Curtin University Sarawak

Click image to find more details

The new iPhone should be announced by Wednesday 1am-2am later Brunei time.. The wait is almost over!!! Are you guys ready??

The fourth annual technology & entrepreneurship forum in Brunei THiNKBIG Innovate 2011 co-organised by iCentre and Asia Inc Forum, will take place at the Empire Hotel & Country Club on October 20, 2011. The forum is expected to bring together 250 delegates from the ICT industry, government, business community, educational institutions, students and aspiring entrepreneurs.

The forum themed “Innovation…Inspiring and Driving Change” will explore how innovation driven technology has inspired change and how entrepreneurs have used these innovations to bring value to businesses and society.

So what can you expect from the event this month?

1) Multi-track sessions
2) a TED style presentation (interesting)
3) networking lunch

Who are the invited speakers?

Derek Sivers, Founder of CDBABY – largers seller of independent music on the web.
Ann Burgraff, Mentor Advisor at NUS Enterprise & Former VP of Corporate Marketing at Salesforce – 15 years experience of marketing innovative software andr marketing services
Hew Joon Yeng, Co- founder of PigeonLab Pte Ltd – a Singapore based company which designs and develops conference question and answer tools on the mobile web.

This year’s THiNK BIG Innovate 2011 boasts a fresh outlook and it is hoped the rebranding will encourage people who are less tech-savvy to attend and benefit from the forum. Hadi Shafie of the iCentre said that “we had in mind to spur the development entrepreneurship in Brunei when we crafted the programme. This year, we have rebranded the event as Innovate 2011 as this is NOT just another technology forum, this is a platform for inspiration, for learning and for ideas in building better businesses, markets, a stronger industry, a firmer framework for encouraging entrepreneurship, and understanding how the world is moving towards different emerging technologies.”

This is a highly recommended event for students, innovators, enterpreneurs, and perhaps those who are participating in the Think Big Ignite competition.. well, you will definitely learn something from this forum and I shall be covering this event as well.

For more information visit asisincforum.com or contact Asia Inc Forum at 222 6555 or you can follow @icentre_brunei for updates of the THINK BIG Innovate 2011 and even win seats or get a discount on the seats for the forum.

The promotional poster for ThinkBig Innovate

The invited speakers for THINKBIG Innovate speakers

Hadie Shafie briefing the local press for the upcoming event

Curtin University Sarawak

Click image to find more details

Dr. Wong, BICTA Chief Judge, said that there were no “wow” factors in the submission and he said over the years, these expectations have become rather too subjective. Though many have used the means of social media, mobile applications and cloud technologies in their projects, these ideas will just remain as concepts without moving to the next phase of development and implementation.

This morning the BICTA Awards ceremony took place and there were no “winners” in the ICT industry and Secondary categories. Instead they received a “Merit Award”. Only Sultan Saiful Rijal Technical College won the Grand prize in the “Tertiary” category. This is because the products are making use of multi-media and moving away from developing “information systems”. Furthermore, their presentation was well-crafted and they had a good balance between technical and commercial knowledge.

There were 24 entries for the BICTA competition and the prizes were given by the Minister of Communications, YB Pehin OKHP Dato Seri Setia Hj Abdullah. There are three categories in the BICTA competition – ICT industry, Tertiary Category and Second Category.

ICT Industry category
No First Prize winners for ICT Industry Category
Iplussoft Technology “Brunei Lifestyle Mobile Application” – Merit Award – $5,000
SocialBuzz Advertising “Social Deal Brunei” – Merit Award – $5,000
Crescent Sdn Bhd “Islamic Brunei Educators”- Merit Award – $5,000
Indera Sejahtera Development Services Sdn Bhd “Where2kerja.com”- 3rd Place -$2,500

Tertiary category
Sultan Saiful Rijal Technical College “Brunei Experience Multimedia Project” – Winner Award – $7,000
Institute Technology Brunei “Simple pay” – Merit award – $3,500

Secondary category

No First Prize winner for Secondary Category
Chung Hwa Middle School, BSB “Waseven Resource Reservation” – Merit Awards – $2,000
Sekolah Menengah Masin “Easy Text Book” – 3rd Place – $1,000

All of the awarded participants will represent Brunei to compete for the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance Awards (APICTA) 2011. This years’ APICTA will be held on November 8 – 11, 2011 in Dusit Thani Pattaya, Pattaya, Thailand.

