Recently a group of media from Brunei did some shopping at Mustafa Centre, Singapore, and buying necessities for the under privileged children at Darul Ihsan Orphanage, Singapore. This was organised by Volkswagen Singapore and Brunei as part of their contribution to the community especially before the month of Ramadhan just around the corner. The items were transported by the newly launched Volkswagen Sports Van which will make its way to Brunei next week.

Louis and I shopping for milo and milk at Mustafa Centre recently in Singapore

Stocking up items at the Volkswagen Sports Van. Surprisingly spacey and it was able to load a lot of things at the back.

Can you spot me? 😀

The local media from Brunei had a great time shopping for the orphans. We overshot our budget but in the name of charity 😀

The items being unloaded at the orphanage

 

Mohd Razali Hj Junaidi won a trip for two to watch the opening match of the UEFA EURO Cup 2016 receiving the prize from Firdaus Mokim, Head of Marketing and Public Relations of BIBD At-Tamwil last weekend. Image courtesy of Analisa Amu of The Brunei Times.

Mohd Razali with other consolation winners. Image courtesy of Analisa Amu of The Brunei Times.

Late post: It was a pleasant surprise for Mohd Razali Hj Junaidi who won a trip for two to watch the opening match of the UEFA EURO Cup 2016 in France as the grand prize in a lucky draw by Grand Motors Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of Kia vehicles in the sultanate.

The ‘Kia Lucky Drive to France’, which is one of the initiatives that is in partnership between UEFA EURO 2016 and the Kia distributor, aimed to boost the sports marketing approach of Kia and enrich customer’s driving experience.

“I am indeed happy with the prize and didn’t expect to win the trip. I am yet to see whether I can make it (to the trip) or not,” said Mohd Razali who recently bought a Kia Cerato in April.

The grand prize is inclusive of airfare, meals and hotel accommodation apart from watching the opening match and having a cultural experience tour of the host country.

The draw, which took place at Kia’s showroom in Beribi, also saw four other lucky winners receiving attractive prizes.

Nicholas Stuart Hendry and Nati Sumarto respectively won a 64GB Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge and 32GB Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge.

Meanwhile, Noraha Abdul Malek took home with her a Samsung Gear S2 Smart Watch and Mohd Rifa’ie Muhd Shahren won a Samsung Galaxy Tab S2.

Present during the draw were Baiduri Finance sales officers Md Saabeq Chong and Solon Chong as well as its Sales Manager Hj Muhd Ali BM Hj Metussin.
Also present were representatives from BIBD AT-Tamwil, Deputy Head of Marketing, Asharul Norshari and Head of Marketing and Public Relations Firdaus Mokim.

There were ten shortlisted finalists who were randomly selected in a draw on May 13 out of over 200 customers who purchased Kia vehicles from March 1 until April 30 this year. Apart from the grand draw, Grand Motors Sdn Bhd also launched the enhanced Kia Cerato with its new aesthetic features that is sporty and will surely capture the young and the young-at-heart.

Interested customers may visit any Kia showrooms or call 2453101 to book a test drive. There will be another test drive session in Tutong this Sunday and also a roadshow on 28-29 May at Hua Ho Petani Mall, Tutong. Text and images courtesy of Analisa Amu of The Brunei Times.

The roadshow and test drive at Hua Ho Petani, Tutong on Saturday and Sunday

 

Yang Mulia Dato Paduka Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gapar, the Acting Minister of Ministry of Development (center) with Mr Jackson Ting, Managing Director of D’Sunlit and Dato Paduka Haji Danial Haji Hanafiah, Executive Director of D’Sunlit

The highly anticipated 18th Consumer Fair was officially launched at the International Convention Centre, Berakas this morning, which was officiated by Yang Mulia Dato Paduka Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gapar, the Acting Minister of Ministry of Development in the International Convention Center, Berakas yesterday. At the opening was Managing Director of D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd, Mr Jackson Ting and Executive Director, Dato Paduka Haji Danial Haji Hanafiah, who gave an welcoming note at the start of the proceedings.

This iteration features the Food Fest, with lots of exploratory culinary experiences from award winning chefs, with baking classes from Bake Culture, food demonstrations by Her’s Kitchen, and Latte art by Piccolo.

