Brahim’s 30 years and counting  

Thank you Dato Sri’ Ibrahim for signing your latest Recipe Book and treating me for breakie last weekend 

It was a privilege to have met the founder of Brahim’s, the man himself, Dato’ Seri Ibrahim, who turned his own product into a global phenomenon. I’m quite familiar with their product especially the paste as I’m not pretty fond of preparation when it comes to cooking and secondly, I’m a curry lover 😀

So after the launch of the first Brahim’s Recipe Book at Times Square Shopping Centre, I had a special interview with Dato’ Seri himself and his two daughters – Nur Fatin Ibrahim, Group Managing Director and Dr. Nur Azizah, Director, over breakfast at Tasek Brasserie.

According to Dato’ Sri, most of the revenue earned for Dewina Group (for Brahim’s product) is from the catering sector. Their core businesses are mainly catering and supplying to retailers in Malaysia and outside Malaysia. The catering business itself is interesting as Dewina Group accepted a huge gamble to buy over MAS catering back in the early 2000s and forked out RM 170 million for a 70% equity. Furthermore, MAS Catering had RM 240 accumulated losses and making a loss of RM40 a year.

Amazingly Brahim’s Holdings Bhd managed to wipeout the losses in a span of two years. However, the company suffered a huge setback after the mishaps of the Malaysia Airlines in the past two years. I do salute Dato Sri’ for not giving up and always looking for opportunities especially outside Malaysia.

You will be surprised that one of the company’s first foreign customer is from Brunei where for a few years they were contracted to supply their products to the Brunei military. Interesting indeed. Now his business has flourished in Japan after all the diligent hard work and research. Apparently there is a demand for halal food even in Japan and now the company has good relations with Japan in providing halal meal. Dato Sri’ is already looking ahead as far as the Tokyo Olympics 2020 and in midst of doing the ground works to capitalize on this opportunity.

So to the entrepreneurs out there (even me), never give up with your business journey. There are plenty of opportunities out there even in a tough economic environment. I truly admire Dato Sri’s drive and he’s still pretty active even in his 70s. A sharp character and humble too. Thank you once again for your time during the short interview. Thank you also to Aunty Jackie for setting up the meeting and nice gesture during our flight back on Royal Brunei 😀

Now you can enjoy Brahim’s different range of products especially the ready-to-eat-meals (MREs). I’m already impressed with the sauces from Brahim’s and with the new addition, the packed rice will be a hit in Brunei. Also the MREs have good nutritional value and no added MSG, preservatives or even artificial colourings. So I’m amazed Brahim’s is able to come up with such an innovative perishable product.

You can visit your nearest supermarket such as Hua Ho and buy Brahim’s product there.

 

Dato Sri’ speaking to her daughter over breakfast 

It was pleasure to have breakfast with them. Thank you once again 

  

 

Ramadhan falls on Tuesday  

An official looks through a telescope as Acting Minister of Development Dato Hj Suhaimi (L) looks on during the moon sighting to determine the first day of Ramadhan at the DST headquarters yesterday. As predicted, Ramadhan will fall tomorrow Tuesday 7th June 2016. The moon sighting was held at DST headquarters, another at Bukit Agok in Jerudong, Bukit Ambok in Tutong and Bukit Lumut in Belait. Image courtesy of Zaim Kasmat of The Brunei Times.  

  

YB lauds bruneihalal  

Click image to enter bruneihalal website 

Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Mohammad Yasmin Hj Umar, the Minister of Energy and Industry at the Prime Minister’s Office touring the cooking demo using bruneihalal products and he said how simple it was to make a healthy meal  

It’s always great to know a local brand being recognized internationally. One of them brand is bruneihalal. After being in existence for many years (9 years), there is a sudden change in progress as Ghanim International Corporation (that handles bruneihalal) has been introducing many new products to bring more traction for the brand.

Last weekend, the invited guests were feted to delicious meals using bruneihalal products such as a the bruneihalal chicken (imported from the UK) and provia and cremvia (both natural sweeteners) to name a few.

