Kicking off the new year with a beach gathering with my tennis buddies and coach Aiman Abdullah at Muara Beach

It feels great to be back on the court. I really love tennis, even at this age of reaching the four zero, my passion will override my physical being. I have many deadlines but only little to do with blog related. Though I have many stories to share, I shall be focusing more on my final draft to complete my 10th speech project.

Toastmasters. My final speech project for toastmasters (Competent Communicator) is scheduled for next Tuesday, 12th January. If you are interested to catch and be inspired, you are more than welcome to catch me live at Brunei Speakers’ Club meeting at SEAMEO Voctech at 7:30pm. As a toastmaster, I’ve learnt not only to be an affluent speaker but learning the ropes of a true leadership in guiding and mentoring members along the way. It’s always difficult to break the stigma that many thought that toastmasters is all about “talking/speaking” in public and that has become their biggest fear than taking a ride on a rollercoaster. So it is always nice to hear guests’ comments that they benefited from being a spectator, witnessing how role players played important roles in helping others to grow with positive criticism.

It took me three years to realise this as I wasn’t being present (in my mind) during toastmasters meeting back in 2011. After returning back to the arena, I rediscovered a whole new game and only then, I saw the true core values that I aspired to be and I never looked back since. Hence, I’m here as a toastmaster to make a difference, be the difference, in aspiring others to take the first step to grow as a leader and we have many qualified mentors to guide you through that journey. A big thank you to Shawn Narcis for seeing and believing in me and now I have a huge responsibility as I’m the organizing chair for the upcoming Brunei Toastmasters Conference in October 2016. I’m excited and also nervous.

Employment. Today’s headlines seems to be bring some hope to our community. It read – “Unemployment declines by 7% in October”. This data was issued by JPKE (Department of Economic Planning and Development). But then again, they have reported that these figures doesn’t really represent that the decline means that the jobseekers have a job. There are factors relating such as the previous registered jobseekers have left for further studies and also a handful have not renewed their registration as job seekers. Hence, it’s not a complete data representation but it’s the most comprehensive data to date. I’m pretty sure that not all jobseekers registered themselves as “jobseekers” to give a more accurate assessment on the level of unemployment in Brunei. With the decline of oil prices, there have been a major shake up in the oil and gas industry with some private companies forced to downsize their operations, hence low employment opportunities as compared to before.

Other streams of opportunities. So much emphasis has been given on SMEs. Let me spell it out – Small Medium Enterprises. It was good news to hear that His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’zzaddin Waddaulah and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam said in his titah to call for a new body to handle SME. This highlights how we are too reliant on the Oil and Gas sector and did you know that almost 90% of our revenue generates from that sector alone. There were also changes in the some of the SME divisions in the Brunei Economic Development Board. Some of the divisions/departments from BEDB have been transferred to the Ministry of Energy and Industries. I’m not sure how the governing body of SMEs will run the system but it will be nice if all the separate bodies of SMEs to work under one-roof and bring out the best in our entrepreneurs. Let’s see how 2016 will unfold for them.

The new eye of Kiulap. There is so much difference when you compare Setia Kenangan I and Setia Kenanga II buildings. The latter is located next to Regent Square and it’s picking up pace in terms of retailers. It’s quite amazing how shops and brands are popping up in times of the depreciating oil prices. We have the likes of Pepperlunch, Tomato KidZ (kids furniture), Wrap in a Box, Nerdee Cafe, Games & Latte cafe, two Escape rooms, WoMen salon (co-owned by Wu Chun), Alsa Living, Yugo Desserts (coming soon), De Cottage and the newly relocated Euro Classic which hasn’t been opened yet. I’m beginning to like the selection and choices of shops at Setia Kenangan II. The only problem is that there will be more road congestion leading to Regent Square and Setia Kenangan II.

Wu Chun officially launched the opening of the WoMen salon in Setia Kenangan II, Kiulap last Sunday. Image courtesy of Vincent Hong.

Wu Chun with his daughter during the opening of the salon. Image courtesy of Vincent Hong.

At the cutting edge of the rising global beauty industry, WoMen Hair, a unisex hair salon which started their first outlet in Taiwan, is a dream team of talents who are driven to create a new revolution in re-defining the real power of Asian beauty.

