Congratulations Jordan and Libby on the opening of Koharu last week.

Koharu is a new store originated from Japan and finally made it to Brunei Darussalam. Koharu provides the pleasure of living by providing you thousands of Japanese high quality products and guess what… the price is fixed at $2.50.

I managed to buy myself a raincoat which will come in handy during the rainy season. For the now, the stocks are running pretty fast. Even the storage area needed to be replenished. The next shipment will be in February which is after Chinese New Year.

Koharu is already a hit in Brunei and the location itself is spot on as it’s located near the smaller cinema area at The Mall Cineplex. Congratulations Jordan and Libby on your new business adventure.

For more information, you can contact 719 6455. You can also follow them on their Facebook Page and also @koharu.bn on instagram.

Jordan attending to a customer at Koharu

So now with the bonus period here, what are you waiting for? Perhaps investing in a LED TV like the Panasonic models. There are a few recommended models that you might be interested in. The Panasonic LED TV Viera TH-32C400s (32” inch) and the Panasonic LED TV Viera TH-40C400s (40” inch) are the ones I’m gonna highlight.

It’s fully featured with Dynamic Pictures with a Wide Viewing Angle – IPS LED. With the Vivid Digital Pro feature, it gives natural skin tones and colours with bright, sharp images.

As for the picture quality, both models are Full HD TV with adaptive backlight dimming. There is also a dot noise reduction and V-Audio.

As for the features, it has a media player as this is a standard feature on a smart TV. It has two HDMI ports and one USD port. It also supports 28 video formats and it has smart energy saving and green technology.

Both models the Panasonic LED TV Viera TH-32C400s (32” inch) and the Panasonic LED TV Viera TH-40C400s (40” inch) are definitely good value for money and if I want to upgrade my TV for my blu-ray viewing, I would invest on these models. This is also ideal for gaming purposes when you play with your PS4 or XBOX consoles.

The Panasonic LED TV Viera TH-40C400s (40” inch)

The Panasonic LED TV Viera TH-40C400s (40” inch)

Unboxing the Panasonic TVs at AEC Panasonic

Now the other model that I want to boast about is the Panasonic TH-49DS630S model. This is probably the best among the lot in my opinion. It features IPS LED Super Bright Plus, making the pictures look crisper and more dynamic with a Wide Viewing Angle.

The DS630S gives you stunning Full HD pictures packed with clarity and vivid colours thanks to Hexa Chroma Drive while its Smart features make it easy to find and share content. Now what is a Hexa Chroma Drive? It gives a natural colour with 6-colour reproduction and it gives the richness on the screen and hence give you a new level of viewing pleasure.

It has three HDMI ports and two USB ports. It also supports 28 video formats and it has smart energy saving and green technology.

These models are now available at selected stores in Brunei Darussalam. You can follow updates on their Facebook Page.

The Panasonic TH-49DS630S model

Check out the specs

The Panasonic TH-49DS630S model is pretty affordable at only BND 1,049

In memory of Shawn Cassidy Narcis and Najmuddin Tarif

New year’s coming and lots of us will be at the beach.
Beach Bunch will be doing a Beach Safety Awareness Day.
The objective is to be safe in the waters while swimming to manage drownings.
There will live demonstration on open sea safe swimming and CPRs. Talks on rip currents and open classes on open sea swimming and surfing.
Beach Bunch be working with their national emergency services including Bomba, Ambulance and Police for safer beaches. You can follow updates on their Facebook Page or instagram @thebeachbunch

Bomba Fire & Rescue Department are the first national responder in emergency situations at Brunei’s beaches. The number to call is 995.

When making the call, here are a few tips;

1. Don’t panic. This is easier said than done. Panic does not help. Instead, begin to plan what you will say to the dispatcher (see below). Remember: Panic is the enemy, in this race against time.

2. Know what you will be asked. Make sure that you are aware of each of the following:

– Where is the emergency?: The emergency is not always located where you are calling from. Always be aware of your surroundings and where you are.
– Nature of the emergency: Do you require assistance from Police or Ambulance? – A detailed, yet concise, description: What happened? How many details do you know? What should have the most importance? In general, the most important thing is why you need assistance, followed by what caused you to need assistance. – The phone number of your phone. The dispatcher will need instructions on how to get to where you are, and may need to call back for more information. Know the phone number of your phone. – Location. Give the dispatcher your name and address.

