Finally I’m back in Brunei after 10 days of holiday and it seemed like a long time. I miss being active with my coverage and furthermore, I miss the familiar faces I see now and then (you know who you are). I’m almost out of shape.. Well, it was more of a reference to my fitness level where tennis is mostly involved. The tennis group recently had a short trip to Miri yesterday for a friendly match between our tennis group and from the Miri side.

I’m kinda out of touch but thanks to The Brunei Times social media updates and the multiple sharing on my Facebook feeds on The Brunei Times’ articles, I feel that I’m in the loop of the happenings in Brunei.

The cycling event was, of course, the highlight of the week. It was rare to see His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam participating in a cycling event and it was lead by over 800 cyclists. Amazing feat indeed and I’ve never known that there are many cycling enthusiasts in Brunei alone. His Majesty cycled in the 15 km bicycle ride to mark his 70th birthday. All I can say is 70 and still going strong.. Amazing!!!

In other news, Pokemon Go seems to have taken Brunei by storm or Asia for that matter. When I was outstation, my social media feeds were dominated by Pokemon statuses and images. Is this a good thing or a negative thing? There’s nothing wrong for sure but just make you don’t drive and PoGo or escape work time to level up on your game. The question is how long will the phase last for? The developers had already made a few hundred millions through their purchase add-ins and in the first 5 weeks, they have earned more than USD 268 million. Amazing!! So for now, Pokemon Go is here to stay and no, I’m not one of them players huhu.

So enjoy your week, peeps and stay in touch through my social media feeds. Oh yea, thanks the Bluehost support team for scanning and cleaning my site. It was attacked by some unwanted Viiiirrruuussss… 🙁 So I’m glad it’s back and running.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, yesterday led over 800 people in an unprecedented 15 kilometre bicycle ride to mark his 70th birthday. Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office. Image courtesy of Vincent Hong.

This could be one of the reasons why bicycle sales have increased

My final day in Malaysia before heading back. I’ve been lacking sleep but enjoyed my break so far in Ipoh, Penang and Kuala Lumpur

A successful event hosted by Honey Carsmart last weekend for their Grand Sale weekend and also getting involved with charities

The tennis friendly match between our tennis group (Aiman’s students) and players from Miri. It was held at Miri yesterday. Too bad I couldn’t make it and it was great exposure for the young players to play abroad.

It was first time staying in an AirBnB apartment in Kuala Lumpur and it was pretty good. I love the room and the host, Melvyn, is friendly and helpful. I also met a new friend from AirBnB and she’s staying in the other room of the apartment. I’m impressed with her resume as she has worked in Malta before. It was nice knowing you, Michiko. I hope you visit Brunei one day and we both have something in common. We support Liverpool 😀

My third Kpop concert and I kinda like the energy of the boy band, iKon. The concert took place at Indoor Stadium Negara. Kuala Lumpur last weekend. I had the privilege to cover the event (many postings on Snapchat). Congratulations to Kelly Wee and Vili Tee on winning the tickets and big thanks to Yuslin for arranging the tickets and my media pass.

The second consolation prize draw was held last Friday for the “Win the Helix” promotion. So far they had 5,925 entries for the month of July alone. The promotion ends 31st August. So you still have a chance to win the grand prize – Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI. Image above are the members of the press who drew the names and witnessed by the management of Brunei Shell Marketing.

I caught a record of 6 movies in my recent trip. Suicide Squad and Bad Moms twice actually *lol* You can tell how much of a movie buff I am 😀

Though I complained too much about Batman v Superman, I still caught again from the in-flight entertainment on Royal Brunei Airlines. Thank you, Aunty Jacky for the upgrade 😀 It was nice catching up again and see you this Friday

 

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam during his titah and announcement of the reshuffling and appointments of the Cabinet Ministers yesterday. His Majesty the Sultan holds four posts – as the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Minister of Defence and now Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Image courtesy of Infofoto.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince, retains his position as Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office. Image courtesy of un.org

Who’s who? This has been the talking point for the past few months. The public was teased way back in May as it was supposedly the end of the 5 year term in their respective positions as Cabinet Ministers. The announcement didn’t happen then (in May) but there was a viral message that spread through social media. It was information on the leaked version of the proposed ministers. I remember receiving it as well but to my knowledge (if I could remember), the leaked list and the actual appointments of the Cabinet Ministers didn’t have many resemblance at all. So my point is don’t rely on viral or circulated news unless it’s made official.

