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A very nice cupcake version of World Sight Day created by Handara (+673861 0656). Today marks World Sight Day and Standard Chartered Bank’s new commitment to “Seeing is Believing” is to raise a total of USD $100 million by 2020.

Two years ago, I covered their first store at Berakas (near London Kebab). Yes, they still have good business but after relocating their shop at Times Square last week, their responses have doubled or tripled and they even have foreigners who compliment that the prices are reasonably cheaper and FES-Retro carries original football merchandise (Liverpool and Manchester United).

Now the company is expanding their product lines by bringing in other clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Barcelona and many more. Why? Because of the great demand. What made FES-Retro different from other vendors? Well, they are so far the only authorized distributor of original football jerseys in Brunei and they also do original name and number printing, EPL and Champions League badges to name a few.

FES-Retro will be bringing football boots by Adidas and Nike and this will create more buzz among the local football players. You can also place your order if you have a particular boots that you are eyeing and let FES-Retro do the rest. I remember when I was so active in football in my teen years, I used to own at least 10 pairs of football boots *lol* That time has passed though 😀

They have a $10 and $20 section as they want to clear the old stock to make way for new arrivals. Did you know that FES-Retro also have customers from South Africa, Holland, US and the UK? Cool, aye?

FES-Retro’s new location is at Times Square, 1st Floor. It’s open daily from 10am to 10pm and you can call 233 6227.

FES-Retro store now looks spacious than before. This is a great move for SME.

Wide range of football products and merchandise and they are original too

This area is for the upcoming football boot rack. The waiting begins….

Other football jersey from famous clubs are also available for the first time

FES-Retro is the authorised vendor to print original EPL letters and numbers

This is how the numbers are done

Now this is a limited edition Liverpool top

Now you can play golf using Man Utd golf tees

Ok, this is interesting. They even sell seeds that matches the ground at Anfield

Tons of Manchester United merchandise at FES-Retro

This huge frame is for sale – $180

Now this looks cute for your baby and once worn, he or she will be a Red for life 😉

Three complete strangers made it a day to remember when they joined forces to win the team category at the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Invitational Golf tournament yesterday.

Scotland’s Angus Gow, Ireland’s Mike McDermott and Canada’s Tyler Watkins teamed up to clinch the event which was held for the first time ever, with the Empire Hotel & Country Club playing host to the one-day tournament.

“We’ve never met each other before!,” exclaimed Gow when asked if the trio play together often. These younger guys (McDermott and Watkins) were out-driving me by miles so I just wanted to concentrate on the chipping and putting,” said Gow.

Coming in from Labuan just for the event, McDermott didn’t regret the trip. “This is my third time here and the course is just immaculate,” he said of the par-72 Jack Nicklaus design. Text by Jason Thomas of The Brunei Times.

Over 100 golfers from SPE participated in the invitational tournament

Only 8 ladies played in the half day tournament

I heard she’s from Venezuela. Am I right? LOL

In the press release, Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Brunei Section organized the 2011 Invitational Golf Tournament, held at the Empire Hotel Golf and Country Club on the 8th of October 2011. The tournament consisted of over 130 participants from several leading oil and gas companies in Brunei, namely Brunei Shell Petroleum, Sdn. Bhd., Halliburton, Amrtur, Maersk Drilling, Seadrill, Schlumberger, Ensco, Total, Petronas, Brunei Shell Marketing, GE Oil & Gas, Petrokon Utama Sdn. Bhd., Velosi, QESS, Sumitomo Corporation Asia, Megalift Sdn. Bhd., Baker Hughes, Cameron and Champion Technologies.

The objective of this tournament is to provide a conducive atmosphere for the participants from the oil and gas companies and the service providers from across Brunei as well as the regulators to network, interact and strengthen the relationship and help build a stronger energy business community to serve Negara Brunei Darussalam better.