Special Awards was presented to 2 participants for the contribution of their product to the concept of Islamic principle and moving towards the direction of Green intiative respectively to Crescent Sdn Bhd “Islamic Brunei Educators” and Megamas Training Company Sdn Bhd “Brunei Carbon Footprint Calculator.

Minister of Communications with invited guests, judges of BICTA and BICTA awardees

Minister of Communications with invited guests and judges of BICTA

Megamas Training Company won the Green Award for their “Brunei Carbon Footprint Calculator”

Hiro of SocialDeal – “This is the first time I participated in the competition and I didn’t expect this far. I might be joinging the Ignite Think Big competition too. For now, we can use this prize money for capital injection and look deeper to what SocialDeal can do. We have a 1,100 subscribers in a space of 3 months and it’s growing. We have a new deal coming up with Acer hard drive at a very good price which will be revealed soon”

Brunei Experience Multimedia Project was a project by Saiful Rijal Technical College and they are the only team that won in their respective cateogy. Their idea is a kiosk featuring attractions of Brunei and in a way, promote places of interests in Brunei for the incoming tourists. In a nutshell, this is a flash tourism kiosk. Oh yeah, they also won the Vocational Technical Institute in May 2011. They will be heading to Thailand this November

They previously enter the Think Big Business Plan 09/10 and they won. In BICTA, the brothers were only awarded the Merit Award as there were no winners in their category. With their mobile apps idea, you can share busines contacts and promote their businesses through mobile

Great victory for Crescent as they bagged two awards – a Merit ICT Award and Special Awards for the concept of Islamic principle

Now, now, now… What can I do with the prize money? :))

My outing on Sunday

More pictures/articles this week

Have you booked your air fare?

Today’s the last day

Now Royal Brunei Airlines have pretty good deals during the travel fair. They are introducing special fares especially for December period.

December period from RBA

1) Kuala Lumpur as low as BND 403
2) Singapore as low as BND 491
3) Bangkok as low as BND 513
4) Hong Kong as low as BND 619
5) Manila as low as BND 465 and additional allowance for baggage for BWN/ML sector (5kg 1st – 15th Dec, 10kg 15th – 31st Dec 2011) So this is ideal for expats.

Another interesting promotion that RBA is offering is the business class seats upgrade. All you have to do is top up a very affordable amount and you can enjoy business class but not applicable for Singapore and Kuala Lumpur sector. One note though that the upgrade is only applicable for one way meaning that you can choose whether you want fly business class to the destination or returning from that destination. Simple, right?? So do refer to the additional charges below.

Business Class upgrade supplement

1) Manila and Bangkok – BND 69 for upgrade (Valid until March 2012 except for December 2011)
2) Hong Kong – BND 99 for upgrade (Valid until March 2012 except for December 2011 and 17th Jan 2012 to 5th Feb 2012)
3) Hong Kong – BND 139 for upgrade (December 2011)
4) London – BND 999 Valid till March 2012 (However S class ex-BWN not valid 9Dec to 22 Dec 2011). Do you know that it costs BND 8,000 just to fly to London on Business Class? So this is a good upgrade to enjoy a business class experience.

Mind you that you should visit the Abacus Holiday Travel Fair at The Airport Mall this weekend to get more information about this promotion. There’s so much data given to me and I just hope that I’m not confusing you with these details. So I’m just giving you some special fares that might catch your attention. There are some terms and conditions and also the validity of the tickets so it’s best that you come to the fair and do some homework 😉

By the way, you can book your flights/tickets during the travel fair and if I’m not mistaken, you have to pay a deposit of $50 per booking. Full payment has to be made by 5th October 2011 at the respective travel agent. You can follow @royalbruneiair on Twitter for updates.

Singapore Airlines promotion. This is also the first time that Singapore Airlines is involved in Abacus Holiday Travel Fair. They are sponsoring one economy class ticket to Singapore as one of the lucky draw prizes but only applicable to those who book and purchase ticket on Singapore Airlines.