I am glad the wait is over and I am happy that His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, has finally reshuffled and appointed the Cabinet Ministers. According to the titah, His Majesty the Sultan carries four posts – as the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Minister of Defence and now Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, will retain his position as Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office.

Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Awg Abu Bakar Hj Apong has been appointed as the new Minister of Home Affairs, after previously holding the post of Education Minister for the past five years. He was also previously Minister of Communications. Now I do hope I can address the issue especially for permanent residents of Brunei Darussalam who doesn’t have a passport but instead a “Certificate of Identity” document.

Next up is Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman who is now appointed as the Minister of Education. He has been a minister for the past ten years and he has done tremendously well as the Minister of Health (2005-2010) and Minister of Development. I am aware that things were kinda sour between us and I took full responsibility for my actions. I do hope we can work closely and hand-in-hand in the near future and for the benefit of the country.

Another minister that has retained his position is Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Hj Abd Rahman Hj Ibrahim and he is still the Minister of Finance II and furthermore, he is also appointed as a Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office. He’s one of the ministers that I have yet to break the ice with for all these years.

Having being entrusted by His Majesty, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng, will be running his third term as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade II (since 2005) and he was also being appointed as a Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office. If you see the pattern, both Pehin Rahman and Pehin Lim Jock Seng have two ministerial posts.

Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Mohammad Yasmin Hj Umar maintained his ministerial role in Energy and Industry at the Prime Minister’s Office. If you notice now that the ministry name have changed and now it’s called Energy and Industry. Previously it was just Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office. Before he was a minister, he served as a Deputy Minister of Defence. He is perhaps one of the most active (hands-on) ministers that I have come across as he’s always mingling with the public while making his rounds on related events such as the Oil & Gas job fair.

Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awg Badaruddin Pengarah Dato Paduka Hj Awg Othman has been moved from the position of Minister of Home Affairs to the position of Minister of Religious Affairs. Again, he’s one of the ministers that I never had the chance to talk or interview.

Now next up are the promotions to ministerial levels. First up with have Dato Paduka Hj Bahrin Abdullah who is now our Minister of Development. He previous was the Deputy Minister of Finance. He is also the chairman of Royal Brunei Airlines.

Dato Paduka Hj Ali Hj Apong has been promoted as the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism after holding the Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office. Now this is interesting. This is the first time that I noticed the word tourism used for a ministerial position. Does this mean that Brunei will soon turn their attention to lure in more foreigners to Brunei? Hopefully there will be increased in budget for the Brunei Tourism Development. The previous ministerial post was called the Ministry of Primary Resources and Industry. Anyway, Dato Paduka Hj Ali Hj Apong is also the chairman of Brunei Economic Development Board.

Dato Paduka Hj Mustappa Hj Sirat was a former Deputy Defence Minister. He is now appointed as the Minister of Communications. Would that mean he will be automatically be the chairman of the BIT Council? Most likely he will be and this will give more opportunity for me to get to know hime better in person.

We also have a new minister for Culture, Youth and Sports and he is Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Hj Awg Halbi Hj Mohd Yusof. He previously hold the post as Deputy Minister of Home Affairs. With an army background, let’s see what changes can be made especially to our national athletes. Then again, budget is always the main issue.

One of the appointments that I was very grateful and overwhelmed was the new Minister of Health. He adds dynamism to the organisation and a well respected figure in University Brunei Darussalam where he still holds his post as the Vice-Chancellor. He is no other than Dato Paduka Dr Hj Zulkarnain Hj Hanafi. He previously held the position as the Permanent Secretary of Education. Of all the current appointments, he had the biggest jump of the lot.