The event was organised by bruneihalal and the guest of honour was Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Mohammad Yasmin Hj Umar, the Minister of Energy and Industry at the Prime Minister’s Office.

Before the food sampling, the guest of honour delivered his welcoming remarks and praised the global direction that Ghanim International Corporation is heading. For your info, the said company also has an office in the UK and the chicken products in the UK are from a Brunei certified abattoir in the UK and the items are certified by the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Brunei Darussalam. Interesting.

Also present were the Dato Paduka Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah, chairman of Ghanim International Corporation and Dr Nur Rahman, CEO of Ghanim International Corporation who both are instrumental in the recent surge of growth of the bruneihalal brand.

Last weekend also saw 25 new bruneihalal products being unveiled by Ghanim and these products were made through collaboration with the local SMES in Brunei which includes Sabli Food Industries Sdn Bhd, Sahamada Corporation Sdn Bhd, Hana Soy & World Sdn Bhd and Superwater Marketing Sdn Bhd.

 

Four local companies being feted in collaboration with bruneihalal (Ghanim International Corporation) 

The bruneihalal cordial 

Let’s hope the local brand is well received among the locals 

Food sampling after the launch of the event 

Yummmm… 

The Minister mingling with the invited guests 

Food preparation for the guests 

The Energy Kitchen used the sweetener for their tarts. Oh it’s a natural sweetener and it’s also ideal for those with diabetes. 

The Minister was full of praises of Ghanim’s direction and the key component he shared was being “innovative” for bruneihalal brand to be sustainable and bigger. The halal food industry is a multi-billion industry and hence, Ghanim can ride on these opportunities along the value chain of the halal food industry. He also hopes that the bruneihalal brand can help spur the local and international economy through means of distribution and production.

As for the food sampling session of the bruneihalal new products, YB Pehin Dato Hj Mohd Yasmin was impressed and he urged the locals to support the bruneihalal products for their daily cooking needs. I actually had the bruneihalal chicken and I’m amazed of the quality (tenderness and taste) even though the chicken came in a packed form. So far, the bruneihalal chicken and other products are being sold at Tesco and Asda stores in the UK. So I’m hoping for the bruneihalal chicken to make its way to the Brunei market soon.

Do watch out for this space on bruneihalal products. They are certainly riding the wave and now, the awareness campaign begins in reaching the eyes of the locals to appreciate our own local brand, bruneihalal.

 

Fina trying out the bruneihalal product 

Valentine and Jonathan helping with their servings during the food sampling 

 

 

The Minister being interviewed by the local press 

 

  

 

Tutu Kurungs from Bajoo  

 

 

The tutu kurungs now available at Bajoo 

Heard of Tutu Kurungs? It’s something new to me and I recently attended a launch at Sugar Sugar by Bajoo (located at Mata-Mata Complex). I believe this will be a big hit among the girls and it’s something new and fashionable too.

It’s a combination of pettitskirt and a baju knurl. This is their second collection inspired by My Little Pony characters and hence it’s called tutu kurungs.

There are ready-to-wear tutu kurungs and starts from 1 years old to 9 years old. Bajoo also caters for custom made ones too.

The said brand have been doing quite well in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore under the label of sugar sugar.

So what are your waiting for parents? Want your daughters to look impressive in the tutu kurungs? They only costs BND 98 per piece and this will be ideal for Hari Raya festive season.

 

 

 

 

Thank you, both of you, for the invite and congratulations 😀 

 

 

 

The lady behind the fashion wear of the Tutu Kurungs 😀 

 

 

  

 

Visit to BIBD 

BIBD today delivered a brief presentation to some thirty-five students and personnel from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Thailand’s Mahasarakham University, along with the Universiti of Brunei Darussalam. The presentation included a brief on the basics of Islamic banking and BIBD’s recent development, along with a short tour of the BIBD premises
 

 

New products from Bruneihalal 

Ghanim International Corporation is proud to announce that it has launched its new traditional and modern local range products under the bruneihalal flagship.

