Posts Tagged ‘asia inc forum’
September around the corner
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam (C) in action during yesterday’s His Majesty’s 69th Birthday Polo Cup at the Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club in Jerudong. The monarch’s Black Team is through to today’s final after defeating Yellow Team 11-4 in the first day of the four-team tournament yesterday. Image courtesy of Ridhwan Kamarulzaman of The Brunei Times.
It’s never easy when you have a lot on your hands. One reason why I had to forgo my traveling trips for this month especially Denmark. Two big weddings and a Toastmasters competition coming up and not forgetting His Majesty’s birthday celebrations in all the districts. It’s a month that will test my endurance in my late 30s *lol* I still feel I have much to offer (physical and mentally). Oh yea, there are still some corporate Open House invitations before end of August. So I need to squeeze in for that too.
Everyone keeps asking me “How’s the (Brunei) economy?” If someone asks me that particular question then it could be implying that the local economy is going through a transition. Spending power has been lesser than usual. It was evident during Ramadhan where bookings for restaurants didn’t top their benchmark of last year’s. Well, this could be down to another reason (too many new cafes and restaurants). Even purchasing of cars lately have been mediocre to say the least. How so? Because of the new directive from Monetary Authority of Brunei Darussalam (AMBD) that consumers have less flexibility in applying car loans. If you look at it in a positive way, there are good points to why this can benefit the end users in a long run. For me, I am very grateful of our stability in many areas including the economy in Brunei and not forgetting the harmony and peace. After reading what other regional countries are experiencing, it gives me a higher level of gratitude to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan and His Majesty’s government.
I kinda enjoyed Hjh Normah’s presentation. She’s the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources and she gave an insight on the current business environment in Brunei at a different perspective. We shouldn’t just use excuse such as the size of small population or the size of the country as Brunei have untapped opportunities through means of natural resources and culture. It’s never a disadvantage as well being a Muslim country as Brunei can be one of the international hub for the halal market where she highlighted the presence of Bruneihalal brand in the UK, specifically their distribution centre in Birmingham. The other big opportunity is Bio Innovation Corridor (BIC) which serves as base for manufacturers of halal products including food, cosmetics and medicinal and health supplements. She kicked off her presentation by saying Brunei is a good place to detox (mostly from entertainment).
Tonight I will be busy with my gadget(s) taking live feed and snap chatting on Azeez Jaafar and Nisaa Suresh’s Berbedak ceremony tonight. I have been having lack of sleep for the past two weeks or so but it has been fun.
Hari Raya celebration at BIBD Open House with Hj Rozan Yunos and his spouse
The Brunei Robotics Olympiad on the Regular Category. The Open Category will be on 29th August. I shall be covering that event.
Hjh Normah Suria Hayati Pehin Jawatan Dalam Seri Maharaja Dato Seri Utama Hj Mohd Jamil Al-Sufri, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (3rd from left) was the guest of honour at LBD forum yesterday, hosted by Asia Inc Forum and Baiduri Bank and Brunei Press as partners
The DJs from Pilihan at BIBD Open House. It was indeed a very packed event.
Finally the BBA got rid of the dirty mattress. Just a note though that there isn’t any cushion to soften the impact in case a player runs too fast.
Ah, the mini Zinger from KFC. I’m glad they released this as part of their ongoing menu.
Our toastmasters club at Brunei Speakers’ Club is growing week by week. Last night we had the strongest in terms of numbers and it was a wunderbar experience. Keep up the great work, lads!!
My favourite dish of all the Open Houses I’ve been 😀
Always inspired to know a passionate barista/entrepreneur
After my posting on IG, her green tea creme brûlée has been one of the popular items in her cafe. Must try.. Love the texture. Available at Piccolo Cafe (bandar)
My toy, Slyer, watching Minul and I in action on the court. I’ve been losing five straight times against him. What gives?
At Royal Brunei Airlines Open House
Check the new facelift for the Citroen DS3. The price is slightly higher. However, now the current DS3 is selling at $25,750 and it will be sold at that price until all stock is sold.
