Dato Paduka Awang Haji Bahrin bin Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Finance and Chairmna of DST (center) with Acting Chief Executive Officer of DST, Awang Suhaimi bin Awang Haji Hussain and DST Board of Director Awang Abdul Latiff bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Md Yusuf during the launch of DST Signature Store

An integrated experience awaits DST’s customers as it officially opened its Signature Store yesterday at the Airport Mall in Berakas, yesterday.

Officiating the event as the guest of honour was the Deputy Minister of Finance, Dato Paduka Awang Haji Bahrin bin Abdullah in his capacity as the Chairman of DST. Also present were members of the DST Board of Director Awang Abdul Latiff bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Md Yusuf, as well as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of DST, Awang Suhaimi bin Awang Haji Hussain.

The opening of the store marks another milestone for DST’s ‘Brand Journey’, which started with the renewal of its brand identity, the Simpur Star logo.

In his welcoming remarks, Awang Suhaimi said, “As DST proactively invests in upgrading its networks and introducing new technologies, DST also continues to invest in upgrading our front-end services to improve our customer experience.”

The Signature Store spans some 7,000 square metres and occupies four units, making it the largest DST store in the country.

It encompasses an integrated approach to DST’s services ranging from mobile and broadband services to bill payments and the provision of an interactive environment where customers can try out DST’s latest products and technologies.

Senior Manager for DST’s Counter Services, Awang Ramdzani Haji Mohd Said said that among the technological innovations used in the Signature Store are the Queue Management System (QMS), which sends customers an SMS notification on their mobile devices within three queuing numbers of their turn.

The store also includes an extensive array of tablet computers and interactive TV screens, where customers can gain information about the product, services and activities offered.

Awang Ramdzani went on to say, “The interactive TV features an interactive map of the store, which will further allow customers to get information about the store itself without the need to ask a customer service representative. This provides a greater choice to the customer when dictating their own experience.”

The centrepiece of the store is a 414-inch LED TV used as part of a digital marketing solution while maximising customers’ reach.

“The Signature Store is intended to be dynamic,” said Awang Suhaimi, adding that this will “continue to evolve” with the use of technology offering customer-centric products and services together with continuous human resource development”.

Acting Chief Executive Officer of DST, Awang Suhaimi delivering his welcoming remarks

The launching gambit for DST Signature Store

The guest of honour officiating the launch

The interior of the DST Signature Store

Signing the plague to commemorate the opening of DST Singature Store

Guest of Honour visiting the Kristal FM new studio where they will be live from Friday to Monday at the DST Signature Store at Airport Mall

The crew of KRISTAL FM

Guest of Honour also launching the new interactive DST website

When will LTE come out in Brunei?

In defining its integrated experience, the Signature Store also features a mini-studio that will conduct live broadcasts by Kristal FM Radio deejays four days a week between 9am and 5.30pm, Friday to Monday.

Other highlights of the store includes an exclusive Premium Lounge for Premium Accounts customers only, where personnel are ready to cater to queries and requests; a multi-function room used to run DST ‘Future’ brand technopreneurship development training, and also customer product briefings on DST products and services for all customers.

Underpinning the features of the store, Awang Suhaimi said, “It is our aim that the Signature Store will give DST’s existing customers an experience that will differentiate DST as a brand that stands out. “As for potential customers, DST aims to create an experience on DST’s full range of products and services in a distinctive way to influence their decision in a positive manner.” Text courtesy of Aziz Idris of Borneo Bulletin.

Press conference held at the training room to bried the local media

The media asking questions at the training room

New promotion for EASI users.. Woohoo

Devon and Kath paid a visit to the new store

The DST Premier Lounge area

The new look feel inside

Dean Kassim of Borneo Bulletin on the job

Dickson from SCB was there. Btw, there is a collaboration with DST and SCB on the D*card

The massive TV once you enter the store

Click image to enter website 

 

Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Berhad (BIBD) recently was conferred as the winner of the Best Retail Bank in Brunei for the year 2012 during the 12th International Excellence in Retail Financial Services Award Ceremony which took place at the Westin Chosun in Seoul, Korea on March 21st, 2013, organised by The Asian Banker (TAB).

Present on hand to receive the momentous award on behalf of BIBD were Mr Imran Samee, Head of Consumer Banking, along with Hjh Nurul Akmar Binti Haji Mohd Jaafar, Deputy Head of Consumer Banking, who is also Head of Corporate Social Responsibility. Mr Samee commented “This is a landmark milestone for BIBD, being the first Islamic Bank to win the Best Retail Banking honour in Brunei Darussalam, an achievement only equalled by the fact that BIBD’s presence has been strengthened amongst all the large multinational banks present in Brunei Darussalam”.

This recognition builds on the proven successes of earlier awards won in the year, namely winning the Islamic Finance News (IFN) “Structured Finance Deal of the Year 2012” for the Brunei Gas Carriers (BGC) Sdn Bhd US$170 million Islamic Financing Facility, IFN “Turkey Deal of the Year 2012” for the Republic of Turkey’s US$1.5 billion sovereign Sukuk, the “Tawarruq Deal of the Year 2012” for Al-Baraka Turk US$ 450 million Syndicated Financing and the IFN “Best Islamic Bank 2012” in Brunei Darussalam.

BIBD Ar-Rahnu also recently scooped the “Social Service Award” at the Asia-Pacific Enterprise Leadership Awards (APELA) 2013 held at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. Winning this award showcases as a great achievement and progress for BIBD and Islamic banking and finance, pushing it onto better heights, not only in Brunei Darussalam, but also regionally. BIBD managed to increase its market share in key retail product segments against a backdrop of industry requirements and competition certain retail while also successfully achieving growth in new businesses. This was achieved by the bank’s focus on core products such as home financing, home improvement financing, debit cards, process improvements, distribution and channel diversifications, and building an effective and a motivated direct sales team. Furthermore, BIBD has also made many significant improvements in terms of technology and channels, through the introduction of BIBD Mobile and BIBD Online, along with launching one of the most popular home financing products in Brunei – BIBD Rumah Plus.

Hjh Nurul Akmar Binti Haji Mohd Jaafar, Deputy Head of Consumer Banking, holding the award recently

BIBD’s Managing Director Javed Ahmad agreed, “Alhamdulilah, not just for BIBD, but also for the development of the Islamic banking industry as wining such a prestigious award shows great evolution, as it really sets aside what BIBD has achieved throughout the years.” He continued to comment that, “BIBD has had a very good 2012 and that InsyaAllah, 2013 will bring many more successes to come as BIBD comes off from strength to strength in further supporting not only its own ambitions, but also the ambitions of continuing the growth of Brunei Darussalam’s industries, a continuous commitment we strongly hold to help the country achieve its goal of achieving a developed nation status by 2035.”

The International Excellence in Retail Financial Services 2013 Awards ceremony was held in conjunction with the region’s most prestigious retail banking event, the Excellence in Retail Financial Services Convention.

About 150 senior bankers from award-winning banks in 29 countries across the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa attended the glittering event that recognised their efforts in bringing superior products and services to their customers. The awards programme, administered by TAB and refereed by prominent global bankers, consultants and academics, is the most prestigious of its kind.

A stringent three-month evaluation process based on a balanced and transparent scorecard used to determine the winners and the positions of various retail banks in the region is attached.

TAB is the region’s most authoritative provider of strategic business intelligence to the financial services community. The Singapore-based company has offices in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Shanghai as well as representatives in London, New York and San Francisco. It has a business model that revolves around three core business lines: publications, research services and forums. Press release courtesy of BIBD.

