Podcast review of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice with Jason Rumpus on the popcorn panel

 

Review of Mercedes-AMG GT S by Kelly Blue Book – “It’s flat out fun!”

The Mercedes-AMG GT S continues to pick up awards: US car magazine “Motor Trend” chose the eight-cylinder sports car as “Best Driver’s Car”. In this year’s contest, the Mercedes-AMG GT S lined up against nine other sports cars at the Laguna Seca race track in California – where it easily achieved the best lap time.

“The Mercedes-AMG GT S has the sharpest, most precise steering we have ever felt on any Mercedes or AMG vehicle,” said Motor Trend editor-in-chief Ed Loh. “It makes massive power from a compact, high-tech turbocharged V8 engine. What most impressed my team is how well the GT S was able to combine these elements. It put all of its horsepower to the ground like an all-wheel-drive supercar and gripped the road through high-speed corners like a winged racer.”

With a lap time of 1:35.57 minutes, the Mercedes-AMG GT S not only kept all its competitors at bay at the legendary Laguna Seca race track, it also achieved one of the top three times ever recorded. At the end of the long and extensive series of test drives, the Motor Trend editors concluded: “The best sports car Mercedes has ever built.”

Motor Trend launched the “Best Driver’s Car” award in 2009, and has since become one of the most prestigious contests in the American auto media.

The reviews have been fantastic online – do check some of the video links on the Mercedes-AMG GT S: 1) Caradvice.com.au 2) Digital Trends 3) MotorWeek

You can visit Jati Transport Showroom at Gadong or Beribi if you are interested in the Mercedes-AMG GT S.

The Mercedes-AMG GT S is a beast. I saw this once in Brunei and it was like love at the first sight. Do visit Jati Transport showroom if you are interested to know more.

 

In today’s headline. Congratulations Soon Loo.

Soon Loo was the chief judge at the Ignite Entrepreneurship Challenge last year

By Command of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the Prime Minister’s Office has announced that His Majesty has consented to the appointment of Loo Yau Soon as managing director/chief executive officer of Darussalam Enterprise (DARe).

The appointment is effective March 22, 2016.

According to the interviews in the local papers, he is truly grateful to His Majesty the Sultan for the consent to his appointment as DARe’s CEO. He was previously a board member of DARe, a newly established body in hoping to spear the SME ecosystem for the betterment of the Brunei’s economy and diversification.

DARe is led by the Minister of Energy and Industry at the Prime Minister’s Office Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Mohammad Yasmin Hj Umar. Both of them and other board members have been very active recently, holding talks to young vibrant entrepreneurs especially the e-vendors to understand and create a better communication platform between the two parties. So far the responses have been encouraging from the entrepreneurs and they also increased their knowledge on the know-hows on the procedures and what not in building businesses.

What I feel: Well, this is definitely great news. To know someone that I truly admire on his passion in helping and inspiring others. I first saw him in UBD where he was a mentor/lecturer for one of the classes and the students then were really connected with him. He was mentoring them on creating ideas into reality and I was amazed by the presentation from the students. That alone gave a very good first impression of him. This was back in 2013 if I’m not mistaken.

Furthermore, he was a recipient of the Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World Award in 2013. That again, it’s a super milestone on its own. He has many accolades and recognitions along the way and don’t play, play k? since he has an MBA from Harvard University.

If you see this chap in public, don’t be afraid to say hi because he is very welcoming and enterprising. I wish you to the best in your capacity as CEO of DARe and this is a sign of better things to come. Good luck, buddy 😀

Check out the interview by Channel News Asia after Soon Loo being a recipient of the Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World Award

 

Vincent Goh, Managing Director of Netcom Computer House, and his team at the recent anniversary dinner at Parkview Hotel recently

Two weeks ago, Netcom Computer House celebrated their anniversary at Parkview Hotel (formerly known as Asma Hotel) in Jerudong. Around 100 Netcom associates and families were treated to a wonderful dinner filled with games and entertainment to the delight of the invitees.

I was also in the mood as I dressed up for the occasion, a black and white themed dinner event. Vincent Goh, the Managing Director of Netcom Computer House, delivered his welcoming remarks and thanked the team for their contribution in sustaining the company over the 20 years of established. Wow, 20 years is indeed a milestone alone.

Thank you, Vincent, for the invitation and also your support in these years. And Hassan, you’re the man behind the mic *lol* Perhaps, I can hire you as an emcee one day.

