Our podcast review of Yasmine the movie with my special guest Seng Yee. Find out what is my best scene of the movie. Yasmine will be officially be released on 21st August 2014.

 

Chris W.H. Woo, a member of Brunei Speakers’ Club, will represent Brunei in the World Championship of Public Speaking. Good luck, buddy!

Chris W.H. Woo, a Senior Lecturer at Universiti Brunei Darussalam will represent the Toastmaster’s District 87 (Brunei, Indonesia and East Malaysia) in the World Championship of Public Speaking. The competition will be held from 20th to 23rd August at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Chris Woo snatched the coveted trophy and title of District 87 International Speech Champion in Surabaya on the 11th May 2014.

When asked how he feels about the upcoming competition, Woo says, “It’s been a psychologically grueling few months for me. Never a week goes by that I don’t think about the competition. But I am very lucky to have so many supportive Toastmaster friends and, honestly, the Brunei Speaker’s Club has become a family to me. I don’t know what will happen at the World Championship. There are so many variables to the judging and success of a speech. But what I do know with certainty is that I will give it my absolute best.”

After emerging as Champion from The Brunei Speakers’ Club, and subsequently Area K6 (Brunei), Woo went on to defeat some of the best speakers in Brunei, East Malaysia and Indonesia. As a representative for District 87, Woo will be pitting his skills against the best speakers in the world.

“Chris is dedicated, he is committed, and he has now achieved so much. He inspires all our members in Brunei to realize our potential,” says Hazwan Kamarulzaman, President of The Brunei Speakers’ Club. His sentiments are shared by Ruey Chong-Narcis, the Area Governor of Area K6 (Brunei), “‘Since it’s inception by the grace of His Majesty 16 years ago, this is the first time that Brunei is representing the district in the World Championship of Public Speaking. We are extremely proud as it shows the quality and support that each Toastmaster gives their fellow members. Together with 14 other Toastmasters from Brunei, we will be there to proudly represent Brunei and cheering Chris as he takes his rightful place up on centre-stage.’

Some of the toastmasters from Brunei Speakers’ Club are currently in Kuala Lumpur for the convention and also to support Chris Woo. Last night we had the privilege to attend one of the toastmasters club in KL and we were at Maxis Toastmasters Club and met a number of toastmasters around the world. Awesome!!

We registered our names so we can get ourselves some goodies from the club

I volunteered myself to be the Timer for last evening’s meeting at Maxis Toastmaster Club. Great experience!

Distinguished Toastmaster Richard Cummins from Houston, Texas, Seng Yee, Zul (from Labuan) and our area-governor Ruey Narcis

Having a few words with the most passionate toastmaster from Brunei and an awesome role model for Brunei Speakers’ Club. His passion never dies.

Proud that Ling Ling won best table topics of the evening

Some of the books for sale at Toastmasters Convention at KLCC

The Word of the Day

It rained yesterday at Kuala Lumpur. It’s great to be back. I have been there since Sunday.

It’s that time of the year again as students will be scouting and sourcing for their respective courses and university of choice for their future studies in the UK. Twenty-eight universities and colleges from the United Kingdom will be participating in the third UK Education Fair on August 20 (today) at Members Grill & Lounge, The Empire Hotel and Country Club.

The event, which is organised by the British Universities Brunei Association (BUBA) and coordinated by the universities, will be held from 2pm to 7pm.
The institutions participating in the event include University of Aberdeen, University of Bradford, Cardiff University, University College London, University of East Anglia, University of Essex, University of Hull, University of Kent and Writtle College.

”The fair is aimed at students who are considering studying in the UK in September 2015 but also presents a final opportunity for any students still looking for a place for September 2014 entry to speak with university representatives,” said a statement issued by the British High Commission.

Students are also advised to bring copies of qualifications and transcript when they come to the fair, it added.

So do drop by the Members Grlll & Lounge from 2pm to 7pm later. Good luck in hunting for your future education. For more info, you can click here.

 

Butra Home Concept (BHC) Magazine is now under a new direction handled by Mixmediaworx

Butra Home Concept Magazine will now turn its pages under Mixmediaworx – the local based creative agency, retaining its focus on home improvement and lifestyle for Brunei. I remember this magazine being under the direction of Catalyst and now the creativity and publishing duties were given to Mixmediaworx.

