Posts Tagged ‘france’
Euro 2016 begins
Yay!!! The sleepless nights begin today until Hari Raya. Why? Because of Euro 2016. I have to say that I’m not that excited for this year’s Euro 2016 tournament. Firstly not so much hype about it even among my peers. I was more concerned of the transfer market of who’s who. Secondly, I didn’t know that the opener of the Euro 2016 until 10 hours before kick-off, thinking that it will happen this Sunday. Lastly, I didn’t bother to buy any Panini stickers for Euro 2016.
My personal favourite team is still England though I doubt they will go that far in the tournament. Records haven’t been in their favour and plus they don’t have what it takes to be taken so seriously. They are simply not as consistent like other countries such as Germany and Spain. The favourites are still these two and also the host France who beat Romania 2-1 in the opening game.
It was a pretty good effort from Romania and they gave the host a few scares. In actual fact, Romania could have shared the spoils as they had two great chances that went begging. It was the efforts of two Frenchmen playing in the Premier League that settled the score – Giroud and Payet.
It’s good to see a football tournament back again! However, for the Copa America, I’m not as excited as Astro isn’t showing any live telecast of that tournament. Boohoo..
Payet scoring a screamer and the eventual winning goal against Romania. Image by Clive Rose/Getty Images.
Giroud opened the scoring with a header. Image by Darren Staples/Reuters
The crazy sales happening tonight until midnight at both Tungku Link and Batu Satu branches
At the Tungku Link outlet.. Don’t forget that Batu Satu also has the crazy sales in conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya
The Crazy Sales are back and it will come back from time to time during the period of Ramadhan. Yes, Galleria YMRM are always great in doing awesome promotion and sales. Just recently last Monday, they brought back the $1 sale for the benefit of the regular customers and today (Saturday), the crazy sales are back starting from 8pm till midnight.
Ramesh Jiwatram Bhawnani, the founder of Galleria YMRM, expressed his sincerity in holding such sales and promotion and it was a gesture of giving back to the community after the many years of support they have given to the establishment. It was also another way for the local spenders to support local retailers and help to improve the local economy.
Despite the turbulent economy, Ramesh was surprised with the recent growth in sales at YMRM. The reason being is that the locals and even expats know what they are paying for – affordable and still of good quality. YMRM has become a household name for offering such great offers and not compromising on the quality. Even members of the Royal Families frequent to buy materials for baju melayu and baju kurung.
So grab this opportunity for the Happy Hour sales at YMRM Galleria (Tungku Link and Batu Satu).
One of the branded fabrics (high quality) for the ladies
They have more new collections that just came from a new shipment
A simple design with high quality material on discount
The super affordable section, a good choice for budget spenders
They even have cheaper senjangs for young boys
The below $20 range of Senjang
Sending from Trengganu and the designs are pretty unique
The high end Senjangs with delicate workmanship
They also sell Kain Songket if you wanna make baju or dress out of it
Ground Level of YMRM.. There is also the mezzanine floor
Don’t forget the lights too outside YMRM Galleria
Cucul for your home to lighten up for the festive season
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Francophonie Week coming soon
BIBD’s Wealth Management Unit (WMU) today, as part of its goal to raise awareness on the benefits of better financial management, delivered a financial planning talk to around forty personnel of the Ministry of Defence. The talk was delivered by BIBD’s own WMU Officer and Islamic Financial Planner, Rozielawati bti Hj Jamil.
One of the motives of these talks was to create awareness among the public on the advantages of current and future wealth management. This is also to support His Majesty’s Titah in conjunction with his birthday on 15th July 2006, “…additional revenue which will be received by the officers and employees of the Government, may be used prudently, while also trying to save through financial planning for future needs.”
Rozielawati started by asking what their financial goals were and commented that one of the basic strategies to achieving it was to manage and plan their finances properly. She continued that every individual will have different financial commitments and concerns throughout different stages of their lives.
She mentions, “When you’re single, you only pay for your personal commitments such as car financing, credit card and personal expenses. However, these commitments change when you get married and have children as you have to consider the expenses of your dependents, takaful/insurance plans, home financing, on top of your own personal commitments.”
