Click image to see more of Netcom Computer House from their Facebook Page

 

New and bigger things at ICON Design Store. Click to enter

 

Grand Raya Package at Peugoet and promotion ends 15th September. Click image to enter website.

 

Click image to enter website

 

Black Angus Ribeye is back!! For Two!! Only at Deals Restaurant, Raddison Brunei. Click image to enter facebook page.

Royal Brunei Airlines (RB)

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Pehin Yahya, Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, with Steven Tan, CEO of Ten Ten Distribution, at Alcatel booth at Consumer Fair, BRIDEX Hall

Ten Ten Distribution is one of the subsidiary companies of Ten Ten Group from Malaysia and made their presence in Brunei in 2009, bringing in Huawei products. Later on as authorised distributor of Alcatel in Malaysia and Brunei, they brought the Alcatel brand into Brunei market.

Alcatel has been in the local market since the 90’s and after a while, the brand was no longer seen until it returned with fresh looks, better technology and at affordable prices.

The Bulletin interviewed the CEO of Ten Ten, Steven Tan, during the soft-launching of the new line-up of Alcatel’s OneTouch line, the Idol X. (Check out Consumer Fair at BRIDEX for special pre-order price with a $100 deposit)

The CEO shared some of Alcatel’s products and the market trend. For a start, Ten Ten is penetrating from the mid-range working down towards the entry level as they have to capture the mid-range and below first before moving on to build up the status for Alcatel, which will be moving on to the higher range and higher specs devices.

Sales market has good potential especially the entry level of the android models such as their Alcatel Star model and Glory II, which are very marketable as this is the entry level that is affordable for individuals who want to try android but not willing to spend too much.

Consumers nowadays are not just looking at the pricing but also the specifications and what the model can provide, which will also be part of their main options for choosing the right mobile phone with suitable price and high specifications.

He further shared that through their four main business partners, which include WyWy and Dee Jay, the entry levels were promoted into the market and the response they got back has been very good with daily sales for the entry level models reaching five to 10 units and from here, they want to attract people to look into Alcatel’s mid-range and high-range models.

Alcatel entry levels are for fun youngsters while midrange models are for the young executives who are just starting their career but want to carry something fashionable, sleek and affordable.

Accessories wise, he pointed out that it is limited unlike other popular brands like Apple, Samsung and HTC as these are very successful brands worldwide, and hopefully Alcatel will follow suit, which will lead to manufacturing more accessories for Alcatel.

“But for the time being, Ten Ten will bring in the accessories to support the models that we are selling in Brunei,” he added.

Pehin Yahya being briefed on the new smartphone

Check out the new Alcatel One Touch Idol X with special price for pre-order

Group photo at Alcatel Booth

Coming back to the Huawei products, he noted that they are still the authorised distributor for Huawei products but are only focusing on modems.

For Alcatel brand, in almost every quarter there will be a new model to be launched. In the last quarter, the Idol Ultra was launched which was the model showcased in the Iron Man III blockbuster movie.

The sub model Idol Star was introduced in the last quarter and the recent launching of the OneTouch Idol X is the continuation from the Idol Ultra which marks the beginning of higher specs.

Ten Ten’s objective for the Brunei market is to strive to provide the best services and bring in the most advanced technology at affordable prices for Bruneians to enjoy with good pricing, good specs and reliable devices.

On this note, he said, “After-sales service is the most important because a lot of people are worried how long this brand will stay. We want to stay for long term and we want to make sure we can provide every single bit of services to our customers.” Source: Lyna Mohamad of Borneo Bulletin.

Pre-order one now for only $399 with one year warranty. Unit expects to reach Brunei early September

 

BIBD branch now in Giant Rimba. There won’t be any teller service though but mostly ATM services and also counters for opening accounts.

In further efforts to truly deliver a ‘Bruneian at Heart’ banking experience, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) yesterday officially launched its newly designed e-branch plus, in line with the signature image that the bank has embraced.

The new BIBD Rimba branch is located at Lot 58865, Giant Hypermarket, Tasik Rimba. The guest of honour at the launching of the Rimba branch was Dato Paduka Awg Hj Mohd Rosli bin Hj Sabtu, the Managing Director of Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam.

Also in attendance were Awg Junaidi bin Hj Masri, the Assistant Managing Director of Brunei Investment Agency; Dr Abdul Manaf bin Hj Metussin, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, the Brunei Economic Development Board amongst other BIBD Board of Directors; as well as BIBD Managing Director, Javed Ahmad, along with the BIBD senior management and its personnel.

The new Rimba branch is open seven days a week, excluding public holidays, from 9.45am until 9.15pm on Monday through Thursday and Saturday. Fridays and Sundays will have different operating hours, which will be from 2.30pm to 9.15pm.

Dato Paduka Awg Hj Mohd Rosli bin Hj Sabtu, the Managing Director of Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam (right) talking to BIBD’s Managing Director Javed Ahmad

Guest of honour officiating the opening of BIBD Rimba branch

Signing the plaque

A memento for the guest of honour

The new BIBD branch design philosophy is aimed to further promote the usage of its electronic channels, whereby every day over the counter physical financial transactions can only be performed on its two in-house ATMs, along with a cash deposit machine for speedy and seamless cash withdrawals and deposits.