The newly promoted Dell affordable notebook, now available at Netcom Computer House

This does come in handy 😀

If you want better charge, then go for this

 

Check out the V-Class from Mercedes-Benz at the Jati Transport Showroom in Gadong. Refreshments will be served today

The Champions of the Ignite Entrepreneurship Challenge 2015 led by @ghazi.jo (2nd from right) with his proud sister Izzah Jomari. The team presented their idea on a device for vehicles where it will send emergency dispatch on the occurrence of an accident or instant impact. This is a very cool idea knowing that rate of accidents in Brunei is quite high. Congratulations to team KreatifTech.

Hajah Hasnah Hj Ibrahim, Acting CEO of Brunei Economic Development Board (centre) with the top 3 winners of the Ignite Entrepreneurship Challenge 2015 and the judges. The event took place at Design & Technology Building at Anggrek Desa.

Open concept, yes!!! I love it. I believe this is a great way to share and give more exposure on the concept to students and potential start-ups on how pitching and presentations are done. The public will also get to understand the prototypes or ideas presented by the finalists of the Ignite Entrepreneurship Challenge. This is the 8th edition of the business plan competition organised by Brunei Economic Development Board and iCentre and it was previously under the brand name of “ThinkBig” before it rebranded to “Ignite”.

I favoured the idea that the competition only lasted in less than 3 months. Otherwise, the competition could get draggy as it was a few years ago. During the press conference of the Ignite Entrepreneurship Challenge 2015 back in mid September, the organisers shared that they were looking for validations and commercialisation of their ideas and concepts and not just focusing on Brunei market but abroad. Forward to the present moment, chief judge Soon Loo, local partner and co-managing director of Seri Venture Capital Management Sdn Bhd, commented that all the finalists yesterday demonstrated high quality of ideas but lacking the execution should they explore outside Brunei. It was also the first time that the announcement of the winners was build in a more suspense manner initiated by the chief judge where usually the announcement were done by the emcee. So I am happy to see new changes in the format of the finals of the Ignite Entrepreneurship Challenge.

Perhaps another obvious difference is that the co-organisers decided to remove the student category and allow the students from high schools, tertiary and university institution to compete among the big players. This competition alone drew 51 submissions during the preliminary round (48 for Open and 3 for International). By October, only 22 submissions were shortlisted. By November, six teams made it to the finals for the Open Category and 1 only for International. I’m quite happy that there were all new faces so it gives me a more refreshing feel. Furthermore, the average age of the team is pretty young and not all of them have business background to begin with.

Anxious moment for the finalists as Soon Loo was announcing the top 3 winners.

Team Neogene was one of the finalists. They centred their idea of geology and market it with a tourism angle. I like their idea actually and this can bring loads of revenue to the economy if proper execution. But it’s true what the judges said that it will take years to reach that milestone.

Jodie Lim was the first presenter yesterday. Her team Nurture Enterprise proposed the idea of installing solar chimneys and earth tubes in any building and by doing this, it will reduce electricity costs, resulting in the cooling of greenhouse gases. The chief judge shared that this concept can take off if they can apply for the IPO.

One of the most confident presenters in the finals. Team Adi Iskandar Basri came up with the idea of a “Skipping” app. That’s right. A skipping app where you can skip queues. He gave examples about those queueing in banks. I’m quite impressed with his delivery as he believed in the product. Even my peers were talking about it on the group chat. Perhaps the judges were looking for something more of a substance. Keep it up, buddy! #dontgiveup

@ghazi.jo and his team of KreatifTech during their presentation of the special device for vehicle in emergency cases. During the interview, he shared the idea of the app came about when his friend Syazwan passed away in a tragic accident end of last year. It was also the first time their team joined the Ignite competition and they were recommended by their friends to join. He thanked all the finalists and they all deserved to be in the finals.

The best part of the finals is that the public was more than welcome to watch it live through webcam. The audience watched the whole presentation at the auditorium room. I hope this trend will continue for next year’s Ignite. Good job, BEDB!!

From what I can see is that “Ignite” is aiming to aspire the public that any idea that you have in mind can be made possible. It’s not about the winning the competition. It’s about embarking the journey of embracing your ideas and experiencing the process – writing an executive summary, creating a team, running surveys and focus groups, attending workshops and learn from seasoned mentors, creating presentation slides, pitching your ideas, networking and there are just many possibilities that you can learn by just participating Ignite Entrepreneurship Challenge. The biggest value that I learn from this competition is the value of courage and I applaud to all the 51 teams that submitted their business ideas to the organisers.