Personnel from the Ministry of Defence attending a financial management talk from BIBD’s own Wealth Management Unit officer and Islamic Financial Planner
She also explained that financial commitments shift towards pre-retirement and retirement to include their retirement and medical plans. She also shared how to manage earnings with an ideal financial diet on top of TAP and SCP. An example of an ideal financial diet is to save a minimum of ten percent of basic salary for savings, a maximum of fifteen percent for car financing, a maximum of thirty-five percent for house financing, and a combined fifteen percent for personal financing and credit card.
“It is also recommended to have an additional fund which will only be used in case of any emergencies,” she added. This fund, she advised, should have a provision of at least three to six months of monthly expenses. She shared a few tips on how to maintain the emergency fund such as how to budget and allocate for a consistent monthly saving amount until the emergency fund amount for the account has been reached (the more the better). This includes setting up a standing instruction for periodic transfer of funds and to increase the fund amount to reflect any increments in earnings.
Additionally, she also discussed about their spending requirements during retirement with their old age pension of $250 and a minimum of $150 for SCP. Together they calculated how much they needed to save beforehand in order to live comfortably during their retirement days.
The talk ended with Rozielawati informing the participants on financial planning from an Islamic perspective, which included zakat and the distribution of wealth such as Islamic Will (Wassiyah), gift (Hibah), trust (Amanah) and endowment (Waqaf). To learn more about BIBD’s
To learn more about BIBD’s financial literacy and planning talks, please contact the BIBD Contact Centre at 2238181 or email them directly at wmu@bibd.com.bn.
It’s the sneaks for the upcoming UBD Spectacle 2015 edition. It has been happening every year organised by the Final Year undergraduates from Art & Design, UBD and they will be showcasing their talents. The opening will be on the 8th April at the Art Gallery, Chancellor Hall, UBD and it will be from Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 7pm. You can check out their Facebook Page and their instagram @ubdspectacle2015 for updates. Images taken from their Facebook Page.
The Baiduri Smart Executive Programme (SEP) rewarded its newest members with Smart Executive branded merchandise as well as Empire Hotel and Country Club vouchers at an event at the Smart Executive Centre, Times Square.
The month of February saw a steady influx of new members comprising new sign-ups and upgraded members. On hand to present the prizes were Hjh Maripaz Abdullah, Business Development Manager, Retail Banking and Smart Executive Programme Manager, Baiduri Bank as well as Mr. Evan Wong, Manager of the Times Square branch.
Speaking on the programme, Hjh Maripaz Abdullah said, “The Smart Executive Programme was launched about 2 years ago at this very same location so it only felt right to use this Smart Executive Centre to hold our reward presentation for our newest members. We created this Centre to cater specifically to our members and to hold events such as this.”
Hjh Maripaz Abdullah, Business Development Manager, Retail Banking and Smart Executive Programme Manager, Baiduri Bank as well as Mr. Evan Wong, Manager of the Times Square branch with new members and upgraded members of Baiduri Smart Executive Programme (SEP)
The Smart Executive Helps U Make the Smart Move promotion was launched in December 2014 in conjunction with Baiduri Bank’s 20th Anniversary to show its appreciation to its growing SEP customer base by offering lifestyle prizes such as hire purchase instalments and Empire Hotel and Country Club vouchers.
Baiduri’s Smart Executive Programme is a unique programme offered by Baiduri Bank which offers a multitude of benefits geared towards the busy, working professional. The benefits include smart banking solutions and special rates across a range of banking products. Smart Executive customers stand to receive exclusive Smart Executive Visa Platinum Credit Cards and Smart Executive MasterCard Premium Debit Cards, subject to Terms & Conditions. More information on the Smart Executive Programme is available on www.baiduri.com or from the Baiduri Deals mobile app. Press release and image courtesy of Baiduri Bank.
Her Excellency, Madam Loan Forgeron, French Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam talking to the press with regards to Good France and Francophonie
Edna Boqueo, the chef of the French Embassy residence, Philipina chef, Edna Boqueo and Frederic Gardien, A French chef talking to the media
Good France, to be held on 19th March (today), is a celebration of excellence of French cuisine and French style dinner throughout the world. 1000 chefs, 1500 restaurants and all French embassies will be involved in the event.
Her Excellency, Madam Loan Forgeron, French Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam will together with all other French ambassadors globally, invite distinguished guests to a French dinner on the 19 March at their residences. Through a meal savoured together, Mdm Loan Forgeron mentioned that it would foster the values of sharing a French culture that is close to the heart of all French, and of which UNESCO has listed as a World Cultural Heritage.