A prize giving ceremony was held in the afternoon to mark the successful completion of the event and to present prizes to the winners of the tournament. A lucky draw was also held (Samsung SII as top prize), with gifts sponsored by the participating companies and the Empire Hotel and Country Club. Certificates of appreciation were also presented to participants as well as the organising committee.
The SPE is a non-profit organisatio

The lucky draw session before the prize presentation of the Top 3 winners

3rd place winners

2nd place winners

Champions of the SPE Invitational Golf 2011

The singers under the guidance of Expression Music and they had a good reception from the crowd

Grace of Potzz and Petalz Florist had a busy weekend during the fair and the responses have been great and of course, the most talked about “Chariot” was the highlight of the wedding deco

The crowd watching some performance at the Musical Garden Wedding Fair 2011

Lots of people witnessed the lucky draw as well as the Most Photogenic Couple Contest

It’s good to see the family to come and support them

A photo opportunity with the organiser and the emcee of MGW Fair 2011 and Emelda of Media Permata

There was some drawings at Jo Art Gallery booth

Victor Yap and Stephanie Koh had the most votes as they won the ‘Most Photogenic Couple’ in the Musical Garden Wedding Fair 2011. So what did they win? 1) a Premium Pre-Wedding photo shoot package worth BND 980 by Devin Kho Photography 2) an 18″ x 12″ framed photo 3) a Wedding Venue Decoration Package by Potzz and Petalz Florist worth B$500.

The auspicious couple reputed to be the most “likeable” amongst voters as they received the most “likes” on Facebook, making them the Brand Ambassador for the upcoming Musical Garden Wedding Fair cover page. Woohoo!!! Apparently, Victor was teased at his workplace after their photo came out in Borneo Bulletin last Monday. During the interview, he didn’t expect that many votes and the couple are looking forward to their wedding day next year. Congrats on winning to both of you. Well deserved!!!

There was also consolation prizes for the top five couples as they will get a Wedding Venue Decorations Services Package worth BND 300 by Potzz and Petalz Florits, an 18″ x 12″ framed photo and a softcopy CD worth BND150 by Devin Kho photography. The rest of the consolation participants will get a Wedding Venue Decorations Services Package worth BND 200 by Potzz and Petalz Florits, an 18″ x 10″ framed photo and a softcopy CD worth BND80 by Devin Kho photography.

The poll system was opened for four days before the winners were announced

Victor Yap and Stephanie Koh were voted the “Most Photogenic Couple Contest” among the Top 5 couples at the Musical Garden Wedding Fair 2011

Hamzah Rahman & Rizah Mahmud were one of the consolation winners and they had a big cheer from the crowd too

Mohammad Azizul Jabbar bin Hj Basir and Nadzirah binti Musa were one of the Top 5 of the “Most Photogenic Couple Contest”

Group photo with the Top 5 finalists of the “Most Photogenic Couple Contest”

As for the lucky draw, Md Nazmi Hj Zakeria and Hjh Noraini Hj Momin, who won two return air tickets to Bali. A pair of Monster Solo HD headphones (black and white) was for the 1st runner-up while the 2nd and 3rd runner ups received a Monster Lady Gaga earpiece and two nights stay at the Rizqun International Hotel respectively. On hand to draw the lucky winners was Dickson Kho, Assistant Manager of PDCA Events Co. Organiser of the event, PDCA Events Co, also presented the prestigious Expression Music School, the official musical performances partner of the MGW to showcase their musical talents during the closing ceremony.

Dickson Kho of PDCA Events Co presented the mock prize to Hjh Noraini Hj Momin

The lucky draw contestants opening up the envelopes

Shiau Fang won a facial voucher as part of the lucky draw

Group photo with the 12 finalists and the sponsors of the lucky draw prizes

Call 224-4272 for reservations

Grilled Angus Pure Tenderloin, Roast Onion Tart, Horseradish Cream

Warm Smoked Duck, Fresh Mango, Toasted Pine Nut, Pomagranate Juice

Chiboust Cream, Almond Crumbs, Salt Caramel, Anise Star Poached Fruits

Ah.. This is a cool promo =)

Now this is cool… Having your iPod or iPad being laser-engraved and you can your personal messages or even logo or artwork engraved on your gadgets. If you want to have an artwork or logo engraved, it’s better to provide them a vector file rather than a PSD or JPEG file (for a better, sharper result).

Read the poster above the price range and you can find out more on their Facebook page and @ave_brunei (Twitter).

Now AV Electronics did this for me on the iPod Nano which I will be giving away on @ranoadidas Twitter. So check out my @ranoadidas Twitter and stand a chance to win this limited edition (well, the one and only) iPod Nano.

It’s just two weeks away before the 2nd TechXpo 2011 will be held. It’s at the same venue as last year – ICC – and it’s slated to be bigger than last year. For your info, the event is organised by Infocom Federation Brunei (IFB) and the event manager is Sunlit Advertising.

