Archive for June, 2015

Jun

Back in Ipoh

Written by Rano Iskandar. Posted in News, RA News

Mid Year Travel Delights

Only now until 6th June. Prices are cheaper than usual and only last for four days. What are you waiting for? Thank you RB and congratulations on your 40th year of flight 😀 Click image to enter website.

Netball fever

Brunei lost to Thailand yesterday 40-45 in the preliminary round of the netball SEA Games 2015. Image courtesy of Yee Chun Leong of The Brunei Times.

Ah, I wasn’t even in the netball match between Brunei and Thailand but I was up to date with the progress of the match. It was quite unfortunate that Brunei didn’t manage to squeeze that victory over Thailand. At one stage, Brunei was leading by 5 points at half time but the third quarter, Thailand upped their game and outscored Brunei and finished the game, winning by 5 points (40-45). The result meant that Brunei must beat the Philippines to be in contention for the semi-final berth.

In the other match, host Singapore failed to capitalize on home court advantage as they drew 35-35 in the preliminary round of the netball competition. This would mean the top of the group will be determined by a better goal difference. Singapore had the edge when they were leading 30-24 coming into the fourth quarter but the host blew their lead and the visitors capitalized on Singapore’s errors to stage a come back.

That’s it from for my updates on the current netball competition.

The Singaporean fans supporting their team in netball. Image courtesy of Netball Singapore.

Singapore vs Malaysia. Image courtesy of Netball Singapore.

Brunei Toastmasters, a growing family

When Brunei Speakers’ Club was awarded with President’s Distinguish Club, we invited other Brunei toastmasters club to join the celebration. Thank you all for showing the true value of a toastmaster.

This is the Brunei dancing group – Brendan, Supatra, Jack, Farhan, Seng Yee and I. Thank you to Nora and Joanna from KK for helping us to coordinate the dances. It finally paid off 😀

Late post: Two weeks ago, around 25 members from Brunei Toastmasters Club attended 3-days Toastmasters International District 87 Annual Conference held in Kuching.

Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches communication and leadership skills through a worldwide network of more than 14,650 clubs in 126 countries. In Brunei, there are 4 Toastmasters clubs – Brunei Speakers’ Club, Brunei Advanced Speakers’ Club, Oil Town Talkers Toastmasters Club and the newly chartered UBD Toastmasters Club. So far, the journey and the growth have been great and the number of members gradually increasing.

During the 3-days conference, camaraderie between members have developed phenomenally and meaningful friendships have been strengthened. But to me, what is great about Brunei toastmasters is that we are great as a unit and we are united as one. I do observed how the Brunei toastmasters in different clubs operate but we all have the same agenda, to grow and to learn together and not see each other as competition.

In the Award Ceremony, Genevieve Lai, one of the founding members of Brunei Speakers’ Club made Brunei proud when she was among the few who was awarded the Distinguished Toastmasters Award (DTM), the highest education and leadership award from Toastmasters International. This would mean that she completed 40 speeches and completed four leadership manuals and also taking up higher positions in the ranks of toastmasters. So this is no easy feat at all.

She has also achieved Triple Crown awards along with Reuben Chin, Pranika Lama, Jason Koo and Allen Ang. Triple Crown awards were given to achievers who had accomplished three or more education or leadership programmes in one single term. I’m aiming for one next year so we will see how it goes 😀

What do all of them have in common? They all achieved triple crowns 😀 Reuben Chin (UBD Toastmasters), Pranika Lama (UBD Toastmasters), Genevieve Lai (Brunei Advanced Speakers’ Club), Jason Koo (Otters) and Allen Ang (Otters). Genevieve was also awarded Distinguished Toastmasters title that time.

Shawn Cassidy Narcis pitched why we all should go to Bali this November for the semi-annual conference. I’m definitely going 😀

I successfully pitched for the next convention to be in Brunei Darussalam. Now that’s a huge project for me but I’m confident that we can do this 😀

Brunei Speakers’ Club (BSC) was awarded President’s Distinguished Club, the highest rating that Toastmasters International gives to its clubs, in recognition of the club’s effort to maintain high quality meetings and good membership. BSC also achieved it last year and this shows great leadership in our club in recent years.

Brunei toastmasters hit milestones after milestones. During the District Council meeting, Shawn Cassidy Narcis was elected the Club Growth Director for District 87. District 87 is a region of Toastmasters International including Brunei, East Malaysia and Indonesia. It comprises 7 divisions with more than 150 corporate and community clubs.

