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Toyota/Lexus Experience Day 2

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in technology, automative, gadget, lifestyle, Social News

 

 


At the Tokyo Motor Show 2019
 

The Tokyo Motor Show 2019 came to an end on the 4th November 2019. Those who attended were privileged to catch cutting edge vehicles such as self driving cars and much of the focus was also on mobility. My previous visit to the Tokyo Motor Show was back in 2013 so I would say the experience this time was totally different.

It was the first time the Tokyo Motor Show opened the exhibition to children, aimed at reversing the flagship attendance. The 2017 show drew a mere 770,000 people but this year, it managed to break the 1 million mark and finished with 1.3 million attendees in the 10-day Tokyo Motor Show.

It was participated by 192 carmakers according to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) and I shall be focusing on the cars/vehicles introduced by Toyota and Lexus.

The members of the press were given a dedicated day (October 23) where the Presidents of the respective brands launched their products as the media got first hand viewing before the Tokyo Motor Show was opened for public viewing.

 

 


At the Lexus Pavilion at the Tokyo Motor Show 2019
 


Yoshihiro Sawa, the International President of Lexus with the Lexus LF-30 Electrified, the first full fledged electric vehicle from Lexus
 


Check out that beauty
 

In the late morning, Yoshihiro Sawa, the International President of Lexus unveiled Lexus first ever electric vehicle (EV), the Lexus LF-30, which left the audience in awe. The LF-30 is more than a concept vehicle. The Lexus Electrified vision unveiled targets a fundamental leap in vehicle performance, handling, control and driver enjoyment, and let’s not forget autonomous driving and vehicle electrification.

What was interesting was the “Lexus Sense theatre” at the Tokyo Motor Show, a space where people can experience the simulation of five senses. es”. It consists of two experience spaces, audio and visual. In Theater 1, the sensual engine sound of Lexus LFA stimulates hearing with 360° 3D sound.

Theater 2 offers a visually stimulating experience with the Lexus LC model by projection mapping – which changes its appearance according to the time of day and the viewing angle. In this booth layout you can appreciate the Lexus philosophy, while enjoying sensory stimulation through “real experience”.

 


Interviewing Lexus’ International President with other members of the press
 

We also had a privilege to interview with Yoshihiro Sawa with other selected members of the press. He was quite welcoming individual with full of knowledge especially with the automative industry. When asked about how Lexus will positioned themselves among other luxury car brands, Sawa said that Lexus aims to be different from others and hence Lexus upped the scale by providing a more amazing experience for their customers. Hence, Lexus aims to focus on luxury lifestyle experience with the car rather than luxury car brand. He shared that the owners of luxury cars are not satisfied with just owning the product. They hunger for something more as they are eager to have a more unique experience.

 


Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corp, making a grand entrance during Toyota’s presentation at the Tokyo Motor Show 2019
 


He came in with the e-Palette which will be featured in the Olympic Games next year
 


A very energetic showcase coming from Toyota
 

In the afternoon, Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corp, had an interesting approach to the launch of their Toyota products, focusing on digital presentation on the mega horizontal interactive display on stage. Toyoda engaged the audience with his younger digital self and shared to all of us how “people will be the centre of the future.” With advancement of technologies in modern era of automotive industry, Toyoda can’t discount how important human capital is and still very relevant for both to co-exist.

The company also envisioned to position Toyota as a brand that focuses “mobility for all”. This is evident as the President announced models such as the e-Palette (electric modular vehicle) and Sora, a fuel celled electrified vehicle bus (refer to my previous blog post) that will be featured in the Tokyo 2020. This is definitely exciting times for Toyota, being one of the partners for Tokyo 2020.

The day ended with ended with a press conference hosted by JAMA where it showcased the global FIA Gran Turismo Championship 2019 World Tour 5 competition. This was held at the MEGAWEB area at the Aomi Exhibition Hall which also collaborated with KidZania. Hence, making this year’s Tokyo Motor Show 2019, the biggest in terms of variety since its inception.