Now the Acer Iconia Tab 8W is back in stock and it also comes with Microsoft’s new Office 365 (one year subscription). Teachers and students will be able to enjoy the privilege as they will be given a special discount. Now available at Concepts Computer.
Two inspired runners who ran the Sundown Marathon 2015 in Singapore recently and both are using Polar watches. Do follow @polar_bn for updates. More stories on Polar (Brunei) on the sponsorship of local athletes.
Good thing about Snapchat
Thanks AB for the hospitality last week.
A Marvel adaption movie ruined by Fox. How could they?
The logo of my sister’s wedding
Best part of family weddings is gathering and reunions 😀
Now our inside driveway has been transformed into temporary tents
My siblings 😀
My chubby lil sis in her excusable pyjama
Been busy preparing with invites and the protocols for the upcoming events at home. September please come sooner 😀
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The medal haul
Click image to enter Citroën Brunei
The first customer of YMRM Serusop today
Guess what peeps? It’s finally open. Well, a soft one actually since the other floors are not ready. However, the ground floor is ready for business and now you can shop at Galleria YMRM Serusop at Unit B24-25 at Delima Jaya Complex and you can call 233 3743.
They will have a special sale tomorrow (Tuesday) 8pm to 12am only at Serusop Branch. Cara Melayu and Sinjang will go for $24 for 2 set. Moroccan cotton which is usually $12.90 will go for $3.90 per meter. The regular sale $1 meter is back again for your cara melayu. Tudong and door mat also going for $1. If you want cucul for Hari Raya, this is also the best place to buy.
I kinda like the new interior of YMRM Serusop and it feels refreshing and unique as well. This is a great way to entice their regular patrons and appreciate them for their continuous support. The upper floor will be opened after Hari Raya. For now, enjoy the freshness of YMRM at Serusop branch which went for 2-3 months of renovation.
The new interior at YMRM Serusop
Sinjang
For shirt making
Italian silk textiles
Exclusive textiles for the ladies
The stairs leading to the first floor but it’s not opened yet
Nice lighting
YMRM building at Serusop but it’s not fully completed
Guess the number of balls competition
Recently KIA Motors (Brunei) had the final count of the number of KIA-FIFA Footballs inside the KIA Sportage as part of the guessing competition in conjunction with the World Cup 2014. The management of Grand Motors with the assistance of the representatives of the local financial institution counted the number of balls.
After two rounds of counting, it was confirmed that the number of balls inside the KIA Sportage was 285. Present were the Managing Director of Grand Motors Frankie Ho and Executive Director of Grand Motors, Pg Hj Abdul Qahar PSD Major General (Rtd) Pg Hj Ibnu Basith,
The lucky winner was Hj Mohd Tusiw Momin who guessed it correctly among the four contestants. The contest of ‘How many Kia-FIFA Footballs are there in the Kia Sportage?’ started on March 1 and ended on July 14.
Recounting the balls inside the KIA Sportage
The Executive Director passing us a ball 😀
Jacquline also did some counting
The red and white KIA FIFA football
Sitting on a stream of the red and white
Hundreds participated in the draw
The eventual winner of the $500
The participants from Brunei Darussalam after the WCOPA finals in Los Angeles
Last year, only one made it the finals – Fakhrul Razi in the Senior Vocal category in the World Championship of Performing Arts 2013. This year, Brunei representatives went a step further. Three Bruneians made it to the finals – Joanna Kwan, Shian Li Esther Chiam and Maria Grace Koh also known as Eia. One Brunei won the Junior Grand Champion for instruments at the WCOPA 2014 edition.
Only 15, Shian Li, is no stranger in the Brunei music scene. With the guidance of her family especially her mother Lily Chiam who runs Expression Music, Shian Li have been getting praises for her talent and she has been performing for private functions and I ever hired her once for a birthday party and I was just amazed. I had no doubt that she will excel in what she does and after knowing that she will be representing Brunei in the WCOPA this year, I knew her time has come and all that hard work paid off.
Shian Li shared, “This week has been absolutely amazing and it went by so fast! Being here in Los Angeles, I just want to tell the talents out there if you believe you can do it and work towards it an and you are keen of performing arts, this is a great opportunity that many open many doors for you.”
