Posts Tagged ‘soundcloud’
In love with Hua Hin
Listen to the podcast on our countdown to the Top 10 movies of 2015 (Rano and Del’s) and also the disappointments and our horribles section.
My week stay at Sheraton Pranburi Villa at Hua Hin, Thailand. Truly love this place and the greenery.
This week has been amazing on many levels. The journey of learning, discovering and recovering have never felt compelling to the extent that I felt lighter, confused and amazed, all at once. It’s something that I couldn’t verbalize and I’m thankful to my friends who felt my expression. I am happy that I made this trip to the beautiful Hua Hin and thumbs up to Sheraon Pranburi Villa for their awesome hospitality since day one.
This is the second city I’ve visited this year and there are more to come (Vietnam, KL, KK and Taipei) in the coming two months for work and toastmasters. Despite the traveling, I’m slowly beginning to feel the pinch in terms of the Brunei economy. If SMEs are not doing well, then it will have downstream effect and even my revenue stream will have some impact, be it big or small. Now it’s the ideal time to plan for the year which I hardly do or just not my habit to do so. This is a reality and it’s something I have to be mindful on the decisions I make especially when it comes to time and money.
I haven’t been updating on a regular basis since my days in Hua Hin were quite packed and I chose the spare time to catch up with my buddies or just spend some alone time on my own. It feels great once again to type out my thoughts while enjoying the breeze by the poolside at Sheraton Pranburi Villa. How I wish I can blog in this kinda of environment, feeling peaceful and yes, my mind feels freer as compared to when I blog in the comfort of my room (the irony).
I kinda miss what’s going in Brunei after MIA for the past week. Usually I will be craving for local stories in the morning to see what’s interesting or what not. Now… mmmm… not so much. I choose to be in the moment and that is making the most of my time while in Hua Hin. Today’s news though caught my interest as it was on my IG feed where His Majesty the Sultan paid a visit to International School of Brunei early today. It was also the first visit by our monarch to the relocated ISB.
Now I tell you what I’m looking forward being back – tennis and The Revenant. Oh yea, I can’t believe the Oscar nominated film is showing in Brunei cinemas. Woohooo… I couldn’t manage to catch it while abroad but blessed it’s now showing in Brunei. Del Goh rated this movie as one one of his honourable mentions in his Top 10 movies of 2015. Who knows The Revenant could be in one of my Top 10 in 2016. And tennis, I just miss whacking the ball and I can feel that I’m out of shape especially in the fitness department.
Congratulations goes to Jaz Hayat on his new single which also available on iTunes. He has been MIA for quite some time and now he’s back with a bang, a new released single called “Dari Mata”. Just like Aziz Harun and Eia, he’s also another star in the making. We need more artistes and talents in Brunei. All the best, Jaz, and truly like the countdown on social media as a teaser to your single. Do check his single out and download on iTunes.
That’s it for me today and let me just enjoy the breeze and the music by the poolside. Life is just awesome 😀
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Back in Kuching
Review of Mad Max: Road Fury. Oh What a Day. What a Lovely Day 😀
Review of Pitch Perfect 2 with co-host @delgoh
Congratulations to my friends, Major Pengiran Mohammad Shamsul Reza bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Hj Tengah and Tara Abdullah Teo @ Tracey Teo Lee Ying on their wedding function last weekend. My friendship with Reza began during our student life in St. Andrew’s School. We were big fans of figurines such as M•A•S•K and He-Man to name a few. We kinda lost track after we headed off to different countries for future studies and I totally lost contact with him. So after two decades of knowing you, you are now a married man 😀 All the best in your new chapter with Tara and may Allah bless your new journey.
I’m currently in Kuching with buddies from Brunei toastmasters (Brunei Speakers’ Club, OTTERS and UBD Toastmasters) and we are all attending the 5th Annual District Convention. I shall be here until the weekend and I hope to learn something valuable from the trip apart from bonding with my friends. It’s good to be back in Kuching.
Rediscover the true taste of home..bruneihalal’s latest home range is perfect for gifts on your special occasion. They have got a wide range of selections for you and its available for pre-order now! For orders and further inquiries, contact bruneihalal at +6732384533 or drop an email at information@brunei-halal.com
Royal Brunei Airline’s first batch of female cabin crew; Puan Hjh Zainoon DP Hj Elias, Nadirah Irene Abdullah Tan, Roslyn Teo, Hjh Latifah Hj Tudin, Rosnani Hj Hamid, Hjh Jemilah Hj Md Ja’afar, Dk Susilawati DP Pg Damit and Hjh Aisah Hj Abd Rahman, were all smiles earlier this morning as they recreate their group photo from 1975, when they came back home to Brunei after finishing their training, ready for RB’s first ever commercial flight. Congratulations RB for reaching the 40th year milestone. Image courtesy of RB.
