HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Chairman of the ASEAN Ministerial Meetings with the ASEAN Ministers yesterday at the International Convention Centre

This is still an ongoing saga. It is also a sensitive issue to cover as well. For those who are not aware, there are territorial disputes in South China Sea. This issue was escalated for the past few years and there haven't been any conclusion to it just yet. China has claimed the entire body of South China Sea as theirs and the claims overlap with almost all respective countries in ASEAN - Indonesia, The Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, Cambodia, Singapore and lastly Taiwan.

Hence yesterday's meeting was another indication where the ASEAN countries will want to carry the momentum to have a dialogue with China on the code of conduct (CoC) on the South China Sea. For your knowledge, some of the territories are beneficial in terms of fishing and even oil and gas discovery.

ASEAN Chair Brunei has issued a statement after the conclusion of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, there is an urge for a peaceful resolution to territorial disputes between several Southeas Asian nations and China, in accordance with international law.

The final day of the preparatory meetings at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas yesterday was chaired by HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Chairman of the ASEAN Ministerial Meetings. Also present was Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-large.

The Indonesian Foreign Minister Dr Mary Natalegawa expressed that it is important that something needs to be worked out since it's the 20th year of the ASEAN-China strategic partnership. He also advised that any parties to refrain from taking any action as it would complicate situation further.

Only time will tell when Code of Conduct will be concluded.

Other discussions were the progress made since 21st ASEAN summit last year including political and security cooperation; the widening acceptance of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia; ongoing work to the publication of the ASEAN Security Outlook.

ASEAN also also taken a united stance on North Korea's aggression and their aim is to have peace and stability in the Korean peninsula. Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario hopes for a six-party talks involving North Korea, South Korea, the United States, China, Japan and Russia.

The Ministers' Meeting concluded yesterday as its prime objective was to prepare for the April 24-25 summit of ASEAN countries and I believe the CoC issue will be brought up again. I just hope all of this can be resolved without any further tension.

HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Chairman of the ASEAN Ministerial Meetings (center) with Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-large and Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng, the Second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Yang Amat Mulia Pg Anak Mansurah Izzul Bolkiah from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was also present

The final session took place hosted by Brunei

The final session took place hosted by Brunei

The Indonesian Foreign Minister Dr Mary Natalegawa speaking to the media. Image courtesy of INFOFOTO.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Brunei Darussalam HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah (R) and Indonesia's Foreign Minister His Excellency Dr Marty Natalegawa (L) exchange documents after signing the Agreed Minutes of the Third Meeting of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation between Brunei and Indonesia at Muzakarah Hall, International Convention Centre in Berakas. Image courtesy of INFOFOTO.

HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah leading the delegations for the ASEAN Foreign Minister's Retreat. Image courtesy of INFOFOTO.

The ASEAN Foreign Minister's Retreat at ICC. Image courtesy of INFOFOTO.

The South China Sea dispute that has been ongoing

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His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah with the ASEAN Ministers last night at ICC. Image courtesy of INFOFOTO.

For your info, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers are here in Brunei and their agenda is to prepare for the 22nd ASEAN Summit which will be hosted by Brunei Darussalam. The ministerial meetings have been taken place since 10th April and today is the final day. Last night His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Chairman of the ASEAN Ministerial Meetings hosted dinner for the ASEAN ministers from 9 countries. The dinner took place at the new facelift of International Convention Centre.

His Royal Highness, during the dinner, briefed colleagues and the new ASEAN Secretary-General, Le Luong Minh, on preparations for the 22nd ASEAN Summit due to be held in Bandar Seri Begawan April 24 and 25, 2013.

The report of the two-day meetings will be presented to the ASEAN Leaders during the Summit itself.

His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah upon arrival at ICC. Image courtesy of INFOFOTO.

His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah talking to ASEAN Secretary-General, Le Luong Minh. Image courtesy of INFOFOTO.

 

He was the star of the moment. Too bad his co-star Ekin Cheng wasn't able to make for the Saving General Yang Charity Movie Night. Wu Chun, one of the stars of Saving General Yang, brought cheers to the crowd. The Charity Movie night raised $14,000 for SMARTER Brunei and Pusat Ehsan. The event was held at Times Cineplex, Times Square Shopping Mall.

The Guest of Honour was Datin Paduka Hjh Adina binti Othman, the Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports. Also present was Sheikh Jamaluddin, the former CEO of Brunei Tourism Board.

Datin Hjh Adina was very pleased to have Wu Chun as a Brunei icon who has not only excel in Brunei but outside the country. Shiekh Jamaluddin validated how Wu Chun is the ambassador for Brunei Darussalam as he was able to bring awareness about Brunei from his overseas' fans.

Four companies booked each cinemas for their customers and employees to enjoy the latest blockbuster movie. HSBC Brunei booked two cinemas for Pusat Ehsan and SMARTER Brunei while QQestore, Royal Brunei Airlines and GHK Sdn Bhd booked one cinema. These are the companies that raised the funds for the said charities.

