BIBD recently held a closing ceremony for its learning camps at the Orchid Garden Hotel for its Holiday English Language Program (HELP) Camps organised for the BIBD ALAF programme students. The learning camps also included a refresher camp for this year’s forty-six students recently introduced into the ALAF programme.

The camps were aimed to further support the development and progression of students under the BIBD ALAF programme, help build their self-confidence, develop their communication capabilities, and instil a sense of appreciation of the aims of the ALAF program.

The HELP camps were organised with the cooperation of CfBT to deliver bespoke English training camps for BIBD ALAF programme students. The HELP camps also included lectures, debate sessions, hands-on and task-based activities to promote teamwork. The camps are also designed to foster a ‘can do’ belief in their English abilities and to establish good learner training habits.

The BIBD ALAF programme currently includes more than one hundred students, whose funds are collected from a variety of sources. These include the BIBD charity expeditions for ALAF, generous contributions from corporate agencies as well as the general public since its launch in May 2013 by Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah.

The ALAF programme was developed in close partnership with the Department of Schools, Ministry of Education, and in 2015 a Memorandum of Understanding was also signed with the Islamic Studies Department from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. This will lead to constant efforts and close collaboration between all parties to ensure the successful implementation and provision of assistance to the ALAF programme.

The ALAF programme provides the selected students with provisions for school and tuition fees, educational materials and welfare, as well as mentoring and counselling necessities amongst others. All these efforts are meant to ensure the absolute commitment of these students towards the development of their education, and prevent them from being bothered by other commitments. The ALAF programme will also continue to provide support and assistance to these students until the end of their respective educational requirements.

Through ALAF, BIBD hopes to align its support to His Majesty’s 2035 vision of obtaining a 100% level of education for everyone, which in turn is hoped to help reduce poverty. In Shaa Allah, this will lead Brunei towards a more prosperous and peaceful future, making Brunei populated with educated, highly skilful and successful individuals, in line with internationally set standards.

Members of the public wishing to contribute into the BIBD ALAF fund may do so with a minimum donation of B$1.01 into the BIBD ALAF account at 1018181811 via BIBD channels such as the BIBD Online website, BIBD Mobile app, BIBD ATM and CDMs, and BIBD branch counters. The public can also set up a BIBD Standing Instruction to ensure a monthly donation into the ALAF fund.

As an added option, BIBD account holders can also use their accumulated BIBD Hadiah Points for cash conversion into contributions into the ALAF fund account. Progresif users can also make donation to the ALAF programme via its dedicated SMS in denominations of BND 1,5,10, 15 and 20 by typing “ALAF” and entering the amount selected, and sending it to 38988.

 

The winners of Area K6 Toastmasters International Speech Contest and Table Topics Contest with UBD Toastmasters members

Allen Ang, Area K6 Director, Rahman Tarsat of Brunei Speakers’ Club (2nd runner up), Pranika Lama of UBD Toastmasters Club (winner), Pooja Shivanand of Brunei Speakers’ Club (1st runner-up) and Sandy Siew Fun Tan, Co-organizing Chair of the contest. The winners are for the Area K6 International Speech contest.

Two UBD Toastmasters have recently emerged as champions in Toastmasters speech Contest. 1st place winner for International Speech, Pranika Lama shared the about gratitude, the moment you open your eyes. It was followed by Pooja Shivanand in second place, talked about “The Middle Way”, which is a balanced higher way between two extreme choices help us make better decisions. Between humility and arrogance, there can be modesty; between fear and rashness there can be courage. In third place, Rahmat Tarsat drew on her mother’s experiences to demonstrate the detrimental effect of negative thinking in her speech, ‘Believe and You Can’.

Meanwhile in Table Topic Category, Julius Hong won 1st place, followed by Yong Shih Ching in 2nd place and Hazwan Kamarulzaman in 3rd place for speaking on the same impromptu topic “Cherish Yesterday, Dream Tomorrow, Live Today”.

The contest took place at the Multipurpose Hall, Universiti Brunei Darusalam, where 8 participants competed in International Speech Category while 7 participants competed in Table Topics category. The objective of the contests are to provide an opportunity for speakers to improve their speaking abilities and to provide an opportunity to learn by observing the more proficient speakers who have benefited from their toastmasters training. Competition begins with club contests and winners continue competing through the area, division and district levels.

