The Mercedes-Benz C Class – World Car of the Year. Click image to enter the website to know more.

Holy cow.. I’m so in love with the Mercedes-Benz C 180. I rode it for a couple of days and wow, wow, wow!!! It reminds me why Mercedes is always a great comfort for a cruise and plus it packs some power on the road though it’s not much of a use since we can’t break the speeding rules here :p

I kinda find it strange that many prefer the CLA over the C180 because for me, I would take the C180 any day. I’ve test driven both models and the C180 has a slight edge for me. It’s no surprise that the Mercedes-Benz C Class was named 2015 World Car of the Year.

So why would you settle for less? Further more the price of the C180 is pretty reasonable on the road. Even my friends were surprised by the price tag. You’re paying a reasonable premium price for an awesome luxurious car.

First let’s talk about the design. There is so much difference from the previous C Class models and the latest one is much edgier and sleeker especially the front appealing look with the sporty central car embedded in the nose. I love the blue colour of the C180 and it stole some praises from my friends too.

There is so much to like about the interior too – the cockpit and the control panel near the arm rest area. It makes things more convenient for the driver. I could control the ambient lighting inside the car to the climate control. It might take a while to get used to it at first but once you mastered it, it gives you many option as a driver.

I felt comfortable on my seat and it just fits me nicely. I’m not used to the low setting since I’ve been driving an SUV for a decade now. Sometimes it takes me a while to get out of the car even after I’ve reached home because I was too comfortable in the driver seat.

Loving the colour of the Mercedes C180. Caught many eyes on the road.

The driving experience of the C180

Nicely lit during night

Enjoy my ride on a Sunday 😀

Ok, now the drive experience is what gives me a lot of thrill. I love to play with the Agility Select Function, allowing you to choose from Eco, Comfort, Sport and Sport +. Of course, I chose the Sport + (Vrrrrrooomm….). The Eco and Comfort modes were fun … for a little while. I just needed some boost on my ride and once I tried Sport+ it was tough to get back to Eco unless the tank is running low.

The Sport+ sharpens the throttle and adds weight to the steering while stiffens the dampers. My passenger buddies were too thrilled when I took them on the Sport+ cruise on the highway. Of course, the AMG C 63 would have better experience on the Sport+ mode with better suspension and steering. The C180 uses the 7G-Tronic Plus transmission which helps to reduce fuel-consumption and emissions without compromising for power.

So ladies and gentlemen, if you happen to drop by Jati Transport showroom, I highly recommend you to test drive the Mercedes-Benz C 180.

The control panel and also where I stuffed my gadgets

Listening to my favourite song/score during all my rides

In the comfort of the C180 after a heavy lunch with Pranika at Red Chillies

The young boys were in for a thrill of their lives

The interior of the C180

Comparing with my brother’s C250 and of course, his car is more powerful than the C180

 

Do visit their showroom today at Jati Transport Gadong from 10am to 5pm. Check out the new SUVs – GLE Coupé, GLE and GLC. Refreshments will be served.

The new GLC being unveiled last night at Radisson Hotel. What a beauty!! Image courtesy of @mercedesbenzbrunei IG

What more can you ask for.. If probably seen on magazines, TV or even movies. Last night, Jati Transport Sdn Bhd unveiled their latest flagship at their Mercedes-Benz line – the all new Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé and GLC at the Radisson Hotel (the perfect venue). As many of you are familiar that Jati Transport is the authorized distributor for Daimler AG in Brunei Darussalam.

There were so much love and hype on the new models – GLE 450 AMG 4Matic Coupé and the GLC 250 4Matic Edition 1. I personally find the luxury car to be awesome in design and I’m pretty sure many of the Mercedes-Benz lovers are eyeing on the new SUVs.

Let’s talk about the all new GLE 450 AMG 4Matic Coupé. It is the combination of two classes of vehicle – each with its own distinct style. The sporty nature of a coupé dominates, imbued with the striking characteristics of a robust SUV.