Siaw Ling Wong of Singapore Airlines also mentioned of tying up family or long packages to Japan and Australia via Singapore. Hence, Singapore Airlines have been working closely with the Japan Embassy and also Freme Travel for the best packages for the Brunei market. The special packages are valid from Oct 2011 to March 2012. I didn’t know that there are four flights daily from Singapore to Tokyo.

The price for the BWN-SIN return is as low as BND 369 during the peak season. Now that’s a pretty good deal but the price can vary slightly depending on the fluctuation of exchange rate and availability of seats. You can book your flights and enjoy the special deals this weekend and you can make full payment by the 6th October 2011.

What a crowd yesterday at Abacus Holiday Travel Fair at The Airport Mall. Today’s the final day

The launching of the 8th Abacus Holiday Travel Fair

Tourism Malaysia making an impact at the travel fair

Royal Brunei Catering having cooking demo such as “Soup Kembayau”

Pan Bright having great deals with amazing lucky draws

Guest of honour touring the travel fair at The Airport Mall

He was looking for Sheikh Jimmy and sending his regards

At the RBA booth and of course, Spin the Wheel is back!!

Baiduri Bank is the official bank and lots of privileges during travel fair

Japan Embassy helping to push their tourism industry at the travel fair

Insuran Islam TAIB is also at travel fair

Mr. Jack the caricature is back :))

Click image to enter official website for more info

This is an interesting collaboration with @icentre_brunei and @bruneitweet where iCentre has taken a step forward in developing Brunei Creative Industry by launching “iMMerse photography challenge”. With the theme “MY Brunei”, it aims to allow individuals to capture imagery scenes that can describe best about our nation. How to enter the competition is simple.. Just upload the picture on Twitter and mention @bruneitweet to be eligible for the competition.

The competition will be open until 9th Octover and the winners will be announced on 10th October via @bruneitweet, Projekbrunei.com and iCentre Facebook Page. So peeps.. What are the criteria for this competition? The judge will look for style, context, photographic vision, visual impact and relevance to the theme. All submitted photos must be accompanied with a short description.

So what’s at stake?? Well, you have nothing to lose since it’s open to everyone (on Twitter) and it’s FREE. The grand prize is a Fish Eye Camera (plus film) and a Crumpler Messenger Bag worth $225 (sponsored by Icklebooks). 2nd prize will be $100 QQestore voucher and 3rd prize will be $50 QQestore voucher.

The iMMerse program is a multimedia initiative by iCentre (@icentre_brunei) and Brunei Economic Development Board (@BEDB) which leverages on new media and social media as a marketing platform to engage the creative community in developing multimedia content using technology and new media.

So peeps… Do try out this competition and test your creativity. [click here]

Delwin Keasberry, founder of ProjekBrunei.com and @bruneitweet talked about the “iMMerse photography challenge”

The invited guests during the launch

Hadi Shafie, iCentre Manager, Kwok Leong, iCentre Executive Director, Sheikh Rashid Salam, BEDB Assistant CEO of Local Business, Jan Shim, local blogger shimworld.com and judge and Delwin Keasberry, founder of Projekbrunei.com and owner of @bruneitweet

Today’s the last day :))

Dato Lim Beng Thai, Managing Director of Boustead, officiated the 2-day carnival and he thanked all the vendors that supported the event.

The guys from Boustead, warming up the confetti

…..and the Boustead Carnival 2011 was officially launched

Aiking have some special promotion going on too at the Boustead Carnival

Long queue for the Suzuki customers because of the 10,000 cash prize. Who’s gonna win it?

So anyone bought a Suzuki during the Hari Raya promotion? Instead of having a lucky draw, Suzuki customers will play this particular game and the one with the highest will win BND 10,000.. Awesome!!! I’m gonna use this for my event next year!! Haha

The Nissan Serena was launched last evening at the Boustead Carnival 2011

Beard’s Papa is one of the vendors at Boustead Carnival 2011. There are also balloons from Beard’s Papa

I’ve always admire Mr. Baker’s Bakeshop because they always participate in events like this

My first acquaintance with Ahad’s burger. Apparently, they are only located at KB (Simpur) and they have been very popular after their existence in Facebook. Now Ahad’s Burger is at the Boustead Carnival 2011. I tasted their burger and I give it 7/10.. They are still looking for a location in town. I can’t wait :))

Dato Lim Bing Thai made his tour at the carnival and visited @JustCinful and @icyluckyhoof’s booth

@JustCinful new range of cupcakes unveiled – Sexy Lemon, Fresh Pandan and Black Forest. Try them out!!