In respect to the cultures, tradition & religion, the meals prepared during the evening are halal, and prepared and cooked without any alcohol of course.
The 19 March is also the opening of the week of Francophonie. France shares so many cultures with French-speaking countries, from Africa to Asia through Canada …. and gastronomy represents a pillar of Francophonie.
Guest of honour for the event is Yang Mulia Datin Paduka Hajah Adina binti Haji Othman, Deputy Minister of Culture Youth and Sports.
Two chefs, a French chef, Frederic Gardien, and the chef of the residence, Philipina chef, Edna Boqueo, who was trained in Paris by the executive chef of the Ministry of foreign affairs and trade, will showcase French culinary flair with a six course menu.
Her Excellency, with the collaboration of Voon, consultant for BusinessFrance, has jointly organized this event in the hope that through this, Bruneians will find France a more attractive destination and that this will be a start of a journey of discovering and appreciating French produce and products.
In conclusion, HE Mdm Loan Forgeron made mention of the famous French cook in 19th century, Auguste Escoffier, who told that “the art of cuisine is the most elaborate way of diplomacy”.
Late post: I always enjoy the sound of music and a few weeks ago, I experienced a room filled with jazz music and soothing vocals. It was also the first time I saw Serunai Singers performing. I wish to see more of this in the future. Kudos to the team behind it in making an avenue to showcase their talents to music lovers like myself. Keep up the great work!! Just one thing though – make it slightly longer 😀 Thank you, Rebecca, for letting me know of the music showcase.
Young kids belting out some numbers
The Serunai Singers
It was a packed crowd that night
Rachel Drew on the saxophone *me likes*
Eia also wooed the audience
Now I’m impressed with Mercedes who sang the Girl from Ipanema
I love their segment
Serunai Singers and friends
Eia and Rebecca Chin
 
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#VivaLaFrance
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His Majesty speaking to Dyg Siti Saffawana Hj Suhaili, Brunei Shell Petroleum’s first female pilot
His Majesty touring the Shell Eco-Marathon area. All these cars are built by students.
The Minister of Energy, Pehin Datu Singamanteri Col (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Awg Hj Mohammad Yasmin bin Hj Umar, has always been very involved with the ongoing current Energy Week 2014 at BRIDEX. I haven’t seen such an involved and hand-ons minister. Pehin and his team has invested a lot of effort and contribution in creating opportunities for the community. So I’m very honoured to see your high involvement, Pehin, in making this event not just bigger but a successful one and hopes the momentum doesn’t just end there.
With the current rate of local unemployment on the increase during the past few years, relatively coinciding with the rapid hike in the number of graduates of higher education, the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam continues to provide more job opportunities to accommodate local job seekers.
Over 1,000 job vacancies have been made available at the Oil and Gas Career and Job Fair of the Energy Week 2014, which was launched last Monday by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam at the Bridex International Convention Centre in Jerudong. Held annually since 2011, the fair aims to encourage locals to dive into a career in the oil and gas industry in Brunei Darussalam.
Fifty five companies will be present throughout the Energy Week, readied with a total of 1,130 technical and non-technical positions up for grabs.
Classified into 14 job categories, the fair has 320 vacancies in the field of engineering; 255 in construction; 194 in health, security, safety and environment; 133 in operations; 91 in marine; 40 in business/finance; 32 in IT; 27 in administration; 18 in logistics; 10 in hospitality/catering; five in legal; two in aviation; two in human resources and one in the supply chain.
When you cycle, you create energy and this is one way to create energy conservatively. Currently BSP Pavilion is having a mini competition to those who can bring the most energy/watts in one minute span. This student from ITB was the highest scorer then but lost his energy level after realising he didn’t have any meals since breakfast. Hope you are better now 🙂
I only managed to produce half of what the ITB student did
Another student creating energy through cycling
Marul in his coveralls
There is also quizzes to try out at BSP Pavilion at Energy Week 2014
On top of the 55 job vacancy booths, the fair also features career development paths for certain jobs skill pool in the industry, as well as a CV writing clinic which should be able to aid job applicants to get a better idea of how best to structure their curriculum vitae in respect to the fields they intend to pursue.
Like in previous job fairs, this year’s participating companies will also be conducting walk-in interviews and live demonstrations.