3. Listen to the dispatcher. Follow orders. The better and faster you follow orders, the higher everyone’s rate of survival will be. Even in a non-lethal situation (broken bones, etc.) this is of vital importance. Have strict, unwavering faith in the dispatcher. And remember that even if the dispatcher is still asking questions or giving instructions, help is on the way.

4. Do not hang up until instructed to. Anything can happen, and the emergency services need to know your situation at all times.

It’s the most difficult time for many of us including myself. It took me a while to sink it what really happened last Sunday. I just couldn’t comprehend or make of what just happened. Everything happened in a span of ten minutes and it costed two lives.

Right now it’s hard to construct sentences on my feelings for both individuals. Shawn Cassidy Narcis is a person who is so dear to me (a brother, a mentor, a father figure) ever since I re-signed as a toastmasters member while Najmuddin Tarif is one exemplary individual with a kind heart, helping out on every given occasion.

I won’t indulge more for now but let’s give our support and love to the families of Shawn Cassidy Narcis and Najmuddin Tarif. Below are some of the information for Shawn Cassidy Narcis’ funeral service. For those who are not familiar with Shawn, you can read more about him here and do feel free to post comments too.

I miss both of you. I really do.

In today’s paper. Rest in peace.

Papa Shawn was the main reason I took the responsibility to run the Brunei Conference 2016 last October because he truly believes in me and it was my best achievement so far as a leader. Image taken by Yeoh Cheng Lim.

Shawn is a big collector of Coca-Cola and I’m amazed by his collection

Najmuddin Tarif. We will miss you bro. Thank you for the wonderful memories. Al-Fatihah

Firdaus bin Abdul Samad, Channel Sales Manager of Schneider Electric (Brunei) and Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Computer with the latest product from APC

Concepts Computer, being a distributor of quality, innovation and industry leading power protection and management products, APC (American Power Conversion) since January 2016 has been providing power protection solutions at great, affordable prices with a great backbone of customer service. APC which is a subsidiary of Schneider Electric is working diligently to improve the manageability and protection of the power systems that affects users in their daily lives, be it at home for their home electronics, or even at work for business-critical systems. Schneider Electric has an office in Brunei located in Beribi.

Made as user-friendly as possible, APC has provided three different models for use by consumers; the APC PM5 surge protector, which is the basic model and has protection for up to 918 joules and has five power outlets; the other two models are the APC PM5U and the APC PM6U, with either five or six power outlets according to model and with two USB charging ports for mobile devices. Now I must say these features are very useful for our everyday usage. Even at home, I have multiple sockets here and there just my room alone. Yes, my room is power hungry too.

All three power surge protectors will provide a master power button for all power outlets, a surge protection LED which shows that the power surge protector is capable of protecting all the connected equipment, a Ground OK LED indicator to show that the power source outlet is properly grounded, 180-degree rotating cord management, and wall mount holes for easy installation onto walls. Let’s not forget that the APC PM5U and PM6U have USB ports to charge and also protect your smartphones, tablets and even charging your own power banks.

They ranged at $28, $48 and $58

They have many stocks so don’t worry

My recommendation will be the PM6U-UK

All the three models from APC will also provide Catastrophic Event Protection where the surge protection circuitry will act instantly to protect all connected devices or equipment against wiring faults, power surges, voltage fluctuations and even lightning strikes. So there is many to love about these products brought in by Concepts Computer.

Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Computer, speaking to the media, said, “Concepts Computer has been in the fore-front of providing cutting edge solutions for businesses and personal use, and providing a larger range of APC products is another step in the right direction to bring better and greater IT solutions for Bruneian IT consumers.”

He continued, “Also, besides the other Global brands we carry, like Acer, Epson, Logitech; APC Power Management solutions are a needed addition to the range of products we can bring into the Bruneian market. It is a reliable and well-known brand that originated from the US”.

