Progresif and Itsybytes with the Progresif brochure where some pages have augmented reality features. Check them out

Augmented reality is here….. Woohooo.. I’ve came across this at IT events a few years ago and I was kinda interested with this idea. Basically it turns one dimensional page alive 😀 All you need is an app and of course, the paper or brochure has to be programmed to create the 3D effect.

This morning I had the privilege to have a coffee talk with Progresif and Itsybytes, an IT company at Starbucks Coffee at Beribi.

Present were Roger Plahay, Progresif’s Chief Financial Officer, Devin Edwards, Progresif’s Chief Marketing Officer and the founder and representatives of Itsybytes.

Progressive partnered with Itsybytes to create an interactive feel to Progresif’s brochure which is published quarterly. So in the edition of Oct to December, some of the pages in Progresif’s brochure has elements of augmented reality which gives the readers a different experience on the knowledge while reading the brochure.

Devin believes that this will spur more creativity in Brunei alone and this will also helped SMEs to venture out with newer, creative ideas to get their message across to the community, using different kinds of reach. Progresif has been working closely with Itsybytes for a year and finally both of them have synergise their strengths to make it more impactful and meaningful for readers and also potential clients in the future.

Do check out the latest Progresif brochure and tell me what you think.

Some of the examples how the Augmented Reality will look like on your tablet or smartphone

The latest brochure from Progresif

It’s happening now until the 9th November 2016 at the ground floor of Hua Ho Manggis Mall. They are having an Electrical Roadshow and you can enjoy discounts on certain brands such as Tefal, Toshiba, Sony, Canon, Philips and many more.

There are some flat screens on sales as well. I’ve been eyeing on some brands since my LG one needs replacement. It’s the best time to shop and enjoy their discounts. I believe Tefal offers up to 15% discount and for other brands is 10% discount. For bonus items, there will be 20% discount.

So check out Hua Ho Electrical Roadshow at Manggis Mall. You can follow @huahosymb for more updates.

Those interested in SYMB Bonus card. Check out the details

Jack Chin of Sejalin Living briefing on the HÅG chairs during the road show in Seria last month. He’s the best person to ask on ergozones’ products

All ergozones’ products are designed to make sure you won’t have to sit still or known as, “Dynamic Ergonomics”. At Sejalin, the chairs encourage healthy micro-movements and give you exactly the right support in relation to your size and weight, so it can contribute to the improved well being and productivity of the user. To put it simply, our solutions contribute to the well-being of people – and this in turn helps the productivity of their businesses.

I want talk about the HÅG chairs. The brand itself established back in 1943 and HÅG has been successfully perfecting the art of developing innovative ways of evolving office chair design concepts. Let’s just say that it provides a better seating solution especially those who tend to sit longer. Very ideal for people like myself who spent hours on the computer. These aren’t just your typical chairs and I can assure you that HÅG chairs redefines your sitting pleasure and reduces the stress points with posture related symptoms.

I’ve tried for a week or so and it might take some time to get use to it but once, you get the hang of it, this is the perfect chair. The HÅG chair goes deeper that that. Plenty of research have been conducted to perfect the ergonomics of the chair and furthermore, HÅG have award winning designs. I personally like the HÅG Capisco model.

Drop by Sejalin showroom to find out more on the ergonomics at office and consult with the Product Specialist on the ergonomic solution to fit your needs from height-adjustable tables and ergonomic chairs/accessories.

Sejalin is a Master Retailer for the following ergonomic brands:

Scandinavian Business Seating: RBM, RH and HÅG (Chairs)
Duba B8 (Height adjustable tables)
Posturite (Accessories)

Do visit their showroom at Shop No1. Ground Floor, Spg 41-1-12, Kg Kiarong or catch them on their Facebook Page or IG @sejalin.living

HÅG Capisco. My kind of chair.

The HÅG helps with your posture without you realising

You can have different texture of the model

I like the Duba B8 table. It can adjust the height to your level of comfort

Roughly almost 400 participants joined the Canon Photomarathon 2016 hosted by Interhouse Company and it was held at Serambi Batil Ballroom at the Brunei Handicraft Centre in town. I kinda like the venue here and it’s the first time I actually experienced the atmosphere here.

There will be three themes involved in this year’s competition and it’s a tradition to have three themes which lasts two hours each.

The Grand Prize will be the photo clinic in Japan which is worth USD5,000. There will be also prizes for each of the themes. The first prize will be a EOS 80D 118-55mm, the second prize will be the EOS M3 EFM 18-55mm and the third prize is the Pixma MG7770 AIO.

I also get the chance to feel the new EOS 5D Mark IV… It’s superb and lighter than my 3 year old camera, the 5D Mark III. The Canon’s newest EOS 5D Mark IV takes image quality to the next stage indeed. It also delivers a 4K performance.. Nooiceee.. It shoots at 7 frames per second and it has a built in wifi and in-built GPS. Let’s see if I’m ready for an upgrade. We shall see. I shall be posting the results of the Canon Photomarathon 2016 soon too.