“I will be working with every member in District 87 to have a greater experience in the Toastmasters journey, where friends help friends to grow and support each other. Every journey begins with a single step. And with every single step we can accomplish and reach our destination” said Narcis, incoming Club Growth Director 2015/2016.

To me, Shawn is our pillar in Brunei toastmasters. He has been a great role model for many and this is one reason why toastmasters is very strong in Brunei and I’m happy that he was elected as Club Growth Director.

Another leader in our community, Reuben Chin, stood up as the Division (K) Director where he will be serving 7 Areas which include Brunei, Labuan and Sabah.

“Over the coming years, we will see a rise in membership as the Toastmasters Program continues to make an impact on more and more peoples’ lives. And as that happens, it is our responsibility to focus on the learning aspect of Toastmasters. The focus on of the coming term will be an emphasis on education” said Chin.

Allen Ang, the incoming Area Director (K6) also added that sharing of best practices among clubs is essential for the club growth and success within Brunei. The current Area Director is Ruey Chong Narcis.

Pranika Lama with world champion of public speaking 2014 Dananjaya Hettiarachchi

So Dananjaya wants to be like me?? 😀

Seng Yee with the charismatic champion

During the conference, Education Sessions were also held where the World Champion of Public Speaking 2014, Dananjaya Hettiarachchi gave a motivational speech highlighting his journey to the World Championship last year. In his speech, he quoted “When you want something as bad as you want to breathe, then you will achieve it”. Best part about Dananjaya was that he actually invested his spare time in Kuching to be with the Brunei toastmasters and wow, he is such an inspirational and charismatic individual. We were all so blessed for him showing up.

Other speakers include Shurooq AlBanna (first Arab woman who won third place in the World Championship of Public Speaking), Johnny Uy (International Speech Contest Semi-finalist), Zaharom Naim (Professor of Media and Communication Studies), Raju Mandhyan (Coach & Learning Facilitator) and Alex Wong (ex-CEO of Pan Global, adventurer, author).

The next District 87 Conference will be held in Bali from October 30th to November 1st organised by Brunei Toastmasters, Shawn Cassidy Narcis. On a better not, I, as a member from Brunei Speakers’ Club also pitched in the District Council Meeting to host the District Semi-Annual Conference in November 2016. To me, it is my deepest intention to spread the awareness of Toastmasters in Brunei for the benefit of the community and I believe this event will bring a new chapter to Brunei.

Brunei Speakers’ Club meets regularly each Tuesday at 7:30 at SEAMEO VOCTECH. For more information about the event and club, please visit www.bruneispeakersclub.com and thanks VPR, Seng Yee for the write up.

We are not just toastmasters, we are family

During the Gala Dinner with the Brunei toastmasters

Rano Iskandar, the organizing chair for Semi-Annual District 2016 in Brunei, Reuben Chin, newly elect Division Director K, Shawn Cassidy Narcis, newly elect Club Growth Director (District) and Allen Ang, Area K6 Director

Continue Reading Comments Off on Back in Ipoh

Jun

Back in SG

Written by Rano Iskandar. Posted in News, RA News

Be Right Back

I will be away for the next two weeks. But I shall be posting my entries from time to time. Finishing my 1st half year of my trips of 2015. It has been a fruitful year so far.

Musicians feted

Every year, the candidates with the highest destination mark for each grade or diploma category will be selected as an Award Winner of their grade/diploma for their respective countries. There is also an outstanding achiever as well where the candidate with the second highest distinction mark of each grade or diploma category will be selected as an outstanding achiever.

The awards was given by Trinity College London. Shian Li was awarded the winner for the Diploma ATCL 2013. Her brother Evan Chiam achieved Grade 6 Piano 2013 and Grade 6 Violin 2014. Both are from Expression Music. Other music school representatives were PJC Virtuoso Music School, Rhytmic Arts Sdn Bhd, Symphony Music School, Precious Music School, Yippy Tune Music School, Seri Mulia Sarjana School, eroding International School, Del Mar Virtuoso Music School, Kim Musical Centre and Suhanda.

Shian Li of Expression Music was awarded the winner for the Diploma ATCL 2013

Evan Chiam of Expression Music achieved Grade 6 Piano 2013 and Grade 6 Violin 2014

Brunei must win one more

Tia Jaafar was in hot form yesterday. Image courtesy of Netball Singapore Facebook.