Did you know that Brunei has the privilege to be the first in SEA market to release these models? Coolio. You can check out the three models at Concepts Computer and I’m sure it will be a big hit among consumer end. I also do a review of the APC PM6U-UK on my blog soon. Stay tune.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Perbadanan TAIB and The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) earlier this morning. Seated: Yang Mulia Haji Khairuddin bin Haji Abdul Hamid, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Finance and member of Perbadanan TAIB’s Board of Directors, Yang Mulia Madam Hajah Noorrafidah binti Sulaiman, Acting Managing Director of Perbadanan TAIB, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Awang Haji Salim bin Haji Besar, Chief Syarie Judge, Shariah of Brunei Darussalam, Prime Minister’s Office Cum Chairman of Syariah Advisory Committee of Perbadanan TAIB, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Md Yussof , Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports cum Chairman of Perbadanan TAIB Board of Directors, Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Othman, Minister of Religious Affair cum Advisor of Perbadanan TAIB, Yang Mulia Dato Paduka Dr. Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Finance cum Deputy Chairman of Perbadanan TAIB, Yang Mulia Yusof bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Managing Director of Autoriti Monetary Brunei Darussalam and Mr. Khaled Mohamed Al Aboodi, Chief Executive Officer of Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) before the signing ceremony which took place at The Empire Hotel & Country Club.

A new milestone for Perbadanan TAIB

Perbadanan TAIB today signed a memorandum of understanding with ICD, Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group as its aspiration into establishing Perbadanan TAIB’s Banking subsidiary. This would mean that TAIB will soon offer banking services in Brunei Darussalam. Currently the other subsidiary companies under TAIB are Insurans Islam TAIB (Takaful/Insurance) and Darussalam Holdings (Haj/Umrah services and travel agent) which are wholly owned by TAIB.

Among the attendees were Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Md Yussof , Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports cum Chairman of Perbadanan TAIB Board of Directors and Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Othman, Minister of Religious Affair cum Advisor of Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei.

So the birth of the banking sector in TAIB will be assisted by the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), the private sector arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group and hence today’s MOU marked a new milestone for TAIB in exploring the establishment of a Syariah-Compliaunt Bank Subsidiary in Brunei Darussalam.

Signing on behalf of Perbadanan TAIB was Yang Mulia Haji Khairuddin bin Haji Abdul Hamid, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Finance and member of Perbadanan TAIB’s Board of Directors whilst Mr Khaled Al-Aboodi represented ICD.

Signing on behalf of Perbadanan TAIB was Yang Mulia Haji Khairuddin bin Haji Abdul Hamid, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Finance and member of Perbadanan TAIB’s Board of Directors whilst Mr Khaled Al-Aboodi represented ICD while both ministers witnessed the occasion

A token for the Mr. Khaled Mohamed Al Aboodi, Chief Executive Officer of Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) given by Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Othman, Minister of Religious Affair cum Advisor of Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei

Dato Paduka Dr. Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Finance cum Deputy Chairman of Perbadanan TAIB announced the partnership between The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) and Perbadanan TAIB during his welcoming remarks

For your information, The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) is a multilateral organization, part of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group, ICD was establish in November 1999 to promote economic development of its member countries in accordance with the principal of the Sharia through private sector development. ICD encourages the establishment, expansion and modernization of private enterprises through financing private sector enterprises or projects. Projects are selected on the basis of their contribution to economic development considering factors such as creation of employment opportunities and contribution of exports. ICD also provides advice to governments and private sector group on policies to encourage the establishment, expansion and modernization of private enterprises, development of capital markets, best management particles and enhance to role of market economy. ICD operations complement the activities of the IDB.

Did you know that ICD has an authorized capital of $4 billion? Currently, the shareholders of ICD are the IsDB, 52 Islamic countries and five public financial institutions. It’s no surprise that TAIB has engaged with ICD services and it will help TAIB to be one of the competitive bank not only in Brunei Darussalam but in international waters.

During the signing, Mr. Khaled Al-Aboodi said, “Brunei is well-placed to ride the next wave of growth in the Asian Islamic finance industry. Given that Islamic finance has reached systemic importance in Brunei and that the country is located in the heart of a region that contains five of the 10 largest Muslim countries by population, I believe that this undertaking will not only serve under-banked markets, but it will also contribute to the economic development and well-being of Brunei through efficient, Syariah compliant means.”

TAIB has entrusted the services offered by ICD and this partnership will see Perbadanan TAIB moving to the next level in the financial services sector of Brunei Darussalam, supporting local economy growth as well as to opening avenues for business opportunities both in and outside the country.