A big thank you to NBT (Brunei) for sponsoring my trip to Japan and the Tokyo Motor Show 2019. It was really an honour 😀

 

 


The president making headlines in the newspaper the following day
 


One of the beautiful assistant at Toyota pavilion
 


Toyota going the extra mile to give more rewards to customers when you try their Toyota experiences in the near future
 


Loving the lanyard and I got myself one too
 


The e-racer
 


Toyota LQ, another concept car from Toyota
 


I am excited to try the e-Palette next year hopefully
 

Laneige turns 14

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in lifestyle, Social News

 

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Patricia Li, General Manager of Laneige Brunei giving her welcoming remarks
 

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Yoo Hyun-Bong, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Brunei Darussalam as the guest of honour (center) with the management of Laneige Brunei
 

I thought it has been 15 years but I am just way ahead of myself. Last weekend, Laneige (Brunei) celebrated their 14th year anniversary and currently they have 5 outlets in Brunei Darussalam. The celebration took place at their latest branch at Batu Bersurat.

Gracing the event was Yoo Hyun-Bong, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Brunei Darussalam as the guest of honour. Patricia Li, the General Manager of Laneige Brunei gave a short welcoming remarks and deeply appreciated the loyal customers of Laneige and she has been always wanting to enhance customer satisfaction and strengthen the stakeholders’ values.

Laneige Brunei has also been active in corporate social responsible projects where Patricia and her team believe in working with the community and also with NGOs. Laneige has worked closely with “Save the Children” to promote the sharing of the “Waterfall” experiences campaign. Recently also Laneige Brunei has collaborated with Sparkly Domestic Divas.

More than 200 attended the celebration where it was hosted by @gzulyusof and @rubyxchong There were some activities such as facial check and also unveiling the faces of Laneige Brunei. It can be said that Laneige Brunei is here for a long run because of the strong support from the Bruneians. Well done, Patricia and your team, for sustaining a reputable Korean brand in Brunei Darussalam. Keep up the good work 🙂

Do follow @laneigebn on Instagram for updates.

 

 

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The co-emcees of the night – @gzulyusof and @rubyxchong
 

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The enhanced version of the Audi Q5 – the SQ5
 

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The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 and GLC Coupé 300

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in automative, lifestyle, Social News

 

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Just a few weeks after unveiling the GLC SUV, Mercedes-Benz is presenting the GLC Coupé worldwide. But I am glad Jati Transport brought both the GLC SUV and the GLC Coupé together this time. Both are available for viewing at the Mercedes Autohaus at Beribi from today till Sunday.

The next generation of the successful model skillflully and intricately combines the sportiness of a coupé with the functionality of an SUV. The result is a vehicle for individualists who attach maximum importance to extraordinary looks, the greatest possible freedom and pioneering technology. Innovative technologies, intelligent driving assistance systems and a new engine line-up make the Coupé a paragon of sportiness, safety and efficiency.

All in all, both Mercedes-Benz GLCs have a facelift from the previous GLC 200 and 250 models and both GLCs are the 300 model too. The horsepower for both GLCs is 258 which is 30 more than the previous model. After facelift includes the LED High Performance headlamps and the rear lights as well. There is one version of the GLC Coupé 300 that sports an LED Multi-Beam headlight where there is extra lights when cornering.

The other variances of the GLCs are the diamond grille upfront for the standard and AMG version and let’s not forget that all the newer GLCs are equipped with the MBUX, the combination of touchscreen displays, navigation with augmented reality and of course, the voice command operated by saying “Hey Mercedes” which is now available in the GLCs. Only in the GLC Coupé 300, they have two digital panels including the cockpit whereas the GLC SUV 300 has one digital panel in the middle and an analog cockpit.