In Brunei, top 2 speakers from Brunei Speakers Club, Oil Town Talkers Club, Brunei Advanced Speakers Club & UBD Toastmasters Club vie for a chance to compete with Toastmasters from Sabah and Labuan. This year, Pranika Lama and Julius Hong will represent Brunei on Division K level in Sandakan, Sabah on 10th April.

At the end of the contest, each contestants received certificate of participation whilst winning certificates and trophies were presented by Area K6 Director Allen Ang.

Allen Ang, Area K6 Director, Yong Shih Ching of OTTERS Toastmasters Club (1st runner-up), Julius Hong of UBD Toastmasters Club (winner), Hazwan Kamarulzaman of Brunei Advanced Speakers’ Club (2nd runner-up) and Gerald Goh, co-organizer of the contest

Nina Kifrawi during the International Speech Contest

Yong Shih Ching during the Table Topics Contest

Pooja Shivanand during the International Speech Contest

Supatra Lee during the Table Topics Contest

Philip during the International Speech Contest

Rahul giving a warm hug to his wife before heading on stage

Still brothers after the contest

With the co-organizer contest, Sandy

Rahul being the Contest Chair (the host) during the International Speech category

 

The most sought for magazine in Thailand – GQ Thailand issue April 2016. Image courtesy of @gqthailand

 

Promotion at Loft & Co and the promotion will be until end of March 2016.

 

Hj Minorhadi, Head of Government Relations & Special Projects Division, BIBD (right) with ALAF Students for the closing ceremony of the “ALAF TA’ARUF Camp 2016. Image courtesy of BIBD.

To further support the development and progression of students under the BIBD ALAF programme, BIBD has arranged learning camps to help build their self-confidence, develop their communication capabilities, and instil a sense of appreciation of the aims of the ALAF program.

The learning camps are divided into three camps with the first, Refresher Camp, starting on 26 March. The Refresher Camp is specially organised for the latest forty-six students who were recently awarded and included into the ALAF programme for 2016.

On the other hand, the second and third camps, the H.E.L.P (Holiday English Language Programme) camps, are arranged for around eighty students. These camps are organised with the cooperation of the CfBT to deliver bespoke English training camps for the BIBD ALAF programme students.

The H.E.L.P camps include lectures, hands-on and task-based activities to promote teamwork. The camps are also designed to foster a ‘can do’ belief in their English abilities and to establish good learner training habits.

The BIBD ALAF programme currently includes more than one hundred students, whose funding are collected from efforts of BIBD’s Corporate Social Responsibility, which include BIBD Charity Expeditions for ALAF, along with generous contributions from corporate agencies as well as general public since its launch in May 2013 by Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah.

Guest of honour speaking to one of the ALAF students. Images courtesy of BIBD.

During the closing ceremony and certificate of participation for the ALAF students. Image courtesy of BIBD.

The ALAF programme was developed in close partnership with the Department of Schools, Ministry of Education, and in 2015 a Memorandum of Understanding was also signed with the Islamic Studies Department from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. This will lead to constant efforts and close collaboration between all parties to ensure the successful implementation and provision of assistance to the ALAF programme.

The ALAF programme provides the selected students with provisions for school and tuition fees, educational materials and welfare, as well as mentoring and counselling necessities amongst others. All these efforts are meant to ensure the absolute commitment of these students towards the development of their education, and prevent them from being bothered by other commitments. The ALAF programme will also continue to provide support and assistance to these students until the end of their respective educational requirements.

Through ALAF, BIBD hopes to align its support to His Majesty’s 2035 vision of obtaining a 100% level of education for everyone, which in turn is hoped to help reduce poverty. In Shaa Allah, this will lead Brunei towards a more prosperous and peaceful future, making Brunei populated with educated, highly skilful and successful individuals, in line with internationally set standards.

Donation: Members of the public wishing to contribute into the BIBD ALAF fund may do so with a minimum donation of B$1.01 into the BIBD ALAF account at 1018181811 via BIBD channels such as the BIBD Online website, BIBD Mobile app, BIBD ATM and CDMs, and BIBD branch counters. The public can also set up a BIBD Standing Instruction to ensure a monthly donation into the ALAF fund.

