Own the Audi A3 Sedan 1.8 TFSI during CNY with the first 5-months at zero cost. Valid until March 2015. To add on that, 60 months or 150,000km warranty. Check them out at T•C•Y Motors (Audi) Showroom at Kiarong.

 

The newly revamped Dining Privilege Card. Read more below on how you can get it.

DPC stands for Dining Privilege Card. The card has been around for many years but the abbreviation DPC has not really caught in the minds of many. It’s such a great privilege (no pun intended) that the DPC is worth to have especially if you are dining at the Royal Brunei Catering outlets. You can patron at Anjung Saujana (Brunei International Airport), Seasons Restaurant, Dynasty, Emperor’s Court and Fish & Co and enjoy discounts or earn points using DPC. This also applies to RBC laundry and dry cleaning services.

Few days ago, the DPC was relaunched and it was launched by Acting General Manager of Royal Brunei Catering Pg Hj Abd Rahman Pg Hj Mat Salleh who has been in charged for the past few weeks. Concurrently, it was also launching of the DPC website which was designed by Syensai Design. You can click here to see what DPC has to offer and it’s a very comprehensive and easy to navigate portal.

The DPC also has a facelift where instead of the classic blue card, it is now the gold coloured card. For existing customers with DPC, you can renew your cards at the five mentioned restaurants. As for new ones, all you have to do is spend $88 at any RBC outlets or you can accumulate your receipts up to $88 and you will be eligible for the DPC.

The event was also to commemorate the local media from TV to radio to newspapers and social media for their continuous support in spreading information on RBC’s promotion. It was nice to acknowledge and receiving certificates of appreciation from RBC.

Thank you once again and we all look forward to cover more of RBC events for the benefits of our readers.

Guest of honour, Acting General Manager of Royal Brunei Catering Pg Hj Abd Rahman Pg Hj Mat Salleh, launching the DPC website

Members of the media

DJ Daffy of Kristal FM receiving certificate of appreciation

Rokiah of Borneo Bulletin receiving certificate of appreciation

A representative from a Chinese print media receiving certificate of appreciation

The management of RBC

With the members of the media

Sofian of Syensai Design winning a voucher from RBC

 

Click image to enter website

One of the most popular models that’s doing well in Maju Motors, the sole distributor for Volkswagen in Brunei, is the Volkswagen Scirocco. The exterior looks sporty with awesome performance. The latest version has narrow headlights and striking air inlet at the front end design. The rear itself is pretty eye catching, sporting a twin exhaust pipe, striking lights and beefy bumpers characterise the rear.

Did you know the Scirocco model has been around for many years? But the makers have taken an evolutionary approach with its style and make it more appealing to the eyes of the younger generation.

You can visit the showroom at Maju Motors or call 265 5111 for inquiries. Or you can visit them at the Love Bug Carnival from 13th to 14th February at Maju Motors. Bring your family for some sweet treats and check out the VW models at their showroom. Do check out their Facebook for updates.

A proud owner of the Volkswagen Scirocco

Another proud owner of the Volkswagen Scirocco, my brother

Happening today and tomorrow

 

Happy birthday Jason

 

Mabohai Shopping Complex successfully kicked off its first car boot sale at their new parking lot located at the complex last Sunday, 8 February 2015. The activity started at 6:00 am and lasted till 12 noon.

This event brought members of the community together as friends and family members helped each other sell pre-loved items. Car boot sale lovers and enthusiasts came as early as 6:00 am to browse for great bargains. Participants sold used and pre-loved toys, books, clothes, magazines, kitchenware, electrical goods and more from their own household. Other items included Gundam action figures, vintage Archie comics, baby strollers and car seats and branded clothes.

Participants came in as early as 5:00 am to set up and the whole car park area was bustling with activity by 6:00 am. This carried on till late morning despite the threat of rain.

To join in the festivities of the car boot sale, Savy’s Brasserie, Mabohai Branch, offered a 10% all day discount to all diners on Sunday, 8th Feb 2015.

The Complex Manager said:

“We are delighted with the outcome of our first car boot sale. The turnout was great from sellers and buyers alike and all the sellers sold most of their wares by the end of the sale. It was a warm community activity which saw friends and families come and help each other set up and sell their pre loved belongings. With the success of this event, the public can look forward to another Car Boot Sale organized in the near future, which will be announced on our website, facebook and IG @mabohaibrunei”.

