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An amazing Porsche experience

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

 

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Group photo with all the media representatives hosted by Porsche Asia-Pacific for the Media Driving Academy at Sepang International Circuit earlier this July
 

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A photo opp with the newly launched Porsche 911 GT2RS
 

Last year, I had the privilege to attend the Media Driving Academy (MDA) hosted by Porsche Asia-Pacific. They consisted of three courses – Individual, Professional and Elite. As for last year, I entered the Individual course which is the basic course among the lot. It was definitely fun. Why? Because it’s the only time we can break the rules in terms of speeding on the road and it was conducted at the Sepang International Circuit, ideal for racers.

Fast forward to this year (July 2018), I was invited again by Porsche Asia-Pacific where I completed the other two courses – Professional and Elite earlier this month. I met familiar faces especially from the international media representatives in Asia-Pacific.

There were two main highlights for me – the launch of the Porsche GT2RS and the driving experience of the Porsche GT3.

Firstly, the Porsche GT2RS. Wow, wow, wow!!!! A beast among beast, this is a collectors item for Porsche lovers. Car and Driver even labeled it as the chainsaw of the 911 line-up. It has a 700 horse power twin-turbo engine. The previous GT2 model has a hp of 620 so there is definitely a difference. You can tell that the GT2RS is built for speed. The price tag alone is quite high. You’re talking about RM 1.3 million itself in Malaysia. Apparently there’s a Porsche GT2RS on the road in Brunei. Amazing!! Sadly, the GT2RS is only for display for the media and not for a test drive.

Of course, the main highlight of the MDA was test driving the newer editions of the Porsche finest models – 911 GT3 (me likes), 718 Cayman GTS and the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid on the SIC race track.

The favourite among the lot for me is the 911 GT3 – simply awesome and it has a mind of its own. I truly love the handling at high speed as well as the braking. It just gives me more assurance to drive safer especially on the race track.

The instructors were very helpful too and our group (Brunei, Indonesia, Cambodia) was lucky to have William Bamber, brother of Earl Bamber, an accomplished race car driver, who competes for Porsche Motorsport. The hospitality was top notch to begin with and the goodies were awesome too – Adidas racing boots and a racing helmet for completing both Professional and Elite courses.

After all the experiences, I truly understand how magnificent Porsche are in terms of handling, speed and safety. We were given tasks such as the Slolam, the Moose, the Braking and many more. I enjoyed the Slolam one as we did a time lapse for every driver to see who was the fastest.

The second day was much more interesting as we learnt the tracks of the SIC race track from start to finish. I realised how awesome Porsche are on the road. Expensive but you will know where the money is spent on. Unfortunately, in Brunei, it’s not something we can take advantage when we have a monster of a car like Porsche because of the driving laws and also the conditions of our roads in Brunei.

Soon, some selected customers will be having their own session organised by Porsche (Brunei) in early August for the upcoming Porsche Driving Experience at Sepang. I hope they have the same experience as I did and it’s also a great way to showcase what a Porsche can do.

Will I own a Porsche? If the money and timing are right, why not? 😉

 

 

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Just look at that convoy
 

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My favourite car during MDA experience
 

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Did you realize that the driver side is on the left? Yes, all the Porsche are imported from Europe.
 

 

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The lead car was always the Porsche GT3
 

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Listening to advices by the instructors at some of the activities
 

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Receiving a pair of Adidas racing boots 😉
 

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These boots are made for racing 😀
 

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Learning how to handle around corners and bends
 

 

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We had some physical exercises as well. Did you know that racing also involves a good physique such as your hand, neck and body?
 

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Receiving a souvenir from the organiser 😀
 

CF21 kicks off

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

 

YB Dato Seri Paduka Dr. Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Minister of Finance II (center) as guest of honour, Jackson Ting, Managing Director of D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd and Dato Paduka Haji Danial Haji Hanafiah, Executive Director of D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd at the launch of the 21st Consumer Fair at the International Convention Centre.

 

Handing over a token of appreciation to the guest of honour
 

Who could have thought that the 21st edition of The Consumer Fair is finally up and running. The event has already contributed loads of revenue for event venue, the International Convention Centre and also the SME vendors, be it local or overseas.

