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

 

Who’s gonna represent Brunei in April? Do come to multipurpose hall today and find out

The Challenge Trophy

 

I’ve been busy with car launches and the latest one will be the eye catching one for many. It was the official launch of the four models of the Porsche Cayenne. Firstly it’s the Porsche Cayenne Diesel, Porsche Cayenne V6, Porsche Cayenne S and Porsche Cayenne Turbo S.

QAF Eurokars Sdn Bhd, the official importer of Porsche vehicles in Brunei, unveiled the models at their showroom yesterday. Guests and the media had the privileged to witness the event as the models were unveiled by Mr. Roger Fletcher, General Manager of QAF Motor Group and Mr. Clement Chong, Deputy General Manager of QAF Eurokars Sdn Bhd.

According to Roger Fletcher, the success story of the Cayenne began in 2002, and continued to be contributing to Porsche’s growth significantly. The Cayenne made the idea of an everyday sports car into reality, allowing the Porsche drivers to maximise the everyday driveability. The company believe that Cayenne will continue to be a strong performer among the other models.

So what’s the difference with the previous models? It has a sharper design, boosted efficiency and extensive set of standard features: Those are the key characteristics of the new Porsche Cayenne. As a sports car among sport utility vehicles (SUVs), besides offering five seats and extensive high-end features, it primarily offers a lot of room for a lot of driving fun. With high performance and typical Porsche design DNA.

The new Porsche Cayenne are now available in the Brunei market, members of the public who are interested to take a closer look at the sports car in the SUV segment can head down to the Porsche showroom in Beribi. For now, if you are interested for a test drive, then pop by their showroom tomorrow Sunday 26th March from 10am to 4pm and their lovely assistants will be able to help you.

Here are some specs for your perusal.

Cayenne Diesel. Three-litre V6 turbodiesel with 262 hp (193 kW); eight-speed Tiptro- nic S; acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds; top speed 221 km/h; fuel consumption 6.8–6.6 l/100 km; 179–173 g/km CO2.

Six-cylinder V engine; cylinder angle 90 degrees; grey cast iron engine block; aluminium cylinder heads; four overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder; hydraulic valve lifter; common rail diesel direct injection (2,000 bar) via piezo-controlled injectors; one turbocharger with variable turbine geometry (VTG); two inter- coolers; controlled exhaust gas recirculation with cooler; air in- take system with map-controlled swirl flap; two-stage pressurised lubrication control with wet sump; engine oil volume 9.3 litres; emissions control system with oxidation catalytic converter, SCR system and diesel particulate filter; thermal management for engine and gearbox coolant circulation; extended auto start/stop function Plus.

Cayenne S. 3.6 litre V6 bi-turbo with 420 hp (309 kW); eight-speed Tiptronic S; acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds; top speed 259 km/h; fuel consumption 9.8–9.5 l/100 km; 229–223 g/km CO2.

The Cayenne S with a 3.6 litre V6 bi-turbo engine is new. This engine was specially developed for Porsche SUVs and was initially fitted in the Macan. In the Cayenne S it surpasses the previous V8 engine in all key data. The bi-turbo charging and downsizing via a reduction of the engine capacity and the number of cylinders enable a clear efficiency increase coupled with improved driving performance. For example, the power output has increased by 20 hp to 420 hp and the torque has increased by 50 Nm to 550 Nm, whilst the fuel consumption has fallen by 0.9 litres to less than ten litres per 100 kilometres.
The power output of the top model Cayenne Turbo has also increased by 20 hp to 520 hp and the torque by 50 Nm to 750 Nm. It therefore accelerates three tenths of a second more quickly than its predecessor and reaches a top speed of 279 km/h. Nevertheless, fuel con- sumption has been reduced by 0.3 l/100 km.

Cayenne Turbo S. 4.8 litre V8 bi-turbo with 520 hp (382 kW); eight-speed Tiptronic S; acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, top speed 279 km/h; fuel consumption 11.5–11.2 l/100 km; 267–261 g/km CO2.