So make yourself available this weekend (Friday to Sunday) to view the latest GLC SUV 300 and the GLC Coupé 300. The only one available for test drive is the GLC SUV 300. It will be open from 9am to 5pm and refreshments will be provided.

 

 

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The GLC SUV 300 Night Package
 

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The GLC SUV 300 Night Package and the GLC SUV 300 AMG
 

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Sitting inside the GLC Coupé 300
 

The GLC Coupé at a glance

• Expressive design: The stylish appearance of the new Coupé generation encapsulates the Sensual Purity design philosophy and combines the flexibility of an SUV with the sense of style and sportiness of a coupé. The A-pillars have a more pronounced slope, which lowers the roof silhouette. The model owes much of its extraordinary character to the diamond radiator grille, which is available in silver as standard or black in conjunction with the Night package, featuring a chrome trim incorporating formal elements of the underride guard. Further eye-catching features include the standard-fit LED High Performance headlamps with their torch design and unmistakable light signature. The elegant lines are drawn to a successful conclusion by the compact rear end featuring a new-look diffuser with underride guard and tailpipe trims as well as full-LED tail lamps.

• MBUX – Innovative telematics: The combination of the touchscreen displays, navigation with augmented reality, intelligent voice control via the talk button or the “Hey Mercedes” prompt, connectivity and the user interface makes the GLC Coupé state of the art.

• Suspension: As an alternative to the standard sports suspension with adaptive damping, DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL with infinitely adjustable dampers for the steel springs on the front and rear axle is available as an option. Depending on the driving situation, speed and condition of the road, the damping is controlled individually for each wheel in interaction with the engine, transmission and steering characteristics.

• Advanced assistance systems: Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steer Assist provide even more comfortable support to help the driver to keep a safe distance and steer. The speed is adjusted automatically ahead of bends or junctions. Active Steer Assist helps with forming an emergency corridor and with changing lanes. The risk of potential collisions can be reduced by the turn-off function of Active Brake Assist by braking if the driver fails to see oncoming traffic.

• Drive system: The GLC Coupé comes with a choice of efficient four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines from the latest generation. The diesel engines already meet the requirements of the Euro 6d standard. The petrol engines are electrified by the integration of a 48-volt on-board electrical system (EQ Boost).

The new-generation GLC Coupé is a blend of exceptional and sophisticated features, further underlining its leading position with this combination of style and ability. At present, Mercedes-Benz has a very successful presence in the SUV segment with seven models (GLA, GLC, GLC Coupé, GLE, GLE Coupé, GLS, G-Class).

 

 

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The GLC Coupé 300
 

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Only this version of the GLC Coupé 300 has the multi-beam LED head lamps as compared to the other models that have LED High Performance headlamps
 

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This colour looks beautiful on the GLC Coupé 300
 

UTB goes cashless

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in education, lifestyle, Social News

 

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The signing ceremony between BIBD and Progresif with Universiti Teknologi Brunei for the cashless service at the university premise with the Deputy Minister of Education as the witness.
 

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Group photo after the MOU
 

Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Berhad (BIBD) and Progresif Cellular Sendirian Berhad (Progresif) at the Lecture Theatre 2, Library Complex, UTB.

Present as the Guest of Honour at the event was Yang Mulia Datin Seri Paduka Dr. Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh, Deputy Minister of Education, Ministry of Education. Also present were Yang Mulia Dr Awang Haji Azman bin Haji Ahad, Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the Ministry of Education as well as Yang Mulia Dr Awang Chin Wei Keh, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the Ministry of Education.

Signing on behalf of UTB was the Acting Vice- Chancellor, Yang Mulia Awang Haji Ady Syarmin bin Haji Mohd Taib, witnessed by the Registrar and Secretary, Mr. Lim Chui Hua. Representing BIBD were the Deputy Managing Director, Yang Mulia Dayang Noraini binti Haji Sulaiman and the Head of BIBD’s Retail Banking Group, Yang Mulia Dayang Hajah Nurul Akmar binti Haji Mohd Jaafar as witness. Yang Mulia Mr. Paul Taylor, the Chief Executive Officer signed on behalf of Progresif with Yang Mulia Dayang Nurul Haniah binti Haji Mohd Jaafar, Chief Administration Officer witnessed the signing.