 

Capture your best photo to win a Canon digital camera. From 19 March – 30 April 2013

How to participate

1. Flash your best smile with HSBC Red Frame located at the Mall 1st floor (in front of Tan KokTong and Bright World Optics).
2. Send your photo to hsbcmarketingbsb@hsbc.com.bn with your name and contact number by 30th April 2013

The best 3 pictures will each receive a brand new Canon digital camera. Log on to www.hsbc.com.bn to find out more

Students from various secondary schools flocked to the two-day Oil and Gas Career Roadshow at Chancellor Hall of Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) yesterday.

Students who came on the first day of the exhibition among others were from the Pengiran Anak Puteri Hjh Masna Secondary School, PIHM Serasa Secondary School, Berakas Secondary School, Sekolah Tinggi Perempuan Raja Isteri and Sayyidina Abu Bakar Secondary School.

During the programme, which was organised by the Energy Department at the Prime Minister’s Office (EDPMO), the students received an insight into the oil and gas industry from various exhibitors.

Among other exhibitors participating in the event are Brunei LNG, Brunei Methanol Company Sdn Bhd, Brunei Gas Carriers Sdn Bhd, BSP Marine Department, Jefri Bolkiah Engineering College and Brunei Maritime Academy.

Syazana Al-Shokry, head of Career Unit at Lambak Kiri Secondary School said that she came to the event with 46 Year Nine students from the school’s Science Classes.

“I think this roadshow is to encourage them (students) to open their mind to the career opportunity of what they can do,” said Syazana, adding that the oil and gas sector can be an open option for the student’s career.

Meanwhile, Norelizawati Hj Mohd Yaakub, recruitment and learning executive of Brunei Gas Carriers Sdn Bhd (BGC) expressed hoped that more students who have completed their ‘A’ levels and ‘O’ levels students or those who have earned their Higher National Diploma in Marine Engineering or Mechanical Engineering at the Institut Teknologi Brunei would apply to its cadetship programme which will begin in August or September this year.

Norelizawati said BGC is looking at 14 deck officers and 10 marine engineers. Text courtesy of Sally Pri of The Brunei Times.

 

Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Berhad (BIBD), in its continous efforts to educate and raise financial awareness to the public, conducted a Financial Literacy and Planning Talk, via their Wealth ManagementUnit (WMU).

The talk was delivered by BIBD’s own Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and qualified Islamic Financial Planner (IFP), WMU Manager, Hjh Isnora Minudin, to some 60 staff from the Youth and Sports Department of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, held at the Dewan Citra Budaya,J alan Kebangsaan. Hjh Isnora started her presentation with the introduction of what financial planning is, which in brief, is the process of creating strategies to help individual to best meet their life goals, through proper financial management. The strategies include accumulation (by earning), allocation (by saving and budgeting), protection (takaful/insurance) and growing (investing) one’s funds.

She further explained on the importance of financial planning especially in preparation of any unforeseen circumstances that require financial support. She shared a few tips on how to do smart and prudent spending within one’s means without burdening him/herself or others. As a qualified Islamic Financial Planner, Hjh Isnora also shared what financial planning from an Islamic perspective is such as the purification of wealth which is Zakat and estate/wakaf planning.

Through this initiative, it is hoped that the public is informed of the proper processes and steps for financial management which would help them materialise their dreams such as planning for their children’s education, purchasing their dream home, or preparing for retirement, just to name a few. Members of the public who wish to have the Financial Planning talk may contact BIBDCall Centre at 2238181 or email at wmu@bibd.com.bn. Press release from BIBD.

 

Wu Chun with the participants and the organisers of the KFC FZ 3-on-3 Streetball Challenge at the Airport Mall. Click image to enlarge.

The KFC Fitness Zone Ultimate Gaming Competition comes to an end on Sunday afternoon, 24th March with Crimsom Coup winning the League Of Legends Competition for the PC category and Mohd Elmi Shahri Hj Osman winning the FiFa 13 Competition of the PS3 category. Crimson Coup walked away with prizes worth B$850 comprising of Steel Series Siberia V2 Headset and Mohd Elmi walk away with prizes worth B$350 comprising of B$100 cash and B$250 worth of Mobile One cash voucher.

Team Lezor Alliance and Team Ora Ora came in 2nd and 3rd for the League Of Legends Competition while Md Saifuddin Hj Serbini and Muhd Nuralif Suhaimi came in 2nd and 3rd respectively for the FiFa 13 competition. 4th place goes to Ahmad Tamimi Hj Awg Tuah. Presence to award the prizes is Yong of Mobile One for the PS3 category and Jonathan Bong of KFC for the PC category.

The end of the Ultimate Gaming Competition was followed by the Opening Ceremony of the KFC Fitness Zone 3 On 3 Streetball Challenge Season 1, 2013 later that night. In his opening speech, Jonathan Bong took the opportunity to thank all the players during the team lineup on behalf of KFC, Fitness Zone and the event organizers Good Game and Trinity.

This season sees a different tournament from last year’s, all the matches will be playing at Airport Mall in the next seven days and there are other mini side activities that players can partake while waiting for their next matches. Presence to officiate the event is Mr Khoo Eng Cheong, Vice Chairman of the Brunei Basketball Association, followed by the first match between KFC Double Down and SS Guys. Wu Chun himself also made a special appearance before flying out of Brunei the next day.

The KFC Fitness Zone 3 On 3 Streetball Challenge is currently taking place at the Airport Mall until 31st March 2013 and the public is welcome to watch. Images taken from KFC Fitness 3-on-3 Streetball Challenge facebook page.

Wu Chun officially launched the 3-on-3 tournament

It’s game time!!!

The winners of League of Legends

Saifuddin came close to winning Fifa tournament but settled for 2nd place

The top three winners of the Fifa tournament

I assumed Wu Chun left the country to promote their latest film – Saving General Yang.. Can’t wait to catch this. Saw this poster in Singapore last week.

 

Unveiling Peugeot 208 tomorrow

After the successful launch of their new Peugeot 408, T.C.Y. Motors Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of Peugeot automobiles in Brunei Darussalam, is taking the chance to launch once again another highly anticipated B-segment super mini, producing over 300,000 units after its production debut last year.

Taking the top position in the B segment and winning various awards from Europe such as ‘Best Supermini’ Class award from Auto Express UK, ‘Best Car of the Year 2013’ in Spain, and ‘Auto Europa 2013’ prize from Italy, it has not slowed down in wow-ing fans and customers alike all over the world including South East Asia as it will make its launching debut in Brunei next week.

The exterior is sculpted to give the car a dynamic look, and the floating front grille, signature LED lighting and boomerang-shaped rear lights all work together to give this super mini an unmistakable presence.

The 208’s highly optimised architecture achieves the amazing feat of being compact while increasing spaciousness, with room for the rear and a larger boot. The Cielo roof with ambient lighting (optional) enhances this spacious feeling and fills the interior with light and gives you great visibility.

The 4-cylinder inline engine represents real progress in terms of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, while offering a good level of performance. The level of safety and comfort have been significantly increased, as proven by its 5 star Euro NCAP award, standard leather seats and excellent road-holding capabilities. A multi-function colour touchscreen comes and gives you finger-tip control of the radio, CD player and hands-free Bluetooth set.

Running at a maximum power of 120ps @ 6,000 rpm and max torque of 160Nm @ 4,250 rpm, this 1.6 litre gasoline fuel injection engine VTi won’t disappoint if you’re looking for a trendy, sporty, chic driving pleasure. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) along with the ABS, EBD and EBA also comes as standard.