Like the SUV, the GLE Coupé also offers space for up to five people – and the rear seat bench is the widest in its class.

It is powered by a biturbo V-6 engine, 270 kW (367hp) and torque peaking at 520 Nm. The engine’s power is channeled to all four wheels via the 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission. Now that’s pretty sleek.

The standard-fitted Dynamic Select system allows the GLE Coupé to alter its nature, as the driver desires, from blissfully comfortable (in the SUV mold) to dynamic and agile (like a pure-bred sports coupé). Like I said, so much to love about the new GLE Coupé.

Mr. Alfred So, General Manager of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd, giving his welcoming remarks during the launch of the new Mercedes-Benz SUVs. He said that Mercedes-Benz brand won first place in the “World’s Best Brand” award and “Quality trophy for the brand with the fewest complaints”. He also shared that the brand has also maintained its status as the no.1 one position in the luxury car sales segment.

His Excellency Roland Grafe, German Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam and Mr. Andrew Chiam, Jati Transport Executive Director uncovered the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC last night

Mr. Andrew Chiam presenting a token of appreciation to His Excellency Mr. Roland Grafe

Does the model look familiar? Well, if you have seen Jurassic World, then you will see this model being featured 😀

Of course, for the main event of last night was the launch of the all-new GLC 250 4Matic Edition 1. The new GLC, successor of the GLK and for the first time, this model is introduced to Brunei.

The new GLC represents a further, systematic step in the implementation of our successful SUV philosophy. The Mercedes engineers have equipped the GLC with intelligent technology to make it the perfect vehicle for the urban environment, longer journeys and off-road excursions. It comes as standard with Dynamic Select dynamic handling control and 4Matic permanent all-wheel drive, enabling the GLC to tackle inclines of 70 percent.

The Edition 1 is only available for the 1st year of the market launch. It comprises a host of perfectly matched appointments for the exterior and interior designed to substantially enhance the vehicle’s sportiness, exclusivity and comfort even further.

Don’t they both look so elegant and classy?

Guests registering themselves before the launch last night

Members of the local press covering the event

Today was a special privilege as the public was able to view up-close and personal on the newly launched SUVs. Many showed up at the Jati Transport Showroom in Gadong to view the new GLE 450 AMG 4Matic Coupé and the GLC 250 4Matic Edition 1. Refreshments were also served to the customers and families while viewing the new models.

I’m not sure if the models are already on the road but I won’t be surprised to spot one pretty soon. So what is your personal pick? Mine would be the Mercedes-Benz GLC. Do follow their Facebook Page and also their instagram @mercedesbenzbrunei for updates.

The potential customers viewing the new GLC. I truly love the design

Hmmmm The GLC or the GLE? Decisions, decisions..

 

Check out the V-Class from Mercedes-Benz at the Jati Transport Showroom in Gadong. Refreshments will be served today

The Champions of the Ignite Entrepreneurship Challenge 2015 led by @ghazi.jo (2nd from right) with his proud sister Izzah Jomari. The team presented their idea on a device for vehicles where it will send emergency dispatch on the occurrence of an accident or instant impact. This is a very cool idea knowing that rate of accidents in Brunei is quite high. Congratulations to team KreatifTech.

Hajah Hasnah Hj Ibrahim, Acting CEO of Brunei Economic Development Board (centre) with the top 3 winners of the Ignite Entrepreneurship Challenge 2015 and the judges. The event took place at Design & Technology Building at Anggrek Desa.

Open concept, yes!!! I love it. I believe this is a great way to share and give more exposure on the concept to students and potential start-ups on how pitching and presentations are done. The public will also get to understand the prototypes or ideas presented by the finalists of the Ignite Entrepreneurship Challenge. This is the 8th edition of the business plan competition organised by Brunei Economic Development Board and iCentre and it was previously under the brand name of “ThinkBig” before it rebranded to “Ignite”.

