Pg Mohd Nasir celebrating his birthday with his friends last night

Pg Mohd Nasir with his late minute replacement horse flown from Germany named Federiko in the recent SEA Games 2015 in Singapore

Happy birthday to our dedicated equestrian rider Pg Mohd Nasir and I still owe him a write up on his horse riding journey in the recent SEA Games in Singapore. I happened to catch his final ride in the Jumping finals event a few weeks’ ago and it was also the first time that I saw him live in action. So, guys, just to let you know this is a late post 😀

Though he didn’t win or get a podium finish for his efforts, he did the best he could in the finals given the limited resources. There were many set backs along his SEA Games journey. Just like in all sports, there’s always politics and that sure can play a huge role on your targets as an athlete.

Let’ me sum up what Pg Mohd Nasir shared with me back in Singapore. He couldn’t ride his own horse that he has connection with for many years. So instead he had to settle with a last minute replacement which flew from Germany and the horse’s name is Federiko (love the skin too). Secondly Pg Nasir only sat on his replacement six times coming into the competition. Normally it take years to get the horse used to the environment especially competitive ones. So kudos to Pg Nasir on having that courage to make use of the available resources and compete for the love of the country.

After visiting the stable area for the SEA Games competition, it was kinda of an eye opener. I realised how much investment it takes to be in this sport. I saw all the equipments and the kit for the horse and the rider and that alone is already a hefty investment. The recurring cost will be the food supply for the horses because you will need to feed the horses to make sure they are in good shape for the competition.

The other huge cost will be cargo-ing the horse equipment and also the transporting the horse from A to B especially when it’s international delivery. I saw Pg’s portable cabinet where he stashed his equipments and apparel and he said the whole thing averagely weighs at 150 kg. Now just imagine how much that would costs to transport by air *gulp*

Now I can imagine other regional riders will go through the same ordeal and cost factor will be an issue. So yea, horse riding is not a cheap hobby indeed while joining competition is a whole new level. Most of the athletes from other countries are being funded or sponsored by their respective countries. For Pg Anak Nasir, it was a unique situation. He competed in his own expense but with a huge disadvantage that he couldn’t ride his own personal horse from Belgium due to technically issues.

Pg Mohd Nasir in action. Image courtesy of Samlee

Talking to the Brunei officials of the SEA Games after the competition

Did you know that you can’t many any noise such as cheering or clapping when the riders are in action?

He ran off to the Malaysian team to celebrate on his friend’s gold achievement #priceless

I managed to only catch the final ride. Well done, buddy, on making this far.

Here are some words from Pg Anak Nasir himself.

“I never want to blame the horse (Federiko) for sure even though the final day he let me down. Then again we are new together. We only sat six times. In this technical courses, we get into funny situations and normally the rider know the horse and vice-versa. From there, we will know how to react on situations. If I was riding my personal horse, I wouldn’t have this problem (penalties on his rounds).

Honestly, to come this far and considering all the issues to source for a horse a week before the Games, I’m quite happy to reach this far. My first two rides with zero penalties on the first day was a dream situation. However, with these technical courses, it will boil down to the horse and the rider so bonding is very important. I know I did my best with the given situation and I am doing it for the country 110%. It’s a very challenging situation for me and I will be back next time.”

Nicely way to sum up by Pengiran on his SEA Games experience. One quote that I like though was when he quoted that competing in the Games is like “going to war with a knife” meaning that he has no ammunition. It would have been a different story should his horse made it to Singapore for the Games.

All in all, I truly enjoyed watching the equestrian event and it was also my first experience. I could see all the dedication and passion from the riders. I have high respect to all the riders indeed. Perhaps the highlight for Pengiran Anak Nasir was when his friend from Malaysia Sharmini Ratnasingham who just beat Catherine Yen Yu Chew of Singapore in a split second timing to win gold. I saw Pengiran running from one to another end to celebrate with the Malaysian team.

To finish off my summary, Happy birthday day buddy and let’s catch up with the boys before you fly off to train again. You can follow him on instagram @pg_nasir

With the supporters from Brunei Darussalam

His trusted and most important companions of his horse riding journey – the coach and the groomer.

His wardrobe cabinet is a must where he brings every he rides in the world. This weighs at least 150 kilos. His groomer will take care of his wardrobe.

