Wu Chun, Managing Director of FitnessZonem, Ken Han of OMNI Sports International, Deon Ong of Yippy Tunes and Jo Jo Yim from Yippy Tunes with the kids who participated in the Fitness Zone Summer Camp

Ken Han giving his closing remarks and thanking the wonderful kids from the successful summer camp

A total of 46 children aged between 5 to 10 years old participated in The Fitness Zone Summer Camp, a 3-in-1 holiday camp which took place from 9th July to 11th August 2018. In this unique holiday camp, participants had the opportunity to explore different types of art, music and sports. The end of the programme was marked by a showcase event held on 3rd September 2018, where the skills, talents and works of the campers were shared with the public.

Gaby Chin, Fitness Zone Summer Camp Director said, “As a camp coordinator, watching the children come back day after day with excitement and running to show me the work they’ve created has been one of the most impactful results of the camp. Our FZ Summer camp showcases a promising hand full of upcoming talented stars!”
The Fitness Zone Summer Camp 2018 was a collaboration between Fitness Zone, OMNI Sports International, Jo Art Gallery and Yippy Tunes. It was designed to allow campers to explore new skills, uncover special talents and nurture the entire potential of the child.

Fitness Zone provided dance and exercise sessions to help nurture an active lifestyle. Wu Chun, Managing Director of the health club said in a statement that “This is a well rounded camp where children learned, creativity, fitness and being part of a community. Sports help girls and boys build patience and confidence. They learn that they can practice, improve until achieve goals” he concluded.

Similarly, OMNI sports developed knowledge and skills for basketball and other sports that build confidence and encourage teamwork. Yippy Tune, a multi-award winning music school, provided voice and keyboard lessons whereas Jo Art Gallery, an arts and crafts academy taught campers creative skills such as brush lettering and watercolour painting. The programme was also supported by The Energy Kitchen, Progresif Pay and Beza Creative.

“Being part of the summer camp was really fun for me as one of the teachers,” said Deon Ong from Yippy Tune. “Music activity helps the kid’s mind and body work together. Exposing them to summer camp helps them to cultivate social skills and boost their self-esteem. Singing and music movement to music helps children build motor skills while allowing them to practice self-awareness and confidence,” she added.

The diversity of the participants also created an interesting experience for the coordinators. Jo Jo Yim, from Jo Art Gallery, said, “(The kids were from) various ages and nationalities. We taught them art but got to learn about them as well…the camp served as an eye opener for most of our teachers.”

Gaby Chin believes the camp has played an important role in the participants’ character-building, giving them the opportunity to explore their potential in different disciplines and form many friendships.

During the five-week summer camp, participants were able to join for any number of days, from just one day to the entire camp duration. The next multi-disciplinary holiday camp is planned to take place at the end of the year.

The parents and kids attending the certificate ceremony at Energy Kitchen last weekend

One of the participants of the Fitness Zone Summer Camp

One of the participants of the Fitness Zone Summer Camp

All smiles from the kids

The kids showcasing their artwork to their parents at Jo Art Gallery

During the summer camp session at Yippy Tunes

The basketball session during the Fitness Zone Summer Camp

The kids displaying their masterpieces at Jo Art Gallery

Associate Professor Dr. Mohammad Ayub Sadiq, Assistant Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Universiti Brunei Darussalam in his welcoming remarks accompanied by Haji Ahmad Najib Haji Ali Hassan, the Director of Spectacle 2018 Committee during the launch of Spectacle 2018: Eminent Art, at the Art Gallery, Chancellor Hall, UBD earlier today

One of the sponsors receiving a token from the Director of Spectacle 2018 Committee

Something to look forward to at Universiti Brunei Darussalam – Spectacle 2018: Eminent Art. It was launched this morning at the Chancellor Hall, UBD. It was officiated by Associate Professor Dr. Mohammad Ayub Sadiq, Assistant Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), UBD.

70 final year students are exhibiting their innovative art and design capstone projects and this will be part of their final assessments which will be evaluated by Dr. Martie Geiger-Ho, Senior Lecturer, Arts & Creative Technology, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, UBD and Hj Osman bin Hj Mohammad, Adjunct Lecturer, Arts & Creative Technology, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, UBD.