I favoured the idea that the competition only lasted in less than 3 months. Otherwise, the competition could get draggy as it was a few years ago. During the press conference of the Ignite Entrepreneurship Challenge 2015 back in mid September, the organisers shared that they were looking for validations and commercialisation of their ideas and concepts and not just focusing on Brunei market but abroad. Forward to the present moment, chief judge Soon Loo, local partner and co-managing director of Seri Venture Capital Management Sdn Bhd, commented that all the finalists yesterday demonstrated high quality of ideas but lacking the execution should they explore outside Brunei. It was also the first time that the announcement of the winners was build in a more suspense manner initiated by the chief judge where usually the announcement were done by the emcee. So I am happy to see new changes in the format of the finals of the Ignite Entrepreneurship Challenge.

Perhaps another obvious difference is that the co-organisers decided to remove the student category and allow the students from high schools, tertiary and university institution to compete among the big players. This competition alone drew 51 submissions during the preliminary round (48 for Open and 3 for International). By October, only 22 submissions were shortlisted. By November, six teams made it to the finals for the Open Category and 1 only for International. I’m quite happy that there were all new faces so it gives me a more refreshing feel. Furthermore, the average age of the team is pretty young and not all of them have business background to begin with.

Anxious moment for the finalists as Soon Loo was announcing the top 3 winners.

Team Neogene was one of the finalists. They centred their idea of geology and market it with a tourism angle. I like their idea actually and this can bring loads of revenue to the economy if proper execution. But it’s true what the judges said that it will take years to reach that milestone.

Jodie Lim was the first presenter yesterday. Her team Nurture Enterprise proposed the idea of installing solar chimneys and earth tubes in any building and by doing this, it will reduce electricity costs, resulting in the cooling of greenhouse gases. The chief judge shared that this concept can take off if they can apply for the IPO.

One of the most confident presenters in the finals. Team Adi Iskandar Basri came up with the idea of a “Skipping” app. That’s right. A skipping app where you can skip queues. He gave examples about those queueing in banks. I’m quite impressed with his delivery as he believed in the product. Even my peers were talking about it on the group chat. Perhaps the judges were looking for something more of a substance. Keep it up, buddy! #dontgiveup

@ghazi.jo and his team of KreatifTech during their presentation of the special device for vehicle in emergency cases. During the interview, he shared the idea of the app came about when his friend Syazwan passed away in a tragic accident end of last year. It was also the first time their team joined the Ignite competition and they were recommended by their friends to join. He thanked all the finalists and they all deserved to be in the finals.

The best part of the finals is that the public was more than welcome to watch it live through webcam. The audience watched the whole presentation at the auditorium room. I hope this trend will continue for next year’s Ignite. Good job, BEDB!!

From what I can see is that “Ignite” is aiming to aspire the public that any idea that you have in mind can be made possible. It’s not about the winning the competition. It’s about embarking the journey of embracing your ideas and experiencing the process – writing an executive summary, creating a team, running surveys and focus groups, attending workshops and learn from seasoned mentors, creating presentation slides, pitching your ideas, networking and there are just many possibilities that you can learn by just participating Ignite Entrepreneurship Challenge. The biggest value that I learn from this competition is the value of courage and I applaud to all the 51 teams that submitted their business ideas to the organisers.

Even Soo Loo commented that it’s not about winning or losing. He experienced of not being placed in a business competition but his idea materialised in the real business environment and it has become a success. The same can be said for PHMD MindPlus who came 3rd in Ignite Open Category 2012 and now their expanding operations in Indonesia. So to the other finalists who weren’t placed, do not be discouraged. You all did the best you could yesterday and I was impressed by all the presenters, even with their ideas. Who knows you can apply for grants in BEDB or AITI and you can turn your ideas or prototypes into reality. So don’t feel defeated but feel appreciative and honoured because you made this far.