Dato Paduka Hj Bahrin Abdullah who is now our Minister of Development and currently also holds the post as chairman of Royal Brunei Airlines. Image courtesy of The Brunei Times.

Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Hj Awg Halbi Hj Mohd Yusof, the new Minister for Culture, Youth and Sports. Image courtesy of The Brunei Times.

Dato Paduka Dr Hj Zulkarnain Hj Hanafi, new Minister of Health cum Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam.

Dato Paduka Hj Mustappa Hj Sirat takes his new position as Minister of Communications. Image courtesy of The Brunei Times.

All the previous Deputy Ministers are being replaced with familiar faces during their previous roles as permanent secretaries.

Dato Paduka Hj Hamdan Hj Abu Bakar was promoted from permanent secretary (security and enforcement) at the Prime Minister’s Office to Deputy Minister at the same ministry.

Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Roselan Hj Mohd Daud has also been promoted to a Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, after heading the PENGGERAK Unit as permanent secretary since 2014. I had a strong feeling that he will be promoted one day and he’s a very nice guy.

First Admiral Dato Seri Pahlawan Abdul Aziz Hj Mohd Tamit is now the Deputy Minister of Defence. Previously he was the Deputy Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

Dato Paduka Dr Hj Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah is now the Deputy Minister of Finance and also holds position as chairman of DST and Jerudong Park Medical Centre. He was previously a permanent secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources.

Also sharing the same position as Deputy Finance Minister is Dato Paduka Hj Hisham Hj Mohd Hanifah. He was previously the permanent secretary (policy and investment) at the Ministry of Finance.

Dato Paduka Hj Erywan Pehin Dato Pekerma Jaya Hj Mohd Yusof has been promoted to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade where he was previously the permanent secretary. Mind you that there wasn’t any Deputy Minister for MOFAT for many, many years.

Pg Dato Paduka Hj Bahrom Pg Hj Bahar, has been moved from his post as Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, to become Deputy Minister of Education.

Dato Paduka Hj Abd Mokti Hj Daud is now Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs and he was previously Brunei Darussalam Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Dato Paduka Hj Suhaimi Hj Gapar has been promoted from his permanent secretary role to Deputy Minister of Development. This position has been vacant for many years so it’s good to see that there is a deputy role in this ministry.

The ministries that have vacant post in the “Deputy” level are Primary Resources and Tourism, Communications and Culture, Youth and Sports and Home Affairs.

Congratulations to all the Cabinet Ministers that were being appointed and it feels refreshing to see a new line-up of leaders taking new responsibilities to move the nation forward and also uphold His Majesty the Sultan and the country’s vision.

Dato Paduka Hj Hamdan Hj Abu Bakar, Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office. Image courtesy of Borneo Bulletin.

Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Roselan Hj Mohd Daud, Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office. Image courtesy of The Brunei Times.

Dato Paduka Hj Erywan Pehin Dato Pekerma Jaya Hj Mohd Yusof, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade. I only saw him during last year’s Asean Summit. Many positive vibes about him. Image courtesy of The Brunei Times.

His Majesty urged the new government cabinet to work as a team and make the country prosperous.

“Although they are of different ministries, they are still members of a team having a common objective: to make the country prosperous. Working as a team, each one of them is expected to contribute or at least lend support to any idea or proposal for the good of other ministries and for the sake of the country,” the monarch said.

“It is my hope that the next line-up of leaders will not ignore the ethics of being fellow members in a team. They are expected to be wise in making decisions and weighing up any matter that has to do with the country and the government.”

“The question is will we be able to preserve and continue to enjoy these favours? It is here where the issue lies. Our religion has provided the guidance that such favours could be preserved, but it still all depends on our own attitude.”

“Justice is to be delivered on the people, not for oneself. Justice for self-interest is not justice but (a form of) cruelty. That’s why at times readiness to listen to good ideas from others below you, or listening to complaints or grievances from others could be deemed to have satisfied the need to be just.”

