Shamsul Bahrin, General Manager of OGH and Jamilah Abdul Halim, Director of Tourism Malaysia with the representative of Liz Kamarudin, her mother.
The Orchid Garden Hotel had a prize presentation ceremony for the winners of the OGH Penang Food Promotion. The recent food festival was also supported by Tourism Malaysia.
The winner, Ms. Liz Kamarudin, won herself a trip to Penang for 3 Days 2 Nights Holiday Package inclusive of return air ticket BWN-KUL-PEN-KUL-BWN, an accommodation in Penang and return hotel airport transfer for 1 person. Prize was presented by Puan Jamilah Abdul Halim, Director of Tourism Malaysia and Mr. Shamsul Bahrin Pehin Hj Ahmad the General Manager of Orchid Garden Hotel.
Throughout the entire period of Penang Food Promotion, all diners were entitled to the lucky draw. It was good to see Penang food promotion coming back to OGH as it's one of the most popular food promotion at OGH.
Mardi Hedus and Amy Cheong of Relentless Entertaiment before the start of the event
Hats off to Relentless Entertainment on their tireless effort in producing an enchanting performance at the Jerudong Amphithreater a few weeks ago. We, Bruneians, definitely have talent. I've stressed lately on the abundance of growing talent especially from our youth. It's a matter of giving them the opportunity and being exposed to realise their potentials and Relentless Entertainment has given some opportunities to our local talent.
About 40 of them participated in the performance and they have been invested their time for a few weeks or so. The musical drama performance was themed "The Enchanted Forest" and doing it for the first time, this is a great effort from Relentless Entertainment.
Datin Paduka Hjh Adina was the guest of honour and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports is one of the supporters for the eent. The event was also sponsored by Jerudong Park Country Club, HSBC Brunei, Adison Marketing Services, Fun Bee Park, IA Salon, Patisserie Cake Shop, Misato Japanese Restaurant, Brunei Gas Carriers, Digimark, Aewon Garments, QAF Autokars Sdn Bhd, TK Asco Enterprise, KFC Brunei and Atmosphere Music Production Studio.
Of the total audience, about 1,000 seats were allocated to children from various charities in Brunei Darussalam – Pusat Ehsan, KACA, Smarter Brunei, YASKA, Learning Ladders and Children’s Welfare Home – and enjoyed the musical for free.
According to The Brunei Times' article, The musical presents a tale inspired by classic children's stories. It began with the introduction of Hansen and Greta, a brother and sister who had been placed under a hypnotising spell by Wilhelmina the Evil Witch. Wilhelmina kidnapped them and transported them to the Enchanted Forest, but Hansen and Greta managed to escape. They ran into the forest where they met characters such as Straws the Scarecrow, Eugene and Alicia, who showed them the way to Willow the Good Witch, who can send them home.
Thumbs up to the cast and crew and a big shout out to Mardi Hedus and Amy Cheong the co-producers of the Enchanted Forest. Will this be a yearly thing? I do hope so.
It was such a great crowd that night and this shows how caring the public in support for charity
Wilhelmina the Evil Witch
The two main cast - Hansen and Greta
Mardi checking to make sure everything run smoothly
I see you, Lily :p
The introduction of Straws
The 1,500 jobs up for grabs at the mini job fair, which began yesterday, will be in the retail, hospitality and tourism, to accommodate a big number of job applicants who are looking for jobs in these three sectors, according to an officer from the Local Work Agency and Workforce Development (APTK) yesterday.
The Brunei Mini Job Fair 2013 will be launched today at the Chancellor Hall at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) to boost the number of locals in the workforce.
"Based on our studies, a lot of jobseekers are looking for jobs as sales representatives and hoteliers. They are looking for jobs in these sectors," said the officer who preferred anonymity.
Organised by APTK in collaboration with the Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE), the Brunei Mini Job Fair 2013 includes a career exhibition, walk-in interviews and workshops, said the officer.
The mini job fair is also held to help reduce unemployment and speed up job employment procedures as well as encourage more locals to work in the private sector.
The APTK officer, who is a member of the organising committee, said that walk-in interviews at the job fair will be opened to jobseekers beginning May 17.
He added that this was the first in a series of three mini job fairs to be held this year.
"The remaining two job fairs will identify other industries as the focus industries, including automobile and construction."