Thank you, BEDB for giving me this opportunity to watch all the finalists and I’m pretty sure those who showed up yesterday felt privileged to witness all the presenters.

The prizes were presented by Hajah Hasnah Hj Ibrahim, Acting CEO of Brunei Economic Development Board.

Jamie Liu of Inncee (Singapore) was the only team that made it to the finals in the International Category. Her company provides analytical services to help businesses improve their revenue by gaining data. They have simulated one of the businesses in Singapore. Well done on winning the International category.

Team Guru consists of two awesome tennis players who came up with the idea of connecting coaches/trainers to sport enthusiasts through means of the Guru apps. They also joined the competition because it was an idea they had in mind for a long time but never materialised. So what a way to introduce their idea through the Ignite competition. Is this app doable in Brunei? I would believe so with proper implementation and marketing strategy. Keep it up, ladies!! Proud of you!!

The Runner up for the Ignite Entrepreneurship Challenge 2015 – Team Nurture Enterprise and they received BND 15,000

The winner of the International Category with BND 10,000 – Team Inncee

The 2nd runner up, Team NewGate Plus, who won BND 10,000. They are now heading in Malaysia as they were selected to represent Brunei in the ASEAN Impact Challenge 2015 in Kuala Lumpur and guess what? They are now in KL for the event. They came up with a noble cause app that ensures that there is enough supply and demand of blood storage for the community. The judges shared that they scored the highest for social impact but will need a strong support from the Ministry of Health to make this app sustainable in a long run. Good luck in KL and congratulations in finishing Top 3.

Zharul Ghazi Jomari and his team, Kreatif Tech, received the winning prize of BND 25,000 from Hajah Hasnah Hj Ibrahim, Acting CEO of Brunei Economic Development Board.

The most enterprising judge that I’ve come across and Soon Loo has given a different dimension in the judging department. He is one busy man who travels at least a few times in a month alone and he claimed that he doesn’t even have a frequent fly programme. His biggest milestone or one of them is was being awarded the Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World award in 2013.

All is not lost for other finalists as local SMES still want to engage with participants on their ideas. Here we see Mr. Ang of 3G Media talking to one of the finalists of the Guru App mobile application.

Radi El Fassed, Acting Head of Product Development, Progresif Cellular Sdn Bhd, was amazed with the presenters and hope to work with some of the finalists for future opportunities. He was one of the judges of the Ignite Entrepreneurship Challenge 2015

A Singaporean lady giving some tips to the Neogene team.

Mercedes-Benz V-Class being displayed at Jati Transport Showroom at Gadong. Image courtesy of @mercedesbenzbrunei

The cool LED lights in the interior of the V-Class. Image courtesy of @mercedesbenzbrunei

For the first time, Jati Transport Sdn Bhd unveiled their first Van/MPV Mercedes-Benz V-Class. Back then, the V-Class (Viano) was catered as commercial vehicle. Now it has more of a feel like a Mercedes-Benz MPV. There are so many thing to like about the new MVP from Mercedes-Benz.

Though it’s still new in the segment of passenger car family, it sets new benchmarks with its design and innovation. It can fit up to 8 people and the MVP gives you the luxurious feel plus comfort. Let’s not forget the efficient driving pleasure for those behind the wheel and the most important of all, safety that distinguish automobiles bearing the three-pointed star.

The black Mercedes-Benz V-Class being displayed at the Jati Transport has already been booked by a customer. The next shipment is also fully booked if I’m not mistaken too. But do drop by Jati Transport to know more about the latest V-Class. This shows that the demand for the MVP is pretty good.

The V-Class has a high level of driving comfort with exemplary safety features to begin with. It has state-of-the-art radar, camera and ultrasound sensors to the benefit of the driver. This feature has been a successful gimmick in other Mercedes-Benz Class, being labeled as “Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive”. The Attention Assist can warn of inattention and drowsiness of the driver and furthermore, it has a Active Parking Assist even for the huge size of the V-Class. Awesome..