Eight-cylinder V engine; cylinder angle 90 degrees; aluminium engine block and cylinder heads; four overhead camshafts; four valves per cylinder; continuous inlet valve control by variable valve timing and lift (VarioCam Plus); hydraulic valve lifter; direct petrol injection; biturbo charging; integrated dry sump lubrica- tion; engine oil 11.55 litres, two three-way catalytic converter per cylinder bank, each with two oxygen sensors; electronic ignition with eight individual ignition coils; thermal management for en- gine and gearbox coolant circulation; variable overrun fuel cut- off; extended auto start/stop function Plus.

Power transmission. Engine and transmission bolted to form one drive unit; Porsche Traction Management (PTM): active hang-on all-wheel drive with electronically controlled, map-controlled multi-plate clutch; per- manently driven rear axle, fully variable distribution of power to the front axle; eight-speed Tiptronic S.

New LEDs at the front and rear.

The completely new LED main headlights including Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus) combine state-of-the-art lighting technology with intelligent additional functions. In addition to the static and dynamic cornering light of the PDLS (standard for the Cayenne Turbo), PDLS Plus additionally includes dynamic main beam: this is put on and dipped de- pending on the traffic situation. Furthermore, PDLS Plus has an intersection light that recog- nises the intersecting roads and T-junctions stored in the navigation system of the PCM, and illuminates the area to the left and the right with simultaneous activation of the static inter- section light. What’s more, LED headlights are much more energy efficient and their daylight- like light colour resulting in increased perception of contrasts can prevent driver tiredness.

Styling and body.

The Porsche designers have given the Cayenne a sharper and clearer design in its latest guise. At the same time the design emphasises the proximity of the Cayenne to the road and underlines its sports car character.

The rear of the new Cayenne in particular has been clearly modified. The rear lights now have a flatter and more precise design. Like the LED daytime running lights at the front, the brake lights have a four-part design. Registration plate recess, handle strip and lighting are integrated even more elegantly in the tailgate. What’s more, the new tailgate takes up the shape of the rear lights and continues it via a precise horizontal light-refracting edge. This emphasises the width of the vehicle and gives it a more powerful road stance. The new de- sign of the exhaust tailpipes that are integrated in the lower rear panel also contributes to this. All Cayenne S models now also feature a double-pipe design. The roof spoiler no longer has a step which means that it continues the basic line of the roof even more consistently and has a more powerful appearance.

 

Congratulations to all the graduates. Catch me on Snapchat and Periscope.

The graduates of the Universiti Brunei Darussalam 27th Convocation

Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Hj Idris, Executive Chairman of Indera Motors (2nd from left) with British High Commissioner David Campbell, Hj Khairuddin Hj Abd Hamid, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (guest of honour) and Yang Amat Mulia Pg Anak Ghaffar during the launch of the Discovery Sport at The Empire Hotel & Country Club recently. Image courtesy of Azli Azney of The Brunei Times.

Late post: Recently Indera Motors Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of Jaguar and Land Rover, launched the Land Rover Discovery Sport at the Empire Hotel & Country Club. In attendance were Executive Chairman of Indera Motors Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Hj Idris officiated at the launch ceremony, with Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources Hj Khairuddin Hj Abd Hamid as the guest of honour. Also present was Yang Amat Mulia Pg Anak Ghaffar and British High Commissioner David Campbell.

Noormala Othman, Senior Executive Manager of Indera Motors, gave a brief introduction of the Discovery Sport before the launch of the car. The Discovery Sport will be a big hit in Brunei because of its premium value and still affordable as the price tag starts at $73,800 on the road. As you know Land Rover has a 66 year history and it’s the first of its kind for the Discovery family to introduce a compact premium SUV in Brunei.

For more information on the new Discovery Sport or a test drive, visit the Indera Motors Showroom at Lot Q2, Q3 and Q4 at the Lambak Kanan Industrial area in Berakas. It is open from 8am until 5pm Mondays to Thursdays, Fridays from 8am until 11.30am and 2.30pm until 5pm, and Saturdays from 8am until 4pm. Images courtesy of Azli Azney of The Brunei Times.

Noormala Othman, Senior Executive Manager of Indera Motors

Unveiling the Discovery Sport

Ain’t that just a sexy car? 😀

It’s the competition of the Humourous Contest and Speech Evaluation Contest for Brunei toastmasters. For your info, Brunei has four toastmasters clubs, namely Brunei Speakers’ Club, OTTERS, UBD Toastmasters Club and Brunei Advanced Speakers’ Club.

