Change is the only constant

RBA’s New Generation Technology Suite

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