Happening today (Sunday 13th November) at Jati Showroom at Gadong

Yang Mulia Pengiran Anak Haji Ja’afar ibni Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam, Executive Chairman of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd (2nd from the right), His Excellency Roland Christian Grafe, German Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam (3rd from right), Andrew Chiam, Executive Director of Jati Transport (3rd from the left) with the invited guests during the launch of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class at Radisson Hotel last night

Mr. Alfred So, General Manager of Jati Transport with his welcoming remarks

There you have it… The latest Mercedes-Benz E-Class which was being launched earlier tonight at Radisson Hotel. Unveiling the new model were Yang Mulia Pengiran Anak Haji Ja’afar ibni Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam, Executive Chairman of Jati Transport Sdn Bhd and His Excellency Roland Christian Grafe, German Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam.

So what’s new with the new E-Class? Mercedes-Benz took a big step into the future with the new E-Class. Tenth-generation business salon delivers stylish highlights with its distinct, emotive design and high-grade interior. The new E-Class also marks the world premier of numerous technical innovations.

You can feel comfortable with safe driving on top of the driver assistance. Let’s not forget the infotainment and control systems that offers a newer experience for the driver and passenger. As for the multi-chamber air suspension, it ensures outstanding ride comfort and driving dynamics.

Mr. Alfred So, General Manager of Jati Transport, mentioned in his speech that the new E-Class received the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2016 for the MULTIBEAM LED headlamps and also the “Automative Interiors Expo Awards” for the best interior of a standard-production automobile, with the touch control buttons on the steering wheel of the same model series being voted Interior Innovation of the Year.

He continued to say that the new E-Class is always the core of the Mercedes-Benz brand and in the past has repeatedly redefined the standards in the business-class segment. Now it carries this tradition into the future with a wealth of top-class innovations.

So what are you waiting for? A new model with a full five-star Euro NCAP rating for its occupant safety, child safety, pedestrian protection and assistance system.

You can check out the new E-Class at Jati Showroom at Gadong today (Sunday) from 10am to 5pm. Refreshments will be provided.

Unveiling the E 300 AMG Line

The invited guests had first look of the new E 300 AMG Line

The interior of the new E-Class

Do you like the colour red? I do

The rear view of the new E 300 AMG Line

The E 200 Exclusive Line

The interior of the E 200 Exclusive Line

Some entertainment before the launch

Anna Kendrick as Princess Poppy and Justin Timberlake as Branch in Trolls

Trolls. I was simply amazed by the story itself. We have seen many animation this year alone and I’ve come to a point where my eyes can get tired watching more animated movies. Trolls stars Anna Kendrick as Princess Poppy and she’s my favourite eye candy actress and other is Justin Timberlake as Branch. The unlikely pair of Trolls faced a huge challenge in saving their community of trolls. I won’t spoil much.

The Good. Totally colourful from start to finish and it’s a feel good movie especially when you are going through a bad day. Well, I wasn’t then :p I love the theme and the trolls themselves are cute enough to draw many of the children’s attention. I only find them cute in the beginning. The choices of music were spot on and we are all familiar with the hit songs too. Perhaps the best part of the movie is the take back message for the audience. I was moved by it and it still lingers in my head.

The Bad. Hmmmmm this is somewhat a tiresome plot. It’s pretty easy to say that this is an overdone storyline but good thing that Trolls managed to sway my attention with its delivery and humour. Otherwise it would have been a mediocre animation. Some will like it, some will find it “meeeh”..

The Verdict: Kids will love this. I actually love this too. I still prefer Zootopia. Nonetheless, a movie that brings joy and meaning to our lives. I had a lot of fun with Trolls. So did my movie partner in crime, Pranika. Score: 8/10

The launch of the Brunei Conference 2016 with the guest of honour Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Hj Ali bin Apong, Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism. Image courtesy of James Kon of Borneo Bulletin.