To create further excitement and buzz on the 208 launch, T.C.Y. Motors will be holding a daily ‘Like, Answer & Win’ contest on their Facebook page, facebook.com/PeugeotBrunei starting from 25th to 28th March 2013 where 2 lucky winners of the day can win a Limited Edition 208 Macaron, created by MADbites Café. A lucky draw for an Apple iPad will also be up for grabs on the 29th March 2013, as it will be launching this highly anticipated model into the B-segment market.

There will also be a dancing competition in conjunction of the launching as well as introducing their next 208 model line up which is the 5-door variant in the second quarter of the year.

You can drop by their Peugeot Kiarong Showroom or call 2426969 for further details. You can also follow Peugeot Brunei on Instagram at @PeugeotBrunei.

Click image to check out Peugeot Brunei Facebook page

The front view of Peugeot 208

The rear view of Peugeot 208

 

Garage Sale this Sunday 😀

Click image to enter Yugo BBQ Facebook page

 

 

HRH Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah in a group photo with BSP and UBD representatives and also the finalists of the Green Debate 2013

This is the third debate of its kind and I’m glad that BSP-UBD Green Debate is still going on every year. Sadly I missed the big debate last Saturday since I’m still outstation. Anyway here’s a quick run down on the winners of BSP-UBD Green Debate Finals.

It was a tough one to support as both my friends Jordine and Seng Yee were facing against each other representing UBD. However, there can be only one winner and it was Jordine’s team – UBD “A” for the University category. For the pre-university category, Katok Sixth Form Centre won.

The theme for this year was “The Future of Energy” and it revolved around four divided sub-themes i the form of energy efficiency; energy poverty; the food, the water and energy security nexus and alternative energy resources.

Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah graced the debate as the guest of honour and also the prize presentation ceremony, which took place at the Jerudong International School (JIS)Arts Centre.

Also present at the finals at JIS were the Managing Director of Brunei Shell Petroleum Co Sdn Bhd (BSP), Ken Marnoch and the Deputy Vice Chancellor of UBD, Associate Professor Dr Hjh Zohrah Hj Sulaiman. Image courtesy of Bahyiah Bakir of Borneo Bulletin.

The winner of the university category – UBD “B”

The winner of the pre-university category – Katok Sixth Form Centre

 

Click image to enter website

 

I’m still outstation (in Singapore that is) and I will be back pretty soon. I have been here for a few days and it was great to catch up with my siblings who are now back in Brunei after school re-opened last Saturday. The careless part of me was losing my Brunei DST sim card so guys, you won’t be able to reach me for the moment unless you Whatsapp me.

Tonight is gonna be epic for one reason – Russell Peters live in Singapore. This will be the first time I will attend his show and he did a gig previously in Singapore. I just hope there is some refreshing jokes in his ammo and I hope he doesn’t bring the all classic ones. This is one challenging thing about being a stand-up comedian – ‘How to keep the jokes refreshing and entertaining?’ I’m pretty sure RP is awesome and talented enough to come up with impromptu materials.

I won’t be posting much but do catch me on instagram for regular updates :))

I caught up with Joanne Tan for dinner last night and I love the food at Curry Times, located at Novena Square, Singapore

Singapore did celebrate Earth Hour and some of the major retail outlets showing their support. I could say that 50-60% of Orchard Road pledged for Earth Hour. I wonder how Brunei event went.

Minang House Restaurant is one of my all-time favourite Indonesian restaurant. A must try 😀

I got this email yesterday. I’m the No.1 Social News, not No.1 Chicken supplier

I made my way to Hard Rock Cafe to catch Jsaon Chen.. I have no idea who he is until Amalina kinda briefed me before I made a fool of myself. Well, I did when I named him David Chen on my IG yesterday *facepalm*

I was with my cousins Amalina and Mash during Jason Chen’s gig

RP is in Singapore.. I can’t wait!!!!

How long before I can apply a job similar to this guy? *lol* This was taken at one of the Mummy sets at Universal Studios. More on Universal Studios in my later post.

 

The judging process for the Crown Prince CIPTA Award 2013 concluded with Final Presentation and Evaluation that took place in 25-28 February 2013 in Institut Teknologi Brunei (ITB). There are 2 stages in the CIPTA judging process. The first stage is the Preliminary Assessment Stage, and the final stage is the Final Presentation and Evaluation Stage.

43 entries made it through the Preliminary Assessment Stage, whereby submitted project abstracts were assessed to ensure that the project is original with no duplication elsewhere, and it has not been submitted in other competitions.

There are 3 categories in CIPTA 2013: Category 1 – Creating New Product, Process or Technology; Category 2 – Modifying Existing Product, Process or Technology; and Category 3 – Creating New or Modifying Existing Product, Process or Technology by Young Inventors. 15 entries from Category 1; 12 entries from Category 2; and 16 entries from Category 3 were shortlisted during the Preliminary Assessment Stage. CIPTA participants who were successful at this preliminary stage would then submit a complete project report for the Final Presentation and Evaluation stage.

In this final stage, participants were required to present their inventions in front of a panel of international and local judges. Each participating team or individual was given 20 minutes to demonstrate and explain their products and followed by a 20 minute question-and-answer session with the panel of judges. The judging panel evaluated the projects based on different criteria and weightage in accordance to the 3 categories of the competition.

CIPTA 2013 is the fifth installment of the biennial competition since its inauguration in 2005. CIPTA 2013 is organised by Institut Teknologi Brunei in partnership with Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd. CIPTA is an acronym for ‘Creative, Innovative Product and Technological Advancement’. The theme of CIPTA 2013 is ‘Reaching an innovative society for a sustainable future’, which is in line with the global effort to address sustainability issues through innovative approaches.

The winning projects and inventors will be announced during the CIPTA 2013 Award Ceremony that will be held on (today) Monday, 25 March 2013 at the Songket Ballroom, Rizqun International Hotel. All the participating inventions will also be showcased in an exhibition that will take place in Sutera Hall, Level 4, at the same venue. The one-day exhibition is opened to the public from 12 noon to 5 pm.

 

On 23rd March 2013, KFC and Fitness Zone held a partner appreciation event for their sponsors and partners that have helped them in realizing the KFC Fitness Zone 3 On 3 Streetball Challenge 2013 Season 1 at Airport Mall.

“KFC and Fitness Zone may have taken the first step in promoting 3 On 3 Street basketball in a large scale but it is our sponsors and partners support that help us to go this far and we want to thank them each personally” says Wu Chun, Managing Director of Fitness Zone.

“In gratitude of their support, we always think of ways how to help our sponsors and partners to promote their business and/or organizations” says Jonathan Bong, Senior Marketing Manager, KFC B Sdn Bhd. Beside the standard publicity for sponsors such as billboards, lamp post banners, tee shirts, A boards and so on, KFC and Fitness Zone, with the help of their event organizers Trinity and Good Game, utilizes KFC and Fitness Zone’s marketing channels such as cinema ads, social media to name a few and even creating activities for their partners. The popular You•C1000 Obstacle Challenge currently available at Airport Mall being one of those activities. “Currently, our partners like our tray liner the most because with 14 outlets throughout Brunei, our partner’s advertisement can quickly reach out to a lot of people” added Jonathan Bong.

Business aside, with the creation of the Hopes In The Hoop initiative as part of the KFC Fitness Zone 3 on 3 Streetball Challenge, partners and sponsors sees part of their support going for a good cause as KFC and Fitness Zone strive to raise funds for a good cause to be decided at the end of the year as part of their CSR initiative.

