Check out our latest review of Furious 7 featuring Rano and his co-host Del Goh on The Popcorn Panel

 

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Download SnapFeed app on your smartphones and check out the latest deals in Brunei and also get rewarded from respective merchants such as BurgerKing, KFC and Sushi Tei to name a few.

 

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BIBD held its annual dinner for staff under the Islamic bank’s group of companies at the Grand Hall, Indera Samudra of The Empire Hotel and Country Club in Jerudong last Friday.

Themed ‘Nostalgia’, the dinner honoured the hard work of the bank’s employees that had contributed to numerous achievements in the past year.

The dinner started with a recitation of the Doa, which was then followed by welcoming remarks by BIBD Managing Director Javed Ahmad. This then proceeded with presentations for Long Service Awards to around 70 employees from the BIBD group.

Among those present to witness the special occasion was the guest of honour, Deputy Minister of Finance Dato Paduka Hj Bahrin Abdullah, who is also the Chairman of the BIBD Board of Directors. Also present were other BIBD board directors and members of the Shariah Advisory Body amongst some 700 personnel from the bank along with its subsidiaries; BIBD At-Tamwil and BIBD Securities.

The annual dinner caps off another milestone year in BIBD’s rich history in Islamic finance, earmarked by notable efforts such as the launch of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, BIBD Advocating Life-Long Learning for an Aspiring Future (ALAF) Programme, along with its first batch of students receiving the programme’s support, among other charitable activities. The programme, now in its second year, aims to help bring more educational opportunities to underprivileged children.

The guest of honour, Deputy Minister of Finance and Chairman of the BIBD Board of Directors Dato Paduka Hj Bahrin Abdullah (L), hands a certificate to a BIBD employee while BIBD Managing Director Javed Ahmad (C), looks on

Last year also saw the bank’s involvment in several key projects such as the relaunch and rebranding of its Perdana Privilege Banking arm with a new lounge and image, which is located on the first floor of the Kompleks Setia Kenangan, and the organising and chairing of the 4th China-ASEAN Interbank Association (CAIBA) Executive Meetings, held for the first time outside China.

The bank also managed to retain its international recognitions such as the Best Retail Bank in Brunei (The Asian Banker), and the Best Bank in Brunei (Global Finance), and Bank of the Year in Brunei (The Banker).

Also in the year, BIBD has been ranked 42nd in terms of Soundness (Capital Asset Ratio) and 697th overall in the top 1,000 World Banks by “The Banker” in 2014, and 14th Strongest Bank among 500 Banks from Asia pacific by balance sheet by The Asian Banker. Image and text courtesy of BIBD.

 

Photo opportunity with the owner of L’Orient, Sabrina Wong

Late post. A friend of mine Sabrina Wong has finally found a more permanent place for her boutique. Ironically all the different locations that she has tried are all in Kiulap. I kinda prefer her new location of L’Orient and it’s located near Regent Square (newest building) and from the looks of it, her boutique is the first tenant officially operating business in that new building.

So what to expect from L’Orient? If you are into fashion especially the female, you will enjoy the stylish collection designed by Sabrina Wong the owner herself. Now she has upped her game by collaborating with Wilson MC Lau by designing new art fashion collection called the “reach in and stretch out”.

Her shop also sells accessories and bags apart from the interesting range of clothes. The prices may be too high for some but you will know where the dollars are spent. Sabrina has really built her reputation as one of the top designers in Brunei and she has traveled across the world to share her passion and creativity in terms of clothes design.

If you are into a stylish and modern feel look, do consult with Sabrina because she’s really good at it. Do check out her ‘Sab Five Five’ label too. That has been a big hit for her.

Also, keep up to date with the store by visiting its Facebook at www.facebook.com/sabfivefive or its Instagram @sabfivefive. For any enquiries, please contact 2239988 or 8989132.

Quite a good turn out during the official launch

Keeran Janin among the invited guest

Refreshments outside Sabrina’s shop

Josie Abdullah with Sabrina

Sabrina and her friends

 

Hj Azhar bin Hj Ahmad, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence as the guest of honour during the recent dinner meeting of the Brunei Advanced Speakers’ Club.

Normally the meeting for Brunei Advanced Speakers’ Club happens on the final week of the month. So recently it was held at the usual place – Mutiara Ballroom at Radisson Hotel. The meeting is different to that of Brunei Speakers’ Club, OTTERS Club and UBD Toastmasters Club. It is done in a formal dinner setting but with the inclusion of toastmasters meeting.

The dinner meeting from Brunei Advanced Speakers’ Club is always open to guests and it’s good to see different guests every now and then. The guest of honour then was Hj Azhar bin Hj Ahmad, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence. He was very impressed with the toastmasters meeting and he gave one a good advice that fear will always be there but it’s how we see fear as opportunity.