Of course, in every reshuffling and appointments, the public is always eager to see who will be the leaders in the respective cabinet of the Brunei Government. Change is always good and responses from the public have been encouraging and perhaps shocking to some. I’m certainly shocked of two non-appointments. First is the non-renewal of His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He was one of the longest serving Ministers in Brunei Darussalam. He was appointed as Foreign Minister ever since Brunei gained independence in year 1984. Thank you for your leadership for the past decades and Brunei has good bilateral relationship with regional countries and internationally and we are truly grateful for that.

The other non-renewal appointment was former Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Datin Paduka Hjh Adina Othman. There have been rumours that she could have been promoted but it wasn’t to be. Then again, she has served His Majesty’s government for more than 35 years and she has retired previously. She has served the country to her best and now she can retire on a high note.

There are other five ministers who were not being appointed – former Minister of Industry and Primary Resources Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Hj Yahya Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar; former Minister of Communications Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Abdullah Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar; former Minister of Health Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Adanan Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Hj Mohd Yusof; former Minister of Religious Affairs Pg Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Pg Hj Abdul Rahman; and former Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah.

His Majesty the Sultan thanked all for their service and contribution to the nation.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam (C) in action during yesterday’s His Majesty’s 69th Birthday Polo Cup at the Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club in Jerudong. The monarch’s Black Team is through to today’s final after defeating Yellow Team 11-4 in the first day of the four-team tournament yesterday. Image courtesy of Ridhwan Kamarulzaman of The Brunei Times.

It’s never easy when you have a lot on your hands. One reason why I had to forgo my traveling trips for this month especially Denmark. Two big weddings and a Toastmasters competition coming up and not forgetting His Majesty’s birthday celebrations in all the districts. It’s a month that will test my endurance in my late 30s *lol* I still feel I have much to offer (physical and mentally). Oh yea, there are still some corporate Open House invitations before end of August. So I need to squeeze in for that too.

Everyone keeps asking me “How’s the (Brunei) economy?” If someone asks me that particular question then it could be implying that the local economy is going through a transition. Spending power has been lesser than usual. It was evident during Ramadhan where bookings for restaurants didn’t top their benchmark of last year’s. Well, this could be down to another reason (too many new cafes and restaurants). Even purchasing of cars lately have been mediocre to say the least. How so? Because of the new directive from Monetary Authority of Brunei Darussalam (AMBD) that consumers have less flexibility in applying car loans. If you look at it in a positive way, there are good points to why this can benefit the end users in a long run. For me, I am very grateful of our stability in many areas including the economy in Brunei and not forgetting the harmony and peace. After reading what other regional countries are experiencing, it gives me a higher level of gratitude to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan and His Majesty’s government.

I kinda enjoyed Hjh Normah’s presentation. She’s the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources and she gave an insight on the current business environment in Brunei at a different perspective. We shouldn’t just use excuse such as the size of small population or the size of the country as Brunei have untapped opportunities through means of natural resources and culture. It’s never a disadvantage as well being a Muslim country as Brunei can be one of the international hub for the halal market where she highlighted the presence of Bruneihalal brand in the UK, specifically their distribution centre in Birmingham. The other big opportunity is Bio Innovation Corridor (BIC) which serves as base for manufacturers of halal products including food, cosmetics and medicinal and health supplements. She kicked off her presentation by saying Brunei is a good place to detox (mostly from entertainment).

Tonight I will be busy with my gadget(s) taking live feed and snap chatting on Azeez Jaafar and Nisaa Suresh’s Berbedak ceremony tonight. I have been having lack of sleep for the past two weeks or so but it has been fun.

Hari Raya celebration at BIBD Open House with Hj Rozan Yunos and his spouse

The Brunei Robotics Olympiad on the Regular Category. The Open Category will be on 29th August. I shall be covering that event.