With a younger generation that is more likely to carry a smartphone than cash, this partnership hopes to be a driver for digital innovation by developing new digital banking products and services that will enhance the student’s banking experience.

Students will now be able to use Progresif Pay, which is powered by the BIBD NEXGEN platform, to make cashless payments across the entire campus. Businesses based at the campus will benefit from increased security and efficiency as they no longer need to manage large sums of cash.

Progresif’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Paul Taylor said, “Progresif PAY is a key part of the driving process for a digital economy. The signing of the agreement with UTB is set to turn the university into the second cashless university in Brunei.”

Meanwhile BIBD Managing Director and CEO, Mubashar Khokhar welcomed the partnership saying, “Again, we are taking branchless banking to yet another level by FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ` providing access to financial services without the need to physically come to a BIBD branch. Today’s collaborative effort illustrates BIBD’s commitment to being Brunei’s economic partner of growth. Our aim has been to partner with industries beyond the financial sector, and to empower these sectors with banking and payment capabilities for better financial inclusion. This is in full support of Brunei Darussalam’s Smart Nation initiative and the goals of Brunei Vision 2035”.

UTB, acclaimed for being at the forefront of engineering and technological knowledge, welcomed the partnership with BIBD and Progresif. The implementation of the cashless campus initiative is aimed at providing greater convenience to students who can now transact without the need to bring cash, and paves the way towards a new digital lifestyle as the younger generation prepares for the Industrial Revolution 4.0 mindset.

 

 

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Acting Vice- Chancellor, Yang Mulia Awang Haji Ady Syarmin bin Haji Mohd Taib With Progresif Cellular’s CEO Paul Taylor

 

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Acting Vice- Chancellor, Yang Mulia Awang Haji Ady Syarmin bin Haji Mohd Taib With BIBD’s Deputy Managing Director, Yang Mulia Dayang Noraini binti Haji Sulaiman
 

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Demo-ing Progresif Pay to the guest of honour
 

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BIBD’s QuickPay
 

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Progresif Pay
 

Sabre Travel Fair 2019

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in travel, lifestyle, Business, Social News

 

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With the organizer and partners for Sabre Travel Network Travel Fair 2019 held at Mulia Hotel
 

Coming soon to your neighbourhood is Sabre Travel Network (Brunei) Sdn Bhd’s Annual Travel Fair which will be located at the OneCity Shopping Centre on August 3-4. This will be the first time that the travel fair will be having their presence at the new mall.

Further more, Hua Ho OneCity will be having special deals for travel accessories and also discounts on luggages to make it more convenient for potential travelers.

Abdul Halim bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Senior Manager of Sales and Marketing at Sabre Travel Network Brunei, has been very appreciative of the past customers for the past decade.

“As expected, The Sabre Brunei Travel Fair always attract large crowd because it is able to offer travelers better deals and packages for their dream vacation. Just last year, the Sabre Brunei Travel Fair welcomed over 13,500 visitors. By continuing to provide exclusive opportunities to travelers, and with the support of our partners and travel agents, we are confident that we will record incremental growth again this year.”

That number is actually a 14% from 2017’s statistics. I’m pretty sure that it won’t be a surprise to see another huge crowd, this time at OneCity Shopping Centre.

It’s also good to note that Royal Brunei will be playing a major part in the travel fair and furthermore, with new routes, this gives more choices for travelers to discover newer destinations. Fresh from obtaining the Skytrax 4-Star airline accreditation, Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) as the official airline partner for the Sabre annual travel fair will be offering attractive travel deals, with irresistible fares and prizes to be won.