At market launch, the new V-Class comes to the starting line with the state-of-the-art 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine with two-stage turbo charging: the V 220 CDI generates 120 kW (163 hp) and 380 Newton metres. With fuel consumption of just 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions of 149 grammes per kilometre, the V 220 CDI occupies an absolutely leading position in the segment.

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

Public viewing of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class

The passenger area

It was great bumping into Pg Nasir once again

Public viewing of the V-Class 220 CDI

The back of the V-Class

Refreshments from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

The side view of the V-Class

The V-Class looks pretty cool on the road

You can remove the chair and fit other things into the V-Class. Quite a versatile MPV.

The best car of 2015. The C-Class.

 

During one of the sessions of Borneo Global Issues Conference

The International School Brunei Borneo Global Issues Conference (ISB BGIC) recently concluded its 11th annual student-led conference on a high note yesterday with over 200 students representing the member countries of the United Nations.

These students, who came from 23 local schools, including the host school, International School Brunei, have participated as Delegates to research a country other than their own, study the culture, history political situation and its position on UN Agenda items, and prepare presentation speeches outlining their position. They have debated global issues from economic and socio-political issues to human rights, security councils and the environment.

The theme for ISB BGIC this year is ‘Combatting World Diseases’. Some issues include questions of the safety and security of humanitarian or medical aid workers and volunteers in commission in nations outside their respective nationalities, reassessing and evaluating the precautionary measures undertaken by nations against the outbreak of Ebola and appropriate response(s) to disease outbreak contrary to natural disasters.

Last Monday passed resolutions were debated in the General Assembly. All the Delegates had profusely researched the countries and topics they had been. The Secretaries General, Parliamentarians and Committee Chairs administered and controlled the conference and debate, demonstrated a mastery of parliamentary procedure, and provided strong leadership.

James Gilmour, ISB BGIC XI coordinator, in his closing remarks mentioned that he was a bit worried on the first day as the delegates were very quiet. But within a few days, he was extremely glad that the students were able to engage with each other, discuss and debate among each other in finalising the meeting’s resolutions, and he thought that the students did a fantastic job.

The ISB BGIC concluded with a certificate presentation and students’ performances. School representatives, Floor Secretaries, Volunteers, as well as teaching staffs and admins who have helped in the preparation of ISB BGIC, were also recognised for their efforts during this closing ceremony.

For the students who took part in the International School Brunei Borneo Global Issues Conference, this is a defining moment in their development and will play a role in their future career choices, university admission and personal commitment to making this world a better place. Press release by International School of Brunei.

 

Salman Ashraf Khan, BIBD Treasure, receiving the Islamic Bank of the Year

James Chua, Co-Deputy Treasurer of BIBD, receiving the Qatar Deal of the Year

One of the leading banks in Brunei, BIBD hit another milestone as they emerged Islamic Bank of the Year Brunei and Qatar Deal of the Year in two categories of the Islamic Finance News (IFN) Awards 2015.

The event took place at Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur and representatives from BIBD were Salman Ashraf Khan and, BIBD Treasurer and James Chua, Co-Deputy Treasurer of BIBD. This has shown that BIBD has been making a great presence in the international Islamic Finance arena.

The recognition for Islamic Bank of the Year Brunei continues BIBD’s string of “Best Bank in Brunei” awards, a distinction that the bank notes with pride and which reinforces its commitment to better serving its customers and community. The bank received the award for Qatar Deal of the Year due to its participation as one of the main Arrangers for Ezdan Holding’s USD 500 million international Ijarah syndication. The 100% Islamic deal adhered strictly to the very highest Ijarah and Loan Market Association standards, and was the first of its kind for a Qatari corporation and the Qatari real estate industry. The deal was also able to attract conservative accounts like ADIB and Qatar First Bank.