Even Soo Loo commented that it’s not about winning or losing. He experienced of not being placed in a business competition but his idea materialised in the real business environment and it has become a success. The same can be said for PHMD MindPlus who came 3rd in Ignite Open Category 2012 and now their expanding operations in Indonesia. So to the other finalists who weren’t placed, do not be discouraged. You all did the best you could yesterday and I was impressed by all the presenters, even with their ideas. Who knows you can apply for grants in BEDB or AITI and you can turn your ideas or prototypes into reality. So don’t feel defeated but feel appreciative and honoured because you made this far.

Thank you, BEDB for giving me this opportunity to watch all the finalists and I’m pretty sure those who showed up yesterday felt privileged to witness all the presenters.

The prizes were presented by Hajah Hasnah Hj Ibrahim, Acting CEO of Brunei Economic Development Board.

Jamie Liu of Inncee (Singapore) was the only team that made it to the finals in the International Category. Her company provides analytical services to help businesses improve their revenue by gaining data. They have simulated one of the businesses in Singapore. Well done on winning the International category.

Team Guru consists of two awesome tennis players who came up with the idea of connecting coaches/trainers to sport enthusiasts through means of the Guru apps. They also joined the competition because it was an idea they had in mind for a long time but never materialised. So what a way to introduce their idea through the Ignite competition. Is this app doable in Brunei? I would believe so with proper implementation and marketing strategy. Keep it up, ladies!! Proud of you!!

The Runner up for the Ignite Entrepreneurship Challenge 2015 – Team Nurture Enterprise and they received BND 15,000

The winner of the International Category with BND 10,000 – Team Inncee

The 2nd runner up, Team NewGate Plus, who won BND 10,000. They are now heading in Malaysia as they were selected to represent Brunei in the ASEAN Impact Challenge 2015 in Kuala Lumpur and guess what? They are now in KL for the event. They came up with a noble cause app that ensures that there is enough supply and demand of blood storage for the community. The judges shared that they scored the highest for social impact but will need a strong support from the Ministry of Health to make this app sustainable in a long run. Good luck in KL and congratulations in finishing Top 3.

Zharul Ghazi Jomari and his team, Kreatif Tech, received the winning prize of BND 25,000 from Hajah Hasnah Hj Ibrahim, Acting CEO of Brunei Economic Development Board.

The most enterprising judge that I’ve come across and Soon Loo has given a different dimension in the judging department. He is one busy man who travels at least a few times in a month alone and he claimed that he doesn’t even have a frequent fly programme. His biggest milestone or one of them is was being awarded the Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World award in 2013.

All is not lost for other finalists as local SMES still want to engage with participants on their ideas. Here we see Mr. Ang of 3G Media talking to one of the finalists of the Guru App mobile application.

Radi El Fassed, Acting Head of Product Development, Progresif Cellular Sdn Bhd, was amazed with the presenters and hope to work with some of the finalists for future opportunities. He was one of the judges of the Ignite Entrepreneurship Challenge 2015

A Singaporean lady giving some tips to the Neogene team.

Review of Disney’s Tomorrowland with co-host @delgoh

 

The overall winners of the Times Square Shopping Centre’s lucky draw competition and Shop, Dine and Snap Instagram competition. Image courtesy of Times Square Shopping Centre.

Dk Siti Nuramal Asyiqin Pg HM Sofiah who won herself a Samsung Galaxy S5 presented by Mr Lim Yee Liang, Marketing Manager of Times Square Shopping Centre. Image courtesy of Times Square Shopping Centre.

Times Square Shopping Centre completed their second lucky draw prize presentation for the fifth campaign on Sunday, 24th May 2015.

The event commenced with quizzes and games conducted by the management, followed by the mascot appearance to liven up the public. The winners of Shop, Dine and Snap Instagram competition were first announced prior to the lucky draw event. Five instagram posts were selected from all the entrees. Md Syahmi Hazim Bin Harjammey who bagged a necklace sponsored by OKKY Jewellery, followed by Zurainee Kiflee who walked home with a one night stay courtesy of Times Hotel,. Lastly the three winners of the Shop, Dine and Snap Instagram Competition, Norfazirah Binti Shremmi, Yumi and Danish Lim went home with a hamper from NHF Organics Sdn Bhd.