The Energy Department at the Prime Minister’s Office (EDPMO) will continue to work closely with oil and gas industry players to achieve the goal of creating at least 50,000 employment opportunities and producing 5,000 professional locals and 35,000 skilled and semi-skilled workers in the energy sector in line with the nation’s Vision 2035. Text courtesy of Khal Baharulalam of Borneo Bulletin.
One of first steps if you want to be involved in Oil and Gas is to sign up and register. Procedure is simple and more than 1,000 applicants have already registered
I learnt some new about “marker fitter” and it is a very specialized technique of welding. The more advanced you are in qualifications, the more pay you will get and entry level is at zero knowledge. Why not give this a shot?
Faizal gave me some insight of his job scope and he seems to be a hardworking individual who never wants to stop learning and gain experience. We need more youth like him.
It’s nice to see our locals knowing technical stuff and explaining on how the pressure gauge works.
Do you know that scaffolding pays good money when you go up the rank? This is another avenue for the youth to be involved with and trust me, you will enjoy this and you will surprised how much the pay is once you go through different levels and experiences as a scaffolder. Thanks Jeffrin for the information.
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam visiting Hengyi Industries Sdn Bhd’s pavilion at the 2014 Energy Week Exhibition
According to the information displayed at their booth, phase one is expected to begin operation in 2017.
Phase one will produce petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, Jet A-1 fuel and petrochemical products such as paraxylene and benzene, said the company in a press statement. It also noted that the construction for phase one is scheduled to begin as soon as “once all conditions have been satisfied”.
According to one of Hengyi’s technicians, William Kwok who was at their pavilion at the Energy Week exhibition, work in clearing the land has been completed and they are at the moment, reclaiming areas of sea that will eventually be used to dock tankers.
He assured that they have been keeping in line with the Environmental Impact Assessment that has been done prior to the start of the project, and will continue to follow it when they begin operations.
For example, they have deployed monitoring devices for the reclamation process so that debris and other ground matter that had been disturbed would not spread too far from the construction site, contaminating its surroundings. “The devices measure the turbidity of the water, so if it gets too high, we stop construction and let it settle first,” he said.
He also noted that there are a number of heritage sites, usually old cemeteries, had been fenced off and expected to be left undisturbed.
Kwok also explained a number of technologies that they plan to use once the plant has been built, including a heat reclaimation system that hoped to reduce emissions as well as a “mulit-feed distillation system” which distills sea-water to fresh water for use by the refinery which uses relatively low energy compared to other systems.
His Majesty signs a plaque at Hengyi Industries
The force behind Hengyi Industries.
Phase two, an expansion of the petrochemical production, is expected to push the total project cost to USD$6 billion, from the USD$4 billion invested into phase one. Another 700 or more jobs are expected to be added once phase two begins operation, according to the company’s information at the Energy Week 2014 exhibition.
The total area the refinery and aromatics production plant is expected to occupy is about 280 hectares.
Hengyi Industries were among one of the companies that showcased an interactive booth displays representing company profile, local business development activities, Universiti Brunei Darussalam & Zhejiang University scholarship programme and products display amongst others.
Hengyi Industries also took part in the Job Fair & LBD Forum that showcased the various educational schemes, employment opportunities and business development initiatives undertaken to increase the ‘local content’ of locally registered companies.
According to previous reports, The phase one complex will be able to produce 1.5 million tonnes a year of diesel; 400,000 tonnes a year of gasoline; one million tonnes per year of jet kerosene; 1.5 million tonnes per year of naphtha, 1.5 million tonnes per year of paraxylene (PX) and 500,000 tonnes per year of benzene. Source: The Brunei Times.
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei mingling with representatives of Earth Hour Brunei at Energy Week 2014 at BRIDEX. There will be there until Saturday.
It’s happening soon. Earth Hour that is. It’s an awareness about energy conservation and it’s no surprise that Brunei is joining again this year. So basically it’s switching off non-essential lights for an hour (normally from 8:30pm) and this year, our Minister of Development will lead the symbolic “lights-off” initiative at Yayasan Sultan Hj Hassanal Bolkiah this Saturday 29th March.
Apparently there will be ongoing activities to keep the spirit and the momentum of Earth Hour celebration in Brunei. There will be a fun run and cycle ride and even a night walk around Bandar. Of course, the best form of spreading such news is on social media and I urged all of you to share this moment on instagram with the hashtag #EHBN and you can follow them too @earthhourbn for more details and updates.