Mixmediaworx promises to continue the magazine’s monthly tradition as part of Butra HeidelbergCement’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) in promoting local home lifestyle and industries.

Mixmediaworx’s executive director Azlan Ahmad shared that the magazine will still continue its current direction in line with Butra HeidelbergCement’s CSR aims with a few improvements and additions to the content and design of the two year old publication.

“We are very happy to continue this great initiative by Butra HeidelbergCement and will improve whatever needed for the magazine to stay relevant to the nation. We have outlined a few fresh ideas in promoting the magazine and created sustainable strategy to make sure it remains a preferred platform for the related industries.”

The BHC is part of Butra HeidelbergCement’s Building a Nation campaign, emphasizing on the contributions made towards the development of the nation. It invokes collaboration and cooperation amongst the Sultanate to inspire change, challenge convention and to make a difference: their unique approach towards nationwide progress while encouraging the sense of forward thinking to the community.

The next BHC issue will continue to be distributed soon with the theme “A New Hope” highlighing some of the CSR initiatives carried out by Butra HeidelbergCement as well as contributions by the new editorial team by the magazines.

Mixmediaworx also announced that BHC will be available as digital copies on iOS  via the App store , and android users can expect their integration for the magazine soon.

Stuart Lee, Project Director of BHC Magazine with Amir Noor, editor of BHC Magazine during the press conference at Radisson Hotel

Hamdi Metussin, Creative Director of Mixmediaworx

Amir Noor sharing a few things about BHC’s new direction

Mei asking some questions from the floor

 

So close yet so far. Brunei Darussalam just missed out by one goal to reach the semi-finals. Today is the line-up for today’s matches in the semi-finals of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy 2014. No tickets required and it’s free as well.

 

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam joining the crowd during the match between Indonesia and Brunei at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium last night. Picture: BT/Faiq Airudin

It’s good to know that His Majesty the Sultan walked section of the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium from the VVIP area and it was a great reception from the sections of the crowd as they sang birthday songs to His Majesty. I have hardly seen His Majesty walking through different sections of the stadium and I wasn’t fortunate enough to be witness it. So the pictures that I’m posting are from @faiqairudin who had nice momentary shots of our Monarch.

The match between Brunei and Indonesia lived up to its expectation and it was a much needed win for Brunei as they lost their first match against Cambodia on the opening night. It was such a brilliant effort by Adi Said who scored a hat trick two nights ago and he just keeps on improving from time to time. Though he is listed as over-aged player, he seems to be an instrumental player for Brunei U-21 team. I’m just afraid that the U-21 team will rely too much on Adi Said’s services. That makes it 5 goals in 3 matches for Adi Said if you count the previous goals he scored for DPMM FC a week ago. There was an injury scare for Adi prior to the tournament but he managed to recover in time for the tournament.

Brunei will next play Singapore (Wednesday) and Vietnam (Friday). So do come in throngs and support Brunei and hope for a place in the semi-finals of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy 2014. I shall be back for official duty coverage for the next two games before I head off flying again.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam (C) and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah (L), the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at Prime Minister’s Office accompanied by HRH Prince `Abdul Malik (R centre) personally greeted the crowd during the match between Indonesia and Brunei at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, yesterday. Picture:BT/Faiq Airudin

 

Listen to my take on the late Robin Williams on The Popcorn Panel as a bonus episode

One of the best scenes from Good Will Hunting starring Robin Williams and Matt Damon

 

Do drop by Sin Hup Huat for more inquiries and I have been using Michelin brand for many years too. Follow them on instagram @sinhuphuat or Facebook SHHCO for more updates.

 

Royal Brunei Airlines (RB)’s new ambassador Wu Chun and Dermot Mannion, Deputy Chairman of RB during the press conference.

Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) held a press conference on 8th August 2014 to announce Wu Chun as the national carrier’s new international brand ambassador.

“Wu Chun’s celebrity status in our regional markets, together with his renowned images as a family man makes him the ideal choice to represent the RB brand. His popularity will serve to better introduce RB and destination Brunei in the all-important China market and across Asia. RB is looking forward to a year of strategic marketing activities and exploring more collaboration in the future with Wu Chun in his ambassadorial role,” said Dermot Mannion, Deputy Chairman of RB.