Wu Chun was overwhelmed by the contribution of the companies that raised the funds and he conveyed his appreciation to the contributors. Did you know that he has been traveling to 12 cities to promote his latest movie? Brunei was his last pitstop and he will be preparing for his grand opening of the new facelift of Fitness Zone this Sunday.

According to Wu Chun, Saving General Yang was his biggest movie to date. It was also one of the most expensive movies were made (US 26 million). He shared that his toughest part of the movie was the horse riding scene where he had to carry another person. He had a month or so to practice horse riding and he had no experience on horse riding before.

He wants Bruneians to come and support the movie as it is based on a true story and he wants the audience to appreciate the family values that the director portrayed in the movie.

For your info, Saving General Yang is only showing at Times Cineplex. So far, it's the second highest box office this week after G.I.Joe: Retaliation.

Datin Paduka Hjh Adina with Wu Chun and guests last night at the Charity Event

Datin Paduka Hjh Adina wants Bruneians to follow Wu Chun as a role model

Wu Chun answering some questions from the emcee

Behind the scene

Presenting the mock from HSBC and GHK Motors to SMART Brunei

Presenting the mock from QQeStore and Royal Brunei Airlines to SMART Brunei

Benny of Times Cineplex receiving a momento

A momento for the guest of honour

Group photo with the guest of honour, sponsors and NGOS

These are Wu Chuns for Brunei and abroad

Wu Chun having a moment with the press

It was pretty crowded at the corridor

Mr and Mrs. Pao also came for the event

You can tell who are the fanatics

Wu Chun visited each cinema for some Q&A session. His first pitstop was at GHK Motors audience.

Wu Chun and his aunt who came to support him

Wu Chun with his relatives

Wu Chun made another pitstop for QQeStore audience

Keeran Janin asked a question on when Wu Chun will make a movie in Brunei

Wu Chun and Nicky of QQeStore

Wu Chun at another pitstop where SMART Brunei is watching

Wu Chun with Pusat Ehsan attendees


The final pitstop was Royal Brunei audience


The group photo before the screening of Saving General Yang


My sister with her colleagues also went to watch the movie


Nadia Halim of RB gave a thumbs up


Ahhh them again.. Did you know that they kept following Wu Chun on every cinema pitstops? *lol*


Wu Chun with his overseas' fans


Wu Chun with the management of Times Square


Wu Chun with the staff of Times Cineplex


Wu Chun signing on the poster


Wu Chun with the organisers Trinity Event Management


Despite being distracted, he was able to say goodbye to me *lol*


Fans of Wu Chun screamed when the figure fell down


Wendy and Devon of Trinity

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Group photo with the ASEAN Ministers

Yesterday the ASEAN Ministers highlighted their plans to integrate the region which will be in time for completion by 2015, a deadline set by the member of states. Under the chairmanship of Brunei Darussalam, this goal can be achieved and they are in progress as we speak.

Hatta Rajasa, the coordinating minister for Economic Affairs from Indonesia had an audience with the reporters after the 9th AEC Council Meeting held at ICC yesterday. Some of the challenges highlighted were the people to people, institutional and infrastructure connectivities.

The session was chaired by Brunei's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng.

To read more of the report, click here. Source: Debbie Too of The Brunei Times.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng chaired the session

His Excellency MR. Lim Hng Kiang, Minister of Trade and Industry, Singapore

Pehin Lim Jock Seng with Dato Lim Jock Hoi, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

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His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah at the launch of “Association” yesterday at the Balai Penghadapan, Bukit Kayangan. Their Royal Highnesses are accompanied by QAF CEO, Albert Lau (R) and Brunei Press Deputy General Manager, Hazizah Osman (L)

THE latest book authored by His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, titled ‘Association’ has been described as a film in the form of a book.

Association records the history of the Asean Ministerial Meeting (AMM) from the tentative meeting of its founding fathers in 1967 to its modern role under the Asean Charter of 2008, through His Royal Highness’ experience as the longest serving minister in the AMM and the only remaining minister who had worked directly with the Asean founding fathers.

The book also reflects on His Royal Highness’ personal memories and observations about the AMM, its role in Asean and His Royal Highness’ personal role in its development.

HRH noted that Association is not a traditional book. In many ways, it is a film in the form of a book with a director, a script writer, a cameraman, leading actors and a supporting cast of over six hundred million. That’s why there is so much visual content.

“The story is the AMM. The location is Southeast Asia and the setting is time… not the symbolic ‘t’ of scientific study but a short period of less than 50 years in real time.”

On His Royal Highness’ feelings about the publication of the book, His Royal Highness stated, “Great appreciation to my Asean ministerial colleagues down the years … to all my friends, colleagues and staff who have given me their personal and professional support. And, also to many of our own people who have contributed, especially some very talented young people.”

His Royal Highness has published several books before Association, namely, ‘Time and the River – a memoir,’ ‘Remember, Remember….the 8th of December,’ and ‘A Southeast Asian Community – more than a matter of Geography.’ All four books focus on two central themes, which is the universal and eternal meaning of ‘time’ and the specific moments that give time its reality for ordinary people; and the relationship between ordinary people and those who govern them.