The event then continued with the prize presentation of the lucky draw. A total of 25 prizes were given away. The first 22 winners of the prize presentation had to draw their own prizes on stage. The first 7 prizes were presented by the Miss Mally Hadinim, General secretary of Times Square Property Management, followed by the Property Supervisor, Miss Norafizah Daud who presented 7 more prizes to the winners.

The remaining 11 prizes were then presented by the Marketing Manager, Mr Lim Yee Liang. Moreover, first prize of the lucky draw went to Dk Siti Nuramal Asyiqin Pg HM Sofiah who won herself a Samsung Galaxy S5. Second place went to Mohd Jasmerol Jazemen Bin Hj Md Jasry who won a SHARP fridge and third place went to Nurul Amalina Shaban who won a Xiaomi M1 Pad.

Times Square is also glad to announce that there will be several events in the near future. Such events include Ramadhan fair in July as well as Dip & Win on the last week of Ramadhan. ‘Shop, Dine & Snap’ Instagram Competition is still ongoing until August 2015. For more information and registration, kindly visit the Lucky Draw counter. You may also find out about all upcoming events by visiting tsqbrunei.com or simply following Times Square Shopping Centre’s pages on Facebook and Instagram.

Mohd Jasmerol Jazemen Bin Hj Md Jasry who won a SHARP fridge

Nurul Amalina Shaban who won a Xiaomi M1 Pad

The starting line

The Run was another successful event. Over 3,600 participants took part in the yearly charitable event to raise funds for Pusat Ehsan. The event was flagged off by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hj Hazair bin Hj Abdullah. It was nice to see that 500 special needs participants took part in the event.

It was quite challenging for the organizers to up their numbers from last year’s due to the number of running events in the past weeks or so. Nevertheless, it was still a remarkable number to reach 3,600 participants and perhaps it’s the biggest run to date (in terms of numbers). The funds raised will be used to finance its operational programmes in learning, vocation and rehabilitation for the special needs people under the centre.

A belated shout out to Winnie Sia who ran yesterday on her birthday.

My toastmasters buddies – Supatra and Jason

The finishing line

Jayden Sia with his sister Winnie Sia

 

Mr. Soon Loo, the host for “Living with Passion” with founders of Relentless Entertainment

Mr. Soon Loo as the host

How many passionate Bruneians do you think are out there? The answer is… more than we think we know.

Hosted by Mr. Soon Loo, one of Brunei first venture capitalist and an executive coach. “Living with Passion” is an new TV series featuring passionate Bruneians and dive into what does it mean to live lives with passion.

The featured series showcases talents of Brunei to inspire its audience to pursue the things and goals they want in life. Amongst the guests that came onto the “Living with Passion” talk shows are Brunei’s Olympic representative, SEA Games’ Gold Medalists, one of Brunei’s first full featured film Directors, Bruneian starting business in Silicon Valley and abroad, aspiring award-winning Brunei musicians and entertainers, Brunei premier architect, Brunei professional marathon runner, Brunei socialite, fashion designer, dancers, business personalities, DJ, and other Bruneians that you may recognize making their mark in Brunei and the region pursuing what they love.

Living with Passion is hosted by Soon Loo, Managing Director of Seri Venture Capital that works with Brunei Economic Development Board to invest and grow companies in Brunei to expand overseas. Soon is also an executive and life coach that works with people and professions to forward their goals in their life. He was recently honored by the Junior Chamber International in Rio as One of Ten Outstanding Young People of the World.

“It is inspiring to see that there are so many inspiring Bruneians from all walks of life, of all ages, courageously pursuing their passion and that’s why we created this series with RTB. I think we Bruneians need to recognize and celebrate what they are capable of doing — and more often than not we are more capable than we think.” said Soon Loo.

Currently, the TV series is in it’s 10th week. If you still have not had a chance to catch an episode, you still have 5 more times to do so. Living with Passion is broadcasted every Friday at 930pm (and replay every Saturday around 1130am) on RTB 1.

Do you have the courage to pursue what you love? Then maybe in the future, you too can be featured on this new TV show — so that Bruneians can work together to ignite passion of life.

Living with Passion is broadcasted every Friday at 930pm (and replay every Saturday around 1130am) on RTB 1

 

Review of Mad Max: Road Fury. Oh What a Day. What a Lovely Day 😀

Review of Pitch Perfect 2 with co-host @delgoh