RB Country Manager Brunei Lim Guat Wen said, “Any customer who purchases an RB ticket is entitled to a lucky draw featuring air tickets, Royal Skies miles and RB merchandise as prizes. They can be won daily with 7 draws each day. We also have an attractive travel deals with irresistible fares and prizes to be won during the travel fair.”

“In addition, we are giving away RB tickets to London, Brisbane or Melbourne and Tokyo bundled up with Baiduri MasterCard cash card pre-loaded with BND 900, BND 500 and BND 300 respectively sponsored by Baiduri Bank. The grand draw will be announced soon after the travel fair.”

“We also have an attractive Customer Reward programme for our guests who will receive limited edition RB merchandise in the form of a luggage belt, luggage protector and a travel pouch set.”

This one, I have to say are really superb RB merchandise. I had a look at them myself and makes me want own one. I believe if you purchase a minimum of $500, you are entitled to an RB luggage belt merchandise and the more you spend, you will be entitled to more RB merchandise (while stocks last).

Participating travel agents include Anthony Tours & Travel Agency, At-Taqwa Travel Tours, Century Travel Centre, Dar El Ehsan Travel, Darussalam Holdings, Freme Travel Services, Grace Travel, JJ Tour Service, Pan Bright Travel Service, Southern Cross Travel Agencies and Straits Central Agencies.

National tourism organisations attending the Brunei Travel Fair include the Brunei Tourism Board, the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, Ministry of Tourism – Republic of Indonesia, Sarawak Tourism Board, the Singapore Tourism Board and the Taiwan Tourist Bureau.

Baiduri Bank Berhad, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam, Club Med, Korean Air, Standard Chartered Bank, Travel Recommends and RB will also be at the venue with their own booths, to support the participating travel agents.

Medical and insurance services will be represented by Bangkok Hospital, Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council and Takaful Brunei Am.

The other participating partners are Fitness Zone, Hua Ho Department Store, Kingston Beverage & Creamery (free ice-cream) and Progresif Radio (giving out perhaps one lucrative prize that’s worth more than $5,000).

Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines will also be supporting the travel fair by providing attractive fares to participating travel agents, as well as lucky draw prizes. Singapore Airlines will be promoting their Premium Economy seats (exiting Singapore sectors) and also their flight to cruise promotion with the support from Freme Travel. Singapore Airlines will be sponsoring a prize – a return economy class air ticket to Beijing via Singapore and 10 prizes for the quizzes. Malaysia Airlines will have a lucky draw of one return economy class air ticket to Kuala Lumpur and one return ticket to Phuket via Kuala Lumpur.

So come down to OneCity this weekend and check out the amazing fares the travel agents have to offer.

 

 

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During the press conference
 

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Awesome RB merchandise
 

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Now Pan Bright has stepped up their game by giving out more attractive prizes
 

 

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At-Taqwa giving away a car in commemorating their 5th year anniversary
 

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Travel Recommends making a presence, thanks to Grace Travel
 

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Now this is it!! The biggest package to be won that is worth more than BND 5,000 and it’s a Holiday for 4 to Club Meb in Bali. Just tune in to Progresif Radio to find out more.
 

Dynamic Sports

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in royal family, community, fashion, lifestyle, Social News, Sports

 

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Her Royal Highness Princess Amal Rakiah on the first day of the opening of Dynamic Sports
 

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The ribbon cutting ceremony to officiate the opening of Dynamic Sports flagship store
 

Dynamic Sports recently drew waves of crowd after its launch of the flagship store two Sundays ago at The Walk (Beribi). It attracted different walks of life especially those in the sports community. Strategically located in Beribi, Dynamic Sports heralded a new era in providing a one stop sports shop furnished with reputable brands with the likes of Adidas, Nike, Reebok, Saucony, ASICS, Crocs and many more.

The company aims to create a platform that provides the most suitable products for the running/sports community of all ages and let’s not forget that they also provide professional advice and guidance, training and rehabilitation to anyone, be it casual or for running.