D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd, formerly known as Sunlit Advertising, has always impressed the consumers with their highly anticipated consumer fair. This time round the set up is slightly different as compared to previous Consumer Fair. For the first time, the Plenary Hall is vacant due to its unavailability. The other vendors were located to other areas and rooms within the ICC. You might think it doesn’t look as big but honestly, I do prefer this format where other small rooms are being used. It helps to draw more traffic to those areas.

This time round, the lucky draw will be flight tickets if you purchase things at the Consumer Fair at ICC. This year’s theme revolved around glitch and tech. It’s a summation of the nostalgia and the current trend of technology.

Many have asked me if there will be any travel fair. Sadly, not this time. However, there are enough activities to keep you entertained. I love the Saber Game at TelBru and you stand a chance to win Oculus VR set or a PS4 with VR set for topping the scoring charts. There’s the “Best of Thai Street Food with activities where the winner gets a ticket to Bangkok. Water is free where Cuckoo provides an All Day Water Dispenser. Of course, the new gimmick is the Human Claw Machine. I tried it once and it’s pretty cool.

I shall update again later or just stalk me on my @ranoadidas Instagram.

 

The presence of diplomats during the launch
 

Guest of honour at Cuckoo International (Brunei) pavilion. Find out how you can fly to Jakarta.
 

The most talked about – The Human Claw Machine, the main attraction of the 21st Consumer Fair
 

Mehmet Suat Akgun, the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Brunei Darussalam, welcomed the Minister at Beko booth at the Consumer Fair. I just realised the Beko is a Turkish brand.
 

 

Minister with the group from Concepts Computer
 

Minister looking at the newest product from Bobby Electrical
 

Minister visited Baiduri Bank at Consumer Fair
 

Minister at Telbru Pavilion at Consumer Fair. Exciting games especially when you play The Saber Game on Oculus.
 

One of the booths at the Thai Grand Fair 2018 at ICC
 

Anderson Lim of Nimanja with the Minister
 

Hitesh Bhawani of YMRM with the Minister
 

 

CF21 kicks off today

Written by Rano Iskandar on . Posted in games, travel, education, gadget, lifestyle, food, Social News

 


Happening today Wednesday until Sunday
 

 


Oh yea, do try this experience and you will never know you will get fantastic prizes
 


I was testing out the Human Claw Machine experience. Interesting indeed!! Oh yeah, I am 73 kilos heavy by the way! Click on image to read more about the Human Claw experience
 


One of my favourite chocolate is here at CF21
 


Interested in making your wallpaper with Marvel designs?
 

 


There will be some activities and you will stand a chance to fly to Bangkok too
 


You see it when you see it!! Stand a chance to fly to Jakarta and visit Cuckoo booth to find out more. Every purchaser also has a lucky dip prize, hence everyone is a winner 😀
 


New brands brought in by Bobby Electrical
 

RB flies direct to Nanning

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

 

 

Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) held a promotional event in Nanning recently in conjunction with its local partners and RB’s International Brand Ambassador, Wu Chun, to promote the newly launched scheduled services between Nanning and Brunei.

Nanning, the capital of GuangxiZhuang Autonomous Region in South-West China, is the latest scheduled destination added to the growing route network of RB. The national flag carrier of Brunei Darussalam first operated season chartered flights to Nanning back in 2016 and resumed services again as chartered flights between January and March 2018. Only in April this year, it became a scheduled flight twice weekly.

Mr. Karam Chand, RB’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “RB is extremely proud to have launched our twice weekly flights between Nanning and Bandar Seri Begawan. Our Nanning flights have proven to be very popular with our Chinese and Bruneian guests. Going into scheduled services so soon after launching the flights is a testament to the hard work done by RB together with our business partner in China – Hainan Wenhua Air Tourism.”

“We have experienced an average load factor in excess of 80% since the commencement of the services and this is great news for all Bruneians and Nanning tourism stakeholders. RB is pleased with the growth from the new source market and we will continue to monitor this and other regional cities in China with an objective of adding more capacity.”

RB’s International Brand Ambassador, Wu Chun, made a special appearance for his fans to promote RB and Brunei Tourism. He took part in activities with thousands of fans and visitors at the event venue.

Wu Chun said, “I warmly welcome even more visitors from Nanning, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Hong Kong and soon Haikou to my beautiful country – Brunei Darussalam. You will have a unique experience and enjoy our warm Bruneian hospitality together with the many sightseeings, activities and culinary delights which are on offer. With RB’s direct flights and its award winning sales, your holiday will start the moment you step on our aircraft.”