As an added option, BIBD account holders can also use their accumulated BIBD Hadiah Points for cash conversion into contributions into the ALAF fund account. Progresif users can also make donation to the ALAF programme via its dedicated SMS in denominations of BND 1,5,10, 15 and 20 by typing “ALAF” and entering the amount selected, and sending it to 38988.

 

Many reasons to love the Audi Q7

Audi’s new Q7 has earned a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, despite requirements being tightened for 2016.

To qualify, winners must earn “good” ratings in each of the IIHS’ five crash-worthiness tests, the small overlap, moderate overlap, side and roof strength and head restraints tests, and to have an “advanced” or “superior” rating on front crash prevention system.

The German SUV did “good” in the five crashworthiness evaluations and scored a “superior” rating for front crash prevention, as the model has standard Audi pre sense city with automatic emergency braking, which can detect moving and stationary vehicles as well as pedestrians, at speeds up to 52 mph (84 km/h) and initiate braking if potential collision is detected.

“This year’s Top Safety Pick+ award for the 2017 Q7 represents our brand’s longstanding commitment to bringing innovative technologies to the market.”, said President Audi of America, Scott Keogh.

The new Audi Q7 also recently earned the top 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP safety rating in January. There will be a press launch of the Audi Q7 pretty soon. Do check out my IG and Snapchats this coming Thursday.

 

Check out the new groupie chat apps by Tap Get

Chat Group Hell: We’ve all been there – stuck in a chat group that you can’t leave because it’s either rude, FOMO on juicy gossip or just not wanting to be ‘that guy’ who leaves. What Time is a new app where you’ll never get stuck in an unwanted group and it keeps conversations on topic.

It’s a simple idea: rather than having chat groups that stay open forever and get easily flooded with multiple topics going on all at the same time, it would be better to chat in groups that:
A. Only exist for as long as they’re needed, and
B. Stay on topic.

Only existing for as long as they’re needed. Chat groups start with a timer counting down from 24:00 hours, new messages sent to the group will add a further 10 minutes, but eventually as the conversation ends it will reach 00:00 and the group is closed.

Staying on topic. Groups are based on what ‘time’ it is, such as: “It’s Party Time”, “It’s Coffee Time” or even “It’s Sexy Time” and chat along with shared photos scrolling along the background so everyone in the group knows what everyone else is talking about.

The world does not need another social-network but group chat could be better, Tap Get CEO Keeran Janin commented, ”Groups in apps like Whatsapp and Messenger already do a great job of keeping us close with family and friends – but overuse for the wrong events spoil the experience – so rather than create a whole new platform we made What Time as an alternative app to chat about short-lived events that works with your existing social networks”.

Currently What Time works with Facebook contacts, adding support for other networks is planned for future updates.

What I feel: This is an interesting and thoughtful app especially for those with multiple group chats and some may seem redundant and unnecessary after the event is over or simply the chat group has literally gone dead. It’s good to see Keeran coming up with new ideas to make life more convenient and hassle free and still make it relevant in our everyday lives. The app is up and running on IOS. I’ve tried it and so far, it’s a great idea. This app takes two (or many) to tango but once the party gets a hang of it, this is a solid way of communicating and I love the interface as well.

For Android users, you might have to wait for a stable version as it’s still on beta. I do hope the traction of users will increase over a course of time.

Keeran Janin, CEO of Tap Get, releasing his new app called What Time. This image three years ago when he won the best logo competition for National Day. Sorry buddy, I googled and this came out :p

Now you can chat with your closed friends interactively and the inbox clears itself

Also available for iWatch

 

Pg Mohd Nasir progressed into the final without any penalties in each of yesterday’s two rounds at the Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre – one of eight contestants to do so in the 21-rider field. He will compete this morning, aiming for a podium finish or perhaps a gold medal. Good luck and see you later. Image courtesy of Infofoto.

Brunei national record holder Md Fakhri Ismail made a mark for himself as he achieved his target – to be in the finals of the 100m sprint. He finished last in the finals of the 100m but he has done the country proud with his achievements. Image courtesy of @fakhri_11

BIBD recently held a signing ceremony with the Ministry of Religious Affairs, to ensure their continued commitment towards the success of BIBD’s ALAF programme.

