The Mercedes-Benz GLC achieves the top score in the Euro NCAP rating. The new mid-size SUV has received five stars, continuing the Mercedes-Benz success story in impressive style. In 2014 the GLA, C-Class and V-Class were likewise awarded five stars by Euro NCAP.

The GLC has achieved five stars for occupant safety, child safety, pedestrian protection and its assistance systems – giving it the maximum score in the Euro NCAP rating. The basis for this outstanding result is the perfect interaction between active and passive safety: the combination of a highly rigid safety passenger cell, highly effective restraint systems, the latest driver assistance systems and other measures leads to first-class test results.

“The new GLC’s gratifying result in the Euro NCAP rating confirms the success of our efforts in the areas of active and passive safety,” says Prof. Dr.-Ing. Rodolfo Schöneburg, Head of Vehicle Safety, Durability and Corrosion Protection at Mercedes-Benz Cars. “We will continue to intensify our efforts in the future, so as to provide the best possible safety not only for drivers and passengers in a Mercedes-Benz, but also for more vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.”

Real Life Safety plus Intelligent Drive

Assessment by means of crash ratings is only one aspect of the comprehensive safety philosophy followed by Mercedes-Benz. Thanks to the knowledge acquired as a result of accident research conducted in-house, the GLC has also been systematically designed with real-world accidents in mind. In this way, MercedesBenz is once again highlighting the leading role it plays as a safety pioneer in the field of automotive safety. The comprehensive approach taken by Mercedes-Benz accident research centres on avoiding accidents completely or mitigating their consequences. The company uses the term “Real Life Safety” to describe this approach.

Almost all of the driver assistance systems which are familiar from the C-, E- and S Class are available for the new GLC. As part of the Intelligent Drive concept, these systems combine data from various sensor technologies to substantially enhance comfort and safety. COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, Crosswind Assist, Headlamp Assist and ATTENTION ASSIST are on board as standard. The Driving Assistance package Plus provides an even more comprehensive range of active safety features, comprising DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot, PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian detection, BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and PRE-SAFE® PLUS.

These measures exceeding the bounds of the actual Euro NCAP rating have 
been acknowledged by Euro NCAP with two so-called “Advanced Rewards” for PRESAFE® and ATTENTION ASSIST.

Best possible protection for more vulnerable road users

The protection of more vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists is also taken very seriously by Mercedes-Benz. The GLC is equipped with an active bonnet which is raised by 80 millimetres during an impact to provide additional deformation space. Under the bonnet, the package has been further optimised with a new engine cover and deformable air intake, creating yet more deformation space. In this way the GLC meets the stringent pedestrian protection requirements of Euro-NCAP, which go well beyond the legal requirements.

BAS PLUS warns the driver when pedestrians are detected in the danger zone by the stereo camera. The PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian recognition triggers autonomous braking when the system detects a pedestrian in the danger zone and the driver does not react to the system’s warnings. This pedestrian detection forming part of the optionally available Driving Assistance package Plus represents a milestone in preventing accidents with pedestrians or mitigating their consequences.

Recently launched in Brunei Darussalam, Mercedes-Benz GLC, last December 2015

A tradition of top results for Mercedes-Benz

The most recent top result for the GLC is a continuation of last year’s successes: in last year’s Euro NCAP ratings the GLA, the C-Class and the V-Class likewise achieved five stars, occupying the top positions amongst all vehicles tested in 2014. The C-Class was specially praised by Euro NCAP as the best in class among medium-class passenger cars.

From 2015 onwards, the test requirements have been extended to include a further frontal impact against a rigid barrier. The full points score for frontal impact protection is therefore divided between this new test and the offset frontal impact test against a deformable obstacle. The side impact test now uses a larger, heavier impact sledge, and the lateral post impact test is conducted with a stronger impact offset at an angle. A new, more realistic crash-test dummy – WordSID – is now used for the side impact tests for a better assessment of occupant protection.

Do follow their Facebook Page and also their instagram @mercedesbenzbrunei for updates.

One of the Ultraman walking with the students at St. George’s School. Image taken from St. George’s School Facebook Page.

Students were excited by their presence at school. Image taken from St. George’s School Facebook Page.