The local products are made up of traditional and modern kueh, biscuits and snacks which are would be perfect for personal consumption, souvenirs and giveaways.  The products have made its debut to the public on social media and local events that were held recently. True to the patriotic spirit of customers, the products were very well-received by the public as they are produced by local manufacturers and with the guidance of local authorities and accredited production facilities.  In most instances, immediate purchases were made upon sampling of the product.

 

Click image to find out more

According to Omardani, Senior Trading Manager, the local products are produced by locally based Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that have the potential to venture into further business development by penetrating the local market whilst also coming up with more innovative products for all to enjoy.  More local products will be released throughout the year and will include an array of both snack-able and meal-based varieties.

“In addition to locally produced food products that can be ordered for varying occasions, we have released our hamper promotion in light of the upcoming festive seasons” cited Omardani.  Details on the hamper promotion are available on their @bruneihalal Instagram or you can contact the headquarters for orders during office hours, between 0800 – 1700, Monday to Friday.

The bruneihalal earlier and current product ranges are made up of microwavable rice, cooking sauce, ready-to-eat Dishes of India, frozen snacks and flatbreads.  These are still available in major supermarkets nationwide.

For more information on bruneihalal and their products, log on to www.brunei-halal.com.

 

 

Faiq Jefri Bolkiah scores  

Faiq Jefri Bolkiah scored from the penalty spot in the 68th minute to equalize but Timor Leste scored the winning goal five minutes later. Brunei 1 Timor Leste 2.

There have been mixed reactions from fans of the Brunei u-23 football team after their third loss of the campaign in the SEA Games 2015. Tonight they lost to Timor Leste 2-1 despite Faiq Jefri Bolkiah’s debut goal for Brunei. It was a similar story for Brunei who struggled to make an impact for the third time. Perhaps it’s the mental and physical preparation that Brunei ain’t ready just yet. The result meant that Brunei won’t be qualified for the next round and now will play the remaining games for pride and glory.

So what’s your take on Brunei’s performance so far in the SEA Games for football? On a positive note, they are still young lads and they don’t have the luxury to play in a much more competitive league to gain more experience and exposure. I do hope Brunei do their absolute best in the remaining fixtures and it will be starting point leading up to the SEA Games 2019 where Brunei will be hosting.

 

 

Clearance Sale  

There’s a clearance sale at Harajuku Boutique until 15th June. The boutique is located near Thien-Thien Gadong. 

The owner of Harajuku Boutique is also looking for a buyer for the shop. For interest parties, do call 872 2815. 

  

 

DPMM FC remains undefeated  

 

The highlights of Warriors FC vs DPMM FC

 

Brunei DPMM FC continued their unbeaten run in the 2015 Great Eastern-Yeo’s S.League on Friday evening after defeating Warriors FC 3-1 at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

Two early goals from Rafael Ramazotti set the Wasps on the way to victory before Paulo Sergio netted a penalty to wrap it up despite a spirited comeback from Warriors FC in the second-half, which saw Nicolas Velez pull a goal back.

This means Brunei DPMM FC are still undefeated but still lie in 3rd place with two games in hand. It was a pity that Joe Gamble was sent off for an off-the-ball incident late in the game.

Brunei DPMM FC: Wardun Yussof, Aminuddin Zakwan, Brian McLean, Boris Raspudic, Sairol Sahari (C), Helmi Zambin (Yura Indera Putra 61’), Joseph Gamble, Hendra Azam (Rosmin Kamis 79’), Azwan Ali, Paulo Sergio, Rafael Ramazotti

Warriors FC: Daniel Ong, Nur Asyidiq Sukarto (Fazli Jaffar 90+2’), Daniel Bennett (C), Marin Vidosevic, Irwan Shah, Thomas Beattie (Hafiz Rahim 46’), Kevin McCann, Emmeric Ong (Shi Jiayi 67’), Miroslav Pejic, Nicolas Velez, Fazrul Nawaz.