So what can you expect from the TechXpo 2011? Well, the usual 200 booths which compromised of vendors from Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, China, Chinese Taipei and Japan. I’m not too sure what the foreign countries are showcasing during the expo. I was hoping more of Samsung giants to make their presence felt since they are more Samsung phone users here in Brunei. Oh well, perhaps the next TechXpo?

One of the highlights of the TechXpo 2011 is the IncrediWorld Amazement Park and it’s interactive with amazing facts such as optical illusions and a mirror maze to name a few.

For robot enthusiasts, there will be a workshop and seminars on “Robot Technology” and this is ideal for students. There will also be a showcase of different educational robotic kits like Lego Mindstorm, Robo-circle and Robo-Robo demonstrations courtesy of Step Centre of the Ministry of Education.

For enquiries, call 2453666 or fax over your queries to 2453777or email them totechxpobrunei@sunlitadvertising.com. For more information on the TechXpo you can go to the website at www.techxpobrunei.com.

Guests witnessing the signing ceremony between the partners and the organisers of TechXpo 2011

Guests witnessing the signing ceremony between the partners and the organisers of TechXpo 2011

Step Center from the Ministry of Education is one of the partners of the TechXpo 2011

Monica from The Brunei Times signed on behalf of the official media print for the TechXpo 2011

NR of TelBru signing on behalf of the official Telco for TechXpo 2011

Mr. RA will be updating posts on TechXpo 2011 from time to time

Arjuna Ranasignhe, GM of TechOneGlobal exchanging documents with Pengiran Abd Ghani Pg Hj Metusin, Chairman of IFB. TechOneGlobal and Microsoft will conduct free IT training sessions for the public. A state-of-the-art computer laboratory with 100 PCs will be available for hands-on training.

Group photo with the partners and the event organisers

The gorgeous ladies from Sunlit Advertising. They will be super busy during the event.

Gavin of Sunlit Advertising enjoying his refreshments

So one of the Taiwan companies that are participating is Sunstar Advance Corporation where they will be showcasing USB Pen.. well, more of a multi-purpose pen.

According to their website, they have a 2-in-1 USB Pen (up to 32GB), 3-in-1 USB Reader Pen (up to 32GB), 3-in-1 USB Laser pen, 4-in-1 UBS Laser/LED pen and many more.

So do check out the Chinese Taipei booths (nine of them) at the upcoming TechXpo 2011.

One of the pens that will be showcased at the TechXpo 2011

I missed this special event last Monday as the US Embassy has been relocated to its new embassy in Jalan Kebangsaan (Not far from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports). The official ceremony was attended by US Department of State Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Mr Kurt Champbell and the guest of honour was Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Awg Lim Jock Seng, Brunei Darussalam’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II. Also present was Mr Daniel L Shields III, the US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam and Mr Rodney A Evans, the Managing Director for the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operation (OBO) Construction, Facility and Security Management Directorate.

Mr. Campbell’s quote – “The relationship between Brunei and US is in the process of taking off to a larger scale. Over the course of last year, we have been involved in deep discussions on how the United States of America can work closely with Brunei. We have taken steps to expand our cultural relations, educational ties, strategic interactions and military cooperation.”

Mr. Shields’s quote – “This is a historic moment for the relationship between the United States and Brunei Darussalam. Since 1850, when the United States first signed a Treaty of Peace, Friendship, Commerce and Navigation with Brunei, our partnership has grown based on the shared beliefs of peace, free enterprise and cooperation.”

Mr Daniel L Shields III, the US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam (left), Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Awg Lim Jock Seng, Brunei Darussalam’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II (2nd left) with the US Department of State Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Mr Kurt Champbell (3rd left) and Mr Rodney A Evans, the Managing Director for the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operation (OBO) Construction, Facility and Security Management Directorate during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Image by James Kon of Borneo Bulletin

Occupying a 5.3-acre site in the Diplomatic Enclave, the new embassy was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by the launching of the plaque.

The new embassy replaces the old facility in Teck Guan Plaza building located in downtown Bandar Seri Begawan. The new building represents strong American values and the best in American architecture, engineering, technology, sustainability, art, culture and construction execution.

According to Mr Evans, the Managing Director for the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operation (OBO) Construction, Facility and Security Management Directorate, “The new embassy is registered with the US Green Building Council and will be submitted for certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system. The building uses advance irrigation system that utilises natural rainwater, waterless urinal as well as energy efficient lightings in the building.

“We are also currently constructing new embassies in Islamabad, Pakistan as well as Laos which have similar features to the US Embassy in Brunei. We aim to boost the rating for the new embassies under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system.” Text by James Kon of Borneo Bulletin.