@icyluckhoof also promoting her cupcakes at Boustead Carnival 2011

Quite a lot of activities going to do at Boustead Carnival 2011

Bring your family today… Located outside Multi-Purpose Hall, Indoor Stadium

There’s also a remote control car at one of the booths

They have clowns for entertainment as well

One of the Top 50 Who’s Got Talent Season 3 hosted by b.mobile and there will be more performances today. Shortlisted ones will perform 8pm tonight :))

Will she make it through the next stage?

Guest appearance by Dayat, Aziz Harun and Adi Rani

Have you cast your votes for your favourite performer?? Check out their respective codes and vote :))

Eric Leong to make an appearance today at 3pm at Times Square

Purchasing a home can be a very tricky and long process for many. But this weekend, members of the public wishing to purchase a home with facilities from HSBC can visit the HSBC Fair at Times Square, which commenced yesterday and will end tomorrow.

The HSBC Fair, which comprises various exhibitors ranging from property agencies to interior design and furnishing companies, was officially launched by the Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management of HSBC Brunei, Ms Lyndsay Rajah.

Also present at the launch was the Senior Sales and Distribution Manager, Dk Hamidah Pg Othman; Manager Corporate Sustainability, Lim Boon Teck; Chief Risk Officer, Lim Kok Guan and Manager of Marketing and Group Communications, Lim Kian Chiong.

At the ceremony, the General Manager of Fabrica, Steven Pang, the Manager of Signature Kitchen, Mei Law and a representative of Thomson Furniture participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside Ms Lyndsay Rajah.

During the three-day fair, successful applications on any HSBC home loan or investment as well as insurance products will see individuals stand the chance to win a B$1,000 cash voucher from Thomson, Fabrica and Signature Kitchen. In addition, customers can also enjoy free beverages from Each A Cup during their discussions with HSBC representatives.

The participating merchants include ValorProperty, Bright Sunway Trading Company, Real Estern Agency, Tha Enterprise, Fabrica Interior Furnishing Company, Primeland Estate Agency, Bess Perfect Property Agency, J-Fa Realty Agency and Proland Realty.

In addition, children can participate in colouring contests that have numerous prizes waiting to be won. Other games at the fair for children include Jenga and a golf-putting activity, as well as instant-win lucky dip prizes that are scheduled for specific times.

Visitors can also take a closer inspection of a modern-design of a home set up by Fabrica, Signature Kitchen and Thomson Furniture. The fair will also be attended by celebrity guest Eric Leong on Sunday, between 3pm and 5pm. Text by James Kon of Borneo Bulletin.

Curtin University Sarawak

Click image to find more details

It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month and there will be Pink Cupcakes selling at the event at The Mall, Gadong, Saturday and Sunday. All the proceeds will go to the National Cancer Center. Little things can make a difference ;)) Oh yeah, wear something pink or buy a pink ribbon to create more awareness on Breast Cancer

Come and support the Boustead Carnival 2011. The new Nissan Serena will also be launced tonight

Now it’s held at this area instead of the Waterfront (thanks to the Bandaran people). Let’s hope for good weather.. This is just outside the Multi-Purpose Hall, Indoor Stadium

One of the entertainments to look out for is the Who’s Got Talent 3 Top 50 contestants. They will perform throughout Saturday and Sunday

Tons of activities to look forward to and yes, it’s for a good cause :))

So anyone bought a Nissan during the Hari Raya promotion? Instead of having a lucky draw, Nissan customers will play a pinball game and the one with the highest will win BND 10,000.. Awesome!!!

So anyone bought a Suzuki during the Hari Raya promotion? Instead of having a lucky draw, Nissan customers will play this particular game and the one with the highest will win BND 10,000.. I gave it a try yesterday and I only scored a 10 points out of a possible 150 points *lol* I’m gonna use this for my event next year!! Haha

Click image and “like” this particular photo and you still stand a chance to win free deals on SocialDeal