 

 

 

 

Aerocool Gaming chairs

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

 


Vincent Pao, General Manager for Concepts Computer (2nd from left), Zul Abdul Rahman, Marketing Executive for Concepts Computer (2nd from right) and Jonathan Chong, representative for Aerocool in Brunei (right) posing with the Aerocool ThunderX3 BC1 gaming chairs
 

With the culture of work moving towards being behind a desk for 8 hours daily, comfort becomes a huge factor in trying to get everybody through their work day. This is why Concepts Computer is happy to introduce affordable gaming chairs from Aerocool ThunderX3 into the Bruneian market. These gaming chairs are not only for the avid gamers on a budget, but because it is so affordable, everyday office workers can bring in these very comfortable chairs into their workplace as well.

The Aerocool ThunderX3 BC1 gaming chairs are for comfort and support, with a minimalist style that can appeal in either working or gaming environments. Equipped with high-end AIR Technology that helps create better breathability, these chairs can now provide a cool and refreshing experience, even during long gaming sessions. The Aerocool ThunderX3 BC1 gaming chairs are also made with exacting standards, and the level of comfort and refinement which they offer is unrivalled amongst other affordable computer gaming chairs available in the local Bruneian market. These chairs which were originally conceived to heighten computer gaming experience, will also be the equipment of choice for comfort and ease when working at the office, relaxing at home while watching a movie or getting into a game, as you’ve never experienced in front of a computer before.

Three colours will be available of the ThunderX3 BC1 from Concepts Computer; Cyan on Black, Red on Black, or all Black. These chairs will be available for $250 during the Hari Raya celebrations, with usual price being $275, and will come with 1 year warranty.

 

 


Aerocool ThunderX3 BC1 gaming chairs are now on a promotional price of BND 250 (usual price is BND 275). Comes with one year warranty.
 


Purchase-With-Purchase promo for our Logitech Pro gaming mouse and Pro gaming keyboard with a 10% discount.
 

Vincent Pao, General Manager for Concepts Computer, while speaking to media, said, “We’re very pleased to bring affordability to cater to Bruneian IT needs, especially with quality that are the standard for International brand names.” He also added, “Now that computer gaming is also a big part of the Bruneian IT scene, Bruneian gamers who are still looking for comfort and reliability from their chairs, can also experience it for a fraction of the cost of our more luxury brands, making it easier to maintain their top tier skills that is crucial in helping them perform at their very best.”

Jonathan Chong, representative for Aerocool in Brunei, also said, “We’re very pleased to be working alongside Concepts Computer, especially with the large range of products they offer for Bruneian IT consumers. We are always looking to provide, to customers, top of the range and high quality computer gaming chairs and desks so with the help of Concepts Computer, we are now one important step closer.” He also added, “Now Bruneian gamers who require long hours of practice in order to maintain their top tier skills will have the ability to choose the proper chair that is crucial in helping them perform at their very best.”

Zul Abdul Rahman, Marketing Executive for Concepts Computer, also added, “We are in the business of providing a huge range of quality products at very diverse prices which can fit the purchasing power of different subsets of customers, but still keeping the high quality that Bruneians are used to.” Zul also added, “And our products will have the support of the principal brands, in this case the Bruneian representative for Aerocool ThunderX3 in Brunei, in ensuring after sales service in terms of warranty issues especially with the 1 year warranty coverage they provide.”

During this Hari Raya period, we also have a Purchase-With-Purchase promo for our Logitech Pro gaming mouse and Pro gaming keyboard (worth $118 and $218 respectively), where every purchase of the Aerocool ThunderX3 BC1 entitles the customer to 10% discount, $106 and $196 respectively under Purchase-WithPurchase promo.

A huge range of Gaming Chairs are available at Concepts Computer including Aerocool and many other brands, demo units are also on stand-by for customers to try. Any enquiries regarding their products and services, please call 2233551, 2233552 or 2233553, or visit your nearest Concepts Computer retail outlet.

 

Acer P1150 projector, ideal for World Cup

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

 

 

Celebrate the world’s largest football tournament with a brand new Acer projector from Concepts Computer and receive a free wall-mounted projector screen and Logitech World Cup flag wireless mouse.

Purchase an Acer P1150 projector and get a wall-mounted projector screen from 70″ by 70″ or any other size up to 96″ by 96″ for free, along with Logitech M238 wireless mouse with designs in either the Brazilian, Argentinean, German or French flags.