Hjh Normah Suria Hayati Pehin Jawatan Dalam Seri Maharaja Dato Seri Utama Hj Mohd Jamil Al-Sufri, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (3rd from left) was the guest of honour at LBD forum yesterday, hosted by Asia Inc Forum and Baiduri Bank and Brunei Press as partners

The DJs from Pilihan at BIBD Open House. It was indeed a very packed event.

Finally the BBA got rid of the dirty mattress. Just a note though that there isn’t any cushion to soften the impact in case a player runs too fast.

Ah, the mini Zinger from KFC. I’m glad they released this as part of their ongoing menu.

Our toastmasters club at Brunei Speakers’ Club is growing week by week. Last night we had the strongest in terms of numbers and it was a wunderbar experience. Keep up the great work, lads!!

My favourite dish of all the Open Houses I’ve been 😀

Always inspired to know a passionate barista/entrepreneur

After my posting on IG, her green tea creme brûlée has been one of the popular items in her cafe. Must try.. Love the texture. Available at Piccolo Cafe (bandar)

My toy, Slyer, watching Minul and I in action on the court. I’ve been losing five straight times against him. What gives?

At Royal Brunei Airlines Open House

Check the new facelift for the Citroen DS3. The price is slightly higher. However, now the current DS3 is selling at $25,750 and it will be sold at that price until all stock is sold.

Now the Acer Iconia Tab 8W is back in stock and it also comes with Microsoft’s new Office 365 (one year subscription). Teachers and students will be able to enjoy the privilege as they will be given a special discount. Now available at Concepts Computer.

Two inspired runners who ran the Sundown Marathon 2015 in Singapore recently and both are using Polar watches. Do follow @polar_bn for updates. More stories on Polar (Brunei) on the sponsorship of local athletes.

Good thing about Snapchat

Thanks AB for the hospitality last week.

A Marvel adaption movie ruined by Fox. How could they?

The logo of my sister’s wedding

Best part of family weddings is gathering and reunions 😀

Now our inside driveway has been transformed into temporary tents

My siblings 😀

My chubby lil sis in her excusable pyjama

Been busy preparing with invites and the protocols for the upcoming events at home. September please come sooner 😀

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hjh Saleha yesterday paid their final respects to Lee Kuan Yew at Sri Temasek with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, the son of Lee Kuan Yew. Image taken from The Brunei Times.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hjh Saleha yesterday paid their final respects to Lee Kuan Yew at Sri Temasek.

During his brief visit to the city-state, the monarch also signed a condolence book and spoke to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to extend his condolences.

The Singapore founding father passed away aged 91 at the Singapore General Hospital yesterday. Lee left behind three children including the current prime minister.

Their Majesties were greeted by the prime minister and his spouse, Ho Ching, upon their arrival at Sri Temasek, which is located within the Istana grounds.

Prior to visiting the official residence, Their Majesties were greeted by Foreign Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam and his wife, Dr Seetha Shanmugam, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.

Image taken from The Brunei Times.

The Black Ribbon to commemorate the late Lee Kuan Yew

The Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei said Singapore was successfully transformed and recognised worldwide as one of the most developed countries in the region under Lee’s 31 years of leadership. Brunei and Singapore have a strong bilateral relationship with extensive cooperation covering finance, economy, defence, education and health.

In 1990, His Majesty conferred Lee with the decoration of ‘Darjah Kerabat Laila Utama Yang Amat Dihormati’ (The Most Esteemed Family Order Laila Utama), which carries the title Dato Laila Utama.

Lee was the first prime minister of the republic from 1959 to 1990 before he was appointed senior minister until 2004 and later, minister mentor until 2011.

The late leader was born in Singapore on 16 September 1923 and graduated in Law from Cambridge University’s Fitzwilliam College in 1949. He was then admitted to the English Bar in 1950. Their Majesties were accompanied to the city-state by Second Finance Minister at Prime Minister’s Office YB Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Hj Abd Rahman Hj Ibrahim.

Also present were Second Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister YB Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Lim Jock Seng and Energy Minister at PMO YB Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Mohd Yasmin Hj Umar. Text courtesy of Rabiatul Kamat of The Brunei Times.