Shian Li was the top of the crop as she won all gold medals in her respective category in Junior Instrumental – Classical, Contemporary, Jazz, Open and Original. She won her sixth gold for being in the finals of the WCOPA 2014.
Another finalist was Joanna Kwan who won gold for reaching the finals in the Senior Acting category. She also won four silvers in Classical, Contemporary, Open and Comedy and one bronze medal for Drama. Furthermore, she was the only Bruneian to be awarded with a BND 10,000 scholarship to the New York Film Academy and one industry award. I have seen her performed in Brunei and she’s just amazing. What a great choice to select her as a Brunei representative! Much deserved though Joanna was only aiming for the experience. Awesome!!
Starlet Maria has finally reached greater heights as compared to her previous outing last year in WCOPA 2013. This year she went two steps better by reaching the semi-finals and the grand finale. What’s best is that her original songs were recognized and made it to the finals. This really shows that we Bruneians have talents. Maria earned herself 4 gold medals including being a finalist. She also earned 1 Silver for Pop and 1 Bronze for Broadway in the Senior Vocal category. I’m proud of you, Eia 😀 I can imagine the sight of your parents when you touch down Brunei next week.
Other Brunei participants were Elizabeth Sim, Eden Chiam, Dayat, Ruby Chong, Bridget Ang and Adi Farhan which is a pretty good line up from Brunei Darussalam. Imagine this – we are one small nation and during the live coverage event, Brunei Darussalam was mentioned quite a few times on the event – firstly because of our participants for being in the finals, the announcement of the winner for Shian Li and two more mentions by Jeff the host because of our tweets from Brunei. Awesome!! Now I was wondering why Brunei Tourism only had a small involvement in this project as this show is watched by millions of people online. This would have been a superb opportunity to invest in this project hopefully for next year and to get that tiny percentage of the millions of people to be aware of Brunei alone is already considered a big achievement. Brunei Tourism managed to sponsor Bridget Ang’s ticket to Los Angeles. I do hope there will be more involvement from the relevant agency on this matter as it was proven that our talents can go that far and when they go that far, more names of Brunei Darussalam will be mentioned as it did during the finals of WCOPA 2014.
Enough of the small rant. But I’m happy to see local sponsors supporting the participants such as AEWON, Baiduri Bank, KFC and Laneige Brunei. The participants also managed to source their own sponsors such as Laily’s Bridal, Sab Five Five, Low family, Projecttunes, @brugraphic, Reyn’s Touch @ Bridal Collection, Mylol.info, Fitnesszone, @kingomar412, @haqimie267, Sri Maju Sawit and PL Sawit Sdn Bhd, Suci, Cedar Management Services and many more.
Those missed out on the finals still didn’t come empty handed. First timers Eden Chiam and Elizabeth Sim made it to the semi-finals. So overall, there were 5 Bruneians who made it to the semis. Eden won 5 medals – Original Works (Gold), Broadway and Pop (Silver) and Open and Soul, R&B and Jazz (Bronze) for the Junior Vocals. Elizabeth Sim competed in the Senior Acting Category and she earned Gold for Open and Drama and Bronze medals for Contemporary, Comedy and Open. She also won overall winner for the Drama category.
Dayat Hj Ahim competed in the Senior Vocals and he earned Silver for broadway, contemporary and World and Bronze for Open and R&B, Soul and Jazz category. Adi Daini earned one silver of Rock and Bronze for Open and R&B, Soul and Jazz for the Senior vocals with instrument.
Bridget Ang earned two Silvers for Open and Originals category in the Senior Vocals category while Ruby Chong earned two Bronze in Open and World category in the Senior Vocals category.