With the champions, Pooja Shivanand (Speech Evaluation Champion) and Allen Ang (Humourous Champion). Congratulations to the Brunei contestants on winning on the big stage against members from East Malaysia and Indonesia.

It has been two weeks and time just flew by that quickly. I managed to pull through a huge conference being the organizing chair for a toastmasters event involving over 100 international delegates plus inviting world champion speakers and a past International President of Toastmasters International. It was definitely the biggest toastmasters event to be held in Brunei Darussalam and I’m very proud of my young team for making this event a huge success.

There are so many things that I want to share about the Brunei Conference. What I went through… What the committee went through… The highs and the lows. My capability as a leader. Ahh, just so many things I want to express. There’s one thing though that I learnt from the Brunei Conference and that is gratitude.

After speaking to most of the committee individually, I began to be aware of deeper things that I missed out and I thank each of them for their trust and sincerity on how I have shown up as an individual and also as a leader.

The success of the Brunei Conference was attributed to the hard work from the committee members and even the volunteers from the Brunei Gavel Club. Thank you very much for the commitment and the contribution, not only during the conference but prior to the main event. Most of the key committee were appointed since July 2015 and all the handwork truly paid off.

Though the event was over 2 weeks ago, I’m still busy with some paper work and also with my post mortem of the Brunei Conference. Now I’m taking a break for a week or so and currently outstation. I won’t be blogging as much but we shall see during the course of the week.

Happy weekend, guys 😀

With World Champion of Public Speaking 2014 Dananjaya. You’re the man!!!

During the Gala Dinner at The Centrepoint Hotel

I’m so glad that Phylicia Liew kept her promise to make it to Brunei for the conference. You’re the bomb!!

Laurence giving her TACT badge to Dalton

Sometimes I wonder why they are not together.. They look good together :p

We had lots of fun with the photobooth from Kotak Senyum

Hello beautiful ladies

Half of the committee are from UBD Toastmasters. How they have grown so much 😀

Amran bringing the delegates from Medan around Kampung Ayer

Darren Tay sending off delegates from Indonesia at the Brunei International Airport

Celebrating Shawn and Nora’s birthday after the Brunei Conference

Taken during the DCM at Seameo Voctech

The newly elected President of the United States of America, Donald Trump

The new American Dream. Hilary Clinton conceded defeated after the former Apprentice founder Donald Trump won the battleground state elections. Donald Trump broke the “Big Blue Wall” of Democratic Party led by Hilary and many of us especially in Brunei saw this as a shocking result. Donald was leading in the beginning during the electoral votes until Clinton picked up pace and overtook the votes at one stage. Her minor lead didn’t last long and when Donald won in Ohio and Florida, it was all his election to lose.

America has tremendous potential as quoted by President elect Donald Trump during his welcoming remarks. He even thanked Hilary for putting such a good fight. The influence of Obama who supported for Hilary was not strong enough to sustain the Blue Wall.

So what’s the outlook for Brunei and other ASEAN countries with the newly elected US President. We shall wait and see. To me personally, he wasn’t my choice neither was Hilary but between the two, I would have chose Hilary for other reasons.

The Blue Wall of Hilary Clinton was broken indeed

How the electoral votes went

US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Craig Allen at the US Embassy Election Day event at Radisson Hotel today

Some of the guests who attended the event at Radisson

Donald Trump playing part in a WWE storyline decades ago

Mr. Aldrin Arumugam, the General Manager of Singapore Airlines Brunei presenting the mock ticket to Hjh. Nurzainah Bte. Hj. Tuah, representative of Mr. Chin Yun Wui

Pan Bright Travel Service have selected their October lucky draw winner on the 02 November 2016. The lucky coupon was drawn by the General Manager of Singapore Airlines, Mr. Aldrin Arumugam witnessed by Singapore Airlines Head Of Sales Madam Wong Siaw Ling.

A prize presentation was held at Pan Bright Travel office in Bandar Seri Begawan earlier today by Mr. Aldrin Arumugam to the representative of Mr. Chin Yun Wui who won himself a return economy class ticket to Singapore sponsored by Singapore Airlines.