KFC Fitness Zone and their event organizers Good Game and Trinity would like to take this opportunity to give big thanks the following partners and sponsors: Imperial Sports, The Brunei Times, Kristal FM, Palm Garden Hotel, Hui Huang Enterprise, Hemaviton, Mobile One, Handsome Enterprise, Tutti Frutti Citis Square, PHLS Sdn Bhd, YGK Jewellery Sdn Bhd, Honey Carsmart Sdn Bhd, Revive, Intracorp Sdn Bhd, BruneiBasketball.com, Integ Technology System and Boxnation.  

 

Comedy Night Part 1 is organized by 1stopbrunei.com and the main partners are UBDFM and Ranoadidas.com

This comedy night will contain different mini comedic plays as well as a few singing acts by youths.The performers are Shavez, A’aqiil, Mathien and Kevin.They have had experience with SEEDs, BADs and their respective school clubs.

The aim of the comedy night is to provide entertainment to Brunei and make it affordable for everyone to view local acts and drama. And it is also to serve as a platform for Bruneians to show case their talents.

The show will be on April 6th, Saturday, 7:45 pm, at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, KKBS, Ground floor. 

The tickets are only $5 for students and $10 for adults. You can purchase the ticket at Lazeeza Restaurant at Hj Daud Complex, Gadong (same row with CA Mohd, the old branch at Gadong).

More information on the event and venue information can be found here.

 

The 4th Radio Televisyen Brunei (RTB) Media Carnival kicked off last weekend in lined with RTB’s desire to give the public a glimpse of how the state media operates.

The carnival, which will end on March 24, also indirectly serves as a platform to scope out new talents through reality-based activities that are carried out in the various booths.

Other objectives and aims of the carnival also include showcasing RTB’s latest developments especially on the migration to digital, promoting their products, interacting with the public to receive feedback on services, and to survey the interests of viewers from all ages and backgrounds.

There were also a number of activities including An-Nuur, a talkshow that discusses the topic of “The spreading of Islam through media” by two panellists who were specially invited, “Pantun Ria”, an entertainment segment that uses interaction techniques on the audience, and many more.

An audition session was also held for those who were interested in becoming radio presenters, a TV or news presenter, and others.

At the same time, a training and workshop session will also be carried out during the whole carnival.

The Acting Director of RTB, Hj Muhd Suffian Hj Bungsu said that broadcasting technology was advancing rapidly and in line with this, RTB had compiled initiatives towards the migration of the analogue broadcasting system to the digital system.

Hj Muhd Suffian also said in his speech that relevant departments at RTB had been working towards improving the quality and quantity of the content shown through a number of initiatives.

Some of the initiatives he shared included raising the percentage of the local programmes from 51 per cent to 70 per cent for TV RTB1 and from 13 per cent to 40 per cent for TV RTB2 gradually or by stages. There are also plans to publish programmes that would add value to the community such as the Wawasan 2035 and National Development programmes, district news as a stand-alone, and to add more news on local sports, and many more.

Present as guest of honour during the opening event was Dato Paduka Hj Abd Wahab Juned, the Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office.

The deputy minister, in his speech, said that RTB served as a development platform through its services that cover several key areas, in line with its vision to be a dynamic and major organisation in the development of the country.

“RTB is a broadcaster and tongue as a liaison between the government and the public through information in order to make an informed society which will lead the society to thrive as well as contribute to national development.”

“Therefore, RTB has a responsibility that has some major dimensions including portraying the greatness of His Majesty’s leadership and country, highlighting the government’s services for the welfare of the society, role in lifting the superiority of Islam as the official religion, and Malay language as the official language in Brunei, and many more.”

A number of government departments, production houses and mass media participated in this year’s carnival. Text by Eleena Teoh of The Brunei Times and images courtesy of RTB Facebook page.

Click image to enter website 

 

Career day today

A great moment shot of His Majesty the Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam doing the Maori way of greeting. His Majesty was in New Zealand to hail close relations between Brunei and New Zealand in education, defence and trade. Image taken from front page in today’s Borneo Bulletin.

 

13 year old Nor Najihah Ramli won Hyundai i30 for QQestore’s Shop, Dine and Drive promotion where the final draw was done last Friday

This reminds me when Martina Hingis and Maria Sharapova won luxury cars during their teenage years and they weren’t able to drive the car around just yet. The same will go to 13 year old, Nor Najihah Ramli, who became the grand winner of QQestore’s Shop, Dine and Drive promotion as she won herself a Hyundai i30.

The event held at Hyundai showroom in Beribi which last from 2:30pm to 5pm was packed with the short listed entrants and their family, QQeStore local partners and Hyundai management and staff. Other prizes that were given away includes Apple Macbook Air 13″, Canon EOS 650D Kit, Samsung I9300 Galaxy SIII 16gb, Apple The New Ipad 16gb wifi, Sony Viao VPC-YB36KG, LG 32″ LED TV, Sony Cybershot DSC-H90, Apple Ipod Touch and JVC Home Theatre.

The promotion lasted from July 25th to February 15th , 2013 has drawn thousands raffle entries as all transactions made from all QQeStore outlets and Gripps and Cheezbox Café and Restaurant merit draw coupons with no minimum purchase required. Short listed entrants were chosen through a pre-draw process held on February 28th.

For two consecutive years, QQeStore has been giving away premium brand new cars and other high-end technology products to appreciate its valued customers and to entice them for continued support and patronage.

With the introduction of great features and new look on its revamp website since late last year, QQeStore have strives to provide its customers a whole new shopping experience online. New product ranges had been introduced yesterday such as Baby Products, Toys, Watches, Kitchenware & Dinings, Kid’s Educational Products and many more.  QQeStore will continue to grow with its customers to achieve greater height from its current stats with over 4000 unique visitors daily and over 50,000 products range – which is the biggest in Brunei, and over 20,000 members registered online, bigger than any other online or offline store in town.

The winners of the QQestore’s Shop, Dine and Drive at Setia Motors

 

Cecilia Lee, owner of Fun Bee Park with the organising committee for Family Power Fundraiser

Representatives of Fun Bee Park, IA Salon, Dreamz CT and Persatuan Orang Kurang Pendengaran Kebangsaan (OKP) met to finalise logistics arrangements along with activities along with the fundraiser theme “Family Power”. Present also were representatives of Sunlit for the booth setup and the Chin family of BR Trading Company Sdn Bhd.

The fundraiser will be open to the public from 10am to 5pm on Sunday, the 31st of March 2013 at the Fun Bee Park centre and respective carpark area. Expected on the day are family oriented booths.

Arts&crafts workshops, an upcycle and gardening centre where visitors have to bring their own old socks, shirts and plastic bottles, carnival style games, food and sales booths, the popular photobooth and more. A few free booths are still available to the public with most of the day’s proceeds going to the charity organization. The Lady Bikers organisation will be making an appearance along with the top 10 finalist of the Stardom Quest who will be participating in a special handson kitchen activity with selected special needs children and Fun Bee Park children.

The highlight of the fundraiser would be the art gallery showing by Merrick Chin Wee , an autistic child with artistic talent. It will be the first showing of his artwork collected over the past years. All of his paintings and artwork will also be for sale with all proceeds going into OKP the charity organization. Alongside will be the sale and showing of art work created by Fun Bee Park children from the Arty Camp Dec 2012.

“We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give,” – Quote by Winston Churchill. For more information regarding the fundraiser call 245 7729 or 717 8232. Follow facebook.com/funbeepark for up to date info regarding the fundraiser. 