Two representatives from each club will contest and the winner of the respective category will represent Brunei in the Division Level at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah in early October.

The event will take place at OGDC, Seria this Sunday at 2pm. Yea, it’s quite a fair ride for those residing in town but if you have nothing better to do and also wanting to be entertained, then why not spare $5 to listen to eight speakers on their humorous speeches.

Jason Koo, one of the favourites for Humourous Speech. Good luck, buddy!

Elaine Tsang is also one of the finalists for the Area K6 contest

Humourous Contest

Supatra Lee – Brunei Speakers’ Club
Rano Iskandar – Brunei Speakers’ Club
Rozana Hj Yunos – Brunei Advanced Speakers’ Club
Pranika Lama – Brunei Advanced Speakers’ Club
Jason Koo – OTTERS
Elaine Tsang – OTTERS
Brendan Ti – UBD Toastmasters Club
Julius Hong – UBD Toastmasters Club

Speech Evaluation Contest

Supatra Lee – Brunei Speakers’ Club
Rano Iskandar – Brunei Speakers’ Club
Rozana Hj Yunos – Brunei Advanced Speakers’ Club
Nina Kifrawi – Brunei Advanced Speakers’ Club
Hazwan Kamarulzaman – OTTERS
Philip – OTTERS
Pranika Lama – UBD Toastmasters Club
Farhan Jaafar Ali – UBD Toastmasters Club

So good luck to all the contestants and the most important thing is to have fun, fun, fun 😀 The previous Area K6 winner was Allen Ang who bagged both the Humourous Contest and Speech Evaluation Contest.

This is the venue for the Area K6 contest at OGDC, Seria this coming Sunday at 2pm

The reason why I joined toastmasters – learning, leadership and friendship

Cool t-shirts for the test drive session of the Discovery Sport last August

Written and experienced by Aliya Zin, reporter from rano360.com: Indera Motors Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor for Jaguar and Land Rover in Brunei invited members of the media for a two day media escapade to Keningau, Sabah on 19th-20th August, to experience the new Discovery Sport, and the first member of the new Discovery family.

I was fortunate to have been part of the media group who went on the trip to Keningau, and experience what the new Discovery Sport has to offer. Full disclosure : I’m not a car aficionado, so if my opinion on the vehicle is seriously lacking in information, it’s only because I looked at it as a someone who views cars as a means to get from point A to point B, so I’ll do my best.

The seven vehicle expedition was flagged off by YAM Pg Anak Hj Abdul Ghaffar bin PISDSK Pg Anak Hj Idris, the General Manager of Indera Motors, from the Indera Motors showroom, and departed to Lawas, Tenom, Keningai and touring through the famous Crocker Range National Park in Sabah.

There were four of us road trip buddies in the white Discovery Sport : myself, Tiger Lim, Ragadah from BT and Alizan Maidin from Indera Motors. Tiger Lim was the first to take the wheel, taking us through Kuala Lurah all the way to Melasak Waterfall.

From a passenger’s point of view, the Discovery Sport is awesomely roomy. The rear compartment was able to fit 4 bags and a cooler and still fit some durian if we chose to carry back, but didn’t. For a passenger, the Discovery Sport is kind of a dream.. there are FIVE!, yes 5, USB ports to make it easy for you to charge your electronic devices, so there will be no arguing among passengers. The fully equipped infotainment system also allows you to connect your smartphone via Bluetooth, so you can listen to your favourite playlists and rock out on those long road trips without having to fiddle with long AUX cables. Another thing worth noting is there is a storage space between the driver and the passenger seat, which you can easily connect a USB hard drive to access an extensive music library, just like Alizan did.

Video of the Discovery Sport expedition. Reported and shot by The Brunei Times.

YAM Pg Anak Hj Abdul Ghaffar bin PISDSK Pg Anak Hj Idris, the General Manager of Indera Motors officially flagged off the Discovery Sport expedition

One of the Discovery Sport being driven

Among the features of Discovery Sport SUV are a Terrain Response system that includes a full suite of all-terrain technologies such as Hill Descent Control, Gradient Release Control (GRC) and Wade Sensing among others. This came in handy as we were headed down the trail to Melasak Waterfall, which had a rocky hilly terrain, and gave us the opportunity to test out the Hill Descent Control in particular.