The participants from Brunei Darussalam after the WCOPA finals in Los Angeles
The finalists that made an impact for Brunei at the big stage – Joanna Kwan, Maria Grace and Shian Li
1 Grand World Champion for Jr Instrumentalist
3 Grand Finalists
2 Industry Award
Recipient of 10,000USD Scholarships from New York Film Academy
12 Gold Medals
13 Gold Medals
13 Silver Medals
This is considered another great achievement and milestone for Brunei considering we are a small nation but with a big heart and voice. I’m still amazed that we have 3 Bruneians featured in the finals alone and we are competing against a number of talents around the world. I also want to applaud Jeffery of Prismworks for making this possible for all the participants for another attempt at WCOPA. It’s never easy to organise and the logistics and all. I do hope I can plan for next year’s WCOPA for coverage purposes (Didn’t I say that last year? haha).
Overall, I’m just truly amazed that we can make a difference and by them just being there, it’s simply unbelievable to represent Brunei. I do hope one day that performing arts will have more recognition in Brunei and this will help to bring in more support not just the private sponsors but also the relevant government agencies in Brunei Darussalam.
For more updates, you can follow them on instagram @officialwcopabrunei
Shian Li’s reaction after being announced the winner for the Grand World Champion for the Junior Instrumental
Shian Li receiving her award
Shian Li and Jeffery (of Prismworks) the man who made Brunei possible in WCOPA events
James Kon of Borneo Bulletin interviewing one of the parents at KFC Yayasan last Saturday
Yes, guys, even kids and children still can get cancer at a young age and it can happen whether you are young or old. It was such a heart warming sight to see the kids play along during the games and being present at that very moment as if they are enjoying and cherishing that moment. It’s good to see KFC being involved with YASKA and not many attention has been given to the children, judging from the press releases in the media.
At the event, the kids were also given a meal so that they can break fast with. “Fasting is not compulsory for children and especially for the children with cancer. Though the children are undergoing treatment, the paediatric oncology ward is often decorated to celebrate for this festive season so they would not have to feel left out or often home leave is given whereby possible,” Tsara’ Nawwarah Abdullah Chen, Senior Occupational Therapist, RIPAS Hospital\Treasurer of YASKA.
YASKA’s mission is to provide information and support for children with cancer and their families, when we got to know them, we were touched by what this organization is doing and make it a point to promote them so that others in Brunei can reach out to them,” says Jonathan Bong, Senior Marketing Manager, KFC (B) Sdn Bhd.
Everyday the children are made to feel special especially during the treatment and at home and parents are often very aware of how precious these children are and the environment in the paediatric oncology ward has been filled with generous donations of educational toys and books and DVDs( often requested by the children for the latest cartoons and children movies) so the children are “entertained” and kept busy and distracted with activities. These are only possible through the various amounts of donations and activities carried by the occupational therapy staff and non-governmental agencies, added Tsara.
YASKA kids playing games at KFC Yayasan
Playing passing parcel
Passing the parcel activity
Musical chair time
Group photo with YASKA kids and KFC team
Edwin Khew will be in Brunei in August to share his idea on Eco-Smart City in the 7th National Environmental Conference. Image courtesy of CTI PFAN website.
In a session entitled “Bandar Seri Begawan as a Model Eco-Smart City”, guest speaker Edwin Khew, will share best practices on Singapore’s journey towards becoming a sustainable city; the challenges to anticipate, and strategies to overcome obstacles.
Edwin Khew is the the Chairman of Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore (SEAS), a non-profit organization that assists the growth and development of cleantech businesses in Singapore and the region. He is also Managing Director of Anaergia Pte Ltd, a global environmental waste to energy technology and management company with its headquarters for Asia based in Singapore.
“Being smaller than Singapore and having more resources”, Khew said that Brunei has an advantage over Singapore to become an Eco-Smart state, and remarked that there can be areas of possible collaboration between the two countries to develop and implement green technologies. Brunei can excel and surpass Singapore in developing and implementing these new technologies and can start working with Singapore at test bedding these technologies as Singapore is just starting to test bed them now.”
Asked how a small country such as Brunei can make a difference, Khew remarked that the future for all urban cities is to be sustainable, and turning its capital city into an Eco-Smart City “will ensure sustainability, where energy, waste and water will be a nexus for which an Eco-Smart City must consider and achieve”.