This is how he keep his riding boots

Pg Mohd Nasir with the Malaysian team

We did good after the competition because we all went for shopping therapy in Singapore. When is round 2? 😀

 

Pg Mohd Nasir progressed into the final without any penalties in each of yesterday’s two rounds at the Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre – one of eight contestants to do so in the 21-rider field. He will compete this morning, aiming for a podium finish or perhaps a gold medal. Good luck and see you later. Image courtesy of Infofoto.

Brunei national record holder Md Fakhri Ismail made a mark for himself as he achieved his target – to be in the finals of the 100m sprint. He finished last in the finals of the 100m but he has done the country proud with his achievements. Image courtesy of @fakhri_11

BIBD recently held a signing ceremony with the Ministry of Religious Affairs, to ensure their continued commitment towards the success of BIBD’s ALAF programme.

Guest of honour at the event was Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahman, Minister of Religious Affairs. Signing on behalf of BIBD was its Managing Director Yang Mulia Javed Ahmad, whilst signing on behalf of the Ministry was its Permanent Secretary, Yang Mulia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Yussof.

Also present at the ceremony were The Ministry of Religious Affairs Deputy Minister, Deputy Permanent Secretaries, Directors and Head of Departments from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, along with members of the BIBD Board of Directors, Shariah Advisory Body and BIBD management.
The ALAF programme was launched in May 2013 by Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah. The ALAF programme, now in its second year, recently awarded thirty three more students with its assistance, on top of the sixty three awarded last year.

The assistance includes provisions for school and tuition fees, educational materials and welfare, as well as mentoring and counseling necessities amongst others. All this is to help ensure the absolute commitment of these students towards the development of their education, and not let them be bothered by the other commitments that come with. The ALAF programme will also continue to provide support and assistance to these students until the end of their respective educational requirement needs.

Guest of honour, Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahman, Minister of Religious Affairs (center) witnessing the signing ceremony

Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Yussof, Permanent Secretary of Religious Affairs exchanging documents with Javed Ahmad, Managing Director of BIBD

The ALAF programme was developed in close partnership with the Ministry of Education which will lead to constant efforts and close collaboration between both parties to ensure the successful implementation and provision of assistance to the ALAF programme. At the same time, The ALAF programme is also supported by the Islamic Studies Department from the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

This includes the identification of underprivileged and orphaned students from all schools in the country using meticulously-set selection criteria. Some of the selection criteria include nomination and support of respective schools welfare teachers along with the requirement of a maintained performance and attendance level.

Through ALAF, BIBD hopes to align its support to His Majesty’s 2035 vision of obtaining a 100% level of education to everyone, which in turn is hoped to help reduce poverty, In shaa Allah, leading Brunei towards a more prosperous and peaceful future, making Brunei populated with educated, highly skilful and successful individuals, in line with internationally set standards.

Members of the public wishing to contribute into the BIBD ALAF fund may do so with a minimum donation of B$1.01 into the BIBD ALAF account at 1018181811. Contributing is further made easier as the public can utilise existing BIBD channels such as the BIBD Online website, BIBD Mobile app, BIBD ATM and CDMs, and BIBD branch counters. The public can also set up a BIBD Standing Instruction to ensure a monthly donation into the ALAF fund. As an added benefit, BIBD account holders can also use their accumulated BIBD Hadiah Points for cash conversion into contributions into the ALAF fund account.

 

The latest instalment of the ASEAN Consumer Fair is just a day away, scheduled to take place from June 10 to June 14 at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas with more than 400 booths offering a wide variety of products and services from countries from the ASEAN region and a list of exciting activities and exclusive discounts to booth the latest instalment of Brunei Darussalam’s premiere consumer event is sure to have something for everyone.

Come and celebrate diversity at the ASEAN Consumer Fair as vendors from Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and many more offers a wide variety of products unique to each of the respective culturally rich countries.. Amongst the many items and special exclusive offers that visitors may expect includes, traditional handicrafts, ethnic cuisine and other food and beverages, mobile telephones and accessories, banking and financial services, and home décor and so much more. Visitors would definitely do not want to miss the Thai Grand Fair at the ASEAN Consume fair.

In addition, there are many fun-filled activities for visitors of all ages to participate in. Inlcuding fun exciting challenges brought by Malar Setia Sdn Bhd as well as Kingston Beverage & Creamery Sdn Bhd and also Cebu Pacific just to name a few. Not to forget DST will also be conducting various games and activities for valued visitors. Test your knowledge and win prizes in the DST product quiz, show off your colouring skills in the Disney colouring contest and if you are up for a challenge there will also be the Kristal “Astro Bollyone HD” Competition and many more. Visitors will also get a chance to meet and even see their favourite KFM DJs in action as they broadcast live from the ASEAN Consumer Fair. Not to forget mascots will be on hand to bring smiles to little visitors of the fair who knows maybe your friendly neighbourhood Spiderman might swing by.