This month of April, another dinner session will be held but I’m not currently sure of the dates. If you are interested, you can email me at ranoadidas (a) gmail

Fatin won Best Table Topics that evening

Anyati sharing a laugh with the audience

Deno Goh talked about finance during his table topics session

Group photo with the attendees

Delwin Keasberry playing the role as the Timer

Noting relating to the dinner but click image to see last week’s Brunei Speakers’ Club session. Image taken by Reuben Chin.

 

The Brunei Music Society is presenting the 6th biennial Young Musicians recital on April 10 at 7.30pm at the Arts Centre of the Jerudong International School.

A total of 24 items will be presented by aspiring musicians between the ages of eight and 25, all of whom were selected from over 70 entries.

According to a press release, the final selection includes an exciting array of instruments from violin, cello and piano to saxophone, trumpet and clarinet. In addition, there are three string ensembles.

Applicants, who were required to play at a Grade 6 level or above, submitted an audio recording which was reviewed by a panel of judges from the committee of the Brunei Music Society.
Students who will be performing on April 10 learn music at several local music schools and at the international schools. They are all students who know the importance of persistence and hard work and have spent hours practicing to reach their current level of skill.

Tickets can be booked via SMS (no calls) to 8820014 and via email at bruneims.tickets@gmail.com.

Or via this online booking form http://goo.gl/forms/ERdATcH7cC

 

The newly appointed Speaker to the Legislative Council

Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Abdul Rahman Dato Setia Hj Mohamed Taib has been appointed as Speaker to the Legislative Council.

The appointment, effective today, was announced by the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday by command of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

With His Majesty’s consent, the appointment to the post of Speaker to the Legislative Council is to replace Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Diraja Dato Laila Utama Hj Awg Isa Pehin Datu Perdana Manteri Dato Laila Utama Hj Awg Ibrahim.

Pehin Dato Hj Abdul Rahman has served in three ministerial positions, twice as Minister of Education; first in 1986 to 1988, and again in 1995.

He was reported to have introduced the 21st Century National Education System (SPN21) to improve the quality of teaching and learning.

He also spearheaded preparations for the sultanate’s first National Master Plan during his tenure as Minister of Development from 1984 to 1986, and also served as the Minister of Primary Industry and Resources from 1989 to 2005.

 

I visited Flapjack House last year but never really got to their dishes. Two weeks ago, I had a mini feast with Winnie Sia, trying out a variety of dishes that Flapjack House offers. The one that caught my taste bud is the Black Pepper Chicken. It’s one of the newest dish and I highly recommend you to order that.

The cafe also serves breakfast and it starts from 7am and business closes at 10pm daily. So do try out the dishes they offer for breakfast. They offer “Crepe Kahwin” with kaya and peanut butter to localise the taste. Their pancakes are home made too.

Flapjack is managed by Eugene Seah who had the idea in opening a cafe after his experience in Australia.

So where is Flapjack house located? It’s located behind The Arch Taurean and you can call 245 0987 for reservation. You can follow them on social media – Flapjack House Facebook page or @flapjackhouse on instagram

The Bene Bene Nice for brekkie

My favourite Black Pepper Chicken

The beef steak

Another breakie dish to savor – Flapjack House Brekky Crepe and costs only $4.90

Burgers are also available

My dinner date Winnie Sia and she liked the food there too. She also recommended the Black Pepper Chicken.

Delicious Creme Brûlée

Another signature dish from Flapjack House

The interior of Flapjack House

 

The winners of the “Swipe to Fly” promotion

The winners of the “Swipe to Fly” promotion

BIBD today feted its first five monthly winners of its “Swipe to Fly” promotion at the BIBD Rimba Branch. All the winners were seen excited with smiles when arriving at the branch to collect their prizes of a pair of air tickets to Ho Chi Minh. Present to hand over the prizes was Mohammad Fadzli bin Md Said, the BIBD Rimba Branch Manager.

The “Swipe to Fly” promotion will continue until the 31st of March, 2015 with five pairs of air tickets up for grabs every month to destinations such as Bali, Dubai, and Melbourne.

Let BIBD reward you with sending you and a partner on your dream holiday. All you need to do is spend B$30 or above on a single purchase using any of your BIBD cards or BIBD eTunai service at any retail or online outlet to receive an entry into the monthly “Swipe to Win” lucky draw. What’s more, BIBD customers will be rewarded with an additional ten bonus lucky draw entries for accumulating a monthly minimum spending of B$1,000 for that month’s lucky draw.

Winning has never been easier as there are no hassles of filling entry forms for each qualifying purchase transaction, making that dream holiday one step easier and closer.

