It was a new milestone for Royal Brunei Airlines as they launched their “New Generation Technology Suite” with the implementation of the Amadeus Altea Customer Management Solution and Amadeus e-Retail internet booking engine. I didn’t know that Aamedus handles more than 100 airlines worldwide so this shows the great reputation of their services and it came no surprise why Royal Brunei Airlines collaborated with Amadeus.

The event was graced by the Minister of Communications, Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdullah and also attended by Royal Skies member.

RBA’s partnership with Amadeus, the provider of advance technology solutions, will give a better customer experience especially for Royal Skies member. Did you know that many manual tasks will be automated? Hence, customers will enjoy a more streamlined passenger experience.

RBA is also working to re-brand the airline to further promote the qualities that make up Brunei’s distinct and warm culture. I kinda like the idea that RBA is also embracing the social media as they are on Facebook as well as Twitter (@royalbruneiair).

There was another interesting announcement though and it was the new collaboration between Royal Brunei Airlines (@royalbruneiair) and iCentre (@icentre_brunei). Nothing concrete was mentioned on how but one for sure that they will be involved in the iCentre ThinkBig Innovate according to an insider. There is also a possibility that Royal Brunei Airlines will be engaging some of the incubatees of iCentre for website collaboration and even animation. So more on this once I get some information from the relevant parties.

Mr. Dermot Nannion, Deputy Chairman of Royal Brunei Airlines welcoming Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdullah, Minister of Communications, at the launch of Royal Brunei Airlines’ New Technology Suite

The welcoming party for the guests last night featuring air stewardess and storm troopers

Pehin Abdullah expressed his gratitude towards RBA for inviting him as guest of honour. He was very delightede that RBA is gearing towards a more innovative adventure and this is also in-line with the vision of the Ministry of Communications. He also spoke of Brunei Darussalam being a “Sophisticated Society by 2017”. He used examples of Bill Gates though he was also mistaken for Steve Jobs.

Mr. Dermot Mannion spoke the highlights of RBA’s Next Generation Technology (enhancement of RBA’s online engine such as clear fare options, detailed booking display with price breakdown, weather forecast of selected destination) and the collaboration between RBA and the iCentre.

I haven’t opened this souvenir from RBA. Looks classy too :))

The guest of honour launching the “New Generation Technology Suite” using the iPad… *Woohooo!!*

The event took place at Indera Sumadera Hall, The Empire & Country Club last night. Congrats RBA!!

Some of the Top ten Royal Skies member of Royal Brunie Airlines were invited to dinner and they walked away with iPads too :))

John Chapman, Vice President, Airline Group, Amadeus Asia Pacific, explained the new features on RBA’s online engine

They had a short role play to give a better feel on the differences using the “old school method”

When Amadeus integration is implemented, passengers will enjoy a smooth transaction especially during the checking-in process

One talented friend we have and today is her special day. Live your life to the fullest and keep on shining!!

Date: 27th November 2011 (Sunday)
Venue: Brunei Hotel (Lobby)

0900hrs – Start of Registration and collection of competition apparel
0930hrs – Annoucement of Theme 1 and commencement of competition
1700hrs – Annoucement of winners and prize presentation (subject to change based on judging process)

1. The Canon Photo Shoot Out Brunei 2011 (“Event”) is an event open to all.
2. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis subject to receipt of a valid registration.
3. All information including personal information submitted by the participant to Interhouse Company. (“Organiser”) in connection with the event shall become the property of the Organiser. The participant is deemed to have given the Organiser authorisation to use such information for any purpose (including market research, planning, data-processing, statistical and risk-analysis, research, fund-raising).
4. The Organiser reserves the right to cancel the event at any time without notice. In the event of such cancellation, the Organiser shall use reasonable efforts to inform the participant prior to the date of the event.
5. The stated event timings are subject to changes.
6. Participants must abide by the competition rules, and by any decisions made by the Organizer.
7. Participants under the age of 18 must obtain parental consent
8. The Organiser reserves the right to use any submitted photograph for any purposes without compensation to the participant.
9. The Organiser reserves the right to disqualify any participant who has infringed any of the competition rules.
10. Decisions by the Organiser and competition judges are final. No queries will be entertained. 11. All nationalities are welcomed.
12. By participating in the Event, the participant is deemed to have accepted these terms and conditions.

Competition Process

1. Participants will receive Theme 1 at approximately 0930hrs on 27th November, 2011 at the Event Venue.
2. Participants must submit ONE picture deemed suitable for the Theme before the assigned deadline.
3. Theme 2 will be announced immediately after the deadline for Theme 1 submission has lapsed.
4. Theme 3 will be announced immediately after the deadline for Theme 2 submission has lapsed.
5. The Top three prizes will be awarded for each Theme.