ASEAN Consumer Fair will feature the “Mini Kindy Kare” where parents can drop of their children ages 2-4 years old at the Mini KindyKare located at the Blue Zone in Briefing Room 1

The fun does not stop there as visitors of the ASEAN Consumer Fair can enjoy an exclusive deal whereby with every minimum purchase of $10 at the Kingston Beverage & Creamery Sdn Bhd booth customers will receive a free Marrybrown chicken burger. Not to forget, members of the public can stand a chance to win exciting prizes in the Pepsi Bonanza grand draw simply by purchasing any “Bonus Pack” of 1.5 Pepsi, Pepsi Twist, 7-Up, and revive or assorted Mirinda flavours and submit the entry in to the special drop box which can be found this time around at ICC. The grand draw will be held on the last day of the ASEAN Consumer Fair with the grand winner driving home with a brand new Toyota Avanza.

There is also good news for the family as this year’s ASEAN Consumer Fair will feature the “Mini Kindy Kare”. Now visitors can enjoy shopping during the course of the ASEAN Consumer Fair in preparation for the upcoming festive month of Ramadhan and Syawal. At the ASEAN Consumer Fair from 10am to 8pm parents can experience the ASEAN Consumer Fair with ease as they can drop of their children ages 2-4 years old at the Mini KindyKare located at the Blue Zone in Briefing Room 1. Entrance is $12 per entry and additional $8 for every consecutive hour after.The children will be taken care by the friendly “Karegivers” of Kindy Kare international. The little tykes will be kept busy playing educational games, activities, and all under the supervision of their “Karegivers” and for the convenience of mothers there will be a special mother’s room at Mini KindyKare for breastfeeding.

The ASEAN Consumer Fair 2015 will take place from June 10 to June 14 at International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas. The ASEAN Consumer Fair will be open to members of the public from 10am to 10pm daily except on Friday where it will close from 12 to 2pm for the Friday prayers and will resume again to 10pm. For the convenience of visitors, shuttle buses will be available during the course of the ASEAN Consumer Fair providing transport to visitors from the allocated parking area at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium to the ICC for their convenience.

To find out more those interested are welcome to log on to the event’s official website at www.bruneiconsumerfair.com or contact D’Sunlit’s office at 2453 666. Press release by D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd.

 

It was a fun filled Sunday for families with Fun Bee Park last Sunday as they bring happiness at Pantai Tungku. The trip was not just an ordinary picnic or beach fun, child friendly and family bonding activities happened.

Fun Bee Park organized outdoor trips to expose young children to local wonders of Brunei Darussalam. Furthermore, they also aim to encourage both child and their parents to contribute to the local community in all means.

The Pantai Tungku Family trip started with safety briefing at Fun Bee Park’s centre with application of sun block cream and mosquito repellants for health concerns. Upon reaching the beach, children were grouped together with their corresponding Fun Bee Park Teacher as their guide. Groups were then walked by the beach to collect sea shells in different sizes for their art project. After picking shells, groups sit together and did their craft art such as Jewelry, Sea shell sail boat for boys, and Funny Sea shell with eyes.

Cecelia with the children heading to Tungku Beach

Children were excited to see giant bubbles made by their parents as well as the 3D kite with the real like image of an eagle flying.

One of the favorites of every child is to go fishing, and for safety purposes, Fun Bee Park provides a kiddy balloon pool filled with fresh water fishes to bring the children to play. Another highlight of the trip was the picnic whereby children and their parents sat down together and enjoyed good food with BBQ.

Children screamed out loud during the group games whereby they were asked to build the highest sand castle. The objective of the game is to develop teamwork and coordination to one another, and moreover, to encourage leadership amongst all.

The trip ended with an ice cream treat and safe ride back to Fun Bee Park where goodie bags were given to every child. Fun Bee Park will be organizing more outdoor trips locally such as the Temburong half day trip, Water village explore, Farm visit, Prawn factory educational tour, and many more. Next in schedule is the “Movie day trip” on 19th June 2015 whereby children with parents can watch Disney movie “Minions” in big screen. For further inquiries and reservation, please call Fun Bee Park at 2457729 / 7178232 or visit them at A6/A7, Ground Floor, Sempurna Complex, Batu Bersurat, Gadong. Text and images courtesy of Fun Bee Park.