Guest of honour at the event was Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahman, Minister of Religious Affairs. Signing on behalf of BIBD was its Managing Director Yang Mulia Javed Ahmad, whilst signing on behalf of the Ministry was its Permanent Secretary, Yang Mulia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Yussof.

Also present at the ceremony were The Ministry of Religious Affairs Deputy Minister, Deputy Permanent Secretaries, Directors and Head of Departments from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, along with members of the BIBD Board of Directors, Shariah Advisory Body and BIBD management.
The ALAF programme was launched in May 2013 by Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah. The ALAF programme, now in its second year, recently awarded thirty three more students with its assistance, on top of the sixty three awarded last year.

The assistance includes provisions for school and tuition fees, educational materials and welfare, as well as mentoring and counseling necessities amongst others. All this is to help ensure the absolute commitment of these students towards the development of their education, and not let them be bothered by the other commitments that come with. The ALAF programme will also continue to provide support and assistance to these students until the end of their respective educational requirement needs.

Guest of honour, Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahman, Minister of Religious Affairs (center) witnessing the signing ceremony

Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Yussof, Permanent Secretary of Religious Affairs exchanging documents with Javed Ahmad, Managing Director of BIBD

The ALAF programme was developed in close partnership with the Ministry of Education which will lead to constant efforts and close collaboration between both parties to ensure the successful implementation and provision of assistance to the ALAF programme. At the same time, The ALAF programme is also supported by the Islamic Studies Department from the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

This includes the identification of underprivileged and orphaned students from all schools in the country using meticulously-set selection criteria. Some of the selection criteria include nomination and support of respective schools welfare teachers along with the requirement of a maintained performance and attendance level.

Through ALAF, BIBD hopes to align its support to His Majesty’s 2035 vision of obtaining a 100% level of education to everyone, which in turn is hoped to help reduce poverty, In shaa Allah, leading Brunei towards a more prosperous and peaceful future, making Brunei populated with educated, highly skilful and successful individuals, in line with internationally set standards.

Members of the public wishing to contribute into the BIBD ALAF fund may do so with a minimum donation of B$1.01 into the BIBD ALAF account at 1018181811. Contributing is further made easier as the public can utilise existing BIBD channels such as the BIBD Online website, BIBD Mobile app, BIBD ATM and CDMs, and BIBD branch counters. The public can also set up a BIBD Standing Instruction to ensure a monthly donation into the ALAF fund. As an added benefit, BIBD account holders can also use their accumulated BIBD Hadiah Points for cash conversion into contributions into the ALAF fund account.

 

The latest instalment of the ASEAN Consumer Fair is just a day away, scheduled to take place from June 10 to June 14 at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas with more than 400 booths offering a wide variety of products and services from countries from the ASEAN region and a list of exciting activities and exclusive discounts to booth the latest instalment of Brunei Darussalam’s premiere consumer event is sure to have something for everyone.

Come and celebrate diversity at the ASEAN Consumer Fair as vendors from Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and many more offers a wide variety of products unique to each of the respective culturally rich countries.. Amongst the many items and special exclusive offers that visitors may expect includes, traditional handicrafts, ethnic cuisine and other food and beverages, mobile telephones and accessories, banking and financial services, and home décor and so much more. Visitors would definitely do not want to miss the Thai Grand Fair at the ASEAN Consume fair.

In addition, there are many fun-filled activities for visitors of all ages to participate in. Inlcuding fun exciting challenges brought by Malar Setia Sdn Bhd as well as Kingston Beverage & Creamery Sdn Bhd and also Cebu Pacific just to name a few. Not to forget DST will also be conducting various games and activities for valued visitors. Test your knowledge and win prizes in the DST product quiz, show off your colouring skills in the Disney colouring contest and if you are up for a challenge there will also be the Kristal “Astro Bollyone HD” Competition and many more. Visitors will also get a chance to meet and even see their favourite KFM DJs in action as they broadcast live from the ASEAN Consumer Fair. Not to forget mascots will be on hand to bring smiles to little visitors of the fair who knows maybe your friendly neighbourhood Spiderman might swing by.

