Well done to the CHMS entourage for putting up a good show. Click image to enlarge.

Story by Abdul Hakim Yakof of Borneo Bulletin: Students and former students of Chung Hwa Middle School (CHMS) had a blast enlivening the Tiong Hua community’s Chinese New Year (CNY) get-together, with performances following the ‘Innovative Youth as the Prime Mover of National Vision’ concept, which combines unique Brunei traditions with the latest innovation.

The event opened with a Hadrah performance, and was followed by the singing of the national anthem by the school’s brass band, and the ‘Ikrar Taat Setia’ oath reading.

After the traditional Tiong Hua dance performance involving firecrackers and a lantern formation, as well as a lion dance, the guests were treated to a CNY song performance and a Syair delivered by students. Young students of the CHMS Wushu extracurricular activity then showcased their acrobatic and martial art skills in the ‘Panda’ performance.

A contemporary dance dubbed ‘Thousand Yachts are Sailing’ told the story of how the ancestors of the Tiong Hua community of today landed in the Sultanate.

After the traditional Malay ‘bermukun’ performance, the dance troupe performed the Malay dance ‘kesubukan,’ which combines modern dance moves and tells of how youngster behave towards their elders and society.

Following this was the ‘Let the Earth Resound’ performance, believed to bring happiness and prosperity.

Members of the Legislative Council Yang Berhormat Hafimi binti Abdul Haadii and Yang Berhormat Khairunnisa binti Ash’ari who were present during the celebration

Speaking to the Bulletin, former student Aizat Rosli said, “We’ve been performing for the Tiong Hua Chinese New Year get-together for seven years now and we still get nervous – even though you can say we are experienced.

“We are fortunate to have performed in front of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam,” he added.

“We staged three dance performances at the event. We are relieved, knowing that we were able to deliver despite some of us feeling under the weather,” said dance troupe member Bryan Wong.

Dance troupe member Limyi Shien said, “Although the Chinese are a minority in Brunei, it’s nice that His Majesty takes notice, coming down to join in the celebration.

Chen Hui Yen, performance coordinator, said, “This year we had a combination of Chinese and Malay performances as Brunei is home to different religions and races. We are trying to express a sense of unity, showing that we can all live peacefully together.

“Some 250 students and former students performed this year. We are very happy and appreciate that His Majesty is always able to join us in this celebration. We are honoured to have performed for His Majesty, it means a lot to the students,” she added.

Behind the scene

Behind the scene

The representatives from the respective schools receiving donation from Pierre Imhof, CEO of Baiduri Bank, during the CNY Open House hosted by Baiduri Bank Group at The Empire Hotel & Country Club

Chinese New Year might be over but the celebration in terms of Open Houses are still around. Few days ago, I attended a few and one of them is Baiduri Bank Group which was hosted at The Empire Hotel & Country Club in conjunction with the Year of the Rooster.

Present was Pierre Imhof, sporting a traditional chinese attire for the CNY Open House. The Chung Hwa Middle School performed another stunning drum performance.

It was a cheerful moment when the under privileged students received donations from Baiduri Bank Group. The recipients were from CHMS, Chung Hwa Kidding, St. Andrew’s School and St. George’s school.

Thank you once again, Baiduri, for the invitation.

Chin Tze Yuan, the President of the Hakka Association with Anwar Rosli, the event manager of KB Sentral and organiser of the event at KB Sentral last weekend

 Yee Sang pose

A Chinese Culture Week was organised and hosted by KB Sentral Event Management at KB Sentral Shopping Centre. Present as the guest of honour was Chin Tze Yuan, the President of the Hakka Association last weekend.

It was a celebration in conjunction with the recent Chinese New Year. According to Anwar Rosli, the event manager and organiser of the event, yesterday’s celebration showcased the richness of Chinese culture and celebrates the diversity of the many cultures in Brunei.

There were performances by Chung Hwa Middle School in Kuala Belait, such as Wushu (martial arts), drum performance and Chinese cultural dance. Yes, we do have talents among our locals.