Spectacle 2018 gives the final year students the chance to showcase their artworks and installation and of course, their talents which are translated to the end product. Of course, the public are more than welcome to pay a visit and witness what our locals are able to produce in terms of their efforts and creativity, in hopes to elevate Brunei’s creative industries.

Most of the students I interviewed shared that their ideas of their installations are inspired from their personal experiences. One artist, Fikri Yunus, shared his personal story one how he was a shy person in nature and not being able to be expressive or showing signs of confidence. For his project, he created a cocoon installation, depicting a human being coming out of the cocoon. Yes, the person in the cocoon is Fikri himself where he has morphed into a more confident person and feeling more secured around people. One of the interesting installation to look at when you do visit the Spectacle 2018.

I also noticed more paper artwork being used in artwork displays. Check out the installations such as “Harmonized Disparity” by Nurbazilah binti Bahari, “Brief Insight of Women in Brunei” by Nursheila binti Idnin and “Quillosophy” by Ikmal Atifah binti Awang Mohamad. I really appreciate their efforts on presenting their artworks through paper cuts.

I was just impressed with the ideas that the students have presented in their final assessments. I could just carry on and talked more on it but it would defeat the purpose as I want to encourage you to pay a visit to Spectacle 2018. Furthermore, the entry is FREE for the public. You will be impressed with the talents we have.

Some of the installations being showcased

Installation by Ak Mahmud Ruzaini bin Pg Mohamad who used metal wires for sculpturing purposes. He was expressing the inner struggles within and it can be visible in a skinless form.

An illustration installation by Ikmal Atifah binti Hj Awang Mohamad who used folded coloured papers in creating a portrait of her. This workmanship requires a lot of energy and you have to be meticulous in executing this installation to perfection. Good job!!

Installation called “Heartstrings” by Ajeerah Firdausul Bolqiah. An interesting depiction of her life journey and her emotions are expressed by the chords and frets of a guitar illustrations. The different coloured hearts represent different situations that are either positive or negative.

A papercut illustration which is not quite common in the previous Spectacle but it’s making a presence in this year’s edition. Created by Nurshiela binti Idnin, she carved out three iconic personalities of Brunei through means of papercut. Awesome!!! Who knows one day you will get commissioned for your new known talent. Oh yea, she only started to love paper cutting during her Discovery Year in Bandung, Indonesia.

Last year I saw an illustration using lights and shadow. This year I saw a different perspective on how it can be used to express emotions. Nur Ezzati binti Morni with her project “Metanoia”, utilized wires and lights to create a shadow effect on people’s expression. With the power of the switch, these expressions can quickly change in an instant. Very creative indeed.

Also to share you some information that all the students had limited resources from UBD and hence, they are required to source their own materials in order to complete their end product. The students did fork out money to spend on the materials required to complete their artwork. Some of the displays required a lot of fabrication and that is never a cheap job. So you can see how dedicated the students are in investing their projects and made them possible for display at Spectacle 2018.

Haji Ahmad Najib Haji Ali Hassan, the Director of Spectacle 2018 Committee, was more than relieved after the successful launch of the event earlier this morning. The venue was only handed over in March and they were running against the time. He shared how they were meeting deadlines and completion of the decoration at the Art Gallery, Chancellor Hall. Finally, the whole team made it the event possible today which will continue until 14th May 2018.

Prior to this, the committee also organised fund raising events to help fund the Spectacle 2018 such as hosting the Spectacle Eminent Art Bazaar (February 2018) and Painting workshops (December 2017) to name a few. I kinda like how they have a good branding in promoting their event on social media. So keep it up 😀

Do follow them on @spectacle2018 on Instagram and also pay them a visit at the Gallery Art, Chancellor Hall, UBD. If you’re lucky enough, you might catch the artists there and learn more about their artworks and installations.

If you are thinking of reflection, as in reflecting on yourself, do try this mixed media installation called “Peculiar Reflection” by Dk Siti Syuhaidah binti Pg Baharuddin. When was the last time you look yourself in the mirror and appreciate yourself?