To be recognized in the IFN is no easy feat. IFN is categorically recognised as the Islamic Finance industry’s leading publication. With a world-wide readership in excess of 21,000 industry practitioners and regulators, the IFN Awards offer its winners a truly global audience and a phenomenal vehicle in which to reach one’s clients, potential clients and peers.

Established in 2006, the IFN Awards honours the best in the Islamic financial industry. It is one of the most prestigious awards and highly recognised by the global Islamic capital markets. Selection of category winners is based on an elimination process where a panel of experts from non-competing organisations sieve through all submissions until just one transaction in each category remains. This year, over 300 nominations in over 25 categories were received, resulting in the most competitive deal of the year competition since its inception.

 

Thank you, Denise, for the invitation during the opening of the second outlet of Paddington House of Pancake at Gadong (next to McDonald’s)

I’m glad that PHOP or better known as Paddington House of Pancake has opened its second outlet and it’s located at Gadong. This will be convenient for many and it’s strategically placed in the heart of Gadong. For those who are not aware of what PHOP, let me simply describe as a savoury of western dishes with a unique way of serving them with pancakes, well not all of them but you will get the gist.

My favourite has always been their burgers because of the home made patties. The ambience is similar to the first outlet though it’s a little more intimate due to the allowance of space.

The menus are not finalized just yet but the dishes are different from the Berakas outlet. You will notice maybe one or two regular dishes in the new menu. So plenty of reasons to try out the dishes.

One thing to look for is the berry ice cube drinks. The fruits such as watermelon or oranges will be sliced and frozen into ice cube shapes and then you simply pour the ice tea drinks to blend with the fruited ice cubes. Amazing combo!!

You can read more on Thanis’ entry of Paddington House of Pancakes and he has ton more pictures to show. Congratulations Denise and your family for the second outlet. I am a happy man 😀

My favourite pasta so far. This is new – The Chipotle creamy pasta.

This used to my favourite *lol* but still packs the power – Egg Carbonara Pasta

Chicken Waffle Sandwich

 

How it looks when night falls. Image courtesy of Dino Expo Brunei Facebook

I don’t know why there is so much craze on Dinosaurs. Last December and January, D’Sunlit had their dinosaur displays for the public. This time round, this is supposedly the biggest.. well, as it was marketed, ASEAN’s Largest Dino Expo and it will end on 12th April 2015. Maybe because with the popular upcoming summer movie Jurassic World. Honestly, dinosaurs are not my cup of tea personally. If it was a land full of walking zombies, you can count me in 😀

As reported, they are expecting thousands of visitors to visit the Dino Expo at BRIDEX. I had a sneak preview before it was actually completed but I had an overall feel of the expo. The only thing that caught my interest was the Electric Car Amusement Ride since like I said, I’m not a big fan of dinosaurs. That thing is pretty cool indeed.

I had my quick rounds with Michelle from The Brunei Times. For more information and inquiries about the Dino Park Exhibition, please contact 8728178 or 2260498. Tickets are selling at $30 for adults and $15 for children. You can click here on their Facebook for more info.

Michelle trying out the Dino Ride

Students visiting the Dino Park. Image courtesy of Dino Expo Brunei Facebook.

There’s a panda section

The 5D simulator. Image courtesy of Dino Expo Brunei Facebook

Tickets selling. Image courtesy of The Brunei Times.

This is the one that caught my eye. Not sure if this is operating now.

 

Are you a trucker?

At first, I thought it was a name of person when I saw the invitation. Well, of course, it’s a name of person but it was more of a company’s name. Zainal Daud Sdn Bhd is a company that deals with transport and logistics and currently under the contract of Brunei Shell and they have been using Mercedes-Benz trucks for many years.