 

Pg Laila Kanun Diraja Pg Hj Bahrin, Aman Pg Izad-Ryan, Datin Hjh Masni, Sarina Hj Masri, Shazali Dato Sulaiman (former Honorary Consul), His Excellency Ambassador Thomas Kupfer, the Swiss Ambassador to Singapore, Rinawaty binti Abdullah @ Suzanne Rahaman Aeby, Pg Salleh Ab Rahaman bin Pg Hj Damit, Pg Pg Izad-Ryan bin PLKDR Pg Hj Bahrin (new Honorary Consul), Azhani Abu Daniel and Pg Irwan Pg Salleh Ab Rahaman

The handover of the official credentials to Pg Izad-Ryan from Shazali Dato Sulaiman while His Excellency Ambassador Thomas Kupfer looks on

Yesterday was a milestone for my neighbour, Pg Izad-Ryan bin PLKDR Pg Hj Bahrin, partner in the Brunei law firm Pengiran Izad and Lee. He was appointed as the new Honorary Consul of the Swiss Confederation in Brunei Darussalam. Earlier in the month, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade presented Pg Izad-Ryan with the Exequatur, authorizing him to act or carry out certain duties in Brunei on behalf of Switzerland.

The previous honorary Honorary Consul was Shazali Sulaiman who served in that position for a good long 14 years. He was very appreciative towards the Switzerland Embassy in Singapore for their guidance and support. He also thanked Pg Salleh Ab Rahaman bin Pg Hj Damit and especially Rinawaty binti Abdullah @ Suzanne Rahaman Aeby, a Swiss, for being not only a good friend to Shazali but also a great mentor while serving as an Honorary Consul. Shazali also went on to thank his wife, Sarina Hj Masri and lastly his secretary, Yvonne. He wished Pg Izad-Ryan the best in his new role as Honorary Consul.

Pg Izad-Ryan hopes to strengthen the bilateral ties between Switzerland and Brunei Darussalam in terms of travel, education and commerce. He thanked his predecessor Shazali and also to His Excellency Ambassador Thomas Kupfer, the Swiss Ambassador to Singapore for considering his new position. He ended his welcoming remarks in thanking his wife Azhani Abu Daniel and his family for the support.

Also present during the appreciation and appointment ceremony was Shaikh Hj Fadilah Shaikh Hj Ahmad, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, government officials, members of the diplomatic corp, private sector and friends.

H.E. Thomas Kupfer said he was very pleased with the appointment of the Exequatur for Switzerland and looked forward to the cultural and economic opportunities that could be created between Brunei Darussalam and Switzerland. He also emphasized the appointment “serves to underline the warm relations between the two countries”.

It is always great to know someone that I’m familiar with taking such a high position that can create value to the nation and also globally. Shazali is a person whom I got acquainted many years ago and he has such a humble character that goes along with his cheerfulness. The funny thing is that Shazali is an accountant by profession while Pg Izad-Ryan practices law. As for my neighbour, Pg Izad-Ryan, he will definitely do his best to fill in the shoes left by Shazali. I’m very proud of you, Pg Izad-Ryan, and I look forward to your new journey as Honorary Consul of the Swiss Confederation in Brunei Darussalam.

Shaikh Hj Fadilah Shaikh Hj Ahmad, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (left) among the invited the guests

His Excellency Todd Mercer, Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam speaking to the crew of Origin Films

Hitesh Ramesh Bhawani, Director of YMRM Galleria, was happy about the appointment and applauded Pg Izad-Ryan, saying how he has a very good background and he believes that Pg Izad-Ryan is suited for this position.

Ken Han having a chat with the new Honorary Consul of Switzerland to Brunei

Posing with the flags of Brunei Darussalam and Switzerland

Behind a successful man like Shazali, there’s always a supportive family.

Shawn Cassidy Narcis, Manager of McHouse Interior Decor Sdn Bhd, said that he has know Pg Izad-Ryan for a few years and he has a lot of audacity to do what he wants to do. He has build his name and career in the past few years and for Shawn, he has looked up to him and he is a very good mentor and great supporter.