It was a day to remember for the students of two schools in the capital as they played host to the intergalactic heroes Ultraman Zero, Ultraman Ginga and Ultraman Tiga.

The multipurpose hall of St George’s School erupted with cheers and screams of close to 300 students as the Japanese heroes greeted them and showed off their signature moves much to the delight of their young fans.

“I’ve known about Ultraman since I was a kid – I used to watch him while I was growing up. Today is really awesome, I still can’t believe Ultraman is here at our school!” exclaimed Year 10 student Cj Ashley Albano.

A spokeperson for Ultraman Live Brunei shared that the visit is part of its ongoing roadshow to give a chance for fans, both old and new, to get a glimpse of Ultraman and what to expect during the upcoming show in March.

“With a history expanding over 50 years, we want our fans to see and learn more about all the history of the intergalactic hero,” added the spokesperson.

The day also saw two lucky students winning themselves free Ultraman Live tickets thanks to their knowledge of Ultraman.

The three heroes also paid a visit to Chung Hwa Middle School (CHMS).

Tickets were also given to the respective teachers of the school to be distributed to some of their best students.

The roadshow will continue today with a visit to Pusat Ehsan and KACA.

Ultraman Live Brunei will take place during the first-term school holiday from March 18 to 28 at Jerudong Park Amphitheatre.

Tickets are available at Mach Telecommunications, Times Square; Freshco Batu Bersurat; Sentral Shopping Centre in Kuala Belait; Cheezbox; all outlets of Gong Cha; EGM branches in Serusop, The Mall and Bunut; and the Jerudong Park Ticketing Counter.

The public can also contact the hotline of Ultraman Live in Brunei at 723-7477 and 829-7890, or follow updates on Facebook at ‘Ultraman Live in Brunei 2016’ and Instagram at ‘@UltramanLiveinBrunei2016’. Text courtesy of Adib Noor of The Brunei Times.

Students in ecstatic mood yesterday. Image taken from St. George’s School Facebook Page.

Ultraman’s appearance at the school hall. Image taken from St. George’s School Facebook Page.

Get your tickets now

Yes, Maria Sharapova makes it to the 3rd round. Image from Ausopen.com

Lleyton Hewitt playing his final Aussie Open and made it through to the 2nd round. Image from News Corp Australia.

The Australian Open. Oi, Oi, Oi.. That’s how they chant the Aussie way. The next two weeks, I will be heavily be attentive to the first Grand Slam of the year – The Australian Open. My favourite is, of course, Roger Ferderer, and he is still looking sharp at the age of 34. Not bad at all.

The biggest upset so far is Rafael Nadal who lost in a 5-setter to Verdasco in the first round. Has Nadal got what is left of him? According to the press, he has still have much to offer on the court. Rafael is also the ambassador for Kia as he unveiled the latest Kia X-Car at the Australian Open 2016 last week.

My other favourite player is Maria Sharapova who breezed past the second round with ease. One player that I am also eyeing is Lleyton Hewitt, playing his last Australia Open and also he is in his final professional tennis career. Let’s see how far the Australian can go on his home turf.

Tennis superstar and Kia global brand ambassador Rafael Nadal lifted the cover off of Kia’s latest ‘X-Car’ today in Melbourne, Australia during the official VIK handover ceremony for the Australian Open 2016. The one-of-a-kind Sportage CUV was created in collaboration with Twentieth Century Fox and modelled after the popular X-Men character Mystique

The winners of the “Drive Your Way to the 2016 Australian Open” feted last December 2015. Enjoy the tennis 😀

In keeping customers well informed on the latest trends in financial markets, Baiduri Bank, in collaboration with their long standing strategic partner, DBS Bank Singapore, organized an investment seminar linked to currency strategies titled, “Managing FX Volatility from a Weaker Chinese Yuan and Higher US Interest Rates”. The event was held at the Mutiara Ballroom, Radisson Hotel on 15 January 2015.

Pg Azaleen Pg Dato Hj Mustapha, Head of Retail Banking and Branch Network at Baiduri Bank gave the welcoming remarks. In his speech, he highlighted that after seven years since the global crisis of 2008, global markets were off to a bad start for 2016. The question is where are the opportunities?