 

Something is happening this Friday… Click image to follow DST on their facebook page

 

This was my first live gig of Russell Peters

I was in Singapore recently to catch the most popular stand-up comedian Russell Peters who is a Canadian. I wasn’t surprised to know that quite a lot of Bruneians flew to Singapore to catch his gig. I didn’t manage to catch all of my friends but only a few after the end of the show. Anyway, I didn’t expect much from Russell Peters. He’s an icon in the comedic scene. I’ve seen almost all his gigs on video and youtube and they were hilarious and tasteless. What actually makes him stand out is his observation skills and he is able to translate them with some humour. Another great gift he has is connecting with the the audience and he has a tendency to pick on random people in the front row seats and let his magic happen.

So why did I say I didn’t want to expect much? Well, I have seen some of his gigs and shows right after his most popular show Outsourced (back in 2006) and he hasn’t delivered the same impact though he was and still is funny. We are still stuck to his famous punchlines – “Somebody gonna get hurt real bad” and “Be a man!” and there hasn’t been new ones that stick to our mind. Believe it or not, I’m youtubing Outsourced right now and it’s still refreshing to watch 😀

Russell Peters played it safe this time round. He still poked fun at different races and nationalities – German, Mexican, a guy from Detroit, Liechtenstein, Indian, Kuwaiti, Italian, Singaporean, and Lebanese. However, there was an awkward moment when RP targeted a Lebanese lady but she declined to respond. Actually, it happened twice in a space of ten minutes, hoping she would interact back (and she even gave a zip it gesture which was caught on the big screen) so RP then shifted to another person, a Kuwaiti, who was two seats away from the Lebanese lady. I also realised that he didn’t relate too much on Singapore in his jokes. And this is the not first time he evaded topics or issues on Singapore. Last year in May 2012, he also avoided Singapore related topics and I wonder if his jokes were similar compared to last year’s. This could meant that he might be told not to poke too much fun on Singaporeans. Hmmm… 

The highlight moment for me was when RP picked out the four blue shirt guys from the crowd. Though he didn’t follow through with the joke, it was a sharp, witty moment that was so “RP”. Perhaps the thing that sticks in the crowd’s mind is Kevin Gandhi, one of the teen spectator, from India. It was pretty hilarious but too much focus was given on him and yes, I was a little tired and bored when he kept teasing Kevin near the end.

It was still a great show nonetheless and maybe it wasn’t anything new to look forward since it’s still the Notorious tour of last year’s. Will I come again if he does another gig in Singapore? Yes I would 😀 Verdict: 7/10

It was held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium and it was sell out gig with 27,000 in attendance

The security check point and you are not allowed to bring your SLR camera.

Su Li was my gig date and she was my ex-class mate from our years in Sunway College. So we haven not seen each other for 15 years and wow, she never heard of Russell Peters and she ended up enjoying the show

The show started with Ruben Paul and he was hilarious. I love his detective jokes.

This shot taken from my seat location

Kevin Gandhi in green with his family and Russell Peters after the show. Image taken from Russell Peters Sg Facebook

It was such a packed event

This, I believe, was Russell Peter’s transport after the gig

It was packing time for the organisers

I caught up with friends from Brunei as we were hunting for supper

We ended having supper at seafood joint Jumbo.. Yumm!!!!

Hey peeps.. by now, you would know that I’m in Singapore right now and spending my weekend here with the family and also catching superstar Russell Peters this Monday at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Apparently there are a lot of Bruneians showing up here as well to catch the gig.. Awesome!!

I won’t be posting much stuff but I will do my best to post from time to time. Have a great weekend and enjoy Earth Hour tonight.

I want this Brunei passport.. I was “sakai-ed” when I saw my friend holding this.. Normally I see the Brunei red passport. Anyway, the system of the biometric system is faulty at the immigration so even with this passport, you still need to do it the old conventional way

The only problem when I enter the BI flight that late, I will miss on the newspaper on the tray. So sometimes I will look over my neighbor in front of me for the headliners *hoho*

Royal Plaza on Scotts is under going some facelift.. Well, not the room area but some parts of the dining area

Yay!! I spent some quality time with my lil sister Ejah and she had some of my bubble tea drink from Gong Cha..

Ohh by the way, happy 39th Birthday to Royal Plaza on Scotts. Congratulations on the milestone

After only three hours in Singapore, the family headed for Johor and did our usual shopping. And now my mom is pretty active on instagram where I managed to learn more updates on my family on her instagram *lol*

Now back in Brunei, it’s pretty busy.. We have the RTB Carnival, Japan Festival and this photo was taken at Airport Mall for the ongoing FIFA challenge as part of the KFC event. Thanks Devon for the pic.

I so want to catch this movie…

Tan of Megafoto at Far East Plaza posing and do you notice that the shop had a minor facelift?

Apparently he sells the nano sim cutter for less than BND 30 but it’s out of stock

Ideal for iPhone 5 users but not for my soft hands 🙁

Let’s do this Brunei 😀

RB showing their support for Earth Hour tonight

Thank you, Rainforest Gallery

I jogged this morning and I passed this 😀

Guess what? I had this morning – Sausage McMuffin with Egg… and by Monday 25th, Brunei McDonald’s will be serving this.. Woohoo!! Finally!!!

Royal Plaza also showing support for Earth Hour

Meanwhile in Brunei, the Earth Hour official event will take place on the Budiman Walk. By the way, the official t-shirts are for sale at BND 15

Click image to enter website 

Career day for next week

The charity fundraiser event is being approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs and it will be happening next Sunday 31st March 2013 and it will be held at Fun Bee Park, Batu Surat. There will be activities and games to be carried out during the one day event which begins from 10am to 5pm.

The organisers are also looking for volunteers who can help out during the course of the event. The booth spot are also available and it’s free with a $50 refundable deposit. Those who are selling items, 80% of the proceeds will be donated to charity.

For more details, call 245 7729 or text 717 8232. Let’s give something back to the community. Your contribution will make a difference.

 

Norainah binti Ghani (center) the winner of the Toyota 86 with her family and Javed Ahmad, Managing Director of BIBD

It was the perfect all-family affair for Norainah binti Ghani, as she became a proud owner of a brand new Toyota 86, the grand prize of the 3rd Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) Blessing Rewards lucky draw at the Airport Mall last Friday.

There was no shortage of excitement and anticipation as 10 selected finalists were shortlisted for a unique opportunity to win the perfectly engineered sports car with the iPhone 5 a guaranteed prize for four consolation winners.

After the 10 selected finalists were announced and introduced to the public, each customer was invited to pick out a piece of paper from an enclosed black envelope.

The finalist who picked out the right envelope with a picture of the grand draw prize advances to the next round while the journey for four finalists ends.

Mohamad Syah Nizam bin A Hidup, Haji Soffery bin Haji MT Akut, Abdul Hadi bin Metarshad and Saaherefah binti Matassim each walked away with a brand new iPhone 5.

The iPhone 5 was the consolation prize for the seventh to tenth place winners, indicating the level of quality and attractiveness of the prizes in the draw.

The mini adventure continued for the six remaining finalists in the penultimate round and an opportunity to drive home a Toyota 86, one of the popular car models in the Sultanate in recent times. Each participant, in numerical order, then cut off a rolling banner which decided their fate with two spots up for grabs in the final round of the lucky draw.