Exciting activities await such as the “Junior Chefs Cookout and “Family Cook Out” by Hers Kitchen, Ice cream decorating challenge, Treasure Hunt Maze, photo booth, and a blood donation campaign by RIPAS.

After the opening ceremony, Dato Paduka Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gapar visited the various booths, which includes the 9th Thai Grand Fair featuring fresh exotic fruit, imported from Thailand. WIth over 400 booths with 180 exhibitors from Malaysia, Thailand, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, Cambodia, India, Singapore and Brunei, there’s something for everyone.

At the Concepts Computer booth. There is a special promotion. If customers buy an Acer pendrive (16GB), you will get another free. This promotion also applies to selected power banks and hard disks too. Great deal 😀

The VR glasses at Samsung booth (DST)

Baking Demo classes at the Consumer Fair, organised by Bake Culture

Baking demo

The VR glasses at Samsung booth (DST)

Check out the Koppair (inflatable bean bag without beans but simply air). Good pricing as well at BND 125. Do follow them at @koppla.bn on instagram

Photo booth

Thailand Grand Fair

Thailand Grand Fair

The crowd at Consumer Fair lately. Image courtesy of Concepts Computer

 

BHC Editor Amir Noor (2nd L) with Butra HeidelbergCement Sdn Bhd Managing Director Marcelino Ugarte (2nd R), BHC Project Director Stuart Lee (L), MMW Creative Director Hamdi Matussin (R) cut the cake during BHC’s 4th Anniversary celebration at Starbucks, Beribi. Image courtesy of Ikhwan Salleh of The Brunei Times. Click image to read more.

Congratulations to the team behind BHC – Butra Home Concept

 

Creative Arts Festival with Shenny

Top 10 Summer Box office predictions with Rano Iskandar (The Popcorn Panel) and Del Goh (The Reel Show)

Top 10 Summer Box office predictions with Rano Iskandar (The Popcorn Panel) and Del Goh (The Reel Show)

 

Book the C180 now and enjoy FREE upgrade to 17-inch 5-spoke wheel in tremolite metallic, high-sheen finished. Call 244 1763 to book a test drive or visit their Beribi or Gadong showroom at Jati Transport

Stuttgart/New York. Mercedes-Benz wins three categories in the prestigious “World Car Awards 2015”. Christoph Horn, Head of Global Communication Passenger Cars Mercedes-Benz and Rob Moran, Director Mercedes-Benz USA Communications, received the awards on behalf of the brand with the three pointed star at a ceremony held on the occasion of the New York International Auto Show.

Particular success was enjoyed by the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which won the “World Car of the Year 2015 Award”. The S-Class Coupé was voted “World Luxury Car 2015”, while the Mercedes-AMG GT sports car picked up the award for “World Performance Car 2015”.

Mercedes-Benz was the only automobile manufacturer to make it into the final round of the awards with five vehicles. This commanding performance is unprecedented in the 11-year history of the “World Car of the Year” awards and serves to reflect the tremendous popularity of the Stuttgart-based brand among their customers. The international jury for these prestigious awards is made up of 75 renowned automotive journalists.

Mercedes-Benz has found favour with the jury in previous years too: in 2014 the S-Class won the category “World Luxury Car”. In 2012 the S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY was the winner in the category “World Green Car”, while the same award was taken back in 2007 by the E 320 BlueTEC.

 

Posing with a special hard cover edition of this month’s BHC magazine

Happy 3rd birthday, BHC Magazine

How time flies very fast and I remember covering the first ever launch of the BHC Magazine at the same venue three years ago, a project spearheaded by Stuart Lee, the Project Director of BHC Magazine. Last week, Butra Home Concept (BHC) Magazine celebrated their third anniversary.

You will probably know or heard of BHC magazine and it caters to the audience who love about homes and decos and also featuring the Brunei homes. The magazine has now evolved into a lifestyle guide and for readers of BHC, you can also download the book on your IOS powered phone (iPhones). For Stuart, the magazine is a success when someone picks up the magazine and read thru and not just the milestone that it has achieved along the years.

Congratulations to the team behind BHC Magazine, Azlan Ahmad, Group Chief Executive of MixmediaGroup and Amir Noor, Editor of BHC Magazine.