ASEAN Consumer Fair will feature the “Mini Kindy Kare” where parents can drop of their children ages 2-4 years old at the Mini KindyKare located at the Blue Zone in Briefing Room 1

The fun does not stop there as visitors of the ASEAN Consumer Fair can enjoy an exclusive deal whereby with every minimum purchase of $10 at the Kingston Beverage & Creamery Sdn Bhd booth customers will receive a free Marrybrown chicken burger. Not to forget, members of the public can stand a chance to win exciting prizes in the Pepsi Bonanza grand draw simply by purchasing any “Bonus Pack” of 1.5 Pepsi, Pepsi Twist, 7-Up, and revive or assorted Mirinda flavours and submit the entry in to the special drop box which can be found this time around at ICC. The grand draw will be held on the last day of the ASEAN Consumer Fair with the grand winner driving home with a brand new Toyota Avanza.

There is also good news for the family as this year’s ASEAN Consumer Fair will feature the “Mini Kindy Kare”. Now visitors can enjoy shopping during the course of the ASEAN Consumer Fair in preparation for the upcoming festive month of Ramadhan and Syawal. At the ASEAN Consumer Fair from 10am to 8pm parents can experience the ASEAN Consumer Fair with ease as they can drop of their children ages 2-4 years old at the Mini KindyKare located at the Blue Zone in Briefing Room 1. Entrance is $12 per entry and additional $8 for every consecutive hour after.The children will be taken care by the friendly “Karegivers” of Kindy Kare international. The little tykes will be kept busy playing educational games, activities, and all under the supervision of their “Karegivers” and for the convenience of mothers there will be a special mother’s room at Mini KindyKare for breastfeeding.

The ASEAN Consumer Fair 2015 will take place from June 10 to June 14 at International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas. The ASEAN Consumer Fair will be open to members of the public from 10am to 10pm daily except on Friday where it will close from 12 to 2pm for the Friday prayers and will resume again to 10pm. For the convenience of visitors, shuttle buses will be available during the course of the ASEAN Consumer Fair providing transport to visitors from the allocated parking area at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium to the ICC for their convenience.

To find out more those interested are welcome to log on to the event’s official website at www.bruneiconsumerfair.com or contact D’Sunlit’s office at 2453 666. Press release by D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd.

 

It was a fun filled Sunday for families with Fun Bee Park last Sunday as they bring happiness at Pantai Tungku. The trip was not just an ordinary picnic or beach fun, child friendly and family bonding activities happened.

Fun Bee Park organized outdoor trips to expose young children to local wonders of Brunei Darussalam. Furthermore, they also aim to encourage both child and their parents to contribute to the local community in all means.

The Pantai Tungku Family trip started with safety briefing at Fun Bee Park’s centre with application of sun block cream and mosquito repellants for health concerns. Upon reaching the beach, children were grouped together with their corresponding Fun Bee Park Teacher as their guide. Groups were then walked by the beach to collect sea shells in different sizes for their art project. After picking shells, groups sit together and did their craft art such as Jewelry, Sea shell sail boat for boys, and Funny Sea shell with eyes.

Cecelia with the children heading to Tungku Beach

Children were excited to see giant bubbles made by their parents as well as the 3D kite with the real like image of an eagle flying.

One of the favorites of every child is to go fishing, and for safety purposes, Fun Bee Park provides a kiddy balloon pool filled with fresh water fishes to bring the children to play. Another highlight of the trip was the picnic whereby children and their parents sat down together and enjoyed good food with BBQ.

Children screamed out loud during the group games whereby they were asked to build the highest sand castle. The objective of the game is to develop teamwork and coordination to one another, and moreover, to encourage leadership amongst all.

The trip ended with an ice cream treat and safe ride back to Fun Bee Park where goodie bags were given to every child. Fun Bee Park will be organizing more outdoor trips locally such as the Temburong half day trip, Water village explore, Farm visit, Prawn factory educational tour, and many more. Next in schedule is the “Movie day trip” on 19th June 2015 whereby children with parents can watch Disney movie “Minions” in big screen. For further inquiries and reservation, please call Fun Bee Park at 2457729 / 7178232 or visit them at A6/A7, Ground Floor, Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat, Gadong. Text and images courtesy of Fun Bee Park.