This is the second series for the monthly lucky draw promotion where customer stands a chance to win monthly 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.

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, and Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Brunei’s (UTB) has urged UTB to create a curriculum that reinforces entrepreneurial spirit among graduates.

Delivering a titah at UTB Convocation Ceremony 2016, His Majesty said, “Alhamdulillah, I have heard that graduates from UTB are capable in meeting the needs of the job market. But at the same time, their involvement in entrepreneurship is still at a low level. Therefore, it is time for UTB to put in efforts to reform its curriculum to ensure that entrepreneurial spirit and opportunities are better developed at a much earlier stage.”

His Majesty hailed UTB for upgrading its status and the successful expansion of study programmes, as yesterday’s graduation ceremony involved 12 degree programmes.

It was the 4th Bachelor’s Degree graduation convocation and the 25th Higher National Diploma (HND) convocation of the university.

His Majesty congratulated UTB’s new graduates and wished that their achievement will be a catalyst for future success. The monarch also congratulated the parents and guardians of the new graduates as well as the academicians who worked hard to ensure the students stayed on the right path throughout their studies.

Commending the decision to upgrade Institut Teknologi Brunei (ITB) to UTB after reaching 30 years of its establishment, His Majesty hoped that with the new name, UTB will augment its efforts to fulfil the objective, mission and vision of the institution. Whatever is planned and implemented must conform to the national philosophy of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB), the monarch reiterated.

Acknowledging the success of the university which saw the first graduation of students from 12 degree programmes that were first introduced in 2012 (in 2009-2011, UTB (then ITB) only had four programmes), His Majesty said that this is a proud achievement for UTB that has diversified or enlarged the number of study options available for students, and urged UTB to continue expanding and introducing other study programmes that are relevant towards realising the nation’s economic development.

Touching on sources of jobs from the non-oil and gas sector, His Majesty took note of the establishment of the School of Applied Sciences and Mathematics that offers Bachelor’s Degree programme in Food Science and Technology. “The programme, among others, is hoped to support the growth of the country’s food industry and make it more competitive in the international arena.”

His Majesty also stressed on the importance of accreditation for professional programmes, stating that efforts towards it can enhance the level of skills and marketability of graduates.

“I am delighted to know that the UTB School of Computing and Informatics has been accredited by the British Computer Society, which is an international professional body. In a period of global economic uncertainties, the initiative towards accreditation can save the cost of training incurred by employers,” the monarch said.

His Majesty also urged that in facing the world economic crisis, UTB and other public higher learning institutions must show prudence in spending and not rely fully on government. Text by Azaraimy of Borneo Bulletin and images by @haqimie267

Leslie Lai, Director of Honey Carsmart handing over a a mock key to Mohammad bin Rosdin the grand winner

Mohammad bin Rosdin was declared the winner of the HONEY Carsmart grand lucky draw last Friday at their showroom. He won himself a Suzuki Alto. His profession is as the Bilal of Perdana Wangsa Hj Mohammad Mosque.

Second place went to Zanudin bin Haji Salleh who won an LG refrigerator and third prize winner, Norliah binti Md Zain, won a Panasonic Flat Screen TV. As for the fourth prize, Hj Tahir Hj Tarip won a green mountain bike.

There were also consolation prizes such as hampers given to the lucky customers. The turnout was great as the guests were treated to refreshments and also Mr. Softy. According to the management, they had around 150 entries who bought cars from Honey Carsmart from July 7 to October 31.

Before the lucky draw presentation, the management welcomed the guests of honour, Awang Haji Ahmad bin Haji Abdul Rahman, Policy and Planning Trustee of the Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam and Malai Haji Abdullah bin Malai Haji Othman, President and CEO of Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER).

Congratulations to the winners during the grand lucky draw.

Zanudin bin Haji Salleh who won an LG refrigerator

Consolation prizes were hampers for the customers

Yummy.. A great move to bring in Mr. Softy 😀

The reason behind the closure of The Brunei Times. This is still a surreal feeling.