Azlan Ahmad giving his welcoming remarks

The cake cutting ceremony

Hui Chiet of Red Bull (Brunei) among the attendees

Nathan Ambrose and Stuart Lee

Finally caught up with my long time friend FJ

It was quite a packed event

Me in a Box Photo Booth

The lucky winner of the 42” tv

Guests during the third year anniversary

The current edition of BHC magazine (on photo)

Del Goh and Stuart Lee

Lucky draw for their third year anniversary

 

TrueVector Designs are going to hold ANOTHER EVALUATION TEST for those who couldn’t make it the last time and are still interested in pursuing a career animation. So who are they looking for?

-Traditional 2D artist

-Sketchers

-Desk & Notebook scribblers/doodlers

– A good command in English

So what are you waiting for? Don’t hesitate to join us by sending in your CV and portfolio to our email at hello@truevectordesigns.com or truevectordesigns@gmail.com before 15th May 2015 (Friday)

Successful applicants will be informed to sit for the test which will In shaa Allah be on 18th May 2015 (Monday).

 

Audi A3 Sedan – Prime Edition

Audi A3 Sedan – Prime Edition

T.C.Y. Motors Sdn Bhd as the sole agent for Audi in Brunei in its efforts to constantly offer customers ‘something different yet exciting’ is pleased to introduce a new sporty variant of the Audi A3 Sedan- the Prime edition.

The Audi A3 Prime edition is a 1.8 turbo (180hp) model fitted with exclusive sports styled exterior body kit from Audi’s Genuine Accessories offering. The body kit includes a distinctive front spoiler; side sills, a new design rear diffuser incorporated with the rear apron- all of which can be available in either Brilliant Black or the car body colour, topping off the package is the standout tailgate spoiler in Carbon which finishes the Prime sports look.

An additional option to the package is the exclusive cast aluminium 18-inch wheels in 5-arm Velum design which is sold separately. The Audi A3 Prime edition is available now for viewing with other current offerings at Audi Kiarong showroom during operating hours.

The sporty design at the back

Upon request – exclusive cast aluminium 18-inch wheels in 5-arm Velum design

 

Acer Liquid Smartphones

Click image to enter Peugeot Brunei’s website

Click image to enter Citroën Brunei 

  

BIBD’s latest promotion

Top up tia. Click image to enter website.

 

Our podcast review of Summer Box Office with my co-host Del Goh

 

Click image to enter ICON Design Store website

 

Click image to find out more from Butra HeidelbergCement

Butra HeidelbergCement, best known for their resources of providing cement to the Sultanate, has done more than its reputation proceeds. ‘Building A Nation’ is their corporate social responsibility initiative focusing on developing various aspects and levels of the nation with the mutual goal to succeed as a country. A company centered on sourcing a build, made enough sense for them to help others build their hopes, dreams and ambitions.

A fraction of this movement is devoted towards ‘Building Hope’, efforts dedicated to helping the less-fortunate society by addressing and aiding their needs for sustainable living. Dated back to February 2014, Butra HeidelbergCement was on the search of giving hope to those in need by refurbishing the core of basic necessities; a sheltering home.

Butra HeidelbergCement invited those in need with a chance to have their homes restored and repaired, a kind gesture by the company with hopes of ensuring a blissful Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration. This venture was in collaboration with the Community Development Department (JAPEM) under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and Radio Televisyen Brunei (RTB) in expanding the reach for the initiative and assisting those in dire need of help.

From February, the collaborating delegation began investigating the applicants’ homes up until May when they narrowed down the list to four candidates for the project, two living in Brunei-Muara District and another two in Tutong District. A month long process of reconstruction began simultaneously for all four homes and the team addressed any faults and troubles the candidates previously faced in their distressed homesteads. By June, the candidates were able to enjoy the comforts of their refreshed homes in time for the fasting month of Ramadhan as well as the preparations for the festive season.

The success of the project proved enough for its continued existence as Butra HeidelbergCement has set their sights on sequel venture in the future, holding on to the values and objectives of ‘Building A Nation’.

Building A Nation comprises of other initiatives diversifying its reach towards accomplishing various other goals

Building Champion centers the spotlight on Brunei’s very own Wushu team, sponsored for their achievements in winning gold for the South East Asia (SEA) Games.

Building Careers opens more opportunities for locals in exploring their potential while Building Sustainability channels its inner greenery by championing the needs of our environment for
future generations.