Hj Muhd Amalul Arifin bin Hj Sulaiman won a Samsung package consisting of a Samsung NX11 kit in sixth place. Rosli bin Hj Masri won an Apple package comprising top range of products in fifth while Norlela binti Mohammad Alli will enjoy countless trips via Air Asia after accumulating 1,000,000 Air Asia BIG points. Third place winner, Norzainah binti Hj Moksin, won a Samsung household electronics package.

Tonney bin Muslim got off to a rolling start after his banner displayed the orange-coloured Toyota 86 with Norainah who completed the final two spots to begin what was a dramatic showdown.

The two remaining participants then had to try to start the car by choosing the right key and sound the horn to confirm that the car’s engine is switched on. Tonney went first but the car engine did not ignite so the opportunity fell to Norainah.

As the whole crowd waited in anticipation, Norainah attempted to switch on the engine but, like Tonney’s first attempt did not start the engine leaving Tonney to have another chance to select the right key.

However, his attempt to win in his second chance was not fruitful and with three sets of keys left, the margin between winning and losing was too close to call.

The excitement boiled down to the final two keys with both finalists getting a 50/50 chance. It was Tonney’s final chance but he missed out on the grand draw leaving, by default, the right key to a joyous Norainah, who shared her moment of triumph with her jubilant family members. It was still a perfect getaway prize for Tonney in the end, who won a travel package to either perform Umrah or tickets to Melbourne for two.

Norainah told the Bulletin that it was the first time she had won such a luxurious prize in this magnitude.

Tonney bin Muslim won a travel package to either Umrah or tickets to Melbourne for two

Norzainah binti Hj Moksin won a Samsung household electronics package

Norlela binti Mohammad Alli won 1,000,000 Air Asia BIG points

Rosli bin Hj Masri won an Apple package comprising top range of products

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of BIBD, Javed Ahmad, in a speech said that the BIBD Blessings Rewards is a highly prestigious promotional campaign in its third year.

“We are very pleased for the winners of the current Blessings Rewards promotion, which is perhaps the biggest promotion in the banking industry in Brunei with the number of quality of prizes that are unprecedented by any other bank. We have given away attractive prizes and packages to our customers. Insya Allah (God willing) we will continue to improve the BIBD Blessings Rewards going forward,” he said.

“It really is an occasion as a way for us to show our ‘thank you’ for their support and trust in us. We will continue to look after their needs and continue to improve the service,” he added.

The BIBD Blessings Rewards campaign ran for four months from early November last year to the end of February 2013.

BIBD customers who sign up for any of BIBD’s eligible financing or deposit products covered during the promotion are eligible to enter. Text courtesy of Fadhil Yunus of Borneo Bulletin.

It was a tense finale between Norhainah and Tonney

The top 6 finalists

The top 10 finalists before they were shortlisted by a draw

There was so much anticipation from the audience

 

DISCOVER the authentic taste of Malacca cuisine at I-Lotus Restaurant. The “Taste of Nyonya” lunch theme buffet will be ongoing until April 15 where diners can enjoy an array of Nyonya’s all seasoned and flavourful delicacies.

Popular dishes such as the Nyonya Rendang Chicken, Pineapple Prawn with Coconut, Nyonya Five Spice Meat Roll, Nyonya Turmeric Squid and others will be available at the I-Lotus Restaurant from 11am to 2pm (lunch time only)

There will also be a noodle counter for those who would like to taste the spices of I-Lotus’s very own curry noodles as well as an array of appetisers with various selections.

Patrons can also indulge in the hearty meal of its Nyonya temptations with the addition of the sweet taste desserts to end the meal with a choice of Kueh Kosui, Kueh Puteri Sarlat, Pulot Inti, Onde-Onde and Kueh Genggang, amongst others, served in a buffet-themed counter.

The “Taste of Nyonya” promotion is priced at $16.80 per adult and $11 per child. VIP members will enjoy 10 per cent discount. Check out their Facebook page at I Lotus Restaurant.

Try out their Nyonya Lunch Buffet at i Lotus restaurant

This for me is the best dish – Nyonya Chicken Rendang

This is also a nice dish – Sambal Belacan Pakis

The noodle stall

…. and they are serving curry laksa

Some of the menu dishes at the Nyonya Buffet line

You should try the Nyonya Popiah

For desserts, I recommend you this

Promotion ends 15th of April

Click image to enter website 

 

Career day for next week

 

Click image to enter Earth Hour Brunei facebook page

It’s happening soon.. Brunei has been actively a big support of Earth Hour. I won’t be in Brunei again for the 3rd time *lol* Last year I was in Melbourne and surprisingly the city didn’t practice too much of Earth Hour. I know the team in Brunei did a tremendous job every year and the awareness was just growing year by year and even gets support from the relevant government agencies.

Yesterday a press conference was held (why no call me? :p) at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf hosted by the Earth Hour representatives to official announced that Brunei will be joining Earth Hour which will take place this Saturday 23rd March. The main event will take place at National Stadium along the Awang Budiman Walk unitl the grand staircase (nice) form 8:30pm to 9:30pm.

The organisers have created an interesting gimmick with the theme “I will if you will” challenge. One of the participants is Microsoft and Kodu Developer Brunei where they are collaborating with schools. They will be creating environmental related games.

Secondly Kristal FM DJs have been doing their own pledges on instagram.. And all you do is like their photo on @Kristalfm and should it reach a milestone of 1,000 likes, then the respective DJs will do something out of their comfort zone. Do check out their instagram for the pledges.

The third challenge will be from Zumba @ Fitness where they will give zumba session for free with a Zumba teaser which will be previewed on the following day. The other challenge also involved the Heart of Borneo where the representatives will be going to Melilas, part of the Heart of Borneo, to document some of the plants and animals.

If you want to know more about Earth Hour Brunei, do click here.

Earth Hour Brunei is supported by Energy Department at the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Department of Electrical Services, STEP, Heart of Borneo, Forestry Department, Orchid Garden Hotel, Bruneitweet, Asia Inc Forum, JASRA, Rimba II Secondary Schoo, Kodu Developer Brunei, Google Developer Brunei, HSBC, Green Brunei, Kristal FM, Pelangi FM, Borneo Bulletin, Brunei Times, Media Permata, AnakBrunei, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Armtrix Enterprise, the Ship of Southeast Asia Youth Programme (SSYEAP BPY 38th) in collaboration with FuhReakZ for Zumba Fitness, ITB, UBD, Brunei Polytechnic, Maktab Duli and Intelligent Power Management Plus (India).

Press conference held at The Coffee Bean. Image courtesy of facebook.com/earthhourbrunei

Press conference held at The Coffee Bean. Image courtesy of facebook.com/earthhourbrunei

Jenny’s pledge

Daffy’s pledge

Idham’s pledge

 

Career day for next week

The article that caught me by surprise this morning

This is something that I don’t really understand. It’s a simple sport. A national sport – football. Yes, there can be politics in most organisations but sometimes it has its limits. I don’t know what’s the fuss with the Brunei national team. In today’s The Brunei Times, it was reported that Brunei has pulled out of the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers in the Philippines from March 22-26. The reasons were not stated as it just had the reasons due to the “unavoidable circumstances”.

We should be grateful that our football body or association has been reinstated by FIFA after the former association (BAFA) was being suspended and furthermore, BAFA was de-registered by the Registrar of Society. Now people has been asking what’s next after HBT 2012 where Brunei U-21 team unexpectedly defied the odds and lift the trophy. They have been comments and also on opinion page in the papers where the public wanted to know the vision and plans for the Brunei team. Reporters find it difficult to communicate with the right parties when it comes to the Brunei team. Local clubs and of course, DPMM FC, was a much easier task to gather information and people are able to be updated on the local football scene. However, when it comes to Brunei international team, it’s hardly being reported or shared.