What’s interesting about the Hill Descent Control is that you leave the speed up to the Discovery Sport. With feet off the accelerator, and hands firmly on the steering, and heart in my throat.. I took my foot off the brake, and let the vehicle do its thing. I was surprised at how easy it was to take my foot firmly off the brake and let the SUV take control of the descent. Not only was it capable of handling the terrain, but it took relatively smoothly. The speed of the Hill Descent control can be adjusted, so you can take it down as slowly as you wish. I had full trust in the vehicle and quite enjoyed the off-road experience.

Class-leading off-road capability stands at the core of Land Rover DNA. Naturally, the Discovery Sport’s body geometry has been optimised for even the harshest terrain, with excellent ground clearance, approach, departure and breakover angles, and an ability to wade through water to a depth of 600mm.

The Terrain Response system, meanwhile, allows the Discovery Sport’s steering, throttle response, gearbox, centre-coupling and braking/stability systems to be able to meet the demands of the challenging terrain. This is due to the fact that the system has four settings: General; Grass/Gravel/Snow (for slippery conditions on- and off-road); Muds and Ruts; and Sand.

There was also the test sampling of the durian

The rugged SUV

Nice shot of the Discovery Sport

The media representatives from Brunei

Our overnight lodgings were at the Dimie Pendalaman Resort Hotel, which takes a journey up a winding road up the mountain range, which the Discovery Sport handles with no problem. With its gorgeous, streamlined high-strength steel and lightweight aluminium bodyshell, it looks like in belonged among the green expanse and foggy views. I was definitely in love with the white vehicle, and not just because we had bonded inside it, but because the colour looked easy on the eyes, and just right in proportions of modern sleek and ruggedness.

The heart of the Land Rover Discovery Sport SUV is its engine: an all-alloy Si4 2.-litre with 240PS with direct fuel injection, thus providing power behind all the awesome technology. This six-cylinder engine cuts carbon dioxide emissions by up to 20 per cent, compared to conventional larger capacity engines with a similar power output.

All engine derivatives of the Land Rover Discovery Sport features advanced ZF 9HP48 nine-speed automatic transmission. Features include the next generation integral and advanced multi-link rear axle, all-new touchscreen infotainment system and state-of-the-art, and the Discovery Sport is fitted with a bold new headlamp design that integrates a slim, wraparound design and circular daytime-running lights (DTRLs). At the rear of the vehicle, the spoiler is crafted to optimise airflow for exceptional aerodynamic efficiency. The new Discovery Sport is well-armed with improved safety standards including the seven airbags inside the cabin and first-in-class pedestrian airbag that enhances pedestrian protection.

The fast bonnet line creates a distinctively compact profile that features significant interior space with optimal five plus two seating. This streamlined design allows all-round visibility, while the interior and load space areas are easily accessible.

The Discovery Sport’s interior has been designed to be premium and provide a versatile and calming space, with the centre being easily accessible from the Sports Command Driving Position.
After the two day trip, it’s so easy to see why the Discovery Sport is the world’s most versatile premium compact SUV. It’s just chock full of features that makes you want to get on the road and drive. But don’t just take my word for it, head down to the Indera Motors Showroom at Lot Q2 – Q4, Lambak Kanan Industrial Area and take her for a spin. It will a drive you will not regret.

Recently, a large crowd of supportive family and friends came out to support the opening of Lokalground, a collective store which is made up of 8 brands which made the step up from selling online on Instagram and Facebook to having a physical space to display their products to a wider audience.

Lokalground was the brain child of co-owner, Muhammad Abdul Najib Azhar bin Abdullah of Khalifahood, who pitched the idea to his clothing brand contemporaries. Eight brands, consisting of 7 local talents and 1 brand from Kuala Lumpur, make up the collective, namely : Khalifahood, Rule Clothing, VillieBeast, The Apparel Corner, Bruland Clothing, FWDs84, Roast and Roll Streetwear and Benua.BWN (Brunei stockist for Benua Clothing KL).