Brunei in attacking mode. Image courtesy of Netball Singapore Facebook.

The Royal Bees had a great break in the last 5 minutes and stamped their authority over Myanmar 56-47 yesterday in the netball tournament of the 28th SEA Games in OCBC Arena, Singapore. I was kinda upset because I only caught the final 8 minutes of the match (Kinda long story that). Anyway, well done to the Brunei netball team and I’m pretty sure the mood is on a high because a win is a win and this is a good motivation for the Brunei netball team to show that believe that anything is possible especially the teams that are superior to them.

The Royal Bees will need to beat the Philippines (who got trounced by Malaysia 112-11) and Thailand if they need to be in the final four. I believe even one victory over the two will be enough to squeeze in into the final four and that will give a possibility for Brunei to achieve a medal status for the SEA Games.

The head coach was highly praised of the team especially to the centre – Tia and Amal because of their great partnership. Their coach Jinadasa said that they need to work on their defence. This will be their key to beating Thailand (today at 3:30pm). Good luck to the Royal Bees and even though I caught the game with 8 minutes remaining, it was worth the catch 😀 I won’t be catching the rest of the matches as I will be flying off today. Good luck to all the Brunei participants in the SEA Games.

Brunei vs Myanmar. Image courtesy of Netball Singapore Facebook.

Hj Abdul Malik from the Department of Youth and Sports was present to watch the netball match

The winning team

The Royal Bees manager being interviewed by RTB

With the reporters – Yee Chun Leong of The Brunei Times and Fadhil Yunus of Borneo Bulletin. Keep up the great work 😀

In the other match and what a thrashing score line

The Malaysians are physically built and taller

YEAB gathering

Members of YEAB and friends at the hi-tea session at Tarindak Polo Cafe last SundayThe Young Entrepreneurs Association Brunei (YEAB) is committed to help local businesses and wants its presence known so that new entrepreneurs can look to them for help. That’s the objective of the current president, Del Goh.

Last Sunday, YEAB organized a simple gathering of its member and potential members at Tarindak Cafe at Jerudong Park. Around 25 people turned up and had a great networking session over hi-tea and hope that it will be benefit the members in terms of business related topics for the growth of SMEs in Brunei Darussalam.

The YEAB is a non-profit organisation, primarily targeted to represent entrepreneurs below the age of 40, who are either a founder, co-founder, owner, partner, major shareholder or holding a management position in a corporation or firm registered in Brunei Darussalam.

Del Goh, the President of YEAB (center) with Deno Goh and Keeran Janin

Our guests from Kuching – Jodie and Sam

Adella Han playing by the beach

Continue Reading Comments Off on Back in SG

Jun

Green Day

Written by Rano Iskandar. Posted in News, RA News

Unicup 2015 update

Upcoming fixtures

Results last weekend

Politeknik Brunei (PB) last weekend came back from a goal down to salvage a 1-1 draw against Curtin University in Group ‘A’ of the BIBD At-Tamwil University Cup 2015 at the Padang Kebajikan.

Curtin University, the only foreign team in the tournament, took the lead late in the first half as Tisalona Anak Joannes connected with a cross from Thad Bess Chia.

With a majority of the possession and numerous goal attempts, PB could not break the deadlock. Curtin goalkeeper, Jeremy Dom, was on impressive form to thwart PB’s front line of Mohammad Ikmal Hakim and Nur Adi Zulhusni.

The goalkeeper could only do so much when PB super substitute Mohd Hazim Hamzah’s flick header in the 74th minute curled into the goal. The goal was enough to earn PB a point in their last game of the tournament.

PB has now collected four points and sit in third position in Group ‘A’.

Meanwhile, Laksamana College of Business (LCB) beat Cosmopolitan College of Commerce and Technology 2-1, thanks to an injury time goal (90+2) from Muhammad Azizan Akmal Haji Mataii.

Curtin University will next play UNISSA on June 3 at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium at the Police Headquarters.

The next match for the BIBD At-Tamwil University Cup 2015 will see a top of the table clash between Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and Institut Teknologi Brunei (ITB) on June 2 at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium at the Police Headquarter. Kick off will be at 7.45pm. Text courtesy of James Kon of Borneo Bulletin and images courtesy of Fazizul Haqimie.