A new gym in town located at Lumut (Unit 11, Spg 72, Jln Kg Lumut) called JC Muscle Building and Fitness gym. The gym opens from 8.30am to 8:30pm and you can follow them on Facebook “JCMB & Fitness – Gym” and also on instagram @jcmbfitness. Image courtesy of Hafiizah Maideen of The Brunei Times.
A new notice that has been given to food and beverage vendors and businesses. Wonder what the reaction will be from the businesses and the public.
The best movie for me this year, hands down. Though it’s a not a perfect ten, this movie excels in many areas and do listen to my podcast review for now. You can click on the image to listen. Verdict: 9/10
DPMM FC lost their second match of the season and their import player McLead was sent off as Albirex Niigata benefited from the foul and sending off and they scored from the penalty for the winning goal. Albirex is back on the summit of the S•League. Albirex Niigata 2 DPMM FC 1.
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Serenity
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BIBD’s latest promotion
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BIBD, via its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, showed its full support for Asari Rashid to become the first Bruneian to participate in the Polar Circle Marathon. BIBD’s support for Asari was aimed to create and raise awareness for developing a community that cares, whilst playing its role as an integral and strong partner of the community. This partnership is developed to encourage a positive influence and inspire other members of the community to support similar awareness raising efforts.
Asari is an epileptic PhD student from Newcastle University, UK and a lecturer in Institut Teknologi Brunei. He is also the 1st Bruneian to run the Polar Circle Marathon, participating in the Polar Bear Challenge, which tested his ability to run both the marathon and a half-run within the two days of the competition.
Earlier before the Polar Circle Marathon, Asari mentioned, “I’ve had a lot of people telling me it’s difficult but this is something I really want to try.” Asari, clearly unfazed by the idea of the run, continued, “I was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2009 with tendency of having seizures but it has never stopped me from doing what I love. I am also very thankful to BIBD for providing me with the opportunity to embark on my dream, as together we are able to show the world that everyone has the ability to succeed, regardless of their drawbacks.
“I was inspired to take the feat in order to raise awareness of the needs of people with diseases and show that we are both resilient and determined not to let it become an obstacle in pursuing our dreams including achieving better education. Everyone needs education and it will start from their adolescence, children need to be given as much opportunity in life as possible.”
Asari is no stranger to long distance running, having trained with the Tyne Bridge Harriers running club, had already competed in numerous challenges including completed a Aviva Singapore Ironman 70.3, three marathons, and an Ultramarathon “The Wall” from Carlisle to Newcastle Gateshead, which saw him running 110km miles in an impressive 15hrs and 55mins. The Polar Circle Marathon included a classic 42.195km marathon and a half marathon. The Marathon was held in the worst running conditions of under – 20°C in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland for two consecutive days.
Starting at Kangerlussuaq, the run passes the endless ice and arctic tundra of Greenland, which makes up the glacial deposit landscapes and soundless arctic desert. Part of the route takes place on the 100,000-year-old ice sheet but the main part of the race is run on roads, mostly covered in snow that connects to the inland ice just north of the Polar Circle.
Asari Rashid, an epileptic PhD student from Newcastle University, UK and a lecturer in Institut Teknologi Brunei became the first Bruneian to run the Polar Circle Marathon. Image courtesy of Asari Rashid.
Asari Rashid with new found buddies at the Polar Circle Marathon
A similar effort for awareness, BIBD’s ALAF Programme (Advocating Life-Long Learning for An Aspiring Future), provides a similar avenue for all members of the public to support and provide assistance to underprivileged and orphaned students, through sponsorships of basic needs, educational items and welfare, as well as mentoring and counselling, so that the students can stay focused on their education and maximise their potential. Through ALAF, BIBD hopes to lend its support to His Majesty’s 2035 vision of achieving a 100 per cent level of education and over time, reduce poverty in Brunei.
To further support the aspiration of this program and to enable the deserving students to pursue their education and dreams, members of the public are welcome to provide contributions with a minimum of B$1.01 via the bank’s e-banking channels, BIBD Online, BIBD Mobile, or use any BIBD ATM machines. The public can also use the standing instruction function in their accounts to provide a continuous donation stream into the ALAF account at 1018181811.
The Book of Life
Fury
Netcom 19th Anniversary and you can stand a chance to win a notebook. So far there have been hundreds of shares and likes on Netcom Computer House Facebook page. So keep them coming. Click image to find out more.
Are you always in a rush? Simply throw on one of your favorite pair of jeans, a white tee, and one of our selections of scarves this weekend! We have chosen quite a few great designs that will elevate a simple outfit in one easy step. This weekend, you can layer yourself in this craze and shop gauzy, pretty prints of scarves for only B$11.90 instead of the usual B$19.90 exclusively for REGISTERED MEMBERS ONLY! Hence if you are not registered with Malppy yet, register right NOW. Let its refined look dress up a casual top, or make it even more chic by offsetting its slightly slouchy shape with your structured overcoats for this rainy season.