 

Mathien Malan Kasim and Ryan Nicholas Elicay winning second and first respectively at the ASEAN Universities International English Speech Competition that was held at Thepsatri Rajabhat University in Lopburi, Thailand

Two students from Universiti Brunei Darussalam battled out 34 other contestants to capture the first and second place at the ASEAN Universities International English Speech Competition that was held at Thepsatri Rajabhat University in Lopburi, Thailand two weeks ago.

Ryan Nicholas Elicay emerged as the champion of the competition and Mathien Malan Kasim finished as the first runner-up. Both the students are Professional Communications and the Media majors from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

Ryan, whose speech was entitled ‘What single ASEAN country could you learn the most from’ quoted, “It was definitely one of the best moments in my life. I would like to thank Dr. Chris Woo, our coach, for his tremendous efforts in ensuring that we had winning speeches, spending so many hours perfecting our speeches and our delivery. And of course the University for giving us the opportunity to take part in the competition. We hope we have made the University and the country proud.”

With the experience that the two students have gained from the competition, they would wish to represent UBD in many other competitions that will be held in the future. Image courtesy of Dr. Chris Woo.

Ryan Nicholas Elicay receiving the first place for the competition

The representative finalists from ASEAN for the competition

 

From 30-31 January 9am to 5pm, you are eligible for a $100 service voucher for participating a customer feedback session at Volkswagen Brunei (Maju Motors Sdn Bhd)

 

Click image to register and find out more

For the first time ever, Bruneians will have a chance to get a ticket to Anfield (Liverpool’s home ground) and play against the best of the best in the world in the Standard Chartered Trophy 2015. It’s a futsal tournament format and it will be a 5 a-side format.

This is made possible by Standard Chartered Bank (Brunei) and this tournament opened to everyone even if you are not a Liverpool fan. For your info, SCB is the official sponsor for Liverpool FC club. The announcement was made yesterday at SCB’s Priority Banking Centre.

So do check out Brunei’s time line for the event below and the winners of the Brunei contingent will be sent to Kuala Lumpur for the regional competition in late March. If your team managed to beat both Malaysia and Thailand, your team will be given the green light to Anfield. By the way, all these trips will be all expenses paid by SCB.

The qualifiers are open to Brunei citizens and permanent residents (phew, I have a chance). They must be over 18 years old and are neither professional/semi-professional players. SCB Brunei has allocated 14 berths to their key stakeholders and 10 more slots are up for grabs.

Each team shall consist of seven players, and those selected will have to pay a registration fee of $100 – which will go to the Humanitarian Fund of the Malaysian Flood Disaster. So this means that if they are more than 24 slots, SCB Brunei organising team will go through the selection process and based the selection on the short essay on why you want to be part of this event. Once you are selected, the $100 registration will be come into play. So if you are registering online, you won’t be charged $100 straight away. Good luck in registering your team.

You can click here for the registration. The closing date is 10th February 2015.

This event is made possible by SCB Brunei and they are very grateful with the support by inistry of Culture, Youth and Sports and endorsed by the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) in assisting SCB Brunei with the upcoming event.

Ng Yick Wei, Head of Brand and Marketing at SCB Brunei, Marilyn Graeme, Head of Corporate Affairs at SCB, Hj Mohd Noor Hj Hamid, Department of Youth and Sports official, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and also a NFABD committee, Hj Aslan Hj Tengah, Supervisor Sport Organisation, Sports Department, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports during the announcement of Standard Chartered Trophy 2015 at SCB’s Priority Banking yesterday

Yay, we were given Liverpool goodies from SCB Brunei

 

Mr. Pierre Imhof, CEO of Baiduri Bank, giving his welcoming remarks

Guests during the relaunch of Baiduri Bank

Baiduri Bank recently officially re-launched its branch at The Mall, Gadong following recent major renovation and upgrading works. The opening ceremony was officiated by the Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Pierre Imhof, who was joined by 11 of the Bank’s pioneer customers in the symbolic cutting of the ribbon.

In his welcome remarks, Mr. Imhof thanked the guests for their loyalty and confidence in Baiduri Bank, adding “It is an honour for us to have our pioneer customers who are still active with us here today. They have been a part of us throughout our 20 year journey, and we look forward to continuing our journey together with them into the future”.

The Bank’s Mall Branch first began operations in 2004, setting the record as the first bank in Brunei with an in-mall outlet as well as operating 7 days a week.