 

DPMM FC squad vs Warriors FC last night. Image courtesy of Amirul Asyraf of S•League  

Warriors FC coming out of the stands. Image courtesy of Alson Ong of S•League.  

Rafael Ramazotti in top form. Image courtesy of Amirul Asyraf of S•League  

Sergio scored the final goal for DPMM FC from the penalty spot. Image courtesy of Amirul Asyraf of S•League. 

  

Brunei swinging to success  

SOYC2015 was organised by Rev-Yo Club (Sabah Yoyo Club lead by Paul Peter, Micku Michelle & Timothy) and it was the first ever professional yoyo competition held in Sabah. The competition attracted 20 participants aged between 16 to 29 from Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak, Terengganu and Kuala Lumpur.

The contest was divided into 2 categories, where contestants would be judged on technical skills and performance, namely Single handed (1A) category & Y-category (Mixture of double-looping(2A), double-handed (3A), off-strings(4A), counterweight(5A)). There was also competition for record holder for Long Sleeper (longest spinning yoyo), Eli Hop Challenge (Most Eli-hop in 30 seconds) and Blindfold 1A Challenge. Images courtesy of Yo-Splinter Club (Brunei).

 

Group photos of the winners 

1A Winners  

Y-Category winners 

Team BruneiBrunei players manage to place top 3 and hold the Long Sleeper Records , Eli-Hop Challenge & Blindfold 1A Challenge. The following are the result of the contest:-

Single Handed (1A):

1st – Ridzwan Ngataman (Sarawak)

2nd – Muhammad Khairsyah (Brunei)

3rd – Muhammad Shaifuddin (Terengganu)

Y-category :

1st- Ryan Han (Sarawak)

2nd – Azim Jameel (Brunei)

3rd – Wesley Lim (Sarawak)

Long Sleeper Record – Adi Raihan (Brunei)

Eli Hop Challenge – Muhammad Khairsyah (Brunei)

Blindfold 1A Challenge – Muhammad Khairsyah (Brunei)

 

  

BIBD Ar-Rahnu update  

BIBD Ar-Rahnu yesterday hosted members of the Muslimah Jemaah from the Sultan Sharif Ali Mosque in Sengkurong, who were greeted by BIBD’s Head of Ar-Rahnu, Hjh Rosminah Binti Hj Abd Wahid.

The purpose of the visit was to better understand the benefits of BIBD’s micro- credit facilities for SMEs offered by BIBD Ar-Rahnu, and to also gain better knowledge of Islamic banking products. The visit also included a tour around the BIBD Ar-Rahnu premises.

BIBD AR-Rahnu provides quick Shariah-based pawn-broking using gold items and precious stones as collateral for short-term financing of up to twelve months. The financing is also useful for those who don’t qualify for conventional financing, such as those without fixed income.

The financing can also be used for obtaining capital to start up short-term businesses like setting up food stalls during major national events such as the birthday celebrations of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the National Day celebrations, and the Ramadhan stalls.

 

BIBD Ar-Rahnu yesterday hosted members of the Muslimah Jemaah from the Sultan Sharif Ali Mosque in Sengkurong, who were greeted by BIBD’s Head of Ar-Rahnu, Hjh Rosminah Binti Hj Abd Wahid

BIBD Ar-Rahnu also provides Zakat calculations for gold assets along with gold cleaning services as additional benefits to its customers. Recently BIBD Ar- Rahnu has also lowered its storage fees to help support the ambitions of its customers.

In 2013, BIBD Ar-Rahnu also won the “Social Service Award” at the Asia-Pacific Enterprise Leadership Awards (APELA) held at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. The award recognises and honours the achievements of enterprise leaders by bringing together some of Asia-Pacific’s best leadership examples in the areas of sustainable development, corporate responsibility, and corporate social responsibility. Text and image courtesy of BIBD.