Now why did an event take place yesterday for Zainal Daud Sdn Bhd and Jati Transport (authorised Mercedes-Benz Distributor) in Brunei? Well, the biggest reason is because nine of the Mercedes-Benz commercial trucks from Zainal Daud Sdn Bhd have achieved an average of over 1.5 million kilometers without engine overhaul over a period of 10 years running 24 hours daily. Now isn’t that an amazing feat? My own car has overhauled twice in a space of 12 years *lol* but then again that could be my own wrongdoing for not servicing my car.

Nonetheless the statistics is even mind boggling to begin with. I’ve hardly heard a commercial vehicle that can reach such mileage of 1,500,000 kilometres without an overhaul. My car is currently at 230,000 kilometers in the past 12 years. So this really shows how much durable the Mercedes brand is even when it’s on heavy duty.

The award presentation was commenced by Mr. Alfred So, General Manager of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd followed by Mr. Richard Hall, General Manager of Commercial Vehicle from Daimler South East Asia/Pacific.

Mr Alfred So said, “We are extremely proud and pleased with this remarkable achievement. This record doesn’t come easy as we need a good quality vehicle, high level of after-sales service and disciplined personnel from Zainal Daud Sdn Bhd to achieve it. I would like to thank to take this opportunity to thank Zainal Daud Sdn Bhd for trusting us (Jati Transport) to provide the after-sales service.”

“At Mercedes-Benz, we believe that when our customers purchase a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, they’re assured with positive ownership experience. Not only do we strive to make that experience pleasant, we also pride ourselves in going that extra mile to ensure their journey with us is rewarding.”

The award was presented to Zainal Daud Sdn Bhd, Mr. Tay Kim Swee, its Operation Manager and Major PG Hj Jali, Transport Safety Officer and to Alfred So, GM of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd. The memento was presented by Mr. Richard Hall, General Manager of Commercial Vehicle from Daimler South East Asia/Pacific.

I kind like the slogan of Mercedes-Benz trucks – “Trucks you can trust” and the action does speak louder than words where they have proven how durable and solid their commercial trucks are. Did you know there are more than 600,000 Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks in the world? So just remember the three things that these trucks are known for – quality, durability and reliability.

Before I end, there are a few achievements that I wanted to share. The Mercedes-Benz Actros has received multiple prestigious wards such as “Green Truck 2013”, “The World’s most economical series-production truck”, “Truck of the year 2012”, “Best Commercial vehicles of 2011”, “Truck of the decade in Great Britain and Ireland”.

Mr. Alfred So, General Manager of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd is proud of this achievement

Mr. Richard Hall, General Manager of Commercial Vehicle from Daimler South East Asia/Pacific

Drivers of Zainal Daud Sdn Bhd

An award to Zainal Daud Sdn Bhd and Jati Transport Sdn Bhd

Representatives from Zainal Daud and Jati Transport Sdn Bhd

Inside the Mercedes-Benz Actros Truck

Do you think I pass being a trucker? 😀

Nice Tee

 

Eia (Maria Grace Koh) successfully launched her latest single “That’s My Way” on iTunes last Saturday

Maria Grace Koh, 22, better known under her stage name ‘Eia’ is one of Brunei’s singer-songwriters and is known for her catchy honest, heartfelt, fun and  edgy original works reflected in a spectrum of genres such as Pop, Soul, R&B and a little bit of Funk.

Eia recently returned home from Hollywood after working closely with the team at Indasoul Records for the release of her new Single, “That’s The Way”. The single, which is being released on iTunes was already available on Saturday, 25th October 2014, which happens to coincide with her birthday.  Support our local artists and be in for a treat with this new, hip and infectious track by Eia!

At a listening party earlier in the week, hosted at the Brunei Hotel and supported by City Neon, Eia announced plans to record the rest of her songs with the producing team with the hope of releasing a full album in the near future.

You may know her as an ex-national swimmer who was selected to represent  Brunei at the 2008 Beijing Olympics but due to some unfortunate events, the
team did not proceed. This was how she discovered her ability to write songs – where she wrote her first song at 15, “Hello World”  which is already available on iTunes).