Weekend Members Special is only valid for 3 days from Friday till Sunday, so be fast before the price is back to original again. For your information, Malppy Weekend Sale will now be exclusively for REGISTERED MEMBERS only hence to enjoy this great deal coming from Malppy every weekend, you need to be registered as a Malppy user.
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Starbucks gift vouchers to be given first 50 customers of BIBD customers
Happening this Sunday – Charity Car Boot Sale organised by Jerudong Park Medical Centre
The Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) has opened another window for applications to its “GRANT for the Development of Local ICT and Digital Media Industries” from 1 November 2014 to 31 December 2014.
The AITI GRANT offers partial funding opportunities for local businesses as well as foreign companies with local partners from the ICT and digital media fields to acquire enhancement, ownership and marketing assistance for their existing “Brunei-Made” product or prototype that has significant commercial viability. There are three (3) grant types available, namely:
a) Enhancement Grant – for improving and upgrading existing products;
b) Ownership Grant – for obtaining certification and quality management systems such as trademarks, patent, and IPR; and
c) Marketing Grant – for marketing and improving existing branding, packaging, design or labeling.
The grant amount varies depending on the type of grant applied and the classification of the businesses. Each applicant is allowed to apply for more than one grant type for the same product with a maximum cap of B$300,000 per category within eighteen (18) months project duration.
To be eligible for the AITI GRANT, an applicant must have valid AITI Accredited Business (AAB) Status and has financial capability to inject an initial amount of self-funding prior to the start of the GRANT project. The applicant must also have developed an existing product or prototype and wishes to obtain the grant to improve and enhance the technological aspects of the product, to improve marketing strategies, as well as to acquire a wider coverage of Intellectual Property Rights protection for their product.
Applications will be evaluated based on four main criteria: technical merits, commercial potential, financial resources, and project plan and capacity to deliver. Further evaluation will also emphasize on Brunei-Made elements of the proposed product as well as the relevancy to any of the following areas: application tools and platforms, communication, e-learning, financial industry application, government and public sectors, health and wellbeing, social inclusion and community, industrial application, media and entertainment technology, ICT research and development, retail and supply chain management, security, and sustainability and environment technology.
AITI Grant Scheme
AITI’s GRANT was initiated to assist the local ICT companies to further develop their ICT and digital media related products and encourage R&D activities and capabilities in producing local innovative Brunei Made products with commercial potential through Government funding.
Since its inception in 2010, AITI has awarded grant to fourteen local ICT and digital media related businesses with an overall amount of B$1.9 million funded under the National Development Plan. To date, ten recipients have already completed their grant projects where some of these products have been now made readily available in the market. The first GRANT recipient, MARS Enterprise, has successfully developed their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution and has penetrated the overseas market within this region.
Two recipients, John Harith Technology Sdn Bhd and ZimacSilicon Technologies Sdn Bhd, have successfully run their pilot projects on Halal Food Traceability System and iCLID, respectively with the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and the Customs and Immigration Department. Other grant recipients include Crescent Sdn Bhd, Alif Technologies Sdn Bhd, BruGPS Technologies Sdn Bhd, Syarikat Indah Sejahtera Development and Services Sdn Bhd, Ambuyart Animations Company, Cinematicpro Services, Mediahikmah, PHMD Publishing Company, SocialBuzz Advertising, MeSixty Sdn Bhd and Giftbox Enterprise Sdn Bhd.
AITI is pleased to invite all eligible ICT and digital media businesses to apply for the AITI GRANT before the closing on Wednesday, 31 December 2014 by 4.30pm. For more information and guidelines on the AITI GRANT, please visit AITI’s website, www.aiti.gov.bn/AITIGRANT. Individual consultation sessions are also provided. For further enquiries, interested applicants can contact Farihah or Tajul Ariffin of Industry Development Group at 2366659/ 2366681 / 2323232 ext. 6681 (during office hours) or
via email at farihah.said@aiti.gov.bn / ariffin.hassan@aiti.gov.bn.
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#tillWhen?
Our take on the ongoing Film Festival UBD 2014 with my co-host Del Goh. Click play to listen to our enlightening review.
The set up at The Core. Nicely done, guys!! Check them out this weekend at The Core, UBD
Some of the props for the Film Festival UBD 2014
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The timings for today (Saturday 19th April 2014)
Catch the production crew of Yasmine tomorrow at The Core, UBD
They are also selling merchandise for $10
Efah Mahrub of Film Festival UBD 2014, Siti Kamaluddin of Origins Film and Elizabeth Sim of Timeout with Liz
Sukan Ria Goldmyne Badminton Tournament. Click image to download form.