 

  

Premiere of Avengers: Age of Ultron 

I still missed the premiere of The Avengers: Age of Ultron and I still haven’t watch the movie since it’s not out in Hua Hin, Thailand just yet. It is slated to be released next week. So I have to wait for the release in Thailand since I will be here for another week. I just love the IMAX experience in Siam Paragon, Thailand. Way better than Shaw Theaters, Singapore.

However, it was a successful event where fan boys and girls of Marvel caught the marathon of The Avengers at Times Cineplex (Times Square, Empire, Tutong and KB). There are also selling The Avengers: Age of Ultron merchandise at all the outlets. I’m still eyeing for the t-shirt as well as the popcorn metal bucket.

What’s the rating so far? I would say that judging from my peers on IG, the reviews are slightly in 7s and above. The scores in rotten tomatoes is currently at 80% from 71 reviews as compared to Marvel’s The Avengers which hit 92% from 311 reviews. So it seems that it won’t top the 92% mark in RT if the number of reviews hit over 300. Give and take, it will reach in the high 70% by the end of the month. You can check out my friend Tiffany’s review here.

 

You can get merchandise of Avengers: Age of Ultron at Times Cineplex 

Dressing as Thor 

Dressing as Hawkeye 

The marathon viewers of The Avengers last Wednesday 

  

Happening today till 29th  

Food Extravaganza & Trading 2015 Season 1 at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium 

  

Earth Day in Brunei  

A great turnout last Tuesday

A total of 128 volunteers managed to collect 2,062 kilogrammes (kg) of waste at the Tungku Beach in a cleaning campaign organised by the Beach Bunch to mark Earth Day last Wednesday.

Speaking to The Brunei Times, Beach Bunch President Rizan Latif said it was the group’s first clean-up this year, held in commemoration of the Earth Day.

He said that Tungku Beach was chosen as the location because it represents “the debilitating condition between human and nature that now creates chaos”.

“Beaches like the Tungku Beach is being used daily and we want to raise public awareness to ensure that the beach is always kept clean,” said Rizan.

He added that it was a positive event as “128 people came and were committed to say no to a dirty beach”.

He said with the recent revamp of Serasa beach, beach visitors and business owners have moved to Tungku beach, resulting to large number of visitors on weekends and their litter.

“Beach Bunch wants to create a better image of Tungku beach as well as to educate visitors for a more pleasant environment,” he said.

“It’s more like contributing back to the community and it’s a stand to tell that for Beach Bunch, littering is not the way to go and we must be responsible,” he continued.

When asked why the bad habit is still practised by irresponsible beach goers, Rizan said it’s because people have this ‘someone will clean it up’ mindset.

“Some people may see that the place is already dirty, so [they] might as well just litter. Others may want to be responsible but there are no allocated trash bins around the site so they litter. But the worst is the “someone else will clean it up” mindset that some people have,” he said.

 

Representing Mashhor group 

Representing The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf 

Representing Takaful Brunei 

Representing SCB

Rizan added that while changing the mindsets of these irresponsible individuals is difficult, it is not impossible as various steps have been taken to create awareness about the effects of littering.

“We’ve held a couple of awareness sessions at schools and carried out a series of beach cleaning campaign so people can take part and be more aware,” he said.

Various schools, colleges and private companies came to support the clean-up, including International School Brunei (ISB), Politeknik Brunei, Institut Teknologi Brunei (ITB), Yayasan Secondary School, Mashhor Group Sdn Bhd, Takaful Brunei Darussalam and Standard Chartered Bank. Text courtesy of Izzati Jalil of The Brunei Times and images courtesy of The Beach Bunch.

 

Representing ISB 

Representing Yayasan School 

2 tonnes of rubbish 

  

 

DPMM FC vs Harimau Muda  

Catch the match between DPMM FC and Harimau Muda at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium this Friday 

  

Acer Liquid Smartphones

 

Check out Acer Liquid smartphones 

 

  

HSBC Personal Internet Banking

 
Click image to read more  

BIBD – Let’s Go Mobile!

 
Let’s go mobile? Click more to find out!!    