Along the way, they had numerous activities such as cooking demo, orange eating competition and colouring activities. There was also Angpow or red packets and oranges giveaway as part of the activity at the atrium of Sentral Shopping Centre for all our customers in light of the ongoing festive spirit!

At the end of the event, the guest of honour and staff of KB Sentral took part in the tossing of ‘Yee Sang’ (prosperity toss) as a symbol of abundance, prosperity and vigour for the year of the rooster.

To all shoppers at KB Sentral can join in on their Monthly and Lucky Draw campaign and there will be their February Monthly Lucky draw which a PS4 console game is up for grab as the grand prize will be held here on the 26th February at 4pm while the next Grand Lucky Draw with a bungalow house as the grand prize will be held on July 9th, 2017.

Sentral Shopping Centre is pleased to announce that there will be a Chinese Cultural Week from 1st to 10th February from 4pm to 6pm as to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Chung Hwa Middle School will be taking an active part in the Chinese Cultural Week with Wushu performances, Chinese cultural dance and drumming will be performed by them on the 10th February 2017. On 10th February 2017, there will be an opening ceremony by Mr. Chai Tze Yun Hong, President of Hakka Association, at 2:30pm.

Colouring activities will be held on the 4th Feb 2017, at 5pm open to 8 – 12 years old. On the 3th – 5th Feb 2017 there will be Orange Eating Competition open to 18 years old above and max of 5 participants per session. Registration form can get at our Lucky Draw counter or 3rd floor management office.

Cooking Demo happening today and tomorrow (3rd and 4th February)

Cooking Demo taken last year

Cooking Demo will be on the 3rd February & 4th February, 1st Floor Sentral Shopping Centre. The menu for the cooking demo will be Steamed Prawn Dumpling, Hot plate, Yam Basket w Chicken Chestnut and Butter Prawn w Spring onion. This cooking demo will be demonstrated by the head chef from KBSentral, Chef Sofia. Registration forms are available at Lucky Draw Counter.

There is also Angpow or red packets and oranges giveaway as part of the activity at the atrium of Sentral Shopping Centre for all our customers in light of the ongoing festive spirit! To be able to get the Angpow and oranges, customers need to visit the shopping centre as often as they can during the 10 days event. Also Chinese Theme Photo Booth available for customer to take photo and customer can tag us for Instagram @KBSentral and facebook KBSentral Shopping Centre.

The Management of Sentral Shopping Centre would also like to take this opportunity to wish all customers a prosperous Chinese New Year!

If you need further information, please call 3339889 or email to kbsentralmarketing@gmail.com or you can follow their updates on social media @kbsentral instagram or Sentral Shopping Centre Facebook page.

Orange eating competition happening this weekend

Sunrise Orange Pancake Tower

Pancake House Brunei is inviting customers to celebrate Chinese New Year at their Giant, Rimba outlet with their special promotion for the month of February.

In conjunction with the Chinese New Year, Pancake House Brunei is offering an 18% discount on their Sunrise Orange Pancake Tower – a stack of six pancakes drenched in lemon-orange syrup with cream cheese filling in between, topped with orange zest, going for only $4.50.

And with one order of Sunrise Orange Pancake Tower, customers will also be able to enjoy another 15% on all available ala carte main course menu. So it is now a good time to come and try the local favourites like the Classic Pan Chicken, Burger Steak, Southern Maple Chicken, etc.

This promotion will end at the end on 28 February 2017.

Located on the first floor of the new wing of Giant, Rimba, the outlet is opened daily from 10am to 10pm, serving a range of breakfast menu to the ever popular pancakes and waffles.

For reservations, please contact 2463593, or get the latest updates by following “@pancakehousebn” on Instagram and or “Pancake House Brunei” on Facebook.

It’s the festive season for Chinese new year and it’s the year of the rooster. I could have bought some shirts from Singapore that has some rooster designs on them. I might look cheesy in them but it’s only once (maybe in a life time that I would wear it lol). It wasn’t as many invites that I had but it was evenly spread out during the weekend.

I’ve told myself that I will go on a no-carb diet from 6pm onwards starting next week. Let’s see how that goes. With my travels in February, It might just get a bit tricky. It’s all about the discipline, right?