She must be one lucky lady. I wanna have what she has. Nur Lia Anira binti Johar created a 3D animation video called “Lucid Dreaming”. Apparently, she experiences lucid dreams on a yearly basis, meaning that you are conscious while dreaming. I only experienced it twice in my life and it was such an awesome feeling.

The guest of honour paying a visit to Nur Raidah’s installation, “Embossed: New Bruneian Floral”.

This is a mixed media installation by Haji Ahmad Najib who spoke of cerebral palsy among children and the message is to spread the awareness especially for parents and the public that through the right education, children with cerebral palsy can make strides towards a healthier and happier life.

Nurhanisah binti Hj Sabli shared about how that we lose the cultural identity of our country. She depicts using our traditional textile, kain tenunan, to create more awareness on our cultural identity. Hope is not lost indeed.

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism in his welcoming remarks during the launch of brunei.events portal
 

The guest of honour with other stakeholders under Brunei Festival 2017

Who says that Brunei has nothing to offer especially during the holiday period? According to Yang Mulia Awang Wardi bin Hj Mohammad Ali, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Tourism), Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, there are plenty of events to look forward to and not necessarily those who are traveling during the holidays will be away for the whole of December. Hence there are enough activities for the residents of Brunei Darussalam to enjoy from late November to December 2017.

Yesterday marked the launch of the www.brunei.events, a portal and application for tourism services for the general public as well as incoming tourists to be aware of any events in Brunei Darussalam. So what kind of events will be posted? There will be events such as roadshows, exhibitions, conferences, cultural activities, festivals and workshops. Just imagine it as the Time Out version of Brunei Darussalam.

The portal which will be available soon for mobile apps is a collaboration with Brunei Tourism Board, Progresif Cellular and Mixmediaworx.

The official launch took place at the Tourism Information Centre, Galeri Sini at the Royal Wharf and it was graced by Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism.

Some of the main events lined up for December includes Brunei Film Blitz, Brunei E-Sports Tournament, Muslim Youth Camp, The Alpha Race, The Autofest, The Superwoman Run, Spotlight finals, Larian Festival Seni Belia Diri 2017, International Food Fair and not to forget the Bandarkuceria in all districts.

Wardi highlighted that this will be a yearly calendar for the upcoming Brunei December Festival. He hopes the objective of this event is to spur the growth of international tourist arrivals to Brunei Darussalam and also by having a yearly event, this will hope for a repeat participation from current vendors. Having these events in Brunei will also help to stimulate the domestic growth within the economy.

Also in attendance were Foreign Dignitaries

YB Dato Seri Setia Hj Ali bin Apong visited the organiser of the Superwoman Run slated for December

Siti Kaprawi briefing the minister on Larian Festival Seni Belia Diri 2017

Suherdy bin Suli, Managing Director of Andika Samudera Event Management will be organising a Hotwheel Bike and Car Show from 29th to 31st December

The BMW X5 cars will be the official car for Brunei Festival 2017

Traditional music is always soothing to the ears

How the portal looks like. Click image to find out more.

Group photo of the Impact 2017 students with the invited guests. Image courtesy of Vincent Hong. Click image to enlarge.

Yes, this is a delayed post on the @ubdimpact2017 event that’s taking place at Art Gallery, Chancellor Hall, Universiti Brunei Darussalam.

The event is called Impact 2017: Art & Design Graduation Exhibition. The project is led by Nonnie King Siaw Chin, the Director, handling over 50 graduating students. With the theme, A Greater Spectacle, it is now in its 5th edition. I was fortunate enough to be view previous events and I am truly amazed by our local talents.

The art installations, paintings, computer graphics, animations and product designs are some of the things you can expect at Impact 2017. For your info, all these finished displays are only part of their module in terms of assessment points. Other marks and points will come from other areas such as presentations. They will be assessed by Associate Professor Kong Ho and Dr. Martie Geiger-Ho.

What’s interesting about the pieces are the story behind them. Why do they create that particular artwork or installation? Professor Kong has been involved with the students by challenging them with ideas and unlock their potential by translating their personal ideas and memories into an art form. Yes, the stories make a huge difference on the audience in appreciating their artwork even further. This exhibition is not something that you simply walk around after having a 3-5 second look. Their finished works required a little more attention and you will be amazed how a simplified artwork tells a lot of stories from the artist. This is the beauty of Impact 2017.