Competition Rules

1. All participants must wear the Canon apparel provided during the event.
2. Participants can use any digital camera during the Canon Photo Shoot Out, Brunei 2011.
3. All photographs submitted MUST be in JPEG format and sized to approximately 5MB.
4. Storage format accepted are CF / SD / MMC / XD / MS formats. Participants using other formats must supply their own relevant adaptors / drives for use during the submission of entries during the event. The Organizers will not be held responsible for the inability to read / download images.
5. All photographs will be judged based on the following criteria:
– Relevance to theme
– Creativity in theme interpretation
– Use of colours and light / shadows
– Composition of photograph
6. All submissions for each Theme must be completed before the announced allocated deadline. The Organiser reserve the rights to reject any submission once the deadline has lapsed.
7. All submitted photographs must be taken on 27th November 2011.
8. Submitted photographs must not be altered by any editing software.
9. Participants must submit their entries personally. No proxy submission by any participant is allowed during the Event.
10. The Organiser will not be responsible for providing photographic equipment including camera, spare batteries, lenses or additional memory cards. All participants are expected to come prepared with all their photographic equipment.

Today 26th November is the finals of the Obsidian Haircut Competition organised by Yun Ho Trading Company who holds the local distributorship for Obsidian Professional Hair products. There are 23 male participants and 33 female participants that signed up for the competition and only top 10 male and female will be chosen as finalists.

The judges for the preliminary rounds were Mr. Ken Taira and Mr. Adam Chhooi who are professional judges from Malaysia. They are looking for a variety of hair designs and the hair style must also suit the shape/structure of the person’s face as well as the skin tone.

The top winners for male and female category will get a chance to tour Korea, win a trophy as welll as $300 cash prize. The finalists will also get consolation prizes depending on their ranking in the finals.

Top 10 Male

1. Andy Law Ming Seng
2. Boyet G. Bactaad
3. Buff Ooi Boon Pin
4. Gilbert Wee Lip Joo
5. Loius Poh Lu Yee
6. Mohd Zulfedhilli B Harun
7. Roman Sii Toh Hung
8. Walter Comania
9. Johnny Leong Man Theng
10. Loo Wengsan

Top 10 Female

1. Emily Loo Young Huey
2. Ivy Teo Lion Poh
3. Leoninda Sanao Nakamura
4. Peggie Kiew Suh Chi
5. Ngan Lee Pheng
6. Mary Grace C. Perez
7. Shirley Tan Ping Ping
8. Vivi Chong
9. Wong Leh Mee
10. Yvonne Chai Yit Khuan

So do come to Times Square later this evening (Saturday) 7pm to find out who will win the Obsidian Hair Cut competition :))

Yvonne Chai Yit Khuan of Kathy Chai made it through the finals

Shania of Ago go Too Beauty Salon missed the cut

Vivi Chong of Cutting Crew was chosen as the Top 10

Shirley Tan Ping Ping of Ago go Too Beauty Salon made the cut too

Some of the models during the earlier session of the female category

Ken Taira and Adam Chhooi are the judges for the preliminary round and the finals too

The hair models for Thursday session and their hairstylists made it through

Sim Yuan briefing the hair stylists for Saturday’s finals

Group photo with the hair stylists, models, judges and representatives from Yun Ho Trading Company

Too bad the same models can’t be used for the finals

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 Churrasco at Radisson Hotel

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LANEIGE Broadway Musical is back again this year to be held on tomorrow, Saturday, 26 November 2011. The responses from secondary schools have been very encouraging. There are 20 secondary schools that are going to compete in this charity competition performing some famous scenes from popular Broadway musicals like The Lion King, Beauty & the Beast, Aladdin, The Sound of Music, Mama Mia, Oliver, Wicked, Grease, High School Musical, etc.

This is the 2nd year that LANEIGE co-organizes the competition with the Department of Schools, Ministry of Education. It was a remarkable, educational and meaningful occasion in 2010. There were great opportunities in discovering young peoples’ talents, energy, imagination and leadership skills. These were recognized in their contributions to each performance. There was a variety of development and creativity in music, communication, teamwork and culture exchange. Students were able to be part of and enjoy a number of musical performances within the local arena and this had never been experienced before.

On another level, LANEIGE and the Ministry of Education wishes to emphasise that the main objective of organizing this charity competition within schools is really to raise the awareness in the public to look after those who are less fortunate. Through this charity competition, LANEIGE and the Ministry of Education wants to particularly encourage a wide spectrum of our youths today on the need to be more caring and compassionate. Our youths are our future: they would be the ones to continue to look after and manage the country. This charity competition is at the same a way to provide a platform and to expose students’ talents and creativity.

Another important reason is we to give an opportunity to students to communicate, perform and develop artistically in English language. With the continuous support of Ministry of Education and generous sponsors including: HSBC, Brunei Press Sdn Bhd, Jasra Harrisons Sdn Bhd, Milo, Royal Brunei Catering Sdn Bhd, Syarikat Shalim (B) Sdn Bhd, Nyuk Lian Printing Company, Ranoadidas, Red Dot Studio, CFBT, Studio Scene and Brunei English Language Teacher Association.