The smiles from Origin Films with Yasmine casts 

 

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam with Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hjh Saleha, HRH Prince ‘Abdul Malik, HRH Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel and HRH Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah in selfie moment with Maria Grace Koh @Eia and His Majesty praised the vocal of our own local youth star

It was an affair fit for a king as 1,200 members of the Tiong Hwa community united to celebrate the Lunar New Year with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, at the International Convention Centre (ICC) yesterday.

The annual meet and greet was organised to welcome the Year of the Goat, showcase Chinese culture as well as promote close and harmonious relations in the country.

Accompanying the monarch were Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hjh Saleha, His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah.

Also present were His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, HRH Prince Hj Jefri Bolkiah, HRH Prince ‘Abdul Malik, HRH Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel, HRH Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah, HRH Princess Hjh Masna and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Hj Abdul Aziz.

The royal family was welcomed by Yang Berhormat Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin and Chairman of the Executive Committee Lim Tiong Han@Lim Peh Beng at the ICC entrance, which was decked in traditional red Chinese lanterns, flowers and arches adorned with symbols of the goat.

For more of the story, you can click here. Text courtesy of Rasidah HAB of The Brunei Times.

Magic show

10 year old Zoe Chan wooing the audience with her powerful vocal

Cultural dance

Eia showing her talent. Keep it up!!

This was a cute performance

The new U.S. Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Craig Allen was also in attendance

Behind the scene: The little girl is ready for the show

Behind the scene: Students preparing for their performance

 

An open office warming at Excapade Sushi new office last week. Thank you to the owners of Excapade Sushi and I really love the new office space. Now they can better manage their inventories as well as delivery point for their multiple branches in Brunei.

Michael Chong of Excapade Sushi (left) with his invited guest during the luncheon invitation

Great spread of Japanese dishes

Guests mingling

Ridwan trying out the fresh food from Excapade Sushi

 

Dermot Mannion, Deputy Chairman of Royal Brunei Airlines (RB), His Excellency Haji Awang Saifulbahri bin Haji Awang Mansor, Brunei High Commissioner in Singapore and Mr Shahron Shahar as the new RB Country Manager Singapore during the launch of the newly refurbished and rebranded office in Singapore at UE Square Shopping Mall

Late post: Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) has launched its newly refurbished and rebranded office in Singapore at UE Square Shopping Mall. Guest of Honour for the launch event in the bright, new and very customer friendly office setting was Brunei High Commissioner in Singapore, His Excellency Haji Awang Saifulbahri bin Haji Awang Mansor.

The event also provided an opportunity to showcase the new RB heritage inspired uniform collection to be proudly worn by customer service staff. The warm spectrum of uniform colours ranging from olive to morning sky and fresh mint, together with the new vibrant office layout is all designed to reflect the friendly and welcoming nature of the people of Brunei Darussalam and RB brand.

Commenting on the launch, Deputy Chairman, Dermot Mannion said:

‘This is the latest phase in our network wide rebranding process which began  eighteen months ago with the arrival of our state of the art Dreamliner fleet. Already our Friday/Sunday Dreamliner service to/from Singapore has been very well received and this service is set to continue.

For services on other days of the week, Singapore customers can look forward to the deployment of  new A320 aircraft later in the year, with rebranded interiors and high levels of passenger comfort and amenity.’

At the launch event, Mr  Mannion also took the opportunity to announce the appointment of  Mr Shahron Shahar as the new RB Country Manager Singapore. Mr Shahar is former Sales and Marketing Manager Singapore for Turkish Airlines and he joins RB with more than 20 years’ experience in the travel industry.   He will replace outgoing Country Manager Ms Lim Guan Wen who is returning to head office after four years in Singapore to take up a new position in RB customer loyalty program – Royal Skies. Text and images courtesy of RB.

Ribbon cutting

The newly refurbished and rebranded Royal Brunei Airlines office in Singapore at UE Square Shopping Mall