Brunei Darussalam’s future looks bright with Butra HeidelbergCement as they build the pillars to a nationwide success. Courtesy of BHC.

So do check out RTB 1 every Friday at 7:30pm on the program entitled “Membina Harapan”.

One of the homes before it was reconstructed

The owner of the home

With the faces of Butra HeidelbergCement that helped in the project

This is the newly looked home.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Datin Paduka Hjh Adina (front, 4th L) with authors of ‘Women of Brunei – Inspiring Life Stories’ Nicola Lynskey (3rd L) and Cecile Castilla (5th L), and the Bruneian women featured in the book. Images courtesy of Amanda Yap of The Brunei Times.

The book took a while to complete but the hurdle is over. Co-authors French Cécile Castilla & British Nicola Lynskey have invested their times with their interviews and writing up articles for the compilation of 21 women of Brunei entitled Women of Brunei. The purpose of this publication is to inspire the younger generation of Brunei women and even those challenging moments can be dealt with.

I caught up with Cécile Castilla over a book signing outside Best Eastern Times Square a few days ago. I’ve known her for quite a while and in those days, she was editor-in-chief for Dua Minggu and she was also in the mainstream media for 10 years back in France, focusing more into female magazine. Back in 2006, she was based in Balikpapan and she was involved with an expat magazine. You can see that she has this urge to write and share her findings to others and that is one great way of contribution.

To her, this is a her second book that relates to women. She finds many rewarding values in interviewing and writing her findings. The publication won’t be possible without the help of their sponsors. Her purpose of this project is to understand women in Brunei Darussalam and she can see the difference between the women in Brunei and the women in France. She found out that even the community in Brunei is friendly and family oriented despite being a tiny country.

You can find the book “Women of Brunei – Inspiring Life Stories”, a 140-page coffee-table book and it is published by local visual and graphic design firm Pentagram Sdn Bhd. It is selling for $30 at all Best Eastern book stores throughout the country, as well as the Crimson Square at the Empire Hotel & Country Club in Jerudong.

Twenty per cent of all sales will be donated to charity while 10 per cent will go to the Council of Women Brunei Darussalam.

Another 10 per cent will also be donated to ALAF (Advocating Life-long Learning for an Aspiring Future), the charitable project under the book’s gold sponsor, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD).

Cécile Castilla explaining to the lady on the newly launched book

The book signing happened last weekend outside Best Eastern Times Square and it’s selling for BND 30

Liyana also bought herself a copy

Available now at Best Eastern

 

Our podcast review of Yasmine the movie with my special guest Seng Yee. Find out what is my best scene of the movie. Yasmine will be officially be released on 21st August 2014.

 

Chris W.H. Woo, a member of Brunei Speakers’ Club, will represent Brunei in the World Championship of Public Speaking. Good luck, buddy!

Chris W.H. Woo, a Senior Lecturer at Universiti Brunei Darussalam will represent the Toastmaster’s District 87 (Brunei, Indonesia and East Malaysia) in the World Championship of Public Speaking. The competition will be held from 20th to 23rd August at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Chris Woo snatched the coveted trophy and title of District 87 International Speech Champion in Surabaya on the 11th May 2014.

When asked how he feels about the upcoming competition, Woo says, “It’s been a psychologically grueling few months for me. Never a week goes by that I don’t think about the competition. But I am very lucky to have so many supportive Toastmaster friends and, honestly, the Brunei Speaker’s Club has become a family to me. I don’t know what will happen at the World Championship. There are so many variables to the judging and success of a speech. But what I do know with certainty is that I will give it my absolute best.”

After emerging as Champion from The Brunei Speakers’ Club, and subsequently Area K6 (Brunei), Woo went on to defeat some of the best speakers in Brunei, East Malaysia and Indonesia. As a representative for District 87, Woo will be pitting his skills against the best speakers in the world.

“Chris is dedicated, he is committed, and he has now achieved so much. He inspires all our members in Brunei to realize our potential,” says Hazwan Kamarulzaman, President of The Brunei Speakers’ Club. His sentiments are shared by Ruey Chong-Narcis, the Area Governor of Area K6 (Brunei), “‘Since it’s inception by the grace of His Majesty 16 years ago, this is the first time that Brunei is representing the district in the World Championship of Public Speaking. We are extremely proud as it shows the quality and support that each Toastmaster gives their fellow members. Together with 14 other Toastmasters from Brunei, we will be there to proudly represent Brunei and cheering Chris as he takes his rightful place up on centre-stage.’