Good luck, Mr. Kurapak!!!

I’m already in love in the first sight.. The Canon 5D Mark IV

It’s posing time 😀

Who will win the prizes sponsored by Canon?

Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Hj Awg Halbi Hj Mohd Yusof, Minister of Youth, Culture and Sports with Cho Won Myun, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Brunei Darussalam during the Korean Festival launch at Times Square Shopping Centre last Friday

Officiating the launch

From sour Kimchi and delicate sand art by “Mr Chai” to neck-breaking numbers by popular Korean group K-Tigers, the Korean Festival 2016 kicks off with a high note during its launching last Friday. Today (Sunday) will be the final day.

Held at the Times Square Shopping Centre, Berakas, the event was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that was graced by the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sports Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Hj Awg Halbi Hj Mohd Yusof. Present were the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Brunei Darussalam Cho Won Myun and Times Square General Manager Amal Majidah Hj Suhaili.

During his welcoming remarks, Cho shared such events will help to facilitate cultural exchanges between two countries. “This will further strengthen the friendship between our two countries,” he added. The festival was co-organised by South Korean Embassy, Times Square and Korea Foundation, and will end this Sunday.

On top of that, the public is welcomed to drop by at the ground floor atrium of the complex and participate in various activities such as the lucky draw that grants a total of four tickets to Seoul, Korea. Other activities include cooking and make-up demonstrations, Korean traditional games, K-pop dancing performance by members of Korean Cultural Club, Korean food eating contest and quizzes. Text by Ikhwan Salleh of The Brunei Times and images courtesy of Times Square Shopping Centre Facebook Page.

Sand art by Mr. Chai

K-Tigers performance, the highlight of the Korean Festival

Even the crowd were being engaged

K-Pop dance

Click image to enlarge

Yuri Aoki, General Manager of My Space Gallery welcoming the media during Grohe’s soft launch at My Space Gallery showroom at Salambigar

Melissa Ong, Country Sales Manager of LIXIL Water Technology, Grohe (Malaysia)

Sometimes when we renovate our homes especially our kitchens or bathrooms/toilets, we don’t really pay much attention to the little minor details or even the quality of the said items because we take for granted that these are just items that are a necessity for our home needs.

Only recently I came across My Space Gallery and learnt many new things that they offer in terms of the quality of the product/brand they carry and also the after sales service. But I would say that the said company is more of a solution provider for home, office and building.

Two days ago, My Space Gallery showcased one of the strongest product, Grohe, and it’s a German-based premium sanitary fittings. I have to say I’m impressed with the brand during the product knowledge presentation by Yuri Aoki, General Manager of My Space Gallery, Melissa Ong, Country Sales Manager of LIXIL Water Technology, Grohe (Malaysia) and Balazs Kovacs of My Space Gallery. If only many of us are educated with such depth information, we will appreciate what Grohe is able to provide for consumers with quality and convenience assured.

Balazs Kovacs of My Space Gallery has very deep knowledge on the technical aspects of Grohe products

The Grohe Rainshower Smartcontrol shower

It has many great features and you can get a real feel at their showroom

Grohe Aquatunes have been earning good reviews. The waterproof bluetooth speakers 😀

Grohe has a motto or tagline “Pure Freude an Wasser” which means Pure Enjoyment of Water in German. If you want a good experience during shower, the Grohe brand is the ideal solution to your needs. The Grohe Rainshower Smartcontrol is one of its kind experience. They have different modes for different experiences in the shower alone. Even with a three button feature, it is still straight forward to operate. There is even a massage mode (not literally).

You can check out the functions of the Grohe Rainshower Smartcontrol at My Space Gallery showroom and you will get a clearer picture. This is one efficient and innovative shower technology that I’ve come across.

The Grohe Aquatunes is another innovative product. It’s a waterproof bluetooth speaker and it’s a collaboration between Grohe and Philips. Now you can shower, listening to your favourite music or podcast and your showering experience will be enhanced.

Do visit their showroom at Unit 1, Block A & B, Lot 60363, Kg Salambigar, Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5.30pm or call 8985787 for enquiries. You can also follow their Facebook Page and also their instagram @my_spacegallery

Now we all want this type of toilet in our homes

It looks like leather but it’s not. It will somehow make me extra careful when aiming :p

My Space Gallery at Salambigar

The map

If you’re interested in investing in Malaysian properties, head to HomeCity Property and Management’s (HomeCity) booth during Sentral Property Roadshow, which starts this Friday, to check out the latest property projects in the neighbouring country.

The real estate company, which specialises in marketing, listing, renting and selling and managing properties, will be at booth A8 during the roadshow held at Sentral Shopping Centre’s (KBSentral) atrium.

One of the properties that the company will highlight is Harbour City @ Pulau Melaka, a project by leading property developer in Melaka, Hatten Group.