The new US Embassy at Jalan Kebangsaan. Cost of project is USD 28 million. RTKL of Washington DC designed the building, Contracting Consulting and Engineering LLC of Annapolis, Maryland constructed the building with United Engineers Sdn Bhd, Encore Sdn Bhd, Steelmark Sdn Bhd, HSE Engineering Sdn Bhd, Arkitek Ibrahim, Jurutera Perunding RCS Sdn Bhd, Berakas Power Management Company, LIF Trading Pea’s Company Sdn Bhd and Mr Jose Mariano Genciana. Image courtesy of US Embassy of Brunei.

Hush Puppies opened its first-ever store in Brunei and it’s located at Rizqun Hotel (1st floor). Brought in by Le Steadfast Lifestyle Company, the Brunei branch of the popular brand saw many customers who have waited long enough for the brand to break into the local market make a beeline to its store in Gadong.

The Hush Puppies store is conveniently connected to The Mall in Gadong and offers a wide range of footwear along with socks and accessories. From dress shoes to casual shoes and phylon sandals, Hush Puppies is set to cater to your needs for good-looking, comfortable shoes.

There is not enough choice for men’s footwear in Brunei, according to Hush Puppies representative Poh Na, therefore with the introduction of Hush Puppies here, men will have the chance to purchase comfortable as well as stylish footwear for themselves.

Poh Na said that the reception for Hush Puppies had been encouraging even before the launch, as many Bruneians are familiar with the brand. She also addressed the concern of the religious community regarding the acceptance of their shoes as being halal in terms of the leather component, as well as the issue of the basset hound logo.

“We want to ensure our customers that the shoes, even the lining, are made of cow leather and sheepskin leather, so there is no need to worry about it.” (You want to be more assured, you can click here).

Apart from footwear, Hush Puppies also carries a range of accessories such as handbags and shoe care products. The brand’s “bamboo socks”, which absorbs perspiration and odour, are also available at the store. Text by Zatty Joanda of The Brunei Times [Click here for more stories].

You can find this at Hush Puppies, The Rizqun Hotel (1st floor)

You can buy vouchers or even have a privilege card (admin fee $10) for one year and it’s valid for Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore. On non-sale period, you’re entitled to 10% discount

The Window of Opportunity. Check out HRD SMTS website. Click to enter

The wait is over!! HRD Services Management Training Solutions has unveiled their website for the public to access information on their services which have been gaining popularity among the local corporate companies.

In keeping in line with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s vision to enhance human capital development in the country, HRD Services Management Training Solutions held a milestone event to launch its “Window of training oppurtunity” website.

HRD Services Management Training Solutions which was formed in October, 2010 with the realisation that the Sultanate’s focus on economic development, diversification and “Bruneinisation” will require knowledgeable people and expertise.

“Our ethos is on providing customised, contemporary and cost-effective solutions to our clients whilst ensuring quality standards are adhered to right from the marketing, selling to the deliverance of training,” Yasmeen Munir, the General Manger of HRD Services Management Training Solutions said.

“We engage trainers who are global practitioners in their field of expertise. Our eclectic pool of trainers come from the USA, UK, Singapore, Malaysia and Australia,” she said.

Hjh Rafiah Hj Momin the Managing Director of HRD Services Management Training Solution said that the company’s extensive customer base which comprises of a number of various government ministries, banks, local associations and private companies, have benefited greatly.

Visit their website www.hrds-training.com. Do try out their services and yes, human capital is the very in-thing now for business management. It can surely make a difference to your corporate culture and improve for the better. Furthermore, their testimonials have been favourable as well.

Yasmeen Munir, the General Manger of HRD Services Management Training Solutions and Hjh Rafiah Hj Momin the Managing Director of HRD Services Management Training Solution

Explaining to the local media on the website

The invited guests and the media during the website launch

Universiti Brunei Darussalam is pleased to announce that UBD will be celebrating the Grand Finale of the 25th Anniversary Celebration held in conjunction with the establishment of Universiti Brunei Darussalam. The event will take place on Saturday 15 October 2011 at the Chancellor Hall, UBD at 7:30am. UBD would like to invite its Alumni to join the Grand Finale to celebrate the 25 year journey and achievements. Alumni of the university include members who have attended a four-week course or more; as well as non-graduating students. The University looks forward to opening its doors once again to welcome its Alumni.

Should you want information on the Grand Finale, contact 246-3001 ext 1188.