Behind the curtain of Women Hair is a team of award winning stylists and international celebrities. WoMen hair creates a state-of-the-art technology with top-end platform for aspiring trendsetters and successful figures that pursue an artistic taste of a cosmopolitan lifestyle.

The WoMen Hair salon is now officially opened in Brunei and this is an extension of Wu Chun’s personal philosophy. Wu Chun shared, “Our end goal is to deliver happiness to our clients. WoMen Hair is both hip and incredibly relaxed – the perfect environment for exceptional consultation, styling and attention. It is more about being private than about being exclusive.“

Coined the ‘anti-salon’, WoMen Hair is an ever evolving space with art collaborations and a 2 floors of super chic yet vintage interior with unique features such as container built-up box and a vibrant trendsetting lounge fully designed by Wu Chun.

According to Wu Chun, “We push the boundaries of hairdressing, delivering creativity, quality and consistency to every client. I have to admit our services are a bit pricy but with such good level of standards, its not easily available elsewhere in South East Asia and even if there is, it might be more costly.”

WoMen Hair contributes on a wealth of high profile international campaigns and editorial features in some of the world’s leading publications. Highlights have included Elle, Bazaar, Esquire, Men’s Health, Marie Claire, Madame Figaro, Vogue, Cosmopolitan and more.

WoMen Hair Salon has now opened its door and is located at Kiulap’s new commercial shop lot – Kenangan II shopping complex is situated right behind Regent Square.; (Behind Excapade Restaurant). They are currently having an introductory offer for first-time customers to enjoy a 30% off on all their services.

For all the beauty enthusiasts who wants to have a new great look for 2016, please call 2236262 for the appointment that will re-define your beauty. Images courtesy of Vincent Hong.

Wu Chun with his invited guests

Wu Chun sporting a new hair cut

Wu Chun with the international hair stylists

A celebrity with an entrepreneurial spirit

Get a copy now available at Best Eastern or you can read Inspire at the local cafes in Brunei

Yesterday was a historic moment and a milestone for the 50 listed influential women residing in Brunei Darussalam. I believe there are more out there to date and of course, the editor need to pull the right resources in a given amount of time before finalizing the 50 influential women in Brunei. The second issue of Inspire is now available at Newsstand such as Best Eastern at a price of $5 or you can drop by and read them at most of the coffee shops in Brunei.

Yesterday was another launch of the Inspire edition. The guest of honour was Datin Paduka Hjh Adina Othman, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and she inspired the audience about being sincere and truthful especially at workplace. She’s also a proud grandmother and emphasize the importance of family.

It was great to see Lee Yingshi, the gold medalist at the SEA Games for Wushu. Only 20, she shared to the audience that to keep doing sports to keep yourself healthy and also study smart in your studies.

Shaun Hoon made a great speech and dedicated it to his daughter who has been inspiring him. Well done on the special edition and I know how much work you have invest in this magazine.

For me, the women who have influenced or inspired me these past few years are as follows – My mom, my best friend Sophia Siu, Linda Chandler, Lily Chiam and my late godmother.

Hj Abdul Rahman Hj Metassim; Director of Aewon Garment and Embroidery giving a souvenir to the guest of honour, Datin Paduka Hjh Adina Othman

Unveiling the second edition of Inspire

Some of the 50 Influential Women attended the launch event

More 50 listed women from Brunei

I can’t wait for Cecilia’s book on the 20 women she wrote about. To released by early July.

Datin Adina values sincerity and family during her speech

Shaun Hoon the man of the moment

Mother and daughter 🙂

Lee Yingshi, the Wushu gold medalist answering some questions

Jane Keasberry, Principal of St. Andrew’s School

Group photo with the Deputy Minister

What follow next are the common rituals – selfies

…. and another selfie…

…. and another selfie…

…. and another selfie…

…. and another selfie…

…. and another selfie won’t hurt…

…. and what ever happened to the word usie? …

Mother and daughter

The social media lady power

 

Wu Chun and Calvin Chen making their own burgers at Burger King Brunei

Calvin Chen is currently in Brunei. I should have taken a photo with him. He was recently featured in 3 Peas in a Pod movie which I have watched twice

Some sauce on Wu Chun’s customized burger

Two celebrities at Burger King… Hmmm what are they up to?