Elaborating on the branch upgrade, Mr. Imhof said, “Our branch network configuration project is a part of our initiatives to enhance customer experience. We constantly upgrade our branches to meet evolving customer needs. The investments we are making to this branch will make for a more welcoming environment for customers to carry out their banking transactions as well as a conducive working environment for our staff. This, we believe, is key to enhancing overall customer experience.”

The refurbished branch features modern and contemporary décor to reflect the dynamism and innovative spirit of Baiduri Bank and offers full banking services to individuals and businesses as well as complimentary personal financial planning consultation. The upgraded premises also have free Wi-Fi as well as more ATMs to cater to the growing number of customers transacting electronically.

Following the launch, guests were taken on a tour of the branch premises led by Ms. Alvina Chung, Regional Manager of Brunei-Muara District and Dayang Vivi Rudynanissmah Hj Mamud, Manager of the Mall Branch.

Also present at the ceremony were Mr. Ti Eng Hui, Deputy CEO of Baiduri Bank, Mr. Andrew Young, Deputy General Manager – Operations Management Division, Diversification & Strategic Development, Haji Haliluddin bin Dato Haji Talib, General Manager of Baiduri Finance, Pengiran Azaleen bin Pengiran Dato Haji Mustapha, Head of Retail Banking and Branch Network and a host of senior executives from the Bank. Images courtesy of Vincent Hong.

 

Rano’s take of 2014 movies with special guest @delgoh and Zul

 

Click image to see Consumer Fair 15 schedule for the weekend

 

12 Art toys bearing the Peugeot emblem – Léo’z Art toys. Now available at Peugeot Boutique in Kiarong showroom

Peugeot has unveiled at Peugeot Boutique in Kiarong showroom its first series of 12 Art toys bearing the Peugeot emblem: lions known as Léo’z. This series developed with PEUGEOT DESIGN LAB, in partnership with the company ARTOYZ, is available from Peugeot showroom starting January 28, 2015.

The series consists of 12 lions, 6 of which were designed by internationally renowned artists: Huck Gee (UK), 64 Colors (USA), Bunka (France), DGPH (Argentina), Tikka NG (Hong Kong), Koralie (France), and the other 6 by the PEUGEOT DESIGN LAB designers: Claire Panel (France), Thomas Josson (France), Damian O’ Hara (Ireland), Hossein Borojeni (France), Flora Tai & Guillaume Daniel (France). The adorable lions measure at 3 inches or 8 cm, and are perfect for Vinyl Figure enthusiasts or car memorabilia lovers.

Léo’z Art toys will be sold at Peugeot Kiarong showroom. Two additional versions, less common and in smaller quantity, have also found their way into this collection.

Each Art Toy on sale is the fruit of an artistic process, and involving lengthy and painstaking work, drawing inspiration from worlds as diverse as contemporary art, poetry, chemistry, origami, architecture, fashion…These unique objects form a link between the world of childhood, by adopting the design of the brand’s lion soft toy mascot created by Christophe Pialat (France), and the grown-up world.

Check out the vLéo’z Art toys

 

Laksamana College now offering degree programmes from the University of Chester

Finally after years of waiting, Laksamana College of Business (LCB) is able to provide a degree course under the programme from the University of Chester. Some of the courses included are such as BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance (3 years), BA (Hons) Business Management (3 years), BA (Hons) Marketing (3 years) and BSc (Hons) Computer Science (3 years).

Late last year, LCB Chief Operating Officer S Sivarajah said the college received the approval letter from the Brunei Darussalam National Accreditation Council.

This would mean that you won’t have to travel all the way to the UK to get a degree and still get certified by a university and endorsed by Brunei Darussalam National Accreditation Council.

LCB currently has more than a thousand active students. Sivarajah said that he expects a high demand from both parents and students as the course offers them an alternative route to receiving a British university education. Sivarajah said the annual cost of the degree programme in the UK is about £10,000 ( BND 20,369) on average, whereas the college is able to offer the courses at BND 9,500. Now that is an affordable fee (almost 50 percent off).

Now LCB is opening for registration for February 2015 intake. A good way to start your undergraduate programme at Laksamana College of Business. For more info, you can call 223 8816 or 223 8818.

 

Acer Liquid Smartphones

Check out Acer Liquid smartphones

 

HSBC Personal Internet Banking

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BIBD Home Showcase 4

BIBD Home Showcase 4. Click more to find out!!