According to Wu Chun. “I was introduced to RB’s brand attributes: authentic, gracious, delightful and optimistic; which I find fitting for my image as a family man, entrepreneur and a celebrity. As a Bruneian, to say that I am delighted to be linked to the RB brand is an understatement.”

He begins his tenure as RB’s international brand ambassador with an official signing ceremony to be held on 21st August 2014 in Shanghai to kick-start the campaign and activities.

Azaraimy of Borneo Bulletin asking a question

Dermot Mannion and Wu Chun carrying an RB model aircraft scale

Group photo with RB’s associates

Check out RB’s Facebook Page. Click image.

By the way, awesome deals to Singapore via RB

 

Hj Sulaiman the winner of the Grand Prize of KIA’s Hari Raya promotion

KIA car owner Hj Sulaiman Abdul Rahman walked away with $10,000 as the Grand Prize winner of Kia’s Hari Raya Promotion draw. This was part of the Korean Brand’s Hari Raya promotions, and Open House celebration.

Meanwhile, second and third prize winners, Alinayati Hj Perudin and Hj Amit Omar, received $5,000 and $3,000 respectively while another 15 lucky individuals went home with $500 each.
A total of 50 shortlisted customers out of the 800 who had purchased Kia cars between May 1 to July 31 were invited to the double celebration event, which saw representatives of various financial institutions, including Baiduri Finance and BIBD At-Tamwil Berhad draw names of winners.

Also present at the event were Grand Motors Managing Director, Frankie Ho, Grand Motors Executive Director, Hj Shaiful Rizal Pehin Dato Dr Hj Ahmad, Kia Sales Manager, Jacqueline Koh as well as the representatives from Baiduri Finance and BIBD At-Tamwil Berhad.

Alinayati Hj Perudin the runner up of KIA’s Hari Raya promotion

Hj Amit Omar the 2nd-runner up of KIA’s Hari Raya promotion

The crowd waiting for the KIA Hari Raya promotion draw last week

 

Check out our podcast review of another Michael Bay produced movie – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)

 

Check out the video of the opening ceremony of Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy 2014

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam launched the Fifth Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy for ASEAN Youth Football Tournament last Saturday.

Held at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, His Majesty was joined by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel and Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah.

Greeting His Majesty upon arrival at the stadium was His Royal Highness Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah, the president of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council (BDNOC); the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, YB Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah; and the Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Datin Paduka Hjh Adina Othman.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam launched the Fifth Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy for ASEAN Youth Football Tournament. Image courtesy of The Brunei Times.

It’s not a great start for Brunei Darussalam in the opening of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy 2014. They have lost their opening match against Cambodia with a 1-0 score line. According to national football coach Kwon Oh-son of Brunei U-21, they lost on skills and not luck. The dressing room’s confidence is not high due to the loss in the first game. You can read more of the article here from The Brunei Times.

Even my friends shared how Brunei didn’t shine on the opening match. The other down side is that the U-21 players are not fully fit as they have a few injured players taken off during the loss to Cambodia. Maybe the friendly match against Sabah was a bit too close to the tournament as some of the players are recovering from minor injuries sustained during the friendly matches.

Now they will have a huge task against Indonesia, a late entry into the tournament, and Indonesia will want to avenge their defeat in the finals back in 2012 where they lost 2-0 to defending champions Brunei. Well, in football, anything can happen and the ball is round. All Brunei need is just a win under their belt especially in the beginning of the tournament to boost their confidence.

I’m still optimistic that Brunei has a 50/50 chance of making the cut but they can’t afford to slip more after the loss.

Brunei will take on Indonesia tonight at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium, Monday 11th August. I expect a feisty affair as both teams are favourites to get past the group stage. Good luck!! Note: I won’t be covering this match as I am still outstation.

You can follow official updates from their official website – hassanalbolkiahtrophy.gov.bn 

Team Cambodia during the opening ceremony. Image taken by @zackhardie14

It was good to see Adi Said back in the match as he was doubtful before the tournament. Image courtesy of The Brunei Times

The t-shirt for HBT 2014 available

Wristband perhaps from Armtrix Enterprise

You can buy some of the merchandise at the national stadium