This new marriage of technological advancements and constant upgrading in its customer services is better streamlined to quickly accommodate the needs and requirements of BIBD customers. The new branch will also be able to accommodate any financing requests, BIBD account openings, E-Banking Services, BIBD card collection along with other general services with the presence of BIBD Service Executives, Service Ambassadors and Personal Bankers.

The launching of the new branch follows in the footsteps of BIBD’s newly adopted corporate image which highlights uniquely Bruneian values that signify the Brunei and Islamic visual canvas. The upgrading of BIBD’s branch network is in line with the strategic efforts embarked by BIBD on its transformation journey.

Meanwhile, the emphasis on being ‘Brunei at Heart’ brings out BIBD’s commitment to the Bruneian aspirations and values, as well as its roots in Brunei and Islamic values.

For further information about BIBD and any of its products and services, visit BIBD’s home page at www.bibd.com.bn, get in touch with the BIBD Contact Centre at 2238181 or visit your nearest BIBD branch.

Electronic displays are awesome!!

Now you can play with gadgets while waiting

Guest of honour touring the premise

Guest of honour with the Board of Directors of BIBD, Dr Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin and Junaidi bin Haji Masri

Javed emphasized “Bruneian at Heart” initiative by BIBD

The ATM machines at BIBD Giant Rimba

How the interior looks like

 

The activities so far at ASEAN Year Consumer Fair at BRIDEX Hall

Officially launched yesterday at BRIDEX in Jerudong, the ASEAN Year Consumer Fair has already seen hordes of visitors stream through the two halls of the expansive exhibition centre eager to take advantage of the exclusive significant bargains and offers on a wide range of local and international products and services as well as to take part in the many activities (many of them giving the chance to win great prizes or walk away with freebies just for taking part).

One of the activities that is hard to miss due to the enticingly eerie advertisements found around BRIDEX and the specially-constructed area is the haunted house labelled “The Rise of the Living Dead – Bloody Journey”, an indication of what visitors can expect to find within. Step inside and be immediately transported into dark and dingy surroundings complete with horrific sights and sounds, and startling encounters with the ghouls roaming about the area. Visitors to the haunted house are rewarded for their courage upon managing to emerge from the confusing mirror maze with an attractive free plush animal (a minion from “Despicable Me” or a character from “Monsters Inc.”). To see what the fuss is all about, go visit the haunted house in Hall 1 at the ground floor today!

The Rise of the Living Dead – Bloody Journey

Are you ready for the cheap thrill?

Another hard-to-miss activity due to its prominent play area (an international-sized court) in Hall 1 is the Red Bull Dodgeball Championship 2013. 12 ladies’ teams and 10 men’s teams began competing last night at the Fair to be crowned the overall champions and go home with prizes worth more than B$3,000. The next games will be held tomorrow until Sunday. This is the first tournament of its kind, and is organised by Red Bull which is distributed by Kingston Beverage and Creamery Sdn Bhd. The Red Bull Championship 2013 is supported by Allswell and managed by GreenCity Concept. It is sponsored by Aewon Garment and Embroidery.

The tournament receives assistance from the Malaysia Association of Dodgeball (MAD), an association which was set up officially under Malaysia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports in August 2008.

Easyway dominated last Wednesday with 2 wins out of 2 games

How far will UBD Meatballs go in the Red Bull Dodgeball tournament?

Red Bull is also conducting a daily instant lucky draw for each of the five days of the ASEAN Year Consumer Fair. To enter, customers simply need to purchase one cluster of Red Bull Original or Red Bull Less Sugar or one alter pack of SunSnack of any flavour at a price of only $5 during the Fair to receive an instant scratch ticket which could see you winning exciting gadgets daily, including a Samsung Galaxy S4, Apple iPad Mini and Apple iPhone 5. Terms and conditions apply, and all queries can be directed to the friendly Red Bull staff manning the booths scattered around the Fair.

There are many stations of Red Bull around BRIDEX. Try your luck!!

My friend Hanisham was the first winner of the competition when he only bought $10 worth of Red Bull. Good one, bro

To enter the ASEAN Year Consumer Fair lucky draw with the grand prize of a Toyota Vios, runner-up prizes of air tickets to the ASEAN member countries (departing from Brunei) and more, all visitors have to do is make a purchase from participating vendors (except for Food Court and Kiosk) to receive a sticker making them eligible for entry. With these fantastic prizes available to be won, and faced with the many great time-limited special prices coupled with attractive offers at the Fair, do you really need further reasons to shop to your heart’s content at the ASEAN Year Consumer Fair? The prize presentation will be made on the last day of the Fair, Sunday 25 August.