The seminar was presented by Mr Philip Wee Sung Seng, Senior Currency Economist of DBS Bank, Singapore, who oversees currency research and co-manages macroeconomic research at DBS. He discussed the falling oil prices, depreciating currencies and China’s transition towards a slower “new normal” economy. In his presentation he also discussed how the global economy and financial markets evolved seven years after the global financial crisis.
Also present at the event were management and staff of Baiduri Bank including Andrew Young, Deputy General Manager, Operations Management Division and Diversification & Strategic Development of Baiduri Bank, and Peng Eng Soon, Head of Wealth Management, Baiduri Bank.

Pg Azaleen Pg Dato Hj Mustapha, Head of Retail Banking and Branch Network, Baiduri Bank

Mr Philip Wee Sung Seng, Senior Currency Economist of DBS Bank, Singapore

Baiduri Bank has a range of investment products and services to offer and is currently hosting a special promotion where with sign up of selected savings and protection plans with an annual premium of BND 2,000, customers will receive a Samsung Galaxy Tab. Furthermore, those who sign up for a monthly plan with premium of BND100 will receive a Hydroflask.

Customers who wish to invest in unit trusts are also treated to a 25% off total sales charge when they subscribe to a unit trust distributed by Baiduri Bank.

As an incentive, customers who consult with the Associate Financial Planners at Wealth Management Centre will receive movie tickets upon completion of an insurance planning exercise. Baiduri’s Wealth Management Centre is at 2nd Floor Baiduri Bank Kiulap Branch. To secure an appointment, or for more information, customers can call 2232457 during banking hours.

Gracing the New Year and upcoming Chinese New Year, KFC Brunei is delighting its fans by bringing back the sensational Ayam Kicap Meletup for customers to enjoy!

KFC Ayam Kicap Meletup features KFC’s signature chicken fried to perfection, together with the flavours of imported unique Shoyu soy sauce, seaweed, chili flakes, sesame seeds and delectable spices. The outcome is a deliciously aromatic fusion of sweet, savoury and spicy flavours in every bite.

“Ayam Kicap Meletup was launched last year in June and due to its amazing response, we are bringing it back by popular demand. The unique yet familiar taste with a local twist – kicap and chili is what makes this product such a big hit with our fellow Bruneians”, said Del goh, Vice President, KFC Brunei.

“We are confident that our customers will be delighted at the chance to taste the Ayam Kicap Meletup again, and share the extraordinary taste with family and friends this coming festive season!” he added.
With the tagline “Chinese New Year is more “meletup” when we celebrate together”, the comeback of this delicious product symbolizes the bringing together of all friends and family to share the celebration as well as the unique flavour of the Ayam Kicap Meletup.

Ayam Kicap Meletup

In line with the Chinese New Year festivities, KFC also created a special side dish, a fragrant Seaweed Rice to complement the Ayam Kicap Meletup. At only $6.60 customers can enjoy a good value combo meal consisting of two pieces of Ayam Kicap Meletup fried chicken, seaweed rice OR crispier fries, coleslaw, as well as a cup of soft drink.

KFC is also offering the Ayam Kicap Meletup big value buckets for families and groups at affordable prices. Great for sharing during the festivities, the KFC Ayam Kicap Meletup comes in a 9-piece Bucket consisting of nine pieces of chicken, a large whipped potato, one large crispier fries along with a 1.5 litre Pepsi, all for only $26.90! There is also a 5-piece Bucket option at $15.80. Make your visit to the nearest KFC this auspicious season and enjoy the Ayam Kicap Meletup while stocks last.

I’m glad someone wrote this piece to the Editor (The Brunei Times)

Movies ain’t for babies. I have highlighted this long time ago on my social media last year. It boggles me why parents would bring toddlers or babies or even small kids to movies that are inappropriate. This is pretty common in Brunei because the rules and regulations are not as strict. It’s only relying on “common sense” for parents or guardians to take that huge responsibility.

It’s not worth it to disrupt the harmony of movie goers who paid their dues for a movie experience. For one thing, babies won’t be able to understand the context of the movie though there might be an element of influence such as violence (which is a definite no-no). The most annoying part would be the the cry (or the screaming) babies. This has happened occasionally and it was relieved when mothers carrying their babies would politely exit the cinema to lessen the disruption.

Just a point for parents: Do be considerate to other movie goers and also for the sake of your kids.