Held at UBD, the fair will be open from 9am to 12pm, and from 2pm to 5pm today, May 16 and Saturday, May 18, according to a previous report.
On Friday, the fair will be open from 9am to 11.30am and 2.30pm to 4.30pm, the report added. The job fair is one of the initiatives carried out by APTK to boost local workforce in the private sector.
The agency is also actively implementing its Training and Employment Scheme (SLP), where participants of the SLP are eligible to receive financial incentives of up to $2,500 in stages according to their job attendance and performance.
In a previous report, an official from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) said that out of over 1,000 who have participated in the scheme since it started in 2011, nearly half have resulted in the signing of employment contracts.
The SLP is aimed at providing locals with suitable job skills and experiences in a bid to make them more employable and interested to work for the private sector as well as for employers to be less reliant on foreign workers.
The call to evaluate work performance between locals and foreigners was previously made during the sixth day of the Ninth Legislative Council (LegCo) in March, during which a LegCo member suggested for a benchmark assessment of the locals against foreign workers to see where the locals have fallen short.
In response, LegCo ex-officio member and MoHA Minister Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib DatoPaduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Badaruddin Pengarah Dato Paduka Hj Othman advised against early judgment of the local workforce against foreign workers.
He called on businesses to be patient and committed to the government's cause, as changes among the local workforce will not take place overnight and claimed that the SLP has achieved 80 per cent success rate.
"We have to see them (local workers) as our local entity and it is our responsibility to continue giving them jobs so that they will be able to enjoy a good quality of life as it should be in the country," the minister said. Text courtesy of Fitri Shahminan of The Brunei Times.
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I'm back!!!
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Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah with the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources and BIBD management team
Remember ALAF programme that had a big impact last year? It was initially introduced during Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam's Charity Expedition for ALAF back in October 2012. Now it has become an official programme as part of BIBD's programme and this is one awesome initiative created by BIBD. I believe everyone children in the world must have access to education and we all deserve it :D
So last Saturday, BIBD officially launched their flagship Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative, ALAF (Advocating Life-Long Learning for an Aspiring Future) Programme. The ALAF programme is aimed at providing education sponsorship, focusing on underpriviled and orphaned children in Brunei Darussalam. This is the first of its kind I believe and this is totally different from scholarship programmes.
The event was graced by Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, who officially launched the programme at a ceremony held at the Indera Samudra Grand Hall at the Empire Hotel and Country Club. The launch ceremony for this goodwill programme was attended by some 400 supporters of the initiative.
The opening remarks were delivered by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, Minister of Industry and Primary Resources cum BIBD Chairman. In his remarks, the Chairman shared on the success of organising the Charity Expedition held last October, the first fund-raising event for BIBD ALAF. The event, which received tremendous support from the public, collected more than B$300,000 in donations, along with the involvement of more than 6,000 participants and 800 volunteers from government and non-government agencies, as well as members of public.
Her Royal Highness Princess Sarah delivering her sabda
Signing ceremony between the Ministry of Education and BIBD
The exchange of documents between the Ministry of Education and BIBD
So now ALAF is officially open, you can be part of this contribution. How? You can make donations through BIBD Online, BIBD Mobile, Standing Instruction, Cash Deposit Machines, Hadiah Points or through BIBD counters. The ALAF Account is 01-001-01-818181-1 and you can give a minimum of BND 1. Even that one dollar can make a difference and imagine if everyone of us contribute a dollar, you are able to give a priceless and meaningful gift to every child that wants to learn and they are our future of Brunei and they will also play an important role by the time of Brunei Vision of 2035.
Hjh Nurul Akmar Hj Mohd Jaafar, BIBD’s Deputy Head of Consumer Banking and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, commented on her aspirations on the success of ALAF as she hopes the fund-raising initiative will gain momentum, hoping to see other corporates,NGOs and the public in general to come forward to show their support towards this noble cause in the investment of the development and future of these underprivileged and orphaned children.
You can view their website here or you can call 223 8181 for more details and you can also email
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Once again, thank you to BIBD for making this program a reality and you definitely have my full support. So guys, let's make a difference to our younger generation.