Toyota VIOS up for grabs. Image taken from TigerLim.com

The Indomie Green Chilli (Cabe Ijo) Mi Goreng Eating Competition has received a great response so far, with plenty of willing participants seen trying to down as much of the spicy noodles as possible within three minutes using spoons. Up for grabs in this eating challenge are mobile telephones and other devices as well as Indofood hampers. To enter, simply buy an alter pack of the new flavour of noodles at the Syarikat Aliia booth at W110, W112 at the Fair, and fill up the registration form if they meet the terms and conditions that apply. The first three days of the Fair will see the qualifying rounds of a maximum of 30 contestants per day, and the semi-finals will be held on Saturday 24 August. The finalists will battle against each other on the last day of the Fair, Sunday 25 August.

IndoMie eating competition which starts this Sunday at 1.30pm

The fascinating set-up of exercise machines in Hall 2 by Michael Mogard, recently crowned “The Fittest Man in Asia” promoting Reebok Crossfit training has also been gaining a lot of public interest. Mr. Mogard is the prime walking example of what he teaches, and he will be sharing his experiences and expertise with those interested via fitness demonstrations (for all ages and levels), a nutrition seminar, and competitions.

Mike Mogard doing a quick demo jump

It looks easy but it’s pretty challenging. Check them out at BRIDEX hall this weekend.

Younger visitors (and older accompanying persons) are also catered to at the ASEAN Year Consumer Fair courtesy of Fun Bee Park which is running a host of varied activities. Last night saw paper crafts being taught as part of “Craftpalooza”, tonight will see a “Paint Your Parent’s Face Competition”, and future activities will include “Craftpalooza: Jewellery” and a “Know Your Consumer Fair Hunt”.

Prizes can also be won by entering the ASEAN Year Consumer Fair themed Photography Competition. All you have to do is take great pictures of the Fair, submit them to facebook@sunlitadvertising.com, and to be judged on by the public on the Sunlit Brunei Fan Page on Facebook. The pictures with the most “likes” will win their photographers attractive prizes such as $300 for first place. The latest submission will be by 10pm 24th August Saturday. Good luck!!

Photo contest and all are welcome to participate

Fans of the winning artistes who bagged the top prizes as part of Team Brunei Darussalam during the World Championships of Performing Arts 2013 will get the chance to meet their idols during the ASEAN Year Consumer Fair. Maria Grace Koh, Fakhrul Razi and Kevin Lo will be appearing at BRIDEX on 24 August from 5.00pm to 6.00pm at the outdoor stage for a meet and greet session with their fans. These guys have done Brunei proud on their achievements by bringing more than 15 medals/awards which is a huge ratio for Brunei if compared to other countries.

Guest of Honour of the Consumer Fair, Pehin Yahya and his spouse giving support for WCOPA

Hjh Mariani Director of Tourism at the WCOPA booth

You can buy their concert tickets at BRIDEX and support our local talents who made it big in the States. More them soon!

The “Be Bold! Go Bald!” head-shaving activity in support of the Brunei Breast Cancer Support Group is gaining great momentum in the run-up to the on-stage grand event on Sunday 25 August. So far, more than 40 people – both men and women – have signed up to have their heads shaved for the breast cancer cause and to collect donations via sponsorships for doing so. Direct donations to the support group are also coming in steadily thanks to generous members of the public through a donation box set up at the Organizer’s Information Counter at the Fair’s reception area in Hall 2. Registration is still open for those willing to show their compassion for breast cancer awareness by going bald temporarily, so head on over to the Information Counter at the Fair to be part of this significant event! Head shaving ceremony will be conducted on the stage this coming Sunday 25 Aug at 10.30am.

Pehin Yahya and his spouse with the committee of the Brunei Breast Cancer Support Group

The pre-show of the Go Bald activity. It’s happening on Sunday starting 10:30am

There are many other activities during the ASEAN Year Consumer Fair such as “Like the Sunlit Brunei Facebook Page to get prizes” and “Scan the QR code and log on to Facebook to get a souvenir” activities, so don’t delay and check out the ASEAN Year Consumer Fair for yourself at BRIDEX until this Sunday!

Opening hours for the Fair are 10am – 10pm daily except for Friday where the fair will close from 12noon to 2pm for Friday prayers. A free shuttle bus service picks up passengers from the Jerudong Park Amphitheatre car park. Entrance to the fair is free of charge.

 

Great Eastern Life held an open office last Wednesday (sorry, I couldn’t make it) at their Kiulap office to celebrate Hari Raya Aidil Fitri together with their staff, agency leaders, distribution representatives and walk-in customers.

The Great Eastern Life team, led by Caroline Sim, acting head of Brunei Branch, mingled with customers over a sumptuous buffet hi-tea. Customers were also given red and green apples at the end of the event to highlight the importance of healthy living.

Great Eastern Life also celebrated its 105th anniversary with a cake-cutting ceremony by the team. This is the first year Great Eastern Life has organised such an event in line with its Live Great programme. Text and images courtesy of Great Eastern Life (Brunei).

Caroline Sim, Acting Head of Brunei Branch (3rd from the right) and Helen Yeo, Senior Consultant (4th from the right) together with Agency Leaders on the 105th Birthday cake-cutting ceremony

Management and staff of Great Eastern Life (Brunei)

The management with Agency Leaders of Great Eastern Life (Brunei)