Posts Tagged ‘french’
Distractions, distractions
Being slow is the only constant too. That’s how I feel lately. Things are just heading at a slow pace. The only difference is when I travel. Being away in a short span of time gives me a sense of excitement and thrill. Now I’m back in Brunei, it’s back to square one. I can feel it. The worrying signs, perhaps, of what’s in store for the country (economically). The headlines in the local media hasn’t help either but it’s good thing that it’s being identified because we cannot simply ignore it. It’s about time we step and see what we can do for the country in times of troubles.
I have two mutual friends who sought for help to see if I could connect them to the relevant authorities with regards to their termination of contracts. In recent headlines, it was stated that a major company (government linked) are carrying out “redundancy exercise” to cut costs and reducing “non-essential staff”. Of course, what we read in headlines will spark that fear that haven’t been teased for a very long, long time. We were in the comfort zone and now we are slowly getting a taste of reality checks.
Now with the ongoing LegCo, it’s an indication where our country will be heading for the next year or so, in reaching the Vision 2035 (which is in 19 years’ time). It was noted that government spending will be reduced in times of lower revenues and we will still be running in a deficit.
I still see hope in this country and I trust in the Brunei Government in overcoming the challenges. The transitional period will take some time but it’s a good start. The relevant government agencies have been pro-active in creating new bodies to see how Brunei can diversify and get out of the mentality of heavily depending on oil and gas as our revenue stream for the Brunei economy.
I’ve seen new bodies with government support being created such as DARe (Darussalam Enterprise), a statutory body that will help to empower local entrepreneurs in contributing to the local economy. The newly established is recognized in the LegCo recently and it is spearheaded by the Minister of Energy and Industry Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Mohammad Yasmin Hj Umar. DARe recently held a dialogue with local e-vendors in terms of helping them to set up a physical store and also issues with labour quotas and so on. With this guidance, it will hope to see how the e-vendors grow and create a more business friendly environment for a win-win situation.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Mohammad Yasmin Hj Umar, Minister of Energy and Industry, chairman of the board for Darussalam Enterprise (DARe) with other committee having a conversation with the e-vendors held at Design & Technology Building (opposite iCentre) last week. You can even visit their Business Support centre every Monday to Friday or call/sms via 836 3442. Image courtesy of @govbn
The winner of the Mitsubishi Lancer 1.6 Auto, Mah Wai Keun (left), as part of the “The Big Shopping Win”, a collaboration between Baiduri Bank and Hua Ho. Presenting the mock key were Michelle Lo (center), Manager of Card Brand Relationship & Business Banking Support and Lau Soon Lin, Director of Hua Ho. The event was held at Hua Ho Kiulap yesterday. You can website Baiduri website by clicking the image or you can download “Baiduri Deals” on your smartphone or follow their Facebook or IG @baiduribank. Image courtesy of Adib Noor of The Brunei Times.
Costume party at a friend’s place for Himari and Takumi’s farewell gathering. Both are my tennis buddies whom we trained under coach Aiman. It was also great to see Mr. Okochi after such a very long time. Thanks for the hospitality and great food.
My room mate for the past three nights at Taipei for our @mrbrownbrunei coverage trip with the winners of the Mr. Brown contest. We had this mini competition between us on making fun of each other on social media. It seems I’m dominating so far but we won’t have more opportunities until our next trip perhaps. Thank you, Aiking Sdn Bhd on giving us the opportunity to do coverage on the trip to Taiwan.
The Francophonie Week 2016 kicked off last Saturday and it will be ongoing for another week. Many events and activities to look forward too. This image was taken during the screening of the French movie “Win Win” at Taman Jubilee. The event is organised by Alliance Française and The Collective Arts Event. Click image to know more what’s in store for Francophonie Week 2016
The past week or so, I’ve been amazed with the stories that are being shared by my friends in their toastmasters journey. Many surprises in terms of content and I’m truly amazed by the growth of my friends. I’m still impressed with the ending of the “Helping Hand” story. Very impactful and witty. Congratulations to the winners of the UBD Toastmasters Club contest yesterday. Nice shot too, Sandy 😀
Last week, Inspire Magazine launched a new website to provide a better access to their stories. Back then, there were only magazines and PDF formats. This is a great step to reach more readers globally as well. Shaun Hoon (2nd from left), founder of Inspire Magazine, with his team during the launch of the website. You can visit www.yesinpire.com to access Inspire or click on the image. Image courtesy of Shaun Hoon.