In addition, there will more to explore during the event, delicious irresistible foodies will be available on the day at the event like Bunny’s Yummies, Scoop Frozen Yogurt, Chicken pie by RBC, and many more food surprises to be arranged by the kind support of Brunei Food Bloggers.

The LANEIGE Broadway Musical Charity Competition 2011 will be held at the ICC Main conference Hall on 26 NOV 2011 at 1pm. Tickets are now available on sales at all LANEIGE branches (the mall 2428222, Kiulap 2232282, K.B. 3347217). 100% of ticket sales would be donated to KACA and Pusat Bahagia. To enjoy a meaningful and enjoyable afternoon of Broadway Musicals,for a good cause, get your tickets now for a wonderful afternoon with family and friends.

So peeps, have you bought your tickets yet? It’s not too late. Expect another spectacle.

Get em’ tickets or you will miss out :))

You may have read at The Brunei Times on the upcoming Rainforest Gallery bazaar this Sunday and they will be featuring a wide variety of interesting items ranging from art pieces, books and handicrafts. This will also be the first time that some Facebook freelance businesses will be participating in the bazaar.

So there will be other things such as cup cakes and other delicacies. There will be 15 booths according to the press release and one of them will be from the Children’s Cancer ward from RIPAS (they are a wonderful bunch of kids too).

There will be face painting, henna and according to the manager of the Rainforest Gallery, Denise Chhan, there will be having two artists to show their work in paper cutting (wuuhuuu..) and paint and ink drawings.

The Rainforest Gallery Bazaar will be held on 27th November at Rainforest Gallery (Kiulap above Vincci) from 10am to 5pm. Add them on facebook.

Take note of this for Sunday

I’m proud of my friend who has so much talent and happy advanced birthday to you.. I love your artwork :)) By the way, click on the link to enter her new website – timelessrealm.com which will go live tomorrow.

I still want the Elton John sock toy!!!! Anyway, you can find more of them this Sunday at Rainforest Gallery and they also come with a story board.. Interesting!!

Cecilia Lee of IA Salon/Fun Bee Park/Polly Transport brought in a famous motivational speaker from Taiwan, Dr. Dai Chen Zhi where he shared his experiences with the audience and also sharing some pointers for the benefit of the guests. The workshop aimed to help them to overcome self-doubt and lack of focus and to identify the steps to reach their potential goals.

The attendants were mostly staff of IA Salon, Polly Transport and Fun Bee Park. This is a great idea by Cecilia to bring in motivational speaker to give some morale boost for her company and bring more confidence and awareness to the individuals. The guests were later treated to food & refreshment after the motivational talk.

Dr. Dai Chen Zhi spent the whole morning delivering his motivational talk

Invited guests taking down some notes

Guests sharing their positive thoughts to the attendees

Fen and Rachael of Fun Bee Park were inspired by the talk

Fun Bee Park staff taking down notes during the sesison

Cecilia Lee is proud of her team and she hopes her staff will shine and be inspired

His books were selling like hot-cakes and the guests wanted signatures on their books

In other news, Fun Bee Park will be holding a December Holiday Camp. The children will have the chance fo have fun and play with craft toys, games, drama activities and many others.

Children aged 4 to 7 years old have a choice of 5th to 6th December or 19th to 20th December 2011. For children aged 8 to 12 years old, they can choose from 7th to 8th December or 21st to 22nd December 2011.

This Sunday there will be a Princess Tea Party exclusively for girls while for the boys, there will be a Cars Party. So do sign up for this Sunday, 27th November 2011.

You can call 717 8232 or 246 7729 for more details. Fun Bee Park is located behind Red Canopy Cafe at Batu Bersurat (also near Happy Star).

Cecilia Lee and Dr. Dai Chen Zhi posing at the counter of Fun Bee Park. Don’t forget to call Fun Bee Park at 717 8232 for upcoming activities in December and also this Sunday

Fun Bee Park is also having a small booth in front of The Face Shop on 3rd Floor, The Mall (today and tomorrow)

Awwww… Ain’t he cute? 😀 Do come visit their booth and see some clay modeling and batik painting demo (today and tomorrow)

Standard Chartered Bank played host to over 300 of their Priority Banking customers at an exclusive dinner at the Indera Samudra Grand Hall of the The Empire Hotel & Country Club.

On hand to greet the esteemed guests were Lai Pei Si, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank, and Judith Lee, head of premium banking, as well as senior managers of the bank.

“We are hugely committed to all of you, our Priority Banking customers, and this year, we have further increased our Priority Banking relationship manager to meet your increasing financial needs and growing demand for overall banking solutions, enhanced level of service, access and convenience,” said the CEO. [Click here] Text and images by Adib Noor.

Lai Pei Si, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank (Brunei) in her welcoming adress

Zul F performing during SCB Dinner

< Some of the dance performances at SCB Dinner

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