For more updates, you can follow their Facebook page or instagram @attamwil_universitycup

Match between IGS and LCB

No cap, gain more

Hj Mohd Maszaiwardy bin Hj Masri, Assistant General Manager of Sales, Takaful Brunei Keluarga, Hjh Mahana binti Hj Ajak, Deputy General Manager of Takaful Brunei Keluarga and Nooramal Fitriyah Abdul Rahim, Sales Executive Officer, Sales Department of Takaful Brunei Keluarga

The popular short term investment is back!! Takaful Brunei Keluarga (TBK) previously held this special promotion two years ago back in 2013 and it was a big hit. This time round, the stakes are way better. For those who are not aware of Nur Savings from TBK, it’s basically a short term investment (maximum two years) where you will be insured and also gain interest from the savings at a profit of 2% per annum for two years.

The single minimum payment os BND 2,000 and there is no cap for the payment. Previously it was capped at BND 50,000 but now interested parties can inject any amount they feel comfortable with. The 2% interest is a pretty high return as compared to the banks in Brunei. Hence not only you save and get protected, you also earn the extra 2% from your savings. So imagine yourself investing BND 500,000 or even BND 1 million. That would be a great returns in a space of two years only. Awesome deal!!!

This promotion is open to all residents of Brunei Darussalam which means as long as you have an IC (green, purple or yellow), you will be eligible. For those interested parties, you can call TBK’s Certified Financial Planners at 223 1100 during office hours.

The media asking questions during the press conference

Hjh Mahana explained to the media the benefits of Nur Savings

30% off for Skin Food

Be a member of Skin Food and enjoy the privileges

The once a year members’ day is back at Skin Food Brunei. From 31st May – 2nd June 2015, members are entitled to enjoy a 30% discount off the original price on all items. The event comes as a means of thanking Skin Food Brunei’s loyal customers.

For those of you non-members who are eager for the hefty discount, worry not, as Skin Food is giving the opportunity to sign up for membership with just a $10 transaction, generously reduced from the usual $40. New members will also receive a lovely welcoming gift. Benefits include 10% discount on purchases, birthday vouchers and exclusive members-only promotions.

Skin Food is also giving away lots of fun free gifts, such $5 vouchers for purchases up to $50, while purchases above $88 get a limited edition manicure set. Purchases above $108 will receive a highly collectable Black Sugar enamel pouch, suitable for travelling with your favourite products!

Skin Food is one of the top skin and body care brands, that is well known for their plant and fruit based products that incorporate natural ingredients to “feed the skin”. Among some of their latest product lines is the introduction of the Argan Oil Silk Hair Care Range, and their Premium Tomato whitening skin care range.

AMBD Treasure Hunt

The winners of the AMBD Treasure Hunt – Team Victorious Secret. Image courtesy of Armtrix Enterprise.

1st runner-up of the AMBD Treasure Hunt – Team A Square who won themselves two iPad Mini. Image courtesy of Armtrix Enterprise.

2nd runner-up of the AMBD Treasure Hunt – Blackjack who won two Garmin F15 watches. Image courtesy of Armtrix Enterprise.

We have winners from AMBD Treasure Hunt last weekend. The response was overwhelming and the organizers had to turn down others because it was only limited to 30 teams of two. The treasure hunt went on for two hours and there were given tasks to complete and the top 5 winners will be awarded. The first prize was a pair of tickets to Kuala Lumpur and it was won by team Victorious Secret where they also earned a trophy and a Good Life coin bank.

AMBD Day 2015 had been a successful event, spanning over 3 days and it was showcased at the ICC to create awareness on savings among the community. There has been many queries to the new notices and directives from the AMBD but then it’s all for the benefit of the community and also educating them on the importance of savings.

On 28th May 2015, they have released five notices – Total Debt Service Ratio, Unsecured Personal Credit Facility, Unsecured Personal Financing Facility, Consolidation Loan Scheme and Service Fee/Charges. You can read more of the notices here, taken from the AMBD website.

The Total Debt Service Ratio may be taken in the wrong context but if you look deeply, the positive aspect is that it will ease the burden of the borrower and also allow the borrower to have a better and sufficient disposable income. The other good point is that now the applicant can get a loan up to 18 times its net salary as compared to the previous one by 12 times. The maximum repayment period remains unchanged at six years.

These new directives may not be favourable for the banks in terms of gains but it will be a win-win situation for both the financial institution and consumers in a long run. Ok, enough on my rant on loan caps. Congratulations to the winners of the AMBD Treasure Hunt.