Her Royal Highness Princess Sarah with the Ministers
Choir performance from the children
Choir performance from the children
Students with their parents attending the launch of ALAF
Guess what peeps? Another instagram competition is being organised and this time it is by AITI who partnered with Brunika and it's known as "AITI Instagram Competition". This is also in conjunction with AITI 10 Years Anniversary. The first prize is an iPad Mini while second prize is a Sony Xperia.
The closing date is on 20th May 2013 by midnight and you will have to take photos that portray AITI. Example AITI buildings or anything ICT related or even activities or events related to AITI. Then make sure that you include their official hashtags #insta_a_i_t_i and #brunika to be eligible for the competition. Oh, do make sure your instagram is not priviatised, otherwise it will be hard for the judges to view your photos via hashtags.
So what are you waiting for? The deadline is my next Monday and you have five more days left :D So this is something to keep you busy as well during the weekends. I will put up my own shots too (since I don't mind an iPad Mini :p). Anyway, Happy 10th Year AITI.
Want to win an iPad Mini?
Please take note of the following rules:
1. The opening date of the AITI Instagram Competition is on 6 May 2013 and the closing date will be on 20 May 2013, midnight.
2. This competition is open to local and permanent residents in Brunei Darussalam.
3. Participants can submit as many photos as they wish to (either old or new photos) and include both hashtags #insta_a_i_t_i and #brunika. AITI employees are disqualified to enter this competition.
4. The selected Top 10 participants will be contacted via their Instagram account. And they must attend to the AITI 10 years anniversary carnival on 26 May 2013 to collect their prize.
5. The Top 3 participants will be announced on the day of the carnival.
6. Images must portray on AITI (such as AITI’s office buildings, ICT technology, any activities/events related to AITI, etc).
7. Images must NOT express any forms of profanity, sexual and/or racist elements. Image must NOT incite religious hatred and/or phrases that may be deemed inappropriate to other races.
8. AITI and BRUNIKA reserve the right to reuse any photo that are submitted to the official hash tag of the AITI Instagram Competition #insta_a_i_t_i
9. Upon submission, the owner of the photo will no longer have rights to use the photos upon submission and after the competition for personal or professional use, giving AITI sole rights of the photographs in an unrestricted, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, display, publicly perform, transmit and distribute such photographs.
10. AITI and BRUNIKA shall determine winner eligibility in its sole and absolute discretion. Decisions made by the judges are final and no forms of communications will be entertained at any time.
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This is another version of the LEAP grant by the Brunei Economic Development Board and it's called Start Up Brunei. This was recently launched in March where it aimed at introducing funds to those who are in need of funds to progress especially those with innovatives ideas. LEAP is more of creating a prototype that hopefully can translate to a revenue streamline. As for SUB, it's more on the business and innovative ideas that you want to pursue but it's the funds that is holding you back!!
Hence, BEDB created this programme and their objective is straight forward --> To get the startups going and on their feet. This is Daniel Leong's baby project and he is BEDB's Senior Manager for innovation and New Initiatives. He shared that SUB applicants can get financial assistance up to BND 50,000 and there's also an additional relocation incentive of BND 30,000 for overseas entrepreneur. So I believe this is a great programme that also acknowledges oversea entrepreneurs.
You want to know more then click here and view the details on their official website. The application has just open today and will close on the 15th June 2013.
Daniel Leong, BEDB's Senior Manager for innovation and New Initiatives, briefed about Start Up Brunei, during the launch of the program back in March. Click image to enter website for more details.
Crafts and activities took over Mabohai Shopping Complex last weekend, as Event Solutions organised a Mothers' Day event for families to participate in. Throughout the weekend, participants got to explore their creativity by trying their hands on decorating cookies, scrapbook frame-making, and t-shirt designing. Younger children also got to enjoy free face-painting sessions.
"We wanted to organise an event where families would actually sit down and do things together," said Event Solutions Manager Aziemah Abdullah.
Each activity cost $1 and participants could bring their proud creations home.
"Today we saw one parent wearing a t-shirt that her child had designed for her yesterday," added Aziemah. "We have had many families come through since Saturday, to take part in the many activities we have lined up."
With this event, Event Solutions hope to let families know that the Mabohai Shopping Complex is a place for the whole family, with many retail stores available, including Supasave on the ground floor, as well as children's toy centre ToysRUs. Text courtesy of Adib Noor of The Brunei TImes.
The committee that helped out during the weekend
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