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.

 

Click image to enter website

 

Click image to enter Facebook Page

 

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.

 

Mr Alex Liew, Sales Manager of Digi-Mark Enterprise (left) with Jonathan Bong, Senior Marketing Manager, KFC (B) Sdn Bhd (center) during the launch of the promotion last week

Coinciding with the Dino Expo that’s currently happening in the Sultanate, KFC is offering a special Limited collectibles Dinosaur Egg toy and introducing a special Dino Meal Combo at it’s outlets.

The dinosaur egg toy comes in few variations of different colours and can transform into different types of dinosaurs. Customers can purchase the Dinosaur Egg toy for only B$1 with any chicken purchase at any KFC outlets in Brunei. Although a children’s toy, many adults might find the toy interesting as it’s similar to those sold in the market decades ago. “Just as chickens and eggs relates to KFC, the dinosaur egg toy will relate to many adult’s youthful times” says Jonathan Bong, Senior Marketing Manager, KFC (B) Sdn Bhd.

Wanting something more than the Dinosaur Egg toy, customers can also try out the Dino Meal Combo. The meal combo consist of one piece of chicken, three pieces of the crispy prawn along with a portion of the fragrant Colonel Chicken Rice, one regular serving of the fresh coleslaw, a regular-sized Revive drink and one dinosaur egg toy, all for only $6.80. “More than 500 million years ago, giant prawn-like creatures called anomalocaridid used to roam the world so it’s only fitting for the occasion that we have to include our new product (crispy prawn) into this prehistoric Dino Meal Combo”, added Bong.

Present for the product launching is Mr Alex Liew, Sales Manager of Digi-Mark Enterprise, representing the joint venture companies of Digi-Mark Enterprise, A.T.P.D Sdn Bhd, Explorer and Weicom Enterprise who brought in the ASEAN largest Dino Expo to Brunei.

As the official food and beverage provider for the ASEAN Largest Dino Expo, KFC will be present at restaurant section of the Bridex Hall to serve the dining needs of visitors during the whole event from 7th March to 12th April 2015. As an added bonus, every one Dino Park ticket purchased since 20th January 2015 onwards are entitled to received one B$3.50 KFC coupon that can be used at any KFC outlets in Brunei for any purchase, valid until 30th April 2015. Customers that have not received their KFC coupons will be given to them upon showing their Dino Park ticket at the info counter available at the Bridex Hall during the said event.

The Dinosaur Egg toy limited collectibles and KFC Dino Meal Combo will be available at all KFC outlets starting 7th March 2015 for a limited time only, while stock last.

The dinosaur egg toy comes in few variations of different colours and can transform into different types of dinosaurs. Customers can purchase the Dinosaur Egg toy for only B$1 with any chicken purchase at any KFC outlets in Brunei

 

Maria Grace Koh, a former student and now a vocal trainer at Brunei Symphony Music School.

Symphony Music, the sole authorized school in Brunei for Yamaha Music Education, now offers vocal classes conducted by Brunei-born international recording artist and song-writer – Maria Grace Koh. Better known under her stage name “Eia”, she has a wide wealth of experience performing locally and abroad. Many of you may have been familiar with her success, competing in World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in 2013 and 2014 in Hollywood, winning medals and her passion has always been music.

Did you know that Maria has her first formal training in music in Symphony Music School? She was only 3 years old when she enrolled in the Junior Music Course. She completed ABRSM Grade 8 Piano a few years later and that have planted her success to where she is now. It’s good to see Maria giving back to the community and also a gratitude gesture towards the Symphony Music School for developing her into an iconic musician in Brunei.

Maria will be conducting vocal classes covering a wide range of genres from contemporary pop to Broadway and Jazz. Each class will be conducted on a one-on-one basis and lessons will be structured according to the level the student would like to go, whether it is beginner, intermediate or professional level. A 30-minute class held four times a month cost $80.

The school also offers a wide range of music lessons, from piano to guitar and vocal lessons for all ages. For more information on registering for the new vocal class or just any other classes available at the school, please contact Symphony Music School at 2430573.

Anna Tang, a representative from TCY Motors, Maria Grace Koh with a representative from Symphony Music School and Mark Paren

 

A session being held at Aiko and Taro Playhouse for kids to learn and grow

What is happening to the younger kids in the past five years? I’m not referring to the unhealthier lifestyle (though it is still slightly related) but more into the culture of reading. With the age of indigo (the age of information) setting in, there’s no denying the fact that technology has become a stumbling block for children to actually read. Instead they are more attracted to the gadgets such as tablets or even spending more time watching cartoons. This has become a challenging factor for parents as they want children to be educated and have fun too. So there’s a way to balance things out and one of the places that I would recommend is Aiko and Taro Playhouse.

One of the best time for children to learn something new is from the age of 4 to 6 because that’s how our right brain works in stimulating activities. If you want your children to be skilled at something, for instance learning English or Chinese or even making Origami, this is the best age group and you will know never that it will become a habit and in a long run, become part of their lives. Same applies to reading or taking up educational activities such as art or music. I planned to educate my future children on the essence of reading to prepare themselves for primary and secondary classes because I want the best for my future children.

The owner of Aiko and Taro Playhouse, JC Yong, is passionate on encourage children to explore educational activities in a fun environment. His daughter has been groomed through early reading by using simple exercises consistently until she was able to absorb and learn more. Yong is proud to share that her daughter is able to read novels at a very young age and by reading, it can open many doors of opportunities especially subjects that students learn in classes.

Yong believes in his theory of the “Feel Concept” – to Feed, to Expose, to Encourage and to Lead. First step is to Feed knowledge to the kids and once they absorb that, then the next step is to Expose them to arts and music to see if they have interest. When we are kids, it’s always important to Encourage to express freely as well and don’t forget to Lead them to the culture of reading.

Aiko and Taro Playhouse has wide range of books and kids can learn around 300 books per year once they grasp the techniques of reading.

I highly recommend to parents who want their children to be exposed to educational activities especially pre-nursery stage and you will never know what interests can be unlocked from your children. You can call 8727 898 and it’s located opposite Aneka Rasa Restaurant at Unit 4, 1st Floor Block C, Bangunan BPD Hj Md Yusof, Kg Kiulap. You can also follow them on their Facebook Page and instagram @aikoandtaro for updates.

An educational activities for the kids

Learning at the same time

Plenty of story books to catch interest of the kids

Do get the FEEL. Do click image to enter Facebook Page.

The map

 

Enuf said. Good one, Pizza Hut Brunei. Double the smiles.