HRH Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah officiating the launch of "Association"

The book upholds that the Asean Ministerial Meeting is far more than a matter of slogans, abstractions and symbols. Events, places and even time itself are real and measured in terms of human action, human friendship and cooperation and human understanding.

The title stresses the importance of the meaning of ‘association’ as opposed to ‘organisation,’ proposing that ‘association’ is the essence of Asean policy to build a “Regional Community”. The theme of the book is inspired by the ‘Games’ or “shared fellowship” which binds Southeast Asians in groups and societies which form a “community” of nations.

The narrative is structured around six Southeast Asian games symbolising the classic values of Southeast Asian societies played across the region and the inspirations they offer to the people who form the community of Southeast Asia.

These portrayal of symbolism in each game is as follows: teamwork in Tarik Kalat; the daring leap of Lumpat Gatah; the skill that spins the Gasing; the knowledge and strategy of Congkak; the perseverance of Sepak Takraw Bulatan; and the beauty, vision and excellence of Seni Silat.

“Association” is published by Brunei Press Sdn Bhd follows the launch of HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah’s second book “Remember, Remember… The 8th of December” in 2007.

The book will be available at bookstores nationwide starting April 9, 2013. It retails at $68 for hard cover copies and $48 for soft cover copies. Those who wish to purchase a copy can contact 8777656 or 8160055. Source: Nazirul Hakeem and Hakim Hayat. Images by Azrol Azmi and Bahiyah Bakir of Borneo Bulletin.

Association now goes on sale at bookstores

 

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What will happen today? hmmmm

 

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This was taken a few days ago that spread on social media

It was a case of a chicken hung out to dry on a mop that alerted local authorities to temporarily shut down a local Chinese restaurant in Kg Kiulap for a blatant violation of hygiene practices.

The picture of the hanging chicken circulated in no time via WhatsApp and other social media platforms, prompting the Law Enforcement Unit of BSB Municipal Board to close down the restaurant yesterday.

The cook had explained that the chicken would be crispier if it is hung out to dry in the open and that it was not meant for customers, but rather the restaurant staff.

An investigation found that the restaurant had failed in a hygiene test, obtaining only 46 per cent. It will only be allowed to reopen once it has scored a certain percentage in terms of hygiene.

The Law Enforcement Unit wished to convey its appreciation to the public for highlighting the matter, and welcomed their input on unhygienic restaurants.

Restaurant owners are urged to maintain the cleanliness of their premises, especially when handling food. Meanwhile, enforcement personnel will continue to conduct inspections under the jurisdiction of the BSB Municipal Board. Text by James Kon of Borneo Bulletin.

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An illustration drawn, taken from CK's FB

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Two years ago, I did the fun run so I could take more photos. Last year, I joined the 5k run. This year, I took a step better in running for the 10K. It has been a meaningful run nonetheless and of course, I wanted to better my personal best of 77 minutes. However, I failed to beat my time but I still had fun and finished the race.

Once again, it was another successful event organised by Standard Chartered Brunei and I've always been a great support for SCB Half-Marathon. This year more than 6,000 runners participated and there were four categories: 21km, 10km, 5km and 2.5km.

The theme was "Run For A Reason" and everyone had his or her reasons for participating and running. There was a special tribute from a group of runners who dedicated their run in honour of the late Captain Ismael Dato Seri Setia Hj Samid. It was also great to see participation from cancer patients and also a blade runner from Singapore.

I'll just share some of the photos from last Sunday and enjoy!!! Thank you Nurul for some of the pictures.

Her Royal Highness Princess Sarah is always a great supporter for SCB's Half-Marathon

The starting point for the 2.5 fun run

And off they go...

YAM Pg Anak Abdul Momim wore a Super Mario outfit and ran the 21km

A stronger cancer fighter Redzky Fadzillah who ignored doctors' advice and finished the 10km run. What a great inspiration for others!!

The morning warm up before the run

The morning warm up before the run

The mascot for this year's event with representatives from SCB and Great Eastern Life

I still managed to take photos on the 6km mark :D

Now where did Shafiq get the apple?

The big event banner at the Hassanal Bolkiah stadium

The 10KM runners

The runners who dedicated the run in the memory of the late JJ

Some of the runners last Sunday

Representatives from AITI

Another 10KM finishers last Sunday

Rachy, Celia and Fakhrul were in energetic mood

The mascot for a reason

I parked my bag here. Thank you guys for taking care of it :D

The sea of blue last Sunday

One of the cheering squads

First up were this cheering group

Runners waiting for the prize presentation

It was tough to emcee in that outfit

It was nice to see their passion duirng the cheering

The Mexican wave

My jogging buddies.. Well done, ladies!!

Great choice of music for their performance

For me, the best performance of the lot

They were totally entertained

Best costume for female

He won himself an iPad

She won an iPad Mini.. :p

Lucky winner of the MacBook Air

The grand lucky draw winner of the MacBook Pro

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