Icon Design Store

Click to enter website

Royal Brunei Airlines

Click to enter website

Stevie G attempted to grab the ball from the touchline but he was being shrugged off by Jose

What a great tactician Mourinho is! Liverpool was coming off a great run of victories and they never expect to be in the hunt for the title but their great run has put them back in title contention especially after their close victory over Manchester City a few weeks ago. However, Liverpool failed to beat Chelsea at Anfield where it mattered the most. Chelsea fielded a weaker team due to injuries and saving them for another important match in the second semi-final of the Champs League against Atlético Madrid in mid-week.

This was also the first time that Liverpool failed to scored in the first half in 25 games. So you can tell that Jose Mourinho know how to grind results at any expense and they played a much compact strategy especially at the back, forcing the midfielders and forwards to play deep, allowing less room for the likes of Sterling and Suarez to cause problems.

Two goals from Chelsea benefited from a clumsy errors, both coming in injury time of each halves. I truly salute Jose Mourinho in his tactics last night and if anyone can stop Liverpool form scoring, then it is Chelsea.

The result have open the Premier League wide open with Manchester City now favourites to win the title due to goal difference should both Liverpool and Man City win all their remaining games. Chelsea still have an outside chance to win the title if both Liverpool and City slip in their remaining games. Looks like the title will be down to the wire.

Will Stevie G’s error proved costly in the title race? We shall find out in two weeks’ time.

Demba Ba benefited from Stevie G’s error and scored late in the first half.

 

Chicco – coming soon near you. Click image to enter Facebook Page for more info.

 

Hjh Lily binti Hj Kula, the guest of honour, for the 4th BIBD Home Showcase. She’s the Deputy Managing Director (Regulatory) of the Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (AMBD)

Last Friday, BIBD launched their popular Home Showcase and it’s their 4th edition. So if you are looking or scouting for a home, BIBD provides good financing packages such as home financing, home improvement financing too as well as other BIBD’s products and services. The 4th BIBD Home Showcase will end of 4th of May this Sunday at The Mall, Gadong.

You can check out some of the range of home improvement packages specifically designed for the National Housing Schemes at Mengkubau, Mentiri and Katok. The houses are built and constructed by Majuma Sdn Bhd, a new player in the construction industry and also a 100% locally established private limited construction company registered with the Ministry of Development. This is a great opportunity for them to work closely with BIBD to design, procure and construct and also handover pre-approved home extension and renovation works to suit the Home Improvement Financing Package Product.

There is a wide range of advantages including pre-approved house plans by relevant authorities, affordable and ready to move-in packages and affordable monthly repayment scheme. Aside from that, the package includes Takaful (insurance) coverage for the financing.

I believe many residents are looking for home extensions and improvements. Hence, this BIBD 4th Home Showcase is a great opportunity. For flooring, you can get choices of ground floor tiles or lamented flooring or if you want to refurbish or extend your existing kitchen or perhaps your wardrobe.

Package A, which is the basic packages offered $15,000 financing, while Package B and C offered more extensive packages (up to $50,000) that include a bigger square feet space, an extra bedroom, first floor extensions and a corridor which will also be entitled to a complimentary air conditioner or water pump from BIBD.

At the home showcase, there are also other ongoing promotion from BIBD. For instance, there is the BIBD Debit Card conversion which includes new debit card application and conversion of existing BIBD ATM cards. For new applicants or those who want to convert their debit cards, they are automatically entitled to receive 1,000 BIBD’s Hadiah Points. Participants of this promotion also stand a chance to win travel tickets for two to Singapore.

Check out the BIBD Home Showcase which is until the 4th May

Check out the BIBD Home Showcase which is until the 4th May

They have a mock sample on the housing with different packages especially for home improvements and extension

Check out the interior done by Majuma Sdn Bhd

The available packages for the BIBD Home Showcase

One of the available packages for the BIBD Home Showcase

At the same time, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (CBTL) will be providing a limited daily run of free coffee during the 10 days of the showcase from their Continental Espresso and Premium Decaf. BIBD customers who sign up for any of BIBD’s financings available, will stand a chance to win prizes such as Samsung Galaxy Tab, iPad Air, CBTL coffee machines, $20 vouchers, power banks and BIBD corporate gifts in a lucky dip. BIBD will also be giving out a fee waiver promotion on the processing fee of $150 during the showcase. Applicants of BIBD’s Home Improvement Financing packages will be entitled to a 100 per cent waiver, while a 50 per cent waiver is for all home financing applicants.

So there are plenty of reasons to entice you to enjoy the home packages offered by BIBD.