Today was a sad moment to know that Brunei won’t be participating in the tournament. They could have improved their ranks by participating at least. They were supposed to take on Philippines, then Turkmenistan and Cambodia. The AFC Challenge is the counter-part of the Asian Cup and it is a biennial event for emerging footballing countries in Asia. Now ain’t that a good way to revive back our national sport in the international scene? This will make our country look bad and even complacent. I can tell you that the players are hungry to play for their country but I guess it was not meant to be.

What boggles my mind is the involvement of the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports. I’m kinda wondering if the Brunei national team affairs is solely handled by National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam or is the Ministry also have some decision making powers in handling the national team. Why I bring this up is because of the article that was written today in The Brunei Times. The statement was issued by the Ministry and not NFABD. I’m quite confused as a supporter. Will this again bring the situation back to square one? I hope not. Maybe the agencies might feel like I’m talking rubbish here but the truth is there is no transparency and no one wants to be accountable when it comes to interviews (based on the reporters who are trying their best to get information). There was even an article written in goal.com where players feel the frustration of the situation and there have been loads of comments on the DPMM FC facebook group as they vented their frustration on Brunei’s absense. 

The public needs to know what’s going on with our national sport and what is the progress so far. Our football scene is so dominated with DPMM FC and the DST Super League (which is just over). This is the time for the football association to take charge and just follow the one great intention of bringing back the passion and pride once again to our hardworking national players and also the pride of our nation. Your thoughts?

His Royal Highness Prince Sufri Bolkiah was the newly elected President of NFABD

NFABD committee with officials from FIFA

Dato Paduka Hj Abdul Rahman (2nd from right) was the former president of NFABD and he stepped down before the 5th Extraordinary Congress

This is what the fans have been missing for a long time.. Our players representing our country, Brunei

Did you know the Simunic is the head coach for Brunei national team?

Click image to enter website 

RTB Carnival: From 22nd to 24th March 2013

Concepts Computer also participating at RTB Carnival

 

The car sticker that created a lot of interest among Bruneians. I belive this is the first of its kind and it has been on the road for quite some time. Click image to read comments

If I were to do one, then a 5 size photo and duck tape might be just sufficient for me *lol*

 

The Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) and Telekom Brunei Berhad (TelBru) have partnered to organise a ‘30 second Informercial’ Competition to mark the World Intellectual Property Day 2013. The World IP Day is a global event celebrated every April 26th by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to commemorate the importance of IP and the role it plays in our everyday life. On this occasion, Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), including Brunei Darussalam, celebrate the World IP Day with activities around the globe to discuss and demonstrate how IP works to contribute to the development of music and the arts and to drive the technological innovation that helps shape our world.

The BEDB’s ‘30 second Informercial’ Competition will run from March 11 to April 15, 2013. The Competition is hoped to increase awareness on the protection of Intellectual Property (IP) whilst encouraging innovation and creativity. The Competition is open to residents of Brunei Darussalam and is divided into two categories, the ‘Open Category’ and ‘Students Category’. Contestants wishing to enter the competition will have to film a ‘30 second Infomercial’ on the importance of IP protection based on this year’s World IP Day theme: ‘Creativity – the Next Generation’ and should submit their video clips and register their full details at the Patent Registry Office (PRO), Block B26, Knowledge Hub, Anggerek Desa (next to the iCentre).

Speaking on the BEDB’s hopes for the ‘30 second Informercial’ Competition, Shahrinah Yusof Khan, Deputy Registrar and Head of the Patent Registry Office (PRO) at the BEDB reflected on the Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Chairman of the BEDB Dato Paduka Awang Haji Ali bin Apong’s speech at the launching of the BEDB’s Creative Arts Facilities (CRAFT) earlier this year where he acknowledged digital multimedia to be part of the creative industry and a potential area for innovative start-ups to generate economic growth in Brunei. In line with the theme for WIPO’s Intellectual Property Day this year, Creativity – the Next Generation, she strongly urge students and young entrepreneurs to use their imagination, knowledge and enthusiasm to become part of a new generation of innovators.

A panel of judges comprised of the BEDB, TelBru and the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) will judge the entries on creative thinking and production skills based on the title chosen as well as effectiveness in getting the message and theme across. The winning entries will be announced in a prize presentation ceremony on the World IP Day on April 26th at the iCentre in Anggerek Desa. The Gold entry will win a cash prize of BND$1,000 while Silver and Bronze entries will receive BND$700 and BND$500 respectively. In addition, a consolation prize of $200 will also be awarded for each category. It is anticipated that the winning entry will be published on WIPO’s World IP Day Facebook on April 26th and will be used by the BEDB’s Patent Registry Office (PRO) in its public awareness initiatives. All shortlisted finalists will also receive a basic training course in the field of Animation sponsored by the Creative Arts Facilities (CRAFT) which will be facilitated by an expert in Autodesk and Side Effects software.

For more information on the competition, please contact the Patent Registry Office (PRO) at telephone numbers 2380965/2380966 or visit their website at www.brunei-patents.com.bn.

Click image to enter website

Click image to enter Earth Hour Brunei facebook page

 

RA says hey peeps.. it has been weeks since I posted the Ugly Truth and I’m just lost for words and direction to what should I bring up on my blog. There are simply so many talking points here and mostly it kinda put our country to shame. Perhaps the biggest incident that has been getting people’s attention is the local video which captured the confrontation of the youths and an Indian shopkeeper. So what it is, here is my 2 cents of my point of view.

Firstly, I’m kinda appalled by the content of the video and it’s kinda sad to see our youths reacting in such behaviour. This really shows how the family upbringing have influenced them. In actual fact, no one has the right to react in that manner and regardless if you are the customer or the salesman or anyone for that matter.

Secondly, I’m against racial discrimination. Yes, sometimes it’s a normal that we use “kaling” in our daily conversations without being aware that it is actually a discrimination and racial one. This is the point that I want to raise. People seem to use it like it’s a normal thing to say. That word is ban word in my vocab and I do hope parents and friends also stop using such word to describe an individual.

Thirdly, the Indian shopkeeper is in a tricky situation where he ended up not pressing charges against the youths. Normally in a case like this, foreigners might think twice to take action. The same case when the Filipino guy was beaten up by local lads a few weeks ago too and he didn’t want to press charges. If the victim is a local, it would have been a different story. I would understand why foreigners find it difficult to find to take such actions for their own protection.

Fourthly, despite the fact that no charges were taken from the victim, the Attorney General’s Chambers are looking into this matter and possible action will be taken. Prior to this, the Royal Brunei Police Force have already brought this matter into investigation and they have identified four male youths aged 25 to 39. The video itself has received more than 75,000 hits in a space of 10 days and that’s quite a huge growth for Brunei. It was also one of the videos that has more dislikes than likes too.

Taken in today’s Borneo Bulletin

Now the responses have been mixed as of late. There was further development after the video went viral. The locals were starting making memes to poke fun at the youths and even the Indians. Yes, it may seem funny to read it but when you look deeper and when the memes become too overpopulated, this situation may just blown out of proportion.

The t-shirts are being pre-ordered

There is one SME actually cashing in on this popularity of the memes and the famous tagline has been “Keluar Eh Betumbuk” and that has been the talking point among the locals. There are even pre-order t-shirts with an icon with the wordings Keluar Eh Batumbok. Yes, it’s catchy but it may also backfire in a sense that we are idolising such incident that represents our youth or even our country. I won’t buy this t-shirt for the record.