All present during the launch were number of national scheme runners, sports enthusiasts (like myself) and the members of the press. The ribbon cutting was officiated by Mr. Law Haw Wei, Mr. Lau How Teck and Mr. Lau How Kun accompanied by their sons.

Dynamic Sports has already garnered traction from online shoppers and they can already purchase the items online prior to the launch. This is made possible by www.dynamicsports.co where you will get a very comprehensive list of products to choose from.

Lau Soon Tiong, one of the shareholders of Dynamic Sports, said that the company’s vision is to assist local athletes and passionate sports enthusiasts to strive for greatness by providing a conducive environment for them to improve and grow.

Dynamic Sports will introduce its second phase where they will provide gym services and classes that will assist the community in rehabilitation and condition of the body.

Last weekend, Dynamic Sports had a special deal for selected shoes and it was well received as shoppers flocked in to grab the good deals.

You can follow them on instagram @dynamicsports.bn and if you are wondering of the location, it’s the white building with hints of red and it’s located right before Starbucks Beribi.

 

 

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Chang Ein Hong came to support the launch as well
 

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Orange is the new black
 

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Mr. Ti Eng Hui, CEO of Baiduri (far right) also came to support the launch
 

 

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Plenty of varieties at Dynamic Sports
 

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Soon Ai, one of the shareholders of Dynamic Sports
 

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With the athletes during the opening
 

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Hui Chiet also came to support
 

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Accessories also available at Dynamic Sports
 

 

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Friends and relatives
 

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Special corner deals which was quite popular among shoppers
 

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We did some shopping too
 

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Congratulations to Soon Lau for breaking his personal best in 10KM run at Melbourne Run last weekend
 

Logitech facelift at Concepts

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in technology, gadget, lifestyle, Social News

 

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Officiating the launch of the facelift of Logitech showroom
 

Concepts Computer unveiled the facelift segment for Logitech products at Concepts Showroom on Level 1. Present were Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Computer, Alice Chan, Chief Financial Officer of Concepts Computer, Angela Loi, Logitech Channel Manager for East Malaysia and Brunei, Azlina Tuah, Senior Sales Executive of Concepts Computer and Zul Abdul Rahman, Marketing Executive of Concepts Computer.

The full range of Logitech products includes a wide range of gaming peripherals such as gaming mouse, gaming keyboard, gaming headsets and gaming control pads. Logitech also carry peripherals for home offices, students and even for corporate sector. Some are wired while some are wirelessly connected.

According to Vincent Pao, Concepts Computer is not only renewing their vow to provide the best IT retail experience but also to provide the best in-store shopping experience through the showroom’s facelift.

Angela Loi also announced that for every purchase of Logitech gaming G product, the customer is entitled a chance to win a trip to Shanghai for the International 2019 DOTA 2 tournament in August.

Concepts Computer will also be holding a Month-End Promotion for July which would include trade-in offers for selected brans from 27th July to 30th July. Concepts Computer opens from 9am to 9pm.

Do visit Concepts Computer showroom at Kiulap and check out the range from Logitech.

 

 

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The speakers that would illuminate, ideal for gamers
 

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They even have peripherals for non-gamers
 

 

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Did you know Logitech is the No.1 leading gaming mouse?
 

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I actually like this mouse because u can even move sideways without moving your mouse. Coolio!!!
 

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Comes very handy when you wanna type on your Smart TV. Maybe I should invest in one.
 

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Another keyboard that’s ideal for gamers
 

Youth Empowerment Conference, 7-8 Sept

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in Youth, community, bank, lifestyle, Social News

 


Shaun Hoon of Curious Mind and Maurina Abd Hamid, Senior Officer of the Group Communications Department of Baiduri Bank during the press conference for the upcoming event, Youth Empowerment Conference
 


Hafiza binti Mohamad, Corporate Communications Manager at Progresif, presents a certificate of appreciation to Maurina Abd Hamid
 

Youth Empowerment Conference (YEC). First we have the Youth National Congress which was a huge success. Soon it will be the National Youth Day and next up will be the Youth Empowerment Conference where 700 youths will be involved, come 7-8 September 2019.