Did you know this year’s global ambassador for Earth Hour is Spider-Man with a simple message to inspire individuals to become “superheroes for the planet”. Nice!! I shall be covering that event organised by WWF-Singapore where there will be a special appearance by the casts of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 at the Marina Bay Skyline.
As for Brunei, the other landmarks will be Kampung Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery, Royal Wharf, and Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque. For more information, you can visit their website.
Join the instagram bandwagon and spread the awareness of Earth Hour
Glow wristbands and bracelets now available at Armtrix Enteprise (instagram @armtrix)
You can also order merchandise. Click image to order.
Spider-Man Earth Hour 2014 Superhero Ambassador
His Excellency Jean Yves Berthault, French Ambassador in Brunei Darussalam hosting dinner for the media and bloggers at his residence two nights ago
Thank you, Your Excellency Jean Yves Berthault for hosting the media and bloggers two nights ago at his residence. Jean Yves Berthault is the current French Ambassador in Brunei Darussalam. I really love the residence which has an awesome view of the river from the top of the hill along Kota Batu area. Furthermore, we all were well fed by the excellent cuisine and we were treated to various kinds of cheese as well 😀
The reason for the dinner invitation was to officially announce by the French Ambassador of the upcoming event organised by the French Embassy in Brunei Darussalam, a French Exhibition – A Showcase of Everything French. The event will take place on Saturday 5th April 2014 at the Times Square Shopping Centre.
His Excellency said that this is the first time that the French Embassy organised such event and the aim is to give the community of Brunei Darussalam a taste of what France as to offer. There will be activities such as the French Cuisine Showcase, basic French Language tutorial by Alliance Francaise, education opportunities with Campus France, car showcase by Peugeot and showcase of welding expertise from Institut de Soudure.
His Excellency shared that these showcases will also reinforce bilateral businesses between Brunei and France as well as the trust they place in the vibrant future of Brunei Darussalam.
France is also in support to Brunei’s VISION 2035 by encouraging the development of cooperation in vocational studies. In this case, Institut de Soudure is to set up a high-end vocational study with Mechanical Training Centre so that our locals will be given a high quality training for welding to match the demands especially in the Oil and Gas sector. I personally went to see the booth of Syarikat Pakar Tenaga Bersatu at the Energy Week 2014 at BRIDEX to learn more on how they are involved in the training program for welders. You will be surprised how much welders can earn as they rise up the ranks and qualifications.
Also present during the dinner was Pierre Imhof, the President of the French Brunei Business Association and he plays an important role in the synergies of French brands, companies and organisations with Brunei Darussalam.
So do come to the French showcase on the Saturday 5th April 2014 at the Times Square Shopping Centre and you can also stand a chance to win two airplane tickets to France as part of the lucky draw sponsored by Air France.
The event is supported by Total, French Brunei Business Association, Amundi Asset Management, Air France, Institut de Soudure, Peugeot, Michelin, Alliance Francaise and Campus France.
James Kon of Borneo Bulletin, Reeda Malik of Anakbrunei.org, Shaun Hoon of Catalyst and Pierre Imhof, President of French Brunei Business Association
The iconic Eiffel Tower in France
The lovely dinner I enjoyed very much. Thank you, Your Excellency 😀
I met a new friend, Hijab, His Excellency’s 11 year old cat brought from Pakistan. She’s such a manja cat.
French Exhibition happening on Saturday 5th April 2014
Muhd Syazli Haji Domeng (LOBO) recently won first prize in the Grand Prix Tamiya Standard Original category in the 1st ASEAN Tamiya Mini4wd, Jakarta
Late post: Just some updates on Tamiya Mini 4WD. Though this was two weeks ago but still newsworthy. One Bruneian managed to bag first place in the Grand Prix Tamiya Standard Original category in the 1st ASEAN Tamiya Mini4wd, Jakarta. There were more than 160 participants with 10 representatives from Brunei. First place went to Muhd Syazli Haji Domeng (LOBO) and another Bruneian Haji Asri finished 5th in the same category. The event is organised by Corner Hobby Shop Indonesia.
The event took place on 8th and 9th March and this is a lead up to the World Championship which will be held in November in Japan. Well done to the Bruneians who made it to Top 5 in a pool of 160 participants. A great effort indeed. Images courtesy of the participants.
The participants from Brunei in the recent competition
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