Khew has 35 years of experience in the industries of water and waste treatment, energy and cleantech. In the last 15 years, he began to focus on waste management, after becoming concerned about the challenges of growing volumes of rubbish and the lack of landfills in a highly consumerist and disposable economy.
In the conference, Khew will share ideas with local industry experts from the government and private sector on effective strategies to create a sustainable city with topics ranging from waste management, urban planning, and green buildings.
Now on its 7th year, the National Environment Conference will discuss pertinent issues, revolving around the theme “Brunei’s Green Future: Ideas, Strategies, Possibilities.” The conference is open to all members of the public, and will be particularly worthwhile for overnment leaders, corporate and business leaders, environmental practitioners, eco-conscious consumers and students, among others.
The Conference is organized by Asia Inc Forum in partnership with Total E&P Borneo B.V., Butra Heidelberg Cement, Baiduri Bank and Brunei Press, with the support of the Ministry of Development and Ministry of Education.
For more information, please contact Low Leng May at may.low@asiaincforum.com, or call 2226555 ext 10. Press release by Asia Inc Forum.
National Environment Conference. Click image to find out more.
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#T4entertainlyDisappoints
Check out the latest podcast review of Transformers 4: Age of Extinction
Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Mohd Yasmin Hj Umar, the Energy Minister taking a selfie with Teo Jyh Herng and Muhd Waifuddin, the recipients of Total Education Scholarship Scheme (TESS). Image courtesy of Danial Norjidi of Borneo Bulletin.
Witnessing the signing ceremony was Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Mohd Yasmin Hj Umar, the Energy Minister. Also present were the Permanent Secretary of Upstream at EDPMO Hjh Rosmawatty Hj Abd Mumin and the Managing Director of PetroleumBRUNEI Dato Paduka Hj Matsatejo Sokiaw.
Under the scheme, the students will first be enrolled in a foundation programme in L’Institut Universitaire de Technologie (IUT) in Tours, and after their undergraduate and postgraduate have an opportunity to work with Total. The scheme is a collaboration between Total E&P Deep Offshore Borneo B V (TEPDOB) together with the Commercial Area Joint Venture Partners, Energy Department at the Prime Minister’s Office (EDPMO) and supported by PetroleumBRUNEI.
Muhd Wafiuddin will be studying physics, while Teo will be studying mechanical engineering.
According to Yves Grosjean, General Manager of Total , the first batch of five scholars were performing very well in their respective fields of studies, with one top in her course out of 132 students, while the four others are all in the Top 10 of their respective courses.
Yves said this is due to the quality of the students and the quality of the scheme. He believed it is their core business, being able to bring opportunities like this for further development in the country. Both new students are great testimony of the quality of students from Brunei.
The Minister was very proud of the students and he thanked Total for their contribution in investing in people for Brunei.
Yves Grosjean, General Manager of Total in welcoming remarks
The signing ceremony
Muhd Waifuddin, the recipient of Total Education Scholarship Scheme (TESS)
Teo Jyh Herng, the recipient of Total Education Scholarship Scheme (TESS)
The press interviewing the Minister and the students
Brunei Halal once again is participating at the Consumer Fair 14 (Purple Zone) at the Plenary Hall of ICC. There are lots of exciting new products, promotions and even Spin & Win activity. So do check out the new Brunei Halal products being sold at CF before launching them into the supermarket such as the Paratha folds. There will be showcasing recipes from Youth Development Centre (Pusat Pembangunan Belia) Cooking & Culinary graduates with their recipe creations with Brunei Halal products as their base such as Fried Squid Aloo Saag, Corned Beef Fried Rice, Chicken Mughlai Kurma, just to name a few. You are more than welcome to try out their samples.
The team from Brunei Halal
The chefs from Youth Development Centre cooking with Brunei Halal recipes
Highly recommended recipes from Brunei Halal
Now they also come in frozen packets
Click image to enter Malppy.com
This week, Malppy Weekend promotion is all about looking cool! Malppy is bringing you the exclusive range of our new Supplier of Laviss Sunglasses for the men and ladies. You can get this range at B$23.90 instead of B$28.90 this weekend only as our introductory offer. Type ‘Laviss’ on the search box of Malppy website to view more from them. Design glasses from Laviss is very unique and doesnt stock high. New design will be updated regularly and once a product is sold out, it will never come back again. So don’t miss out, find your perfect pair! Have a great weekend everyone Brunei!