Shaun Hoon of Curious Mind and also the master mind of Youth Empowerment Conference was able to muster great international speakers from Canada, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines and let’s not forget the local youth leaders from Brunei Darussalam.

The Youth Empowerment Conference is co-organized by Progresif Cellular Sdn Bhd and Curious Mind with Baiduri Bank as the platinum sponsor of the said event.

A press conference was held as well as handing over of certifications to the contributors and also relevant institution and schools where students will be attending the YEC.

The press conference was chaired by Shaun Hoon, founder of Curious Mind and Maurina Abd Hamid, Senior Officer of the Group Communications Department of Baiduri Bank.

During the press conference, Shaun Soon said that the goal of the YEC is to inspire young people using fellow young people as role models so they are listening to a voice they can relate to and really believe that anything is possible when our young people set their minds to it. His goals of the YEC are 1) to cultivate a global mindset 2) to expose the youth to the future employment and 3) to instill good values in the youth.

Some of the keynote speakers include winner of JCI’s Top Young Person of the World in 2013 Linh Do, who worked alongside Al Gore’s climate change initiative and Harvard Alumnus, Stevie Award winner and VP of United Nations in Western Australia Dr Sandy Chong, together with member of the Forbes Coach Council KarFei Cheah. Such a beautiful line up but sadly, I won’t be in Brunei for the YEC as I will be outstation for work.

As mentioned before, Baiduri Bank is the Platinum Sponsor for Youth Empowerment Conference where they will provide 100 seats on complimentary basis to students from Institute Of Brunei Technical Education, Laksamana College of Business, Cosmopolitan College of Commerce Technology, Kolej International Graduate Studies and Politeknik Brunei. Each seat is worth $100 each for the two-day event.

 

 


Some of the beneficiaries represented by Mahakarya Institute, Cosmopolitan College of Commerce Technology and Laksamana College of Business
 

 


The attendees during the press conference
 

 


YEAB’s president receiving a certificate from Progresif
 

 


Takaful is sponsoring students from UBD to attend the YEC
 

 


Jerudong International School is one of the partners for the conference
 

Chief Executive Officer of Baiduri Bank Ti Eng Hui said, “Baiduri Bank is a great believer in investing in youth, who are leaders of tomorrow. Events such as the Youth Empowerment Conference connect them to international speakers, entrepreneurs and youth leaders.

“It helps them to build a network, increase their global awareness and prepare them for opportunities beyond Brunei through the use of technologies.”

Chief Marketing Officer of Progresif Devin Edwards said, “Support of the Youth Empowerment Conference is part of our Progresif Minds initiative.

“Progresif Minds is a platform that will serve to contribute meaningfully to society by working with thought leaders, captains of industry and change makers in Brunei and beyond,” he added.

“We believe that a progressive mind is a curious one and we aim to feed that curiosity with creative, innovative and inspirational experiences which expand knowledge and help unlock Brunei’s potential.”

Shaun Hoon confirmed that early promotion of the event has already seen the reservation of 500 of the 700 available seats from high schools and higher institutions across Brunei including members of I-Usahawan and i-Ready Apprentinceship programme confirmed to participate at the conference.

It was also shared that complete details about the Youth Empowerment Conference and registration will be available soon at www.progresifminds.com.