Icon Design Store

 

 
Click to enter website  

Heels at Malppy.com  

If you do not know about Malppy.com, it is an online fashion and lifestyle store providing you with a variety of quality products. From womenswear, menswear to novelty items, you will definitely be spoilt for choice.

For each weekend, Malppy.com will be featuring products at special promotional prices. This weekend, Malppy is featuring Women’s Fashion Heeled Shoes.

Women’s Fashion Heeled Shoes. Click image to enter website.The special feature will begin Friday noon and will end at Midnight this Saturday. The shoe is available in Black, Red, Blue and White for only $39.90 this weekend.

Visit Malppy.com for all your online shopping needs!

 

 

Can DPMM FC repeat 

the same performance?  

This is it. After a fresh win from Courts Young Lions with a 6-1 score line, DPMM FC is in high mood and they won’t be taking Harimau Muda very lightly indeed despite the visitors being on the basement of the S•League.

DPMM FC can be back on top should they win tonight against Harimau Muda but league leaders Tampines Rovers will have a game in hand.

DPMM FC coach Steve Kean is gunning for all three points and also a clean sheet. Kean was disappointed on how DPMM FC were unlucky to concede against Courts Young Lions through a deflection but he feels defiant that DPMM FC will step up a gear and aim for a clean sheet tonight at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium.

He won’t be taking any team for granted even Harimau Muda. “If we don’t start properly like in our last match, the other team can score and make it difficult for us. I’m confident that we will get all three points after the way we finished last Sunday,” shared Kean during the interview.

“We need to get a clean sheet. We need to get back to where we were the first three games. We already know we can create chances and score goals. It is not just Wardun (keeper) and the back four, everybody needs to think like a defender once we lose possession and put pressure.”

Fans will be delighted to see the return of Subhi Abdillah who was missing from the last game due to a minor injury. Rodrigo Tosi was doubtful earlier this week but he managed to shake off the injury and he will be fit for tonight’s match as well. Tosi has instrumental in DPMM FC’s surge to the top with a few goals under his belt.

 

Will any of them be featured in the match tonight? I believe so 😀

Harimau Muda B coach Razip Ismail hopes his team won’t suffer the same fate as Courts Young Lions. He urged his team to double the efforts and just simply avoid any embarrassment and do not show fear to their opponents.

Did you know that Harimau Muda has conceded 17 goals in 6 games as compared to DPMM FC’s 4 goals? Many fans have predicted a comprehensive victory but this kind of games can be very tricky indeed. A point for the visitors will definitely put a smile on their faces. Harimau Muda has yet to earn a single point after six matches.

Tonight DPMM FC will take on Harimau Muda at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium and there will be another lucky draw for the supporters who will watch the match tonight especially those with $5 and $8 ticket. The first prizes will be an air fare for one to Kuala Lumpur and Indonesia and 8 consolation prizes. The winners will be announced at half-time of the match tonight.

 

  

bruneihalal debuts at MIHAS  

Associates of bruniehalal at the 11th Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Image courtesy of bruneihalalBrunei Halal is currently at the 11th Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 9-12 April 2014. This is simultaneous with the brand’s entry in the Malaysia market.

Brunei Halal is showcasing its latest product ranges at the prestigious showcase. Representatives from Ghanim International Food Corporation, the marketing and trading arm of the brand, are also present to receive any queries or comments from buyers and trade visitors.

Ghanim International Food Corporation sees MIHAS as the best entry point for Brunei Halal to make its presence known in the global Muslim and ASEAN markets in particular. The company is currently in talks with parties for retail penetration of Brunei Halal products soon.

Today, MIHAS is the premier event that is not limited to the ASEAN region alone but is also supported internationally by the participation of over 400 International Pavilions in various industries from countries across the globe.

The Brunei Halal booth is located in Hall 5, Booth numbers 27, 28, 29 and 30. MIHAS is open to registered trade exhibitors from 10.00am to 7.00pm for the 4 days of the exhibition.

Some of the products being showcased 

Some of the products being showcased