For more information on any BIBD products, services or promotions, please follow the BIBD Instagram account at BIBDBRUNEI; Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bibdbrunei; get in touch with BIBD Contact Centre at 2238181 or visit the nearest BIBD Branch. Also, don’t forget to download the popular BIBD Mobile App to get the latest BIBD offers and promotions under “What’s New” feature. Image courtesy of BIBD

You can enjoy discounts through AGODA (traveling website) using BIBD. Click image to enter website.

 

Mark Glover Euphonium Recital happening this Saturday

It’s Brunei Music Society’s second recital of 2015 and it will be held this Saturday. Brunei Music Society is excited to have a Euphonium Recital- a brass instrument not (yet) often featured in solo recitals in the region. Mark Glover from the UK will be performing accompanied by Lim Pei Sean on the piano.

Tickets Price: $25 for adults, $20 for members and $10 for students.

Buy any 5 student tickets and get any 1 adult free.

Bookings can be made via text at 8820014 or you can make your bookings here.

Tickets will also be available at the door.

The Program of the Evening:

Napoli – Bellstedt

Andante and Rondo – Capuzzi, arr. Calinet

Bells Across the Meadow – Ketelby arr. Kendrick

Gypsy Rondo – Haydn, arr. Hoffman

Largo from Xerxes – Handel, arr. Frey

Largo Al Factotum – Rossini, arr. Childs

A taste of Mark Glover on Euphonium

 

Press release from Jerudong International School. At Jerudong International School (JIS), there are two programmes offered to Sixth form students; the Advanced Level General Certificate of Education (A-Levels) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB). Students in the A Level programme will either study three or four A-levels, plus Core Studies and PE. However students in the IB programme will study six subjects: three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level. They must choose one subject from each of Groups 1-5, thus ensuring breadth of experience in languages, social studies, the experimental sciences and mathematics. The sixth subject may be an arts subject chosen from Group 6, or the student may choose another subject from Groups 2, 3, or 4 (an elective).

One of the assessments for Group 4 is an internal assessment where practical work is carried out and recorded by the students. The Group 4 project is an integrated, collaborative task where students work with other students from different sciences. Below, Joseph Sleiman, a Year 12 IB Student at JIS describes what they recently did for this year’s Group 4 project.

“The International Baccalaureate (IB) Group 4 Project……..a collaborative activity where students work together on a scientific or technological topic……..’to encourage an understanding of the relationships between scientific disciplines and the overarching nature of the scientific method’……yeah, yeah, yeah…….that’s what the theory says, but, what did WE do here at Jerudong International School (JIS) in our Group 4 Project???

JIS Year 12 International Baccalaureate students on their Group 4 project

JIS Year 12 International Baccalaureate students on their Group 4 project

At the beginning of Term Two, all the Year Twelve IB students were sorted into four different groups, some ending up with friends and others with people they have never worked with in their life. In the first meeting, we were introduced to the project – produce an experiment that will measure a time period of between two and ten minutes accurately! (No watches allowed!!!). We were also informed that there would be a prize for the most accurate timing – my competitive nature kicked into gear! The teams then discussed, brainstormed, and shared ideas. Creativity was everywhere! Teachers also contributed opinions and encouraged ideas that could be translated into real life.

The following two weeks were the ‘Action Stage’. Two sessions, each four hours long, to trial, test and refine our method(s) – as well as lots of informal chatting at break times and in the evenings. This part was where communication and patience was tested. Things would go wrong, timings made would be totally off, equipment would break and whole methods would be scrapped for better ones. Though problematic and stressful at times, all of us had fun working together on presenting and preparing the experiment.

The final ‘Evaluation Stage’ was soon upon us and each team was ready and very ambitious, everyone’s eyes set on the prize! All the students were visibly anxious, rushing to complete one last test trial and finish off Display boards to present our completed product. Once the trivialities were concluded, the teachers began the countdown… and Carl Orff’s “O Fortuna” blared through the speakers – an appropriately dramatic piece for the occasion. The tension in the atmosphere had peaked and ‘feisty’ remarks were exchanged between groups as the Head of Sixth Form, Mr Piper, collected the calculated times. In his characteristic bantering, he stretched out the suspense to its limit and after what felt like decades, revealed the JOINT winners: both recording the exact time of the piece! However, amazingly, the other two times were within two seconds of the actual time! The prizes were handed out and we all left the classroom reflecting on an enjoyable educational experience with teamwork and collaboration at the forefront of it all.

The main emphasis we take away as students is the importance of cooperation and the procedure of creating a scientific investigation – not necessarily the results/success of the experiment. And best of all we enjoyed the experience; it gave us a fun way to appreciate the wonders of scientific method!”