The Acer P1150 comes with 3600 ANSI lumens of brightness, to ensure projection visibility in any environment including meeting rooms and even residential living rooms.

The Acer P1150 projector also boasts native resolution of 1,920 by 1,200 making the projector HD Ready and can handle the latest movies without any difficulties.

 

 

 

 

 


Comes with Logitech M238 wireless mouse with designs in either the Brazilian, Argentinean, German or French flags
 

It will also have HDMI input making the projector easy to use and practically plug and play capable as long as the corresponding devices have HDMI outputs. The 500 lamp life will give customers ease of mind when using the Acer P1150 projector, since use will be easy and carefree without the hassle of counting down minutes.

The promotional period is from June 8 to July 16.

Customers will also be able to consult with Concepts’ team of installation technicians to get quotes and pricing for the cost of installation in their homes or business premises. Installation cost will vary from location to location according to size and complexity of set-ups. Text by Rokiah Mahmud of Borneo Bulletin.

 

Let’s Raya officially launched

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

 


Pengiran Seti Aminah Binti Pengiran Othman, the guest of honour, signing the plaque, for the launch of Let’s Raya at International Convention Centre
 


Guest of honour receiving a token from Yang Mulia Awang Hambali Bin Pehin Dato Haji Mohd Salleh, Managing Director of the Thevent.co
 

Yesterday, an opening ceremony that was honourably held to mark the 1st instalment of Let’s Raya, at the International Convention Centre, Berakas starting from 8-10th June 2018. Let’s Raya! Let’s Raya an exclusive raya expo is brought to you by Thevent.co an event company dedicated to creating fresh and prominent opportunities out of our imagination.

The opening ceremony blessed with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat. Moving on, the opening ceremony was led by the managing director of the Thevent.co Yang Mulia Awang Hambali Bin Pehin Dato Haji Mohd Salleh inviting the guest of honor, Pengiran Seti Aminah Binti Pengiran Othman d/a Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Wadood Bolkiah bin Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz to officially launch Let’s Raya 2018.

Let’s Raya was inspired by the current and still prevalent consumer trend for convenience; the desire to be a one-stop for not only shopping of that easy comparison and variety of product availability in a venue set up of elegancy and quality. Providing their consumers with a prestige shopping experience, and last minute shopping place before raya! Let’s Raya will be ongoing from the 8th – 10th of June 2018 from 10am – 10pm, at ICC, Berakas.

With exciting participating vendors, shawls giveaway and exclusive daily draw prizes such as Prada wallet, YSL clutch, and daily cash vouchers Let’s Raya will definitely be a place for everyone to shop!

Let’s Raya is organised by Thevent. Co. and managed by D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd. For further inquiries, do contact 7247420 or follow them on instagram @lets.raya and on Facebook for updates #letsrayawithus #letsraya2018

 

 


Allurelady
 


Pengiran Salleh Abdul Rahaman (right) was also in attendance
 


Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Wadood Bolkiah with @twill_silk owners
 

 


Lucky draw happening soon for @twill_silk customers
 


High quality materials from @twill_silk
 


Baiduri Bank as the official bank for Let’s Raya
 


Good business at Charles & Keith. This is so far their biggest customers.
 


Check out YMRM booth
 

 


There’s a buggy service offered for customers. Starts at $1 I think.
 


Both Fazura and Fattah Amin coming later at 4pm, 9th June
 

Progresif Pay is out

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

 


Click image to enter website to learn more
 


Yang Berhormat Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof, Minister of Communications, launched Progresif Pay last week at Rizqun International Hotel. Progressive Pay is brought to you by Progresif and powered by BIBD NEXGEN.
 

Other countries have implemented it. I know China is known for their WeChat. Today, it is made possible by Progresif powered by BIBD NEXGEN known as Progresif Pay. It is definitely a stepping stone in terms of cashless payments in Brunei Darussalam.

It was launched by Minister of Communications Yang Berhormat Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof who applauded both Progresif and BIBD for the collaboration in pursuing to be a smart nation in this era of digital economy. The minister shared that Brunei Darussalam is ranked 53rd in the world in the ICT development index.

Also accompany the Minister were Mubashar Khokhar, Managing Director and CEO of BIBD and Paul Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Progresif who both had inspiring quotes from Henry Ford and Michael Jordan respectively. Mubashar re-quoted, “Coming together is the beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success” while Paul mentioned, “Individuals win games while teamwork wins championships”.