Taken from Airil Shamril Event Management Facebook page. Click image to read comments posted on my Instagram.

Another situation that caught my attention is one of the event management company who dared to invite the Indian guy as part of a kids carnival event at Tutong. In my opinion, such gesture is already going overboard and why would you want to have a meet-and-greet and secondly why at a kids’ event? It was blessing that it didn’t happened and the comments on my post were 100% not in favour of the meet-and-greet gimmick. You can check out the comments and replies here.

I do hope the culprits are punished for their misbehaviour and let this be a lesson to all that our society don’t tolerate such behaviour. I also do hope that the relevant authorities also look into the matter of the racial language that was used by the youth. It’s about time that such word should not be tolerated especially in the football scene where it’s commonly used.

Even Dj Daffy had a photo opportunity with the Indian shopkeeper

Ok, I got this off whatsapp and I believe this photo alone is inappropriate hmmmm….

 

Check out the four speakers this Thursday on the seminar: How to create Apps and this seminar is part of UBD Career Forum Series. The invited speakers are Rongen Roble, Project Brand division, ThreeGMedia Sdn Bhd, Andy Lai Boon Ho, Creator of the app “mypaypass”, Ak Mohd Khairi, CEO of PHMD Publishing and Khairul Anwar, Marketing Executive of PHMD Publishing and owner of Fanboy Infinite.

This is a good platform for those who wants to learn the steps on what is necessary to make a mobile app. This is also ideal for future mobile apps developer. I hope I’m able to check this out.. It will take place at The Core Theatre Hall, UBD on Thursday 21st March at 2pm.

 

They are getting ready for Thursday’s launch

If you can’t make your way to Japan, the next best thing is a visit to the Japan Festival.

Organised by Times Square Shopping Centre, the festival will be held at the atrium of the shopping centre from Wednesday, March 21 to Sunday, March 24 from 10am to 9pm.

The Japan Festival will showcase traditional and contemporary Japanese culture, technology and lifestyle, which include Wadaiko (Japanese drums) performances, martial arts demonstrations (Kempo, Kendo, Aikido, Karate), cooking demonstrations, Origami (the art of paper folding) and Furoshiki (the art of cloth wrapping) demonstrations, Japanese toy games, and Cosplay, among others.

Various high-quality Japanese products will also be on sale at the festival. Kitaro Restaurant, Misato Restaurant and Sno Food will showcase healthy Japanese food products; Royce will be selling Japanese chocolate, THA and Multitrons will display Sharp and Sony electronics respectively; and if the festival has whet your appetite for more, Pan Bright Travel Service will be on hand to help you plan a fascinating trip to the country. Tourism information will also be available at the JNTO exhibition booth.

The event is supported by the Embassy of Japan in Brunei, the Japan Foundation, the Japan Tourism Organisation (JNTO) and the Brunei-Japan Friendship Association (BJFA) Universiti Brunei Darussalam Chapter.

For more information, please call Times Square at 2338208 or the Embassy of Japan at 2229265.

The festival brochure, with a detailed schedule of the programme, can be downloaded at the Brunei Times Square Shopping Centre Facebook page.

The seats for the cultural performances are free, but are on a first-come-first-serve basis, so don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in all things Japanese! Text courtesy of The Brunei Times.

 

Danny and Harrisman at the Rome Marathon 2013

Two representatives from Team GT (Brunei) participated in the full marathon (42.195 km) in Rome, Italy yesterday and I believe there are the only Bruneians there participating in the famous Rome Marathon 2013. It started and finished at the Colosseum and guess what, it’s a self proclaimed event that is the most participated sporting event in Italy.

Danny and Harrisman did Brunei proud by participating and they finished the race and that was their target though they were also targeting their personal best. According to the Danny, it was a great adrenalin rush at the starting line where they played the famous gladiator song to psyche up the runners.

Rome was surrounded by seven hills and that was the challenging part for them. Also making it challenging was the chilling weather with temperature of 3-6 degrees and they had some brain freeze moment too. Apart from that, the scenary was spectacular and they were fortunate enough to explore the inner and outer skirts of Rome.

Their intentions were met nonetheless and that was to finish the race. The final kilometre was a special moment for them where they carried the Brunei flag which was a great exposure for Brunei in the city of Rome (Hmmm they should have requested sponsorship from the Brunei Tourism Board).

They had people coming to them and asking which flag the country belongs to. So that’s a good sign that people are willing to find out more about Brunei. So guys, I don’t know how you did it but well done on making a successful run in the city of Rome. Not many will have the privilege like you guys. I’m still struggling to practice for the SCB 10k run which is less than a month’s time *lol*

Below are pictures courtesy of Danny and Harrisman during their participation in the Rome Marathon 2013.

Click image to enter Earth Hour Brunei facebook page

 

On Saturday, 9th March 2013 saw the return of the annual Showcase concert at Jerudong International School. Under the expert Musical Direction of Paul Edgeler, the superb Head of Music at JIS, the programme featured a dazzling variety of Musical styles, from Western Classical to much loved Broadway musicals right through to cover versions of contemporary chart hits like “rolling in the Deep” (Adele) and “A Thousand Years” (Christine Perri). Also popular with the audience were local songs such as Yang Terindah and Bukan Cinta Biasa.

Over 250 students from JIS took part in the Show, including Musicians, Singers and Dancers. A number of very talented soloists were featured during the evening, including Nathan Schaumann and Shian Li Chaim who amazed everyone with their perfectly synchronised virtuoso performances on piano.

In addition, as Principal of JIS, Andrew Fowler-Watt wrote in his opening words to the Showcase Concert programme:

“This year, I am especially pleased that the Showcase will also be featuring some special guest performers, namely the talented local singer, Maria Aires, and the Maktab Sains Muara Excelsior Singers. Back in September 2012, JIS hosted the first of what I hope will be an annual Brunei Schools Choral Festival. 15 school choirs came together for a memorable weekend of music-making. I was honoured when Festival Director Garry Thin invited me to be a guest conductor, and I found it one of the most exciting and enjoyable occasions since my arrival in this wonderful country. It was a privilege and delight to witness, at first hand, the tremendous musical talent and enthusiasm to be found in local schools. Singers from Maktab Sains were an important part of that event, so it is a particular pleasure to have them back here on the stage again.”

The concert opened with the visually and acoustically stunning “Fanfare for the Common Man”. The sound swelled throughout the magnificent Auditorium as more and more members of the massed choir filtered onto stage, with some members rising from the depths of the orchestra pit, smoke swirling around them to complete a memorable impression.

Some of the best moments of the concert featured singers – a wide variety of soloists and different choral group combinations left the audience wanting more.

Dancers of all ages filled the stage throughout the evening. Expertly and creatively choreographed (primarily by Carolyn Moran), there was a delightful blend of Ballet, modern and Hip Hop, featuring  a mix of lively, colourful Junior Dancers with more experienced Senior performers. Particularly memorable were the mini “Fiona’s” dancing in Shrek as well as the colourful dancers in the Abba medley from Mamma Mia.

In many ways, though, the JIS Orchestra were the real stars of the evening, even though they remained in semi-darkness at the rear of the huge stage, allowing the featured soloists and dancers at the front to take the limelight. Throughout the Show, the orchestra performed tightly, accurately and sensitively.

Music and the Arts are an important, highly-valued part of life at JIS. The levels of performance and the quality of teaching are both already high, as this excellent Showcase concert clearly showed. With the wonderful, inspiring Arts Centre in which students can perform, all of us in Brunei can look forward to enjoying future productions!