Just to give you some teaser, some of the stories depicts internal struggles, losing your loved ones, social and cultural issues to name a few. There are a few stories on bullying as well. Do connect with the artist to find out more about his or her particular art piece. He or she will appreciate it more. Congratulations to all the students and I hope all of you earned awesome marks from your lecturers 🙂

Dr Joyce Teo Siew Yean, UBD’s Assistant Vice Chancellor (Global Affairs), gracing the opening of Impact 2017

Titled “Helpless”, a painting installation by Noor Aqilah binti Hj Abu Bakar. The image depicted of her memories as a kid when her home at Kg Ayer caught on fire.

Titled “Seni Sribuza”, pattern design &art installation by Dk Nur Izzatul A’mal Pg Abd Rahim. Seni Sribuza means the art of Brunei. She’s a big fan of decorative patterns on Brunei traditional handicrafts and architecture. Her favourite colour is blue and she spent around BND 4,000 on her installation.

Titled “Use it or Lose it”, graphic design by Md Wafiuddin bin Hj Ahmad. I kinda like this art piece. There’s an interesting story behind this. I shall let you visit Impact 2017 to find out more.

Sentimental Attachment, a photo-realistic drawing by Nurnabilah Awang Hj Mohammed Ismail. She spent a few months finishing her drawing and the items she drawn are something meaningful to her.

The exhibition was officiated on 12th April 2017 at the lobby of the Chancellor Hall by UBD’s Assistant Vice Chancellor (Global Affairs) Dr Joyce Teo Siew Yean. Also in attendance were Dato Paduka Hj Idris Hj Abas, Assistant Vice Chancellor (Research & Innovation) Dr David Koh, Dean of Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) Dr Hjh Asiyah Hj Ahmad Kumpoh, Principle Officers of UBD and sponsors.

During the opening ceremony, Dr Joyce Teo Siew Yean pointed out that the creative economy is not only a rapidly growing sector of the world economy but also a highly transformative one in terms of income generation, job creation and export earnings. She quoted the UNESCO website which said between 2002 and 2011, developing countries averaged 12.1 percent annual growth in exports of creative goods.

“I would like to encourage the Art and Creative Technology programme to continue their pursuit in making this programme unique and multidisciplinary,” she added. “Where each piece of work can also bring in the collaboration from other perspectives such as engineering and entrepreneurship for example.”

The exhibition will open to the public and will conclude on Saturday, 20 May 2017. Gallery hours are from 9am to 7pm Monday through Thursday and Saturday, and the Art Gallery is closed on Friday and Sunday.

For updates, you can follow them on IG @ubdimpact2017 and their Facebook Page. You can also read reports from UBD news and Sutera.

Theressa having fun playing with this art installation by Hjh Noraziah binti Hj Ismail.

Window of Faith, a painting installation by Syakirah Jamali. She’s always fascinated by the colours of light passing through the stained-glass window which evokes the divine presence and a sense of hope.

Kattaleya, an art installation by Azreena Rakawi. She’s fond of flowers since she was a kid. I believe it was her grandma that gave her an orchid when she was little girl. I’m impressed with this installation as it has many layers of glass panels

Theressa wrote many love notes to the students as a sign of appreciation and encouragement.

Sublime, a shadowbox installation by Michelle Lieu. Her idea behind her art project is to change the perception of natural found objects which can be an art form itself. She hopes her project can open the mind of viewers to appreciate the beauty of nature in their surrounding environment.

Regrets and Lies, a videography by Md Hanif Khairuddin Hj Ahmad Shah. Another interesting perspective on why people lie and his video shows the trend in our society on how lies are being perceived.

A Fiery Path of War, a video game design by Wilfred Achong. He created this heavy duty animation game on his own and this alone thats up a few terabytes. Again, we were quite amazed that this was done by him alone. The game shares the effects and the misunderstandings of war.

Affection, an augmented reality graffiti by Md Nur Huda Firdaus bin Jamil. He shares his affection on his late mother. He has a gift on painting murals.