Powered by BIBD NEXGEN, Progresif PAY creates an alliance between Brunei’s most innovative mobile operator and the country’s best digital bank at the forefront of branchless banking and mobile commerce by improving access and creating opportunities for greater commercial efficiency, diversification and development of Brunei’s digital economy.

Now what can be useful when you use Progresif Pay? A few things. You don’t need to bring a thick wallet, or even better a wallet. You don’t need a bank account to begin with to. You will still need to be a Progresif subscriber to be eligible for Progresif Pay.

Having said all that, first thing’s first – download the app, both available on IOS and Google Play. You will need to pop down to a Progresif Store or BIBD Branch for identity verification and registration. Then you will get your own virtual card (just like a virtual debit card). The maximum value that you can put into the virtual account will be BND 3,000 and the great thing about it is that your Progresif Pay virtual card is not tied to any of your bank accounts or credit cards. In other words, it’s safe and secured.

Once you have activated your Progresif Pay, you can pay your bills such as utilities or make donations. You can send money to other Progresif Pay users. You can even use your Progresif Pay to shop online, just like a credit card. Since you are a Progresif user, you can even top up to add data or minutes through Progresif Pay. Awesome!!

Marketing strategy will be a key component in helping others to adopt to the newly introduced Progresif Pay, according to Devin Edwards, Chief Marketing Officer of Progresif Pay. He envisioned that their neighbours at the popular Gadong wet market will make use of Progresif Pay among the vendors so it will be totally convenient and cashless.

It will be interesting to see the adoption rate of Progresif Pay because once they are many Progresif Pay users, it have a domino effect as users will find it very convenient in making transactions.

For more info and FAQ, you can click here to learn more of Progresif Pay.

 

 


Paul Taylor, CEO of Progresif, mentioned how the Progresif Radio app has around 17,000 downloads since its release a few months ago.
 


The minister touring BIBD NEXGEN outlet at The Mall
 


Press conference hosted by BIBD and Progresif on the launch of Progresif Pay
 

 

 

 

Have you found your “sound” yet?

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

 


Trying out the Final TANE Silver IEM earpiece and fine tuning it during a DIY Workshop hosted by AV Electronics last weekend
 


An audiophile specialist who conducted the workshop
 

Last Sunday, I attended the DIY Workshop hosted by AV Electronics where I was given a pair of Final TANE Silver IEM (refer to picture below). So I had the privilege to see how construct and fine tune a Final brand earpiece which was conducted by an audiophile specialist from Singapore.

The Final TANE Silver IEM (DIY set) costs around BND 99 and it included the workshop. I found many interesting things about what goes inside the earpiece. There are these little tiny sponges, filters, stickers and many more that can actually make a difference in an earpiece. The un-tuned earpieces in the DIY Kit gives you this raw sound that lacks in treble, bass and mid. So this is where we learn on how the little components can make a difference and improve the quality of the earpiece.

The workshop made me feel more appreciative on earpieces and headphones as so much engineering is required to bring the best of these gadgets.

It’s also great to see that AV Electronics at The Airport Mall branch is now bring different range of brands on headphones and earpieces. The one I was impressed was the Stax line. I tried the demo at the Sound Experience Centre and I was blown away with the crisp and quality. Of course, the price is out of my budget but man, was I really impressed.

If you opting for a more affordable earpiece, then you can start with 1More brand which starts as low as BND 19 and you will still be amazed for the price you are paying that it still has the quality.

If you are thinking of getting a good set of headphones, head down to AV Electronics and they will be able to assist and even consult you according to your preferences and budget.

 

 


Final TANE Silver IEM start pack
 


How the inside of the earpiece looks like
 

 

 


A few of us attended the DIY Workshop
 


Some of the audio brands at AV Electronics. Check them out at The Airport Mall branch
 


The Sound Experience centre
 


Special discount on 1More earpiece/headphone
 

 


I’m loving the CHORD Electronics Mojo which is like a portable amplifier that helps to amplified the sound from a headphone
 

Contact RA

ranoadidas (a) gmail.com
Instagram & Snapchat @ranoadidas
Contact: +6738677773

About RA

A blogger since 2002, using platforms from blogspot, joomla and now currently wordpress. A readership that stands on average of 20,000 visits per month. Also on active on social media platform on IG, Facebook and Snapchat (@ranoadidas)

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