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Man on a mission
Loan Forgeron, French Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam (5th from right), Marina B. Laker, High Commissioner for Canada to Brunei Darussalam (4th from right) with the organiser Alliance Française and event partner The Collective Art Events and sponsors at the press conference for the upcoming Francophonie Week 2016 held at Alliance Française at Batu Bersurat
In honor of the 2016 ‘Semaine de la Francophonie’ / “Francophone Week 2016”, which is an annual French cultural week run by Alliance Francaise organisations globally as well as the 30th Anniversary of Alliance Francaise being in Brunei, Alliance Francaise Brunei will be launching a one week program of events to run from the 12th of March to the 20th of March that will aim to promote French culture, and celebrate the good cultural relations between France and Brunei.
The week long program will also aim to showcase the capabilities of Brunei’s local talents in terms of creative industries, events and the arts. Because of the network of Alliance Francaise organisations around the world. We hope to showcase to the world the potential of Brunei as a destination and also Bruneians talents.
The event partner: The Collective Art Events (@thecollectiveartevents) and is supported by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, The Embassy of the Republic of France in Brunei Darussalam, the High Commission of Canada, the Switzerland Consulate, The Laotian Embassy, The Vietnam Embassy.
The companies involved are Jerudong Park Playground, Baiduri Bank, Progresif, Cityneon Brunei, Image Inx, Airfrance, Radisson Hotel, Starlodge Hotel, Expressions Music, The Sequence Music Production, Industrie Brunei.
To Book tickets and view information and prices for each event, the public can visit the website hosted by Progresif.
The organisers and head of diplomats sharing their inputs for the upcoming event
Loan Forgeron, French Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, Shinny of The Collective Art Events, Marina B. Laker, High Commissioner for Canada to Brunei Darussalam and Cecile Cassou, a French journalist and photographer with Benny and Nabil (behind) from City Neon
The French words that will be showcased during Francophonie Week 2016
From the looks of it, Francophonie Week 2016 will be a huge event, even bigger than previous ones with multiple locations involved. Kudos to the parties involved in making this possible.
Loan Forgeron, French Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, stressed the importance of such event to promote diversification of culture and language of French in Brunei Darussalam. She highlighted how both French culture and language are linked and they can’t be separated. She also thanked all the partners and sponsors of the event and hope for more residents of Brunei to experience the Francophonie Week 2016.
Also present during the press conference was Marina B. Laker, High Commissioner for Canada to Brunei Darussalam. She shared that the Canada is the 2nd biggest donor after France of the Francophonie Week internationally and Canada has a very rich French culture. Canada has always been a strong member in the Francophonie event. Marina also said the event will show many cultural diversification and one of the events she highlighted was the closing ceremony where Melaine Gall, a vocalist from Canada, will be performing.
The movies that will be screened on the huge screen. First movie will be this Saturday entitled Win Win. Click image to see poster.
Outdoor festival event titled “Cine-Cite” (“City-Cinema”)
A three day festival that will transform a location over the opening weekend of Francophonie week with the “Cine-Cite” event. This will be a never before done event concept in Brunei, that combines a unique Franco themed open air night market that showcases local creative businesses, with an outdoor cinema screening a selection of French films selected by the Swiss embassy and Alliance Francaise, and local musicians such as Do It Good Records Preservation Blues Jazz Hall Band and friends, FN DUO, Arif Zainudin, Amal Murni performing throughout the night to supplement.
Each day will feature a changing selection of local vendors, musicians and films, with a special Saturday night showcase by Swiss born musician, Noga along with her French counterpart Patrick Bebey who are cultural envoys of the French Embassy and Alliance Francaise brought in especially for the event.
All to be held at Jubilee Park, Bandar Seri Begawan.
