A rookie then, now paying the price

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.