Expected to completed by 2019, the multi-award winning development will integrate Harbour City Resort Suites on top of six-level oceanic-themed mall and 500,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor theme park. A cruise liner-themed hotel (Harbour City Suites) and also an international chain hotel within the development.

“This is a good time to invest in the property in Melaka due to the state’s booming tourism and growing economy,” said Marketing Manager of HomeCity Amanda Yang.

She also added that with upcoming accessibility projects such as Melaka Gateway, which will feature a cruise terminal and also the construction of the KL-Singapore high speed rail that will stop by Melaka, the state is a favourable place to invest.

Those who are interested can check out HomeCity’s booth to find out other investment benefits during the roadshow and the last day is Sunday, 23rd October. Representatives from Harbour City’s developer Hatten Group will be present to assist. Text courtesy of Hafiizah Maideen of The Brunei Times.

Officiating the relaunch of the store

Roger Plahay, Progresif’s acting CEO with his welcoming remarks

This morning, Progresif relaunched its flagship store at The Mall. It’s one of the store that hasn’t been revamped for a long time. The only one that didn’t change from the store are the windows and the shutter (in front). It was a complete revamped and now it has the Progresif feel and brand to it, complimenting to the other Progresif stores in Brunei Darussalam.

Present during the launch was Yang Mulia Edzwan Zukri bin Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Palawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Adnan, one of the board of directors of Progresif. Roger Plahay, Progresif’s acting CEO had a short welcoming remarks in conjunction with the launch.

He shared how the management made a commitment to their stakeholders, their staff and communities that they serve to usher in a new era of innovation for the ICT and telecommunications sectors in Brunei and they promised to support His Majesty the Sultan’s Vision of 2035.

When Progresif launch their brand, they asked one simple question “Are you Progresf. In just a span of 2 years, they have completely rebuilt the network and now they are expanding and rumours has it that the 4G is just around the corner. Currently they have grown from 20,000 to 150,000 subscribers and their staff count is up to 265.

Pretty soon you will notice a new headquarters for Progresif with better facilities. The new location reflects their brand and corporate culture. Another exciting things are such as the establishment of the their own Start-Up Lab where they will be incubating small businesses and working with partners such as UBD, iCentre and DARe.

Keep up the momentum, Progresif. For me, I can’t wait for the 4G network on Progresif 😀

Bob Gill, Progresif’s Chief Sales Officer briefing the media of the revamped store

A breakthrough plan for University students 😀

Madam Evelyn Ang, the Country Manager Brunei at Royal Brunei Airlines presenting to lucky winner Madam Tasanee who won herself a return economy class ticket to Bali sponsored by Royal Brunei Airlines with Nur Khadijah Abdullah, Sales & Business Development Manager of Pan Bright Travel Service

Pan Bright Travel Service have selected their September lucky draw winner on the 06 October 2016. The lucky coupon was drawn by Senior Sales Executive of Royal Brunei Airlines, Dayang Norhaslinda Duraman witnessed by her colleague Pg. Ma’asom Pg. Hj. Ismail.

A prize presentation was held at Pan Bright Travel’s office in Bandar Seri Begawan earlier today by Madam Evelyn Ang, the Country Manager Brunei at Royal Brunei Airlines to the lucky winner, Madam Tasanee who won herself a return economy class ticket to Bali sponsored by Royal Brunei Airlines.

This is the first of a series of monthly lucky draws where customer stands a chance to win an air ticket to either Kota Kinabalu, Saigon, Bali or Singapore from September 2016 to February 2017. The Grand prize will be either a Hyundai ‘Accent’ car OR an exclusive Hermès‘Birkin’ bag which is being sponsored by Pan Bright Travel. Other prizes up for grabs include air tickets to London, Melbourne and Tokyo are kindly sponsored by Royal Brunei Airlines & Singapore Airlines.

For more enquiries regarding the promotion, you can contact Pan Bright Travel’s offices at 2240980 for Bandar Seri Begawan, 3341154 for Kuala Belait or 3220078 for Seria.

The lucky draw promotion starts from 02 September 2016 to the 31 March 2017.

Some of the cosplayers that attended at Bintang Megamall

Two Bruneians won first and third place of the Collectors Exhibition Miri (CXM) 2016 cosplay competition which was held at Bintang Megamall Miri last Sunday.

Nio Tan, cosplaying as Saber from the animation Fate/Stay Night, won first place and Suok Jiuan, cosplaying as Junko Enoshima from the animation Dangan Ronpa, took the 2nd runners up.

Speaking of her winning first place, Nio Tan said she felt happy and tired as it took her six months to complete her costume. The competition marked her first time joining a cosplay competition outside Brunei.

Collectors Exhibition Miri (CXM) was organized by NAJA Enterprise and featured cosplay guests from Thailand and Japan. Story courtesy of Muhammad Khairi Waddin and images by SCP X Brunei Otaku.

Nio Tan receiving the Champion trophy

Suok Jiuan came 3rd in the cosplay contest