Below are some of the pictures from my recent CNY visits last weekend.

The Yee Sang tradition during Gong Xi Fa Cai

Concepts Computer hosted its Chinese New Year open house at its establishment at Kiulap earlier today. The guests were among the business partners of Concepts Computer and Bilster Technologies as well as members of the media. As you know, this is the celebration in conjunction with the Year of the Rooster.

Present during the open house were Mr. Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Computer and Alice Chan. Finance Controller of Concepts Group.

Thank you once again, Mr. Vincent Pao, on your invitation and your continuous support in the local SMEs here in Brunei Darussalam. His company has been one of my longest business clients and it boils down to the strong relationship and professional friendship that I have with Mr. Vincent Pao. He is one of my aspirations to be a successful entrepreneur and I’m truly happy where he is right now.

A photo opportunity with Concepts Computer management and Richard Soo who drove all the way from Miri 🙂

With the management and associates from Netcom Computer House

Another photo opp

Zul Abd Rahman, Marketing Executive of Concepts Computer (centre) with representatives from the Brunei Press

Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Computer (centre) with representatives from Epson Malaysia posing with the business models of Epson printers last year

Epson has been very popular here in Brunei Darussalam’s market. Epson printers are known for its great print speeds and effortless high-volume printing. Last year, Epson collaborated with Concepts Computer to launch a series business inkjet printers. The other Epson printers have been a hit among students and teachers because of its economical usage.

Though Brunei is a small market, it is still an important market in the region and it’s no surprise that Epson printers have reached 15 million units and still counting. Do check out the L-Series Epson printers and they have a comprehensive range too. For more information, do contact Concepts Computer at 223 3551/2/3.

Vincent Pao and Alice Chan with associates of Concepts Computer holding a popular plush toy of ZHUAN Ji which means “Turn for the Better”

To celebrate Chinese New Year for the upcoming Year of the Rooster, Concepts Computer will be giving away a plush toy of ZHUAN JI for every purchase of $388 and above on a single receipt. ZHUAN JI is a cartoon baby chicken that is one of the first fictional character to make waves in social media for the South East Asian Chinese community for the coming Chinese new year.

The cute and cuddly ZHUAN JI is currently making waves on social media with the hashtag, “#ZhuanJi2017”, where the Chinese characters for ZHUAN JI’s name personifies the need to make a “Turn for the Better” in 2017; be it for better health, better wealth or anything that is beneficial for the incoming Chinese new year. When asked regarding the current Bruneian market in general, and specifically the future of the IT Retail industry in Brunei Darussalam, Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Computer, said, “It is in my opinion that we are currently in a slow turn for the better in terms of business, which is why I am looking forward to the year of the Rooster as it will signify a faster and better change.” He continued, “And as always, the IT Retail business in Brunei Darussalam gets more and more challenging every year, especially with savvy consumers using the internet and other sources to keep up-to-date regarding IT technological advances, which is why retailers need to focus more on providing better services for customers.”

When asked regarding how Concepts Computer as a whole would welcome customers in the Year of the Rooster, “When it comes to Concepts Computer, I always lead with a simple statement, ‘We must always do a good job’ so we will make a ‘Turn for the Better’ in 2017 when it comes to our customers.”

Also present during the launch event, Zul Abdul Rahman, Marketing Executive at Concepts Computer added, “We never miss an opportunity to better serve specific sectors of our customers, and this time around we are celebrating together with the Bruneian Chinese community by welcoming the year of the Rooster with ZHUAN JI who is currently a social media phenomenon with the hashtag ‘#ZhuanJi2017’.”

The ZHUAN JI plush toy will be available in limited quantity and will be given away FREE, while stocks lasts, for all Concepts customers who have purchased $388 and above on a single receipt. For more information, please call 2233551, 2233552 or 2233553, or visit your nearest Concepts Computer retail outlet. Images courtesy of Concepts Computer.

Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Computer holding a popular plush toy from China

Unboxing the stocks of ZHUAN JI

Concepts Computer prepping for the Year of the Rooster

All set and done