When: 12th March- , 4.30pm -10pm
Activities: Local vendors selling a variety of products from food to crafts
Local artist music showcase
Outdoors cinema of Swiss film Win Win
Photography exhibition for French journalist Cecile Castilla
I shall be posting more actives on the blog along the week for updates. So do stay tune.
The Caffé Verve kiosk at Alliance Française
The library at Alliance Française at the mezzanine floor
The interior of Alliance Française on the ground floor
Love the flat white at Caffè Verve kiosk. They will be opening an actual cafe pretty soon.
Group photo of the participants of the 53rd Brunei ITF Junior Circuit 2016 with the committee and tournament referee at the National Tennis Centre. Click image to enlarge.
It’s happening starting today till Sunday, the 53rd Brunei ITF Junior Circuit 2016 at the National Tennis Centre. 64 players are slated for the title in the men’s draw with favourites Shinji Hazawa to take the title. He has the luxury of the draw because there won’t be any Koreans playing in the tournament. The Koreans dominated the tournament back in December 2015 but I am not sure why they are not participating in this tournament.
Public is more than welcome to catch some tennis action at National Tennis Centre. Brunei will be represented by Md Nurul Andi Hambali who has been training in Australia, Timothy Lim and Zen Sii.
Rahul, Arun, Tim and Zen (coached by Aiman Abdullah) taking part in the tournament. Good luck.
Jordan Unger of Australia beat Timothy Lim of Brunei 6-2 6-1 in the first round
Timothy Lim in action against Jordan
Favourite Shinji Hazawa seed No.1 beat Manuel Balce III in straight sets 6-1 6-0
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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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#Closer
Acer Liquid Smartphones
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BIBD – Let’s Go Mobile!
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Royal Brunei Airlines
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We had a sneak peak of the new Citroën cars especially the DS line a few months ago at The Mall. Now it’s a reality that they already have an actual showroom for the event. Lionel Bernard Faugeres, General Director for Citroën ASEAN countries, was impressed that Grand Motors Sdn Bhd was able to create the showroom in 10 months.
The event was attended by His Excellency Mr. Jean Yves Berthault, Ambassador of France to Brunei Darussalam as the the guest of honour and he applauded Grand Motors’ initiative to bring French brand such as Citroën to Brunei and this shows that Brunei has confidence in French brand and he hopes to see more French products and services coming in to Brunei. He believes that Citroën will have a good impact, considering that Bruneians tend to buy or own more than one car.
I shall talk more about the specs of the Citroën DS line later on in my post and Grand Motors brought in three new DS lines. Congratulations Grand Motors on the launch of the Citroën showroom at Beribi.
The newly launched Citroën showroom at Beribi this morning
The Executive Directors of Grand Motors Sdn Bhd, Hj Saiful Rizal and Pg Haji Abdul Qahar
His Excellency Mr. Jean Yves Berthault, Ambassador of France to Brunei Darussalam (4th from right) with management of Grand Motors and representatives from Citroën
Pierre Imhof, CEO of Baiduri Bank and Frankie Ho, Managing Director of Grand Motors Sdn Bhd in the group photo
The guests this morning to witness the launch of the showroom
This weekend, Malppy.com introduces the Bohemian Dress Skirt. The Bohemian Dress Skirt is beautifully multicolored and can be worn 2 ways. You can either wear it as a skirt or as a dress. Versatility makes it a perfect outfit of the day!
Bohemian Beach Dress Skirt in Blue
Bohemain Summer Dress Skirt in Red
Bohemian Beach Dress Skirt in Orange
Bohemian Summer Dress Skirt in Blue
To celebrate this gorgeous new arrival, Malppy.com will be promoting it at a discounted price of B$23.90 only this Friday and Saturday. Usual Price is $29.90. Offer ends Midnight Saturday.
Don’t wait to take advantage of this deal! Visit Malppy.com for all your fashion and lifestyle desires!
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#VivaLaFrance
Acer Liquid Smartphones
Check out Acer Liquid smartphones
HSBC Personal Internet Banking
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BIBD – Let’s Go Mobile!
Let’s go mobile? Click more to find out!!
Icon Design Store
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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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