She has most recently come back from WCOPA, Hollywood representing Team Brunei where she bagged 4 Gold & Division Champion Awards for all of her
original songs, as well as 1 Silver and 1 Bronze. She then went on to record her original songs with Marc ‘M. Doc’ Williams (Madonna, Kelly Rowland, Jordin Sparks, K-Ci & Jojo) and C-Ray (EMI Music Publishing, K_Ci & Jojo) of Indasoul Records.

Eia sharing her thoughts with her guests and fans

The guests last week at The Brunei Hotel

 

Visit the Jati Transport (Mercedes-Benz) showroom from 10am to 6pm to view the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class

 

Our podcast review of Yasmine the movie with my special guest Seng Yee. This podcast has reached more than 700 listeners. Do catch Yasmine at your local cinemas and it has been a great response from the public.

 

Top up tia. Click image to enter website.

 

The closing date is soon!! Hurry!!!

Awesome. To know that Fitflop is now available in Brunei Darussalam. You can purchase them at Hua Ho Manggis and Hua Ho Yayasan. Two days ago, the Fitflop brand was launched at the Emperor’s Court. Present during the launch were British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam David Campbell, Fitflop General Manager for APAC (Asia-Pacific) Juergen Strafe, Director McGill and Fitflop distributor in Brunei Darussalam and Manager of Hua Ho Manggis, Soon Tiong Lau.

I know my mom loves to buy Fitflop and also buying for her family and friends especially from Singapore. So what’s good about Fitflop? It has style and it has comfort. Every pair biomechanically engineered with their legendary, pressure-diffusing, shock-absorbing MICROWOBBLEBOARD midsole technology which makes a lot of difference. Their previous SS14 collection have been doing marvelous with sales increased over 50% and now with the new collection, it’s bound to do better.

So peeps, do visit Hua Ho Manggis and Hua Ho Yayasan for the latest collection pairs of Fitflop. By the way, Fitflop only carries women’s line for now.

Juergen Strafe, Fitflop General Manager for APAC (Asia-Pacific) posing with a Fitflop sandal

British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam David Campbell with invited guests during the launch

McGill and Juergen Strafe

Group photo with the Hua Ho Manggis management

Get a pair of Fitflop 😀

Soon Tiong mingling with the guests

Now available at Concepts Computer

 

BIBD’s Wealth Management Unit Officer, Rozielawati bti Hj Jamil, conducting the financial talk to civil servants

Early this week, BIBD’s Wealth Management Unit (WMU) today, as part of its goal to help the public understand their finances and manage it wisely, held a briefing to around 50 new officers and staff of the departments under the Ministry of Development.

The talk was held at the Indera Pahlawan Hall of the Ministry, and was delivered by BIBD’s WMU Officer, Rozielawati bti Hj Jamil. She began by giving a brief introduction of what Financial Planning is and asked the audiences about their monthly spending pattern. After sharing a few tips and personal experiences, she emphasized the importance of understanding the difference between ‘wants’ and ‘needs’. An example of ‘needs’, is giving priority to purchasing groceries and household necessities while shopping; as a result, it may help us to save money from buying items that are not urgently required.

She also introduced another tool in financial planning i.e investment and advises the audience not to invest without understanding and analyzing the investment products first, or putting ‘all eggs in one basket’, meaning not diversifying the investment into different portfolios; which can help generate different returns depending on their future plans such as for retirement, financing children education and getting a dream home.

She also highlighted not to be a victim of the Ponzi scheme, an investment of unknown source, or any investment products from companies that are not registered with Brunei’s central bank regulatory, the Authority Monetary of Brunei Darussalam.

For further information relating to the Wealth Management Unit, interested members of the public may contact them directly at wmu@bibd.com.bn or call the BIBD Contact Centre at +6732 2238 181.

Group photo after the seminar