Sukan Ria Bowling Tournament. Click image to download form.
This edition of Inspire is a good read and learning about our influential women in Brunei.
@thehellopanda is also featured in this edition. The magazine will be available next week at newsstand for BND 5
Representatives from the social media sphere – Brunei FM, Social Deal, Ranoadidas and TigerLim
As the EPL Masters Brunei makes its return this year with a bigger twist, top social media sites and local bloggers expressed their support for this year’s much anticipated event as they agreed to become official social media partners of EPL Masters Football 2014. They signed an agreement with S-Team Solutions, the official event organizer on 18 April 2014, at the premises of S-Team at BT Complex at Jalan Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa.
Signified to show support for the event using their own social media platforms to disseminate information to the public, the event’s media partners include : Brunei FM, RanoAdidas, SocialDeal.com.bn and Tiger Lim.
During the occasion S-Team announced that his year’s tournament is set to take place at the National Stadium, which seats over 20,000 people, and the scene for many proud events for Brunei.
EPL Masters Brunei 2014 is an intense action packed indoor one-day tournament, where teams from the legendary stars from the EPL and Brunei battle it out for glory to be crowned champion. Previously, the teams were 6-a-side, but with announcement of a larger venue, the teams have also gotten bigger, as they now will be playing 11-a-side.
This year, the events will consist of a four day tour and activities, which include but are not limited to a golf and a youth football camp, meet the fans and corporate appearances.
EPL Masters Brunei 2014 features football heroes players from the 4 big teams namely : Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal forming the EPL All-Stars team.
Previously, fans were able to rub shoulders with the likes of Liverpool FC’s Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman,and Patrik Berger rekindle old rivalries against Manchester United’s top goal scorer Andy Cole, Ronnie Johnsen and Lee Sharpe.
As the Manchester United Fans Club and the Arsenal Fans club have offered to help as volunteers and liason officers, S-Team would like to extend an invitation to the Liverpool and Chelsea fan clubs to volunteer and have the chance to meet players from their favourite club. For further details please contact : 8899998.
To help The EPL Masters Brunei 2014, is not just a football event for local football fans, but is a prime opportunity for sports tourism to Brunei. It is hoped that travel agents can offer fans in neighbouring countries packages to bring in groups to watch a once-in-a-lifetime game that is set to thrill and amaze.
Representing TigerLim
Representing Brunei FM
A surprise birthday gig for Mr. James Lee last evening. Thanks for the invitation 😀
Happening today and tomorrow
Participants in the test drive tomorrow will be given an original KIA-FIFA World Cup T-shirt and raffle form for an opportunity to win a trip for two to watch the 2014 FIFA World Cup Semi-Finals live in Brazil.
As a major sponsor of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Kia is organising a nation-wide tour until May.
Kia on Tour 2014 is part of a larger global roadshow project initiated by Kia Motors Corporation in Korea.
It is part of Kia’s global commitment to surpass customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation. Text by Mei Fung Lee of The Brunei Times.
Test drive a KIA tomorrow at SEAMEO VOCTECH Regional Centre and stand a chance to win a trip for two to watch the semi-finals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil
A successful test drive done last month near Times Square Shopping Centre.
The dugong carcass at Tungku Beach. Image taken by Rafidah Hamit of The Brunei Times
The carcass of an unidentified sea animal believed to be that of a dugong is still at Tungku Beach, six days after it was reported to the Wildlife Division.
When The Brunei Times visited the site yesterday, there was already a foul smell emitting from the remains of the carcass. On closer inspection, it was found that most of the flesh was destroyed. More maggots and flies were seen to be devouring the carcass. Curious onlookers also stopped to look at it.
Hj Faisal Hj Nordin, an officer from the Wildlife Division told The Brunei Times that they had sent a team down to the beach to investigate the remains but could not ascertain the cause of death.
They were also unable to determine whether it was a dugong or a seal. “This is because we do not have a mammal expert. After the investigation, we just left the carcass there to naturally decompose,” Hj Faisal said. He declined to provide further details on the matter. Leaving carcasses that have been washed up ashore to decompose naturally is not uncommon.
In December 2012, a young whale measuring 40 feet long was found on a beach in Malibu — the carcass had disintegrated to such an extent that it was no longer feasible to tow it out to sea. According to an article by The Guardian, authorities had said that the condition of the whale’s carcass made it physically difficult to be moved. “It’s so embedded in sand that they won’t be able to get it out. The body will be pulled apart,” the authorities were reported as saying. The carcass of the sea animal at Tungku Beach measured at about six feet in length. The wildlife authority in Brunei urges the public to report any findings related to wildlife animals to them by calling 2774258, or emailing info-wildlife@industry.gov.bn or by contacting them through the Facebook. Text by Rafidah Hamit of The Brunei Times.
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