Also participating during BIBD’s Home Showcase are Bess Perfect Property Agency, BSTC Real Estate, Say Koo (Liew) Sdn Bhd, J-Fa Realty Agency & Marketing, Precise Development, Sterling Kitchen, Fabrica, Thomson Furniture, Max Track, Luzzone Interior Design, PNK Enterprise and Karim Karpet, Takaful Brunei Keluarga and Takaful Brunei Am.

Hjh Lily being briefed by a representative from Majuma Sdn Bhd during the short tour

Hjh Lily photo opportunity with Takaful

Group photo with AMBD and BIBD management

Sazali Arif (right) of White Room Studio is also exhibiting his wedding photography services

 

Last weekend, Volkswagen Brunei held an event for families and the public as they offered family activities such as face painting, photo booth with fun props, bouncers and giveaways. There was also a “Guess the Volkswagen” contest as the participants had to get the correct answers of the Volkswagen models and they will walk away with VW merchandises.

Local authorised dealer of the German auto brand, Maju Motors Sdn Bhd, is organising the event as a buildup to the upcoming launch of 14 models, which will be introduced to the public throughout the month of May. It will be released in phases and the first collection will be unveiled this weekend and every weekend there will be other models to be unveiled.

Executive Director of Maju Motors Sdn Bhd Chan Key Hong is delighted that the company will soon be offering a full range of Volkswagen cars in Brunei. Chan said that since more Bruneians are discovering the advanced German engineered vehicle, the company wants to ensure that there a Volkswagen for everyone.

Below are some of the images from last weekend’s activities. Courtesy of VW Brunei Facebook Page.

 

Click image to enter Facebook Page to answer question

Now it is an 11-a-side format compared to 5-a-side previously

Will Andy Cole be back again this time out?

 

Zuraidah Binti Hj Yahya receiving her 5 nights package to Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Johor, receiving from Haznah Md Hashim from the Malaysian High Commission to Brunei Darussalam and Pg Dato Sharifuddin, Chairman of Freme Travel. Also in the picture are Zurina Abd Samad, Director of Tourism Malaysia, Chong Yoke Har, Deputy Director General (Planning) of Tourism Malaysia and local DJ celebrity Daffy from Kristal FM. Image courtesy of Zatty Jo of The Brunei Times.

After a week of quizzes on Kristal FM with DJ Daffy, the winners were selected to have a special trip with DJ Daffy to explore Malaysia. The quiz was called “Lakas Tah Ke Malaysia Bersama DJ Daffy” and the initiative is a collaboration with Freme Travel Services, sponsored by Tourism Malaysia (Brunei).

Two winners are feted to fly with DJ Daffy to Malaysia to have fun-filled holiday. Congratulations to Zuraidah Binti Hj Yahya for winning a 5 nights package to Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Johor (worth $1,900) and Shahril Hashim bin Hj Mariat for winning a 3 nights package to Kuala Lumpur (worth $1,500). This means they will get to fly with DJ Daffy in the coming weeks or so. There were also consolation winners from the quizzes.

The event was graced by Chong Yoke Har, Deputy Director General (Planning) of Tourism Malaysia. In her speech, she said, “The holiday packages will especially appeal to families traveling together. The destinations and activities in the programmes cater to every interest and all age groups.”

The event also marked new packages where Brunei can enjoy a three night package to Kuala Lumpur for $1,480 from June 14 to 17th or the five night package to KL, Malacca and Johor for $1,840 from September 22nd to 27th and these dates do coincide with Brunei school holidays.

Some of the highlights of the package include visits to KidZania, Legoland Malaysia, Sanrio Hello Kitty Town, i-City, KL City tour, Putrajaya tour and shopping trips to IKEA, The Curve, and Johor Premium Outlets, as well as attending the 1Malaysia International Tourism Night floral Parade – Magic of the Night. This is an ideal trip if you want bring your family during school holidays.

Let’s not forget that this is also Visit Malaysia Year 2014 and there are many exciting things to look forward to in Malaysia alone. You can click here for more details. Of course, the upcoming big one is the Borneo Jazz Festival held from 9th May to 11th May and if you love music, this is the event to be at.

Shahril Hashim bin Hj Mariat receiving a 3 nights package to Kuala Lumpur. Image courtesy of Zatty Jo of The Brunei Times.

The winners with Chong Yoke Har, Deputy Director General (Planning) of Tourism Malaysia and DJ Daffy

DJ Daffy and the other consolation winners