Check out SnapFeed and download the app to your phone and win gifts too
Wanna win freebies or gifts? It’s simple. Just download SnapFeed on your smartphone and visit Consumer Fair at ICC. A new mobile application SnapFeed has launched at the Consumer Fair 2014. It is an all-in-one application that delivers consumers with the latest promotions, deals, events, news and is also a centre for business information. It has a business directory feature with business profile information from over 740 businesses plus their branch information. Consumers can easily access product information, contact details, opening hours, and more, of their favourite businesses. The App currently supports Apple devices running ios 7.1 and above, and is best optimized for Android version 4.2.2 and above, and is available on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
One of the key functionalities of the App would be the use of QR code technology to make it easy for both consumers and businesses. For businesses they will be able to track redemption of deals or loyalty card stamps to help better understand their marketing campaigns, while consumers gain the benefit of having all their vouchers and loyalty card digitized and will only have to flash their QR code at merchant outlets to gain benefits. This implementation would begin starting 16th of July and consumers can expect to see more tailored offerings and start getting rewarded for their spend.
As part of the launch at Consumer Fair, users who have downloaded and registered an account on the app can visit the SnapFeed booth to claim a free gift. With over 10,000 gifts to giveaway featuring partners such as KFC, Burger King, Modesto Bistro & Grill, Lof Bakery, Netcom Computer House, Auntie Anne’s, Dapur Penyet, Each-A-Cup, Yeo’s, Sosro, Caprisonne etc. these gifts are expected to be distributed quickly while stocks lasts.
Ting See Chung, Managing Director of Snapfeed and Adrian Wong, the app developer of Snapfeed at their booth. Do meet them and learn more about Snapfeed
Catch them at ICC during the Consumer Fair
Download on your smartphones now and redeem your prizes. There are ten vendors to choose from.
Some of the gifts that you can win simply by downloading the Snapfeed app
A message from Maju Motors: Dear Followers
Looking for your first Volkswagen or your next one? Here is a deal set just for you. Any inquiries can be done by private messaging us on this page.
Hope to hear from you soon and happy fasting to everyone who is.
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The Trash to Treasure Campaign today saw a big turnout at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, Berakas, exceeding its target of 200kg of recyclables.
With some 20 registrations from today alone, the T3 campaign successfully collected 546kg of trash from members of the public. The trash collected comprised 488kg of paper, 27kg of plastic, 8kg of aluminium, 2kg of metals and 21kg of electronic wastes.
The campaign, targeted at households and businesses, also generated the interest of a number of schools to participate in the campaign. “Our aim is to encourage people to recycle at home and at work. We are taking small steps to instill this positive habit,” said Asia Inc Forum’s conference manager, Nanette Ramos.
Through the T3 Campaign, Asia Inc Forum hopes to extend the habit of recycling from schools to households and businesses. Schools that are interested to participate in the campaign are encouraged to get their students to register their households, Ramos said.
Today’s T3 campaign marked the first collection, with its second and final collection scheduled to take place on August 10 at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, Berakas. The campaign was held in conjunction with the National Environment Conference, to promote environmentally-conscious lifestyle and build a sustainable living environment in Brunei.
The highest recyclers from each category (household and business) will receive prizes during the National Environment Conference on 13th August 2014. All the proceeds raised from the recycling campaign will be donated to participating NGOs to fund for their environmental projects.
The T3 Campaign is a joint initiative between Asia Inc Forum, the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe) of the Ministry of Development, and Daikyo Environmental Recycling together with the conference partners; with TOTAL E&P Borneo B.V., Butra Heidelberg Cement, Baiduri Bank, and Brunei Press.
For more information, please contact Low Leng May at may.low@asiaincforum.com, or call 2226555 ext 10. Text and images courtesy of Asia Inc Forum.
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