The store itself will serve as a focal point for the brands and allowing their customers to the have an opportunity to appreciate the wares instore and look at the other participating brands.
The store is located at #21.5, The Souq, 1st floor, The Airport Mall. Opening times are Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 am to 8 pm, Fridays 2 pm to 8 pm and closed on Mondays. Any changes to opening times will be updated on @lokalground instagram account.

These 8 young entrepreneurs have more exciting projects lined up in the near future and look forward to working with more local brands within the Brunei independent clothing industry.

Get Connected through ICONIA

Click image to enter Citroën Brunei 

  

BIBD’s latest promotion

Top up tia. Click image to enter website.

 

Click image to enter ICON Design Store website

 

 

You can check out Takaful coverage from Takaful Brunei Keluarga (TBK) and Takaful Brunei Am (TBA) at the BIBD 5th Home Showcase at the Mall until 4th October (Saturday).

Takaful Brunei AM (TBA) deals with insurance for home, personal accident and motor. They have a special promotion going on at the BIBD 5th Home Showcase where you can have 50% discount on new or renewals for Comprehensive Home Package Takaful and 25% discount voucher on Private Motor Takaful.

The comprehensive package covers home protection such as natural disaster, impact damage, bursting or overflowing of tanks-apparatus or pipes, theft, flood, fire, thunderbolt and even aircraft damage.

If you want to find out more on TBA products, do call 224 4000. You can also follow their updates on Facebook and instagram @takafulbrunei

Check out their roadshow at The Mall until 4th October

Their ongoing promotion

They also have special promotion for Takaful Brunei Keluarga (TBK). This is branded in a purple colour coded to differentiate the two products from Takaful Brunei. TBK involves more on family in terms of protection and savings. They have numerous products under TBK and now you can stand a chance to win gadgets if you sign up for any of the TBK Protection and Savings products. The grand prize is a pair of air fare tickets to a regional destination.

At the moment, they have products such as Takaful Savings, Takaful Walimatul Urus, Takaful Haj & Umrah, Takaful Dream House, Takaful Amal Jariah, Takaful Tarbiyah, Takaful Retirement, Takaful Education and Takaful Nur Savings to name a few.

Roadshow at The Mall

TBK promotion and you can stand a chance to win a pair of air fare

 

Happy 1 year PHOP. Video taken by Royston

Paddington House of Pancakes (PHOP) Brunei welcomes diners to celebrate together as the popular eatery turns one this month.

In conjunction with the 1st anniversary, PHOP Brunei organised the PHOP Birthday Pancake Design contest last Sunday for children to have fun and make a ‘flipping awesome’ birthday pancake out of PHOP homemade play-dough.

Best designs will be voted by customers and the most ‘likes’ from Instagram followers with the voting period starting from September 28 to October 7. The winners will be announced on the closing day followed by the prize presentation on October 12.

Winners in the boys’ and girls’ category will be awarded one bicycle each as the grand prize as well as PHOP goodie bags with a combined worth of over $500.

Some of the PHOP Birthday Pancake Design Contest. Check out and vote the best design on their instagram @paddingtonpancakesbn

It was great to see kids taking part in this competition

Denise Chai, the owner of PHOP Brunei. Image courtesy of Aziz Idris of Borneo Bulletin.

To add on to the celebrations, dine-in guests who spend $50 and above will be eligible for Paddington’s instant lucky dip where PHOP Brunei promises a sure prize to be won for every dip. Among the prizes include mouth-watering pancakes, refreshing drinks and cash vouchers worth up to $100.

For the past year, the popularity of PHOP Brunei has grown. To cater to the growing number of diners to the restaurant, it has expanded by occupying another unit to fit an extra 40 seats. A VIP room is also available for private events.

“The aim of PHOP is to make everyone’s dining experience ‘unforgettable’. Pancakes have always been known to be a ‘happy’ meal,” chimed Denise Chai, the owner of PHOP Brunei.

“At Paddington, our friendly service and kitchen staff will definitely do their best to make any birthday parties, anniversaries, gatherings, corporate functions or festive celebrations truly enjoyable.

She ensures diners that there are ample spaces and seats as it can cater 50 to 100 guests at one time for any kind of functions. To know more about PHOP’s delicious pancakes and other fun activities throughout the month, visit their website at www.paddingtonpancakes.com. Text courtesy of Aziz Idris of Borneo Bulletin.