Some of the toastmasters from Brunei Speakers’ Club are currently in Kuala Lumpur for the convention and also to support Chris Woo. Last night we had the privilege to attend one of the toastmasters club in KL and we were at Maxis Toastmasters Club and met a number of toastmasters around the world. Awesome!!

We registered our names so we can get ourselves some goodies from the club

I volunteered myself to be the Timer for last evening’s meeting at Maxis Toastmaster Club. Great experience!

Distinguished Toastmaster Richard Cummins from Houston, Texas, Seng Yee, Zul (from Labuan) and our area-governor Ruey Narcis

Having a few words with the most passionate toastmaster from Brunei and an awesome role model for Brunei Speakers’ Club. His passion never dies.

Proud that Ling Ling won best table topics of the evening

Some of the books for sale at Toastmasters Convention at KLCC

The Word of the Day

It rained yesterday at Kuala Lumpur. It’s great to be back. I have been there since Sunday.

It’s that time of the year again as students will be scouting and sourcing for their respective courses and university of choice for their future studies in the UK. Twenty-eight universities and colleges from the United Kingdom will be participating in the third UK Education Fair on August 20 (today) at Members Grill & Lounge, The Empire Hotel and Country Club.

The event, which is organised by the British Universities Brunei Association (BUBA) and coordinated by the universities, will be held from 2pm to 7pm.
The institutions participating in the event include University of Aberdeen, University of Bradford, Cardiff University, University College London, University of East Anglia, University of Essex, University of Hull, University of Kent and Writtle College.

”The fair is aimed at students who are considering studying in the UK in September 2015 but also presents a final opportunity for any students still looking for a place for September 2014 entry to speak with university representatives,” said a statement issued by the British High Commission.

Students are also advised to bring copies of qualifications and transcript when they come to the fair, it added.

So do drop by the Members Grlll & Lounge from 2pm to 7pm later. Good luck in hunting for your future education. For more info, you can click here.

 

Butra Home Concept (BHC) Magazine is now under a new direction handled by Mixmediaworx

Butra Home Concept Magazine will now turn its pages under Mixmediaworx – the local based creative agency, retaining its focus on home improvement and lifestyle for Brunei. I remember this magazine being under the direction of Catalyst and now the creativity and publishing duties were given to Mixmediaworx.

Mixmediaworx promises to continue the magazine’s monthly tradition as part of Butra HeidelbergCement’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) in promoting local home lifestyle and industries.

Mixmediaworx’s executive director Azlan Ahmad shared that the magazine will still continue its current direction in line with Butra HeidelbergCement’s CSR aims with a few improvements and additions to the content and design of the two year old publication.

“We are very happy to continue this great initiative by Butra HeidelbergCement and will improve whatever needed for the magazine to stay relevant to the nation. We have outlined a few fresh ideas in promoting the magazine and created sustainable strategy to make sure it remains a preferred platform for the related industries.”

The BHC is part of Butra HeidelbergCement’s Building a Nation campaign, emphasizing on the contributions made towards the development of the nation. It invokes collaboration and cooperation amongst the Sultanate to inspire change, challenge convention and to make a difference: their unique approach towards nationwide progress while encouraging the sense of forward thinking to the community.

The next BHC issue will continue to be distributed soon with the theme “A New Hope” highlighing some of the CSR initiatives carried out by Butra HeidelbergCement as well as contributions by the new editorial team by the magazines.

Mixmediaworx also announced that BHC will be available as digital copies on iOS  via the App store , and android users can expect their integration for the magazine soon.

Stuart Lee, Project Director of BHC Magazine with Amir Noor, editor of BHC Magazine during the press conference at Radisson Hotel

Hamdi Metussin, Creative Director of Mixmediaworx

Amir Noor sharing a few things about BHC’s new direction

Mei asking some questions from the floor

 

So close yet so far. Brunei Darussalam just missed out by one goal to reach the semi-finals. Today is the line-up for today’s matches in the semi-finals of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy 2014. No tickets required and it’s free as well.