I wish for the best for Perbadanan TAIB and I’m excited to see what’s in store for TAIB in the banking sector as this will help to create more job employments and help to growth of our economy in Brunei Darussalam. You can also follow them on IG @taib_bn and Facebook Page

Representatives from TAIB present during the MOU

Haji Sabirin bin Hj Othman, Chief Risk Officer, Perbadanan TAIB, being interviewed by RTB after the MOU

Now let’s see how the new logo will be under Perbadanan TAIB’s subsidiary as a bank. The above logos are of Insurans Islam TAIB and Darussalam Holdings

Want to know more about ICD? Click image to find out.

The 54th Brunei ITF Junior Circuit participants and officials. Click image to enlarge.

The Brunei representatives in the ITF Junior Circuit last week

Finally the 54th Brunei ITF Junior Circuit just completed last Sunday. I was kinda worried if the tournament would actually finished as scheduled due to the rainy season that Brunei is experiencing. The ITF Junior Circuit normally happens twice in Brunei – in March and December.

Brunei Darussalam also took part in the tournament with more than 5 entries from the junior academy. All the participants were students of Aiman Abdullah, Brunei’s top ranked tennis player. Aiman is happy with the development of the juniors that he has been coaching as it’s all about the exposure and experiences that they can take back and hope to improve in future tournaments. It was also the highest number of participation from Brunei Darussalam in many years.

Andy Hambali was Brunei’s best bet to reach into the second round but he went down 6-0 6-2 in the first round to unseeded Yuya Nakano of Japan. Timothy Lim had a run though he lost 6-2 6-2 to unseeded Kaushik Hariharan of India. Henry Kwang entered his first attempt in 54th ITF Junior Circuit and lost 6-0 6-0 to fourth seed Yu-Hsiang Su. Another of Aiman’s student, Ben Sii lost 6-0 6-0 to unseeded Giorgio Alessandro Soemarno of Indonesia. Harry Kwang also lost with the same score line to unseeded Justin Oeni of Singapore. In his tournament, Wei Long Kwang went down 6-0 6-0 against unseeded Odeda Muhammad Arazza.

Arun Isak Ravi of India, one of Aiman’s students, had a good run before going down to unseeded Naufal Siddiq Kamaruzzaman of Malaysia. Lavinia Manacap of the Philippines, another of Aiman’s students had the best run as she lost in rubber sets to unseeded Chi Chen of Chinese Taipei 4-6 6-2 6-0.

Overall, it was a very good experience for all the students of Aiman who also being assisted by Ian Chok. Aiman hopes that the recent tournament will give the young players more confidence and experience to help better themselves and equip for future tournaments. The future is definitely bright for the young tennis players as I could see their dedication in the courts every day. I do hope the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports can assist more in their training scheme as the facilities are already in placed.

The 54th Brunei ITF Junior Circuit was organised by the Brunei Darussalam Tennis Association with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. It was also great to see the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports being present as the guest of honour to present the prizes to the winners of the tournament.

The top two single (boys) players in the tournament

The top two single (girls) players in the tournament

A strong quote by Mr. Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Group – “With you, we can do it better” – during the launch of Bilster Technologies

The cutting ribbon ceremony with the management of Concepts Group and Bilster Technologies

In times of economic downturn, it doesn’t give us the excuse not to grow or not to find alternative measures. I’ve seen some posting self pity and whining messages and hoping for a miracle during bad economic times. This is not the case for Mr. Vincent Pao, General Manager of Concepts Computer. During his welcoming remarks of the launch of Bilster Technologies, he shared that we have to be extra creative and strategic in our business direction in times of economic downturn in Brunei Darussalam.

“Tough times are for us to get tougher and not use the current climate as a negative block but rather an energising spring board for fresh direction. Bilster Technologies is a testament to the progress we want to see in Concepts Group as well as in the IT industry. With the addition of Bilster Technologies to the Concepts Group, it is directly in line with the government’s focus on the development of local SMES.

Yes, for your information, the two year old company Bilster Technologies is now under the direction of Concepts Group and this is a good strategy for Concepts Group as now they are offer more products than the usual ones you see at Concepts Computer. You will notice other brands such as Dell, HP, Canon and others being sold at Bilster Technologies.

The launch took place yesterday at Bilster Technologies at Citis Square. It was attended by the management’s families and friends, members of Wushu community, IFB, Fuzhou Shiyyi Association, business partners and members of the media.

Now Bilster Technologies have different range of holiday hampers for consumers. There is also offer on Dell products such as desktops, laptops and other products. You can follow them on Bilster Technologies Facebook Page.

Vincent Pao and family with his close friends during the launch