Check out and vote the best design on their instagram @paddingtonpancakesbn

The atmosphere last Sunday at PHOP

It is nice to see interaction among other children

Denise Chai with her team from PHOP. Congratulations on your one year anniversary. Image taken from PHOP Facebook.

 

Allen Ang, a double winner for Humourous Speech and Evaluation Speech Contest, with his wife Fen. He will represent Brunei (Area K6) on Division K level which will be held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah on the 12th October 2014. Allen currently holds the position as the President of the OTTERS’ Club and the Vice President of Education of the Brunei Speakers’ Club.

Allen Ang did one better than his previous efforts on club level. Three weeks ago, he was crowned a double champion in Humourous Speech and Speech Evaluation Contest during the OTTERS’ Club competition. Last Sunday, Allen Ang showed his supremacy once again on Area level where he competed against the top two individuals from other toastmasters clubs namely OTTERS Club, Brunei Speakers Club and Brunei Advanced Speakers Club.

He will represent Brunei (Area K6) as only the champion of each category will be given a ticket to compete in the Division K contest which will be held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah on 12 October 2014. In the Division K, it is made up of over 35 clubs from Sabah, Labuan and Brunei Darussalam. The winner of the Division K contest will proceed to the District Level contest to compete against toastmasters from other parts of Malaysia and Indonesia to yearn the title of the District Champion.

This contest, for your information, is an annual event as part of a Toastmaster’s development as they aim to improve their communication and leadership skills.

Here are the list of the top three winners.

Humourous Speech Contest

1) Allen Ang with the title “Toastmarriage”

2) Zainal Bostaman with the title “Used-to-be-fat-tis”

3) Reuben Chin with the title “Lessons from a bicycle”

Speech Evaluation Contest

1) Allen Ang

2) Melati Dato Yussof

3) Reuben Chin

The event took place at the Auditorium at the iCentre. Present were Jeremy Chua, the manager of iCentre and incubatees of the iCentre, toastmasters members and members of the public. Prizes were presented by Area Governor of Area K6, Ruey Narcis. A big shout-out to the organizing chairman, Jordan Yau and also my mentors Stuart Lee, Shawn Narcis and Ruey Narcis during the preparation of the contest.

Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through practical hands-on experiences. For more information and updates, you can visit www.bruneispeakersclub.com.

Area K6 Humourous Speech Contest winners: Zainal Bostaman (1st runner-up), Allen Ang (champion) and Reuben Chin (2nd Runner Up)

Area K6 Speech Evaluation Contest winners: Melati Dato Yussof (1st runner-up), Allen Ang (champion) and Reuben Chin (2nd Runner Up)

Jeremy Chua, iCentre’s Manager, and the audience gave a standing ovation to the contestants

Appreciating the contestants from the audience

The contestants for Humourous Speech and Speech Evaluation Contest

The customary handshake by the contest chair (myself) with Hazwan, one of the contestants. The contest chair plays a role as an emcee/host of the event

I’m proud of my friend Melati for her performance during the Speech Evaluation Contest

Allen Ang stole the show last Sunday. Good luck in Sabah 😀

My role as the contest chair

Zainal Bostaman was a previous winner on Area K6 level and came 2nd on District Level

A great turn out for the event last Sunday. Thanks for the support.

Yong Shih Ching talked about the art of positive comments

Interviewing all the contestants before the prize presentation

Ruey Narcis, Area Governor for Area K6, thanking the organizers and also iCentre and BEDB for lending the premises. She gave a lot of encouragement to all the contestants and she also hope that the event was beneficial to iCentre and BEDB

Thank you to the press Aziz Idris and Azim Kassim for showing up

Taken during the break

The members from OTTERS’ Club

It was nice to see familiar old faces from toastmasters

The trophies for Area K6 Contest

Stuart Lee who has been mentoring Allen Ang for the contest and also for the upcoming Division level contest. Last term, Stuart Lee was crowned the District Champion for Humourous Speech Contest. In order to win that, one has to win Area level, then win Division Level before you can reach District Level. Let’s hope with Stuart’s guidance and mentorship, he can guide Allen to newer heights.