This is where the printing is being done for The Brunei Times. Colleagues gathered around past midnight to witness the final print of today’s The Brunei Times. Click image to enlarge.

So many things that went through my mind and the feeling was just surreal, even now. The fact that The Brunei Times printed its final edition today 7th November 2016 has put almost the whole nation to state of sombreness and sadness. The Brunei Times began its journey since 1st July 2006 as it was launched at The Mall, Gadong. Now that’s almost 20 years in the making before the Board of Directors had to make an abrupt decision in shutting down its publication.

Yes, it is very sudden and it was more like a 48 hour notice given to roughly 130 staff working under The Brunei Times flagship. Such move is unprecedented and for a national paper to shut down in short span of time gave them less allowance for be ready for the reality check. There were no rumours circulating prior to the shut down. No subtle hints at all. I remembered one scene though that a friend from TBT rushed out from a wedding dinner that haven’t begun because he had to rush back to TBT’s office for urgent matters.

I had my fair share of reporting for The Brunei Times. I used to contribute articles to The Brunei Times in the early days. Some Home News and mostly Sports section. I would say that I really enjoyed the relationship I have with The Brunei Times and visited their office a couple of times.

There are many people I want to thank for during The Brunei Times’ era. There are just so many that it won’t be fair if I miss out anyone in particular. You know who you are and I deeply empathise what you are feeling or going through right now. I’ve never seen the over pouring of love and support for the staff of The Brunei Times especially on my social media news feed.

My thoughts are all of you and thank you for the wonderful memories you have given to the Brunei community. You have touched other lives with your news reporting and inspiring stories (People, Line of Duty) and we as the community appreciate what you have contributed. The one thing I observed from this closure is the unity among the staff and management of The Brunei Times. It’s a never ending journey as it will open new doors of opportunities. Some images taken by a few TBT reporters.

Yesterday’s headline was the most shocking news of 2016 and I just couldn’t comprehend the situation given

Will this be the last time we see this machine put to use? 🙁

Thank you The Brunei Times for your contribution and efforts

AJ, thank you so much for your help in these years and I truly appreciate the little things you have shown in your line of work

This was back in July 1, 2010 when The Brunei Times introduced a compact version and I was so kiasu that I headed to The Brunei Times office to grab the first copy that entered the office.

TBT photographers and videographer holding the final edition, fresh of the print earlier this morning

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in the recent Youth Day 2016 at International Convention Centre

With YEAB

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam presented four awards to excellent youths and a non-governmental organisation at the 11th National Youth Day celebration at the International Convention Centre.

The presentation of the youth awards recognises and gives appreciation to the youth movements in Brunei, in support for the monarch’s titah and desire to encourage the youth in building and maintaining the spirit of volunteerism among the community.

The monarch was accompanied by HRH Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and HRH Prince ‘Abdul Malik.

With the Brunei Toastmasters

Minister of Education, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman as the guest of honour at Baiduri Green Festival 2016

Pierre Imhof, the CEO of Baiduri Bank, delivering his welcoming remarks

The Baiduri Green Festival kicked off yesterday with the opening ceremony launched by the Minister of Education, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman at the Jerudong Park Amphitheatre last night.

Pierre Imhof, the CEO of Baiduri Bank, said in his welcoming speech that this event aims at promoting the awareness of healthy lifestyle as well as supporting the local SMEs in Brunei Darussalam. You will see sense a holistic approach from Baiduri in creating this event.

So what can you expect from this event? It’s definitely recommended for families and friends. There will be flower crown workshops be conduced by The Collective and a football clinic by DPMM FC. On top of that, you seek for financial wellness, Baiduri Bank will also assist you on that.

Don’t forget that there will be some local artists being lined up for the event such as Aziz Harun and Eia to name a few. It’s open from 10am to 10pm today and tomorrow. For updates, you can follow @baiduribank on Instagram.

It’s Zumba time