 

 


Representatives from Chung Hwa Middle School (BSB)
 

 


Representatives from VitaWorld, Gong Cha and Yippy Tune
 

 


Representatives from Excapade Sushi, Fitness Zone and Luxe Development
 

The Miri International Back2School Run

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in Youth, community, family, travel, lifestyle, Social News, Sports

 


Representatives from Sarawak Tourism Board, Tourism Malaysia Brunei Darussalam, SMK Agama Miri and Pan Bright Travel at the starting line of the Miri International Back2School Run last weekend
 


Representatives of Pan Bright Travel supporting the run
 

Pan Bright Travel Service co-organised the Miri International Back2School Run with the SMK Agama Miri which took place at the said school last weekend. The event is part of the “Lakas Tah ke Miri promotion” in conjunction with Malaysia Mega Sales Carnival National Sales Campaign & Visit Sarawak Campaign 2019 in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia Brunei Darussalam and supported by Sarawak Tourism Board.

This is the second run organized by Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Miri and this is the first time SMK Agama Miri collaborated with Pan Bright Travel Service to cater for the residents of Brunei Darussalam. There were three categories overall – 5KM run, 11KM Men’s and Women’s Open and the Mountain Biking Jamboree 44KM Open & Veteran. The event attracted more than 140 participants from Brunei from the 1,3000 participants of the run.

The Lakas Tau Ke Miri promotion is still ongoing until the 31st July 2019 where for every purchase of BND 800 worth of travel products from Pan Bright in a single receipt, you are entitled to a rebate special from as low as BND 35 at Meritz Hotel or BND 75 at Miri Marriot per room per night. There are also special room deals from Meritz Hotel (BND 59) and Miri Marriot (BND 99) which includes breakfast for two.

I can understand why Mertiz Hotel is very popular among Bruneians because of the convenience of shopping at Bintang Mall (Ever Rise supermarket, H&M, Uniqlo and many more). My recent stay saw many Bruneians parked their car at the parking lots though the congestion might test your patience. The same can be said for Miri Marriot where Brunei families and expats would pamper their kids and children at the massive swimming pool and it’s also located a bit further from the busyness of Miri.

For more enquiries about the promotion, do contact Pan Bright Travel offices at 224 0980 (Bandar) or 334 1154 (Kuala Belait). You can also their Facebook or instagram @panbrighttravel for updates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


My room at Meritz Hotel during the Lakas Tah ke Miri Promotion
 


John Teo, General Manager of Meritz Hotel with representatives from Tourism Malaysia Brunei and Pan Bright Travel
 


Our hotel inspection at Miri Marriot
 

 


The sizable pool that caught the eyes of Bruneians
 


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Thailand Grand Fair at CF

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in royal family, culture, travel, lifestyle, food, Social News

 

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Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs accompanied by H.E. Ms. Wanthanee Viputwongsakul, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Brunei Darussalam with other diplomatic corps at the grand opening of the Thailand Grand Fair at the 23rd Consumer Fair held at the International Convention Centre
 

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Her Royal Highness looked on the hand made design on the umbrella
 

The Royal Thai Embassy organised the ceremony of the “35th Anniversary of Thailand―Brunei Diplomatic Relations Grand Fair” at Bilik Sepakat 2 and 3 yesterday. On this special occasion, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs graced the Opening ceremony of the Fair as part of the 23rd Consumer Fair.

The Embassy’s annual Thailand Grand Fair is celebrating its 11th edition this year and also coincides with the 35th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Thailand and Brunei Darussalam.

Visitors can expect around 30 booths selling fresh and ready-to-eat food such as fresh spring rolls, Miang Kham and Som Tam (papaya salad), dried food, snacks and delicacies such as mango and durian sticky rice as well as dried, fresh and seasonal fruits.

Visitors can also find at the Fair,Thai silk and cotton clothing, handbags, handicrafts, jewelries and herbal products. So do visit the Thailand Grand Fair at the Consumer Fair which ends this Sunday.

 

 

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Her Royal Highness receiving a Thai delicacy from one of the vendors at the Thai Grand Fair
 

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Photo opportunity with the guest of honour
 

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Her Royal Highness visited Chatramue booth
 

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